Mountain Democrat, Friday, June 2, 2023

Children struck on Pony Express Trail

Several community groups and coalitions in El Dorado County are banding together to form one larger umbrella affiliation called Save Our County – Joint Coalition.

The joint coalition consists of members of the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community Coalition, Open Space – El Dorado Hills, Shingle Springs Community Alliance, Rescue Rasmussen Pond and Friends of Historic Hangtown.

While each group focuses primarily on their respective areas of concern, their goal largely is the same — advocacy of preserving open space and

Ashleigh Goodwin

Tahoe Daily Tribune

STATELINE, Nev.

— The Highway 50 Wagon Train will begin its 74th annual trek from Stateline, Nev., to Placerville Sunday, June

4. The namesake’s association was established in 1949 to commemorate “a mighty flood of gold seekers and adventurers, bound for California seeking the ‘Mother Lode,’” according to the Highway 50 Wagon Train Association website.

While the starting point for the event has varied over the past 74 years the historical purpose remains the same. This year the train will take off from the Safeway in Roundhill, Nev., where it will gather Saturday between noon and 6 p.m. and check in for the night. The wagon teams will prepare for the weeklong “moving campout” that will end June 10 at Placerville Cinema in Placerville, according Carol Spreckelson, co-event planner with Paula Peterson, president of the Lake Tahoe Historical Society.

The wagon train’s first stop will be for chow time at high noon, or thereabouts, when it arrives at its first stop at the Lake Tahoe Historic Museum, 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe. Spectators are encouraged to join the waggoners for lunch, with the wagon train arriving approximately between 11 a.m. and noon.

“It’s all about history,” said Spreckelson, who has been helping with the event for three of its seven decades. “You don’t know

“ … Project Frontier illustrated the power of more voices speaking up about and following these projects.”

— Ryan Carter, Friends of Historic Hangtown

Bryant Reid Vance

Nov. 9, 1945 – may 15, 2023

Bryant Reid Vance passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023 with loved ones at his side. He will be remembered by many as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Bryant was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He met the love of his life, Trena, while working at the gas company and became “the gas man that never left.” They moved to Placerville where he worked in the healthcare industry with Robinson’s Pharmacy until his retirement. He is now reunited with Trena for eternity.

Bryant was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing. His boys remember trying to keep up while he hiked up and down the river, looking for a new hole to drag his silver Mepps spinner through, though he was frequently interrupted by the news that one of his boys had lost yet another spinner. As he got older, he could frequently be found at Kohl’s buying every shirt on the clearance rack.

Bryant is preceded in death by his wife, Trena, and his son, Jeffrey (Tad). He is survived by his sons Michael, Scott (Lisa), Justin (Jocelyn), and Cody (Jennifer). He also boasts 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd., Placerville, California.

Charles “CJ” Robert Wheeler Jr.

aug. 21, 1991 – may 18, 2023

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, Charles “CJ” Robert Wheeler, Jr. passed away in Placerville, Calif. at the age of 31. CJ was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Chuck” R. Wheeler (1/23/1991) and mother, Teresa L. Wheeler (7/21/2008) and by his grandparents (Betty & Jim Wheeler and Alice Batemon & Jerry Hunt). He is survived by his two older sisters (Jessica Liddell and Lindsey Wheeler) who cherished him, his brother-in-law John Liddell and cousin James Wayne, both of whom he looked up to, his beloved nieces and nephews, and close family and friends who never gave up on him. CJ was an exceptional athlete, lover of animals, a hard worker, incredibly resilient, and wanted to prioritize others ahead of himself. He was extremely loyal and caring towards those he loved. CJ overcame so much in his short life and always lived unapologetically and on his own terms. We hope he is no longer in pain and is now at peace and finally together with his mom & dad. A memorial for close family and friends will be held at a later date. If you would like information, please email: cjwheelerforever@outlook.com

weather

Richard “Dick”

Reynolds Allured

a ug. 6, 1928 - a pril 23, 2023

Dick Allured, former Fire Management Officer for the U.S. Forest Service Placerville District, avid outdoorsman, veteran of the Korean War, our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and neighbor, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Dick is survived by his children Katherine (Jerry) Ferdolage, Karen (Randy) Barrow, Cindy (Gerold) Merker, Leslie (Floyd) Baumgartner, and David (Angela) Allured; 10 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren, sisters-in law Betty Greve Allured and Joyce Voss, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean Ann Voss Allured (July 10, 1931May 11, 2021), and brothers Robert T. “Bob” Allured and Walter S. “Ted” Allured.

Dick was born on August 6, 1928 to parents William Henry Allured and Sara Margaret Reynolds Allured in Los Angeles, CA. They soon moved from their home in Long Beach to Jackson, CA. where his parents operated a mine near Fuller Lane. He and his brothers, Bob and Ted, were required to be resilient and resourceful children. Following their parent’s divorce, they moved to live with relatives in Los Altos for a time, then back to Jackson after a few years. Dick was a hard worker and an outdoor enthusiast from a young age. Fishing, hunting, and trapping were a part of his young life, as were snowshoeing, skiing, and horseback riding. At 12, Dick was told to take a small herd of horses from just east of Jackson to Silver Lake for the summer tourists. He was given a day to do this and always told his daughters that was his “endurance ride.” Dick was a miler for Jackson High School, and made it to the state track and field meet his senior year for pole vault. He started dating his future wife, Jean Voss, while in high school. After graduating in 1947, he ran a winter trap line between Peddler Hill and Carson Pass. He “decided he didn’t like his own company” and moved to San Francisco, where he started working for Davis Cordage.

On November 26, 1950, he married Jean; they were married for over 70 years before she passed away.

The couple lived in San Francisco until Dick was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 1, 1951, after being honorably discharged from the Navy the day before — he was too seasick to continue! After induction and training, Dick was sent to Korea where he served in the 7th Infantry Division, spending most of his time there on a half-track near Kumhwa Valley and Triangle Hill. Twins Katherine and Karen were 8 months old by the time Dick returned from Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Army on August 29, 1956.

PLaCerVILLe 5-day FOreCaSt

Dick went back to work with Davis Cordage, then U.S. Rubber Co. before moving back to Amador County, where he began working for the U.S. Forest Service on the Eldorado National Forest. He worked in Timber Management and Fire Management for the Cosumnes and Amador Districts; in 1961 he moved his family to Placerville in order to work in the Placerville District. Throughout these years his family was able to live with him during the summer months when he was stationed at Caldor and Plummer Ridge Guard Station. He designed, built, and ran the

firefighting operations for the Caldor inmate camp from the late 1950s to early 1960s. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the inmates and often said that was the best job he ever had while working for the Forest Service.

At one time Dick marked timber with Vern Sprock for the Sierra Ski Ranch expansion, and he was a ski patrolman in the winters there in the 1960s and 1970s. Dick was passionate about the national forest trail system and was responsible for improvements to the Caples Creek Trail up to Government Meadows.

