Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, May 29, 2024

HAT TOSS FINALE!

Celebrating their

Jaramishian

Eric

Sta writer

El Dorado County leaders unanimously and o cially approved the proposal to construct a permanent navigation center and homeless shelter near the county jail in Placerville.

The Board of Supervisors on May 21 directed sta to develop plans for a 1-acre lot at 300 Forni Road, adjacent to the jail, and to identify transitional housing to serve the unhoused community while developing the permanent center. The county has no transitional housing at

this time but does operate a temporary shelter on Fair Lane in Placerville.

The supervisors’ direction also includes holding meetings with city of Placerville o cials, businesses and residents near the site and other stakeholders to gather more insight as to how to mitigate potential impacts.

Though sta will immediately begin their work, actual construction will take some time. Development of the navigation center cannot start until the Placerville jail expansion project

reason at this time the vehicle veered o the roadway, struck a tree and rolled, according to California Highway Patrol reports. The truck’s passengers, a 40-year-old man and a 7-year-old girl, su ered major injuries. One victim was transported to Marshall Hospital via ambulance and the

successful journey through high school and the futures ahead of them, El Dorado High School graduates, above, hurled their hats high at the end of the graduation ceremony on May 23. Oak Ridge High School graduate and professional show-off Bryson Elliot, right, performs a backflip on the stage ramp and expertly sticks the landing during graduation on May 24.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mark Soto, 61, of Placerville uses a cell phone to photograph the T-6 Texan Warbird aircraft as they fly westward over the El Dorado County Veterans Monument during the National Anthem at Memorial Day ceremonies. Soto said his two sons are enlisted, one in the U.S. Marine Corps and the other in the U.S. Army. The aircraft returned later in the “missing man” formation where one pilot breaks from the group and flies west. Leading the flight is pilot Chuck Wahl, followed by Jim Eberhardt, Terry Tarditti and Jim Booth.

Photo by Shelly Thorene

ESSENTIALS

Peter Herman Ludwig Messimore

July 17, 1961 – April 21, 2024

Peter Herman Ludwig Wilhelm Messimore passed away April 21, 2024, at the age of 62, in Rocky Point, Oregon. He was born July 17, 1961, in San Mateo, California, to Peter and Gloria (Menner) Dorbandt. He leaves behind sister Renee Pew. For a complete obituary, please visit ohairwards.com.

Larry Bassham

Feb. 26, 1936 – May 3, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Larry Bassham announce his passing on May 3, 2024, at the age of 88, in Folsom, California. Larry was known by family and friends as a family man, storyteller, advisor, thoughtful and always eager to help.

Larry was born on February 26, 1936, in Sacramento, CA to Sacramento natives Al and Nadine Bassham in Land Park. While attending McClatchy High School Larry worked as a Soda Jerk at Vic’s Ice cream just down the street from the family home and graduated in 1954. Shortly after graduation, Larry was going to enlist in the Navy and with the recommendation from the president, he joined the Navy Reserves as aerospace engineers were needed. He attended the University of California, Berkley where he earned a Mechanical Engineering degree. While Larry was in school, he worked surveying Bridges for the State of California and was a member of the Theta XI Fraternity. In 1980, while working at Aerojet, Larry graduated from Golden Gate University with a master’s in business.

After graduating from U.C. Berkley, Larry joined Aerojet General Corp. in 1959. While working at Aerojet Larry met Donna, a secretary for his team in 1960, and they married in 1962. While Donna was pregnant with their Second Child, they purchased a home in Crown Village El Dorado Hills in 1965, the first family in that neighborhood. In 1985 Larry helped design and manage the building of their trilevel home overlooking Folsom Lake in Marina Village El Dorado Hills.

Graduation from Berkley made Larry a prime engineering resource at Aerojet. He was destined to work up through the ranks from Advanced Research and Engineering Design to Marketing. During Larry’s early career at Aerojet, he worked on many state-of-the-art rocket programs including the Saturn V and Apollo programs. In 1974, Aerojet was awarded the Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) storable propellant engine, and Larry was heavily involved in the design.

In 1984, President Reagan created the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) programs, aka ‘StarWars’ to develop a missile defense system to protect the U.S. from attack by ballistic strategic nuclear missiles. Larry was selected as a program manager to develop SDI program propulsion systems and was later promoted to Program Director of all SDI programs. He was recognized as an industry expert on many propulsion technologies. Larry was Aerojet’s most visible propulsion researcher and presented technical papers at many international symposia. He was well known in Space Defense o ces in Huntsville, and the Washington Department of Defense O ces. Amongst the many unique defense systems that Larry lead was the ExoAtmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), High EndoAtmospheric Defense Interceptor (HEDI), and Gelled Propellants and throttleable solid rocket motor technologies. When the cold war with the Soviet Union ended in 1991, most of these programs were terminated. The EKV program was spared with the throttleable solid rocket motor technology and is currently known as the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI). Throughout his career at Aerojet, Larry was recognized for his creative talents and marketing skills. He mentored many engineers to successful leadership roles at Aerojet and was known for his calm, yet highly influential demeanor.

Throughout Larry’s long career and into retirement Larry had a love for travel and golf. Some of Larry’s favorite destinations include England, Scotland, Europe, China, Africa and Japan. His love for golf started at El Dorado Hills Golf Course in the ‘60s and continued to Cameron Park Country Club in the ‘80s till today. His passion brought him to Volunteering at the famous 17th hole in Tahoe overlooking the lake at the Celebrity Golf Tournament and the AT&T tournament in Monterey.

Larry would call El Dorado Hills home along with Tahoe and Yosemite as he would spend time in all 3 every year from the early ‘70s till today. While living in El Dorado Hills, Larry was devoted to the community and family, volunteering time with Boy Scouts during his sons’ childhood and later volunteering at Hills Church. Additionally, he volunteered at the Sacramento Jazz Festival and Breast Cancer walk.

Dev oted husband and father of three, Larry is survived by his wife Donna, of 62 years and his two sons, Kevin and Sean. He is also survived by six wonderful grandchildren who call him “Papa”, Brittany, Brianna, Brandy, Debbie, Dean and Colton, plus two great grandchildren Amelia and Jameson. Larry is preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie, in 1980. Memorial service will be 10 am, June 1, 2024, at Millers Funeral home Folsom, CA. An “Open House”, celebration of life will be at the family home in El Dorado Hills. Any questions, stories or pictures can be sent to lbasshammemories@gmail.com.

Roger Alan Stutts

Aug. 19, 1948 – May 9, 2024

The most important human being we called husband, daddy, pop-pop, cousin, nephew, honorary uncle, buddy, and colleague is now resting in peace having passed at UC Davis Medical Center. He had two loves – his family and friends, and the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Forest Genetics (IFG) where he dedicated 40 years in the field studying and documenting pine trees, achieving “clipboard” Resource Manager status before retiring in 2008.

Roger Stutts was a literal stand out. Occupying five-foot eighteen inches (his favorite retort when asked “How tall are you?”), he towered in height, but lifted everyone he met with his gentleness, hearty laugh, and easy nature. His blue eyes always sparkled with love, mischief, and possibility. He never knew a stranger and flowed memorably into the company of anyone he met. Dedicated to helping others over a 28-year period, he proudly achieved his goal of donating over 50 gallons of blood, platelets, and plasma with BloodSource. An active member of his El Dorado High School Class of ‘66 reunion committee, he enjoyed monthly classmate lunches.

If there was a backroad, he’d find it, taking himself and later three restless kids on infamous “Dad Tours” or woodcutting adventures in his ‘77 Chevy. He always enjoyed family gatherings, great food, a cold beer, a blended margarita with a salted rim, and a glass or two of wine. He watched with pride as his kids excelled in volleyball, baseball, advanced art, and college and military graduation achievements. More recently, he even climbed bleachers to watch his granddaughters’ sporting events.

He was a Yankees and Raiders fan and loved sitting down to a game over a big bowl of popcorn and Pepsi. Later, with his sweetheart Lauri and wife of 50 years, it became a Friday night movie tradition with the addition of hot fudge sundaes! Beginning with his high school woodshop skills, he further broadened his knowledge of woodworking and carpentry. In 1986, his skilled hands built his family’s house, still called home to this day. He could always find a way to fix, build, and solve anything.

Louisiana born, California raised in Smith Flat, Roger loved living in Placerville for over 70 years. Thankfully, he grew up before there was video evidence of youthful indiscretions, like his “wanting to see the speedometer needle disappear” on Highway 50 in his beloved ’67 Chevelle Super Sport (nearly thrown into jail over that one)! In his older and wiser years, he was an informal member of the “city council,” spending many Sunday mornings over co ee with “like” members at Chuck’s or the Wa e House. During his IFG era, Roger planted thousands upon thousands of trees across California and Oregon, having the distinction of overseeing the most trees planted at one site/one season in the history of IFG. He proudly led the State Capitol Christmas tree selection for several years and brought his “tall family” to meet governors Davis and Schwarzenegger for the ceremonies. He was featured on the show California Gold with Huell Howser, where he highlighted IFG supplying seeds to an Apollo astronaut to travel to space and back for scientific evaluation. Once returned to IFG, the seeds were propagated and became known as the “moon” trees. He loved his work, especially the camaraderie amongst IFG scientists and sta , tree climbing in the earlier years, nursery and plantation development and data recording, and travel within the United States and Mexico. It was never a job to him, except when things went digital. He was also known for his hat collection which wrapped several times around his o ce ceiling! After retirement, Roger established his Forest Services business and was contracted in 2016 to evaluate the health and site needs of several IFG research plantations in northern California and Oregon. He was grateful to see these amazing plantations once again after so many years.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents Clara Laverne Stutts and John Jesse Stutts, Jr., and motherin-law, Happy Wallace. He is survived by his wife Lauri Stutts and his children Courtney Zuke, husband JT and stepdaughter Savannah; Sharon Durand, husband Mike and daughters Emma and Bailey; and Michael Stutts and daughter Amelia.

Heartfelt thanks to Oakmont of Folsom, Marshall Medical (Dr. Galang), and the UC Davis Medical Center Neurology Unit who cared for him in his final weeks. Private family graveside services will be held with a celebration of life for family and friends to follow.

Now, when you hear the wind playing through the pines, think of him...standing forever tall amongst the trees.

Kathleen A. Slater

Oct 22, 1952 - May 8, 2024

I write this with a heavy heart. My life partner and wife of fifty years has lost her two and a half year battle against cancer. Besides me, her husband Bob, she leaves behind a son, Josh (Melissa) and grandson Mason. Survived by her brother Ken (Carol), preceded in death by her father Herman, Mother Alice and brother Albert. A youth coach, Aerobics Instructor, Secretary & Bookkeeper.

A special thanks to the people at Marshalls Oncology Center in Cameron Park for their e orts. Also to Snowline Hospice for their tender care over the last three months.

May my love rest in peace. Services were private.

Larry Rumble

June 4, 1951 – Nov. 10, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry Robert Rumble. He passed away on November 10, 2023 in Thailand while on a trip of a lifetime with his brother, Steve. Larry was 72 years old.

