Guests enjoyed a day of fine dining and spirited music performed by the El Dorado High School Cougar band members at the 18th annual A Taste on Main Street fundraiser in the downtown Placerville courthouse parking lot on May 16. More than a dozen merchants provided tasty bites and sips for the ticketed event, which serves as the largest fundraiser for the EDHS music program. Covered seating was provided for the guests and there were tables loaded with raffle prizes and silent auction items, including two baseballs signed by Wille Mays and weekend stays donated by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The all-day event showcased the talents of student soloists and small ensembles who auditioned for the opportunity to perform. Featured student performers included Mason Crosby, Alexis Tuazon and Tobey Brown,
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
MARCHING TOWARD SUCCESS
Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
After more than two decades helping guide the city of Placerville through growth, financial challenges and changing leadership, City Manager Dave Warren has retired, closing a 23-year chapter in local government service to the community he says will always remain home.
Warren’s retirement became e ective May 9. In announcing the transition, the city named Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren as interim city manager, a move o cials said has ensured continuity in city operations and public services.
Wren, who joined the city in 2016 as a police commander before becoming police chief in 2020, said Warren helped make the transition seamless.
“Dave has been a friend and a tremendous professional to work with,” Wren said. “He made the transition and hando extremely smooth, which speaks to his character. I appreciate his
ESSENTIALS
Susan Ellen Wells
Jun. 18, 1946 – Jan. 17, 2026
On Saturday, January 17, 2026
Jesus welcomed our mother
Susan Ellen Wells into her eternal home in heaven.
She was born June 18th, 1946 in Bakersfield, California to Harold and Mary Jane. She was raised in Sacramento and attended Norte Del Rio High School. She met the love of her life in 1961 and was married at the tender age of 16. There was no standing in the way of our parents starting their life together. The true definition of soul mates. Our parents were married in 1963, and lived in Long Beach, where Larry served in the Navy, this is also where they started their family.
Caroline Je erson
Jan. 13, 1942 – May 18, 2026
Caroline Je erson died of natural causes in her son Everette’s home in Placerville, with him present. She had been ill for several months.
Caroline is survived by her 3 adult children: Trent Je erson, Kimberlee Perez and Everette Je erson, all local. She also has 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Caroline was married to Delmos L. Je erson for 67 years, his death preceded hers by two months. She will be missed tremendously and loved forever.
Caroline did not want a funeral. Her family will have a celebration of life in the coming weeks.
Larren Wayne Calderwood
Susan lived her life with a heart for children. She worked in the child care industry the majority of her adult life, receiving her Associates Degree in Child Development from American River College. Susan settled in El Dorado, California in 1989 and continued Susan’s Daycare where she influenced countless children’s lives and helped care for her grandchildren as well.
Our parents went on cruises, traveled to Hawaii and eventually bought a motor home and made camping (RVing) a regular occurrence. They loved taking trips with their grandchildren and friends where many amazing memories were made.
They found their church home at Green Valley Community Church in Placerville, California. They firmly planted their feet in service to Jesus. Our mom volunteered regularly and participated in Bible study groups up until her health declined.
After the death of our father in 2013, our mom was wholly committed to her children and grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren, they truly were her life delight. She fully retired in 2015. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mary Jane, her husband Larry and her brothers, Christopher and Daniel. She is survived by her brother Steven, spouse Marcia, her sister Cynthia, spouse Galen, sister in love Judy, her daughter Tamara Middleton, spouse Bryan Sr, son, Larry D. Wells, spouse Glendia, daughter, Kathleen Day, spouse Timothy, grandchildren, Jessica Wolfe, spouse Kevin, DJ Wells, spouse Ashley, Bryan Middleton Jr. , Andrew Middleton, spouse Nicole, Jacob Wells, Savannah Day, Stephanie Wells, Joshua Middleton, spouse, Morgan, Alexis Day, Jonathan Mathew, spouse Yesenia and Bailey Day. Four great grandchildren, Evelyn, Eliza, Brayden and Colton. There are many nieces and nephews all that had special places in our mom’s heart.
And the Lord said, “you’ve fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. There is in store for you the crown of righteousness which I will reward to you”. What a celebration it was when our mom was reunited with the ones she loved who have gone before and there was no more fear and no more pain, rewarded with the immediate presence of Christ.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm, at Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, Ca.
Louie Warren Bacigalup, 99, of Placerville, California passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026.
Lou was born on September 16, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Mary and Hector Bacigalup. He moved to Los Angeles, California as a child and attended Marshall High School, graduating in 1944. He founded an electronics company, Tekmatic, in the 1960s and ran it successfully for 20 years. He was married to Walda Ware from 1956 until her passing in 1999. He met Lorraine Sellers in Muluge, Baja Mexico in 2000 and they married in Placerville at their home on Log Cabin Lane in 2003.
Lou served with distinction in the 441st Engineer Depot Company, 43rd Infantry Division in the US Army during WW II. He saw combat in the Philippines in 1945 and was part of the Tokyo occupying force. Accompanied by his late wife, Lorraine, he enjoyed traveling, caring for vulnerable animals, and was a member of numerous El Dorado wine clubs. Lou was an excellent builder, did a number of construction projects on the Placerville property, and enjoyed building furniture and small boats. He was an avid sailor for much of his life.
Lou is survived by his daughter, Michelle Blades, and his sons Erik Bacigalup and Glenn Roberts. A Celebration of Life for Lou and Lorraine will be held May 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Ponte Palmero Activity Room in the Clubhouse, 3081 Ponte Morino Dr. Cameron Park, CA 95682. Donations can be made to the PAW Animal Clinic (https://pawclinic.wordpress.com/).
YOUR LETTER online at mtdemocrat.com. Select “Forms and Submissions” from the menu.
Jun. 17, 1938 – May 3, 2026
Larren Wayne Calderwood was born on June 17, 1938 in Bakersfield California and passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026 in Fresno, California. After his career with Prudential Insurance in Detroit, he retired to Placerville, honoring his wife’s childhood connection with the Gold Rush Country. Another asset that drew Larry to Placerville was Cold Springs Golf and Country Club, where he was able to continue to pursue his lifelong passion for golf, capable of shooting his age into his 80’s.
In his retirement, Larry brought his exceptional management skills to organizations in Placerville, California. He sat on several boards, including Placerville Public Library Friends of the Library, Cold Springs Country Club, Community Concerts and Placerville Taxpayers Association. Larry and Anna Marie enjoyed their retirement in Placerville from 1998 to 2015, when they moved to Fresno to be closer to family.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Anna Marie. They each brought children to their marriage resulting in a beautifully combined family: Linda Perry Kingston (Keith), Dian Calderwood Schneider, Kaaren Perry Ramsey (Scott), Julie Calderwood Grossi (Mark), Valerie Calderwood Luna (Nico), James Perry (Cheri), and Jon Calderwood (Heather), who together produced 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Honoring Larry’s wishes, no formal services are planned. Please consider donating in his memory to one of the causes close to Larry’s heart: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or any local Friends of the Library group.
Frances Marian Brown
Jun. 30, 1930 – Mar. 26, 2026
Frances Marian Brown (née Davis), a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, in Redding, California. She was 95 years old.
Born on June 30, 1930, in Red Blu , California, Frances grew up with a deep sense of compassion and curiosity that would shape her life’s journey. Frances graduated in 1951 from the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in San Francisco in 1951 and began her career shortly thereafter at the former Placerville Hospital on Spring Street. She met her husband, L.A. “Brownie” Brown, Jr., in Placerville. They married in 1952 and began their life together in Honolulu, where Brownie was stationed with the U.S. Navy. Upon returning stateside, they lived in San Luis Obispo before settling back in the Placerville area to start their family.
Frances devoted herself to supporting her husband’s career with Aerojet and raising her children. Frances returned to nursing in 1970, working first with Dr. Shortes, then Dr. Riley, and later Dr. Klass, until her retirement in 1992. Those who knew Frances remember her as the consummate nurse–kindhearted, skilled yet humble, and always putting others before herself.
A woman of many interests, Frances was an amateur genealogist who meticulously traced her family lineage back 10 generations. Her love of American history inspired her children to develop a curiosity about the world and its past. An avid reader, Frances absorbed history and almost always had a book on her chairside table. Frances also had a passion for sewing and created countless dresses for her daughters as well as clothing for her grandchildren. After she retired, she took up quilting and crafted numerous cherished heirlooms. After her retirement, she traveled extensively around the United States, as well as overseas with her son, Darryl. Frances is survived by her daughters Katharine (Dennis) Garrison and Mary (Marc) Bourriague, grandchildren Casey (Meghan), Russell, and Melissa Garrison, great grandchildren Harper and Oaken Garrison and step-grandson Alex (Jessica) Bourriague. She was predeceased by her husband L.A. Brown, Jr., her daughter Eileen L. Brown and her son Darryl L. Brown.