Dick took his family on many “memorable” adventures: backpacking, downhill skiing, hiking and cross-country skiing in the Eldorado National Forest and beyond, and bicycling the backroads of Amador and El Dorado Counties. One such memorable adventure involved unplanned snow camping. Dick thought it would be fun to ski cross-country from Pickett’s Junction in Hope Valley over Carson Pass to Ted’s cabin at Caples Lake which, it turned out, was buried under 13 feet of snow. After Katherine found the top of the flag pole (which indicated he wasn’t digging in the correct place), Dick spent 12 hours digging a tunnel to the door; both girls got severe sun and wind burned faces and Karen got frostbitten fingers. Most adventures with Dick involved blisters and exhaustion, rather than being truly life-threatening.

Upon his mandatory retirement in 1982 after 29 years with the Forest Service, Dick went on to other jobs and pursuits. He scaled logs at the Mich-Cal lumber mill in Camino, drove a bus for fire crews throughout the West, tried his hand at prospecting, maintained and inspected several local forest trails with the help of his wife, children and grandchildren, helped his children with various projects, went on numerous extended road trips, learned to golf, and built a sailboat which he sailed in the San Francisco Bay with his family and friends. Dick was a member of the Masons for 61 years. In 1994-95 he was honored to be the chair of the Planning and Environment Committee as well as a member of the Criminal Justice Investigative Committee for the El Dorado County Grand Jury. For many years Dick enjoyed going to breakfast at the Golden Waffle with fellow retirees as part of the group called SIRs. Another highlight of his later years was his Honor Flight, accompanied by his son David, to Washington D.C. in 2017. Dick loved animals, which was pretty obvious when a cat would find his lap or a dog came up for a quick pat and a nuzzle. He enjoyed cracking jokes, good stories, and throwing parties with friends, family, and coworkers. During his last days Dick had wonderful and caring caregivers, nurses and doctors for whom his family is very grateful. Mostly, Dick loved his family, and his family loved him back. There will be a memorial service on June 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the historic ME Church at the Federated Church in Placerville, followed by a gathering of friends and family at Dick’s home. In lieu of flowers a gift to El Dorado Backcountry Ski Patrol (ebsp.clubexpress.com) or the charity of your choice would be welcome.

The following was taken from El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office logs:

May 15

1:56 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and a felony postrelease violation on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

3:46 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 66-year-old man suspected of possession of a controlled substance and illegal drug paraphernalia, possession of a concealed knife and transporting a controlled substance (location not specified). He was listed in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.

9:18 a.m. Vandalism was reported at an apartment complex on Pearl Place in Diamond Springs.

10:02 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Sweet Birch Lane in Camino.

2:11 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Seanshelly Lane in Rescue.

2:50 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported at a storage facility on Golden Foothill Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

2:56 p.m. Battery was reported on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville.

3:40 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Sweet Birch Lane in Camino.

May 16

12:36 a.m. A prowler was reported on Many Oaks Lane in Shingle Springs.

9:25 a.m. Burglary was reported at Panorama Drive in Placerville.

1:12 p.m. Burglary was reported on Robin Lane in Cameron Park.

1:53 p.m. Burglary was reported at Panorama Drive in Placerville.

2 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Sly Hollow Drive in Shingle Springs.

2:39 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 57-year-old man suspected of DUI, driving on a suspended license and a probation violation on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. He was released on $50,000 bail.

7:45 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 54-year-old man suspected of elder abuse on King Henry Way in El Dorado Hills. He also had a bench warrant. The suspect was released on $50,500 bail.

9:51 p.m. Burglary was reported at a mobile home park on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

May 17

2:08 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was released on $50,000 bail.

8:25 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Rocky Ridge Road in Placerville.

8:36 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs.

9:44 a.m. Burglary was reported on Grassy Run Road in Placerville.

10:02 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Shale Drive in Placerville.

11:46 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

12:36 p.m. A prowler was reported at a mobile home park on Highway 193 in Placerville.

6:39 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 30-year-old man suspected of smuggling narcotics and cellular phones intended for inmates on North South Road in Omo Ranch. He was released on $290,000 bail.

7:21 p.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on Forebay Road in Pollock Pines.

May 18

4:32 a.m. Battery was reported on Broadway in Placerville.

Gas and glass center of Shingle Springs arrests

Isaac Streeter

Staff writer

El Dorado County sheriff’s deputies have arrested two suspects who were reportedly stealing gasoline from rental vehicles in Shingle Springs Friday, May 19. The pair was also found in possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia, according to sheriff’s officials.

The suspects were identified as 35-yearold Michael Kemp and 54-year-old Serina Gomez. Both were arrested and booked at the El Dorado County jail.

A 911 call was placed after a witness saw two suspects get out of a truck and begin siphoning gas out of the vehicles, states an El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.

In photos shared by the Sheriff’s Office, the rental vehicles appear to be U-Haul box trucks

Deputies responded to the scene on the 4200 block of Sunset Lane at approximately 10 p.m.

After performing a

search of the suspects’ truck, a blue Toyota Tacoma, deputies found a full gas can, a siphon hose, drug paraphernalia and more than 7 ounces of a substance thought to be methamphetamine.

Both Kemp and Gomez face charges

that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit theft and receiving stolen property. Gomez was also charged for knowingly bringing drugs into the jail.

Search and Rescue needs help to Fill the Pack

Rasco

Odin

Staff writer

When hikers lose their way, skiers become trapped in the backcountry or children get lost in neighborhoods or the woods, the El Dorado County Search and Rescue Team is called on to assist. The 146 volunteers assist at emergencies and events, and also devote time to continual training and skill improvement; in 2022 alone, Search and Rescue members contributed 10,751 volunteer hours, according to Scott Bare from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday, June 4, Search and Rescue will be visiting locations around the county asking for the help of local residents to help “fill the pack” with monetary donations. Search and Rescue members will be on Main Street in Placerville, in El Dorado Hills Town Center and near Safeway stores at Cameron Park Drive, Bass Lake Road and Francisco Drive.

The money raised by the annual event is one of the primary sources of funding for the nonprofit, typically bringing in close to $13,000 per event, according to Search and Rescue Ground Team member Brendan Nagle. In a usual year, a full third of the annual budget comes directly from the donations made during the Fill the Pack fundraiser.

The money goes to virtually every facet of Search and Rescue operations, particularly acquiring new equipment and funding additional training for volunteers. As time has gone on, Search and Rescue has adapted to cover a varied set of roles to support community members

during emergencies.

“The role has evolved,” Nagle explained. “We’re fortunate that the Sheriff has trusted us; we’ve helped with things like the Caldor Fire evacuation shelters, assisted at vaccination sites and manned call centers during the floods this winter.”

There are a wide variety of teams within Search and Rescue that provide a plethora of services in emergency situations: the Ground Team is general response; the Management Team provides operational support and coordination; the OHV team operates off-road vehicles for situations such as issues on the Rubicon Trail or during heavy snow events; the Technical Rope Team navigates steep and difficult to maneuver inclines; the Swiftwater Team aids in river rescues and dives; and the Canine Team utilizes the help of speciallytrained dogs to help track down people who have gone missing. The group provides its help across all of El Dorado County and is often called to assist with situations across the state.

Last year, Search and Rescue teams responded to 115 calls and assisted at 13 events and provided services such as first aid and lost child support at the county fair.

“Being a part of Search and Rescue is the ultimate way of giving back to the community that we all love,” Nagle said. “We’re here to help. There’s a place for everyone who wants to get involved, from working with the Ground Team to manning the phone desk. For those who don’t have the time or energy, donating is the next best thing that you could do.”

