The Gold Mine, Friday, June 21, 2024

To Do

Now

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

El Dorado County Certified Farmers’ Markets offer fresh fruit and vegetables and much more: Burke Junction in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; Placerville Cinema, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; and El Dorado Hills Town Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. For more information visit eldoradofarmersmarket.com.

June

22

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts its Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake. Gates open at 3 p.m. The event includes a choreographs flyover, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music and fireworks over the lake. For more information visit cameronpark.org.

The community is invited to watch actor/comedian Jack Gallagher’s recorded one man show, “A Different Kind of Cool,” at 4 p.m. 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. Make your reservations at (530) 391-4588.

Island of Black and White will perform at the ARC Concert for a Cause, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. For more information visit bit.ly/ARCc4c2024.

June 23

The Dreams And Drivers Pancreatic Cancer Fundraising Car Show takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Red Hawk Casino in Placerville. For more information visit dreamsanddrivers.com.

June 27

El Dorado Hills Town Center will be rockin’ with a free concert, 7-9 p.m., featuring Boys of Summer. Visit EDHTownCenter.com for all the details.

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents Scenes de Sleeping Beauty Ballet & Divertissments, 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

June 28

Check out El Dorado County’s Business Showcase and I Love Film Mixer, 4-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. Admission is free. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

July 3

Get ready for the 13th annual Fireworks & Freedom Concert at El Dorado Hills Town Center, 6-11 p.m. Enjoy live music in amphitheater and theater plaza. The Kids Zone will be packed with excitement and there will be plenty food and drink options, plus fireworks to light up the night. For more information visit EDHTownCenter.com.

July 4

The El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville hosts the Fourth of July Family Blast featuring live music, food and drinks available for purchase (you can also bring on your won charcoal barbecue), races at the Placerville Speedway (separate ticket required) and a fireworks show. For more information visit eldoradocountyfair.org.

SPOTLIGHT Business

Mike Beals was born and raised in El Dorado County and has been running Placerville Body Shop with a customer-first mindset for decades.

The body shop has been open since 1969, offering complete auto collision repair as well as auto glass replacement and repair, wheel alignment, headlight restoration and much more. With the goal that every customer leaves happy, it's no wonder Placerville Body Shop has collected many awards for Best Body Shop over the years.

"We are a family oriented shop that works for the customer and not the insurance company," Beals said. "We have the best team and they go above and beyond and that is what sets us apart. The shop would not work as well as it does without the staff."

Beals gained an appreciation of and affection for what he does thanks to an ROP class for body repair at Ponderosa

High School. He followed that with training in Wyoming and brought his education back to where it all started.

With some renovations around the shop and the staff back to full strength, Placerville Body Shop is equipped to handle all your vehicle needs — even with construction taking place around the area.

"Our office managers, Mandy and Samantha Howard, do an outstanding job and they take care of people from the first phone call to getting customers a rental if needed and everything in between," Beals said.

Every collision repair is backed by a lifetime warranty and Placerville Body Shop prides itself in being an industry leader and up-to-date with all the advancements in automotive technologies and state-of-the-art color matching. This expertise and attention to detail and quality ensures customers are getting the very best service.

Courtesy photo

The Placerville Body Shop team has decades of experience and offers complete vehicle restoration services.

STARS AT SCHOOL

Mahee Haswani

Oak Ridge High School graduate

On graduation day, Oak Ridge High School proudly presented Mahee Haswani as this year's valedictorian. Mahee has excelled academically, embracing every challenge with an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Throughout her high school journey, Mahee has tackled a demanding curriculum, enrolling in nine Advanced Placement courses and completing six more in her senior year. Her academic prowess is evident in her transcript and her creative approach to advanced studies.

Mahee's aspirations are as ambitious as her academic endeavors. She plans to major in business administration in college and become a stockbroker or financial analyst. Her determination and motivation will undoubtedly propel her toward success in her chosen field.

Beyond academics, Mahee is a well-rounded individual with a diverse range of interests and achievements. As the captain of the Oak Ridge High School Speech and Debate team, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and communication skills. Her involvement in the YMCA Youth and Government Model Legislature and Court showcases her commitment to civic engagement. Additionally, Mahee has served on the California Youth Advocacy Network’s Youth Board of Directors, advocating for important causes.

Mahee's talents extend to the arts as well. She is an accomplished pianist, receiving state honors on the Music Teachers Association of California Certificate of Merit Piano exams. Mahee Haswani exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her life, making her a deserving valedictorian and a role model for her peers.

dashing blue merle pig

adopter at

Do

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

Going bananas? A dose of kitten cuteness and purrs may be just what you need. Applications at the shelter.

