Town and Country Village gets go-ahead
Former senator Rico Oller dies
News release
Former California State Sen. Rico Oller unexpectedly passed away Friday at his old house in San Andreas. He was 66.
Oller served in the California State Assembly from 19962000 before serving in the California State Senate from 2000-04, during which time he represented much of the Sierra Nevada Mother Lode, North Eastern California and parts of Sacramento County. Well known in the building industry, Oller had also owned and operated DRI Supply, Sequoia Insulation and Carson Valley Insulation for many years.
Oller’s death comes on the heels of the passing of his longtime friend Sam Parades, president and executive director of Gun Owners of California; and the assassination of international Conservative celebrity Charlie Kirk.
Oller’s legislative accomplishments include: championing taxpayer and Second Amendment rights, saving swimming and boating in El Dorado County’s Jenkinson Lake in Sly Park, making EMT training more volunteer friendly for communitybased fire districts, changing the state school construction funding formula to allow non-growing rural districts with stable enrollments to finally receive state money for repairs and maintenance, preserving the state’s starthistle eradication program,
Jo Carrerow
The El Dorado County Planning Commission paved the way for development of Town and Country Village, El Dorado, a resort which proposes two hotels, an event center, a museum and 112 residential cottages off U.S. Highway 50 on Bass Lake Road between El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park.
The $210 million development could potentially generate $2.6 million in annual tax revenue for the county.
During a six-hour special meeting on Sept. 10, commissioners were
asked by applicant Mohanna Development Co. to approve a full set of entitlements to push the project forward. Despite Chair Bob William’s request to “sleep on it” and return the next day, the commission voted yes on all four actions recommended by county staff.
“I’ve been looking at this project for many years, seen a number of changes,” Williams said. “I’m really confused and concerned that there are areas where we still have blanks after so many years.”
The 57-acre project has been six
Tribute to God’s Country
Diamond Springs residents distressed over development
Chris Woodard Sta writer
About 80 people attended a town hall in Diamond Springs on Sept. 10, where residents raised concerns about new housing projects approved under California’s Senate Bill 35.
The meeting held at the Herbert Green Middle School gym and hosted by the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community Coalition, drew District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp and District 4 supervisor candidate Gina Posey.
SB35, passed in 2017, requires counties that fail to meet state housing production
goals to streamline the approval of certain projects. For El Dorado County’s west slope, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments assigned 7,157 units between 2021 and 2029, according to the coalition.
Coalition leaders claim the county’s implementation of SB35 has bypassed local oversight. Projects that qualify no longer go before the Diamond Springs/ El Dorado Advisory Committee, the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors. Instead, approval rests with Planning Director Karen Gardner.
“Bypassing all of the checks and balances and the public and, oh, by
the way, our elected supervisors, we’re bypassing them,” Coalition Founder Larry Rolla said. “So, you think, ‘Oh, we’ve got a representative,’ but we don’t on some of these projects.”
Sue Taylor, also with the coalition, noted the county has choices in how to comply with the state mandate.
“So SB35 says you have to streamline your process. OK, so that’s all they’re really saying,” Taylor said. “So what has happened is the Board of Supervisors said, ‘OK, how are we going to streamline the process?’ This process they came up
Courtesy graphic
Town and and Country Village includes two, 150-room hotels and an event center/museum on one part of the site plus residential cottages on a second part of the property.
RICO OLLER
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
A colorful addition has come to Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Placerville. On Sept. 14 members of Immanuel Church in Coloma and Our Saviour in Placerville came together to celebrate the completion of a new mural on the corner of Conrad and Coloma streets. The mural, created by artist Ciara Comiskey of Sacramento, depicts Gold Country history and the legacy of Rev. Charles Caleb Peirce (1825-1903), the Protestant Episcopal pastor who served congregations in Placerville, Coloma, Diamond Springs, El Dorado and other more remote places. Other elements included in the mural are depictions of Immanuel Church and Church of Our Saviour along with nods to the county’s past. After the ribbon cutting, folks gathered at Our Saviour church for a luncheon and fun afternoon which included games for children, face painting and a live painting demonstration by Placerville artist Michael Fritschi. Emcee Becky Leighton, left, presents a bouquet of flowers to muralist Ciara Cumiskey, center, as Rev. Debra Sabino, right, looks on in a ceremony celebrating the mural’s completion.
ESSENTIALS
OBITUARIES
Ronald James Vardanega
Jan. 7, 1959 – June 2, 2025
Ronald James Vardanega passed away from cancer 6/2/25 peacefully at home and surrounded by family in Placerville, Ca. Ron was born in Placerville to Fausto Oliver Vardanega and Janet Lee (Leepin) Vardanega, raised in Camino, and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1977. Ron was an accomplished wrestler in high school, undefeated in league his junior and senior years and then competed on the Sacramento City College team. He completed his bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley, followed his father’s footsteps to acquire a Doctor of Optometry degree at UC Berkeley in 1985, joining his father’s well established Placerville practice and later taking on the business as his own. Ron loved taking care of the community’s eye health needs but mostly enjoyed getting to know his staff, patients and families through the years, spending time with genuine interest to talk about what was going on in their lives. Ron volunteered at health fairs, provided support for the needy and represented local business interests such as helping with events with the Broadway Village Association. Ron met his wife, Lesley (Petersen), when they were whitewater river guides in 1984 on the American River, then marrying and settling in Placerville in 1990 where they raised their 3 children Kristen, Andrew and Laura. Having a deep connection and love for El Dorado County Ron was so happy to return to work and play in the area. He especially enjoyed sharing and exploring the Sierra Nevada and beyond with his family and friends. He attributes attending Saturday Ski trips as an elementary school student at Camino School to the beginning of his love for skiing. He learned to rock climb in high school, throughout his life continued to share this adventure with many friends, and has been credited for establishing routes in the area. Ron enjoyed exploring untouched areas of the Sierra and was well known for leading a group through a bush-wack, pushing bikes through forests to connect new trails, always embracing the difficulty and humor that came with these adventures. He was quick to share gear, food, tips and conversation with friends and strangers on the trail alike. From 2009 to 2020, Ron dedicated himself to supporting and then coaching the El Dorado High School Ski and Snowboard team. He was a deeply supportive parent, approaching his coaching responsibilities with serious determination and competitiveness, while maintaining the lightheartedness and approachability he was known for. He genuinely loved the sport as well as the racers and their families, led on-hill practices, organized and fixed gear to contribute to the success and memorable lasting experiences of all involved. Ron will be remembered for his good-hearted nature, quickness to laughter, helpfulness toward others, skillful outdoor pursuits, adventurous spirit, and devotion to family and friends. He often said “it isn’t a real adventure unless something goes wrong”, “ski fast, take chances” (which applies to more than just skiing), and a quote from Hunter S. Thompson: “when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” He is survived by his wife, Lesley, and their children Kristen, Andrew, and Laura, his parents Fausto and Jan Vardanega, and his siblings John (Yeong), Karen and David. While we grieve the loss of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, his legacy and presence will forever be felt and loved. If you’d like to make a remembrance, please consider contributing to the Ron Vardanega Memorial Fund, set up through the El Dorado Community Foundation. The fund will help support racers in need on the El Dorado High School Alpine Race Team in his honor. Fund Link : https://bit.ly/ Vardanega. A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held Sunday October 12, 2025 at Shadowridge Ranch in Placerville. If you’d like more information you can reach out at ronvardanegamemorial@gmail.com
Kathryn (Kitty) Florence Morris
Oct. 8, 1937 – Sept. 4, 2025
Kathryn (Kitty) Florence Morris, age 87, passed away on Sept. 4, 2025, in El Dorado Hills, CA.
She worked for Denny’s from 1965-1993 at multiple locations including both Placerville Denny’s - Main St. and Fairlane, revived Denny’s Howe Ave, Sac. where she was nominated Business Woman of the Year, before owning her own Denny’s in Sonoma and Dixon. She held three jobs after Fred Sr. passed and finally retired from Albertsons in 2008. She touched many lives with her kind heart during these years.
Kitty was baptized on Oct. 12, 2008. “LAST Ministry” became her passion where she spent her time serving Jesus and serving the community until she physically couldn’t serve anymore. She was the greatest example of love and service to Jesus. She was a very elegant and devoted woman who put her family first. She was proceeded in death by her husband Fred A. Morris Sr., her children Debra L. Siska and Hobie A. Morris. She is survived by her children, Fred A. Morris, Jr. and Deena M. Morris, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 10 greatgreat grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be held on October 11, 2025 at 10:00 Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Rd, Placerville. Reception and lunch to follow at family home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to LAST Ministry 6326 Main Ave #22 Orangevale CA 95662. You can donate online @https://www. lastministry.org/ in Kitty’s memory.
Helen Louise Poroli
March 30, 1922 – Aug. 29, 2025
Helen Louise Poroli, aged 103, of El Dorado Hills, CA passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Born March 30, 1922 to Wilber and Martha Cragg in Mabton, WA. Proceeded in death by her brother’s, Edwin and Kenneth Cragg, and her husband of 64 years Dante Poroli. Survived by her children, Shirley Wilkendorf (Richard), David Poroli (Janice), Gary Poroli, Donna Petersen (Tom), Phillip Poroli (Beatrice), Kathy White (David), Robin Duncan (Michael), twenty-five grandchildren, thirtytwo great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.
Home lost in Camino
Helen grew up in Vallejo, CA. Graduated from Vallejo High School in 1940. She worked at Mare Island Navel Base, before meeting her husband Dante. They were married in 1942. They settled and raised their family in Sacramento, CA before moving to El Dorado Hills in 1982. Helen worked for the State of California for over 20 years before she retired. Helen’s passion was her family, who will miss her dearly.