May Frances’s memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love and care will live on through the lives she touched.
A memorial will be held for Frances on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:30 pm at the Red Blu Community Center located on 1500 S. Jackson Street in Red Blu . If you wish to honor Frances’s life with a donation, you may donate to the charity of your choice, or the El Dorado County library (eldoradolibraryfriends.org), or the El Dorado County Historical Society (edchs.org), or the Shasta Historical Society (shastahistorical.org/donations/donationform/)
Phyllis Nicholson Bigelow
Oct. 11, 1930 – Apr. 4, 2026
Phyllis Nicholson Bigelow was born on October 11, 1930, and passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 95.
Phyllis was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Othel and Glee Means. During World War II, the family relocated to Long Beach, California, in the summer of 1942 when her father joined the Navy and her brother Richard enlisted in the Navy Air Cadets. Phyllis attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, graduating with honors in 1948. A gifted athlete, she earned the distinction of being the school’s #1 tennis player in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She continued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and receiving her General Secondary Credential in 1953. While at Berkeley, she once again achieved the honor of being the #1 Women’s Tennis Player, competing with her beloved Jack Kramer wooden racket, cat-gut strings, and a can of well-worn Wilson tennis balls. Her years at Berkeley were among the happiest of her life, filled with lifelong friendships, involvement in Phi Mu Fraternity and other organizations, and most importantly, meeting her future husband, Jim Nicholson, Class of 1953.
In 1955, following Jim’s service in the Army, the couple settled in Placerville, California, where Phyllis devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and community. She became active in the American Association of University Women and Beta Sigma Phi while raising four children and substitute teaching at El Dorado High School. After Ponderosa High School opened in the 1960s, she joined the faculty as a physical education and history teacher, inspiring students until her retirement in 1992. For 12 years, she also served as the boys’ and girls’ tennis coach, proudly leading teams that each earned CIF Championships.
After moving to Cameron Park, Phyllis became deeply involved with the Gold Niners at Cameron Park Country Club, serving for many years as both Captain and Treasurer — roles she found especially rewarding and enjoyable. Tennis remained one of her lifelong passions, leading to the formation of numerous teams, years of spirited competition, and many cherished friendships. In the 1980s, she and a dear friend formed a competitive women’s tennis team at Cameron Park Country Club, becoming the first team from El Dorado County accepted into the Sacramento Area Tennis Association (SATA), despite the long travel distances between clubs.
Above all else, Phyllis was a devoted and loving mother whose family always came first. She was a Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, and always provided a wonderful home where all the neighborhood children came to play. Her love, dedication, and guidance shaped generations, and the memories she created with her children and grandchildren will be treasured forever.
Phyllis found joy in life’s simple pleasures and in the people and animals she loved so dearly. She enjoyed sports, camping, sewing, cooking, coin and stamp collecting, gardening, and spending time in nature. She was deeply devoted to animals, especially her beloved kitty cat, Toodletoo, who brought her endless companionship and happiness in her later years.
Phyllis is survived by her loving children: Karen Schiro (Tim), Edwin Nicholson (Cindy), Michael Nicholson (Danai), along with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private family celebration will be held at the family home in Placerville.
Phyllis was a generous annual supporter of Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to this organization in her memory.
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Andrew Vonderschmitt Features Editor 530-344-5058 / andrewv@mtdemocrat.net Shelly
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Sheriff honored for work to end human trafficking
Noel
Editor
Stack
The Sacramento region is the fourth highest in the nation for incidents of human trafficking, according to reports.
Local law enforcement officials and nonprofits are fighting to change the startling statistic.
That effort brought together people from the area Sunday evening during a DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation event at Red Hawk Casino, where guests gave generously and awards celebrated those who have supported the goal of ending human trafficking.
Among those honored were El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and Congressman Tom McClintock.
DRIVE4IMPACT
Director Ken Byrnes commended Leikauf and EDSO for the “unwavering commitment to raising awareness, educating the community and standing as a voice for those affected by human trafficking and domestic violence.
Your partnership with us, DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation, helps us to empower survivors and inspire change.”
Leikauf called the award an honor.
“The men and women of the sheriff’s office
work extremely hard not only to protect, but to educate our citizens and communities on the dangers of human trafficking,” the sheriff shared. “It’s with the help of people like Ken Byrnes and the DRIVE4IMPACT organization who greatly assist us in these efforts to not only keep our communities safe but to help protect our entire region. I would
like to give a special thanks to Kim Pruett from Congressman Tom McClintock’s office for her tireless work behind the scenes.”
The DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation’s mission is to support and empower victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. It is committed to building safer and stronger communities in vulnerable areas such as Sacramento and
surrounding counties through community outreach programs focused on awareness and prevention and supporting local law enforcement. For more information visit drive4impact.org.
In addition to the Sunday event, the foundation hosted a celebrity golf tournament the following day at the Cameron Park Country Club.
911 heroes celebrated at Capitol ceremony
Sen. Marie AlvaradoGil’s Office News release
SACRAMENTO —
Sen, Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) participated in the 911 Heroes event at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 13, where she presented Senate Certificates of Recognition to outstanding public safety dispatchers and recognized the impactful work of 911 education programs.
On June 21, 2025, a sudden and historic storm struck the south shore of Lake Tahoe, generating 8-foot swells and an overwhelming surge of 911 calls. Fire dispatcher Nicole Harrington and police dispatcher Melissa Dube worked side-by-side under extreme pressure. The dispatchers rapidly coordinated a multi-agency response resulting in the successful rescue of all 10 occupants. Their calm professionalism and exceptional multitasking helped save 10 lives that day. El Dorado County
Law enforcement, dispatchers and staff gather after Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil presented special awards to fire dispatcher Nicole Harrington, police dispatcher Melissa Dube, sheriff’s dispatcher Mindy Whitney and EDSO last week.
Sheriff Jeff Leikauff later gave an account of a tragic accident that occurred just two days after, also at Lake Tahoe.
After a passerby called 911, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher Mindy Whitney immediately initiated the response, dispatching marine units and notifying search and unifying search and rescue. Though eight lives were lost, two individuals survived due to the steady, precise
communication of the dispatch and the responders during this extremely complex and fast-moving event.
“These dedicated dispatchers and education programs represent the very best of public safety in California,” said Sen. Alvarado-Gil. “From the calm voices answering calls in crisis to the proactive education that prepares our communities, they save lives every single day.”
Alvarado-Gil presented Senate Certificates of Recognition to Harrington, Dube, Mindy and members of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department who participated in these two critical incidents for their calm under pressure, decisive communication, courage and unwavering dedication that saved lives, safety during some of the most challenging moments the Lake Tahoe region had ever faced.
El Dorado Water Agency nets federal funds
Congressman Kevin Kiley’s office announced the representative recently secured more than $4.5 million for key projects across California’s 3rd District, including $1 million to the El Dorado Water Agency.
“These investments reflect our commitment to improving and strengthening our rural communities across the Third District,” Kiley said. “Each of these projects, including improving aging infrastructure, providing fire protection and forest management, represent a meaningful use of taxpayer dollars.”
EDWA will use the money in the Upper American Cosumnes Watershed to carry out forest management and watershed resilience efforts, including fuel reduction treatments, post-wildfire recovery actions and meadow restoration in
high-risk areas of El Dorado County. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because targeted investments in forest management and wildfire prevention reduce the likelihood and severity of catastrophic wildfires, helping avoid the significantly higher federal costs associated with emergency response, recovery, and long-term economic damage.
“The resiliency of the Upper American and Cosumnes River watersheds — over half of which are on federal lands — is critical for communities in our region and throughout the state that depend on them for water, power, recreation, and so much more,” said Rebecca Guo, EDWA general manager. “We are grateful to Congressman Kiley for recognizing that active forest management is essential to restore forest health, reduce wildfire risks, protect water supplies, and build resilient, fire-adapted landscapes.”
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Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, Congressman Tom McClintock and El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, from left, hold the awards they received at a DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation event on May 17.