Larry grew up in Southern California and was often heard bragging that he was a second generation native Californian. He enlisted in the Navy Construction Battalion after graduating highschool. Upon returning home, he joined the Steamfitters Apprenticeship and became a very sought after and talented welder. Larry and his family built a home on acreage in El Dorado County su cient for dairy goats, horses, bunnies, cats, dogs, chickens, and guinea pigs. Life on the ranch suited him well. Later Larry moved to Davis, California-inviting no pets!!Later on in life, sailing became quite a passion for Larry as he and his son Chris purchased a sailboat together. Many hours were spent sailing and enjoying time together on the boat. As a grandfather, Larry just couldn’t do enough to be involved in his granddaughter and grandson’s life. He loved picking JT up from school, and taking Abby to Taylor Swift concerts. He was a huge supporter of the preschool Kelly and Whalley built, and was always available to ‘direct’ the work parties at their house. Family was very important to Larry. Larry was always willing to give new things a try. He was well known for his jovial and large personality, his quick witted humor, and the ability to break out in song at a moment’s notice. Larry is survived by his children Kelly and Chris, his grandchildren Abby and JT, his brother Steve, his ex-wife and good friend Cathy, and loving family members. A Celebration of Life will be held at Slide Hill Park, 2850 Temple Drive, in Davis, California on June 22nd at 10am. All are welcome to join in honoring Larry, sharing stories, and remembering all the happy moments spent with Larry during his life. Please RSVP or send questions to larryrumblesfamily@gmail.com

CONTACT

622-1255 / Fax:

622-7894 Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255 PUBLISHER Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net

EDITORIAL STAFF

Noel Stack Editor

530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor

530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer 530-344-5063 / eric@mtdemocrat.com

Odin Rasco Staff writer

530-344-5062 / odin@mtdemocrat.com

Malachi Parker Staff writer Malachi@mtdemocrat.com

GRAPHICS

Letty Bejarano-Carvajal Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net Click “Staff

John Kinnick Brideson

June 10, 1935 – April 17, 2024

John Kinnick Brideson was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 10, 1935 to Everett Lyman Brideson and Gertrude Kinnick Brideson He spent his younger years in Bayard, Iowa and moved to Sacramento, California at age 11. He passed away at the age of 88 on April 17, 2024 in El Dorado Hills, California. John is predeceased by his sister, Jeanette Brideson Shapley, son, Mark K. Brideson (Amy), granddaughter Sara R. Brideson and stepson Eric W. Yost.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Karen Lynne Brideson, his son, Matthew Brideson (Eric), stepson Robert G. Yost, grandson Eric M. Yost (Katie), granddaughter Cynthia N. Brideson, granddaughter Ashlyn K. Nichols, great granddaughter Kylie Peyton Yost and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was an active member of his beloved community and charitable organization volunteer, and a lifelong athlete. He graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School and UC Berkeley. John was an Insurance Broker for many years. After he retired, he became a master wood craftsman. He served in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years and retired as a Commander.

Services will be held at Park Community Church, 3901 Wild Chaparral Drive, Shingle Springs, CA on Saturday, June 8, 11:30 am. Donations can be made in John’s honor to Park Community Church.

Joann D. Ricks

April 20, 1937 – May 15, 2024

Joann Ricks passed away peacefully at home in Diamond Springs, CA. Born in Bell, CA, her family moved to Oregon City, OR when she was seven where they operated a small farm.

She graduated from Oregon City high school in 1954, shortly thereafter she returned to California and attended college in Santa Monica.

After college she moved to Pollock Pines, CA where her parents had built a mobile home park. She took a job with local laborers union in 1958, which is where she met her husband Wayne Ricks.

In 1962 she took a job with the state, working at the EDD office in Placerville, where she retired from in 1997.

After retirement she devoted a lot of her time to the Pollock Pines Community Center and the Pleasant Valley Grange. She loved playing bingo and became quite the Nascar fan.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Ruth Olson, her husband Wayne Ricks, her brother Jeff Olson, two sisters Judi Slater and Janet Jones and grandson Michael Bergstrom.

She is survived by three daughters, Sue Bergstrom, Debbie Pebley and Teresa (Andre) Derieux, her brother John Olson, six grandchildren, Kevin Bergstrom, Ashley Johnson, Travis Pebley and Brandon, Daren and Tyler Derieux, nine great grandchildren, Nathan and Ian Bergstrom, Kyrie and Mia Johnson, Harper, Talen, Finn and Max Derieux and Lyla Mae Pebley.

A Celebration of life to be determined at a later date.

Wreck

Continued from A1 other life-flighted to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment. Their conditions are unknown at this time. All victims were wearing seatbelts and airbags did deploy, CHP o cials confirmed. The man and both children are from Pollock Pines, according to the accident report. Their names have not been released.

Gloria Tong (Varozza)

April 11, 1949 - April 28, 2024

Gloria was the youngest of nine children born in the home of her parents Alice Marie (Moore) Varozza and William James Varozza in Latrobe California. Her love of ranching and animals never weakened as she showed her horse in 4-H through childhood and spent every free moment outside working and playing on the ranch. She loved fast cars and her pride and joy was her Roadrunner. She worked hard to complete Cosmetology School and opened her own hair salon in Shingle Springs. She married Arthur David Tong March 17, 1973, and continued to manage the salon until she chose to raise her children on the Tong Ranch in Clarksville, CA. With her sister Mary Lou as endless support and encouragement she worked hard to build the ranch and raise her daughters Shamarie and April. After her divorce Gloria moved to her property in Latrobe CA. She then turned a blank canvas into a warm and loving home and ranch. She started a herd of beef cattle and added longhorns to the mix later. She also raised registered Quarter Horses and miniature horses.

Gloria enjoyed riding horses, working on the ranch and gardening. No one could miss her teapot collection! She loved relaxing in a swing watching her peacocks, bunnies, chickens, dogs and cats. Her greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughters Hannah and Ruby. She loved watching them grow up and learn to love the animals, riding and the ranching lifestyle that she loved so much. Gloria enjoyed being a member of the Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento Cattlewomen, Lifetime Member of the AQHA as well as other Horse Clubs and The Red Hat Society. She enjoyed her friends and was always there to lend a hand when anyone needed some help.

Gloria was called home to be with the Lord April 28, 2024. Gloria is survived by her Daughters Shamarie Tong and April Kelley, Son-in-Law Zack Kelley, Granddaughters Hannah Rose Kelley and Ruby Jo Kelley, Sister Jacqueline (Varozza) Fox and brothers Robert Varozza and Wayne Varozza and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to count.

Friends are invited to attend services June 1st at 3:00 PM with a reception immediately following. Gloria loved salads at potlucks so if you plan to attend, please bring your favorite salad (potato, pasta, green, broccoli, Jello, etc). For additional information you may call 916-806-0807. Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 739, Shingle Springs, CA 95682

Forest education event coming to Placerville

Odin Rasco Sta writer

A new program crafted by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources will complete its inaugural run with an event in Placerville June 1, providing a day full of courses covering a wide array of forest-related topics.

UC ANR’s California Tree School is an opportunity for forest landowners, natural resource professionals and community members to learn or reinforce their knowledge of forest stewardship and wildfire resiliency, according to Forest Stewardship Communications Specialist Grace Dean. The program, set to take place at the Folsom Lake College El Dorado Center (6699 Campus Drive, Placerville) is a one-day series of crash courses on various topics related to forest stewardship; the event is meant to appeal to forest landowners, land managers and tree-lovers alike.

More than 20 classes are on o er at Tree School, including special courses o ered only at the

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Stay up to date with a subscription to the MD website: mtdemocrat.com. Call (530) 622-1255.

Emergency crews from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District, Cal Fire – El Dorado/ Amador Unit, CHP and the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce responded to the scene just after 2 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 27. CHP o cer Trevor Gossett is investigating the collision.

Armed man arrested after gas station scare

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

El Dorado County sheriff’s officials said deputies arrested a man accused of pointing a loaded shotgun at a customer at a Chevron gas station in Fresh Pond, east of Pollock Pines, late Saturday afternoon.

Online records show the suspect, 69-year-old Robert Brewster from Fresh Pond, is in custody at the El Dorado County Jail in Placerville and is charged with felony gun-related charges. No one was harmed in the incident.

EDSO and California Highway Patrol got a call around 4:10 p.m. May 25 that a man entered the Chevron and pointed a loaded shotgun at one of

the customers, according to a press release. EDSO confirmed all employees and customers left the store “quickly and safely.”

Officers made contact with the man, who EDSO later identified as Brewster, after arriving on the scene. He exited the store and peacefully surrendered to law enforcement.

Brewster faces multiple charges, including assault with a firearm on a person, trespassing a residence with intent to execute threats of serious bodily injury, carrying a loaded firearm in public under specific circumstances and carrying a handgun not registered to him and for resisting/obstructing peace officers performing their official duties. His bail is listed at $213,000. No other information was provided.

Hit-and-run investigation leads to arrest

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

A week-long investigation into a hit-and-run incident in Cameron Park led to the arrest of 57-year-old Jon Martin Jank Thursday, according to the California Highway Patrol Placerville division. Janke of Cameron Park was arrested on charges relating to a felony hit-and-run causing injuries, a probation violation and tampering with an ignition interlock device. His vehicle, a Ford truck, was impounded and he was booked into El Dorado County jail but has since been released on $87,000 bail, online incarceration records show.

Janke is suspected of colliding with a 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle on Oxford Road at Cameron Park Drive on May 12. The motorcycle’s passengers,

whose names were not released, were identified as a 56-year-old man and 57-year-old woman, both from Shingle Springs.

CHP officials say as the party riding the motorcycle made a left turn northbound onto Cameron Park Drive from Oxford Road, Janke’s vehicle struck the motorcycle at the intersection and he then fled the scene. The Shingle Springs residents sustained major injuries, CHP officials added.

The investigation included an extensive search, including gathering video evidence, a multineighborhood search and the assistance of the CHP Investigative Services Unit.

CHP continues to investigate the incident and requests any witnesses to contact Officer Chris Husse at (530) 748-2450.

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco Joseph

left photo, a now-retired 25-year member of the United States Coast Guard holds one of the hundreds of flags he and other local volunteers placed at the graves of veterans. Volunteers have been placing the flags for Memorial Day in Placerville for decades; Connolly’s father-in-law Donald Morgan, a Vietnam veteran, was involved in the tradition for more than 40 years before taking a step back this year. Connolly made special note of two of the graves in the Placerville Union Cemetery on Bee Street he had planted flags at, right photo, saying they exemplified why he, the VFW and Save the Graves place flags every Memorial Day. Paul and James Ticksman, both from Placerville, both died in 1943 while fighting in World War II in two different branches of the military.

Courtesy photo

An El Dorado County sheriff’s officials surround a gas station in Fresh Pond after responding to a call that an armed man was inside Saturday afternoon.

Smoke covered 70% of California during biggest wildfire years

Kat Kerlin UC Davis

As much as 70% of California was covered by wildfire smoke during parts of 2020 and 2021, according to a study from the University of California, Davis. The study, recently published in the journal Communications: Earth & Environment, combined lake-based sensors with satellite imagery to find that maximum smoke cover has increased by about 116,000 square miles since 2006.

The study measured lake responses to wildfire smoke in 2018, 2020 and 2021 — the three largest fire seasons on record in California. It found the lakes were exposed on average to 33 days of high-density smoke between July and October, with August and September having the highest number of smoky days.

The extent of wildfire in California has quintupled since the 1970s, the study notes. Yet little is known about the impact of smoke on lake ecosystems.

“We’re looking at a scenario where for the next 100 years or longer, smoke will be a feature on the landscape,” said senior author Steven Sadro, a UC Davis limnologist and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. “What does that mean for fundamental ecology? What are the implications of those changes? Those are the big questions we’re focused on in aquatic systems.”

Science and serendipity

Answering those questions requires a bit of serendipity. Scientific instrumentation needs to be present in lakes when and where wildfire smoke occurs to measure effects.

As smoke settled over the state throughout the three main study years, scientific sensors in 10 lakes were taking note of the changes.