ACROSS-----------�

1) Not quite spherical

7) St. Louis landmark

11) English channel

14) One who dips out water

15) Word hidden in each of the theme entries

16) "_ we having fun yet?"

17) Where those in debt go

19) It can be deadly or mortal

20) Gist

21) Atomizer output

22) Keep entertained

25) Outstanding hockey feats

27) _ Cruces, N.M.

28) Coloring substance

30) Min. divided by60

31) Burden of proof

33) Brewer's equipment

36) Guardhouses

40) Secret teller's lead-in

43) Meet away from prying eyes

44) Alluring

45) Leave slack-jawed

46) Director Burton

48) Disobeyed a zoo sign?

50) "Andy Capp" cartoonist

Smythe

51) Show disrupter, possibly

56) Pindar's last stanza, e.g.

58) Cheese choice

59) Tutor again

61) Banned insecticide

62) Nature personified

66) Step in the right direction?

67) Not in port

68) Error

69) McMahon and Ha ris

70) Fork-tailed beach bird

71) Does a slow burn

DOWN

1) _-Wan Kenobi

2) Blackout

3) On, as a lamp

4) Succulent healing plants

5) Taunted

6) Blows it

7) Circus site

8) Change in response to a stimulus

9) Some editorial inserts

10) 168 in a wk.

11) Kind of cable?

12) Lively

13) Currency units

18) Tries again

21) Some new breweries

22) Floating high in the sky

23) English country home

24) Exorbitant interest

26) Civil War side, briefly

29) Thou

32) Modus operandi

34) "Get it?"

35) Exempt, in a way

37) Foreword, for short

38) Stuck together

39) "The Playboy of the Western World" author

41) Auditory

42) White bread alternative

47) Down in the dumps

49) Trickery

51) Overhanging rock

52) Used a calculator

53) "Soap" family

54) Basic length measure

55) "_Frame"

57) Part of a cycle

60) Weapony

62) "Welcome" site

63) Victor

64) "The Rum _ Tugger" (song from "Cats")

65) "For ajolly ... "

THE EL DORADO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT OFFERS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS TO RESIDENTS OF EL DORADO COUNTY TO IMPROVE LOCAL AIR QUALITY.

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000 * to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low -income residents or residents of designated low -income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a zero -emission cordless electric version. Now includes mowers, leaf blowers, weedeaters and more!

The new CHar ge At your Residence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger. The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

Carolyn Jhajj News release

The Rural County Representatives of California hosts its eighth annual Rural County Photo Contest through June 30. The contest invites individuals to submit their photographs capturing life in rural California and showcasing the beautiful scenery, activities, communities, history and charm of RCRC’s 40 member counties.

Photo entries should be sent to photocontest@rcrcnet.org. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, be the original work of the submitter and include:

• Location where the photo was taken, including the county in which it was taken; and

• Photographer’s full name and email address.

The grand prize winner will receive a $300 gift card and the winning photograph will be unveiled at the September RCRC Board of Directors Meeting. The second-place finalist will receive a $150 gift card and the third-

place finalist will receive a $75 gift card. Full contest details are available at rcrcnet.org/photo-contest.

The 2023 winning photograph of RCRC’s annual Rural County Photo Contest taken of Tulare County by Arlene Winfrey.

POWER UP Family Mealtimes

Bring loved ones together with protein-packed peanuts

Between juggling work, family, friends and social activities, powering through busy day-today schedules requires a lot of energy. Building meals around recipes packed with a plant-based protein such as peanuts or peanut butter can help your family come together to refuel.

In fact, at 7 grams per serving, a nutrient-rich powerhouse like peanuts delivers the most protein of any nut and contains six essential vitamins – vitamin E, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6 – and seven essential minerals – phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and calcium.

As a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or part of a variety of recipes from morning to night, peanuts can take center stage at the family table when it’s time to recharge at the end of long days. Start with an appetizer like Broccoli and Edamame Salad with Peanut Dressing, which can be on the table in 10 minutes, to hold over hunger ahead of a proteinpacked main course like Chicken with Peanut Sauce in Lettuce Wraps. Finish off the evening meal with Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Cheesecake as a betterfor-you dessert.

Find more delicious ideas for keeping your family energized at gapeanuts.com.

Chicken with Peanut Sauce in Lettuce Wraps

Recipe courtesy of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

2 pounds ground chicken

2 tablespoons sesame oil

3/4 cup diced shiitake mushrooms

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

1/2 cup hoisin sauce

1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced

3 green onions (both white and green parts), chopped

2 garlic cloves, grated

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish

1/4 cup crushed peanuts, for garnish iceberg or butter lettuce, for wraps

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoon soy sauce

In pan, saute ground chicken in sesame oil until cooked through. Drain if mixture is watery.