NEUROPATHY IS A

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

Healthy Nerve

Healthy Blood Vessels

Diseased Blood Vessels

Nerves Shrivel when Blood Vessels Weak and Disappear

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

Figure 1

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

What is the underlying cause? 1

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

How much treatment will your condition require? 3

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

Increase Blow ow 1

Stimulate small ber nerves 2

Decrease brain based pain 3

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

Photos courtesy of El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office

El Dorado County Sheriff’s deputies respond to call of gas siphoning Friday, May 19 in Shingle Springs. The blue Toyota Tacoma belonging to the suspect can be seen in the photo.

Stolen gasoline recovered from the scene of the crime is returned to the rental vehicles. The full gas can was one of several items found at the scene of the crime.

California Matters

Sen. Feinstein’s health has Newsom in a political trap of his own making

Whither Dianne Feinstein?

The senator, a fixture of California politics for more than a halfcentury and a U.S. senator for three decades, recently returned to the Capitol after a weeks-long battle with shingles, a very debilitating disease.

One might have thought that her return, after much carping from those on the Democratic Party’s left wing about her absence, would quiet those who wanted her to resign.

However, the critics didn’t miss a beat. They could no longer complain that she was AWOL and thus inhibiting the party’s ability to advance an agenda in the closely divided Senate. But they continued the drumbeat, citing the obvious fact that age (she’s 89) and the lingering e ects of shingles have worsened the decline of her cognitive abilities.

Feinstein’s impairment has virtually no e ect on the Senate’s operations. As long as she is alive and can an answer the roll call, President Joe Biden and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer can do whatever they would be able to do with any other Democrat occupying one of California’s Senate seats.

The continuing demands for her resignation — which she steadfastly insists will not happen — aren’t really about her cognition, but rather her somewhat centrist position on the ideological scale.

Feinstein has already said she won’t seek another Senate term next year and her successor will be another Democrat, but what kind of Democrat is somewhat uncertain. Three major contenders, all members of Congress, are already campaigning and none has emerged as the clear frontrunner.

The progressive left would prefer Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland or, perhaps, Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County. Progressives don’t want Rep. Adam Schi of Los Angeles, who’s had centrist leanings in the past but is now trying, with little apparent success, to rebrand himself as a

■ See WALTERS, page A5

Guest Column

Letters to the Editor

Praise for a great response

EDITOR:

With today’s typical finger pointing and complaining mindset, sometimes good deeds performed by our local governing Board of Supervisors and our county Department of Transportation tend to go unnoticed. I recently experienced a positive and proactive response from my contacts with District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin and her charge, the Department of Transportation regarding wildfire preparedness issues involving Ordinance 5101 Vegetation Management and roadway maintenance requirements.

Supervisor Parlin put me in direct contact with the head of the DOT, Rafael Martinez, who managed the coordination of his vegetation management crew, headed up by very conscientious and caring county employees: Brian Foote, Dave Marino and Preston Moore.

Their planned project involved a couple Ordinance 5101 fire-ready preparedness disciplines: brush slope clearing and pothole repairs along an ancillary county road that intersects with Highway 193 in Garden Valley.

Over the past few months, the DOT crews professionally filled numerous pot holes and completed some much-needed hazardous shoulder repairs in an e ort to increase the ingress and egress roadway width safety, thus allowing for fire department emergency vehicles to enter a wildfire zone as residents are systematically trying to flee the dangerous a ected areas.

Additionally, Supervisor Parlin is a member of the Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council and as such proves with action her concerns for the residents of District 4 with actionable oversight in helping communities prepare for the 2023 wildfire season. Her swift action of assigning the DOT crew to help create a wildfire safety factor zone for county residents is no small measure.

It is literally Supervisor Parlin’s adhering to Ordinance 5101 vegetation management regulations for wildfire preventative measures, which have a direct correlation to potential life or death issues and/or property losses, that matters most to our communities as El Dorado County faces yet another wildfire season.

Much obliged, Supervisor Parlin and the EDC DOT crew.

ALLEN ROBERT CARROZZA Garden Valley

Gun violence

EDITOR:

According to the Centers for Disease Control, guns are now the leading cause of death among children and teens, even surpassing deaths by car accidents. In 2020, 4,357 children and teens died due to gun violence. These numbers are only rising. This year there have already been more than 235 mass shootings, including the deaths of many children.

This is madness. How can any rational, caring person say that owning an assault rifle is more important than the lives of our fellow citizens, especially our children?

The pro-gun doctrine of “the more guns there are, the safer we are” is lunacy. If that were true, with over 400,000,000 guns in this country, we would be the safest country in the world. The truth is the opposite. We have the highest rates of gun deaths in the industrialized world by far. In Europe, most countries count the number of gun deaths in children and teens on one hand. The truth is that the easier it is to buy a gun and the more guns there are, the more likely they are to get into the hands of people intent on doing harm.

There are four steps that we can take to make our country safer, especially for our children:

1. Make gun manufacturers liable for the carnage they are causing. They are making billions in profit. Make them pay.

2. There is a sizable segment of our population who believe that owning a gun is more important than the safety of our children. We desperately need to change this narrative. Being pro-life should not stop when a child is born.

3. We need to make guns less available. We should start by immediately outlawing assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines.

4. We desperately need to improve our mental health care system.

As more and more people are touched in a personal way by gun violence, we can only hope and pray that the house on sand that the pro-gun advocates have built will collapse in the flood of demand for change.

Let your voice be heard. Call and write to your legislators demanding change. Vote for people who will make sensible gun laws a reality. Let’s put an end to this madness.

SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville

Year of service can lead to a lifetime of opportunities

Graduation season is here and while many high school seniors are celebrating the end of an era amid the excitement some may be wondering about what’s next. Is it on to college? Are they ready to jump into the workforce? What other choices are out there?

An increasing number of young people are opting to take a gap year, spending the time working, traveling or volunteering. Research by The Gap Year Association, an Oregon-based nonprofit, estimates that, on average, between 40,000 and 60,000 students take a gap year each academic year. In the 2020-21 school year that number rose to an estimated 130,000 students. At City Year Sacramento, we’re currently recruiting volunteers for our next corps of volunteers to help Sacramento schools and students succeed. Our student success coaches serve full time in local, public schools, building relationships with students,

o ering researchbased support to help students progress in their development, allow for more personalized learning and engagement and create more equitable learning environments.

The benefits to the students we serve are numerous. Over the last 11 years, 600 City Year Sacramento alumni have tutored 40,000 kids.

We’ve found that schools that partner with City Year are two to three times more likely to improve in English and math assessments and report improvements in self-advocacy and social skills.

But that is just one side of the coin. The program is incredibly rewarding for our volunteers and not only provides them with professional development and an achievement for their résumé or college applications, but also room for personal growth and a sense of fulfillment. Many of our corps members who might not have been planning to become classroom

teachers are inspired to enter the profession, helping to combat the country’s current teacher shortage.

Engaging in a year of service allows young people an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and gain valuable life experiences. They develop skills such as leadership, problem-solving, communication and teamwork as well as exposing them to diverse cultures, lifestyles and social issues. This experience broadens perspectives, promotes empathy and opens their eyes to the world beyond their community.