Services will be held at United Methodist Church, 2101 Zinfandel Dr., Rancho Cordova CA October 4, 2025 at 11:00 am.
Kimberly Sue Hoel
May 15, 1962 – Aug. 19, 2025
Kimberly Sue Hoel, née Madison, 63, of Garden Valley, California, departed this world surrounded by her family on August 19, 2025.
Kim was born on May 15, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Don and Vestella Madison. She grew up in the East Bay before moving with her family to Garden Valley at the age of 14. After high school, she worked as a carpenter in the Bay Area, where she met her husband Gary Hoel, whom she married in 1986. Together, they moved to Garden Valley, where they built a home on 13 acres and raised their six children and many animals on the Divide.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Kim lived life with vigor and energy. She poured her heart into homeschooling her children, creating a thriving homestead, and building community through music, Friday night dances, 4-H projects, outdoor activities, and events at the Marshall Grange, where she was a long-time member and officer.
Kim’s life was shaped by her deep Christian faith. A favorite passage was Ephesians 6: “Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” She lived as an ambassador for Christ—strong, passionate, and filled with love for others.
Kim is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Gary; her mother, Vestella Madison; her six children: Abby Costa (38), Sam Hoel (36), Clayton Hoel (32), Emily Peters (30), Robert Ira Hoel (26), and John Hoel (18); her siblings, Barbara, Stephan, Karen, James and William; and her seven cherished grandchildren, Tucker, Steven, Eleanor, Thomas, Lorena, Robert, and Ruby. She was preceded in death by her father, Don Madison.
A celebration of life was held at the Marshall Grange on September 6, 2025.
Kim will be remembered for her faith, strength, hospitality, and her unwavering ability to make others feel seen and valued. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will continue to live on in the lives of her family and all who knew her.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Krohmer
May 22, 1950 – Aug. 24, 2025
Elizabeth “Betsy” Krohmer, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away in Placerville, California. She was 75. Born to Leo Goldsmith Jr. and Beryl Goldsmith, Betsy grew up in New York. After graduating from Monmouth College in New Jersey, she ventured west, eventually settling in Placerville, where she lived for the remainder of her life.
Betsy dedicated her career to education, working as a high school librarian. She loved the students who visited the library looking for a safe space and a listening ear. In retirement, she shined through her involvement at Green Valley Church, especially through the Common Ground and Pastoral Partners ministries. She was passionate about providing opportunities for those looking for a hand up.
She had a love for food, wine, and friends, and she embraced life with warmth and curiosity. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, especially in the Placerville community that she was deeply committed to. She saw the image of God in the face of every person she encountered. She loved well.
Betsy is survived by her sons, Jesse Krohmer (Lara) and Daniel Krohmer; her cherished granddaughters, Adele and Zoe; and her sisters, Peggy Bertorelli and Claire Goldsmith.
A memorial service will be held at Green Valley Church in Placerville on Thursday, October 16th at 1:00 PM. Those interested in attending are kindly asked to notify the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Common Ground ministry at Green Valley Church or the CARES program at the Marshall Foundation for Community Health, causes close to Betsy’s heart. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Mountain Democrat staff
A resident and a dog were displaced after a fire ravaged their Camino home Monday afternoon. Just before 3 p.m. on Sept. 15, firefighters responded to the area of Pony Express Trail and Cedar Drive in Camino and found a wellestablished fire at a residence, according to information provided by the El Dorado County Fire Protection District. The occupants were not home at the time.
Firefighters from Cal Fire, Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District and Pioneer Fire Protection District assisted EDCFPD in dousing the flames, blocking Cedar Drive for several hours to support firefighting water needs.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Law enforcement turns up the heat
On Sept. 11, law enforcement agencies executed 21 arrest warrants in El Dorado County; Alpine County; Douglas County, Nevada; and Washoe County, Nevada, as part of Operation Summer Heat.
This multi-agency, multi-year investigation targeted cartel-supplied gangs operating in the Tahoe bi-state region. Its mission was to disrupt gang activity, reduce violent crime and hold cartellinked leaders, members and associates accountable. The takedown is also part of a nationwide FBI initiative against cartel-backed criminal enterprises. The prosecutions are being led by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, which obtained 20 of the warrants. Partner agencies include the district attorneys’ offices of Alpine County, Douglas County, Carson City and Washoe County, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. Together, these offices are coordinating a unified response to dismantle violent, predatory organizations that endanger community safety.
“El Dorado County stands as one of California’s safest counties due to our unwavering commitment to prioritizing accountability for criminal misconduct. This operation underscores our dedication to public safety and justice, achieved through a robust and dynamic partnership with
PPD CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from PPD reports:
Aug. 18
7:32 a.m. Vandalism was reported at a church on Thompson Way.
3:41 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a gas station on Forni Road.
6:14 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Coloma Street.
Aug. 19
4:17 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Mosquito Road.
5:39 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a hardware store on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.
Aug. 20
6:26 a.m. A person allegedly drunk in public was reported on Carson Road.
10:07 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a bar on Broadway.
2:31 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
6:31 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a hardware store on Placerville Drive.
7:59 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a hardware store on Placerville Drive.
Aug. 21
5:56 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a hardware store on Placerville Drive. An arrest was made.
12:58 p.m. Grand theft was reported at a grocery store on Placerville Drive.
1:39 p.m. Battery was reported at the hospital on Marshall Way.
Aug. 22
2:51 p.m. Trespassing was reported at the library on Fair Lane.
6:58 p.m. Officers booked into jail a person suspected
Photo courtesy of the El Dorado County Fire Protection District Flames erupt from the roof of a Camino home that caught fire on Sept. 15.
El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office News release
SPORTS
Trojans pull away from Rams in impressive home-opener
Mike Bush Mountain Democrat correspondent Keith Erickson and the Oak Ridge High School varsity football team came up with big plays at the right time.
The 6-foot-1, 230pound senior defensive end was one of many Trojans who came through at the right time in Friday’s nonleague home opener against St. Mary’s squad in El Dorado Hills. Oak Ridge (2-1), coming off a bye week, sent the Rams back to Stockton after Troy’s 56-35 win.
“We knew we had to play hard 48 minutes,” said Oak Ridge head coach Casey Taylor. “To come out and get this effort in our home opener, I’m really proud of the guys.” Oak Ridge and St. Mary’s traded touchdowns in the first half, with the Trojans hanging onto a 35-21 lead toward the end of the second quarter. Then Erickson watched St. Mary’s quarterback Jaden Galvan like a center fielder watching the baseball coming off the bat, intercepted Galvan’s pass near midfield and raced down the Rams’ sidelines to the north end zone for a touchdown with 10 seconds left in the quarter. Kyle Boeker’s kick sailed through the uprights, increasing the Trojans’ lead to 42-21 at halftime.
“That (interception) was huge,” Taylor said. “To get that interception
for a touchdown was huge because they (St. Mary’s) were getting the ball (to open the second half). I thought that was a big swing .... We’re proud of the effort.”
The Rams had the only touchdown in the third quarter. Thanks to a fake punt that extended its second-half offensive drive after the kickoff to start the third quarter, St. Mary’s wrapped up a 15-play, 80-yard drive when Moses Alexander, now running the offense in place of Galvan, completed a 2-yard pass to Jermey Krause, who gained control of the football and crossed the end zone. Mason Eagal booted the extra point
for a 42-28 score.
“We knew that they were capable of coming back and putting up 25 (or more) points,” Taylor said.
Oak Ridge and St. Mary’s exchanged punts for the rest of the third quarter. Entering the fourth, the Trojans secured the game with two more touchdowns.
The first one came at the 9:41 mark when wide receiver Isaac Pierce took the handoff from quarterback Nick Johnson on an endaround play to the end zone on the south part of Jack Harnden Stadium for the score. Boeker’s kick was good, bumping the lead to 49-28.
Brooks wins Forni-Humphreys Classic; Gomes claims Sprint Car title
Gary Thomas
Placerville Speedway
Yuba City’s Landon Brooks pocketed the richest Winged 360 Sprint Car victory in Placerville Speedway history on Saturday, while Modesto’s Tony Gomes captured his initial track championship when all was said and done.
Oakley’s Nick Baldwin also grabbed the main event win and his 7th championship with the Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks at the ForniHumphreys Classic. It marked his 39th career triumph, tying him for second on the all-time list with Dan Jinkerson.
Yuba City’s Rod Oliver wrapped up the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Model title, while Auburn’s Ray Trimble won the feature. With the Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks, it was Kevin Jinkerson winning the race and Howard Miller scooping up the title.
In the $10,085-to-win Thompson’s Winged Sprint Car feature it was pole sitter Brooks who jumped out front early and kept the rest of the field at bay throughout.
The 21-year-old racer won the ForniHumphreys Classic a couple years ago and showed he was poised to do so again.
Eyes were also fixed on the battle for the championship with Gomes leading Austin Wood by seven points and Andy Forsberg by 11 going into the main event. Gomes started from position number
Modesto’s Tony Gomes is the 2025 Placerville Speedway Winged 360 Sprint Car champion.
HEALTHY GUMS HEALTHY HEART
Healthy gums not only preserve teeth, they also contribute to the health of the heart. Research shows that if germ-laden plaque is allowed to accumulate on teeth, these bacteria can make their way into the blood stream. At this point, certain germs have been linked to fat build-up in the walls of arteries that causes them to clog. This link between the health of the gums and the heart should not be taken lightly by U.S. adults, 80 percent of whom are estimated to have some degree of periodontal disease. The fact is that adhering to regular visits to the dental office, which include professional cleaning by the hygienist and examination by the dentist, could save your life. This column on healthy gums has been brought to
you in the interest of better oral health. We recommend regular checkups, periodic cleaning, and x-rays when needed. Our purpose is to help people reach and commit to the highest level of dental health personally appropriate to them. We believe regular dental care is one of the best investments you will ever make. To schedule an appointment, please call us today. Smiles are our business. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child. P.S. Studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk of developing diabetes and an increased risk of pregnant women giving birth prematurely.