The lakes spanned a gradient of California landscapes, from cold mountain lakes to murky warmer waters. They stretched from Castle Lake in the Klamath Mountains, to Lake Tahoe and Emerald Lake in the southern Sierra Nevada, Clear Lake in the Coast Range, and a site in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

“We were measuring things like temperature, light and oxygen in the water,” said lead author Adrianne Smits, a research scientist in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy. “These are all components of lake productivity and health. We were interested in how those things change under smoky conditions.”

The scientists hypothesized that smoke and ash would “dim the lights,” affecting rates of photosynthesis and respiration of the lake’s plant and aquatic life — the foundation of healthy lake ecosystems.

Changed by smoke

The study verified that wildfire smoke does change light, water temperature and oxygen in lakes — the basic drivers of lake function and health — but those changes are as variable as the unique lakes studied.

Smits said there is no one answer to how wildfire smoke impacts lakes other than, “It depends.” Lake size, depth, smoke cover, nutrient levels and more dictate how a lake responds to the changes. But lakes are changing.

“We’re seeing changes — often decreases — in photosynthesis and respiration rates that drive almost everything else,” said Smits. “Food webs, algal growth, the ability to emit or sequester carbon — those are dependent on these rates. They’re all related, and they’re all being changed by smoke.”

This points to the need for more research to understand how the scale, scope and intensity of recent and future wildfires affect lake ecosystems.

“We need to reframe how we’re thinking about wildfire smoke — as a seasonal weather phenomenon and not just an ‘event’ that happens and goes away,” said Smits. “We think about it for our health, but we should be thinking about it for ecosystem health, as well.”

Co-authoring institutions include the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center; UC Davis Land, Air and Water Resources; University of Nevada-Reno; and Universidad Nacional del Sur in Argentina.

The study was funded through a grant for Rapid Response Research by the National Science Foundation.

education Continued from A3

Placerville event, with participants able to register to attend four hourand-a-half-long classes throughout the day. Courses include Forest Pathology and Invasive Species, Residential Pile Burning, Defensible Space and Home Hardening, Painting Forest Prayer Flags and many more.

“There’s something for the whole family,” Post-Fire Resilience Education Coordinator and co-creator of the event Katie Reidy explained. “Some people may want to know how to help, even if they don’t own land, and we love the model having something for everybody. We brainstormed possible classes to put together a catalog that gives participants a ‘choose your own adventure’ approach.”

The classes are led by experts in the field, including instructors from the University of California Cooperative Extension, Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and California Resource Conservation Districts. The California Tree School project is inspired by and modeled on a long-running program held yearly by Oregon State University, according to Reidy, who said she was “thrilled to have a chance to bring it to [her] home county.”

UC ANR’s mission is serving as a kind of bridge between the high-level

COMICS

science done at state universities and bringing those discoveries to communities, according to Reidy. Tree School is a new approach to achieving that goal, serving as an educational tool and networking event at once.

“We’re really bringing this expert-level science to the people and broadening our reach to the community,” Reidy explained.

For its first year, Tree School is scheduled to hold two sessions; prior to the upcoming event in Placerville, one was held in Ukiah in early May, where a rainy day did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm or turnout of participants. Registration for the El Dorado Session is still open; the day includes a catered lunch and refreshments, four classes and a lunchtime exhibitor fair where participants can engage with regional natural resource organizations. More information about California Tree School can be found at ucanr.edu/sites/forestry/ Stewardship/CATreeSchool. Those interested in participating can enroll at bit.ly/EDTreeSchool24; enrollment costs $70, but financial assistance is available. People interested in financial assistance are encouraged to contact Kim Ingram at kcingram@ ucanr.edu.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Historians know what happened already. Visionaries see what hasn’t happened, and perhaps never will. It’s better to be a learner than to be learned. Futurists predict. You’ll find your lane in time and bring imagination to your knowledge of the past.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll respectfully disagree without hurting anyone’s pride. You’ll show vulnerability when it’s right. At first, these don’t seem like the power moves they are, but when they make a difference, you’ll feel it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll advance past obstacles and find freedom by being open-hearted. Of course, being kind and wise requires more than just an open heart; it demands social skills, and you have those as well, to an enviable degree.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Knowing someone’s inner world, their pains, desires and quirks, is the cornerstone of meaningful connection. It’s not just pragmatic; it’s essential for navigating life’s significant decisions and interactions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). To get what you want is a thrill. To discover you want what you have is less of a charge upfront and more of a steady stream of satisfaction. You may feel the most alive when you want nothing at all.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One of your many strengths now is in gathering information in an intuitive and conversational way. It’s like you just know what to ask. Wherever possible, participate in groups, even if you

have to initiate and organize them yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll be busy making sure that what you do has enormous value to someone. It that someone is you, it counts, too -- maybe even more today. You’re the one who is the best at keeping yourself happy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Sometimes dream teams just happen, but more often they are assembled. New alliances are exciting because you never know what you’ll be able to accomplish with a particular lineup of talents and interests. Experiment in this regard.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Ultimately, you’ll give what others need and be paid well for the contribution. Teaching is the best way to learn. When you try to show someone how to do a thing, you’ll learn what’s necessary for your own mastery.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Instead of wishing for a superficial improvement, you’ll wish for an essential elevation that will lift and build everything around you. Once you tweak your vision, you will have no conflict. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Expectation and assumption, the close cousin of expectation, will change your understanding of reality. This adventure goes better when you leave

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

HOROSCOPE by Holiday Mathis

SUDOKU

Forest

File photo

A webcam at Leek Springs shows the Caldor Fire smoke plume over El Dorado County when the blaze struck in summer 2021.

OPINION

California Matters

State Supreme Court weighs two cases that could limit the ballot initiative process

Seven years ago California’s Supreme Court declared broad support for the historical right of voters to make law through the initiative process.

Ruling in a case dubbed “Upland,” the court said that while governments are subject to voter-approved constitutional restraints on raising taxes, tax increases proposed via initiative need only simple majority votes for enactment. But the decision embraced much more than taxation.

Letters to the Editor

Terrorists supporting terrorists

EDITOR:

Universities across our country have been shut down because supporters of Hamas have stormed buildings, taken people hostage and beat Jewish students. These thugs, many who aren’t even students, wear Ke yehs, a scarf, to stand in solidarity with Hamas.

The administrations of various colleges won’t allow access to Jewish professors because it will upset the rioters.

Muslim terrorist groups throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East? They all wear Ke yehs. How about them?

Or the state sponsors of terror, Sudan, Syria and Iran. Every group and country are Muslim and wear Ke yehs. They also have something else in common besides raping and murdering women and children around the world. They all demand the annihilation of Israel and the United States.

SUMMARY

Citing other cases about the initiative process in the 5-2 decision, Associate Justice MarianoFlorentino Cuéllar wrote, “Whether the context involves taxation or not, all of these cases underscore how courts preserve and liberally construe the public’s statewide and local initiative power. Indeed, we resolve doubts about the scope of the initiative power in its favor whenever possible and we narrowly construe provisions that would burden or limit the exercise of that power.”

Ever since the 2017 Upland ruling, California has seen a flurry of tax increases placed on the ballot via initiative, many sponsored by public employee unions. Needing only simple majority approval, the vast majority passed. In 2020 the Supreme Court explicitly upheld their validity by refusing to consider challenges to them.

Will California’s Supreme Court continue to endorse fairly unfettered use of the initiative process to raise taxes or allow an initiate that could tighten up the rules?

Inevitably, there was a backlash. California Business Roundtable and anti-tax groups such as the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are sponsoring a November ballot measure that would impose or restore state constitution restrictions on taxation. Among other things, it would overturn the Upland decision by requiring local taxes to garner two-thirds voter approval, even if proposed via initiative.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are leading a counter-backlash, asking the Supreme Court to declare the measure a constitutional

The

About a month ago I remarked that part of the government’s push for electric vehicles is selling their performance or, more precisely, their acceleration. Since Tom McCahill invented 0-60 mph acceleration as an automotive performance benchmark in 1947, being quickest from 0-60 mph has been a key performance bragging right and enabler of a driver to be king of the tra c light grand prix.

Motor Trend Automotive Magazine recently published its lead story on the new $250,000, 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire, a brand I wrote about that is “only” losing about $400,000 a vehicle. The company sold about 6,000 Lucids last year at $90,000-

But I have to ask the rioters in our country: what is their stance regarding other Muslim terrorist groups who wear Ke yehs? For instance, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the West Bank who chant from the river to the sea just like our leftist college students and their Democrat representatives do. Or Boko Haram in Central Africa. Why don’t the leftist college professors and Congresspeople take issue with Nigeria, which is in a civil war with this organization, or does the rioter’s Ke yeh represent that terrorist organization also?

What about the other Muslim terror organizations? ASG in Philippines, Taliban in Afghanistan, ABM in Egypt or all the other

That’s what our universities have been doing, indoctrinating students to be antisemitic and hate our country to the point that Democrats, faculty and students take the side of a radical religious ideology. It doesn’t mater to these people that these groups would happily summarily execute everyone of them.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend right? Dead wrong in this case.

These fanatical groups and fanatical countries are citing the riots in our streets, bolstering their resolve and citing all the people in our country who support their cause. This is the first step in the destruction of our society. Our educational system has turned our own children into terrorists supporting terrorists.

150,000 apiece. How many would it sell at $650,000 so as not to lose money? You could say Ford did great last quarter losing $132,000 each of the 10,000 EVs it sold.

The lead headline in Motor Trend read “2024

Lucid Air Sapphire First Test: Quickest Quarter-Mile car we’ve ever tested?” The vehicle went even faster in some runs (standing start half-mile) than the much less expensive (about $110,000) Tesla S Plaid. But it tied the Plaid for the quarter-mile time and lost by a tenth of a second in the 0-60 mph time (2.2 seconds). The times were all obtained with sophisticated electronic controls and allowing the computer and battery about 15 minutes time to reprogram itself to accomplish the eyeball

flattening acceleration.

A quick calculation done in my head says the battery would be capable of about 30 runs before a zero-charge state. It would, however, go into limphome mode after about three runs as the battery draw would be roughly 900 kW, causing a battery overheating issue. Its three motors combine for about 1,234 horses. That is almost the stable capacity of Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. Nearly every car made today has superior performance. Even a new Prius goes 0-60 mph in about eight seconds, besting the fastest muscle car of 1956, the 340 hp Chrysler 300B, by almost a second. How many times have you done a 0-60 mph

run? I’ll bet the number is less than 10. Any eight-second 0-60 mph car today (which includes about every production automobile and pickup) has outstanding performance for any road condition or freeway on ramp. I’m not saying I do not like fast cars. I do and I have owned plenty of fast cars, some being capable of 0-60 mph at a comparative snail’s pace of five seconds and my current driver today is perhaps a bit lame with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. And, yes, I’ve tested about every ride I have owned, except for my motorcycles. I took the editors of Motorcycle Consumer News and other motorcycle magazines’ word

OK, so the Tesla Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire goes 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds. So, what? Am I going to the drag strip or racetrack? I do not think my insurance company would appreciate that. ■

KEN STEERS Cameron Park

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A6 revision rather than a constitutional amendment and, thus, legally cannot be proposed by the initiative process.

Fundamentally, the case poses the same underlying issue as the Upland case: What, if any, constraints should be placed on using the initiative process to make changes in law — even the state Constitution?

The issue was repeatedly mentioned in several forms, particularly by Justice Goodwin Liu, during oral arguments earlier this month. At one point, Liu pondered whether giving voters more authority over state taxes would create a fourth branch of government.

“Doesn’t this measure essentially shift us from a republican form of government far more strongly towards a direct democracy, given how fundamental the taxing power is?” Liu asked.