Add shiitake mushrooms and onion; saute until mushrooms have softened and appear caramel colored.

Add garlic, ginger, hoisin, water chestnuts and green onions. Let chicken mixture simmer on low.

To make peanut sauce: In saucepan over medium-low heat, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, ginger and soy sauce until smooth, warm and thinned slightly.

Fold into chicken mixture. Stir until combined and simmer on low until peanut sauce is evenly distributed.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts. Serve in lettuce wraps.

Chicken with Peanut Sauce in Lettuce Wraps

Peanut Sauce:

Broccoli and Edamame Salad with Peanut Dressing

Recipe courtesy of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Dressing:

1/2 fresh lime, juice only

1/4 cup toasted sesame seed oil

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons tahini

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon chili oil

1 garlic clove, grated

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated kosher salt, to taste

1 tablespoon hot water, plus additional for thinner consistency (optional)

Salad:

2 cups broccoli slaw

1 cup shelled edamame, cooked

1 1/2 cups chopped raw broccoli

1/2 cup English cucumber, quartered and chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

To make dressing: In bowl, whisk lime juice, toasted sesame seed oil, honey, tahini, peanut butter, chili oil, garlic, ginger and salt, to taste. Add hot water, adding additional, if necessary, until dressing reaches desired consistency. Set aside.

To make salad: In large bowl, combine broccoli slaw, edamame, broccoli, cucumber, mint, cilantro and peanuts. Toss with dressing to combine and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

Recipe courtesy of Parker’s Plate on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Servings: 8 (1 slice each)

Crust:

2 cups pretzels

1 1/2 cups vanilla-flavored wafer-style cookies

1/2 cup peanuts

12 tablespoons unsalted butter

nonstick cooking spray

Filling:

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup roughly chopped dark chocolate

1/2 cup roughly chopped peanuts

1 pinch sea salt

To make crust: In food processor, pulse pretzels, waferstyle cookies and peanuts until chopped but not powdery.

In skillet, melt butter. Add pretzel mixture until combined with butter.

Spray pie pan with nonstick cooking spray and spread mixture on bottom of pan and slightly up sides; press down until even.

To make filling: In bowl using hand mixer, whip cottage cheese until lumps are smoother, 3-4 minutes.

In separate bowl, use hand mixer to whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.

Add cottage cheese and peanut butter to heavy cream mixture; whip until combined, about 1 minute.

Top pie with chopped chocolate and peanuts and freeze 2 hours. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before ready to serve.

Before serving, sprinkle with sea salt.

Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

Broccoli and Edamame Salad with Peanut Dressing

Name: GOLD LEAF BOTANICALS; Width: 7.5"; Depth: 9.5"; Color: Process Color; Resolved File Path: ; Ad Number: 96624

KITTEN POWER

Is a kitten in your future? Check EDCAS’s adoption page on the internet regularly; or stop by. Don’t wait; they get adopted quickly.

(A159292)

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

BANE (A157039)

This B&W Pit Bull Terrier is waiting for you to break him out of doggie jail so he can jump into your heart. Very sweet! 10mo.

COLE (A158362)

Clad in a classic B&W tuxedo, this DSH is more inclined to sleep in a suitcase than carry one. Purr-fect at 1 yr. This grey tabby & white F DSH is looking for the perfect arrangement. Do you have a sunny couch? 2yr 8mo. CHUCKLES (A159222)

No clown jokes please, this very respectable Chihuahua mix would seriously like to be adopted this week. M, blk, 9yr.

SUMMER (A158722)

Tis’ the season to adopt. But of course it is all year long. Festive F black lab mix 25mo.

Poison oak is found throughout California — along the coasts and in forests, grassy hillsides and recreation areas.

Poison oak secretes an oily sap on its stems and leaves which causes an allergic reaction and, unfortunately, repeated exposure over time increases sensitivity. You can be exposed to oil from the plant either from the plant itself or without ever coming into contact with the plant simply by touching the oil that has gotten on clothes, shoes, pets, tools and any number of other things — even smoke from burning plants, which can be a particular hazard as it can cause internal problems, too.

Despite its name, poison oak is not related to oak trees. It’s actually a dense, leafy shrub that sports a distinctive “leaves-of-three” pattern and is a serious threat to those who are allergic to the plant, according to the California Poison Control System. The poisonous plant is abundantly found throughout California — along the coasts and in forests, grassy hillsides and recreation areas.