St. Mary’s (3-1) scored its final touchdown of the game after the Trojans scored. Galvan, who returned to the game toward the end of the quarter, completed back-to-back passes to Ivan Huerta of 6 and 24 yards to the Oak Ridge 23-yard line. That led to Galvan finding an open Krause for a 23-yard strike with 8:21 on the clock. The extra-point kick was good to make it 49-35.
Oak Ridge finalized the game with 2:25 remaining. A 10-play, 70-yard effort concluded when running back Tyler Andujar crossed the plane on a 5-yard run up the middle. Boeker’s kick was good
for a 56-35 score.
“He’s tough,” said Taylor of Andujar. “He’s just a hard worker. He shows up every day, brings a lunch pail and he got his opportunity.”
The Trojans led 21-14 entering the second quarter. That is when they added their three touchdowns, including Erickson’s pick. Johnson upped the Trojans’ score to 28-14 with 9:13 left in the quarter, hitting Pierce, who outran a Rams defensive back after making a basket catch and raced 50 yards for the touchdown. Boeker’s kick was good.
Oak Ridge’s defense came up with another
big play after St. Mary’s got the ball back on the kickoff and deep in the Rams’ territory. Galvan threw an interception, this time free safety Jason Womack and spotted the ball at the Rams’ 9.
Two plays later, Andujar ran to the left side of the offensive line on an off-tackle play on a 5-yard run with 7:19 left. Boeker’s kick made it 35-14.
“I really felt the two big passes were huge,” said Taylor, who was referring to Womack and Erickson’s picks.
St. Mary’s cut the Trojans’ lead to 35-21 when running back Diego Rodriguez got into the end zone on a 2-yard run with 35 seconds. The extra point kick was good. The Rams opted for an onside kick after their TD. Then one play later, Erickson got his pick that gave the Trojans momentum for the rest of the game. Johnson accounted for the Trojans’ three touchdowns in the first quarter. The first one came on a 24-yard pass to Pierce at 9:40 on the clock. That gave Oak Ridge a 7-0 lead. The second TD in the quarter came at 2:30 when Johnson kept the ball, saw an opening up the middle of the field and scored on a 17-yard run. Boeker’s kick was good for a 14-7 score. The Rams, who tied the game at 7-7 on a 16-yard run, tied the
n See FOOTBALL, page A5
Photo courtesy of Positive Times Photography
Photo by Mike Bush
Oak Ridge running back Tyler Andujar (26) finds an open hole to run in
Friday’s non-league home game against St. Mary’s.
EDHCSD names interim general manager
News release
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors has voted to appoint Stephanie McGann Jantzen as interim general manager. Jantzen, who served as assistant general manager since 2024, will guide the organization through this transitional period with a focus on strengthening community trust, enhancing transparency in government and building organizational resilience.
“I am honored by the board’s confidence in me to lead the CSD during this challenging and important time,” said Jantzen. “My priorities are clear: create stability for the organization, rebuild trust with our community and open new channels for public input and engagement.”
Board members Noelle Mattock and Michael Martinelli, along with board
President Stephen Ferry, voted 3-0 on Sept. 11 to appoint Jantzen. Director Heidi Hannaman was absent for that portion of the meeting.
Prior to the vote, EDHCSD General Counsel Frank Splendorio praised Jantzen for stepping up and being a “stabilizing influence for the board and staff.”
“And she’s stepped up commendably, sacrificially and really selflessly,” he
Oller Continued from A1 placing cityhood on the ballot for El Dorado Hills and helping hundreds of residents solve their problems with government agencies.
continued. “She’s, effectively worked out of class this whole time with the district’s best interests at heart.”
Acknowledging the unique challenges the district has faced this year, Director Martinelli noted Jantzen has handled matters “exceptionally well.”
“I’ll just say thank you for stepping up,” Director Mattock added. “We were in a tough spot. I think you’ve done a great job with the staff.”
As part of her commitment to transparency and accessibility, Jantzen is launching “Shaping El Dorado Hills with the GM” at 5 p.m. on Oct. 7 in the CSD pavilion.
“I want to invite members of our community to share their ideas, ask questions and collaborate with neighbors on shaping the future of El Dorado Hills,” she explained. “I welcome feedback and look forward to sharing successes,
challenges and solutions with our board of directors.
“The strength of El Dorado Hills is rooted in the voices and contributions of our residents,” she continued. “By creating new opportunities for open dialogue, we can ensure that the CSD reflects the priorities, needs and aspirations of the community we serve.”
Jantzen’s background and experience includes local and state government, serving as the first chief of staff to now Sen. Roger Niello, moving into policy consulting and serving clients in the nonprofit, business and government sector. Her background in public affairs and communication taught her how critical open and transparent communication is to the success of her clients and, more importantly, her community.
“We cannot build trust with information vacuums,”
said Jantzen. “The only way to move forward with our community is have faceto-face conversations, own what we did wrong and tell people how we’re going to fix it. We have much work to do and I’m up for the task. We won’t be perfect, but we will strive for excellence every day.”
Lastly, Jantzen emphasized, “There is an incredible team of people that work for our community here at the CSD. Their commitment to El Dorado Hills is steadfast and unwavering and I am grateful to be a part of this organization.”
Jantzen has two children, ages 20 and 22, and enjoys hiking the trails throughout El Dorado Hills. Her favorite TV show, “Ted Lasso,” includes a quote she refers to often: “Be curious, not judgemental.”
Reach the interim GM at smjantzen@edhcsd.org or (916) 614-3213.
The former legislator’s business accomplishments began after he graduated from California State University, Stanislaus, with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. During the 1980s foothill building boom, Oller negotiated deals with building crews to clean-up their building sites so the crews could get started sooner on their next house. Oller’s “clean-up” business lead to a management job with a family insulation business which Rico purchased after the owner died. Later, Oller would open his highly successful Drywall, Roofing & Insulation Supply business. Following the passage of AB 5’s diesel truck regulations, Oller moved most of his business operations to Carson City, Nev., and relocated to nearby Dayton. An avid outdoorsman, Oller was a well-known celebrity in hunting and fishing circles. Oller was a frequent call-in guest of both outdoor and political radio shows in Northern California and Nevada. He stayed active in both Nevada and California politics, often appearing as a featured guest at fundraisers for local candidates. Unknown to the public, Oller was very generous, anonymously donating tens of thousands of dollars to local charities over the years. Oller is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of nearly 40 years Londa; three sons Will, Je ery and Spencer; daughter Rachel; and a growing number of grandchildren. Details for a memorial service will be announced soon.
Town and Country
years in the making.
The cottages include 56 for extended stay lodging and 56 for staff, and are an average of 560 square feet.
“Because of their size they will most likely be half the average rent,” developer Nikky Mohanna said.
A planned development permit would increase the maximum building height of the two hotels from 50 to 64 feet and allow for a 63-foottall event center, according to Kevin Valente, senior planner with Raney Planning and Management.
The 21,000-squarefoot event center will feature two restaurants.
The project also includes widening Bass Lake Road near the interchange with Highway 50 from two lanes to four lanes, adding bikeways and a sewer system.
Valente presented two options for the sewer system, with the second option to include an “interim” septic system.
“Are there any commercial operations
Continued from A1
in El Dorado Hills with septic?” Williams asked. “Where is the water coming from?”
Other questions commissioners had regarded how the 56 employee designated cottages would accommodate the 90 anticipated employees and increased traffic expected with this development.
County Senior Civil Engineer Zach Oates said upon approval of the project zoning changes, “We would make changes to the traffic model and make sure (Traffic Impact Fees) cover it.”
The architecture for the hotels and event center was inspired by the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite.
“What we’re offering is a quality resort in El Dorado County,” Josh Pane of Pane & Pane Associates said.
The property will contribute $2.6 million a year from sales taxes, property taxes and Transportation Occupancy Tax, according to Pane.
“That only grows over time,” he added. The resort features an
oak grove from existing oak trees retained in the courtyard center, a reception hall, history museum, boutique retail, two restaurants and two hotels with 150 rooms each, maximum.
As a result of more than 100 meetings, events and economic summits, the project went from 80 to 30 acres, according to Pane.
Included is a program study area in which the applicant has future plans for 722 residential townhomes, bringing the total project area to 57 acres and 814 dwelling units.
Commissioner David Spaur said he would be more comfortable if a cap was put on the number of units, limiting it to the proposed 814.
“Do not exceed that number,” property owner and developer Moe Mohanna said to Pane. “We want to do what the people want!”
Commissioner Tim Costello said he didn’t like that the project was going to be in a rural area.
“The project itself is
pretty incredible, my concern is the location,” Costello said.
“I don’t necessarily think this is the wrong location, next to an interchange on the highway makes sense,” Commissioner Patrick Frega said.
Cameron Park Community Services District Director Tim Israel said although he supports the project, he thinks the developer should mitigate fees to the CSD for use of its facilities, such as the fire department.
“We have to pay for our facilities somehow,” Israel said.
Most in attendance were in support of the project.
“Here you have a place where the community can meet. To have people stop here, spend their money … this would be a dream in a lot of ways,” resident Dan Mueller said.
Resident Randy Lafrom said the businesses would provide entry level jobs.
“This is more than a project. It’s an investment in our kids, our culture and the future of El Dorado County,” he told commissioners.
Concerns cited by other speakers included noise, increased traffic and that the project would result in the
area losing its rural character.
Following the first five hours of the meeting, Williams said, “My objective is to go through the entire package again and to really hone in on it.
But if it’s the will of the commission to take a vote, well, I’ve been overridden before.
“We’re being pressured to vote on this today and in my mind we were going to sleep on it,” he added.