The Supreme Court has until June 27 to declare whether the Business Roundtable measure will appear on the ballot, or is a constitutional revision that cannot be proposed by initiative.

It is, however, not the only pending Supreme Court case over use of the initiative process.

Last week the court heard oral arguments over Proposition 22, the 2020 ballot measure, sponsored by Uber, Lyft and other companies, to

exempt themselves from Assembly Bill 5, a highly contentious 2019 state law aimed at strictly limiting or prohibiting the use of contract workers.

Prop. 22 opponents contend that, by allowing “gig” workers, the measure unconstitutionally undermines the Legislature’s authority over workers’ compensation, the state’s system of supporting employees who su er job-related illnesses and injuries.

Justice Liu once again mused over the limits, if any, on use of the initiative process, saying there is “still ambiguity there.”

“Does that mean voters cannot act in this field (workers’ compensation) whatsoever,” Liu asked lawyers for both sides.

Given the leftward leanings of the Legislature, business interests are increasingly using the initiative process to counter what they regard as regulatory overreach and burdensome taxes and fees.

Decisions on the two pending cases will reveal whether the court continues to endorse fairly unfettered use of the process, as it did in the Upland case, or tighten restrictions on how it’s employed.

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

for it. OK, so the Tesla Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire goes 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds. So, what? Am I going to the drag strip or racetrack? I do not think my insurance company would appreciate that. And say I was to do a track day at Laguna Seca with the Lucid. How many 2.2-mile circuits could I do before the battery overheated? Five or 10? Then I would be done for the day. I could not drive it to the track as it would need a charge upon arrival and several during the day. While EVs may be quick, how usable is the quickness? The point being not very unless the driver is insecure or lacks selfesteem.

In normal driving, even spirited driving, the Lucid and the Tesla are very nice cars to drive but so is a late model Toyota Camry, Chrysler 300C, an Infiniti G37 or Genesis G70. In fact, those vehicles are spectacular cars to drive (certainly the last three) and their utility is significantly greater while their cost to own is significantly lower by a factor of five or more in the case of the Lucid. And none of them come with the standard equipment of an EV, which includes range, refueling and now (cold) temperature anxiety.

I can see the Lucid advertising campaign. “For the price of a (lower priced) Ferrari, you can buy a Lucid that can embarrass the Ferrari.” Yeah, but the Lucid isn’t a Ferrari and when you drive a Ferrari, you have nothing to prove. The same goes for a Corvette C8; you have nothing to prove. EVs have everything to prove until they can travel 400 miles, refuel in five minutes at any corner filling station, sell for $30,000 at a real profit and operate in any climate. Until then, they aren’t ready for prime time.

Interestingly, as recent sales figures show a decline in EV sales, no matter how many incentives from you, the taxpayer. Quickness is not selling.

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

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 rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

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 Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762 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 Cindy 805-540-8654. 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. For more information, call (530) 622-1180. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 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 a ect 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.

Exciting new construction, featuring four Single Family Home designs, including one and two story layouts ranging from three to ve bedrooms in a fantastic location in Placerville. 800-975-4146, suttersridge@williamshomes.com , Williamshomes. com

We had a great time celebrating our new members in Creekside Place on Main Street, Placerville.

Take a walk into the lovely little courtyard and visit: • Flourless Patisserie • Meraki Create • Moo & Brew • Creekside Studio Creekside Place, 451 Main Street, Placerville

Spotlight on a Gold Member — Sol Nisbet Home Loans

Sol Nisbet Home Loans has earned quite a reputation in her eld and in El Dorado County. She takes great pride in providing exceptional service and coupled with the best pricing, no doubts she’s got a solution for success. Working with a Mortgage Broker means she has access to 60 plus lenders, which presents advantages to the consumer looking for a mortgage. She guides and educates her clients. She is there from the very rst meeting to the nal loan signing with clients, the Notary and often their Real Estate Agent. With her love for people & what she does, Sol thrives on hard work and helping others.

running to help dreams come true.” You can count on her to be fully committed to helping folks achieve the American dream of home ownership. However, her commitment to giving back to her community goes beyond her professional responsibilities. Passion is at her core when it comes to impacting the lives of others, especially the lives of children in El Dorado County.

founder of the popular Christmas in Cool event, which brings holiday cheer to the town of Cool and Divide Community. “My goal is to create memories for the kids.” She partnered up with the Divide Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders to make this event happen for the last 8 years. “I want to be a role model for kids, for them to know that with a little work, a positive attitude and collaboration, anything is possible.”

Her new motto is, “We ought to be

Highly involved in the following boards and organizations: Divide Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, Marshall Foundation for Community Health, Divide for the Kids, Mental Health on the Hill, Divide Ready By 21, Leadership El Dorado (Class 16). Sol is the

In her spare time, she loves to dance, run, listen to music, hike, cook, volunteer and spend time with friends and family. She and her husband Josh have been married for 10 years and have 4 kids between them. They live in Georgetown, and she has had the honor of calling El Dorado County her home for 23 years.

Sol Nisbet Home Loans (530) 401-5605 sol@homeloansbysol.com

Chamber Champions:

PASSION FOR HORSES Welcome New Members

Saluti Horse Adventures

Our chamber folk rocked their denim and boots at the Ribbon Cutting for Saluti Horse Adventures. They are passionate about horses and love sharing this with others, in the saddle and out. Offering horseback riding, trail rides, horsemanship lessons, pony rides, lodging packages and youth summer camps for families and friends visiting California’s Gold Country.

7505 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset https://salutihorseadventures.com/

Miners on Main Scavenger Hunt

There are ten “Miners” hidden throughout Main Street

Richard Hockett Roo ng is a premier roo ng company that has been serving the community with excellence. Specializing in both residential and commercial roo ng projects, the team of certi ed professionals is dedicated to providing top-quality craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service.

Sierra Home Mortgage strives to make sure that they are your lender for life. They have the unique ability to access almost every residential mortgage product in the industry. Whether you are looking for a 30 yr Conventional or a FHA or VA government loan, their experts are here to advise and educate on what programs will serve you best. Products range from simple conventional loans to FHA & VA loans to Jumbo loans. From Non-QM & Private Money loans to Reverse Mortgages.

J UNE C ALENDAR OF E VENTS

June 1 Food Wine and Live Music at Sierra Vista

Winery

Rucksack

“They are rock stars and I’m so happy that we chose their product and crews to complete the work on the house!” — Thomas, Pollock Pines CA

Placerville from Sacramento Street to Clay Street. These Miners all had an impact on Placerville and El Dorado County during the Gold Rush period. Each miner has a QR code on the medallion that will take you to a webpage about the miners when scanned with your phone camera. So grab your phone and begin your hunt. visit-eldorado.com/miners-on-main/

Thru June 9 Old Coloma Theater Presents:

“She’s in his Line of Fire” or “The Biggest Shot in Coloma”. Fri – Sat doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Sunday doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Show at 2 p.m. 380 Monument Rd., Coloma. (530)-626-5282  oldecolomatheatre.com

Placerville Speedway June 1- Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial, Northern Auto Racing Club 410 sprint car series and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars

June 22 - Fan Appreciation Night. Winged 360 sprint cars, mini trucks, wingless spec sprints and BCRA Lightning Sprints

June 29 - John Padjen Kids Bike Night, Winged 360 sprint cars, limited late models, pure stocks and mini trucks 530-344-7592, www.placervillespeedway.com

June 1–8 Highway 50 Wagon Train 75th

Anniversary

6/1– 3 pm Rendezvous, Registration, Dinner, Information sharing, Round Hill Village, Round Hill, Nevada

6/2– Amaker Ranch, Meyers

6/3– Tamarack Pines Cutoff, Overnight near the top of Echo Summit

6/4– Kyburz

6/5– Fresh Pond, A full day in the American River Canyon

6/6– Layover Day with Potluck Dinner at Fresh Pond. Assn Appreciation Gathering with participants and friends, Raf e and Auction and Association Awards Presentations

6/7– Pollock Pines. Pollock Pines Center Celebration

6/8– Placerville Main St to End of Trail at Placerville Cinema Parking Lot www.hwy50wagontrain.com/wagontrain.html

June 1 33rd Annual Georgetown Kid’s Fishing Derby Children 16 years old and younger are invited to come out to Lake Walton with their shing poles, bait, and tackle boxes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, US Forest Service, Georgetown Ranger District at (530) 333-4312.

June 1 Friends of the Library Book Sale

First Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 345 Fair Ln, Placerville. Fill up and take away a bag of books for only $7. There is a wide variety of ction, non- ction, vintage and children’s books. Puzzles, DVDs, sheet music, and more! Paula Freeman, folplv@icloud.com

June 1-2 Gardens of the Hills

Tour private gardens in El Dorado County. Working artists, mini garden seminars, artisan vendors, live music, signature raf e, food & wine for sale. Assistance League – Sierra Foothills. Adults $40/12 & Under $10 www.assistanceleague.org/sierra-foothills/

June 1 – 30 The Stage at Burke Junction Presents

“The Goat or Who is Sylvia” Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Burke Junction Shopping Center, 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park. www.stageatburke.com/goat

June 1 Luau in the Orchard

Come join us at Rainbow Orchards. Tickets: $50 each. We would love you to help us raise funds for Images of Hope El Dorado at our Hawaiian-themed fundraiser. Great food by John Sanders, Local wines & beer, Music, Live & Silent Auctions, Raf es, Quilts, 2024 Banners on Parade Preview. 4 – 7:30 p.m. https://edcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_ id=1132

Summer Concert Series at Lava Cap

June 1 – Live music by The Red Rooster BandJune 8 – Live music by The Listen Here Band

June 15 – Live music by The Neon Moon Band

June 22 – Live music by Late4Dinner

June 29 – Live music by Red Dirt Ruckus Complimentary admissions, no rsvp. Lava Cap Winery, 2221 Fruitridge Road, Placerville. www.lavacap.com/events

We will have Patrick Walsh playing LIVE in the Vineyards from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. We will have specialty pizza, wine by the glass or bottle available for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. www. sierravistawinery.com/event/pwalsh-june/

June 1 Country Line Dancing and Lessons Presented by VFW Auxiliary, 6 - 9:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall, 130 Placerville Dr., Placerville. $10/per person.

June 2 Ripe Area Festival

Experience the work of diverse artists and musicians, river and riparian experts, and sample plant and food creativity as part of a unique outdoor arts and nature festival  at Wakamatsu Farm. Be inspired in new ways about river ows, meadow habitats, wildlife, and ideas related to cultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. And, enjoy tastes of local native and organic foods! https://myrtletreearts.com/ripe-area Mimosa Sundays

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Come out and enjoy a picnic on our patio. Guests can also contact Ranch Girls Dream to order personal charcuterie platters that will be delivered to the vineyard to enjoy with their mimosas. cielosullaterra.com

June 2 Placerville Elks Lodge Bingo

1 - 4 p.m. First Sundays. A great day of Bingo and friends supporting charities of the Elks. Barbara Dockter, secretary1712@ gmail.com

Meyers Certi ed Farmer’s Market Wednesdays, Fresh produce, arts & crafts, food trucks & live music.