Courtesy photo
OPINION
California Matters
Gov. Newsom’s tightfisted final budget faces a rough reception in the Legislature
Since the turn of the century, California’s state budget has been plagued by a boom-andbust syndrome rooted in its lopsided revenue system and a lack of political discipline.
The budget became increasingly dependent on taxes paid by the state’s most a uent residents, whose incomes increasingly came from investments rather than salaries.
Thus state revenues would often spike upwards, only to level o or decline. But governors and legislators would make new spending commitments during the spikes that would become liabilities during the downturns.
It was dubbed “volatility” and it reached an apex four years ago when Gov. Gavin Newsom declared that the state had a $97.5 billion surplus, having decided that a post-pandemic revenue spike would be permanent.
His administration later acknowledged a $165 billion error in a four-year revenue projection. But in the meantime he and the Legislature had raised spending, creating deficits that totaled $125 billion over four years, according to the Legislative Analyst O ce. The deficits were papered over with a series of shortterm fixes, including loans and accounting gimmicks.
With just a few months remaining in his governorship, Newsom’s ability to bend the Legislature to his will is fading …
On Thursday, Newsom unveiled a revised version of his final budget and, without saying so, indicated he had learned a hard lesson about managing volatility.
Although the state is seeing a new tax spike and his budget sees a $16.5 billion increase in revenues over three years, Newsom’s $349.4 billion 2026-27 budget takes a cautious approach. He says it would not only erase the structural deficit of the past four years, but it would guarantee that his successor would have a balanced first year budget for 2027-28.
“We’re cutting deficits but not cutting corners,” Newsom said.
The $246.6 billion general fund portion of the budget relies not only on new revenues, including a $3.6 billion boost from several relatively minor tax increases, to be balanced, but it is indirectly helped
■ See WALTERS, page A5
Letter to the Editor
Keep Coppola on the job
EDITOR:
As we dive head-long into this latest election season and get once more to participate in what I consider one of the greatest privileges of being an adult American citizen, I began to sort through the growing eyesore of political signs piling up on every road, street and front yard in the county. While I despise these “yard signs,” I recognize it is part of the way of running a campaign these days. I even have one in my front yard.
One race whose signs have caught my eye is the treasurer-tax collector. Having already followed the saga of our longtime occupant of that o ce retiring and the appointment of a replacement who had been with the o ce for some time, I thought, “Well, here is one race that we won’t have to spend a lot of time haggling over.”
Then recently while having breakfast with some
friends, local politics came up in the conversation. Imagine that. Three of us agreed that this race was a no-brainier and we would vote for the incumbent but one party was not in agreement. When pressed to defend his position his answer was, “I plan to vote for the challenger because his father is the sheri and I like him so his son must be a good person.” After some discussion, I proposed an analogy that made my friend rethink his position.
Let’s assume you have a business and you have an employee who manages it for you so you can go play most of the time instead of working. The last few times you have evaluated this employee you have rated him/her as “outstanding.” Then a friend of yours who you like and respect comes to you and asks you to let this person go and replace him with his son. How would you react?
Political races and our sacred privilege of voting, which to me is the same as hiring, is not the same
■ See LETTERS, page A5
Hospice fraud is real — but so is ethical hospice care
Recent headlines detailing hospice fraud investigations across California are deeply troubling. State and federal authorities have uncovered criminal schemes involving sham operators who enrolled people who were not terminally ill, paid illegal kickbacks to secure admissions, billed millions of dollars for services never provided and, in some cases, used stolen identities to operate shell companies. These investigations are necessary, long overdue and e ective. Fraudulent hospice operators are being shut down, licenses revoked, and criminal charges filed. Accountability is essential. However, amid this justified scrutiny, it is critical not to lose sight of an equally important truth: Hospice fraud is not hospice care. Legitimate hospice care exists to serve individuals facing life-limiting illness with compassion, dignity and clinical integrity. Ethical hospice providers follow strict Medicare regulations, require clear physician certification of eligibility and deliver
care through interdisciplinary teams that support both patients and their families. This model has not changed — and it is not the source of the current crisis.
The greatest risk of today’s headlines is not only the harm caused by fraud itself, but also the fear and confusion they may create for families who genuinely need hospice support. Across California, providers are already seeing the consequences of misinformation: families delaying comfort care, declining appropriate services or attempting to manage the final stages of illness alone because they are unsure whom to trust. Families should know that investigators themselves have emphasized that warning signs are often clear. Legitimate hospice care does not involve gifts, cash or incentives to enroll. It does not include pressure to remain on services without medical justification, vague or undocumented diagnoses, minimal physician involvement or care teams that are di cult to reach. When those
red flags appear, something is wrong.
Just as important, there are clear ways to identify ethical hospice providers. Families can protect themselves by taking a few simple, informed steps:
• Review Medicare Care Compare ratings and quality data
• Ask how long the hospice has served the community
• Ask about accreditation and quality standards
• Confirm availability of after-hours support and caregiver assistance
• Choose providers with an established local reputation Communities can and should feel confident choosing providers with deep local roots, transparent practices, and a long-standing commitment to ethical care. Nonprofit, communitybased hospices — many of which have served their regions for decades — operate fundamentally di erently from the “paper hospices” now being exposed. Their mission is to care for people, not to exploit a payment system.
When delivered properly, hospice care remains one of the most compassionate and human services in health care. It eases su ering, supports families, and honors life even as it reaches its final chapter. Fraud threatens public trust — but it must not undermine access for those who truly need this care. The solution is not to turn away from hospice. It is to hold fraudulent actors fully accountable while rea rming the value of ethical, regulated, patient-centered hospice care — and ensuring families have the information they need to make informed, confident choices. California can do both. In fact, it must.
This op-ed is co-authored by Tim Meadows, chief executive o cer of Snowline Health; Molly Corbett, chief executive o cer of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice; Deanna Brooks, chief executive o cer of Hospice of
■ See HOSPICE, page A5
Guest column
DAN WALTERS
Hospice Continued from A4
San Joaquin; Sarah McSpadden, president & chief executive o cer of The Elizabeth Hospice; and Craig Dressang, chief executive o cer of YoloCares. Together, they represent nonprofit, community-based hospice
Walters Continued from A4
by big reductions in federal aid for healthcare.
Newsom devoted the first minutes of his budget presentation to bragging about California’s $4-trillion-plus economy, saying “we simply have no peers.” He also trolled those with “California derangement syndrome” and denounced President Donald Trump as corrupt and incompetent. However Trump’s tightened eligibility for federally subsidized healthcare that could a ect hundreds of thousands of Californians also has the e ect of reducing the state’s healthcare spending, thus helping Newsom draft a balanced budget. He could have backfilled the lost federal funds, but that probably would have required him to propose a major tax increase of some kind, which, as a likely 2028 presidential candidate, he is unwilling to do.
However his attitude on healthcare and taxes places Newsom at odds with advocates for poor Californians who would be a ected and their allies in the Legislature, many of whom want a tax increase.
Graham Knaus, CEO of the California State Association of
as voting for senior class president in high school. It is not a popularity contest and I for one want to hire someone to run my business that is proven to know the job so that I can go play and not worry about it.
I’m suggesting that you spend a little time investigating the candidates, what the job requires and why you should care who is sitting in that chair. Let the signs all over our streets and roads serve to remind you that you need to put a little e ort into investigating but don’t make your decision based on who has the most signs or which color you like or the biggest or whose name you like.
Over the last 250 years a lot of blood has been shed so that while you and I are out playing golf, there is someone sitting in the chair down at the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s O ce taking care of business. I suggest we keep it that way and vote to keep Mr. Coppola in that chair.
TRAVIS KEAHEY Cameron Park
The high road
EDITOR:
Feeling grateful that we live in the USA and have the right to vote how we each see fit. However, I find myself disappointed in the trash talk involved in some of our local races, especially for treasurer-tax collector.
There have been fake profiles posting on social media about Corey Leikauf and his father, our amazing sheri , Je . First and foremost, if you cannot make a statement in the light of day with your real name and profile, then I cannot respect your opinions and statements.
Making disparaging false accusations and statements while undercover is unfair and clearly a fool’s game. I cannot imagine that the Coppola campaign endorses such hateful behavior from their supporters, but this continues on a daily basis.
I have known the entire Leikauf family for many years. They are driven to serve our community in immeasurable ways, and much more than what their jobs or member organizations require. They are people of strong faith, which has sustained them through these character assassination attempts. They are all good people doing good things and El Dorado County is better because of them.
I will be voting for the candidate who has chosen the high road. Corey has the qualifications, the resilience to ride through a storm and the utmost respect for our county and its people.
