Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 by mcnaughtonmedia

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ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Ronald E. Foltz, M.D.

Oct. 30, 1942 – June 17, 2024

Ronald E. Foltz, M.D., born October 30, 1942 in Sterling, Illinois, was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 81 in Shingle Springs, California. In 1964 Ron graduated from Wheaton College, and went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Chicago in 1968.

Drafted by the United States Navy, he served his country in Bethesda, Maryland and then in Da Nang, Vietnam from 1969 to 1971.

While overseas, he exchanged correspondence with a young kindergarten teacher, Marcia Richert. Upon his return they were married on July 3, 1971.

They settled on Placerville, California to establish his private practice. Dr. Foltz served his community as an ophthalmologist for over 40 years. He was an active member and Elder at Gold Country Baptist Church, and patron of the Sacramento Symphony, among many other medical, charitable, and political organizations. A few of his favorite pastimes were tennis, traveling, and gardening.

He was preceeded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marcia (Richert) Foltz, who passed away in 2021. His older sister, Janet Bruce, also preceeded him in death. He is survived by his two younger sisters, Carol Thorne and Diane McCallister, and by his four children and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 29, 11:00 AM at Gold Country Baptist Church, Shingle Springs.

Warren Paul Looper

April 15, 1953 – June 5, 2024

Warren passed away suddenly in Cameron Park. Warren was born on April 15, 1953 in Berkeley CA, then moved to San Rafael, CA. Warren worked in the State of California in Food Service.

On April 13 1996 Warren met his future wife Sharon on a blind date then on May 31, 1997 got married in Placerville, CA. Then they resided in El Dorado Hills til they got a home in Folsom CA.

Warren is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Sharon Looper, brother Kyle Looper ( Carol) his niece Belinda Looper, great niece Valeria & his nephew Paul Looper in San Rafael CA.

Warren is preceded in death with his dad James Paul Looper, his mom Laura Jean ( McClure) Looper, his grandma Winifred ( McClure) Young, his aunts & uncle.

In lieu of a cremation service that donations can be made to GoFundMe page in honor of Warren Looper. It will be under Sharon Looper. gofundme.com/f/help-sharon-honor-her-latehusband

Shawn “Shawnie” Marie

Allen Hicks

Dec. 28, 1953 – June 9, 2024

Shawn “Shawnie” Marie Allen Hicks lost her long battle with cancer on Sunday June 9, 2024. She will be deeply missed by her loved ones, and everyone that knew her.

Shawnie was born to Kennith and Mary Allen in Southern California and graduated from Villa Park High School in 1970. In 1972 Shawnie and Christian Madison III married and had a son, Taz. In 1975 they relocated to Placerville, California.

Spanky’s Pizza was opened in 1978 by George T. Hicks in the local Placerville bowling alley and moved to their current location within a few years. During that time, Shawnie started working with George, and well one thing led to another and in 1985 they married. Spanky’s has been serving up the finest pizza in Placerville ever since. Shawnie was always there, working hard, with a smile and a kind word for everyone.

Shawnie is survived by her son, Taz Madison, stepsons, Jeff and Stevie Hicks; sister Kathy Wright, brother Patrick Wright; granddaughter Lexi Madison, granddaughters Nikki and Rikki Sizemore and great grandson Kane Washam. She is preceded in death by her husband George Hicks, Mary Allen (mother), Kennith Allen (father), and her sister, Sharon “Sherry” Mahlum Soulis.

A Celebration of Shawnie’s Life will be held on Sunday July 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the American Legion Hall located at 4561 Greenstone Rd., Placerville CA 95667. The event will be Potluck style and a no-host bar will be available. For any questions regarding the Celebration of Life, please contact Linda at 530-417-0946 or Becky at 530-919-4071.

Marjory Emma Hubbell

May 10, 1925 – May 31, 2024

Marjory Emma Hubbell, passed away on May 31, 2024 at the age of 99 in Placerville, California surrounded by family. She was born in Holly, Michigan on May 10, 1925, the only child of Fred and Cora Hyde. She graduated as salutatorian from her high school class, and received two scholarships to attend college, graduating from the University of Michigan in 1946. During her time at UM, she met Robert Hubbell, whom she married in 1952.Robert and Marjory moved to California, spending time in both Northern and Southern California. They moved to Camino, California, living there until 2010 when Robert passed away. After Robert’s death, she moved to independent living apartment at Gold Country Retirement center in Diamond Springs. In November 2023, health problems required she move to assisted living at Gold Country, and then to skilled nursing in February 2024. She is survived by her three sons James (Mary Ann), Gerry (Joseph), and Richard. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, Collen Hubbell, her sister-in-law Jean Hubbell, numerous nieces and nephews, and her caregiver Kathleen Gleason. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert James Hubbell and a grandson Michael. A private graveside service will be held at a future time

Shirley Ellen Addison

May 4, 1936 – May 29, 2024

Kevin Thomas More Couch

Oct. 22, 1959 – May 1, 2024

Kevin Thomas More Couch passed away unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition on May 1, 2024. He was born on October 22, 1959, at Camp Pendleton, California, to Peggy Helen Light Couch and Patrick Shepard Couch. Growing up, Kevin shared cherished moments with his siblings Kitty (1961), Julie (1962), Sara (1963), Rachel (1968), and Tony (1971) as the family journeyed to Rolla, Missouri returning to Sacramento, California in 1964, eventually settling in Placerville in 1967.

Kevin’s academic journey led him to Butte and American River Colleges before he pursued his passion for Civil Engineering at UC Davis, graduating with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 1999. His professional career in structural engineering saw him in positions of increasing responsibility at MACTEC, AMEC, WOOD, and WSP where he enjoyed collaborating with his colleagues.

Shirley Ellen Addison (Cavender), 88, passed away on May 29, 2024, in El Dorado Hills, California with her loving daughter by her side. Born on May 4, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Lawrence and Francis Cavender and younger sister of David Cavender. Her formative years were shaped by the loving care of her Aunt Kathryn and Uncle James Sykes, who provided unwavering support following the early death of her mother. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Frances, her brother David, and her beloved husband Ted Addison.

On February 4, 1961, Shirley embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship with Theodore (Ted) Addison, whom she married in Jackson, Michigan. Together, they created a life filled with adventure, love, and a deep commitment to family. Their union blessed them with two children, Dane Lawrence and Michelle “Shellie” Kathryn Cook (Sean). Shirley was immensely proud of her family, especially her cherished grandchildren, Bailey Addison and Dalton James Cook.

A graduate of St. John’s High School in Jackson, Michigan, Shirley’s journey led her from Michigan to Texas, back to Michigan, and finally to Cameron Park, California, where she resided for 45 years. Her professional life was dedicated to the medical field, where she served as an administrative assistant for Dr. DeBruin in Folsom the last 30 years of her career. She formed lasting bonds with patients and colleagues which she cherished greatly.

Shirley was an enthusiastic sports fan, sharing a passion for the University of Michigan football program with Ted for over three decades. The joy of the Wolverines’ National Championship win in 2023 was a highlight of her sports fandom. She also found solace and camaraderie on the golf course with the ladies’ golf club and enjoyed playing softball in an adult league, a passion she passed down to her daughter and granddaughter. Above all, Shirley found her greatest joy in cheering on her grandchildren as they pursued their own athletic passions.

Despite her few words, Shirley’s presence resonated deeply within her community. Her gentle demeanor, paired with a subtle sense of humor, endeared her to all who knew her. Shirley was exceptionally kind and loved to enjoy life. Her life exemplified the values of love, family, and community, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 3111 Tierra de Dios Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 2:00 pm.

Rest in peace, Shirley. Your legacy of love, kindness, and grace will endure eternally in the hearts of your beloved family and friends.