Commissioners had already received a postponement to give them time to read over the 793 pages of documents related to the project, according to Frega.
“I spent weeks reading this document,” Frega said. “I assume that we come to these meetings prepared.
“But if you want to wait until tomorrow, we’ll wait until tomorrow,” he added.
Commissioners voted on four issues separately, with each issue passing in sequence. These recommendations will go to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors for final approval:
1. Certifying the Final EIR, adopting the California Environmental Quality Act findings of fact, statement of overriding considerations and
mitigation monitoring and reporting program – commissioners Jeff Hansen, Spaur, Frega and Costello, aye; Williams, no.
2. General Plan amendment – Hansen, Spaur and Frega, aye; Williams and Costello, no.
3. Revisions to the Bass Lake Hills Specific Plan and BLHSP Public Facilities Financing Plan –Hansen, Spaur and Frega, aye; Williams and Costello, no.
4. Rezoning, planned development permit, tentative subdivision map and conditional use permit, with motion for caveats by Spaur for an agreement from the applicant not to exceed 814 units and not have a septic system but be connected to El Dorado Hills and EID for sewer and water – Hansen, Spaur and Frega, aye; Williams and Costello, no.
The Mohanna family has owned the property for more than 30 years and the project has been a longtime dream of Moe Mohanna’s.
“I just hope that I last to see this project,” Moe said, thanking the commission for its approval.
More information on the project can be found online at townandcountryvillageeldorado.com.
✓
STEPHANIE MCGANN JANTZEN
with, this is not something the state mandates.”
Under SB35, developers do not pay the same traffic impact fees or fees that help fund local law enforcement and fire departments.
“In some of these cases, the sheriff and the fire … they don’t get any fees,” Rolla said. “So if there’s a development as a private citizen to build a home, you’re going to pay a fee to the sheriff (and) the fire department for their support. In some of these cases, (SB35 projects) are not paying that, and so that’s going to come at our expenses, is what it boils down to.”
Traffic was the leading concern.
The Dorado Oaks development in Diamond Springs, which proposes 56 single family residences and 225 multi-family units, would add about 1,146 people to the community. Rolla said the project would push Faith Lane from a county traffic service level of “C” to “F.”
“That is gridlock; that’s bumper to bumper,” he said.
Residents also worried about fire evacuation. Rolla said a fire combined with congestion could be devastating.
“If a fire comes through, comes up on Tina Street and the winds are blowing, we’re in serious trouble,” he said.
Coalition member Linda Colombo spoke about Martinez Creek and the winds that follow the creek, which could fuel fires in the area.
“If you have an extra 1,000 cars, and a fire happens to be on a weekend when everybody’s home, it’s going to be a major, major problem getting people out of there,” Colombo maintained. “It’s going to be Paradise, the Camp Fire all over again,”
Other projects slated for the area are the Diamond Springs Village Apartments (80 units), the El Dorado Senior Village on Koki Lane and the Mercy Housing development on Pleasant Valley Road. Taylor said the Mercy project is already transforming the area.
“There’s a 120-foot crane out there and the buildings are three stories high. The ground floor looks like a motel. It’s really something to see, and that’s what they’re putting in our community,” Taylor said. “And it’s
Football Continued from A3 game at 14-14 thanks to an 80-yard pass at 1:36.
Oak Ridge took the lead for good at 1:27 in the quarter when Johnson found his favorite target in Pierce again. Boeker’s kick made it 21-14.
The Trojans begin Sierra Foothill League action this Friday when they play Del Oro’s squad in Loomis. Taylor served as the Golden Eagles’ head coach for 15 seasons, going back to the early 2000s. Del Oro (3-0) wrapped up its preseason schedule with a 61-7 victory over Foothill of Palo Cedro.
This Friday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
Scoreboard
Ponderosa — The Bruins also wrapped up non-league action at Granite Bay on Friday, with the host
Heat Continued from A2
our local and federal law enforcement allies, working together to protect our community,” said El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson.
Those charged, who are presumed innocent until proven guilty, include Norteño gang leaders and associates accused of trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl while attempting to recruit middle and high school students. Some are alleged to have exploited male recruits to gain access to underage girls.
Additional defendants include individuals who were previously deported in March 2025 and now face felony warrants if they return, members of outlaw motorcycle gangs such as the Devil’s Disciples and the Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington (who deserted military service after falsely claiming Army Infantry experience) and other gang members connected to fatal overdoses.
This coordinated effort involved the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine County Sheriff’s Office,
supposed to be the character of the neighborhood. I don’t know anything else in the neighborhood that looks like that.”
Coalition leaders said property values may be affected, since sellers must disclose nearby projects. Rolla also pointed to the need for job creation, not just housing.
“We need a balance between housing and jobs,” Rolla said. “I’m not seeing any proposals for jobs. How do we attract them? I’m trying to attract jobs up here — high-tech or higher-paying jobs.”
The coalition called for a moratorium on high-density housing until a countywide traffic study can be completed. Coalition members also pressed for emergency evacuation modeling, historical design standards and more community involvement in planning.
“We need to be persistent with our voices,” Rolla said. “Like I said, we’re going to be writing example letters … but we’re going to need people to get their word out to express their opinion.”
The coalition urged residents to remain engaged as the county continues to approve housing projects. Rolla reminded attendees that El Dorado County’s housing allocation is not optional.
“At some point, they’re going to want you to build those 7,000 homes,” he said. “If we don’t speak up now, it’s going to be too late.”
“What was said here tonight is mostly all accurate, but some of the land use authority, when the state gets involved, they strip it out entirely,” Supervisor Veerkamp told the crowd. “There is not one of those things [in the call-to-action the coalition provided] that we’re not actively engaged in.”
Taylor then asked Veerkamp questions about the General Plan, and Veerkamp warned that the county is almost at the point where the state will come in and take over the housing authority.
“I’ve gone to the state, and the way we’re implementing these policies is not how we have to do it,” Taylor responded.
Veerkamp ended the back and forth by stating, “I urge you to get elected and give it a shot.”
Grizzlies coming away with a 42-7 win.
Ponderosa (3-1) scored its only touchdown when quarterback Colton Ridgley connected with Chase Laczny on a 37-yard strike.
This Friday, the Bruins open Capital Valley Conference action at SimonBruin Stadium against Woodcreek (3-0). The game is scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m.
El Dorado and Union Mine —
Both El Dorado (1-2) and Union Mine (0-3) had a bye last week, and open Sierra Valley Conference this Friday.
Union Mine welcomes Liberty Ranch (3-0), which crushed Dixon 62-29 in a non-conference game on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
El Dorado will also be at home to host Argonaut (1-2). This contest is also scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, along with federal partners including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Several warrants remain active and will be executed in the coming weeks. Investigators thank the public, whose tips directly contributed to the success of Operation Summer Heat.
“This operation demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting our neighborhoods,” DA officials note.
“We will continue working side by side with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure El Dorado County and the surrounding region remain safe places to live, work, travel and raise families.”
OPINION
California Matters
Two years later, Californians still don’t know full impact of $20 fast food wage
As the California Legislature churned toward the end of its 2025 session last week, processing the remnants of thousands of bills introduced during the year, several measures encompass the Capitol’s most enduring conflict: labor unions vs. employers over working conditions.
Unions seek higher wages and benefits, citing the welfare and financial needs of workers and their families. Employers counter that the cost of providing what unions want adversely a ects their competitiveness in other states and nations and forces them to raise prices, reduce employment or even leave California to remain solvent.
In the main, unions fare better than employers in California’s political arena — not surprising given that union-friendly Democrats from the governor down dominate the Capitol.
One of the most intense union-employer battles arose in 2022 over legislation that would have raised the minimum wage for fast food workers to $22 an hour. It also declared that fast food franchises are merely subsidiaries of their parent chains, rather than independently owned businesses.
Fast food companies and franchisees saw it as a double whammy that not only would increase their costs but it would undermine the franchise system itself. The industry also disliked the bill’s creation of an appointed council with the power to regulate fast food working conditions, especially wages.
The two competing studies from lessthan-objective sources leave us still wondering what the true impact might have been. It’s a knowledge gap that should be lled …
The measure passed both legislative houses with party-line votes, and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it. The industry responded with a campaign to put the issue on the ballot, pledging that a ected corporations would spend any amount of money to overturn the law due to its e ects on the franchise system.
Which faction would win such a battle will never be known, however, because a year after the bill was signed, and after lengthy negotiations, a compromise was worked out and quickly enacted. It raised the minimum wage to an initial $20 an hour and left the oversight council intact, albeit with some changes. More importantly to the industry, it did not interfere with the franchise system.
The Balancing Act
Letters to the Editor
Violence is not a solution
EDITOR:
Indivisible El Dorado condemns assassination and political violence in all forms in the strongest of terms. Whether the subjects are Abraham Lincoln, JFK, MLK, RFK, Medgar Evers, Melissa Hortman or Charlie Kirk — whether politically motivated or the work of deranged madmen — assassinations harm us all. We must embrace the teachings of every religious faith and humanist moral philosophy to love one another, even those we believe are our enemies, as ourselves, or we are doomed to endless cycles of revenge and retribution.
Non-violence is a core principle of the Indivisible movement, which we a rm every day we plan or lead a protest. We are members of our El Dorado County community and your friends and neighbors. We respect those with diverse political views even when we may disagree with them.
We will not be deterred by hatred. Nor will we be deterred by those who would use a horrendous act of violence as an excuse to suppress our opposition to rising authoritarianism that threatens to destroy democracy in America. Let us
be clear that non-violent dissent is not terrorism. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mr. Kirk’s wife and young children for their loss resulting from this senseless crime.