“It takes about one to six days after coming in contact with poison oak, either directly or indirectly, for symptoms to develop,” said Rais Vohra, medical director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “If the oil from the plant, called urushiol, gets on your skin it can cause an itchy, sometimes painful, rash which then turns into water blisters. One interesting thing about poison oak is that it can’t be spread from person-to-person by touching the rash or the blisters or from the fluid in the blisters; it can only be transmitted through touching the oil.”

He added, “Most people will not require a trip to the emergency room unless they have a severe reaction, such as trouble breathing, or have inhaled smoke from burning poison oak. However, it’s much better to learn to recognize the plant and avoid it.”

Identifying

poison oak

• It can be spotted all year long, though it typically changes color from green in the spring to crimson red in the fall.

• It grows into groups of three leaflets with the center leaflet typically growing longer than the other two.

• It grows into a dense and leafy shrub, ranging from 1 to 6 feet high.

• It has a vine-like appearance.

• It has either glossy or dull leaves.

“Although you will have several days or even weeks of unpleasantness after exposure, poison oak can be safely treated at home by most people,” said Vohra.

Treating poison oak rash

• Try not to scratch.

• Wash itchy and affected areas with lukewarm water right away.

• Apply rubbing alcohol or over-the-counter skin cleanser to wash away the oil.

• Apply over-the-counter steroid cream to treat dermatitis (skin inflammation).

• Apply calamine lotion to help stop the itching. “Poison oak exposure is more common in warmer weather, when you are more likely to be outdoors,” said Vohra. “So preventative measures, especially if you love to hike, will help you avoid the misery of being affected by poison oak.”

Preventing exposure

• Long-sleeved shirt.

• Long pants.

• Hats and gloves.

• Closed-toe shoes or boots.

• Stay on trails and away from bushes where poison oak may be present.

• Wash clothes, tools, strollers, wheelchairs and pets after hiking outdoors as they may have poison oak oil on them.

• Do not burn poison oak as the smoke can cause irritation.

“If you have any of the following severe or life-threatening symptoms, seek medical attention right away,” Vohra advised. “You can also call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-2221222 for additional advice.”

When to seek medical attention

• If the rash covers much of your body.

• If you have many blisters or swelling — especially on your eyelids, face or genitals.

• If you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

5 ways to support backyard pollinators

Turf Mutt Foundation News release

The TurfMutt Foundation, which has advocated for the care and use of yards, parks and other green spaces for 15 years, has long been an advocate of supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and bats in managed landscapes. In celebration of National Pollinator Month, TurfMutt reminds everyone about the important role backyards and community green spaces play for these small but mighty backyard critters and their pollinating powers.

Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we take, according to the Pollinator Partnership.

“Our cities and neighborhoods have disrupted the natural ecosystem pathways that pollinators rely upon, but our backyards and community parks can help by providing these important creatures a vital link to habitat and food,” said Kris Kiser, president & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “We encourage every homeowner and community to plant flowering plants and shrubs, in addition to trees and grass, in their managed landscapes.”

Here are five ways homeowners can support pollinators in their own backyard:

1. Remember right plant, right place

Select flowering plants that thrive in your yard’s conditions, taking into consideration things like climate zone (check out the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map), soil type, the sun/shade ratio and average rainfall. If a plant has evolved to thrive in your microclimate, it’s a good bet the pollinators in your community will prefer it, too. The Pollinator Partnership has free pollinator planting guides that anyone can download.

2. Have a balanced landscape

Plant a healthy balance of real grasses, garden flowers, shrubs and trees that bloom at different times of the year. Different colored plants that have their own smell and grow to various heights will attract different types of pollinator species. By keeping this in mind and planting accordingly, you can provide year-round pollinator support.

3. Create a “target”

Plant in clusters to make plants an easy target for pollinators to find. This will also increase pollination efficiency. It’s easier, faster and less wasteful for pollinators to work on a single plant species in one central area versus having to seek our individual plants.

COIN GIVEAWAY!!

“The

Pony Express” Diamond Jubilee

This

coin is the Diamond Jubilee “Changing Ponies” Relay Station

4. Right-size your effort

Remember, the size of your yard doesn’t matter. Pollinator pit stops can be created anywhere from urban condominium balconies and small home yards, to large estate lots and farms. Creativity is all that is needed. Window planters, patio containers, raised garden boxes and even hanging planters can all offer nectar to pollinators. If you have no outdoor space to call your own, consider volunteering for a local pollinator organization, at a local park or community garden.