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Malachi Parker Staff writer Malachi@mtdemocrat.com

Beyond his professional pursuits, Kevin embraced an active lifestyle, fueling his love for adventure and athleticism. As a young child growing up in the Sierra foothills he frequently spent time fishing and hunting, steps from their backyard. From his participation as a high school football player at El Dorado High school to becoming a high-level competitive cyclist in his early 20s, Kevin continued to find joy in many outdoor endeavors: backpacking, hiking and mountain biking. Notably, his introduction to Disc Golf in 1993 marked the beginning of his love for a sport, where he found both success and most importantly, a great community of friends.

In 2011, Kevin’s life took a beautiful turn when he met Jennifer (Jenny) at a wedding of one of his disc golf buddies. Although living 60 miles apart they built their lives together, eventually marrying in Glen Ellen at Jack London State Park on May 20, 2018. Kevin loved working on their 115 year-old Glen Ellen property and always enjoyed barbequing by the pool with Jenny and listening to music from one of his many custom playlists any excuse to be outside. His bond with Jenny’s son, Colin, grew strong over their shared love for disc golf and mountain biking, epitomizing Kevin’s devotion to family and outdoor activities.

Kevin’s enthusiasm for exploration was met by opportunities to participate in disc golf tournaments in Finland, Japan, the UK and countless destinations across the U.S. Fortunately, Jenny and Colin were able to join him on several trips including to both Japan and the UK. Together they enjoyed exploring historical sites and vowed to return to Scotland. He also cherished annual family trips to Hawaii and Serene Lakes in the High Sierras.

Kevin will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Jennifer, stepson Colin, sisters Kitty, Julie (Tony), Sara (Keith), Rachel, brother Tony, their children, as well as his uncles, aunts, and cousins and of course the many other family members and dear friends.

In honor of his memory, donations to Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen, California, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. jacklondonpark.com/ways-to-support-the-park/ Kevin’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created during his remarkable journey.

A celebration of life will be held on September 7th at 4PM at Jack London State Historic Park, Oak Grove, at the main entrance, in Glen Ellen, CA. RSVP text to Julie Dunn 530-409-8374. Obituary published on Legacy.com by Duggan’s Mission Chapel on May 15, 2024

SUBSCRIPTION

Karen Stangland

Aug. 18, 1952 – April 9, 2024

After 6-1/2 years of continuous treatment for metastatic breast cancer, Karen Stangland, 71, died in her Reno home with her brother, David, and her niece, Johanna, at her side. Karen was born in Orange, CA, to Gordon and Harriet Stangland. A few years later, the family, including her older brother, David, moved to Placerville, CA, where her younger sister, Katy, was born, and where Karen graduated from high school in 1970. She received a bachelor’s degree from University of Nevada, Reno, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and made lifetime friendships to add to those she held dear from her life in Placerville.

“Dive Buddies For Life”. Most recently she was able to travel with other family members to the Åland Islands to see family that still live there, and to the southern part of Africa with a friend where, of course, the wildlife was incredible to see. It was wonderful that she was able to take both trips given that by then her mobility was compromised. She was also an accomplished alpine skier, having raced for her high school team and various casino teams.

For many years, Karen was a dealer in various Reno casinos, and added yet more lasting friendships. Some years later, she began a career in the ﬁnancial sector and obtained a broker’s license. During those years she worked in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Reno. After her father died of leukemia, Karen generously and lovingly gave up her career, and, in 2012, moved to Tonasket, WA to help care for her aging mother. Their deep love for Katy took them back to Reno to care for her in her last months as she was dying of ovarian cancer. After returning to Tonasket, it was discovered that her mother also had ovarian cancer, and Karen continued caring for her until she died in 2016. While in Tonasket, Karen worked diligently and persistently to raise money for a community swimming pool, a project dear to her parents’ hearts. She spearheaded a fundraising campaign for the construction of the new pool, raising one million dollars. She sent each donor a handwritten thank you. She also developed friendships in Tonasket that were important to her, and that supported her both in her care-giving and her e orts to build the pool.

Karen loved traveling the world which she often did with her sister Katy, as well as various friends. Many of her trips included scuba diving and her dear friend, Marjorie,

Karen believed in working hard and in making a di erence. She was always thinking of others and doing something to help. Most recently, despite little energy due to her cancer, she knitted many, many hats for new babies to be given out in various maternity wards in Reno. She liked staying busy, and during her years in Reno she also started a side business as a professional window washer, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Karen had many wonderful friends throughout the country. In her last years, her Reno friends and neighbors, and her cousins, Marie Petersen and Chris and Julie Petersen, were especially generous in providing support, whether making meals, giving transportation, helping with her computer, or playing a cutthroat game of Bridge. They were also incredibly helpful to David and Johanna in the days following Karen’s death. There are too many to name. She always knew that her friends, wherever they were, were supportive and caring, and she was deeply grateful for their love.

Karen is survived by her brother, David (Catherine) of Tonasket, WA, and her niece, Johanna, of McCall, ID and many cousins for whom she was very grateful. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, all of whom died of cancer. So that others might not su er from the e ects of cancer, Karen donated her body to science through Medcure, an organization that facilitates body donation for research.

Please join family and friends to celebrate Karen’s life on June 29, 2024 from noon to 4 pm at 8075 List Country Rd. in Carson City, NV (Washoe Valley).`

Funds flow into county via Upper American River Watershed

Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer

The Upper American River Watershed brings in hundreds of millions of dollars into El Dorado County’s economy, according to a recent El Dorado Water Agency study.

The water resource-planning organization, in conjunction with consulting group Radbridge, calculated the watershed’s outdoor recreation use and economic impacts of visitor spending plus broader beneﬁts to show the importance of the natural resource.

With the help of mobile-location data, where Radbridge used cuttingedge models to take hundreds of millions of mobile phone locations and map destination visits, and with total outdoor recreation spending ﬁgures from the county Planning and Building Department, it was determined that the annual visitor spending was more than $382 million in 2022, according to Radbridge COO Johnny Mojica.

“That $382 million entered the economy, spun around and produced a total spending estimate of $607 million of economic output. So every dollar that is spent in the watershed actually generates $1.59 in economic output,” Mojica explained during a recent watershed economic analysis presentation to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.

The total consumer surplus value associated with the outdoor recreation of the UARW was also calculated,

which represents the economic beneﬁt that residents and tourists derived from outdoor recreation lands beyond market transactions.

“A cursory review of literature suggested that the watershed provided about $330 million in non3ket consumer surplus beneﬁts associated with recreation and in our study we found it was double that, so $660 million in recreation,” Mojica said. “It was surprising to see that the watershed had such an immense amount of value. We knew it was valuable, but we didn’t know it was going to be twice as valuable than what our initial research showed us.”

Additionally, visitors’ spending supported 2,500 jobs and $118 million in wages throughout the region, and state and local tax contributions from outdoor recreation totaled $27 million, according to the study. A breakdown of visitor spending shows that more than half went into federal land, more than $200 million.

“That’s important, because that is where a lot of the water comes from,” Mojica said. “Investments in water infrastructure can have duplicative e ects and beneﬁts in recreation.”

The study also identiﬁed the tourists’ home locations.