JOEL ELLINWOOD
Indivisible El Dorado Leadership Team
Power at all costs
EDITOR:
Ihave found how important it is to frame a discussion by the words and labels used, as they will send the debate down a path where the subject matter is never addressed.
For instance, voter ID: The left claims Black people are not intelligent enough to have IDs today. And when you say the government will issue them a free ID, they come up with something else. In reality, they don’t want voter ID because they want to cheat.
The same goes for the discussion of illegal aliens in our state. The left frames the argument that the word “illegal” is hateful, and you must call them undocumented or unauthorized. I would think they are annoying, but OK. Let’s move the
Black Hawk down — a tragedy
On Jan. 29, 2025, a horrible mid-air collision occurred about two miles from the touchdown zone of Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) killing 67 souls. The CRJ was on final approach and cleared to land at DCA. The Black Hawk (PAT25) was on a check ride for a pilot in training along Helicopter Route 1 — a route that follows the Potomac River. For over 20 years helicopter tra c using Route 1 has been perfectly safe, until someone didn’t follow the rules. As I wrote in prior columns, the fault of this accident would eventually lie with the Black Hawk pilots. It is clear from three days of NTSB hearings that I have been
proven correct. ATC and the controllers acted perfectly and followed the rules. It wasn’t from ATC under sta ng. Although NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy tried her hardest to claim this route system was dangerous and the FAA should have changed it, that had nothing to do with the accident.
The direct fault lies with PAT25 not obeying altitude restrictions and flying o course. That is the cause of the accident. To a lesser extent PAT25 accepted the responsibility for maintaining visual separation with the CRJ. At that point, the pilots of the Black Hawk have the responsibility of separation, not ATC. They said they had the CRJ in sight. It became their responsibility to maintain visual separation, not ATC nor the CRJ flight crew. There have been discussions that an
Airplanes aren’t like cars, they neither stop nor turn on a dime. They need, somewhat like a ship, time to complete a
maybe 10-15 seconds …
Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast would have given warning if it was turned on or installed in the PAT25. The CRJ had ADS-B, as do almost all civilian aircraft flying today. That is a questionable assumption since the crew were in a high tra c area and the demands of flying, especially landing, kept the CRJ crew very busy. And since the Black Hawk crew accepted separation responsibility and identified the CRJ tra c in sight, they have primary separation responsibility.
As I said in my prior two columns on this accident, we must look to the qualifications of the Black Hawk pilots. It was a check ride and the person flying the PAT25 was Capt. Rebecca Lobach, but the pilot in command was the instructor pilot, Chief Warrant O cer Andrew Eaves,
who was a much more qualified and experienced pilot. His records were spotless while Capt. Lobach’s records are a bit substandard. Perhaps she didn’t belong at the controls.
Here are some verbatim notes in her training records. In 2021, “A brigade standardization pilot ... said the PI (Lobach) was eager to learn but initially had weak flying skills ... her stick and rudder skills were below average. He said the model L (Black Hawk) was particularly taxing to fly to maintain altitude and airspeed.
“He recalled working extensively with Lobach on how to use the trim system and the collective friction lock when flying on instruments,” the report continued. He signed her o in January 2022.
DAN WALTERS
LARRY WEITZMAN
The new wage went into effect in April 2024, and since then the industry and the unions have sparred over its impact not only on wages but on overall employment and fast food prices.
The factions are marking the second anniversary of the 2023 compromise by issuing reports that could not be more different.
Labor acted first with the Sept. 5 release of an analysis by UC-Berkeley’s Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics. It’s a research organization whose reports uniformly support the union side of issues.
Researchers Michael Reich and Denis Sosinskiy declared that the $20 wage did not reduce fast food employment, didn’t change the number of hours worked and “only led to minimal menu price increases (about 8 cents on a $4 burger).” They said their study included price data from more than 2,000 restaurants in California and other states.
Five days later the Virginia-based Employment Policies Institute — which was created by Berman and Company, a lobbyist for restaurant, hotel beverage, tobacco and fossil fuel interests — issued its study based on data from the federal Bureau of
Labor Statistics. It concluded that California’s fast food industry has lost 19,102 jobs since Newsom signed the law in September 2023, including 15,988 since the law went into effect last year, more than double the rate of loss seen in fast food outlets nationally. It did not delve into fast food prices.
The two competing studies from less-thanobjective sources leave us still wondering what the true impact might have been. It’s a knowledge gap that should be filled by someone or something with impeccable credentials because other business sectors might be the next targets.
In fact, there’s already a battle in Los Angeles over the $30 wage for workers at hotels and other hospitality businesses imposed by the city council. Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
from A6 discussion forward regarding the cost of our state allowing the “ille ...” I mean, undocumented people to enter our state, putting them at the front of the line for social programs and taking away social programs from our citizens.
Here is the problem: If I Google Illegal aliens in California, it tells me that in 2022, 2.6 million unauthorized people were living in California. So, the number of undocumented immigrants in California remained the same as reported in 2014. But that makes little sense considering the floodgates being wide open under the Biden administration. Stranger yet, it is noted that in 2022 there were 1.8 million undocumented folks here in our state.
So is illegal now undocumented plus unauthorized? Is the number 4.4 million? How did the illegals get documented? Does that mean green cards or a California ID?
We don’t know how many illegal aliens live in California because the left finds them useful, for at the very least the census, to gain congressional seats.
Now that the federal government is finally doing its job and removing illegals from our society, Democrats are saying we can’t live without them. It is clear the Democrats have a pattern — no voter ID, keep illegal aliens, homeless people deserve free housing — to get votes and remain in power. America has said no to all of it. Democrats in California are willing to start a civil war with the rest of the country to remain in power.
One day, the California voter will wake up and see that their way of life is being taken away from them because of California Democrats.
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. 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 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
Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see
edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575
HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you.
3430
Ln.,
first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses.The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2025 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.
SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
KEN STEERS Cameron Park
COMICS
■ SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
■ TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
■ RUBES by Leigh Rubin
■ SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
Speedway Continued from A3
three and never fell out of the top five in a fantastic championship drive. Up front Brooks would pull away to a large lead after each restart and easily claim the checkered for the big win aboard the Hamilton Racing No. 21L mount.
Clarksburg’s Justyn Cox continued his excellent late season run to make a late pass of Shane Golobic to secure a runner-up finish. Cox in fact finished first or second in three of the final four races. Golobic came home third, while young Jett Barnes put on another impressive performance to claim fourth.
Gomes crossed the stripe in fifth and was good enough to give him and C&M Motorsports their first Placerville Speedway championship. Gomes ended the season with a pair of wins and nine finishes in the top five during the 12 races contested.
Completing the top 10 in the feature Max Mittry, Tanner Carrick, Dylan Bloomfield, Sean Becker and Andy Forsberg. A total of 35 Winged Sprint Cars competed at the 20th annual Forni-Humphreys Classic.
Nick Baldwin started from the front row and ended up leading all 20-laps in the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stock feature. It didn’t come easy in the end however, as a lapped car got sideways in front of him on the final circuit.
With Baldwin getting out of the gas Kevin Jinkerson blasted to the outside and looked to make a wild final corner move. Baldwin was smooth down low though and accepted the Darin Stahl checkered flag for his seventh win of the season.
Jinkerson crossed the line in second followed by Roy Fulmer, who put together his best night at Placerville, Ryan Peter and Wayne Trimble in the top five. Both Baldwin and Jinkerson finished among the top five in all but one race this season.
Ray Trimble ended up leading every lap in the Ltd. Late Model finale but had eventual track champion Rod Oliver all over him at times. Trimble captured his 25th career Placerville Speedway triumph in the division, making him the third driver to reach that mark in track history.
Solutions to puzzles in Classi ed section of newspaper.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your curiosity will reveal something about you — and them, too. If someone reacts defensively, they may have something to protect, conceal or control. Those who value openness and transparency will take your curiosity as respect and interest.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Anxious people will always nd something to worry about, but you don’t have to join them. Keep your focus on what’s real and present. Do what can be done today, and celebrate what’s already good in this moment.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The world tends to pay attention to ashiness, but the true star is the one who shows up again and again with loyalty, stamina and heart. Consistency is its own brilliance. Those who keep building create legacies that dazzle long after the sparkles fade.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s OK if you don’t feel totally, powerfully in control at all times. Here’s a mantra you can keep in your pocket for other moods: “I’ve handled worse. I’m safe now. I have love, talent and support. I can do this.”
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You take your struggles and strengths and alchemize them into something useful for others. The work you do to process your emotions becomes fuel, encouragement and courage for the people who witness it.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll connect easily because you’re genuinely curious. Asking questions leads to surprising admissions, little gems people hand over gladly. That exchange builds loyalty. Relationships deepen when people feel you’re really paying attention.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve been gathering resources, often unconsciously, through stray conversations, encounters and experiences. Today, something clicks, and you realize you’re more prepared than you thought. You have exactly what you need to keep it pushing.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re exciting because you entertain risky ideas. It’s not about doing them all. It’s the creative playfulness that captivates. Someone is drawn in by the possibilities you generate and wants to be part of your orbit.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Even if you feel mentally and emotionally all over the place, it’s working for you. Your imagination, memories and hopes will all feel vivid at once, and yet you’ll still manage to stay in the present moment and function well.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The journey is the fun part, so why would you want to rush it? Remember to enjoy preparation. Give yourself plenty of time to dress well, slip into the mindset, and cultivate the vibes that make all the di erence.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Instinct rises in newness. Your rst impressions have a kind of subliminal power. The moment you meet people or observe
Diamond Springs’ Kevin Jinkerson fended o the relentless challenge of
Weitzman Continued from A6
A battalion standardization pilot who conducted an instrument evaluation in February 2022, found her performance “well below average.” He described her as one of the bottom three pilots he had trained ... “having lots of di culties in the aircraft.” While he reverted her to the lowest readiness level, he trained her extensively for about a month “until she demonstrated full readiness” on March 16, 2022.