3 - 7:30 p.m. at Tahoe Paradise Park. www.meyersmtnmarket.org

Whiskey & Wine Wednesday at Poor Reds 11:00 a.m. Wednesdays just got a bit more fun! 1/2 off ANY glass of wine and discounted whiskeys of the week! We will be including specialty whiskeys depending on availability monthly! (530) 622-2901

June 7 Country Night at Poor Reds

Music by DJ Brandon. Line Dancing with Tatiana. Music, Dancing, Food & Drink Specials. www.poorreds.com 6221 Pleasant Valley Rd., El Dorado 530-622-2901 www.poorreds.com

June 7 Granite City Ramblers at Skinner’s Green Valley Ranch Bring your lawn chair, blanket and a picnic to pair with a great bottle of Skinner wine. 5 – 7 p.m. Music tickets are only $10 per person. https://skinnervineyards.com

June 7 Placerville Elks Lodge Burgers and Karaoke

First Fridays, 5 – 10 p.m. Elks Club, 3821 Quest Court - Shingle Springs. A fun lled event with several kinds of great burgers and singing to the delight of the Elks audience. (530) 672-9120. secretary1712@gmail.com

June 8 Thunder in the Park Car Show

Cameron Park Lake, 2989 Cambridge Rd. $5 per vehicle parking. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.sscpchamber.org

June 8 - 9 Sierra Vista Winery Art Show

Come and enjoy some wine and support your local artists. No Tickets Needed . We will have food available for purchase & Glass of Wine Specials ALL DAY!! 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.sierravistawinery. com/event/art-event-3/ For more information on these and other events, visit www. visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.

June 8 - 9 High Tea in the Orchard

Treat yourself to a selection of savory and sweet delicacies, all carefully crafted from the freshest vegetables, fruits, and eggs sourced from our farm and local partners. Quench your thirst with our refreshing Lavender Lemonade, Iced Tea and a variety of hot tea options. Live music, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $40 a person. harrisfamilyfarm.ticketspice.com/high-teas-2024

We are

to welcome back some of these artists as well as introduce some new musicians to our community. rucksackcellars.com

June 13–16 El Dorado County Fai “Barrows, Boots & Bling” https://eldoradocountyfair.org/tickets.html

June 13, 2 Coloma Community Market 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Marshall Gold Discover SHP. 4 – 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ColomaCommunityMarket

June 15 Third Saturday Artwalk Placerville’s Historic Main Street galleries and merchants are open late for shopping, dining, live music and more! thirdsaturdayartwalk@gmail.com. www.instagram.com/3rdsatartwalk/

June 15 Del no Farms presents Folk on the Farm Edio Vineyards, 3205 N. Canyon Rd., Camino. del nofarms. com/folkonthefarm

June 16 Wine Flight at Skinner Vineyards $15 pp / RSVP. https://skinnervineyards.com/ Lavender Blue at Bluestone Meadows

June 22 & 23, June 29 & 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the peak of the Lavender Bloom! Cut your own lavender bouquet, make your own lavender wreath, wand or lavender critter. Many lavender products available in our barn. Walk the lavender labyrinth. John- the “Lavender Answer Guy”- will be on hand to answer your questions about lavender. Well mannered dogs are allowed. Bluestone Meadows, 2025 Carson Rd., Placerville. 530-621-1830 www.bluestonemeadow.com/ lavender-blue-festival.html

June 22 A Father’s Love: Dinner and A Movie

Watch actor/comedian Jack Gallagher’s recorded one man show “A Different Kind of Cool” at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St., Placerville. Jack tells in loving and sometimes humorous terms of the realization that his youngest son is autistic. A delicious salad supper follows immediately. This event is free, but seating is limited. 4 – 7 p.m. Make your reservations at 530-391-4588. https://oursaviourplacerville.org/

June 22 Food Wine and Live Music at Sierra Vista Winery

We will have Old West Trio playing LIVE in the Vineyards from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. We will have specialty pizza, wine by the glass or bottle available for purchase. No outside food or alcohol allowed. www. sierravistawinery.com/event

June 23 Dreams And Drivers Pancreatic Cancer Fundraising Car Show Red Hawk Casino, First Floor Parking Garage. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.Dreamsanddrivers.com

June 25 20th annual Sunday in Apple Hill Fundraiser for New Morning Youth & Family. Spend an enjoyable afternoon at ‘Crystal Springs Gardens’ in Camino with spectacular views of apple orchards in the low Sierra Mountains. This elegant garden party features ne hors d’oeuvres, delicious cuisine catered by John Sanders at Old Town Grill, wine tasting from some of the best El Dorado County wines. We will also have fun raf e prizes and an awesome GRAND prize! www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-annual-sunday-in-apple-hill-tickets-33411172717

June 28 Business Showcase & I Love Film Mixer 4–8 p.m. El Dorado County Fair & Event Center. Free to the public. www.eldoradocounty.org

June 28 Friday Family Wine Down Everhart Cellars/Hart2Hart Vineyard. 6 – 10 p.m. www.everhartcellars.com/ For more information on these and other events, visit www. visiteldorado.com Event date, time, cost or locations are subject to change. Prior to attending an event please con rm the information.

Cathy Zuber, Member Services; Andrea Smith, Richard Hockett Roo ng; Bryan Wild, Sierra Home Mortgage; Mark Luster, Chamber President, Sierra Paci c Industries

Mountain Democrat photos by Malachi Parker Student Body President Jayden Tinker, above left, was the first student to cross the stage and accept his diploma from Principal Paul Neville at the Union Mine High School graduation ceremony May 23. Below, UMHS Valedictorian Nate Sweet delivers his farewell speech to his fellow classmates.

El Dorado High School’s Class of 2024, bedecked in blue robes, wind their way alongside the high school’s football field at the start of the graduation ceremony on May 23. Last week several El Dorado County high school hosted graduation events, sending students on to the next chapters of their lives.

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

A Ponderosa High School grad, above right, reaches out for a hug from Austin Lobo, a substitute teacher and junior varsity coach, as graduating seniors enter SimonBruin Stadium for the commencement ceremony on May 24. At right, Carli Glock, left, and Cori Daley, right, proudly have their photo taken with their niece, graduate Brooke Lindsay. Brooke plans to attend BYU next year and participate in the school’s dance program.

Photos by Laurie Edwards

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco EDHS graduate Aubrey Bonham clutches her diploma as she makes her way across the stage. Heavily involved in extracurriculars on top of her coursework, Bonham’s robes were decorated with five cords representing some of the programs she participated in, including visual and performing arts.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian Oak Ridge High School graduates wave to the crowd during their graduation ceremony on May 24.

A TOUCHING TRIBUTE ON MEMORIAL DAY

Proposal

wraps up. The expected completion date is sometime in 2026. To address the gap in services, staff will develop temporary transitional housing at 300 Fair Lane, the site originally explored for the permanent navigation center.

“We are still a couple of years out before this new site is implemented,” said Board Chair Supervisor Wendy Thomas during the meeting. “During that time, we will be entering the design phase for the project and there will be lots of input on the site program design with the stakeholders of the community. The action before us today is to prove our intent that is part of the action.”

The proposed project was initially questioned by some Placerville City Council members, who called on the board to provide better communication and planning regarding the project. Through meetings with council members, potential disconnect between the board and city leaders has been squashed, according to Thomas.

Negotiations for a memorandum of understanding with the city to mitigate impacts of the navigation center are currently under way.

“Today, we will be moving forward in good faith and should the board take this action today we will be meeting with the city to discuss the details of an MOU to bring back to the board,” Thomas said.

The MOU will be completed in “a timely fashion,” Thomas added.

“We truly do want this to be a partnership and to work together,” said District 4 Lori Parlin, who is collaborating with Thomas on the project. “As we have been saying for every step of the way, this will never be perfect and we know that, but we have done, I think, an outstanding job. Our staff has been so proactive … and I just appreciate everyone’s support in making this happen. This is where we need to continue going.”

A temporary pilot shelter was implemented at 299 Fair Lane in Placerville to serve the rising homelessness population in the county, with the intent of building a permanent shelter. As design plans are being explored, county staff say they have talked to those utilizing the shelter and concluded most would be OK with going into the permanent center, as long as it is understood that the jail and the center would act as separate entities.

“The devil is in the details and with this site we have more room to design some really appropriate and important amendments and additions to the project like outdoor spaces for them to gather and to have some privacy, opportunities that we don’t have currently in the location

where the temporary site is,” Thomas said.

District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine questioned the logistics on how to get people into the permanent center who are not currently utilizing the temporary site.

“I think what is going to be key is how we welcome them (and) what the vibe is there,” Laine said. “We’re going to have to sell this. No one wants to be homeless. These are people who aren’t in this position because they want to be but because that is just where they are at.

El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf weighed in on the matter, stating his office’s Homeless Outreach Team has played a vital role in communication with the unhoused population and will continue to do so.

“That will play a big role in this equation when it comes to going out and establishing those trusting relationships with folks to get them to want to go over to this facility,” Leikauf told the board. “I think we are one step ahead of the game though. With having the temporary navigation center we have most of the people that we need to contact right there, so we will be doing a lot of work at the temporary center to build those relationships and to get those folks over (to the permanent one).”

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo, an advocate for former Sheriff John D’Agostini’s plan to develop a managed homeless camp next to the jail, supported the new plans, adding in his ideas that the jail could provide meals to the clients at the permanent shelter. He also said the addition of transitional housing would be beneficial for the unhoused population who need to keep their possessions safe.

“Even though they don’t have very much stuff, they want a place where their stuff can be secure,” Turnboo said, “and with these pallet homes, they will be able to lock them and their stuff to be secure.”

A handful of people who spoke during public comment on the board’s agenda item approved of the plans but questioned how it would be funded. The county is looking into using American Rescue Plan Act funds for construction.

“They are not just for whatever we want to use them for. There are very specific categories for us to spend that money but we have a plan in place to use those funds by that deadline,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Laura Schwartz.

The project is statutorily exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.

• Rabbit Costume Contest

THURSDAY

FMX Ramp-Age Freestyle Motorcross 6 pm in the Grandstands, special ticket required.

• El Dorado Rose Pageant

• Miss Teen El Dorado County Pageant

FRIDAY

Truck & Smoker Tractor Pulls 6 pm in the Grandstands, special ticket required.

• Plein Air Painting • Pee Wee Rodeo & Mutton Bustin’

SATURDAY

John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races Competition begins 5 pm in the Grandstands, free with fair admission.

• Impulse Dance Academy

• “Learn to Dance Cupcakes”

• The Outlaw Mariachi

SUNDAY Rubicon Jeep Jamboree Challenge: Competition begins 2 pm in the Grandstands, free with fair admission.

• Foothill Dance Studio

• Horse Drill Team

• Family-Look-Alike Contest

4 STAGES OF LIVE MUSIC free with fair admission all 4 days of Fair.

Photos by Shelly Thorene

The Ponderosa High School Chamber Choir members, left photo, directed by Craig Mason, right, sing service anthems for the different branches of the armed services at Monday’s Memorial Day event. Army combat engineer Salvatore Giovanni Gigante, 99 1/2 years of age, right photo, of Garden Valley stands as the chorus sings the anthem of the U.S. Army while his wife of 44 years, Veronica, looks on.

Jeanine Herman, left photo, of El Dorado Hills, left, wipes a tear from her eye in an emotional moment with her nephew, Master of Ceremonies LCPL USMC vet Joseph Thusen of Cameron Park, center, after meeting Rich Buchanan, 79, of Placerville, right, for the first time. Buchanan said he fought side by side with Herman’s younger brother, Thomas Thuesen, and they were both wounded in the first battle fought by American soldiers in Vietnam for which Buchanan was awarded a Purple Heart and Thuesen a Silver Star. Kenneth Greenwood, 68, right photo, of Placerville stands with a collection of memorabilia belonging to his uncle, Kenneth Roberts, who was a P-47 fighter pilot killed in action on Aug. 8, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy.

CELEBRATING OFEXCELLENCE

You’re Invited to OUR 25TH aNNIVERSARY Party!