“There is a high density of people coming from the Bay and Tahoe areas. But really throughout the nation and across the world, we see this pattern of folks coming to visit the recreation

Solo crash leads to fatality in Pollock Pines

A 55-year-old Pollock Pines man died in a solo crash after going on Pony Express Trail near Piazza Court in Pollock Pines Saturday morning, according to

Tooth contouring—often called tooth filing, reshaping, or odontoplasty—are all names for the same procedure: reshaping teeth. A dentist may recommend reshaping a tooth if it’s affecting your bite, causing crowding, in order to install a crown or veneer, or for a chipped tooth. Tooth reshaping is also used cosmetically to improve the look of a tooth or smile. Tooth contouring procedures are often quick, painless, and noninvasive. Odontoplasty does not hurt and in many cases does not require any numbing or anesthesia. If you have gum irritation and inflammation, trouble chewing, or a front tooth chip you want to fix for a better smile,

the California Highway Patrol.

Law enforcement responded to the incident just after 8:20 a.m. to ﬁnd the vehicle, a Ford pickup, and driver o the main road.

The victim, who has not been publicly identiﬁed,

ask your dentist about your options for reshaping the tooth or teeth in question. If you’ve looked at yourself in the mirror and wished you liked your smile more, why not make a change for the better? Teeth can be contoured, bonded, veneered, crowned, and whitened and their appearance improved by several methods of cosmetic dentistry. It is truly amazing what can be accomplished in a short time that can enhance your appearance for the rest of your life.

P.S. Do not attempt to file down a tooth at home. It can remove the enamel protecting the tissue underneath and lead to a host of other dental problems.

died while en route to the hospital, according to CHP o cer Andrew Brown.

Information regarding whether the man was driving alone was not available when the Mountain Democrat inquired Monday morning. Weather conditions were sunny and clear that morning, according to Brown, who also said the cause of the crash is under investigation. The CHP o cer did conﬁrm the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and encouraged all drivers to use one while driving at all times.

“It is a lifesaver, especially during summer time since it is a deadlier time of year on the roads,” Brown said.

Eric Jaramishian Senior sta writer

Mountain Democrat le photo by Pat Dollins

Outdoor recreation on the Upper American River Watershed has a significant impact on El Dorado County’s economy, a recent study found.

freedom celebration soars

PLACERVILLE POLICE CRIME LOG

The following information was taken from Placerville police reports:

May 26

12:55 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 27-year-old man on suspicion of DUI with prior convictions on Main Street. He was released on $90,000 bail.

9:45 p.m. Officers booked into a 46-year-old woman on suspicion of disorderly conduct and probation violation on Broadway. She was later released.

May 27

3:17 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 49-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing and assault with deadly weapon on Placerville Drive. He was

EDSO CRIME LOG

The following information was taken from EDSO reports: May 26

1:39 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 26-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI on Highway 50. She was released on $15,000 bail.

2:45 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 44-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Highway 50. He was later released.

3:47 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft on Highway 50. He was released on $25,000 bail.

2:20 p.m. Battery was reported on Highway 50 at Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

released on $50,000 bail.

3:34 p.m. Petty theft was reported at pharmacy on Broadway.

6:42 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Spring Street.

8:41 p.m. Petty theft was reported at a store on Broadway.

9:46 p.m. Officers booked into jail a 32-year-old man on suspicion of use of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia on Broadway. He was later released.

May 28

2:33 p.m. Battery was reported on at the park Benham Street.

8:05 p.m. A possible prowler was reported on Clay Street.

Sunny Hill Road in Rescue.

9:10 a.m. Deputies booked a 37-yearold man into jail on suspicion of threatening crime with intent to terrorize and exhibiting deadly weapon on Fall Street in El Dorado. He was released on $60,000 bail.

11:08 p.m. Battery was reported on Talcite Street in El Dorado.

1:21 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of DUI on Black Oak Mine Road in Garden Valley. She was later released.

8:40 p.m. Battery was reported at a fitness center on green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

May 30

12:42 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 41-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft on Highway 50. He was listed in custody in lieu of $25,000.

12:30 a.m. Officers booked into jail a 30-year-old man on suspicion of possession of controlled substance on Benham Street. He was released on $12,500 bail.

8:32 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Turner Street.

4:21 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Forni Road.

May 31

10:38 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a motel on Broadway.

10:51 a.m. Grand theft was reported at

50. He was later released.

6:26 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a motel on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

6:55 p.m. Burglary was reported on Fair Horizon Trail in Pilot Hill.

10:31 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of probation violation on Tullis Mine Road in Diamond Springs. She was released on $5,000 bail.

May 29

a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of parole violation on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. She was later released. 11:32 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 31-year-old

2:22 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 42-year-old man on suspicion of driving with a suspended license on Black Bart Road in Oroville. He was released on $20,000 bail.

3:56 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Mt. Aukum Road in Somerset.

9:10 p.m. Battery was reported on Talcite Street in El Dorado.

11:05 p.m. Battery was reported on Big Valley View Drive in Placerville.

May 27

1:37 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 23-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

3:30 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was released on $230,000 bail.

6:44 a.m. Grand theft was reported on

9:07 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 41-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI on Highway 193 in Greenwood. She was later released.

May 28

2:08 a.m. Battery was reported on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.

6:58 a.m. Burglary was reported on Latham Lane in El Dorado Hills.

8:19 a.m. Battery was reported on Sciaroni Road in Grizzly Flat.

9:30 a.m. Burglary was reported on Garden Park Drive in Garden Valley.

10:21 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Rock Creek Road at Finnon Lake.

10:27 a.m. Battery was reported on Blue Heron Way in Greenwood.

11:31 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Chestnut Lane in Placerville.

3:38 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 47-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and driving with a suspended license on Highway

lands,” Mojica added. “It’s helpful that we have really iconic sites for outdoor recreation like the Rubicon Trail, Desolation Wilderness to really push out those tourism numbers.”

The study will be another tool to highlight the importance of the watershed to different audiences to help advocate for funding, one of many efforts the agency is making to create water security.

“One of the big things that we are realizing is that there’s all these benefits that a watershed provides, not just for those who live there, since the water supply goes down the river,” said EDWA General Manager Rebecca Guo. “This is why we need statewide policies to invest to protect our upper watershed. Historically, people take for granted that this watershed and forest will always be there. (they think) they’ll always be able to come up and do skiing or rafting but without actively investing in it, it might not always be there, and I think recent fires have shown that to us.”

12:31 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 54-year-old man on suspicion of violation of post release community supervision on Silva Valley Parkway in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

1:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old woman on suspicion of engaging in prostitution and driving with license suspended on Highway

50. She was released on $3,000 bail.

8:14 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a facility on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

9:46 a.m. Vandalism was reported on 2nd Street in Camino.

10:51 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man on suspicion of driving with a suspended license on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $20,000 bail.

11:38 a.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills.

12:10 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 52-year-old man on suspicion of contracting without a license on Mallard Lane in Placerville. He was released on $500 bail.

2:53 p.m. Deputies booked into jail

The economic findings will help with decision making and resource allocation to interested parties, according to county supervisors, who praised the findings of the study.

“This will be a very helpful tool across the board, whether we’re wanting to make investments in recreation, our watershed, in our forest management, through transportation investments if we can prove that through economic development, it will really have a vast array of uses,” said board Chair Wendy Thomas. “It’s very exciting and once again El Dorado County is cutting edge and on the forefront of initiatives.”

The water resource agency works to ensure the county has adequate and affordable water to protect the environment, support rural-agriculture and maintain economic prosperity since its inception in 1959. For more information about EDWA’s watershed program visit edwateragency. org.