Cockpit tapes show Lobach’s poor flying skills. At 45:32 Eaves (the instructor) says, “You’re at 300 feet come down for me.” Lobach replies at 45:36 “go down 200.” So, about a minute or two before the collision, Lobach knows she is above her airspace altitude limit and still doesn’t get back down to 200 feet. Two minutes later, CWO Eaves says, “Alright kinda come left for me, ma’am. I think that’s why he (ATC) is asking.” Lobach replies, “Sure.” Eaves: “We’re kinda ... Lobach: “Oh-kay. Fine.” Eaves: :... out towards the middle.”
Indications are from the CRJ’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) that
Brycen Bragg over the closing stages to claim his third Mini Truck win of the season. Bragg, Paizlee Miller, track champ Howard Miller and Noah LaPoint rounded out the top five in the feature.
Placerville Speedway returns next week with the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 & 20. Tickets can be purchased at placervillespeedway. com
Forni-Humphreys Classic results
Thompson’s Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars: 1. 21L-Landon Brooks[1]; 2. 42X-Justyn Cox[4]; 3. 17W-Shane Golobic[2]; 4. 7-Jett Barnes[5]; 5. 7C-Tony Gomes[3]; 6. 2XM-Max Mittry[9]; 7. 83T-Tanner Carrick[7]; 8. 83V-Dylan Bloomfield[14]; 9. 35-Sean Becker[15]; 10. 92-Andy Forsberg[6]; 11. 2A-Austin Wood[13]; 12. 21-Shane Hopkins[19]; 13. 17J-Josh Young[18]; 14. 12J-John Clark[20]; 15. 3-Cole Schroeder[11]; 16. 94-Greg Decaires V[10]; 17. 9L-Luke Hayes[17]; 18. X1-Chance Grasty[8]; 19. 15S-Michael Sellers[12]; 20. 25-Seth Standley[16] Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks: 1. 17-Nick Baldwin[1]; 2. 30-Kevin Jinkerson[3]; 3. 46-Roy Fulmer[2]; 4. 83-Ryan Peter[7]; 5. 86-Wayne Trimble[5]; 6. 10-Ted Ahart[4]; 7. 23J-Tyler Lightfoot[8]; 8. 47-Michael Murphy[16]; 9. 77T-Jason Armstrong[9]; 10. 43-Kenny Bernstein[6]; 11. 91-Jonny Walsh[12]; 12. 08-Jordan Schnakenberg[13]; 13. 64-Jaeger Ruckman[10]; 14. 55-Micky Dangelo[11]; 15. 48-John Evans[14]; 16. (DNS) 54-Anthony Vigna Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models: 1. 37-Ray Trimble[1]; 2. 57-Rod Oliver[4]; 3. 23J-Tyler Lightfoot[2]; 4. 22-Chris Mcginnis[5]; 5. 17Y-Tim Yeager[3] Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks: 1. 03-Kevin Jinkerson[1]; 2. 75-Brycen Bragg[5]; 3. 26-Paizlee Miller[9]; 4. 28-Howard Miller[3]; 5. 92N-Noah LaPoint[4]; 6. 17-Luke Costa[6]; 7. 16-Mike Miller[2]; 8. 07-Tyler Goggin[8]; 9. 70-Austin Struthers[7]; 10. 22-Nick Perkins[10]
the CRJ saw the impending collision seconds before impact as the jet pulled slightly up and to the left in an apparent initiation of avoiding the accident. Airplanes aren’t like cars, they neither stop nor turn on a dime. They need, somewhat like a ship, time to complete a maneuver, maybe 10-15 seconds, to significantly change their direction.
The bottom line is the Black Hawk flown by Lobach was too high and too far to the west. Most instructors would have said, “Check ride over; I got the aircraft” and immediately corrected their altitude and position. No accident would have occurred. Capt. Lobach outranked CWO Eaves and that might have given Eaves some deference. Still, Lobach didn’t belong flying that Black Hawk. Was the fact she was a woman part of the reason she wasn’t washed out a long time before? There is lots of fault here and it all lies in the Black Hawk pilot crew and perhaps the Army politics of DEI and wokeism as well.
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
Photo courtesy of Positive Times Photography
Landon Brooks celebrates his Winged 360 Sprint Car victory at the Sept. 13 Forni-Humphreys Classic.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
Sept. 17
Have questions about home hardening and creating defensible space? Do you know what to do if wild re is headed your way? Stop by the Camino Fire Safe Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Cal Fire Amador/-El Dorado Unit Headquarters, conference room, 2840 Mt. Danaher Road, Camino.
Phish vs Dead with Marcus Rezak and Anna Elva + Robby Dean will play, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Senior Helpers, Cameron Park will host a free Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group 1-2:30 p.m. at Foothills Church in Cameron Park. To register for the group call (916) 4614123.
Sept. 18
The El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live On The Boulevard with Tainted Love — Best of the ‘80s Live, 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Luncheon with speaker Annie Aubrey of Chuck’s Wellness Center at Red Hawk Casino - Koto Bu et from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
The Family Search Center will host Saving Your Memories, learn how to digitize family memories, at 3 p.m. at 3275 Cedar Ravine Road, Placerville. For more information call (916) 2904395.
U.B.U Rave & Club Night (DJ Mixes & Light Show) will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Tahoe Blue Event Center will host Tahoe Wine + Feast For more information go to visitlaketahoe.com.
Sept. 19
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents The History of ARC’s Wakamatsu Farm presented by Melissa Lobach, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs. Admission is 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. 1850 Wine Cellars will host Name That Tune, ‘90s edition from 5-7 p.m. Form a team, guess the song(s) and band/singer (for extra points) and win prizes. For more information visit 1850winecellars.com.
David Outlaw Band (Psychedelic Southern Rock) will perform, 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Sons of Rock and Roll will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
The Grass Valley Center for the Arts presents An
Check your lederhosen and weiner dogs
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Features editor
It’s time to see if those lederhosen still fit and to update the dachshund’s costumes as Oktoberfest returns to Main Street on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 2-8 p.m.
The event is organized by Placerville Merchants on Main, a volunteer group of local business owners and community members. This year, organizers have added a harvest theme highlighting El Dorado County’s small businesses, wineries, breweries and restaurants.
“Oktoberfest is truly a community e ort,” organizers said. “Every sponsor is a local small business, and we’re proud to bring this tradition back to Main Street.”
For those whose lederhosen and dirndls leave room for dancing, the event will feature live music up and down Main Street hosted by Green Room Social Club — Island of Black and White, Darth Mozart, Born & Raised, Echo Summit and Smokin’ Violets — along with Oktoberfest favorites spun by DJ Song and Dance.
Check if those traditional Bavarian outfits include a bib for the tastings from six local breweries, including Burning Barrel, Jack Russell and El Dorado Brewing Company, as well as nine wineries such as Crystal Basin Cellars, Sierra Vista Vineyards and Medeiros Family Wines. Don’t forget the food provided by local restaurants and food trucks, including Old Town Grill, Smith Flat House, Valenz Tacos and Cousins Maine Lobster.
A Family Fun Zone will provide lots of fun and games for the kiddos celebrating Oktoberfest. Hosted by T.W. Bonkers and Placerville Antiques, the fun zone will o er carnival games, corn hole, craft projects and educational activities from Ag in the Classroom. The games promise to be a hit and prizes will be plenty.
The dachshund race and costume contest will, of course, be a highlight of the event. Weiner dog lovers can enter their fur babies in the contest or enjoy the friendly competition as dogs race down Main Street sporting the latest in doggie fashion.
Other contests throughout the day include a beer stein holding challenge, a biggest zucchini competition and bestdressed awards for men, women and couples.
Major sponsors include The Pines at Placerville, Western Slope Health Center, Thompson’s Auto Group, Shingle Springs Subaru and dozens of other local businesses and organizations. More information is available at placervillemerchants.org. Drink tickets can be purchased in advance at givebutter. com/potickets.
Turkey Drive sets lofty goal for families in need
Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
With Thanksgiving approaching, the annual El Dorado Community Turkey Drive is rallying support to ensure that every local family has the opportunity to gather around a holiday meal. This year’s goal is 1,500 turkeys for families across El Dorado County.
Urgent need
According to WellDorado, one in 10 residents in El Dorado County experiences food insecurity, meaning thousands are uncertain where their next meal will come from. For many families, the Turkey Drive is the only way they can share in the tradition of Thanksgiving.
“When we started the Turkey Drive, it was about more than just putting food on the table,” said Casey King, founder of the El Dorado Community Turkey Drive and owner of King’s Meats. “I was inspired by the belief that no family in our county should have to go without a Thanksgiving meal. This e ort is about neighbors helping neighbors, and every year I’m humbled by the generosity of this community.”
Humble beginnings
In 2020 King had over ordered turkeys for the holiday season. Instead of using them in his shop he had a thought.
“I contacted the Sheri ’s department and they helped identify families who would benefit from the turkeys,” he said. “We had 47 turkeys and each one found a home.”
The following year King and company made a concerted e ort to make more happen for food insecure families in the county.
“I contacted Stacie Walls with Toys for Tots,” King said. “She has a lot of contacts with nonprofits and schools, and knew who to get onboard.”
A growing effort
By 2023 the e ort reached 2,000 turkeys.
“I said, ‘Hey Stacy, we got 2,000 turkeys,’” King said. “She said, ‘No problem, I’m on it.’ And she took o and found a home for every single turkey within just a couple weeks through her resources.”
King insists he is just the middleman in all this. Multiple local partners came forward to help put the drive over the finish line each year. This included local businesses, nonprofits and individual community members.