MICHELE COPEMAN Placerville
Wake up & connect the dots
EDITOR:
It has been 20 years since a Republican has won a statewide o ce in California, to include governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, controller, insurance commissioner and superintendent of public instruction.
organizations serving Northern and Southern California, with decades of experience delivering ethical, patient-centered end-of-life care and supporting families with dignity, compassion and clinical excellence.
Counties, immediately declared that “the governor is proposing to do to counties what he accuses the president of doing to California.”
Chris Hoene, of the left-leaning California Budget & Policy Center, which has been beating the drums for tax increases, said, “The governor promoted California’s economic dominance while, in the same breath, making it more di cult for Californians with low incomes to access healthcare by reinstating harmful Medi-Cal asset limits, expanding work requirements and increasing Medi-Cal premiums for certain immigrants.”
With just a few months remaining in his governorship, Newsom’s ability to bend the Legislature to his will is fading, so the question his new budget poses is whether legislators will go along or will they insist that the new holes in the state’s safety net be plugged and support raising taxes to pay for it?
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters. org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Additionally, the State Assembly has 80 members (20 are Republicans) and there are 50 senators (10 who Republicans). In other words, Democrats have a super majority in the state Legislature, and one-party rule over the residents of California.
And yet Gov. Newsom in August 2025, on “The Siren Podcast,” said he wanted to “punch the sons of bitches” — President Trump and Republicans — “in the mouth,” while at the same time, parroting the Democrats rhetoric, “They are destroying and vandalizing this democracy and the rule of law.”
I was reminded of George Orwell, who said, “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give the appearance of solidarity to pure wind.”
This is so applicable to Newsom, the denier, because it’s never his fault. But the millions, possibly billions, in medicaid and hospice fraud that has been exposed, is the fault of not only Newsom, but also AG Bonta and State Controller Malia Cohen.
In 2022, the acting state auditor gave Newsom a 87-page report, along with a map showing numerous agencies within an area of Van Nuys with 210 agencies, and expressing concerns of Medicaid fraud, plus risks to patients’ lives. Newsom did nothing.
I am seeing the same denial and business as usual with the Democrat gubernatorial candidates. Xavier Becerra claims he was not responsible for losing 85,000 children when he was Biden’s Health & Human Services secretary. He is lying. I was watching the congressional hearing when an employee spilled the beans. Both Becerra denied knowing such — as with the $225,000 that his former chief of sta stole from his state campaign fund.
Remember also, Becerra wrote the title of the Gas Tax Ballot Initiative, where voters were unsure if “yes meant no or no meant yes,” giving California the highest gas prices in the nation.
Then there is Tom Steyer. He is out to get small business people because he wants to roll back Prop 13, by increasing taxes on commercial properties, which of course will be passed on to consumers. Newsom’s budget also increases tax on businesses.
Steyer’s answer for a ordable housing? I don’t think the American Dream is “stack and pack” housing. I am also sure, like Newsom and Democrat Sen. Mark Weiner, that Steyer is an advocate for doing away with single family zoning.
Katy Porter is a whole other story!
Voters also need to know that California Democrats have eight tax increases on the ballot this year, to include tax on your savings accounts, mileage tax, etc. Do you want to continue with taxation and no representation? And please, don’t forget to connect the dots ... it is the Democrats in the state Legislature who, along with Newsom, have destroyed this state.
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COMICS
Red Hawk announces expansion, plans to go smoke-free
Emily Cady Red Hawk Casino
Red Hawk Resort + Casino announced major property enhancements that will include a new gaming pavilion expansion, a new dedicated bingo venue and the transition to a smoke-free property experience in the first quarter of the new year — making Red Hawk the region’s only non-smoking casino.
The expansion projects are part of Red Hawk Resort + Casino’s broader long-term strategy focused on enhancing guest experience, improving operational flow, and creating greater flexibility for future amenities and entertainment offerings.
“One of the most significant outcomes of this project will be Red Hawk Resort + Casino’s transition to a smoke-free property, making Red Hawk the region’s only non-smoking casino,” said Bryan deLugo, president & CEO of Red Hawk Resort + Casino.
“The new gaming pavilion will serve as a dedicated smoking slots and table games area, allowing the main casino floor and primary guest areas to offer a significantly cleaner and healthier environment for guests and team members alike.”
The new gaming pavilion will provide a designated space for smoking guests while, allowing the majority of the property to transition
to a smoke-free environment that prioritizes wellness, comfort and guest satisfaction.
“This transition reflects the evolving preferences of today’s guests and underscores our commitment to wellness, comfort, and community,” deLugo said. “Providing a healthier environment for our team members, guests and surrounding community has been an important priority as we evaluated the future of the property. We believe this move positions Red Hawk as a leader in guest experience within the regional gaming market.”
The gaming pavilion expansion will also allow for the relocation of select gaming operations and make way for the development of an approximately 4,600-square-foot bingo room on the lower level of the casino.
Designed to accommodate up to 400 bingo guests, the new bingo venue will serve as a multi-functional entertainment space capable of hosting bingo programming, large groups, special events and private gatherings.
“The addition of a dedicated bingo venue reflects continued guest interest in expanded gaming, entertainment and social experiences,” deLugo said.
Construction on the new bingo room is currently under way with an anticipated opening in September, while the new gaming pavilion is expected to open by the first quarter of 2027.
PG&E Corporation Foundation grants keep local restaurants cooking
Paul Moreno PG&E
For the sixth straight year, The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) will fund grants to support independent restaurant owners and their staffs through the California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The grants will support a record number of restaurants in Northern and Central California this year.
Resilience Fund grant applications will be accepted June 1-30 at restaurantscare.org/resilience.
The PG&E Foundation is contributing nearly $1.3 million to the program this year — more than any other year. The grants will help build more resilient hometown businesses for the long term. A total of 213 restaurants and commercial caterers in PG&E’s service area will receive $5,000 grants. That number is up from last year’s 188 grant recipients.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Silence invites guesswork. Instead, you speak up and set the terms. Today, you’ll share your progress, decisions and outcomes. When others talk, they’ll echo what you’ve made clear.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Relationships are unpredictable. Sorting out who is right, wrong, truthful, delusional or other would eat time and is probably irrelevant. It’s better to trust that togetherness serves a purpose, though perhaps one that’s not immediately clear.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You know what it’s like to play to the wrong crowd, and those experiences have led you to position your work advantageously. You’ll show up where what you do will be understood and valued. Tremendous benefits follow.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). There’s a quiet longing riding under the surface today. You’ll benefit from engaging with it. Consider yourself in conversation with the feeling, even if the questions are the sort that can’t be put into words.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). To control your own narrative is a power move that only works for you because you’re honest and tuned in to what people find entertaining and interesting. You’ll guide the story and be seen how you want to be seen.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A plan won’t move forward unless it works for everyone involved. Talk it through to see where it fits and where it doesn’t. The more you smooth things out ahead of time, the better your chances of success.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The day’s events either stir memories or leave lots of room for them to appear. Try not to use those days as comparisons but rather as evidence that you’ve made so much rich life already happen and you’ll continue to do so.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Something that held a lot of intrigue for you at one time is no longer interesting. Maybe it’s not over for good, but it’s over for now, freeing your beautiful mind to seek new adventures.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Notice that you’re reaping the benefits of countless days of work. This started long ago when you accepted substantial responsibilities (that didn’t seem big at the time). Be proud of what you provide and how you maintain beautiful relationships.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You don’t need perfect self-love to feel good about who you are. A working respect goes a long way. Relatedly, today you may notice that you’re no longer chasing approval from someone, and this makes the interaction lighter and more interesting.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Something about this doesn’t sit right, and yet you agreed to the deal. It doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. Deals can be renegotiated, changed and
to
Since 2021, PG&E and the PG&E Foundation have contributed nearly $5.6 million to the CRF’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. This has provided grants to 863 local restaurants within PG&E’s service area. With this year’s contribution, the total number of restaurant grants awarded in PG&E’s service area will exceed 1,000.
In 2025, 16 area restaurants were among the grant recipients, including 66 Handles Public House in El Dorado Hills.
“Our hometown restaurants — many family-owned and operated — are true examples of hard work and perseverance. They are the places where celebratory gatherings are held and where we connect with friends and family to create memories. We are proud to be continuing partners in this program with CRF in support of local restaurants as they navigate challenges in times of economic uncertainty. Our communities are stronger when our small businesses thrive,” said Carla Peterman, president, PG&E Corporation, and executive vice president Customer & Corporate Affairs and chair of the board of the PG&E Corporation Foundation.