Photos by Laurie Edwards

Pilots Chuck Wahl, Julie Clark and Mike Brewer performed a choreographed flyover above Cameron Park Lake during the Cameron Park Spectacular last Saturday evening before the fireworks show,

left photo. Jaime Young, Riley Young, Catherine Durbin, 5-year-old Raeya Taylor, and Jerome Young, right photo, arrived early to secure prime viewing spots for the fireworks. The Youngs live in Rescue, while Catherine and Raeya are from Roseville.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Flame of Hope has been carried during the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Northern California for 27 years, raising more than $20 million to support athletes. The torchbearers made a stop at the Bell Tower in Placerville, photo above, where a small crowd of supporters waited to congratulate them, including El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and Placerville Mayor Jackie Neau. The torch was then passed to Sacramento County California Highway Patrol Officer Carrillo to take the torch to its next destination. Chief Probation Officer Brian Richart, left, and Dennis Lahadene, 34, lift the Special Olympics torch above their heads as they lead a crowd of local law enforcement professionals, special olympians and community members down Placerville’s Main Street Friday afternoon, right photo.

Historical aircraft landing in Georgetown

Gary Vorderbruggen

News release

The summer continues with the June display of historical aircraft at the Georgetown Airport, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28, 29 & 30.

This is an opportunity for the public to view the aircraft in Georgetown. Signs will be posted directing visitors. Those who put on the display love aviation and they enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors, especially the kids, and many will allow kids to have their photos taken with the planes or in the cockpits.

It is necessary to get out of cars and walk the area to see the aircraft on display. The Georgetown Airport is located at 6245 Aerodrome Way.

New 837 area code coming

SAN FRANCISCO — The California Public Utilities Commission has advised residential and business customers served by the 530 area code that the new 837 area code will be added as an overlay starting Jan. 31, 2025. With new telephone numbers in the 530 area code region in high demand, the CPUC in June 2023 approved the implementation of an area code overlay, which adds a second area code to the same geographic region served by the existing 530 area code. Starting on Jan. 31, 2025, customers in the 530 area code region may be assigned a number in the new 837 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving an 837 area code will be required to dial 1 + the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 530 area code do today.

How to prepare

Customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code plus 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and others.

Customers should ensure their websites, personal and business stationery and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.

Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 837 area code as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as

10-digit numbers. Some examples include but are not limited to: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless or cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors and/or other similar equipment.

Key facts

Below are some key facts about the 530/837 area code overlay: Telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.

The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.

What is a local call now will remain a local call.

Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 1+10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.

Customers still can dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.

About the 530 area code

The 530 area code serves most of northeastern California, covering all or portions of Alpine, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba counties. It serves communities such as Chico, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Oroville, Paradise, Placerville, Red Bluff, Redding, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Woodland, and Yuba City, as well as unincorporated areas.

For more information contact your telephone service provider or visit cpuc.ca.gov.

OPINION

California Matters

State’s budget process has again become secretive and needs reform

Aminor miracle occurred in the California Capitol 50 years ago this month when a bipartisan majority of state senators refused to accept a pork-laden budget that was drafted in secret by two powerful legislators.

It’s a tale worth retelling because the current budget is also being written in secrecy. The process needs another shakeup.

In those days, the accepted practice was for the chairmen of the Legislature’s two budget committees to write the ﬁnal state budget, taking into account what the governor and individual legislators wanted included. Accordingly, two Democratic chairmen, Sen. Randolph Collier of the Senate Finance Committee and Assemblyman Willie Brown of Assembly Ways and Means, drafted a $10.3 billion budget for 1974-75.

When Collier presented the budget to the full Senate, however, it drew sharp criticism because it was loaded with state park projects for the North Coast district where Collier was seeking reelection in 1976. It was much di erent than his traditional political base in the northeastern corner of the state thanks to a redistricting plan adopted by the state Supreme Court. It was dubbed “park barrel” by Collier’s critics, particularly liberal Democrats from urban areas who had long felt slighted by the Senate’s dominant coalition of Republicans and conservative Democrats.

Alas, budget transparency faded over time, beginning when a Democratdominated Legislature had to contend with Republican governors George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson in the 1980s and 1990s.

They accused Collier of feathering his newly created political nest, rather than serving the whole state.

“Urban areas, such as I live in, never get any pork in the barrel,” Watts Democrat Mervyn Dymally complained.

Collier was stripped of his Finance Committee chairmanship and replaced by Sen. Anthony Beilenson, a Democrat from West Los Angeles. A new budget was drafted and the entire process was made more transparent with public, item-by-item discussions by a budget conference committee including members from both houses.

Collier also lost his reelection bid.

The transformed system wasn’t perfect, but

Message from EID

Letters to the Editor

Left with a mess

EDITOR:

Does PG&E actually have a real plan regarding the trees they cut down? Their contractor, in this case it was TSU, cut down a small pine tree adjacent to my property in Sierra Springs. The tree was healthy, not very tall and nowhere near any transmission lines. They never contacted me or my neighbor. They left all the debris.

So now I have a large pile of dried pine needles and branches by the side of the road. How is this possibly making things safer?

The ﬁrst time I called them back in May, I was given the impression that they would contact TSU and take care of the issue. A little more than a month later, TSU won’t respond to my inquiries and PG&E hasn’t returned my calls. I guess the millions they spend on advertising to let us know how much they’re doing to keep us safe leaves little left to actually complete the job.

BOB WILSON Pollock Pines

Not enough chefs in the kitchen

EDITOR:

Want a burger, pizza, pasta, bagel or wings? Tahoe has you covered. However, if you are craving some fesenjan with tahdig (if you know, you know), it’s time to ﬁll up or charge up your car because you’re heading to Sacramento. You could also head to my kitchen, where I prepare it along with many other staples of Persian cuisine.

With the law as it stands today, you could come to my house and dine with no permit required. You could pay me as a “cook for hire” and I could prepare the exact same food at your home kitchen without anything but a business permit. However, it’s currently illegal for me to accept payment for the vast majority of foods prepared in my home.

I don’t want to be in the restaurant business full time, nor do I think there would ever be a big enough market to sustain a Persian restaurant in South Lake Tahoe. However, serving it occasionally as a side hustle or hosting lavish feasts for small groups should not be illegal. The health risks are identical regardless if I’m hosting a private dinner party for friends for free or one for tourists who pay.

In 2018 California passed Assembly Bill 626 (later amended by AB 1325), a law that allows counties to permit Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations, or MEHKOs. These are small-scale food businesses run by residents out of home

kitchens and are limited to 90 meals per week and $100,000 in revenue per year. Every MEHKO must obtain a permit from the county, allow inspections of their home kitchen and obtain a Food Protection Manager Certiﬁcation, amongst other limitations.

However, these beneﬁts are not yet available in El Dorado County as our Board of Supervisors has not taken action to authorize MEHKOs. Further, the Environmental Management Department continues to drag its feet, citing perceived health concerns of delayed inspections. However, many other counties small and large have already opted in for years, demonstrating that it can be done safely and successfully.

I call upon Supervisor Brooke Laine and her colleagues, including Director of Environmental Management Je rey Warren, to take action. It’s beyond time to pass a resolution to opt in to AB 626 and start permitting MEHKOs in our community. Let’s support culinary entrepreneurship, expand dining options for residents and tourists and provide another legal avenue for residents to earn a little extra money.

SETH DALLOB South Lake Tahoe

No point

EDITOR:

As usual, Mr. Taylor in his latest left-wing rant talks a lot and says little — many complaints with no examples. He says the right undermines faith in elections. That started a long time ago, Mr. Taylor. The example of dead people voting in Chicago in the 1960 election comes to mind.

And now we have all kinds of voting and ballot harvesting and computers versus the in-person paper ballot voting along with a small number of absentee votes that we used to have. Even if things go right this doesn’t inspire conﬁdence. I am reminded of the lady years ago who bragged of voting six times for Obama.

Mr. Taylor blames political violence on the right while forgetting Maxine Waters publicly calling for the physical and verbal harassment of conservative o cials and politicians in public places, restaurants or wherever you ﬁnd them. Mr. Taylor talks of GOP draconian laws without specifying a single one.