“They were absolutely amazing,” King recalled. “A lot of local small businesses stepped up and were very happy to support because honestly, you know El Dorado county is amazing and with the small family-run businesses around here everyone’s looking for a way to help support our community and this kind of gives them an onramp, if you will, to
help with that.”
Thanks to donors, the drive has provided thousands of turkeys over the past five years.
Expanded reach
“Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe was thrilled to receive turkeys from last year’s event,” said Jude Wood, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. “This Turkey Drive provided 50 of our club families with turkeys. For these kids, it meant the di erence between going without or enjoying a holiday meal. It’s more than food. This community event provides stability and joy for children who deserve to feel cared for and celebrated.”
The impact is just as significant for vulnerable students and families.
“As the Coordinator
for Student Support Services at El Dorado County O ce of Education, I work directly with many of our most vulnerable students and families including those who are in housing transition or precariously housed,” said Margaret Lewis. “I see the heartbreak when students come to school
hungry or worried about whether their family will eat that night. The Turkey Drive brings not just food, but dignity and hope. For many of our kids, it means the di erence between feeling forgotten and feeling cared for on the holiday.”
Courtesy photo
The Dachshund Dash is a fan favorite at Oktoberfest coming to Main Street Sept. 20.
Mountain Democrat le photo by Eric Jaramishian
In 2023 the Turkey Drive utilized the parking lot of Mother Lode Rehabilitation. Bridget Gwinnup and Miss El Dorado County, 2023 Madison Stillman along with other local luminaries helped load vehicles with the many turkeys delivered that day. The drive has since outgrown that location.
CALIFORNIA RAMBLING
Visalia is a heartfelt community
Barbara L. Steinberg
Special to the Mountain Democrat
Visible from space, California’s Central Valley stretches approximately 450 miles, covers 22,500 square miles, and accounts for more than 13% of the state’s landmass. It’s one huge trough. Ancient lands consisted of marshes, grasses, and wetlands, providing habitat for wintering birds and herds of elk, deer and other mammals. Rimmed by foothills and mountains and flooded by rushing rivers and streams, the topography and terrain of the Central Valley have evolved over centuries. Human intervention has altered this expansive landscape and created what is known as the world’s breadbasket. It is a beautiful place where the visual panorama is everchanging. Skies dappled with storm clouds hover over fields rich with greenery. It is more than food for the masses; it is also a visual feast.
At the heart of the region is Visalia, the oldest continuously inhabited inland European settlement between Stockton and Los Angeles. The city is known for its agricultural industry, historical downtown, and its role as the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The name Visalia may also be linked to Arabic and Indian origins, meaning connection, grandeur, or greatness — attributes easily tied to the wonders of the city.
From Visalia, it is less than 40 miles to the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. The topography changes dramatically from Visalia’s 331-foot elevation to the famed General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing on Earth, at 7,000
feet. Highway 198, a narrow two-lane road, twists and turns into the Sierra Nevada and the marvels of Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest. The Sierra sequoias are the largest living organisms on the planet, unmatched in mass and bulk.
For a day-long visit, put Crystal Cave at the top of your list. Ancient stalagmites and stalactites offer a magical glimpse of a marble cavern. The 1½-mile round-trip hike to the cave entrance is challenging, but the tour is worth every step. First discovered in 1918 by park employees, public tours began in 1940, and the cave has been a popular attraction ever since. Tours often sell out, so advance tickets are recommended at least a month in advance for busy summer dates. The cave typically closes in the fall when the first snows arrive and reopens in late May. Check online through the Sequoia Parks Conservancy for dates.
After summer, there are still many reasons to visit Sequoia National Park. Autumn weather remains comfortable, with daytime temperatures warm enough for shorts and river sandals. Nights can be chilly but cozy, especially as the fall season progresses. Visitors should plan for changing temperatures and weather. A layered approach is best, and rain and early snow are always possible. Come prepared. The onset of autumn colors cannot be precisely timed. Lengthening nights and cooler temperatures signal the change. Later in the season often provides the best color, but there are no guarantees. In the solitude of autumn, Sequoia National Park delights leaf peepers with colorful dogwoods in shades of orange and red, understory ferns turning yellow, and blue oak woodlands displaying bronzy-pink, orange and
yellow hues. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, the park can be crowded, but winter brings a quiet hush. Hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are popular. Always check road conditions, carry chains, and bring layered, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
Visalia, the largest city in Tulare County, retains its small-town charm. The city’s celebrated Main Street and downtown district feature public art, local shops and restaurants. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood invites exploration. A mix of historical and newly renovated spaces has made it Visalia’s epicenter since 1852. The Visalia Fox Theatre, a performing arts destination, opened in 1930 but closed in the 1990s. A community group restored the Spanish, Moorish, and Sri Lankan structure, and it reopened in 1999 to great fanfare.
The Darling Hotel, another 1930s marvel, is also centrally located downtown. Originally the Art Deco Tulare County Courthouse Annex, the building survived a 1952 earthquake. After periods of vacancy, it was revived as The Darling Hotel. The
32-room boutique hotel features rooftop dining at the Elderwood restaurant and lounge, with seasonal menus and scenic views.
For lodging, Visalia offers many options. The Wyndham Visalia caters to couples and families, is pet-friendly, and sits across from Plaza Park, which includes a bark park and kid-friendly activities. The seasonal Sequoia Shuttle picks up and drops off at the Wyndham and other locations throughout Visalia.
Dining options vary. Dimples Diner offers hearty plates — biscuits and gravy, waffles, pancakes, burgers and more. The Vintage Press, operating for more than 50 years, provides gourmet cuisine and elegant décor. Farm-to-fork dining often brings local farmers to the table.
A short day trip to Exeter is worthwhile. The town features an outdoor gallery of 30 murals that invite walking and exploration. Murals have helped define the town, according to Dwight Sabala, executive director of The Center for Art & Culture Exeter.
For more information go to visitvisalia.com.
Jug and Rose walk/run benefits Amador High Performing Arts
VOLCANO — Registration is open now for the 52nd annual Jug and Rose 7.7 Mile walk/ run. Runners, walkers and costumed characters will fill the streets of historical Volcano this fall for the
traditional event set for Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9 a.m. to benefit Amador High School’s performing arts department. The event, a tradition in the heart of the Mother Lode, goes on rain or shine and includes something for everyone — from a noncompetitive
stroll to a challenging run. The noncompetitive walk begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by the open walk at 9:30. Runners take off at 10.
Every participant will receive a ribbon and a commemorative shirt, while awards will be handed out to the top male and female runners, winners of the open walk and champions in each 10-year age division. Organizers also celebrate the spirit of the day with lighthearted prizes for categories such as youngest and oldest participants, farthest distance traveled, most Jug and Rose races completed, oldest race shirt and even best and worst dressed.
Local businesses across Amador County are also serving as sign-up locations, including Cooper Vineyards and Deaver Vineyards in the
Shenandoah Valley; Black Diamond Graphics in West Point; Choc-OLatte, Amador High Drama, the Amador County Recreation Agency and Underground MMA in Sutter Creek; Gordon Hill Flower Shop and JB’s Awards & Custom Apparel in Jackson; and Volcano Union Inn + Pub, Sizemore Country Store and BAKED in Amador in Volcano.
Whether competing for a medal, showing off an old race T-shirt or just walking for fun, organizers say the Jug and Rose has become less about speed and more about tradition. Registration is $25 through the week before the event, or $30 on race day. Entry forms are available through Amador High Performing Arts, 330 Spanish St., Sutter Creek, or by email at gturner@acusd.org.
ARC offers fall events for everyone
News release
he American River Conservancy invites community members of all ages to deepen their connection with nature through a diverse lineup of outdoor adventures, cultural programs and educational workshops.
Among the season’s highlights is a special collaboration with Placer Land Trust at the Wakamatsu Open Farm Day on Oct. 18, celebrating the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region. Additional featured events include a two-part book club
News release
exploring “Is a River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane, hands-on workshops covering herbal medicine, acorn processing, Japanese flower arranging (ikebana) and wild spice remedies. Attendees can also enjoy unique experiences such as a night of wine and stargazing, a poetry walk and an immersive GPS detox navigation class. All events require online registration and are subject to change. Please note that dogs are not permitted unless otherwise stated. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For a full schedule of events and to register visit ARConservancy.org/events.
SACRAMENTO — American River College is proud to announce the opening of its new Career Technical Education Building, a major step forward in preparing the region’s workforce for in-demand careers.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide hands-on training alongside academic support for students pursuing high-demand fields. Programs in the new CTE Building include automotive technology, design and engineering technology, energy, electrician trainee, electronics technology, funeral services education and welding technology.
The building also offers collaborative and creative spaces, including the Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation HomeBase, group and individual study areas, and an innovation space that integrates technical training with student support services.
“Through this facility, we are expanding opportunities for students and strengthening our partnerships with local industries,” said Dr. Lisa Cardoza, ARC president. “Our programs are designed with industry input to ensure students are gaining the skills employers need today and in the future.”
The new CTE Building reflects ARC’s commitment to career pathways that provide students access to modern tools, resources and instruction that align with the Sacramento region’s workforce needs. American River College’s 153-acre campus, located on the historical Cameron Ranch in suburban Sacramento, enrolls approximately 30,000 students each semester. The college’s mission focuses on inclusive, equitable education aimed at transforming the futures of students and the broader community.
To learn more about American River College and the new facility visit arc. losrios.edu.
Photo by Barbara L. Steinberg
The Sierra sequoias at Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest are the largest living organisms on the planet.
DAY HIKER
Yuba Rim Trail
— discover the beauty of Rice’s Crossing Preserve
The Bear Yuba Land Trust has once again provided an exceptional outdoor experience with the Yuba Rim Trail.
Located in Yuba County, the 2.3-mile trail climbs 750 feet to a view of the confluence of the North and Middle forks of the Yuba River.