In addition, a year of service can help set students up for future academic and professional success. According to the American Gap Association, students who take a gap year graduate from college in 4.07 years compared to most public universities where less than 20% of full-time students earn a bachelor’s degree in four years. The organization

also found that students who take a gap year overwhelmingly report being satisfied with their jobs.

Engaging in meaningful service work allows young people to make a positive impact in the lives of others while helping them identify their passions and interests, guiding their future career or academic choices. It can be a transformative experience that benefits them both in the short term and throughout their lives.

As a member of the larger AmeriCorps organization, volunteers also receive the opportunity to earn up to a $10,000 education award upon the completion of their service to be applied to future educational expenses or to pay back student loans.

City Year Sacramento is currently recruiting young adults to serve in Sacramento public schools. We’re looking for both applicants and

MACEY AMISSAHMcKINNEY

SUMMARY

After suffering a bout of shingles, Dianne Feinstein’s return to the Senate did not stop the calls for her resignation, which would create a huge political problem for Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Engaging in meaningful service work allows young people to make a positive impact in the lives of others while helping them identify their passions and interests …

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A4 progressive.

Lee seems to be trailing Porter and Schiff and, if it’s a three-way battle, the two women could split the progressive vote and thus give Schiff a better chance of winning. So the progressives want a Feinstein resignation that would, they hope, result in Lee being appointed to the seat by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

That hope hinges on something that Newsom — rather foolishly — said two years ago after appointing Alex Padilla to California’s other Senate seat, replacing Kamala Harris once she became vice president.

Newsom took heat from Black political figures for not naming a Black woman to replace Harris, who identifies as Black and South Asian. He attempted to cool off the criticism by naming a Black woman, San Diego Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, as Padilla’s successor as secretary of state. However, as the critics persisted, Newsom pledged on a national television to appoint a Black woman to succeed Feinstein if she resigned.

Service Continued from A4 nominations from parents, teachers, counselors or anyone who knows a young person that would excel during a year of service. Nominations are open until June 16. For more information and to nominate or apply visit cityyear.org/sacramento.

Macey Amissah-McKinney serves as the senior

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

That pledge — essentially a throwaway line to get off the political hook — could now bite back if, in fact, Feinstein were to resign. Newsom would be pressed to put Lee in the Senate, thus giving her a huge advantage to win a full term next year. He would also be hammered for interfering in the election.

Newsom surely hopes that Feinstein, even impaired, serves out her term. But were she to resign, as those on the left demand, he would face some difficult options. He could appoint Lee, bypass Lee and appoint another Black woman, such as San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who would run for a full term. Or, he could name someone else as a caretaker who would not seek a whole term.

Each option is fraught, given that the campaign to succeed Feinstein is already under way. Newsom is potentially caught in a no-win political trap of his own making.

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

vice president and executive director of City Year Sacramento. She served as a founding corps member for City Year Sacramento after graduating from UCLA and stayed with the organization to lead its current team serving schools in partnership with Sacramento Unified School District.

Wagon Train Continued from A1

where you’re going if you don’t know where you came from.”

To get an up close lesson on the history of the Gold Rush, seats are still available to ride on a wagon for a day or all 10 for a fee. Registration is available on the Wagon Train’s website, hwy50wagontrain.com.

Funding and participation has dwindled over the years, Spreckelson said.

In 2001 the Tahoe Daily Tribune reported on a grant unanimously passed by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to indefinitely give the group $10,000 each year.

This grant came after multi-agency support for the event by way of fees waived that normally would be charged by the California Department of Transportation, California Highway Patrol and the city of South Lake Tahoe.

The past 22 years has changed more than just the financial status of the organization — funds are no longer distributed and an increase in traffic has forced a change to the route the wagon train takes.

CHP has in recent years encouraged the wagon train to not travel over Echo Summit for safety reasons, Spreckelsen said.

“Pollock Pines has a huge celebration welcoming us at the community center,” Spreckelsen said, adding that she wished there was more participation.

In 1980 there were 35 wagons, according to Spreckelson, who fears the event’s once bright future is dimming without revitalized support.

“This year a single freight Highway 50 wagon will be pulled by four draft horses. The second hitch, a green painted wagon will be pulled by two draft horses,” Spreckelson said. “All six horses are from the Temecula Carriage Company.”

Additional wagons and horseback riders usually join the wagon train en route to Placerville.

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 334-2970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot. comt

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) 417-7138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

el DOrADO cOUNty AmAteUr rADiO cLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

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 916-768-4452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Ready for real change?

ceLeBrAte recOvery meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm at Bayside Church of Placerville, 4602 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. We are a Christ centered recovery program to find healing and recovery from our hurts, habits, and hangups. Email elebratercovery@ baysideplacerville. com. Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ CRBaysidePlacerville.

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 fourpart 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. Join fun-loving women Wednesdays 8am-10am at El Dorado High School. Lessons, social events, only $50/year. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. mArsHALL HOsPitAL

AUxiLiAry is looking for volunteers. It is a rewarding opportunity to do something for the community. We will be holding interviews on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Please contact Linda Grimoldi at 530-6202240 or call the Auxiliary Office at 530-626-2643.

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)6216304 to leave a message and get started.

tAxPAyers AssOciAtiON Of eL DOrADO cOUNty

Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public except the first Monday of each month. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a nonpartisan organization

A pair of children’s sneakers could be seen in the middle

near Willow Street.

Injured

Continued from A1 run into a group of children crossing the street around 10:30 a.m. He said one child was knocked out of their shoes when they were hit.

“The kid was hit back about 30 feet from the crosswalk,” Pickering said. “It was messed up to see.”

The driver of the 2010 Ford E150 van has been identified by the California Highway Patrol as 21-yearold Placerville resident Jacob Glen Rose.

The children are students of Pine Top Montessori School, which has a preschool for 3 to 6 year olds. The students were reported to be taking a field trip with their teachers to a nearby park that day. They were crossing at a crosswalk with no stoplights or stop signs.

Those who saw the incident immediately rushed to help the injured children, including Starr Free who said she saw the van traveling westbound on Pony Express.

“I saw this van coming around the corner and I saw the van slam into about eight children who were walking across the street with a rope. I saw three of them get fully run over,” Free told the Mountain Democrat, adding that she tried to comfort a young boy who she found laying on the ground about 50 feet from the crosswalk.

While on the scene the Mountain Democrat observed one victim, a girl, being loaded into the Medic 19 ambulance on a stretcher. Three patients were flown by air ambulance to UC Davis and Sutter Roseville medical centers, while another two were transported by ground to Marshall Hospital, according to CHP Sgt. Adam Croxton.

Details of their injuries remain unclear but some of the children required treatment in the intensive care unit.

“It sounded like a car crash,” said Pollock Pines resident Patrisha Topper. “I came out when I heard screaming and saw one girl laying on the side of the road and another limping.”

A CHP news release states four of the children were from Pollock Pines and another was from Placerville.

“The driver was cooperative and remained on the scene,” Croxton said.

“For reasons unknown, he entered the crosswalk and made contact with the children.”

Croxton was not able to share if the driver is suspected of speeding but he did note the driver was not suspected of being under the influence. Law enforcement did not make an arrest at the time.

Pony Express Trail was closed for about two hours as investigators processed the scene.