To lift a quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Mr. Taylor’s letter is just “sound and fury signifying nothing.”

GEORGE ALGER

Placerville

Addressing our urgent water infrastructure needs

To maintain a high quality of life, ensuring a reliable and e cient water supply is vital. El Dorado Irrigation District sta recently presented a draft water and recycled water master plan to the EID Board of Directors that identiﬁes critical near-term needs that demand immediate action.

By addressing these needs now, we can safeguard our water resources and support a sustainable quality of life for our community. Let’s explore the key improvements and understand why they are essential.

The El Dorado Hills Water Treatment Plant is over 60 years old and needs signiﬁcant repairs. The plant is also struggling to

meet peak demand.

A planned expansion to 24 million gallons per day is essential to ensure our growing community receives a consistent and reliable water supply without interruption. Additionally, constructing a new Oak Ridge pump station and related transmission mains will enhance the plant’s e ciency. These improvements will address bottlenecks that hinder e ective water distribution, ensuring every part of our community receives the water it needs.

Transmission bottlenecks between our Reservoir A water treatment plant in Pollock Pines and El Dorado Hills limit our water system’s e ciency. Upgrading these transmission mains

is critical to maintaining adequate pressure and ﬂow during peak demand periods.

By improving the infrastructure connecting Reservoir A to El Dorado Hills, we can enhance system reliability and reduce our dependence on the EDH water treatment plant. Addressing these bottlenecks is not just a matter of convenience but of necessity. These upgrades will allow us to maintain consistent water delivery even as demand increases, ensuring our community’s water system remains robust and reliable. Expanding the capacity of the El Dorado Hills and Deer Creek wastewater treatment plants to meet peak recycled water demands is also an important step toward sustainability. Currently, we rely heavily on potable water to supplement our recycled water system, which is ine cient and unsustainable. Increasing the capacity

of these plants will reduce this reliance, promoting more e cient water use and supporting our environmental goals. The draft master plan outlines a phased approach to implementing these critical improvements, starting with the most urgent projects from 2025 to 2029. This phased strategy ensures that we can manage costs e ectively while addressing the most pressing needs first. Financially, these projects represent a significant investment in our future. By integrating these projects into the upcoming 202529 capital improvement plan and updating facility capacity charges, we can distribute the financial burden and explore funding opportunities, including grants and developmentfunded improvements. The EID board has demonstrated

DAN WALTERS

Walters Continued from A6

allowing interest groups, the public and reporters to see what was being considered was a big step forward. One of the most interesting features was compelling legislators to make their requests for speciﬁc items in public, rather than whisper them to the two legislators writing the budget.

Alas, budget transparency faded over time, beginning when a Democrat-dominated Legislature had to contend with Republican governors George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson in the 1980s and 1990s.

The public processes gave way to private negotiations by the so-called “Big 5” — the governor, two Democratic legislative leaders and two Republicans. The latter had to be included because at least a few GOP votes were needed to achieve the required two-thirds margin.

Since the process involved both parties, it was di cult to sneak questionable items into the budget.

The budget process regressed further after voters in 2010 endorsed a Democratic ballot measure, Proposition 25, that dropped the budget vote to a simple majority. Democrats then won the

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

governorship and achieved supermajorities in both legislative houses.

Ever since, the Democratic leaders of both houses and Democratic governors have written the ﬁnal budget behind closed doors.

Thanks to Prop. 25, transparency su ered yet another blow with the proliferation of budget “trailer bills” passed with simple majority votes that take e ect immediately upon being signed and are shielded from challenge via referendum.

Governors and legislative leaders use trailer bills to enact major changes in state policy that have little or no real connection to the budget with little or no public exposure or input.

The Big 3 negotiations are under way and dozens of trailer bills are being drafted. We won’t really know what the budget package contains until it’s been whisked through the Legislature with little or no real discussion — no small thing given the state’s massive budget deﬁcit.

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

Edited by Joel Fagliano

its commitment to water infrastructure with the recent approval of the Sly Park Intertie improvements project. This critical project, with a total funding request of just over $55 million, includes the construction of a new pipeline and pump station, enhancing EID’s water supply reliability and operational flexibility. The project will be partially funded by a $10 million drought resiliency grant from the California Department of Water Resources and a $750,000 grant from El Dorado County through the American Rescue Plan Act, used during the design phase. By securing low-cost bond funding, including a planned $70 million bond issuance, EID ensures that these essential improvements are financially feasible. Approximately $45 million from this upcoming bond will be allocated to the Sly Park Intertie project, underscoring the importance of low-cost financing in tackling our infrastructure challenges head-on.

Addressing the near-term replacement needs identiﬁed in the water and recycled water master plan is not just about maintaining our current water supply; it’s about investing in our future. By replacing critical facilities at the EDH water treatment plant and increasing its capacity, resolving transmission bottlenecks, and increasing recycled water capacity, we can ensure that our community thrives sustainably.

The EID board’s recent approval of the Sly Park Intertie improvements project is a testament to its dedication to securing our water future. With strategic use of low-cost bond funding and substantial grant support, we can address these challenges head-on and build a resilient water infrastructure that meets today’s needs and anticipates tomorrow’s demands. Our families, businesses and environment depend on it.

Jim Abercrombie is the general manager of EID.

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR

RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-7684452 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday afternoon 4:30 pm at Moni Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet rst and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that a ect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

COMICS

location shortly after 5:30 p.m., according to EDSO Sgt. Kyle Parker.

First responders found three individuals, 33-year-old Sacramento resident Mohammad Fahim Hemati, a 15-year-old who was rushed to a local hospital after being pulled from the river and another teenager who was rescued from the water

Springs. She was later released.

3:06 p.m. Robbery was reported at a pharmacy on Green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

3:40 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old man on suspicion of pimping on Industrial Drive in Placerville. He was listed in custody.

4:41 p.m. Burglary was reported at a hotel on Main Street in Georgetown.

5:24 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Forni Road in El Dorado. He was listed in custody.

7:59 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 71-year-old man on suspicion of a hit-and-run on Forni Road. He was later released.

11:00 p.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on Knollwood Court in Cameron Park.

May 26

1:39 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 26-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI on Highway 50. She was released on $15,000 bail.

2:45 a.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 44-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Highway 50. He was later released.

3:47 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 33-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft on Highway 50. He was released on $25,000 bail.

2:20 p.m. Battery was reported on Highway 50 at Cameron Park Drive in Cameron Park.

3:56 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Mt. Aukum Road in Somerset.

9:10 p.m. Battery was reported on Talcite Street in El Dorado.

11:05 p.m. Battery was reported on Big Valley View Drive in Placerville.

May 27

1:37 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 23-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Bass Lake Road in El Dorado Hills. He was later released.

3:30 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old man on suspicion of vehicle theft on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. He was released on $230,000 bail.

6:44 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Sunny Hill Road in Rescue.

9:10 a.m. Deputies booked a 37-yearold man into jail on suspicion of threatening a crime with intent to terrorize and exhibiting a deadly weapon on Fall Street in El Dorado. He was released on $60,000 bail.

11:08 p.m. Battery was reported on Talcite Street in El Dorado.

1:21 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of DUI on Black

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Why are you willing to spend the entire day in an uncomfortable state? If it means you can finally touch the result you deeply desire, it’s a small price to pay. There are many things you value more than comfort.