While it takes some effort to glimpse the river far below, the expansive canyon views are more than enough reward. This moderate hike begins near Dobbins, not far from Bullards Bar Reservoir and Dam.
Trailhead and getting started
The trailhead is across the street from an old quarry with ample parking. A large sign marks the entrance, identifying it as part of the Rice’s Crossing Preserve. To begin, head out behind the boulders and take in the canyon
Local
News release
Nview on the left. The Yuba Rim Trail sign will be on the right—follow it into the woods for a shaded trek, ideal for summer hiking.
The trail experience
The initial section offers plenty of shade, making it a comfortable hike even on warmer days. The path passes through a cleared area beneath power lines before reentering denser woods. Soon, hikers cross a sturdy bridge over a creek and begin a climb with 10 switchbacks leading to an old logging road. The ascent may feel like the top has been reached more than once, but the trail continues, winding downhill along
EVADA CITY — Mary West, award-winning columnist, and author of the Day Hiker –Gold Country Trail Guides series, has been named the 2025 recipient of the John Skinner Sierra Outdoors Recreation Award by Bear Yuba Land Trust.
The award honors individuals for outstanding leadership and contributions in outdoor recreation and education, recognizing those whose efforts have strengthened local parks, preserves and community programs throughout Nevada County.
West, whose Day Hiker newspaper columns, and guidebooks inspire readers to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the Sierra foothills, was recognized for her advocacy of local trails and her ability to engage the community with nature.
“Through my Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guides series, my hope has always been to encourage people to discover the joy of hiking while deepening their connection to our region’s trails,” said West. “To be honored by Bear Yuba Land Trust for this work is truly humbling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
West will be recognized at BYLT’s Conservation Awards and Gratitude Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Miners Foundry.
In addition to her Day Hiker series, West has received multiple CRAFT Awards from the Outdoor
the canyon rim. A rocky outcropping rewards hikers with a sweeping view, particularly striking at sunset in winter months.
Flora, fauna and highlights
The elevation supports a mixed conifer forest that attracts numerous birds, making it a strong choice for bird watchers. The trail is also dog- and bikefriendly, appealing to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
Hikers should be aware the area is mountain lion and bear habitat. Staying alert, especially near dusk, is recommended. On a recent visit, a late start prompted a quicker pace and extra noise as daylight faded. During summer, snakes and poison oak are also common.
Directions to the trailhead
• Take Marysville Road off Highway 20.
• Look for the old quarry on the right; the trailhead is directly across on the left.
Tips for a safe hike
• Start early: Mornings offer cooler weather and avoid late-day wildlife encounters.
• Essentials: Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Trekking poles can help with switchbacks and elevation changes.
• Trail conditions: The route is well-maintained and marked, but poison oak and snakes may appear during warmer months.
Writers of California for her outdoor columns and books. She continues to be a leading voice in promoting healthy outdoor lifestyles and protecting local trail systems.
Directions recap
• Take Marysville Road off Highway 20, look for the old quarry on your right, and find the trailhead directly across on your left.
Have you hiked the Yuba Rim Trail?
Share photos using #DayHikerCA and tag @MaryWestHikes with your stories.
Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III
The Bear Yuba Land Trust, or BYLT, is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving the natural, cultural and agricultural heritage of California’s Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains. Since its founding, BYLT has permanently protected more than 26,000 acres across the Bear and Yuba river watersheds, while building and maintaining more than 50 miles of public trails for hiking, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Education and community engagement are central to BYLT’s mission. The organization offers guided hikes, volunteer programs and youth outreach, helping people connect with the land and understand the importance of conservation. BYLT also works with Indigenous communities to honor the ancestral homelands of the Nisenan and support tribal priorities.
Through land protection, stewardship and public programs, BYLT preserves the region’s natural and cultural resources while inviting the public to explore, enjoy and help sustain these landscapes for future generations.
For more information about Bear Yuba Land Trust and the John Skinner Sierra Outdoors Recreation Award visit bylt.org.
(second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California.
Enjoy Constitution Day celebration
News release
FAIR OAKS — The Constitution Discussion Groups of Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties will hold its Constitution Day Celebration on Sept. 21. The event, now in its third year, honors and reflects on the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
The celebration is set for noon to 4 p.m. at Fair Oaks VFW, 8990 Kruitof Way. The program includes discussions on key constitutional topics and opportunities for participants to engage and learn about the nation’s founding document.
“We are thrilled to host this nonpartisan event in commemoration of Constitution Day,” said Kaye Lynn Peterson, organizer of the Sacramento group. “It is a chance for our community to come together, learn from each other and reaffirm our commitment to the principles that shape our Constitutional Republic.”
For more information SacCDG.org or contact Peterson at kalypso1@protonmail. com.
School is in and scholarships are too: families can now claim CalKIDS scholarships
SACRAMENTO — With the new school year underway, Sacramento County students and families are being encouraged to claim funds through CalKIDS, California’s scholarship program for college and career training.
About three in five public school students in Sacramento County are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS scholarships, part of an $88 million investment already allocated to the region.
Launched in 2022 by the state and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS creates scholarship accounts for eligible students to expand access to higher education.
“Back-to-school is the perfect time to claim your CalKIDS scholarship,” California State Treasurer Fiona Ma said in a statement. “These funds aren’t just dollars — they’re an investment in our children’s dreams and in California’s future. Every child deserves both the belief and the support to make their dreams real.”
Eligibility
Sixty percent of Sacramento County public school students in grades 2–12 qualify for a $500
Turkeys
Continued from B1
Community support
Organizers said, the community that comes together highlights the heart of the Turkey Drive — neighbors joining forces to ensure no one is left out of this important holiday tradition. This year’s goal is 1,500 turkeys with a stretch goal of providing sides with the turkeys.
“My goal is that we can exceed that and maybe hit that $40,000 mark again and then use the rest of the funds to buy sides,” said King. “We are now trying to do a whole meal rather
CalKIDS scholarship. Students in foster care receive an additional $500, and students experiencing homelessness are eligible for another $500, for a total of up to $1,500.
How it works
CalKIDS scholarships can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and career training programs nationwide. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, books, supplies and computer equipment. Funds are invested until the student is ready to use them, which may allow them to grow over time.
“CalKIDS to me is an investment in my future,” said Richard Dayoan, a Sacramento City College student and CalKIDS recipient.
“My experience with CalKIDS has been eyeopening, especially when students are able to use the money for college and vocational school,” said Albert Legia, an educational specialist in Sacramento County. “CalKIDS can give students hope of having financial assistance to pursue higher education and vocational school.”
Research shows that children with even modest education savings are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to
than just a turkey. I have another business, Stretch Fab Works, that is stepping up and wants to try and participate in that side of it as well so I’m working on what that would look like cost wise and product wise working with my vendor so we’re still in the early stages of that but that would be the ultimate goal.”
Donations can be made at the register at King’s Meats, by check payable to “EDC Turkey Drive” at King’s Meats or the El Dorado Community Foundation, or online at bit.ly/EDCTurkeyDrive.
graduate.
Claiming a scholarship
Families can confirm eligibility and claim a scholarship online at CalKIDS.org. To get started, parents or guardians enter the child’s Statewide Student Identifier, a 10-digit number available through school portals, transcripts, report cards or directly from the school.
Once the account is claimed, funds can be used when the student enrolls in an accredited college, university, community college or career training program.
Next steps
California recently passed legislation requiring schools to share information about CalKIDS with students as they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.
More than 630,000 students and families statewide have already claimed their CalKIDS scholarships.
For more information, visit CalKIDS.org.
Mary West Outdoor columnist
Photo by Mary West
The views from the Yuba Rim Trail area are as beautiful as they are varied.
author recieves Outdoor Recreation Award
Intimate Evening with Shovels & Rope at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.
The Sofia in Sacramento presents Duo Quartet at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information
call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.
Sept. 20
Join the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for the California Native Plants
workshop. 9 a.m. to noon.
Discover how to evaluate your yard to establish a native landscape, how to select and maintain plants, how to group plants by water needs and, if you only have a small space,
the best native plants for containers. The course will take place at Placerville Veterans Memorial Hall. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=46404.
Join the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for the Gifts from the Garden and Kitchen workshop. 9 a.m. to noon. Get ideas for gifts you can give from your garden or kitchen as well as gift ideas for the gardener and the cook in your life. The course will take place at Cameron Park Community Center. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=45484.
Save the Graves will host a Headstone Cleaning at Placerville Union Cemetery from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information visit savethegraveseldorado.org.
Placerville Merchants on Main will host Octoberfest/Harvest Festival, 2-8 p.m. on Main Street with live music, contests and a family fun zone hosted by Ag in the Classroom. Green Room Social Club will host Island of Black & White + Born & Raised + Smokin Violets + Darth Mozart + Echo Summit will perform, 2-8 p.m. and Oktoberfest Harvest Party with Face Down + Cherisha Heart Band (Rock) at 7 p.m. For more information visit givebutter.
com/potickets.
Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, is having Brunch and Bubbles with chef Tara Martinez. Enjoy a Trip to Hawaii with tropical mimosas. Reservation times are 10 a.m. to noon or 1-3 p.m. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@ mirafloreswinery.com to make a reservation.
Nello Olivo Winery will host a Birthday party for the Grapefather from noon to 4 p.m. with a special menu and live music from Lilian Ghafari & Friends at the Camino Patio For more information visit nelloolivo. com.
Cynthia Renee Band will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Megan Moroney from 6:30-9 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl. com/yfvbt3xz.
Ed Wilson will play at The Vine in Folsom from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents Improv Classes with Luminous Linda from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more
information visit stageatburke. com.
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host EDH Summer Fest, 4-9:30 p.m. at Community Park with live music with a DJ, carnival games, rides and inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, beer and wine garden, food and dessert vendors, and more. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