The El Dorado Community Foundation is accepting monetary donations at bit.ly/PineTopvictims to support victims of the crash and their families. Donors are asked to put “Pine Top Montessori” in the memo line.

The Mountain Democrat also learned of a gofundme set up for one of the children, which can be found at gofundme.com/f/support-juniperand-her-family. The fundraiser was set up by Jillian Leach on behalf of her 4-year-old niece Juniper, who is in the ICU.

“In order to support them as best we can, I am hoping to help raise some funds to help alleviate some of the financial stress this may put on them. Being absent from work, having to buy meals away from home, or just buying little items can put a strain on their budget,” Leach states on the gofundme webpage.

“If you can find some spare money to help donate to them, they won’t need to worry about money or budget and can just focus all of their energy on being there for Juniper and her recovery. And if you’re not in a position to financially give, then please share.”

Leach goes on to say that Juniper is intubated and on a ventilator in the ICU.

The gofundme had raised more than $17,600 as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Hangtown Kennel Club

Wednesday June 7th @ 7pm at the Shingle Springs Community Center Come to Me (Recall Training)

Beginning Obedience

Beginning Obedience 2 Conformation (Drop in $5 .00)

Online Registration https:hkcopci.wildapricot.org/Training-Classes Cathy 622-6909, Pre-registration is required.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You take pride in your ability to accurately assess a situation. To hang back and watch isn’t a passive position at all. It takes a great deal of energy to observe well. You’ll focus up and absorb it all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Whatever you’ve achieved, you are still capable of more. There are many ways to be great, the most important of which (like great compassion and great patience) often go unlauded, but you won’t let that deter you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). At first it seems things are getting out of hand, then the realization sets in: they were never in your hands to begin with. Let this come as a relief. The illusion of control can be comforting, but there’s deeper comfort in faith.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Statements and questions don’t always come in words. There are actions that are questions, and actions that are answers. Be keen to recognize the difference and you’ll know how to respond to people who are testing you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Good scheduling and pacing are your keys to happiness. When there’s not enough on a calendar, the buildup to an event can turn it into a bigger deal than it should be. When there’s too much on the books, it’s hard to relax into each event.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). For whatever reason, you still have to remind yourself from time to time that your feelings are important. You have something to say that will be vital to the way things will unfold for you and everyone around you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Customization will be the key to your success today. How can you make your life fit you better? As it goes with tailoring, small tweaks can make a big difference. This also applies to the things you do for others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Mystified by your own behavior? Welcome to the complexity of your humanity. Just remember that each facet of you is just one among many, trying to be heard. Acceptance and curiosity facilitate the conversation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). While it is frustrating not to get what you want, anyone who’s been depressed knows that desire itself can be a gift. Appetites signal vitality. Wanting teaches us who we are and what we like. Celebrate your drive.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The seasoned clown doesn’t always go for the laugh. They are strategic and will sometimes kill the chuckles to build to bigger payoffs later. You will employ similar advanced techniques toward the outcome you have in mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your fun impacts not only you, but the general vibe and direction of a whole scene. If you knew that kindling joy for yourself would bring sunshine to a hundred other people, what would you do to accomplish it?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Confucius says there is beauty everywhere, but not everyone can see it. That tug you feel is the pull of responsibility as you realize it’s up to you to frame the beauty you see to make it accessible to those who would otherwise overlook it.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

of Pony Express Trail at a crosswalk

natural resources, maintaining community safety and monitoring development projects in El Dorado County, according to coalition representatives.

The coalition’s mission is to ensure development projects comply with relative county, state and federal policies and ordinances, while not impacting the county’s rural and country aesthetic and resources, according to Larry Rolla,

representative of the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community Coalition.

The groups aim to spread awareness to the public and make community members’ wills heard among county sta and decision-makers, including the Board of Supervisors.

“Some of the issues that we face could be local issues that the individual coalition can handle but there are times when we do need help, especially when we’re trying to influence other supervisors outside of our district,” Rolla said.

According to coalition representatives, other advantages include sharing knowledge on how to follow, study and be involved in development projects during review periods, sharing ideas and experiences across multiple groups and to meet on key issues when needed.

“I think Project Frontier illustrated the power of more voices speaking up about and following these projects, and being educated about these developments in the county, which is our hope for this coalition,” said Ryan Carter with the Friends of Historic Hangtown.

Project Frontier was a nearly 5 million-squarefoot commercial project proposed for industrially zoned land in El Dorado Hills on which the project applicant withdrew last month.

Each group has two representatives for the larger Save Our County coalition. Meetings are held monthly or as necessary, according to Rolla.

Rolla said a commonality between the groups centers around Measure E, a 2016 voter-approved initiative incorporated into the county’s General Plan that helps restrict commercial and residential development that could potentially a ect tra c negatively. Some characteristics of the initiative include reversing a previously voter-approved law that gave the Board of Supervisors power to authorize actions such as construction of additional roads to alleviate tra c congestion

SNAGGLEPUSS (A152643)

Not a pink cougar, but he does sport a nice bow tie. And cat behavior is always amusing. black DSH, 10 mo.

with a four-fifths vote, using taxpayer money to pay for projects that supply access to new developments. Measure E also prohibits singlefamily developments that make tra c congestion worse.

“I think the challenge is having the county recognize some of these tra c concerns we have and ensuring the projects going forward adhere to Measure E,” Rolla said.

Community concerns

The Diamond Springs/El Dorado Community Coalition formed in 2021 to bring awareness of multiple development projects planned, including Dorado Oaks which proposes 382 housing units on Faith Lane in Diamond Springs. The group has grown to about 560 members, according to Rolla.

Open Space – El Dorado Hills was founded in 2012 and currently has 6,214 members, notes coalition information. Its focus includes stopping rezoning of the old golf course o El Dorado Hills Boulevard, which is zoned for open space recreational use.

Rescue Rasmussen Park functions to preserve Rasmussen Pond at a confluence of Cameron Park, Shingle Springs and Rescue to keep the area open for public use and stop proposed housing in the area. Six hundred have joined this coalition since its inception in 2021, organizers report.

Friends of Historic Hangtown has 430 members since becoming a coalition in 2019, according to Carter. Members aim to protect the aesthetic of downtown Placerville and its historical buildings.

The grassroots organization Shingle Springs Community Alliance has since 2012 focused on building design standards for commercial and multi-family buildings in the downtown area of Shingle Springs, in addition to fighting a proposed ARCO gas station at the corner of South Shingle Road and Durock Road.

Dogs are good listeners if you need to get something off your chest. Adopt some peace of mind. M tan GSD age unk.

DEREK (A136848)

bRISCUIT (A151598)

Let’s hear it for the GRADS!

Lucas Johnston, El Dorado’s class of 2023 valedictorian, speaks to classmates on the unusual experience of having only two years of high school in-person as a result of COVID-19. “Let’s hope we never hear the phrase ‘these are unprecedented times’ ever again,” Johnston joked.

Graduates fling mortar boards into the air as commencement ceremonies conclude for the Union Mine class of 2023.

Graduate Gavin Hardy, left photo, waves his diploma in the air, marking his milestone achievement with the rest of the Oak Ridge High School class of 2023 the evening of May 26. Liam Shorrock, above, tosses up a thumbs-up on his way to El Dorado High School’s graduation ceremony May 25. Shorrock plans to join the Marines now that he has completed high school.