TAURUS (April 205 20). It’s hard to know what people want unless you understand where they are coming from. It only takes but a few key questions to get to the heart of this knowledge.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll get into a quest of some sort. If someone doesn’t seem to like it when you go about meeting your needs in your own way, that person might be trying to control you, which you’re likely to resist with great might.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). An industrious mood helps you accomplish twice what you did yesterday. You’ll learn something about how to make your systems more efficient, and this could establish a trend.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Most people start asking good questions when things don’t go to plan. But it takes next-level curiosity to question things even as they are working perfectly. Your mind is open and you’ll learn from every experience.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There’s no shortage of disagreeable ideas, but you won’t waste your time taking any of them on. If it means you have more energy to apply to your special projects or your loved ones, you’ll forgo a hundred arguments you could easily win.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). People who laugh together are standing on common ground. Humor accelerates relationships. Connection, trust and communication happen inside of a smiling breath.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Loving a person means loving their changes, updates and new versions, of which there may be endless, as time makes sure the potential for alteration is exercised. All versions are alive somewhere in the totality of a person.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The same flair that gets rewarded when applied to a group purpose will be misunderstood when applied to self-interest. This is why it’s best to give your enthusiasm to the group today.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21. 19). You said you wanted something and now you’ll do what it takes to get it. At some point, you may wonder if you still want the thing, or if you’ve merely convinced yourself to follow through on an old desire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It’s a rare human who can detect the difference between what is personally

know. You’ll

PISCES (Feb. 193ch 20). You are sensitive to the boundaries of others, but you’re not always as good at enforcing your own or even knowing where they are. A friend will help in this regard.

and released after being medically evaluated, Parker states in a press release. Though life-saving measures were initiated, the 15-year-old died at the hospital. Hemati was pronounced dead at the scene.

No further information about the incident was provided as of press time.

Oak Mine Road in Garden Valley. She was later released.

8:40 p.m. Battery was reported at a fitness center on Green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

9:07 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 41-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI on Highway 193 in Greenwood. She was later released.

May 28

2:08 a.m. Battery was reported on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.

6:58 a.m. Burglary was reported on Latham Lane in El Dorado Hills.

8:19 a.m. Battery was reported on Sciaroni Road in Grizzly Flat.

9:30 a.m. Burglary was reported on Garden Park Drive in Garden Valley.

10:21 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Rock Creek Road at Finnon Lake.

10:27 a.m. Battery was reported on Blue Heron Way in Greenwood.

11:31 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Chestnut Lane in Placerville.

3:38 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 47-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and driving with a suspended license on Highway 50. He was later released.

6:26 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a motel on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines.

6:55 p.m. Burglary was reported on Fair Horizon Trail in Pilot Hill.

10:31 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of probation violation on Tullis Mine Road in Diamond Springs. She was released on $5,000 bail.

May 29

1:34 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 43-year-old woman on suspicion of engaging in prostitution and driving with a suspended license on Highway 50. She was released on $3,000 bail. Area not listed.

8:14 a.m. Grand theft was reported at a facility on South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs.

9:46 a.m. Vandalism was reported on 2nd Street in Camino.

10:51 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man on suspicion of driving with a suspended license on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $20,000 bail.

11:38 a.m. Battery was reported at a mobile home park on White Rock Road in El Dorado

Those who need to conduct such transactions are now directed to go to the DMV website, dmv. ca.gov/online or make use of a DMV kiosk, which can be located using dmv. ca.gov/kiosks (the closest one to Placerville being about 20 miles away in Folsom).

Locals have expressed hesitancy about these changes, with some questioning if older adults may find the online or kiosk options difficult to navigate.

A DMV representative explained residents less comfortable with hightech options or with limited access to the internet can conduct much of their DMV business via mail or over the phone.

“We want all Californians to have a smooth, quick and convenient DMV experience, and we’re making it easier than ever to skip the trip to an office,” the representative wrote to the Mountain Democrat.

The paring down of in-office services is part of a push by the DMV to expand online options and shorten wait times at its offices, according to a press

p.m. Battery was reported at an apartment complex on Knollwood Court in Cameron Park.

release sent out in May.

Close to 90% of DMV transactions can now be conducted online, the release states, freeing up staff at offices to focus on the business that must be conducted in-person.

“We don’t want our customers to have to wait for service, and they don’t have to,” states DMV Director Steve Gordon.

“The DMV is becoming a mobile-first operation, and simple renewals are easy self-help transactions that don’t require an office visit.

Just go online. It will save you time and it will save time for the Californians in our offices who need to be there.” Many Californians may “need to be there” soon,

as the process to upgrade a driver’s license to a REAL ID requires an in-office visit. Americans planning to board domestic flights or visit certain federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID in less than a year; the requirement goes into effect May 7, 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Though the DMV has shifted more services online, employees at the Placerville branch are not set to lose work as a result of the change, according to officials.

“The DMV does not expect any changes to work hours for DMV team members,” a DMV representative wrote in an email.

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 Odin Rasco

The California Department of Motor Vehicles office in Placerville has stopped offering a number of common services for in-person transactions, a decision that has been met with concern from community members.

Azealia Banks @ 10pm 1015 Folsom, 1015 Folsom St, San Francisco

Tulku Damcho Rinpoche gives Teachings and Initiation in San Francisco @ 10am / $200 Jun 29th - Jun 30th From June 29th through June 30th, Venerable Tulku Damcho Rinpoche will be giving Dharma teachings and the 1000-Arm Chenrezig Em‐powerment at KDK, 1892 Fell Street, San Francisco. Register online. Kagyu Droden Kunchab, 1892 Fell Street, San Francisco. richard.temps@gmail.com, 415298-8166

Ana Matronic @ 12pm The Great Northern, 119 Utah St, San Francisco

Mouthfeel @ 12pm The Great Northern, 119 Utah St, San Francisco

Juan @ 12pm The Great Northern, 119 Utah St, San Francisco No Sleep @ 12pm The Great Northern, 119 Utah St, San Francisco

PRETTY IN PINK: Pride Saturday Garden Party @ 1pm / $15 Step into a kaleidoscope of love and liberation at our Pride garden party. Indulge in signature cock‐tails, beats by DJ Cira, and daz‐zling go-gos, all amidst a lush gar‐den backdrop. The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street, San Francisco. info@academy-sf.com, 415-6243429

EDH Library - Play and Build @ 1pm Take part in exciting building chal‐lenges featuring Lego and more! For all ages. El Dorado County Li‐brary | El Dorado Hills Branch, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills. 916-358-3500

Tim Hurley @ Stoney's @ 7pm Stoney's Rockin' Rodeo, 1320 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento San Francisco SymphonySalonen Conducts Mahler 3 @ 7:30pm Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness, San Francisco

Flwr Chyld @ 8pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission Street, San Francisco Nathan Temby: Johnny Foley's Irish House @ 9pm Johnny Foley's Irish House, 243 O'Farrell St, San Francisco

Makeup & Mimosas: Drag Brunch At Ace Of Spades @ 10am / $4-$12 Ace of Spades, Sacramento

Gaucho at Brenda's @ 5pm

Brenda's French Soul Food, 652 Polk St, San Francisco

hotbrothers: Hot Pacino Tour Presents... @ 7pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco

PIXEL GRIP @ 9pm 1015 Folsom, 1015 Folsom St, San Francisco

Pixel Grip (21+ Event) @ 9pm 1015 Folsom, 1015 Folsom St, San Francisco

bottombunk @ 9pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco

Pixel Grip @ 9pm 1015 Folsom, San Francisco

Two Wheelers Club East Bay - Session 4 @ 8:30am / $187 Jul 1st - Jul 3rd The Seven Hills School, 975 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek. 415-6543244

Camp Cruisin' East BaySession 4 @ 8:30am / $333 Jul 1st - Jul 3rd The Seven Hills School, 975 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek. 415-6543244

Minecraft Coding East Sacramento Camp at First UNited Methodist Church @ 9am / Free Jul 1st - Jul 5th First United Methodist Church, 2100 J St, Sacramento. 916-4197644