5. Remember the “extras” Pollinators are hard-working and they need clean water and a place to rest. Backyard water sources can be in the form of a water feature or birdbath. You can even set out a shallow water container filled with rocks for pollinator perching.

Having a variety of flowers and plants in your garden can attract pollinators like the hummingbird.

Photo by Michale Clay Smith / Getty Images

All Things Equine

What are some of the most common hoof problems?

e best way to ensure that your horse’s hooves are in optimal condition is to work with a hoof care expert or farrier regularly. A farrier will be able to safely trim the hoof wall, examine the hoof for signs of disease, and prevent damage to the hoof.

In addition to routine care from a farrier, it is important to care for your horse’s hooves through proper cleaning, dietary supplements, and hydrating hoof sealants. A farrier or veterinarian can provide you with more in-depth information regarding proper hoof care and maintenance.

Common Problems With Horse Hooves

Injury or infection of your horse’s hooves can greatly impact their ability to walk, potentially forever. For this reason, it is important to learn some of the most common warning signs of various hoof ailments.

rush: An infection of the frog of the hoof. O en identi ed by black discharge on or around the front and an unpleasant odor.

Hoof Bruise: Caused by trauma to the hoof. O en identi ed by discoloration to the sole or the hoof wall.

White Line Disease: An infection between the hoof wall and the sole that can lead to additional disease within the hoof.

Hoof Abscess: An infection within the

inner framework of the hoof.

Laminitis: In ammation to the laminae of the hoof o en recognizes by hooves that are warm to the touch or exhibit a strong pulse.

Quarter Crack: A vertical crack in the side hoof wall. Most o en found between the heel and widest part of the hoof. Navicular Syndrome: Pain in the heel or navicular bone caused by a variety of situations.

If you notice strange behavior or an odd appearance to your horse’s hooves, it is important to consult your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment of these common ailments will provide you with the best possible outcome.

Advertise Here, Contact Chris Jones (530) 344-5023

34) "Get

2 “For my part …” (10) 3 made of mud (7) 4 Taiwan’s capital city (6)

5 turning over in one’s mind (10)

6 happiness researcher Laurie (6)

7 meal maker (7)

35) Exempt, in a way

37) Foreword, for short

38) Stuck together

39) "The Playboy of the Western World" author

41) Auditory

42) White bread alternative

47) Down in the dumps

49) Trickery

51) Overhanging rock

52) Used a calculator

53) "Soap" family

54) Basic length measure

55) "_ Frame"

57) Part of a cycle

60) Weapony

62) "Welcome" site

63) Victor

64) "The Rum _ Tugger" (song from "Cats")

65) "For ajolly ... "

ANSWERS

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to

Grand jury report online

News release

The El Dorado County Grand Jury has released its final report for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The 236-page final report includes 10 individual reports released throughout the year, addressing topics such as election procedures, Transient Occupancy Tax policies, sexual harassment policies in schools, the Western Slope Joint Powers Authority for emergency services, hazards at the Georgetown Airport and more.

The Grand Jury represents the public as a watchdog organization over county and special district operations and policies. The 2023-24 final report is the product of a dedicated panel of El Dorado County residents who volunteer each spring for a one-year term. Each juror shares responsibility for the investigations, deliberations and ultimately, the final report, operating independently of the county under the supervision of a presiding judge from El Dorado County Superior Court.

The Grand Jury Final Report can be found at: eldoradocounty.ca.gov/files/assets/county/v/2/documents/public-safety-amp-justice/grand-jury/2023-2024/2023-2024-final-report. pdf

County commission seeks alternative member

Application deadline is July 10

The El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will be considering the appointment of an alternate public member to LAFCO who will serve a new four-year term, which would run through May 2028.

The public member alternate represents the interests of the taxpayer-citizens of El Dorado County. The alternate fully participates in the discussion and deliberation at LAFCO meetings but votes only when the regular public member is absent or disqualified.

Applicants must be a resident and registered voter in El Dorado County and cannot be a city, district or county official of any public agency within El Dorado County. Those seated on LAFCO are subject to the Fair Political Practices Commission and must file an annual conflict of interest statement.

Under state law, LAFCO is mandated to ensure the logical formation and determination of the local government agency boundaries, which affect growth and development patterns, delivery of urban services and agricultural and open space lands within El Dorado County. The commission typically meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.

Those who wish to be considered for the alternate public member position on LAFCO can find the application form online at edlafco.us. The deadline for completed applications is July 10. For more information call the LAFCO office at (530) 295-2707.

Submit applications to: El Dorado LAFCO

550 Main St., Suite E Placerville, CA 95667