Union Mine High School grads Jacqueline Garcia and Mariana Lopez, left photo, wave to friends and family in the crowd as ceremonies get underway May 25. Graduating senior Tatum Silva, right photo, celebrates with culinary and fashion design teacher Amanda Speake at Ponderosa High School’s commencement May 26.

Union Mine graduate Nicholas James East, left photo, goes for a hug as graduates are congratulated after receiving their diplomas. Ponderosa High School senior class president Brandon St. Martin and Principal Jeremy Hunt, middle photo, pose for a photo together. Sophia Padilla, right photo, shares her excitement while getting her high school diploma from Oak Ridge.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter

Mountain Democrat photo by Isaac Streeter

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Mountain Democrat photo by Odin Rasco

Jolina Dawson celebrates her achievement on the Oak Ridge stage.

IN THE KNOW

Stellar student

Congratulations to Claire Zufelt of Shingle Springs, who was named to the Utah Tech University President’s List.

June 2

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open again every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to assist with any gardening questions. The garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check the website before visiting ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

The Rescue Community Center presets a Friday Night Dance Party. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner and music begin at 5:30 p.m.

For more information visit RescueCommunityCenter. com.

The Fabulous Liars Band will perform at Cielo Estate Winery in Shingle Springs, 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy an Epic Dance Party with DJ 0007 at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville, 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Bobbi Zoppi performs at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

June 3

The Shingle Springs Community Center hosts a community breakfast, 8-11 a.m., and a yard sale, 8

Art rock opera for the forest coming to Wakamatsu Farm

FIRE/LAND: Knowing the Territory –Inspiring Community Resilience is an art rock opera and public forum o ering an artistic encounter with wildfire, recovery and resilience in El Dorado County and beyond. FIRE/ LAND premieres as a onenight-only event June 10 at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville.

The event is produced by Myrtle Tree Arts (myrtletreearts.com), the Placerville-based arts collaborative founded by Ameera Godwin and Paul Godwin, and co-presented by the environmental nonprofit American River Conservancy (ARConservancy.org).

The performance under the stars combines FIRE/LAND: Knowing the Territory, an art rock opera for the forest with a concert of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” on its 50th anniversary by the local popular rock group Main Street Collective. Designed with the goal to build understanding and participation around wildfire awareness and resilience in El Dorado County, the public forum features local experts speaking on forest and land management, wildfire protection and safety and community health and resilience. Forum participants hail from local and state agencies, institutions and organizations focused on

these topics. The public forum speakers and contributors are: Elena DeLacy and Autumn Gronborg, American River Conservancy ; Ken Pimlott, EDC O ce of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience; Susan Kocher, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mark Egbert, El Dorado & Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts; Malissa Tayaba, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; Kit Veerkamp, California Native Plant Society, El Dorado Chapter; Becky Estes, U.S. Forest Service; Rina Wakefield and Indigo Moor, poets;

Zack Dowell, Folsom Lake College Innovation Lab, and Dustin Koupal, composers/ musicians; and Rev. Dr. Ryoei Tyler, Tendai USA.

The June 10 event is the first of its kind to convene El Dorado County leadership and residents around developing community resilience and increasing communal engagement and understanding of wildfire through public art. The companion FIRE/LAND Art Exhibition at Arts & Culture El Dorado’s Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. Placerville, opens June 8 and runs through Aug. 6, featuring works by FIRE/ LAND artist and creator

Ameera Godwin.

“FIRE/LAND is an artistic exploration of the forest, to reflect on shared history, to grieve and consider how we might work toward a safer, healthier ecosystem with fire. Using music, theater and visual media, we are tapping into the spirit of the land,” said Ameera, co-founder of Myrtle Tree Arts and artistic director of the event.

FIRE/LAND is also an opportunity to continue to establish Wakamatsu Farm as a unique location owned by ARC both in California history and as a site for action and education around nature.

■ See FIRE/LAND, page B5

Enjoy summer sun with American River Conservancy

Sierra Foothills hosts the Gardens of the Hills fundraiser, June 3 & 4. Tour some of the area’s most gorgeous gardens, enjoy shopping at pop-up boutiques, wine tasting and a raffle plus search for Nutmeg the squirrel. For tickets and more information visit assistanceleague.org/ sierra-foothills.

American River Conservancy has scheduled plenty late spring and summer events that will keep guests in touch with nature and El Dorado County history.

Wakamatsu Open Farm Day

June 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Site of the first Japanese colony in America, a self-guided walking tour of Wakamatsu Farm may include a stroll to Okei-san’s 1871 gravesite and Charles Graner’s original 1850s farmhouse. Take a trip around the lake on the 1.5mile wheelchair-accessible trail. Bring a picnic and chair to sit and relax. On-site interpreters can share information and answer questions about Wakamatsu Farm’s human and natural history. Amenities are limited, so plan for rugged outdoor leisure. Steady rain or temperatures hotter than 100 degrees will cancel. Cost:

$10 per vehicle. Location: 941 Cold Springs Road, Placerville. Registration: app.donorview.com/jRNKg.

Fleming Meadows Hike

June 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Join ARC long-time supporter, land steward and dog lover Janet Rossi for this free hike in the Fleming Meadow area in the Eldorado National Forest. Experience forest, some burn and regeneration areas and beautiful creeks. Wildflowers should be in abundance. This is an intermediate 4- to 5-mile hike with some elevation change and moderate climbing, mixed shade/ sun. Fit ages 10 and older welcome. Well-behaved, fit and socialized dogs on leash OK. Meeting location: Placerville area. Registration:

■ See ARC page B5

Courtesy photo

Main Street Collective will perform a concert of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” at the FIRE/LAND event.

sean Liu lets them eat cake — delicious cake

Jana Rossi Staff writer

What started as El Dorado Hills resident Sean Liu’s attempt to bake the perfect macaron, ended with the much-morethan-a-hobby baker

a contestant on “The Great American Baking Show.”

If asked, Liu would describe himself as more of a gamer than a baker, especially during his high school years at Oak Ridge. After graduating from MIT he went on to work at Meta,

formerly Facebook. It was during an event he attended where Martha Stewart was promoting her cookbook that he decided to pick one up for his mom for Mother’s Day. After thumbing through it, one recipe in particular stood out. How hard

could it be?

The macaron became somewhat of an obsession for Liu. He said he liked the challenge of the macaron because it could be qualitatively correct: a shiny, smooth, crisp top; small, unbroken feet to show it is not hollow and slightly chewy. Each time Liu’s macarons got a little bit better until he felt he had perfected the treat ... and then there was cake with so many varieties to create.

Liu decided to give the popular “naked cake” a try for a friend’s birthday. That one turned out a tad dry and the buttercream frosting slipped off — not the look or taste he was going for. He kept trying, setting up blind taste tests with friends, using an assortment of flavor profiles and experimenting with substitutions — oil for butter, should cake be served fresh or thawed from the freezer? Is there a difference? Not according to Liu and his testers; the cakes tasted the same.

One day while baking with a friend they both commented about trying out for “The Great British Baking Show.” Coincidentally, soon after, Liu received an advertisement for the American version, “The Great American Baking Show.” He applied several times, receiving insightful feedback with each application. He said the critique allowed him to improve his skills and expand his baking knowledge.