Lil' Cruisers East BaySession 4 @ 12pm / $187 Jul 1st - Jul 3rd The Seven Hills School, 975 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek. 415-6543244

After-Care East Sacramento Camp at First UNited Methodist Church @ 2pm / $125 Jul 1st - Jul 5th First United Methodist Church, 2100 J St, Sacramento. 916-4197644

After-Care East Sac Camp at Lutheran Church of the Cross @ 2pm / $125 Jul 1st - Jul 5th Lutheran Church of the Cross, 4465 H St, Sacramento. 916-4197644

After-Care El Dorado Hills Camp at Foothills Church @ 2pm / $125 Jul 1st - Jul 5th Foothills Church, 2380 Merrychase Dr., Cameron Park. 916-419-7644

Sacra‐mento River Cats vs. Reno Aces @ 6:45pm / $9-$62 Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento Buyer @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco Jock @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Emily Nenni @ 7pm Folsom

Thursday Jun 27th

Mamma Mia! The Movie Sing-a-

Re�ecting Lenses: Twenty Years of Photography at the Gorman Museum @ 11am This exhibition presents photo‐graphic artworks by more than two dozen Indigenous artists from North America, Aotearoa, and Aus‐tralia. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. 530-752-6567 LOS INQUI‐

Polo Field 5K and Kids Run @ 7am Jul 2nd - Jul 3rd Polo Field, Middle Drive West & Metson Road, San Francisco. 415978-0837

Jaya King: chromav‐ista @ 11:30am Jul 2ndAug 16th Opening July 2, visit the Pence to see a new exhibit featur‐ing paintings by Jaya King! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocial media@gmail.com, 530758-3370 Sacramento River Cats vs. Reno Aces @ 6:45pm / $10-$67 Sutter Health Park, West Sacra‐mento

This exhibition presents photo‐graphic artworks by more than two dozen Indigenous artists from North America, Aotearoa, and Aus‐tralia. Gorman Museum of Native American Art, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis. 530-752-6567 Exhibit It! A Com‐munity Art Exhibit @ 11:30am Jul 5thAug 18th Exhibit It! is the Pence's annual non-juried show that displays the talent of our community's artists! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocial media@gmail.com, 530758-3370

Be Here Tao @ 7pm / US$ 49.50 The Center SF, Fillmore Street 548, California, San Francisco. teamas ter@teatribe.com

Gnat Hatcher / Celadon / Has/Will / Windsor Terrace

@ 8pm / $12 Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

Food House/ Jedwill/ Emotegi @ 8:30pm / $15 Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

ThxSoMch @ 8:30pm Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission Street, San Francisco

Discrete @ 9:30pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco

Farsight @ 9:30pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco

Teenage Mutants @ 10pm Halcyon SF, 314 11th St, San Fran‐cisco

Mini Kiss, Judas Thieves @ 11pm / $25 Blu Nightclub @ Bally's Lake Tahoe, Stateline

Discover the Most Spacious Senior Apartments in El Dorado County

e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle, with access to all the community services and amenities we o er to make your retirement easier and more enjoyable.

Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry

You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.

INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES

• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters

• Private patio

• Attached garage

• In-home washer and dryer

• High ceilings

• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service

• Utilities and basic cable included

• Air conditioning

• Pets welcome!

COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES

• Restaurant-style dining

• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills

• Clubhouse and tness center

• Library and full-service beauty salon

• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations

• Transportation services

• 24-hour emergency maintenance

• Gated electronic entrance

We also o er Assisted Living Villas & Memory Care apartments for a full continuum of care.

Smiling Stone arden

Photos courtesy of Marshall Marshall’s Smiling Stones Garden features painted rocks, some of which have inspiring messages. The garden is located outside Marshall Hospital in Placerville near the

Team Cook has the recipe for sweet success

Malachi Parker Staff writer

El Dorado Hills residents Kim Cook and her three daughters — Lindsey, Brittney and Cailin — began Something Sweet in November 2022, after the loss of their husband/father Dan Cook, who Lindsey said was a very passionate person and always wanted them to have a family business.

“Working with my girls has been a gift,” Kim said. “Each of them have their own talents and I am in awe of all three and I learn from my girls every day.”

Cookie dough was something Kim always had in the freezer while the girls were growing up and became the product of choice for Something Sweet. The COOKie’s first flavor, brown butter chocolate chip, was Dan’s favorite.

“This business has been my saving grace,” Kim said. “Dan was a big dreamer and I feel honored to be able to live his dream and we work everyday to make him proud.”

The Cooks started with a soft opening with friends and family. Soon, local businesses began buying their product. Something Sweet has done

nothing but grow since, as the Cooks have now shipped product to nearly every U.S. state and have landed spots in the freezers of stores like Nugget Market in El Dorado Hills.

“There’s been so many ‘pinch me’ moments,” Lindsey said. “It’s been a grind but it is all so fulfilling.”

Dan referred to his family as a team, which is where the hashtag #TeamCook originates.

“When he was sick, our team grew because our community was so supportive of us and what we were going through,” Lindsey said. “Now it’s a reflection of our family and our perseverance.”

The product is pre-prepped portions ready to bake made with quality ingredients without preservatives. It is Kim’s home recipe — perfect for cookie lovers craving that homemade taste.

The ladies have been on Good Day Sacramento a couple times, once when their product broke shelves in stores, and have also been guests on Fox 40. They also do fundraisers with schools in which they donate a percentage of the profits.

For more information or to place an order go to somethingsweetdough. com.

School district celebrates success of bond-funded projects

Pollock Pines Elementary School District

News release

The Pollock Pines Elementary School District announces the successful completion of numerous upgrades and renovations made possible by the Measure K Bond.

Approved by local voters on June 5, 2012, this $9 million general obligation bond has significantly enhanced the educational environment for students and staff alike.

“Measure K has been a transformative force for our district and we are incredibly grateful to our community for their unwavering support,” said Superintendent Kim Little.

“The improvements we’ve made are already making a significant difference in the daily lives of our students and staff. Together, we’ve created an environment where our children can thrive and we look forward to continuing this journey of excellence,” she continued. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success; your commitment to education is truly inspiring.”

Measure K was designed to improve the quality of local education through a series of targeted projects aimed at health, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and modernization. The bond received overwhelming community support, with local taxpayers generously backing the initiative to ensure a better future for Pollock Pines students.

Comprehensive upgrades

Since the issuance of the first bond series in January 2013, the district has meticulously managed the funds, ensuring each dollar was used effectively.

Key projects completed under Measure K include:

Pinewood Elementary School:

• Removal of outdated built-in seating and installation of new acoustic panels.

• Replacement of exterior freezer units and upgrades to kitchen facilities.

• Comprehensive updates to stage lighting, sound systems and floor renovations.

• Installation of new heating/cooling systems and compliance with health codes.

• Extensive repainting and replacement of courtyard concrete.

• Roof replacements over the multi-purpose room and identified classroom buildings.

Sierra Ridge Middle School:

• Complete modernization of the fire alarm system and ADA-required updates.

• Replacement of wall finishes, new interior and exterior doors and updated classroom furniture.

• Modernization of science rooms, student and staff restrooms and the gymnasium.

• Addition of new HVAC systems, sports floors, bleachers and stage improvements.

District-wide initiatives:

• Replacement of all district teacher laptops, Chromebooks and desktop computers.

• Allocation of remaining funds for ongoing technology support and other priority items.

Oversight and transparency

The Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, chaired by Ginger

Courtesy photo

Kim, center, with her daughters, from left, Brittney, Lindsey and Cailin display The COOKie.