We are thrilled to share a milestone moment with you! This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Straight Line Roo ng & Construction, and it’s all thanks to wonderful customers like you. To celebrate, we’re rolling out exclusive specials and an exciting anniversary event!

When: June 1st, from 11 AM to 2 PM Where: 3811 Dividend Drive, Shingle Springs 95682

Featuring: Taco Truck, Ice Cream Cart, Popcorn Cart, Kid’s Bounce House, Fun, and Raf es!

Exciting Raffles & Giveaways: Don’t miss out on the chance to win fabulous prizes, including Car Wrap, 65” TV, Pellet Smoker/Grill, Air Compressor, Staple Gun, Baskets (camping, grilling, beach), Designer Glasses and much more!

Anniversary Specials

As a token of our appreciation, we’re offering special discounts on our services for a limited time These offers are valid until May 31st, 2024, so it’s the perfect time to enhance your home’s beauty and functionality while enjoying great savings.

*Cannot be combined with other offers, no cash value, new projects only

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home or just want to join us for a day of celebration, we are excited to have you be part of this special occasion.

IN THE KNOW

May 29

Snowline Health hosts Living Well with Dementia –Caregiver Self-care, 1:30-3 p.m. Caring for a person living with dementia can be rewarding and challenging.

Too much stress can harm both the caregiver and the person they support. Healthy self-care can help individuals manage stress, gain skills to better address challenges and learn to thrive as a caregiver. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

Harper Collins author Aimie

K. Runyan comes to Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center 6-7:30 p.m. to celebrate her latest novel, “The Memory of Lavender and Sage.” In this moving novel, a food critic attempts to reconnect with her mother’s past by purchasing a ramshackle manor house in the Provencal village where her mother grew up.

Les Dames d’Esco er International Sacramento Chapter is proud to announce

Women In Wine: Growing the Grapes, Building a Brand, a public education event featuring a dynamic panel of in uential women in the California wine industry, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Milagro Event Center by Bella Bru, 6241 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Carmichael. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on Eventbrite.

May 30

Smith Flat House in Placerville hosts live music in the courtyard with Hugh

Gardens of the Hills tour will inspire and help the community

Noel Stack Editor

Je Kennedy loves Japanese maples, and he can tell you the name of every one growing in his impressive garden nursery in Placerville. From vibrant reds to enchanting greens, broad to tiny leaves, tall or bonsai, these trees are stunning.

Guests will have a chance to admire Je ’s e orts and might even take a tree home during this year’s Assistance League of Sierra Foothills Gardens of the Hills Tour June 1 & 2.

Calling the trees his “retirement plan,” Je , who shares the home and property with wife Vicki, said for the last 30 years he has worked in and designed his gorgeous garden complete with a koi pond, outdoor fireplace and, of course, Japanese maples. He got hooked on gardening when he was a youngster tending plants with his grandfather and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s easier to estimate how many hours I’m not working on (my garden),” Je shared.

“This is where I live and where I thrive.”

The Kennedys’ plants also thrive thanks to these e orts. Their property showcases 65 di erent varieties of

Japanese maple in pots and the ground along with other greenery and mature trees. The nursery boasts about 400 varieties, some specially created by Je , who likes to give them Gold Rush-inspired names. He planted his first Japanese maple 25 years ago, started grafting about 15 years ago and also grows from

Festival focuses on creativity, caring about the watershed

Myrtle Tree Arts

News release

Co-presented by Myrtle Tree Arts and American River Conservancy, the RIPE AREA Festival o ers a day of outdoor family-friendly activities and experiences created by diverse artists, poets, dancers, healers, musicians, ecologists, plant specialists and more. Get inspired in new ways about river and meadow habitats, wildlife and ideas about cultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. Enjoy a taste of local native and organic foods, expert talks, a parade and performances led by RIPE AREA artists and special guest contributors.

The event takes place 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Wakamatsu Farm, 941 Cold Springs Road in Placerville. Register for free online at bit.ly/RIPEAREA. Leveraging the expertise of ARC in watershed and natural resource protection, the RIPE AREA project is a clever word play on “riparian,” meaning the landscapes near water. This art-meets-ecology project extends ARC’s successful partnership with the local arts collaborative, Myrtle Tree Arts, to provide artistic expression and education that inspires community environmental activism.

This event marks the third collaboration

between ARC and MTA over the last three years to integrate the arts into environmental education and awareness for the public.

This year is unique because the two organizations received funding through the California Arts Council and its California Creative Corps Program to address one of the key focus areas, water and the environment in the face of climate change. The project is also designed to intentionally engage local marginalized communities and employ artists, particularly those from underrepresented groups across the county

and region.

“RIPE AREA has been an amazing opportunity to bring new energy using the arts to learn about the watersheds of the American and Cosumnes Rivers. We believe that making and presenting art is one of the best ways of reaching people, especially about our fragile environment where people often feel disempowered to bring about positive change,” says RIPE AREA’s artistic director Ameera Godwin of Myrtle Tree Arts. “Learning about balanced relationships and interdependence of human cultures with nature is particularly

seedlings. As if he didn’t have enough to do, Je planted a small vineyard in 2010. His malbec grapes are used by Boeger Winery. Garden tour guests will see it all during this year’s fundraiser. This is the second time the Kennedys

Daily Events

Funnel Cake Eating Contest – Clifton and Warren Kids’ Corral

Kids Big Wheel Races – sponsored by Gold Country Ace Hardware near Organ Room Lawn: Daily at 6pm Bubblegum Blowing Contest – Clifton and Warren Kids Corral

Wild About Monkeys & Friends – Entertaining, educational animal show featuring monkeys

Game Shows – Theater – Friday thru Sunday Only

Circus Imagination – Main Lawn

Spinning Demonstrations – Wool and Industrial Arts Building

Learn to Stitch – Needle Arts – Home Arts Building: Daily 2-3pm

Learn to Decorate a Cookie or Cupcake – Home Arts Building: Daily 3:30-4:30 Museum – Open 12-5 pm

Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack

The Kennedys’ garden in Placerville is one of many on the

upcoming Gardens of the Hills tour hosted by the Assistance League of Sierra Foothills.

Courtesy photo

This Sunday’s festival will teach guests about the local environment and entertain with activities for all ages.

Eight local wineries offer a truly elevating experience

Mimi Escabar

Special Sections Editor

Eight El Dorado County wineries participate in the second Sierra Highlands Mountain Wine Summit on June 2.

The El Dorado 8 — Boeger Winery, Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms, Element 79 Vineyards, Gwinllan Estate, Lava Cap Winery, Madroña

Vineyards, Miraflores Vineyards & Winery and Starfield Vineyards — are united by the common goal of promoting the unique and compelling character of wines from the high-elevation El Dorado wine region. They are marketing the specific characteristic of the El Dorado American Viticultural Area as a unique mountain wine region.

This showcase will offer the best. Guests will enjoy several wines from each winery while admiring the expansive views of the local terrain and chatting with winemakers and vintners. To complete the experience there will be local cheeses, charcuterie, produce and baked goods. Over the course

of several years of tasting and discussion, these growers and winemakers, all established in the El Dorado AVA, have been engaged in identifying and furthering the essence of the alpine AVA and the characteristics presented in their wines grown in high-elevation vineyards. Think vibrant red fruit flavors, bracing natural acidity and what the group calls Sierra spice — an alpine spice rack of pine, cedar, juniper and more that consistently shines in both whites and reds.

Tastings of more than six vintages are proving elevation to be the driver in distinguishing the region from the rest of California and specifically from the larger Sierra Foothills

AVA. Most vineyards in El Dorado are planted between 2,500 and 3,500 feet, above the fog line and with ample sun.

“We feel our region is not defined by a signature varietal but rather by a common stylistic thread that is dictated by our unique alpine region of the greater Sierra Foothills AVA, establishing us as the Sierra Highlands,” said Justin Boeger, winemaker for Boeger Winery.

The Sierra Highlands Mountain Wine Summit runs 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms, 3205 North Canyon Road in Camino. For tickets go to eventbrite.com/e/ sierra-highlandsmountain-wine-summittickets-883704974367.

ARC events sizzle this summer

Julie Allen American River Conservancy

The American River Conservancy heats things up with summer classes, hikes and programs open to the public. For more information about the events below visit arconservancy. org. A detailed email will be sent regarding each event once guests register online.

Japanese flower arranging

Sundays, June 9, July 14 and Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Instructor Yasmin Spiegel, flower name: “KiDo” (her own special way), is a sensei (teacher) in the Sogetsu School of Japanese flower arranging, called ikebana, a tradition more than 600 years old. Since 2003, Yasmin has been a student of Kika Shibata Sensei, who is a second generation Master of Sogetsu Ikebana. Yasmin holds a Third Level Teachers Certificate. She is at home with both traditional Sogetsu forms and more modern sculptural arrangements. She is the current co-president of Ikebana International, Sacramento Branch No. 26. Ages 8 and older with adult supervision welcome. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Cost: Individual classes $35/ members, $45/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online.

Fishing on the Farm

Thursdays, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, Aug. 8 & 22, 5:30 p.m. to dark — ARC is excited to announce the return of fishing at historical Wakamatsu Farm. Join volunteer and fishing enthusiast Fred Campbell-Craven. Try your hand at casting techniques, catch a few bass and enjoy the serenity of the 8-acre lake. All ages welcome. Minors must be supervised by an adult. Steady rain/lightning storm, temps 95-plus or heavy smoke cancels. No live bait. Catch & release only. Meeting location Gold Hill/ Placerville area. Suggested donation per car: $10/members, $15/nonmembers.

North County Cemetery Crawl Saturday, June 15, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30

p.m. — The North County Cemetery Crawl sold out last year so we’re doing it again, but with a few twists and turns on three backroads that rival their cemeteries for history, scenery and local flavor. Mike Roberts will lead this caravan/carpool from Greenwood to the little-known Spanish Dry Diggins Cemetery. Historic Greenwood Cemetery is the next stop. From there we’ll stop in old downtown Greenwood and discuss the town’s namesake, John Greenwood, and his illustrious father, mountain man Caleb Greenwood. With stomachs growling we’ll wind down another scenic backroad to Garden Valley and visit the most charming farmers market on earth, the Peoples’ Mountain Market. After some sustenance and respite, we’ll wrap up with a short drive down picturesque Garden Valley Road to Kelsey Cemetery to meet a surprise guest. This tour is a joint effort by ARC and Save the Graves. All ages welcome. Suggested donation: $10/ members, $15/non-members.

Botanical illustration classes

June 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and July 6, 2-4:30 p.m. — Instructor Vanda Lavar has a master’s degree in art. Her works are widely collected and found internationally. She owns and directs Academy Art of the West. This is a watercolor class focusing on botanical illustration of the native flora and fauna. You will need to bring a No. 0 and No. 3 watercolor brush and simple ceramic or porcelain white plate. All levels. Children ages 12 and older (with adult) welcome. Meeting location Placerville/Gold Hill area. Cost: $55/members, $65/nonmembers.

Tai Chi-Qigong

Saturday, June 22, 10-11:15 a.m. — Learn selected Tai Chi-Qigong movements that celebrate the flexibility, strength and upright spirit of the dragon. East Asians wish each other to have the dragon-horse spirit especially during the year of the dragon. Movements and poses will also pay tribute to the stability and dynamism of the horse as we n

Courtesy photo

Premium El Dorado wineries come together to showcase their best at the June 2 Sierra Highlands Mountain Wine Summit.

Mountain Democrat file photo

Fishing on the Farm returns to Wakamatsu Farm in the Gold Hill Area, one of many ACR summer programs.

GROW FOR IT!