When he was invited to participate, he flew down to the closest recruiting hub in Los Angeles, cake in tow, which tipped over going through security. He said the judges were understanding and he was then asked to fly to the United Kingdom,

where, yes, “The Great American Baking Show” is actually filmed.

Once there, he was put in the baking area called the tent with eight other hopeful bakers, whom he described as “lovely people,” and called his entire experience “magical.”

“We never felt like we were in competition with each other,” Liu explained, adding he considers his fellow bakers “eight other wonderful friends,” and said they still keep in touch since wrapping up their final episode last summer. “It’s a different vibe, when we’re together; we never talk about work.”

Liu described his recipes as having an Asian influence, an “East meets West with a little twist,” and said he walked away a much more confident baker and thinks about recipes differently. “I optimize

different flavor profiles and will use a hero flavor to stand out in a recipe,” he shared, adding he also puts more thought into the design and style. Cakes are his favorite desserts to bake — at least once a week — usually working on a birthday or a wedding cake.

“They are a celebration,” Liu said. “Everyone loves to eat cake.”

Liu planned to have a watch party with his friends when his episodes aired earlier this month. His only stipulation — everyone had to bring an item to have their own blind taste test, a fun way of turning the tables on his friends who have all helped him on his baking journey.

Did Liu win? Watch “The Great American Baking Show” on the Roku Channel to find out.

see charlie Brown and the gang

News release FOLSOM — With charm, wit and heart, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. See this revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, at Sutter Street Theatre.

With book, lyrics and music by Clark Gesner, this show includes musical numbers “My Blanket and Me,” “The Kite,” “The Baseball Game,”

“Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.” This production directed by Brayden Plumb with vocal direction by Hannah Hurst and choreography by Sarah Williams is guaranteed to please audiences of all ages.

“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” runs June 3-25 with showtimes at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit SutterStreetTheatre.com.

Photo by Allen Schmeltz

The gang’s all here — standing left to right, actors Libby Plumb, Isaiah Leach, Heather Clark and Anela Rei Tan join Dom Mercado and Nick Roton, seated left to right in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” opening Saturday at Sutter Street Theatre.

Courtesy photo

El Dorado Hills resident Sean Liu whips up delicious creations on “The Great American Baking Show.”

The Public Square

Images of Hope hosts its Garden Party in the Orchard at Rainbow Orchards in Camino, 4-7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit imagesofhopeeldorado.com.

Join Vahana Bellydance for its 16-year anniversary of the Casbah Lounge, Evening of Middle Eastern Dance doing good for our community, 7-9 p.m. at 6090 Enterprise Drive in Diamond Springs. The shows is free, but donations are requested to help the beneficiaries.

Accidents at Sundown, Nowhere Special and Radiokeys perform at The Green Room Social Club, 251 Main St. in Placerville, 8-11 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Murer House & Gardens in Folsom hosts Lavender Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call (916) 413-9231 or visit murerhousefoundation.org.

The Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association presents the annual Carmichael Park Community Band Festival, Carmichael Park Amphitheater. Enjoy music 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 3 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 4. For more information visit svsba.net. Showroom entertainment at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe features Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. For tickets and more information visit caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/shows.

June 4

El Dorado Western Railroad offers train rides at the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St., beginning at 10 a.m. the first and third Sundays of each month. Trains leave on the hour 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Call ahead to ensure trains are running at (530) 663-3581.

Art on the Divide Cooperative Gallery hosts an anniversary garden party, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit artonthedivide.com.

A schedule of superstar headliners will perform at the Harveys Outdoor Arena during the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series, including Illenium. For tickets and more information visit visitlaketahoe.com.

Now

The Just Exactly Perfect Music Festival takes place through June 4 at the South Fork of the American River. For tickets and more information visit jepfest.com.

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Not Worth Their Weight in Sterling” or “Are You Worthy?” through June 11. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “The Voice of the Prairie” through June 25. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Cabaret” through June 25. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

FIRE/LAND Continued from B1 app.donorview.com/Q81RZ.

“ARC is working to restore habitat and protect nearby communities by reducing fuel loads, conducting ecological forest management and exploring opportunities to conduct prescribed fire on the land,” ARC Executive Director DeLacy explained. “We at ARC also recognize that the more connected we are to nature, the more we are able to be right actors in relation to nature. Similarly, the more tapped in we are to our creativity — both culturally and personally — the happier and more resilient we are. Art is key for building community resilience. Our collaboration with Myrtle Tree Arts to co-host FIRE/LAND offers a unique space for community engagement through education, dialogue and the use of art to engage the public around environmental challenges.”

Artists contributing to the performance include Placerville’s Main Street Collective (mscband. com) led by composers and musicians Paul Godwin and Aron Faria, along with visiting artists — Venezuelan composer Miguel Noya and Symphony San Jose Concertmaster Robin Mayforth. Performers in the show under the stage direction of Gavin Sellers are cellist John Sellers, saxophonist Charlie Baldwin, bassist Brett Neumann, drummers Joseph Charles Beatty and Jonathan Punturo plus singer/performers Haley Nicole Woodward, Mae Flores, Dylan Punturo, Evan Taylor, Caitlyn Miller and local Native American storyteller Kimberly ShiningStar Petree. This intellectual and creative experience strives to spark inspiration and share a call to action in support of community resilience and public awareness.

Event details

• Speaker forum, 4-7 p.m.

•Live performance, 8-10 p.m.

•Tickets are $10 per adult. Kids 17 and younger get in free. Suggested parking donation is $10.

•A no-host bar will offer local wines and beer. The food service will be onsite, 5-8 p.m. Picnicking is welcome.

•Buy tickets at bit.ly/FIRELAND. All proceeds will benefit Wakamatsu Farm.

Continued

Geology Hike

June 6, 9 a.m. to noon — Hike the Acorn Creek Trail with Barbara Houghton, geologist/hydrogeologist and California Naturalist graduate. Barbara will talk about geology of the northern Sierra Nevada and some of the history associated with mining and water. Ages 10 and older welcome. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Intermediate hike with some steep areas and uneven terrain. Approximately 3 miles round trip. Meeting location: Pilot Hill area. Registration: app.donorview. com/Pbj0v.

A family adventure on Gold Mountain (Gam Saan Trail)

June 16, 9-11 a.m. — Hike up the recently completed Gam Saan (Gold Mountain) trail that connects with Monroe Ridge Trail in Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Pausing in the shade on the way up

gentle switchbacks, learn about native plants, flowers, trees, birds, Gold Rush and Chinese miner history. Keith Atwater will lead this free, easy to moderate 1.8-mile round trip hike with glimpses of the American River and mining activity. Keith is a long-time ARC member and has taught humanities, history and religions at the high school and college levels. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Children ages 8 and older welcome. Meeting location: Lotus area. Registration: app.donorview.com/ LbpGP.