Benefiting our hometowns
CRF began the Resilience Fund in 2021 to support restaurants recovering from economic impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. Since then, the fund has provided more than $11 million in grants to restaurants and caterers across California.
PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation have supported the program since its inception. The company has maintained its support as restaurants continue weathering economic challenges.
“For six years, the Resilience Fund has helped California’s independent restaurants navigate immediate challenges while also investing in stronger operations to build more sustainable businesses,” said Alycia
Harshfield, president of the California Restaurant Foundation. “With PG&E’s continued partnership, we’re able to expand that impact even further, ensuring more California restaurants have the resources they need to adapt, grow and continue serving as essential pillars of their communities.”
The PG&E Foundation’s funding for this charitable donation comes from PG&E shareholders, not PG&E customers.
Grant
eligibility
California-based restaurant owners and commercial caterers in PG&E’s service area can apply.
Applicants can have up to five locations (although only one location can apply). Annual revenue cannot exceed $3 million for the location. The restaurant must be in operation for one full year to qualify, and previous grant recipients are eligible to apply for a different location or concept. Existing food businesses that are expanding into a brick-and-mortar location are also eligible to apply.
For more information on the California Restaurant Foundation, Restaurants Care or the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund visit restaurantscare.org.
Assisting businesses
PG&E remains committed to helping its small and medium business customers to save energy and money, especially during times of economic hardship. Here are some ways PG&E is helping its customers:
• On-bill financing. PG&E offers 0% interest loans for replacing old and worn-out equipment with more energyefficient models.
• Rebates for food service equipment. PG&E offers several rebate programs that will help you save money and improve productivity when you upgrade your food service equipment.
• Food Service Technology Center. Access key training programs, design consultants and test kitchen plans to improve your operations and energy efficiency.
• Budget billing. If you are a small business owner, you can have a predictable bill each month by enrolling in Budget Billing. The program averages out your monthly bill to determine monthly payment, instead of having unpredictable summer bills.
• Energy efficiency programs. PG&E contracts with external companies to provide a customized solution for different business sectors.
Find your best rate plan. Customers can use this online tool to run a rate analysis to see if they are on the best rate plan for their operations. The tool is projected to save customers over $5 million this year.
Local energy advisor. Reach out to your local small business energy advisor to discuss cost savings solutions.
For more information on PG&E Small and Medium Business customer support visit
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Spring weather brings hungry bears to Tahoe region
Peter Tira California Department of Fish and Wildlife
As snow melts across the Lake Tahoe region, black bears have emerged from their dens and are searching for food, signaling the start of a busy spring season for wildlife.
Seasonal outlook and impacts
Male and female bears without cubs are already active, feeding on early grasses and plants.
Warmer-than-average temperatures and low snowpack, however, could reduce the availability of natural food sources later this year. Some of the most important natural foods for bears include mast, which refers to nuts, seeds and fruits produced by trees and shrubs.
Mast is categorized as hard mast, such as nuts and seeds, and soft mast, such as berries. These food sources are influenced
by temperature and precipitation, which affect their growing season, productivity and timing.
With Lake Tahoe snowpack at just 24% of the April average and warm temperatures prematurely melting snow, the Tahoe Basin is likely to see a shortened growing season with average or below average mast productivity.
Black bears are highly adaptable and will shift to other natural food sources, including
insects and small mammals. However, studies show that bears living near urban areas often turn to humanrelated food sources when natural foods are scarce.
“What puts bears at greatest risk isn’t a
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 Join the Gold Country CribbersWe Play - We Teach - We Have Fun Wednesdays 4:00 PM, Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA, 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB: Come play tennis for fitness, fun & friendship. Meet at El Dorado HS tennis courts on Acacia St., Placerville, Wednesdays 9-11 except June -August, hours 9-11. Social activities & monthly tennis clinics. Some tennis ability required. Call Trisha 530-651-8121.
Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), for the CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on March 16, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16, 2026. The location is at the Denny’s Restaurant, 3446 Coach Lane in Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for information and programs. DEMOCRATS
lack of natural food, it’s access to ours. Encouraging close interactions, allowing bears to den under homes, or feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) leads to dangerous outcomes for both bears and
people,” explained Bear Management Specialist Sarinah Simons with California State Parks. “If we want healthy bears on the landscape, we need to give them the space to stay wild.” Bears that rely on human-provided food face a higher risk of mortality. In years with poor natural food availability, reported vehicle collisions involving bears have been shown to double or even triple. As bears travel greater distances in search of food, they are more likely to encounter vehicles and unsecured attractants.
How can you help?
Residents and visitors can help reduce these risks by securing potential attractants and following the BearWise
Six At-Home Basics:
1. Never feed or approach bears.
2. Secure food, garbage and recycling.
3. Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
4. Never leave pet food outdoors.
5. Clean and store grills and smokers.
6. Alert neighbors to bear activity.
Properly securing garbage is one of the most effective ways to prevent bear conflicts. Food and trash should never be left in vehicles, and vehicle doors and windows should remain closed and locked.
Bird feeders should be removed. A single pound of black oil sunflower seeds contains approximately 2,500 calories, making
Fundraiser
of Placerville, center, reacts to the announcement that she won a collection of Japanese
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Everett Perkins, Everett Perkins and Katie Henion, Brooke Jahn, Alexis Tuazon, Tyler Karvonen, Arthur Gilliland and Rowan Gautschi.
Following the student showcase, guests enjoyed performances by the EDHS Singin’ Cougars Choir, the EDHS Modern Blue Jazz Ensemble and the evening concluded with the Cougar Symphonic Ensemble.
Manager
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support throughout the process, and I know his retirement will bring much-needed time with family and opportunities to enjoy everything he’s worked so hard for.”
Warren, 60, said the decision to retire came after 32 years in local government, including service in city administration and schools. During his time in Placerville, he wore many hats.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the city of Placerville as assistant finance director, director of finance, assistant city manager, and most recently as city manager over the past 23 years,” Warren shared. “I will greatly miss working alongside city employees and the City Council in delivering quality services to the public.” Warren said the Placerville City Council’s plan to move “in a di erent direction,” combined with personal
“With less than $5,000 in district funding allocated to the program, events like these are essential in helping us provide meaningful musical opportunities for our students,” EDHS Music Director
Jared Collins said. “The funds raised help us cover transportation, meals, festival admission fees, equipment needs and many other program
and family considerations, ultimately led him to retire.
“The silver lining of all this is my son, Landon, is battling a very serious illness,” Warren said. “By retiring, I will be able to help him during his treatments and be there for my family.”
He said his family has made sacrifices throughout his public service career, particularly his wife Julie and retirement will allow them to spend more time together while also preparing for the upcoming wedding of his oldest son, Nick, and his fiancée, Corinne.
Stepping away from City Hall, Warren said he remains optimistic about Placerville’s future and confident in the city’s leadership team.
“I think the city’s in good hands with Joe Wren,” Warren said. “We have great sta and I’ll really miss
expenses.
“The event was a tremendous success this year and we are grateful to share that we raised more funds than in previous years,” he added.
“While we will continue fundraising for (the) next school year, this year’s success has given us a great deal of optimism moving forward.
“In addition to our ongoing
working with them and delivering quality services to the public.”
Throughout his career, Warren said he focused heavily on customer service and public respect, principles he carried with him after spending a decade in the private sector before entering local government.
“I hate the saying, ‘It’s good enough for government work,’” Warren explained. “I always wanted to do much better than just average.”
He said local government leaders do not always have positive news to deliver, but he believes residents deserved honesty, respect and attentive listening.
“Always being respectful of the public was No. 1 in my book,” he said.
City Councilmember John Clerici praised Warren’s dedication and long-term commitment to Placerville.
“Dave was a valued employee,” Clerici said. “He was dedicated to the
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operational needs, the largest upcoming priorities include purchasing new uniforms for our growing program and replacing our timpani, which are now more than 40 years old,” Collins concluded. Collins was awarded the 2026 El Dorado High School and El Dorado Union High School District Teacher of the Year awards.
city. He worked for us for over 20 years, always had our best interests at heart, always had the residents and folks that visited the city’s best interests at heart and always worked to that goal.”
Though Warren said he still has “gas in the tank,” he does not expect to return to full-time government work anytime soon. He said he may eventually pursue consulting, part-time work or a private-sector opportunity.
“For right now, I need to focus on my family, ” Warren said.