The

northern Pacific rattlesnake

Spring is here, although we experienced late snow in April, and aside from all the wonderful sprouting plants and trees in bloom, it also means our local snakes are making an appearance.

G. Patrick Daubert

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

This includes our native rattlesnake, the northern Pacific rattlesnake, Crotalus oreganus, less commonly referred to as the Western rattlesnake. Our native rattlesnake ranges from Santa Barbara County to British Columbia, Canada.

There is a wide scope of colors and patterns in the northern Pacific rattlesnake with colors typically matching the environment. Snakes may be olive green, gray, brown, golden, reddish brown, yellowish or tan. Young are born without a rattle but rather a single button. A new rattle segment is added each time the skin is shed, which can be more than one time per year. Therefore, the number of rattles is not descriptive of the age of the snake. The northern Pacific rattlesnake is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active in twilight) during periods of midsummer heat. They may be active during daylight when the temperature is more moderate. Diet consists of birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects and small mammals, including mice, rats, rabbits, hares and ground squirrels.

Rattlesnakes typically avoid human contact, with most rattlesnake

strikes occurring with disturbance of the snake. There is ongoing research and debate on severity of adult versus juvenile rattlesnake envenomation, by which the venom is injected. People often believe juvenile rattlesnakes have more potent venom or they have less control of their venom. There is no definitive research or expert opinion to support this claim. What is supported is that adult rattlesnakes have far more venom to inject than juveniles so the potential danger from the bite of an adult is significantly higher than the danger from the bite of a juvenile. Regardless, a strike from a rattlesnake of any age or any size should be treated as a serious medical emergency.

The wide range of habitat for our rattlesnake correlates with significant diversity of venom toxins. Rattlesnake toxin varies within rattlesnake populations, by season, by individual rattlesnake genetics and by other factors. The northern Pacific rattlesnake venom contains inflammatory mediators, causing pain and swelling, and compounds that modulate our blood clotting cascade. After envenomation, it takes only a matter of seconds before symptoms become visible. The most common symptoms presented by patients with a rattlesnake bite is pain and swelling. If an envenomation has occurred, the most important next step is getting that person to a medical

things

Lavender takes center stage at Murer House showcase

Betty Albert Special to the Mountain Democrat

OLSOM — All things lavender will be celebrated 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the historical Murer House and Gardens, 1125 Joe Murer Court. This colorful, fragrant and free event is sponsored by Green Acres Nursery & Supply and features the nursery’s representative Greg Gayton. Christine Eschen of Tres Jolie Lavender Farm, Grass Valley, will speak about growing and using lavender.

New this year, Murer House culinary instructors will be talking

HFW Enterprises, LLC

49’er Bail Bond

Adco Driveline and Custom Exhaust

Adept – Med International, Inc.

ARCO AM/PM

Artistic Beads & Studio

Burke Junction

CAPTRUST

Carbon Copy

Conforti Plumbing

Edwards A-1 Appliance

El Dorado County Fair

El Dorado Irrigation District

EN2 Resources, Inc.

Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.

Lake Oaks Mobile Home Community

Mountain Roofing Systems

Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC

The Greenhouse Café

Triangle Well Drilling

Western Sign Co., Inc.

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

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

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

about cooking with lavender and handing out prepared samples.

Beekeeper Tim Dick will be on hand to answer all questions about bees. Lavender plants, lemonade and gift items will be available to purchase or, better yet, win something lavender in the drawing. The Murer House and museum will be open for tours. The Murer House and Gardens is across Folsom Boulevard near historical Sutter Street. The home was built by Guiseppe Murer of Italy who purchased the site in 1921 and constructed the home in 1925. For more information visit murerhousefoundation.org or call (916) 413-9231.

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

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

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

Photo by G. Patrick Daubert

Northern Pacific rattlesnakes live throughout the foothills and come in a variety of colors. Keep a watchful eye when gardening.

Courtesy photo

All

lavender come to the Murer House in Folsom on June 1.

School admins honored with county-wide awards

Whitney Burke EDC Office of Education

The El Dorado County Office of Education and school district representatives recently gathered to celebrate the achievements of their most exceptional administrators at the annual Association of California School Administrators – El Dorado County Chapter awards dinner. Held at Jack Russell Farm Brewery in Camino, the ceremony was a testament to educational excellence and a heartwarming evening filled with laughter and poignant moments.

The event was well attended, with teachers, administrators, and school leaders from all four corners of the county. Each award presentation was unique, with presenters choosing humorous anecdotes and touching stories to highlight the winners’ achievements and contributions to education in El Dorado County.

As she opened the awards ceremony, El Dorado County Chapter President Alison Lishman noted, “Tonight, we honor the remarkable dedication and innovative spirit of our school administrators and administrative staff. Your tireless efforts not only shape the path of education but also ignite the potential within every student. Each achievement we celebrate today reflects your commitment to excellence and your profound impact on our community’s future. Congratulations on your welldeserved recognition.”

Adding to the evening’s charm, the dinner was catered by John Sanders, owner of the beloved Old Town Grill in Placerville. Attendees were treated to gourmet dishes that added a local

flavor to the night’s festivities.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and mutual respect, reflecting the community’s commitment to fostering educational excellence. Below is a list of this year’s honored educators, who have each gone above and beyond in their dedication to inspiring and nurturing the minds of young learners:

• Carrie Arnett, principal, Black Oak Mine Unified School District

• Brian McCahon, director of facilities, Buckeye Union School District

• Carrie Pearson, coordinator to the superintendent, El Dorado County Office of Education

• Dr. Ron Carruth, superintendent, El Dorado Union High School District

• Deborah Atkins, principal, Gold Oak Union School District

• Bobbi Juhan, food service supervisor, Gold Trail Union School District

• Dr. Alan Reeder, associate superintendent – Educational Services, Lake Tahoe Unified School District

• Danielle Horneman, director of Student Support Services, Mother Lode Union School District

• Chris Garrett, lead groundskeeper /custodian & maintenance, Pioneer Union School District

• Kathryn Whittington, director of Nutrition Services, Placerville Union School District

• Sue Meeth, account technician, Pollock Pines Elementary School District

• Karen Schudy (posthumously), Human Resources coordinator, Rescue Union School District

Gold Trail superintendent earns special recognition

Kristi Webber

Gold Trail Union School District

The Gold Trail Union School District recently announced a momentous accolade bestowed upon one of its own. Keri Phillips, principal of Sutter’s Mill Elementary and superintendent of GTUSD, has been recognized as the Administrator of the Year for Region 2 by the Association of California School Administrators.

This prestigious award serves to acknowledge exceptional educational administrators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication within their communities. Phillips, with her unwavering commitment to excellence in education and her innovative approach to leadership, has truly set a new standard for her peers.

Under her guidance, the entire school district, Sutter’s Mill School and Gold Trail School, have seen remarkable advancements in both the quality of education and the enhancement of student life. Her initiatives have not only fostered a strong sense of community but have

Linneah Flahive

EDH Chamber of Commerce

also significantly contributed to the ongoing improvement of educational standards within the region.

“Ms. Phillips’s leadership goes beyond the confines of her administrative duties; her influence extends into the community, inspiring a collective push toward excellence in education. Her achievements are a testament to her passion for enriching the lives of students and her dedication to preparing them for successful futures,” said Board of Trustees President Greg Clark.

The ACSA’s recognition of Phillips as Administrator of the Year is a celebration of her tireless efforts and the positive impact she has had on her community. It is a reminder of the profound effect that dedicated individuals can have on the shaping of young minds and the future of education.

“The Gold Trail Union School District and the community are honored to have Keri Phillips at

work experience, 15% extracurricular activities, 10% scholastic GPA and 10% financial need.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce recently awarded five scholarships of $1,000 each to local graduates, who plan to continue their education at a university, college or technical school.

This year the chamber received 16 impressive applications from highly qualified students. One scholarship was funded by Pacific Interstate Insurance Brokers and one scholarship was funded by Pacific States Development. Other scholarships were funded by the proceeds from the chamber’s silent auction at its annual Installation & Business Awards Dinner. The scholarship applications are judged by a committee of four business leaders from the community. It was a difficult task, as each of the applicants were most deserving. The point system is based on the following criteria: 50% community service, 15%

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce congratulates the following scholarship recipients for 2024 and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors: Bo Gordon, Grace Torchiana, Mahee Haswani, Sienna Gallo and Vikram Dev Singh — all from Oak Ridge High School.

“The chamber and our scholarship sponsors are honored to offer scholarships to our graduating seniors. Our goal is that after graduation they will consider moving back to El Dorado Hills to live, and hopefully fortunate enough to work here as well,” said Debbie Manning, El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce president & CEO.

For more information about making donations to the El

Courtesy photo

El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, Deputy Superintendent Wendy Frederickson and Deputy Superintendent Kevin Monsma, from left, congratulate Carrie Pearson, holding plaque, for her award.

KERI PHILLIPS

Local graduates earn healthcare scholarships

S. Alex Wright

Marshall

Marshall, El Dorado County’s largest healthcare provider, has awarded six $1,000 scholarships to deserving seniors from El Dorado, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa and Union Mine high schools. This year’s recipients represent the first graduating class to have spent all four years of high school within the timeframe of COVID-19. Their academic success, dedicated community service and healthcare ambitions, despite the pandemic’s many challenges, make them standout that much more.

The one-time Marshall Healthcare Careers Scholarship assists recipients with tuition, fees, books or other school-related expenses. Applicants are required to have a medical career aspiration and are evaluated based on academic achievement and community service/work history. This year’s recipients were selected from 34 scholarship applicants.

Congratulations to each of this year’s recipients. Marshall looks forward to the students’ promising futures and to watching as they elevate the field of healthcare.

• Bailey Plimpton, El Dorado High School — Bailey is described as someone who leads with integrity, honor and enthusiasm. He plans to pursue a double major in nursing and public health in hopes of an ultimate career as an emergency room nurse.

• Emilia Delmolino, El Dorado High School — Emilia plans to major in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology. As an epidemiologist, she will study the causes of disease within disadvantaged populations. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother, who studied epidemiology in Argentina.

• Faith Spitzer, El Dorado High

Phillips Continued from B4

the helm, leading with empathy, innovation and foresight. This award is not only a personal achievement for Ms. Phillips but also a moment of pride for all who have been fortunate enough to work alongside her and benefit from her leadership,” Clark said.

Hoeger and Friends (May 30). For more information call (530) 621-1003.

May 31

Vitalant will hold a Placerville Cinema blood drive, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at 337 Placerville Drive. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher and one coupon for a large popcorn from Placerville Cinema plus a Vitalant donor T-shirt voucher which can be redeemed online. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM553 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

The Geo rey Miller Band will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Bryson Musiq and the Caribbean Soul will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

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

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “The Goat or Who is Sylvia?” May 31 through June 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

June 1

The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 512 invites the public to its famous pancake breakfast, 8-11 a.m. on the rst Saturday of each month, June through October, at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy airplanes on display, old cars, old friends and more. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies.

The Shingle Springs Community Center, 4440 South Shingle Road, hosts a community yard sale, 8-11 a.m.

Amani Spring Fest 24 at The Amani Center in Cameron Park features 30 craft vendors, bounce house and kids play zone as well as live music, face painting and cotton candy sales for the kiddos plus Wani’s Taco food booth. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2558 Greenwood Lane.

Join artist David Yapp for a Plein Air Workshop at Blossom Ridge Farm in Camino. Enjoy the apple and peach orchard and a variety of farm buildings — all great painting subjects. For more information visit davidyapp.com/blossom-workshop.