Concerts for a Cause

June 17, July 8 & 22, Aug. 12 & 26 (September TBA)

— Join ARC and Marco’s Café at Wakamatsu Farm this summer for a new 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

n See ARC, page B6

AN EVENT ABOUT WILDFIRE & NATURE THROUGH THE ARTS

FIRE/LAND: KNOWING THE TERRITORY INSPIRING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Saturday, June 10th, 4pm to

CO-PRESENTED BY AMERICAN RIVER CONSERVANCY & MYRTLE TREE ARTS FIRE/LAND:

at Wakamatsu Farm 941 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville, CA

FOOD, BEER & WINE FOR SALE. PICNICS ARE WELCOME.

ADVANCED TICKETS ONLY $10 FOR ADULTS, 17 & UNDER FREE

TICKETS: BIT.LY/FIRELAND

ARC

from B1

recent damage to recreational infrastructure. Ticket price varies $10-$15 per person. All ages welcome. Food and beverages not included in ticket price. Check out the website to view concert lineups, times and to purchase tickets: app.donorview.com/xX7y0.

Botanical Printing Workshop

June 17 & 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Find printed creations in nature’s offerings of leaves, trees, flowers and seeds. Coax them with a little help from other natural ingredients to make their mark and design a piece with the manipulation of placement. Natural dyes and mordants will secure their place on paper. Prints can be made into cards, books, 3-dimensional pieces and wall hangings. Dorothy Yuki will travel from the Bay Area to teach this creative class. Meeting location: Placerville/Gold Hill area. Cost: $225/members, $250/ non-members. Registration: app.donorview.com/rkbnM.

Granite Chief Picayune Valley Overnight

Backpack Trip

June 24-25 (Tentative dates. Snowmelt required) — ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this exploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. Hike along the Middle Fork of the American River passing through an old growth forest. After crossing the headwaters of the middle fork, emerge into the Picayune Valley. In the valley, explore waterfalls and Indian petroglyphs and pass through several alpine meadows with wildflowers in bloom. The hike is moderate with no step elevation gains. Elevation is 6,300 feet. Camp will be set up at the upper end of the valley. After setting up camp, hike up to the saddle and have views of the Granite Chief wilderness. This is an overnight trip, so bring a backpack with supplies and food. Hike difficulty is easy with with 600-foot elevation gains, a total of 14 miles round-trip. Ages 12 and older with backpacking experience welcome. No dogs due to fawning season. Meeting location: Foresthill area. Cost: $40/members, $55/non-members. Registration link will be created once date is confirmed.

Sogetsu Ikebana Classes

June 25 and July 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Instructor Yasmin Spiegel is a “sensei” (teacher) in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging. Ages 8 and older with adult supervision welcome. Meeting

location: Gold Hill/Placerville area. Cost: Individual classes $35/members, $45/non-members. June 25: Using Paper in Contemporary Arrangements. July 23: Sunflowers and Plastic – Go for the Bold. Registration: app.donorview.com/gLvK1.

Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk/ Workshop

July 9, 10 a.m. to noon — Taylor Graham, El Dorado County’s first Poet Laureate, and award-winning 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. Any who wish 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/non-members. Registration: app.donorview. com/7L9Zp.

Granite Chief Picayune Valley Overnight Backpack Trip

July 29-30 (Tentative dates. Snowmelt required) — ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this exploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. Hike along the Middle Fork of the American River passing through an old growth forest. After crossing the headwaters of the middle fork, emerge into the Picayune Valley. In the valley, explore waterfalls and Indian petroglyphs and pass through several alpine meadows with wildflowers in bloom. The hike is moderate with no step elevation gains. Elevation is 6,300 feet. Camp will be set up at the upper end of the valley. After setting up camp, hike up to the saddle and have views of the Granite Chief wilderness. This is an overnight trip, so bring a backpack with supplies and food. Hike difficulty is easy with with 600-foot elevation gains, a total of 14 miles round-trip. Ages 12 and older with backpacking experience welcome. No dogs due to fawning season. Meeting location: Foresthill area. Cost: $40/members, $55/non-members Registration link will be created once date is confirmed.

Cosumnes Headwater Meadow walk

Late July/early August-Date TBD, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (date is snowmelt dependent) — Meander through a beautiful meadow of the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes

River, with lunch adjacent to a waterfall on this free hike. Enjoy a brief discussion of meadow restoration project with naturalist volunteers from the Cosumnes 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. Registration: app.donorview.com/zp0bN.

Heavenly wonders over the Wakamatsu Farm

Aug. 12, 9-11 p.m. — ARC volunteers and star-gazing enthusiasts Herb Tanimoto and Tim Jackson will host this unique sky-gazing event. Bring open minds ready to be filled by the wonders of the heavens over the dark Wakamatsu Farm sky. Bring cots or reclining chairs to relax and listen to descriptions of stars, constellations and mythology. Telescopes will be available to focus on special celestial objects. As a bonus, Perseid meteors will flash nocturnal greetings above. Clouds or heavy smoke will cancel. Quiet children welcome. Meeting location: Gold Hill/Placerville area. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. Registration: app. donorview.com/OqV8M.

Granite Chief Picayune Valley Overnight Backpack Trip

Aug. 26-27 — ARC volunteer Tom Dodson will lead this exploration of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area Picayune Valley starting at Talbot Creek. Hike along the Middle Fork of the American River passing through an old growth forest. After crossing the headwaters of the middle fork, emerge into the Picayune Valley. In the valley, explore waterfalls and Indian petroglyphs and pass through several alpine meadows with wildflowers in bloom. The hike is moderate with no step elevation gains. Elevation is 6,300 feet. Camp will be set up at the upper end of the valley. After setting up camp, hike up to the saddle and have views of the Granite Chief wilderness. This is an overnight trip, so bring a backpack with supplies and food. Hike difficulty is easy with with 600-foot elevation gains, a total of 14 miles round-trip. Ages 12 and older with backpacking experience welcome. No dogs due to fawning season. Meeting location: Foresthill area. Cost: $40/members, $55/non-members Registration: app.donorview. com/58REP.

Learn how to play the Native American flute

Aug. 27, 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 Native American 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 the Native American flute since 2011. He enjoys playing and teaching others how to play. 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. Registration: app. donorview.com/qbgng.

Mud Lake Hike

August TBD, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (date is snowmelt dependent) — ARC board member Scott Vail will lead this hike near Mud Lake, west of Silver Lake. The hike is approximately 8-9 miles round trip. The hike is partially on dirt roads, the Emigrant Trail and other forest trails. There are two crossings of the Bear River which should be shallow. Wildflowers should be abundant. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Fit children ages 12 and older welcome. Meeting location: Placerville area. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. Registration: app.donorview.com/Zv3zg.

Asleep at the Wheel

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Founded in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years. The band became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas, scene upon its arrival in 1973. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 Grammy Awards.

Lonestar

SUNDAY, JULY 30

Multiple-award-winning Lonestar’s chart-topping country hits started with the rock-edged “No News,” followed by “Come Cryin’ to Me” and “Everything’s Changed.” The band’s quadruple-platinum album Lonely Grill spawned four No. 1 hits, including the beloved global smash “Amazed.”

Boz Scaggs –Summer 23 Tour

TWO NIGHTS! AUGUST 22 & 23

It’s appropriate that Boz Scaggs’ new album is Out of the Blues, since the blues is what first sparked his five-decade musical career. His catalog of hits includes “It’s Over,” “Lido Shuffle,” and the Grammy-winning “Lowdown.”

Photo by David Grenier