“We love Placerville, so we’ll be around,” he added.
The city has invited the public to recognize Warren’s distinguished service and career during the regularly scheduled Placerville City Council meeting on May 26 at Town Hall, 549 Main St. A cake reception is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
proprietary system is guaranteed not to clog, or we will clean it for free. From A Company You Can Trust: Leafguard prioritizes safety and treats our customers professionally and respectfully.
Mr. Palm and the Oak Ridge community,”
El Dorado Union High School District o cials shared after the ASCA announcement.
“Mr. Palm’s servant leadership, dedication to students and sta and strong campus presence continue to make a lasting impact each day.”
“This recognition is incredibly humbling,” Palm said. “There are so many outstanding educators who deserve this honor. I am just one part of a much larger team, and this award truly belongs to the students, sta and educational partners I have the privilege to work with every day.”
EDUSH noted Palm’s approach to leadership
has earned great respect over the years, listing three significant areas of impact: Servant leadership — Leads with “yes” and empowers sta by providing the resources and structure they need to thrive.
Student-centered impact — Creates a healthy, supportive school environment while maintaining rigorous academic standards, improving both student well-being & outcomes.
Visible & engaged leadership — Present on campus and in the community by greeting students each morning, celebrating successes, and showing up for every part of school life.
Accolades poured in after the EDUHSD made the announcement.
“Congratulations, Aaron,” wrote Georgianne Knight, a retired trustee of the El Dorado County O ce of Education board. “We’re so proud of you and who you are and what you do for our community! A statewide honor like this is acknowledging your leadership here, regionally and statewide.”
“Congratulations, Principal Palm,” added El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala. “So well deserved.”
Palm grew up in San Carlos, attended Carlmont High School and earned both a bachelor’s degree in U.S. history and a single subject teaching credential at San Jose State University. He taught high school social sciences in San Jose and also taught history to English language learners and in adult school. Palm later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and an administrative credential. He moved to El Dorado Hills in 2006 when he was hired as an assistant principal at Oak Ridge. Palm left the El Dorado Hills high school in 2013 to become El Dorado Union High School District’s Director of Educational Options and Innovations and rejoined the ORHS faculty in July 2016 when he was named principal.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
A Taste on Main Street parent volunteer Christina House, left, and her daughter, Megan, 19, left photo, of Pollock Pines hold up Cougar gear for sale at the fundraiser. At right, EDHS Cougar band student and drummer Alexis Tuazon, 16,
maple tree starts at the band’s biggest annual fundraiser.
it a high-reward food source for bears. Alternative methods for attracting birds without attracting bears are available through the BearWise bulletin: Attracting Birds, Not Bears.
Property owners can also take steps to secure buildings. Keeping doors and windows locked can help prevent bears from entering structures. For wooden garage doors, electric deterrents such as wiring or mats may help prevent damage. The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team highly recommend utilizing the BearWise Host Set to display helpful information for your guests. Lake Tahoe is prime bear country, and it is the
Crime log
responsibility of everyone living in, visiting or recreating in the Tahoe Basin to secure food, trash and other scented items. Consistent practices help keep bears healthy and wild.
Call the experts Spring is also the time of year residents or visitors may see a bear they believe looks unhealthy, sick or orphaned. Bear health concerns should be reported to the TIBT’s wildlife professionals at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Nevada Department of Wildlife. These agencies have the training, expertise, and veterinary resources to assess a bear’s
condition and transport it for care, if needed. For more great tips about living responsibly with bears visit tahoebears.org and bearwise.org.
To report human-bear conflicts:
• In California, contact CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting system at wildlife. ca.gov/wir.
• Non-emergency wildlife interactions in California State Parks can be reported to their public dispatch at 916-358-1300.
• In Nevada, contact NDOW at 775-688-BEAR (2327).
• If the issue is an immediate threat, call the local sheri ’s department or 911.
Woman killed in Pollock Pines
Shelly Thorene Sta writer
A 70-year-old woman died last week after she was struck while riding on a mobility scooter, according to California Highway Patrol reports. Colleen Titgen of Pollock Pines was riding near the intersection of Pony Express Trail and Elm Street at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, when she was hit by a Chevy truck driven by 20-year-old Anthony Johnson of Pollock Pines, the CHP report notes.
Johnson stayed at the scene and cooperated with o cers. There was no arrest and DUI is not considered to be a factor at this time, o cials confirmed. CHP investigators are collecting video from the area and the incident is still under investigation.
Dine & Discover: A Culinary Spotlight Event Tuesday, May 19 at 12 p.m.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Stellar Students
Congratulations to Ave’ Owens of Shingle Springs who was recently named to the Delta State University’s President’s List.
Congratulations to Alexandra Nichols of Cameron Park who recently graduated from Trine University with a degree in math education.
May 20
Join American River Conservancy for Wednesday Workdays at Wakamatsu Farm at 8 a.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org.
Placerville Arts Association will host its Art Lunch at Rey Mimosa, 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park at noon. A fun way to meet other artists and have a nice lunch. Guests welcome. RSVP to Lynell Phillips at lynellphillips@ aol.com or (415) 793-2134. For more information visit placervillearts.com.
Senior Helpers, Cameron Park will host Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group, 1-2:30 p.m. at Oak Hills Church 1100 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom.
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting at Blue Pearl Bridal & Occasion in Cameron Park at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Association will hold its General Membership Meeting at 6 p.m. at Edio Vineyards at Del no Farms, located at 3205 North Canyon Road.EDWGGA board members are expected to present a proposal regarding a new association that would unify e orts to support local wineries and wine grape growers. The meeting is open to EDWGGA members and others interested in the future of El Dorado County’s wine industry. For more information email edwgga@ gmail.com.
Five-year anniversary celebration featuring Half Glass Honky Tonk (Red Dirt Ruckus & Jonny Mojo Revisited) will take place, 5-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
May 21
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host its Business Luncheon with Annie Aubrey of Chuck’s Wellness at Koto Bu et in red Hawk Casino from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Join American River Conservancy for Fishing on the Farm from 4:30 p.m. to sunset. A detailed email will be sent once you register online at ARConservancy.org.
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting at Caked on Broadway in Placerville at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Five-year anniversary celebration & season six release featuring Born & Raised + Mangini Mis ts will take place, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
May 22
Pollock Pines Friends of
Local girls take a Tech Trek
The American Association of University Women, Foothills of El Dorado is sending six girls to Tech Trek camp this summer at the University of California, Davis, giving seventh-grade students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on learning and mentorship.
Selected to attend the residential STEM camp are Teghan Brewer and Kylee Stigall of Gold Trail Middle School, Nofar Ben-Aderet of Rolling Hills Middle School, Shriya Pidikiti of Marina Village Middle School, and Annamae Hall and Allison Meier of California Montessori Project.
Ananya Ramamoorthy and Isabelle Warren will participate in the program’s virtual Tech Trek camp.
Encouraging girls in STEM
Designed for girls entering eighth grade who already show an interest in STEM subjects, Tech Trek introduces campers to a wide range of scientific and technical fields through projects, classes and interaction with women working in STEM careers.
Organizers say the camp comes at an important time for many students.
“Long about seventh grade a significant number of girls who have liked science, math, technology and engineering start to see these as boys’ subjects,” said member Connie Zelinsky. “Tech Trek is a wonderful experience because they get to be with other girls with similar interests and know that they are in great company, and have a future doing things they enjoy.
Past campers have said camp was great because they saw so many other girls with the same interests they had and didn’t feel so different.”
Interactive projects
During the weeklong camp, students participate in activities ranging from engineering projects
to forensic science demonstrations. Campers may build and race solarpowered toy cars, construct cardboard boats to test buoyancy, visit veterinary facilities and learn about fire science tools and techniques. Other activities can include practicing how to set an animal’s leg using models and dissecting a sheep’s eye.
Students stay in dormitories and eat on campus while attending the program. Volunteers from the American Association of University Women, including local member Laurel Gromer, serve as dorm supervisors.
Lessons at Wakamatsu
This year’s group got an early introduction to environmental science during a gathering at Wakamatsu Farm. The students worked with Dolores Morrison, a former NASA employee who now volunteers with the American River Conservancy, and Barbara Brydon, a volunteer naturalist and former science teacher.
The girls examined plants and studied phenology, the observation of seasonal changes such as blooming, sprouting and leaf drop, which can provide clues about environmental conditions and ideal growing periods. Because of rainy weather, much of the work took place indoors in small groups before the students later walked a nearby nature trail to observe the concepts they had discussed.