School — Faith plans to major in biology and pre-med studies so that she can pursue a career as a pediatric physician’s assistant. Her goal is to “help kids feel less afraid of seeing a doctor, so that they can trust the medical system.”

• Francesca Strickler, Oak Ridge High School — Francesca plans to major in biology and will use that time to explore where she can make the most impact. This year she has already job shadowed in OB-GYN and Marshall’s ROP externship.

• Cara Johnson, Ponderosa High School — Cara plans to major in public health science and nursing and hopes to follow her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She attributes her pursuits to her family’s deep history of service within their community.

• Jasmyn Loera, Union Mine High School — Jasmyn plans to major in nursing and hopes to become a nurse practitioner so that she can provide compassionate care and make a di erence in the lives of individuals within her community.

About Marshall

Marshall is an independent, nonprofit community healthcare provider located in the heart of the Sierra foothills. Marshall includes Marshall Hospital, a fully accredited acute care facility with 111 beds in Placerville; several outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville and Georgetown; and many community health and education programs. Marshall has more than 220 licensed practitioners and 1,400-plus employees providing quality healthcare services to more than 180,000 residents of El Dorado County. Learn more at marshallmedical.org.

The Gold Trail Union School District serves students in the Placerville area, dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment where every child receives a highquality education and comes to school feeling safe, cared for and optimistic about learning.

Images of Hope El Dorado presents Luau in the Orchard, 4-7:30 p.m. at Rainbow Orchards in Camino. For more information visit imagesofhopeeldorado.org.

The Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association returns to the annual Carmichael Park Community Band Festival, Carmichael Park Amphitheater. With 19 bands and ensembles, this is one of the largest community band festivals in California for over 20 years. There will be music from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1 & 2, a di erent band every hour on the hour. Bring the entire family, a picnic, lawn chairs, a sun hat, and enjoy two lovely days of free music.

Now

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Finding Nemo Jr.” through June 2 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 6086888.

Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Cry It Out” through June 2. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Things with Wings, artwork with birds, bugs and butter ies, through June 20. In the adjacent Community Art Gallery, art from the El Dorado Hills Arts Association is on display through June 6. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael presents Animal House, animal-themed art in a variety of media, through June 8. For more information visit sac nearts.org.

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “She’s in His Line of Fire” or “The Biggest Shot in Coloma” through June 9. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” through June 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Joyce J. Scott: Messages through June 23. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Grow Your Own festival returns to South Lake Tahoe

■ Free community event celebrates the joys of high elevation gardening

News release

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The Second annual Grow Your Own Festival sprouts up at the Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 8.

The free community event celebrates the joys and benefits of growing food in high elevation environments, with a focus on the edible plants that grow best in Lake Tahoe’s unique climate. June 8 in South Lake Tahoe is the last stop of the Grow Your Own Festival events in Truckee/Tahoe, with preceding events in Tahoe City on May 31 and in Truckee on June 1.

“The Grow Your Own Festival is a great event for anyone interested in edible gardening or looking for a fun and educational day outside,” said Master Gardener Annie Christy. “Bring the whole family and get inspired to create your own sustainable

ARC events Continued from B2

renew our qi for the new year. Dr. Tze-yue Gigi Hu is a semi-retired Asian studies educator and author. She teaches therapeutic Tai Chi and Qigong to selected communities. See her website, calmhappytaiji.com. Ages 8 and older welcome. Meeting location Placerville/Gold Hill area. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.

Granite Chief Picayune Valley

overnight backpack trip

June 22 & 23 — ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this exploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. We will hike up along the middle fork of the American River passing through an old growth forest. After crossing the headwaters of the middle fork, we will emerge into the Picayune Valley. In the valley, we will explore waterfalls and pass through several alpine meadows with wildflowers in bloom. The hike is moderate with no step elevation gains. Elevation is 6,300 feet. After setting up camp, we will hike up to the saddle and have views of the Granite Chief wilderness. This is an overnight trip, so bring your own backpack with supplies and food. Hike di culty is easy with 600-foot elevation gains,

garden in our high elevation community.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to pick up seeds/seedlings selected for their performance in Tahoe’s short growing season. This year’s highlights are tomatoes and peppers, leafy greens, potatoes, peas, squash, onions/leeks and edible flowers. Pre-registration to reserve seedlings is available at slowfoodlaketahoe.org/events.

Hanging strawberry baskets and flower baskets and herb seedlings will also be available on-site from the Meyers Elementary fourth-grade class, including mint, chives, rosemary, parsley, calendula and stevia.

UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe will provide hands-on demonstrations and will be available to answer questions about what grows best in the Tahoe region. They will cover topics such as site selection, soil preparation, and pest control. Additional demonstrations and vendors will be on-site exhibiting container gardens, raised garden beds, compost, kids’ activities, and more. Those who have pre-ordered seedlings can pick-up them at the

a total of 14 miles round-trip. Ages 12 and older with backpacking experience welcome. No dogs due to fawning season. Meeting location Georgetown area. The trip is free.

Plein Air workshops

Sunday, June 30 (Gold Hill), Sunday, July 28 and Saturday, Aug. 10 (Coloma), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — This class will focus on botanical illustration of the native flora and fauna. Vanda Lavar has a master’s degree in art and is an artist and educator. Her works are widely collected and grace products found multi-nationally. She owns and directs Academy Art of the West. She will be teaching brush strokes, color theory, composition and perspective. All levels encouraged. Children ages 12 and older (with adult) welcome. Cost: $45/members, $55/non-members.

Cosumnes headwater meadow walk

Tuesday, July 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Meander through a beautiful meadow of the Middle Fork Cosumnes River, with lunch adjacent to a waterfall. Enjoy a brief discussion of meadow restoration project with naturalist volunteers from the Cosumnes

Slow Food booth.

“Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event has something for everyone,” continued Christy.

Master Gardeners work with local partners Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Slow Food Lake Tahoe to bring science-minded gardening communities together, learn about lake science, food sustainability and the science of gardening in the Lake Tahoe area.

The Grow Your Own program is presented by the UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe, UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, and the Great Basin Institute. Additional event sponsors include STUPD/Tahoe Friendly Gardens, Tahoe Chamber’s Leadership Lake Tahoe, Sugar Pine Foundation, South Lake Garden Club and Full Circle Soils and Compost.

There are three free events in the Truckee/ Tahoe area as part of the Grow Your Own Festival. Event registration and more details available at slowfoodlaketahoe.org/events.

Coalition. This is an intermediate, high-elevation, 2-mile hike with some steep areas and slippery/rocky terrain on an undefined trail. Steady rain or lightning storms cancel. Fit children ages 12 and older welcome. Wellbehaved dogs on-leash OK. Meeting location Pollock Pines area. The walk is free.

Summer in the Home Orchard

Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

— Join us for the second in our fourpart Home Orchard workshop series at the Wakamatsu orchard. We will cover the basics of summer fruit tree pruning, the benefits of thinning for quality fruit, pest identification and organic management options. Discussion will be followed by hands-on tutorial. Class taught by Ryan Bell of Foothill Orchard Care. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Rain or shine. Cost: $40/ members, $45/non-members.

Granite Chief backpacking trip

and younger get in free. Food and beverages not included in ticket price. For more details visit bit.ly/ ARCc4c2024.

Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk/Workshop

Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. to noon — Taylor Graham, El Dorado County’s first poet laureate, and awardwinning Sacramento-area poet Katy Brown will lead an exploration of farmhouse, barn and surroundings, then ask participants to write a poem inspired by what they’ve experienced. Anyone who wishes to may share their poems with the group and ARC. Children 8 and older welcome with adult supervision. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/nonmembers.

Carson Pass hike

July 19-21 — Join ARC board member Scott Vail for this 25-mile hike from Headwaters Camp counterclockwise through the major trails of the Granite Chief Wilderness. The Wilderness is sparsely traveled, has great views, and seldom-seen areas. On Sunday we will do minor brushing on the last 2-3 miles of the trail back to the camp in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the ARC. This is an advanced hike due to downed trees and the need to hike at least 8 miles a day. There are numerous climbs, one of about 1,000 feet over 1.5 miles. The elevation is between 6,000 and 8,000 feet. Rain or shine. Experienced hikers ages 16 and older welcome. Well-behaved dog on-leash OK. Meeting location TBD. The trip is free.

Native American flute class

Sunday, July 21, 10-11 a.m. — The Native American flute is considered an important instrument in many Native American cultures. It is often seen as a spiritual instrument that has the power to connect people with the natural world and the spirits. For many tribes, the flute is considered a symbol of peace and harmony. The instrument is often used in ceremonial and healing rituals, and its soothing and meditative sounds are believed to have the power to calm the mind and bring about a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Greg Kiefer has been playing since 2011 and enjoys teaching others. He also composes music on the flute and piano (link available at registration site). Ages 10 and older welcome. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested donation: $5/ members, $10/non-members.

Concerts for a Cause

Sunday, Aug. 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Scott Vail, longtime ARC volunteer and board member, will lead this hike of about 9 miles on the ridge route northwest of Carson Pass to Little Round Top and then to Showers Lake. We will have outstanding views of the Carson Pass Area including: Caples Creek, Meiss Meadows, Lake Tahoe and the Winnemucca Lakes area. This is an advanced hike due to the elevation (8,000-8,600 feet) and some o -trail hiking. Rain or shine. Experienced hikers ages 14 and older welcome. Well-behaved dog on-leash OK. Meeting location Placerville area. The hike is free.

Mud Lake hike

Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — ARC board member Scott Vail will lead this intermediate hike near Mud Lake, west of Silver Lake. The hike is approximately 8 miles round trip, 7,500-8,000 feet elevation with gradual climbs. The hike is partially on dirt roads, the Emigrant Trail and other forest trails in the Bear River drainage. There are two crossings of the Bear River which should be shallow. Wildflowers should be abundant. Well-behaved dog on leash OK. Fit children ages 14 and older welcome. Meeting location Placerville area. The hike is free.

Granite Chief Picayune Valley overnight backpack trip

June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 7, gates open 5:30 p.m. — Join ARC at Wakamatsu Farm this summer for another exciting concert series that supports ARC’s Resilience Reserve. Enjoy live music, tasty food and beverages al fresco at the historical Wakamatsu Farm. The Resilience Reserve was established in 2023 to help ARC manage and restore wildlife habitat and repair recent damage to recreational infrastructure. All tickets are $25 per adult. Kids 12

Aug. 31-Sept. 1 — ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this exploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. We will hike up along the middle fork of the American River passing through an old growth forest. After crossing the headwaters of the middle fork, we will emerge into the Picayune Valley. In the valley, we will explore waterfalls and pass through several alpine meadows with wildflowers in bloom. The hike is moderate with no step elevation gains. Elevation is 6,300 feet. After setting up camp, we will hike up to the saddle and have views of the Granite Chief wilderness. This is an overnight trip, so bring your own backpack with supplies and food. Well-behaved dog on leash OK. Hike di culty is easy with 600-foot elevation gains, a total of 14 miles round-trip. Ages 12 and older with backpacking experience welcome. Meeting location Georgetown area. The trip is free.

facility. We do not advise tourniquets, suction devices or cutting the envenomation site. Patients with signs and symptoms of an envenomation should be evaluated for antivenom treatment. There are two antivenom medications currently available. The type of antivenom received depends on hospital availability. There’s no data available suggesting one antivenom treatment is more effective than the other.

As we welcome spring, our local rattlesnake is likely to be out. Be aware of typical habitats while working in the yard or garden. A calm demeanor when seeing a snake goes a long way. Happy gardening!

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find

the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education_Cla sses/?calendar=yes &g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/ Classes. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your

questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr. edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr. edu/master_gardener_enews. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.