Tech Trek takes place July 12-17. The trip has been made possible through funding from PG&E, the Latrobe Fund and donations from members and local groups including Native Daughters of the Golden West. Each participating student pays $50 to attend. Learn more about Tech Trek at aauw-ca.org/techtrek. Learn more about AAUW, Foothills of El Dorado at eldorado-ca. aauw.net.
Courtesy photos
The eight students heading to Tech Trek met with two prior year attendees at Wakamatsu Farm for an early gathering to study phenology.
The early gathering at Wakamatsu included an introduction to environmental science and hands on learning for the attendees.
Pony Express re-ride crosses California June 24-25
Petra Keller National Pony Express Association
The annual Pony Express Re-Ride will conclude its 10-day journey across the American West on June 25 in Sacramento, marking the final leg of a powerful tribute to the nation’s communication heritage.
As the United States approaches the U.S. Semiquincentennial, this closing segment highlights the enduring legacy of the Pony Express and its role in uniting a growing nation.
Riders will enter California and travel through historical locations that reflect the final push of the original route. Key stops include Sportsman’s Hall, a well-known gathering place along the western trail; the Folsom History Museum, which preserves the region’s rich Gold Rush and Pony Express history; and Old Town Sacramento, the western terminus of the Pony Express.
This final stretch represents the culmination of a journey that began in Missouri and spanned nearly 2,000 miles.
In 1860–1861, Pony Express riders carried mail across mountains, deserts and plains to reach Sacramento in record time, demonstrating the power of determination and coordination in overcoming distance.
“The California Division marks the successful completion of an extraordinary relay across the West,” organizers said. “It reminds us how vital communication was — and still is — in connecting people and strengthening a nation.”
Communities in South Lake Tahoe, Placerville, Folsom and Sacramento will host rider arrivals, ceremonies and educational events, welcoming the final mochila as it completes its cross-country journey. These celebrations offer the public an opportunity to witness living history and reflect on the achievements of the Pony Express.
California route highlights
Stateline
Wednesday, June 24, approximately
5:30 p.m.
The Nevada Division will hand off the mochila to the California Division.
Highway 50 at Pony Express Trail
Thursday, June 25, approximately.
8:08 p.m.
Spectators can witness a classic Pony Express-style handoff at this iconic Sierra junction. Riders swiftly change horses in a blur of leather and dust, just as their 19th-century predecessors did.
Folsom History Museum — 823
Sutter Street, Folsom
Thursday, June 25, approximately 11:30 a.m.
The Re-Ride gallops into Folsom with a spirited mochila exchange on Sutter Street. The Folsom History Museum will host activities for all ages, historical exhibits and a chance to meet the modern-day riders.
Old Town Sacramento — Official arrival Pony Express Plaza (2nd and J Streets)
Thursday, June 25, approximately. 4:30 p.m.
Join the National Pony Express Association, local officials, reenactors and the public in celebrating the courage and grit of the original riders and the arrival of the Pony Express. The event will be followed by a
ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2026 Re-Ride.
More events can be found at facebook.com/expressrider
Though the Pony Express operated for only 18 months, its legacy endures as a symbol of innovation and perseverance. It proved that rapid communication across vast distances was possible, helping bridge a divided nation and paving the way for future advancements in communication.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the Pony Express Re-Ride stands as a fitting tribute to the courage, ingenuity and pioneering spirit that helped define the United States, bringing messages, people and ideas together across a vast and expanding land.
Public welcome
Spectators are encouraged to attend the mochila exchanges, meet the riders, take photos and engage with local Pony Express volunteers at each major stop. Forts and interpretive centers along the route will offer special programs and trail information.
Follow the ride live via GPS tracking at nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/ follow-the-ride. Spectators are welcome at various handoff points and historical landmarks.
EDWGGA considers new alliance
El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Association News release
Members of the El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Association are being encouraged to attend a general membership meeting Wednesday evening where leaders will discuss a proposal that could reshape the county’s wine industry organizations.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms, located at 3205 North Canyon Road, Camino. According to the association, representatives from organizations supporting El Dorado County’s wine industry, including EDWGGA, have
been exploring the creation of a new association that would unify efforts to support local wineries and wine grape growers.
EDWGGA board members are expected to present a proposal regarding the potential new organization during the meeting. Association leaders said member attendance is important to ensure community input is included in the decision-making process.
Board members’ presentation on the proposed association is scheduled for approximately 15 minutes.
The meeting is open to EDWGGA members and others interested in the future of El Dorado County’s wine industry.
For more information email edwgga@gmail.com.
Five bucks a bag book sale coming
he Pollock Pines Friends of the Library will host its $5 a Bag book sale from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 22, in the Safeway breezeway at 6498 Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.
Shoppers can fill a bag with hardback and paperback books. The sale will feature a variety of genres, including mystery, romance, children’s books and nonfiction titles.
Proceeds from the sale support the historical library on Pony Express Trail. Funds are used to purchase equipment and facility improvements, sponsor library programs and buy new books for library shelves. According to organizers, money raised through the annual book sales is the library’s only source of funding for new books. For more information, contact the Pollock Pines Friends of the Library at pollockpinesFOL@gmail.com.
The public is invited to Lavender Day
News release T
he Historical Murer House and Gardens will host Lavender Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at 1125 Joe Murer Court in Folsom. Admission is free.
The event will feature lavenderthemed vendors, garden activities and educational presentations. Guests can browse items including candles, clothing, crafts, décor, honey, natural products, purses, scents and gifts.
Raffle baskets filled with lavender-
themed items and other prizes also will be available.
Visitors can meet local bee experts and beekeepers and hear gardening tips and information on lavender varieties from Greg Gayton. Special guests will include Tres Jolie Farm.
Organizers encourage attendees to explore the gardens, shop from vendors and enjoy the atmosphere during the annual community event. Learn more at murerhousefoundation.org.
Mountain Democrat file photo by Shelly Thorene
The American River Conservancy is offering a variety of educational, wellness and outdoor recreation programs throughout the summer in the Placerville, Gold Hill and Georgetown areas. The events, scheduled from June through August, include tai chi and qigong instruction, pottery workshops, poetry and botanical illustration classes, guided hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Several programs will also take place at historical Wakamatsu Farm, the site of the first Japanese colony in North America.
Advance registration is required for most events through the conservancy’s website. A detailed email will be sent upon registration.
More information and registration details are available at arconservancy.org/events.
Tai Chi-qigong & year of the horse
A tai chi and qigong workshop celebrating the symbolism of the horse in East Asian culture will be held June 6 from 10-11:15 a.m.
Led by Dr. Tze-yue Gigi Hu, the class will feature therapeutic movements and poses designed to renew qi, along with Mongolian music honoring horses. The workshop is open to ages 8 and older.
Intro to pottery & wheel throwing classes
Beginning pottery and wheel-throwing classes will be offered June 12 from 8 --10 a.m. and June 28 from 6-8 p.m.
Instructor Luke Haley will guide participants through basic pottery techniques including coil and pinch methods, score-and-slip work and wheel throwing. Finished pieces will be kiln-fired for later pickup.
The classes are open to participants ages 12 and older.
Wakamatsu open farm days
Open Farm Days at Wakamatsu Farm will take place Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitors can explore native plant gardens, walk around the lake, view wildlife and tour the historical farmhouse originally built in the 1850s. Proceeds support preservation efforts at the historical property.
News release
ACRAMENTO —
SAs the unofficial start of summer begins, California State Parks is encouraging Californians and visitors from around the world to enjoy Memorial Day weekend safely and responsibly.
Officials noted that with such diverse landscapes, simple safety precautions can help prevent accidents and save lives. These include wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted life jackets, using appropriate riding gear, avoiding alcohol and knowing personal limits during water activities.
“Being mindful of safety can help ensure a fun and memorable holiday weekend,” the agency noted.
Preparing for your trip
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by checking parks.ca.gov for local guidelines and weather conditions to ensure they have appropriate clothing and hydration. Travelers should also prepare an itinerary to share with friends or family and review specific boating and off-highway vehicle regulations before departure.
Respect the water
To stay safe around the water, officials stress a few key things: always wear a life jacket, especially kids, and assign a designated “water watcher” when supervising children. Know your personal limits in the ocean, rivers, and lakes, as conditions can change rapidly. If you get caught in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are free of it, then swim back to land. In any emergency, look for a lifeguard or immediately call 911.
Avoid alcohol
State Parks reminded visitors that operating boats or OHVs with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is illegal. Operators may be arrested at lower levels if conditions are unsafe, and vessels may be impounded. Some parks also enforce alcohol bans, and visitors are advised to check individual park rules in advance.
Practice fire safety
When building campfires, officials recommend selecting clear areas away from dry vegetation, keeping fires small and never leaving them
Capturing Wakamatsu: a poetry walk and workshop
A poetry workshop led by Taylor Graham and poet Katy Brown will be held July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Participants will tour the farmhouse, barn and surrounding landscape at Wakamatsu Farm before writing poems inspired by the experience. Guests may share their work with the group and the conservancy.
Children ages 8 and older are welcome with adult supervision.
Spirit songs — A sound alchemy and yoga immersion
A series of yoga and sound healing sessions will be held June 26, July 24 and Aug. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m.
The classes will be led by Crystal Standridge and Rhonda Roque and will combine meditation, yoga and sound therapy using crystal singing bowls, chimes and gongs.
The sessions are open to adults only.
Alpine hike: Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca and beyond
A guided alpine hike from Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca is scheduled for June 27 from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants will hike along part of the Pacific Crest Trail and visit Frog Lake, Winnemucca Lake and, for those continuing farther, Round Top Lake. The hike features views of Round Top Mountain, Elephant’s Back and Hope Valley.
The event is free and open to participants ages 12 and older.
A botanical illustration workshop focused on watercolor painting techniques will be held June 27 from 1-4:30 p.m.
Instructor Vanda Lavar will teach botanical drawing, painting techniques and color theory using native California figs as the subject matter.
The class is open to ages 12 and older.
unattended. Water and a shovel should be kept nearby, and fires must be fully extinguished before leaving.
Leave no trace
Visitors are asked to pack out all trash and belongings, including food waste, wrappers and broken items such as chairs or canopies. Improper disposal may be considered illegal dumping. For human waste, portable toilet systems or waste bags are recommended.
Enhance your experience
State Parks also highlighted the OuterSpatial app, which provides maps, directions and real-time updates for park visitors. The app integrates with what3words to help pinpoint precise locations in emergencies, including remote areas.
California’s 280 state parks span more than 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage and 5,200 miles of trails.
Additional safety tips and recreation information are available at parks. ca.gov/SafetyTips, and park locations can be found at parks.ca.gov.
State Parks also
Get cooled down at Fairytale Town
Granite Chief Picayune Valley overnight backpack trips
Guided overnight backpacking trips through the Granite Chief Wilderness Area are scheduled for July 11-12 and Aug. 15-16. Led by ARC volunteer Tom Dodson, the trips will explore Picayune Valley, alpine meadows and waterfalls near the Middle Fork of the American River. Participants will hike approximately 16 miles round trip and camp overnight in the wilderness. The trips are free and open to experienced backpackers ages 12 and older. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are permitted.
Memorial Day safely and responsibly News release
SACRAMENTO — Fairytale Town will offer free admission on days when temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher this summer thanks to a sponsorship from Bonney Plumbing, Sewer, Electrical, Heating and Air. The promotion runs June 1 through Aug. 31 and allows up to six family members free entry once the threshold temperature is met.
“On hot days, Fairytale Town is a great destination because there’s so much shade and even AC in the indoor Story Center play area,” said Kevin Smith-Fagan, executive director of Fairytale Town. The park features shaded play areas, leafy picnic spots, chilled water fountains, weekend drama performances in the air-conditioned Children’s Theater and more than 20 playsets protected from direct sun. The Dish & Spoon Café offers snow cones and cold drinks, and a misting walkway known as the Bonney Cool Zone helps keep visitors cool. The promotion applies when temperatures taken from NOAA readings for ZIP code 95822 reach 95 degrees or higher. Learn more at fairytaletown.org.
announced that veterans and active and reserve military members will receive free admission to 145 participating state parks on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
GROW FOR IT!
Good ol’
fun at the El Dorado County Fair
Good ol’ fashioned fun is in store at the El Dorado County Fair from June 18-21, with four fun-filled days of competitions and entertainment. There are always great things to do at the county fair, including the historic Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races, 4-H exhibits and auctions and, last but not least, the floral exhibition coordinated by the University of California Master Gardeners of El Dorado County.
Located in the Floraculture Building near the County Historical Museum, the building will be overflowing with cut flowers, potted plants, flower arrangements and plenty of fragrance. All entries will be judged on the morning of Thursday, June 18,
UCCE
just before the fair opens at noon. If you have a green thumb, you may enter and win a ribbon or a small cash prize. In addition to the floral displays, Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will sta the Flower and Plants Building to answer gardening questions, or visitors can simply stop by to say hello. Master Gardeners are volunteers extensively trained, tested and certified by the University of California Cooperative Extension. They attend
the Library will host its $5/ Bag of Books sale from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Safeway Breezeway, 6498 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines. All genres are available in hardback, paperback, children’s books, arts ‘n crafts, gardening and more. Proceeds support children’s arts ‘n crafts and reading programs;
year-round training on topics including horticulture, soils, water, entomology, plant pathology, integrated pest management and plant problem diagnosis. If they do not have an answer to a gardening question during the fair, a Master Gardener will follow up with a response.
Now is the time to look around your garden and see whether there are blooms or vegetables you would like to enter. With so many categories, there is something for everyone. Submit a single flower, potted plant, cactus, succulent, bonsai or floral arrangement for competition and you just might win a blue ribbon. There is even a special category this year celebrating 250 years of America. There are categories for youth, teen and adult plant lovers. Forms are due by 4 p.m. Friday, June 12, at the
summer programs, new book purchases, author talks, eBooks and maintain the outdoor reading area. Learn more at pollockpineslibrary.org.
Fair O ce or online by Sunday, June 14. Entries will be accepted at the Floraculture Building from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, for potted plants, garden stakes and art and fresh floral birdhouses. All other flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables must be dropped o from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Flower and Plants Building.
The county fair, one of the oldest county fairs in the state, began in 1859 and has always given El Dorado County residents an opportunity to share their unique talents with fairgoers. Organizers say they cannot wait to see what residents have been growing..
For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr. edu.
For garden hours and activity information
Join American River Conservancy for Homeschool Fridays at 9:30 a.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org
for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.
Now
Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 621-5512.
Mellowood Vineyard in Fair Play will host a Memorial Day Weekend Campout in the Vineyard through Monday. The event features wine, food, music and fun. RV and tent camping is available in the Syrah vineyard, with access to showers and restrooms. Saturday includes a Fiesta lunch in the Grove and live music by Tom Power on the Oak Grove stage. A Kenyan lunch and karaoke will be available Sunday on the Oak Grove stage. Wine tasting is available, along with guided hikes into the Zinfandel vineyard up Zin Hill throughout the weekend. For more information visit mellowoodvineyard.com.
5 year anniversary celebration & season 6 release featuring Hipnosis will take place, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Sacramento Symphonic Winds presents “Holst: Bringer of Music,” featuring the music of Gustav Holst at 2:30 p.m. at Capistrano Hall, California State University. Learn more at sacwinds.org, Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents “Mrs. Doubt re: The New Musical Comedy” May 22-24. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter. net.
Registration is live for the 2026 Wheelbarrow Races to take place Saturday June 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fair. For more information or to register visit studebakerwheelbarrowraces. com.
El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum presents East of the Golden Gate the enduring legacy of Chinese settlers in El Dorado County on display through June 6. For more information visit edchs.org.
Arts and Culture El Dorado will host Pictures and Pages: Illustrators of El Dorado County, at Switchboard Gallery through June 7. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.
The Atrium Gallery at El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Botanical Brushstrokes through July 19. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.
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 o ered Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., require reservations, and are limited to a group size of ve. For more information 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.
Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance is accepting applications for Youth Education Scholarships through May 22 at midnight. YES is for students, ages 5 – 17, that wish to continue their theater experience by attending a summer class or camp. Theaters with youth programs in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties are welcome to apply. For questions email sarta@ sarta.com. For more information visit sarta.com/yesprograms.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Hadestown: Teen Edition” through May 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “Frankinland” through May 24 at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Broadway at Music Circus presents “Back to the Future the Musical” through May 24 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Espejos: Clean” through June 7. For tickets and more information visit capstage.org.
Susan Zito
Master Gardener of El Dorado County
Photo by Judy Hobbs
Submit a single flower, potted plant, cactus, succulent, bonsai or floral arrangement for competition and you just might win a blue ribbon.