Courtesy photo

The Pinewood Elementary School multi-purpose room received upgrades thanks to Measure K.

Ask a family member to give you:

Use these words to to ll in the blanks in this story. Then, read the silly story you created aloud together for lots of laughs!

Fritter followed in order.

What is a big goal

$60 seemed like an enormous amount of

But my pal Thrifty told me to think of the $60 as a series of smaller

Break your goal into smaller goals:

It might take more than four

Roger is a collector of ________ _________________. As you can imagine, such a collection is quite expensive.

To save money, Roger always looks for the best ________ when shopping. He’ll often compare ________________ between products to see which one is a better ____________.

At the grocery store, he doesn’t just fill his basket with a lot of ___________. Instead, he writes a _________ and brings it with him. He clips ____________ out of the newspaper to save money. He checks the newspaper’s website for special ______________, too.

Roger buys ___________ in bulk. He will _________ them with his friends and family if he has extras. He saves money by choosing _____________ _____________ instead of more expensive _________________.

Look through the newspaper for five or more numbers that show a price. Cut out each price and glue onto a sheet of paper in order from smallest to largest. Round each number to the nearest 100 and write that number next to each price.

Roger also checks the classified ads for ________________ when he needs new ones. He bought a very reliable car that way that doesn’t use a lot of __________.

“Thanks to the money I’ve saved with the newspaper, I am about to start a new collection of rare _______________________!” says Roger happily.

The verb fritter means to waste time, money or energy.

Don’t fritter away your hard-earned money on junk food.

Try to use the word fritter in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.

Storing garden product

The long days of summer are officially here. As temperatures rise, the garden might need some assistance fighting the enemies attacking tender leaves, flowers, and fruit. There are numerous garden products promising to rid plants of pests or help restore vigor. At some point, most gardeners have used one of these products.

Garden products can be broadly classified as pesticides and include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides. Fertilizers are food for plants that provide essential nutrients for plant growth. Each one of these products has a specific garden use stated on the label and should never be misused. Don’t supersize your purchase of pesticides and fertilizers. Buy what you can use this season. When treating a plant, identify the problem spot and only treat that area. Widespread application uses more of the product than necessary and can be harmful to the environment.

Partially used garden product containers need to be properly stored. Identify a specific area of the garage or shed where products can be kept dry and cool. Always keep pesticides and fertilizers in original containers, tightly sealed and right side up. Keep dry garden products above liquid products. It is a good idea to keep liquid on a plastic tray to contain any possible leaks. Organize the storage area by product type. Pesticides need to be further sorted to prevent you from accidentally grabbing a herbicide rather than a pesticide when you want to spray aphids on a rose bush. Accidents do happen, but as my grandmother used to say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If you are mixing a concentrated product to be sprayed, then be sure the sprayer is clearly labeled. New empty spray bottles can be purchased at garden centers and big box hardware stores. Never use an old spray bottle with a manufacturer’s label for this purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s direction for mixing the product and only mix the amount

of product needed for the current application. Never store personal protective equipment such as N95 masks or protective goggles with pesticides. Food and drink for human consumption and animal feed should never be kept in the pesticide or fertilizer storage area. Never mix or store garden products in food or drink containers. Empty containers should never be refilled or reused. Carefully read the product label regarding disposal of containers when empty. In general, empty containers of home-use pesticides and fertilizers may be disposed of in the trash. Never dump excess or unwanted pesticides or fertilizers down the drain, onto the soil or into the trash. Unused pesticides and fertilizers are considered hazardous waste. Hazardous household waste needs to be disposed of as directed by local counties and municipalities. All hazardous material waste collection facilities require that products are in original containers when collected.

In El Dorado County, the Material Recovery Facility accepts household hazardous waste free of charge, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. More information can be found at eldoradodisposal.com or by phone at (530) 626-4141. The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information at ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education_Classe s/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education/Classes. Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr. edu/master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Courtesy photo

The Placerville Shakespeare Club’s garden spot on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds won a blue ribbon.

CALIFORNIA RAMBLING

Delta time, Delta ways

Barbara Steinberg

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Yes, the Delta. Not the Mississippi Delta, but the California Delta. Some of you know of where I speak. Others have no idea that this magical landscape — thousands of watery miles, dozens of islands, wildlife expeditions galore, recreational wonderland — is out there waiting. For many years, good fortune allowed me to explore the California Delta. My first encounter, sometime in the late ‘70s, left this East Coast native in complete awe with no other experience as a point of reference. Unfamiliar with the region, I had no hint where we were as we headed to Tower Park Marina. I just remember the many drawbridges, the topography, tiny river towns and winding levee roads that brought us to our final destination: a sunset Delta cruise. I fell in love with the Delta time and ways. For more than 50 years, the Delta love affair has grown stronger. By some standards I am a layperson. As much as I have seen, it’s an immense area of specialty and a mere drop in the Delta bucket. Each time I venture out, I come away with something new, something more and something extraordinary. And that’s the thrill of this Delta wonderland. Those who have made this a lifetime pursuit will say the same.

Imagine a few billowy clouds, blue sky, a small breeze and the Delta stretched out before you. This is not about winning the race, but enjoying life at a slow and peaceful pace. And enjoying life the way it used to be; the Delta ways are a trip back in time. Keep your eyes open for two local ferries — the Real McCoy and J-Mack — transporting trucks and cars from island to island.

A maze of winding roads, turning and tilting drawbridges, sloughs named Potato, Snodgrass, Georgiana and Steamboat, and more than 1,000 miles of waterways, the California Delta is an astonishing haven. Just miles from Sacramento and the Bay Area, urban cares are forgotten along scenic

highways and peaceful country lanes lined with orchards, vineyards, hamlets and marinas. Always special, autumn colors and harvests make this drive truly magical.

The wildlife is bountiful. Canada geese, coots, cormorants, great and lesser egrets, great blue herons, night herons, raccoons, kestrel, red-tail hawks, ducks and sandhill cranes. With binoculars and a camera close at hand, watch land mammals come and go from the shores. The West Coast’s largest estuary, it’s worldrenowned for its bass population (small and largemouth and striped) and home to salmon, sturgeon and catfish.

Reclaimed historical buildings feature wine and olive oil tastings. Sheltered by giant oaks, Consumnes River Farm Winery in Thornton may require your GPS. At Grand Island Vineyard in Walnut Grove, every bottle is 100% estate-grown. Journey to the Hemly Cider Hangar near Courtland featuring estate-grown or locally sourced fruit ciders. Legendary Delta dives have cult followings. For 90 years at Foster’s Bighorn, locals and tourists have dined under the watchful gaze of hundreds of wild game trophies. Equally renowned, Al the Wop’s garlic steak sandwich with peanut butter is available by special request. Steamboat Landing Bar & Grill has been reborn with a fantastic Chinese menu and full bar. Outdoor dining is a big plus. Numerous backwater havens — Korth’s Pirate Lair, Rusty Porthole, Viera’s Resort — are

...to our

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accessible by boat or car. Reserve in advance for Sunday brunch at the Grand Island Mansion, Northern California’s largest private estate. Vestiges of notable Chinese and Japanese American communities remain. A once bustling Chinatown, Locke is a designated National Historic Landmark District. Built in 1927, the Walnut Grove Buddhist Church still serves the community. Originally a Chinese gambling hall, brothel and opium den, Mei Wah Tap Room in Isleton features 24 curated craft brews (many local), as well as kombucha, cider, seltzer and nitro coffee. There is a delicate balance necessary to protect the California Delta. Natural and manmade invaders threaten its health. Invasive water hyacinths, quagga mussels, mitten crabs and a kelp-like forest of Egeria densa (a popular aquarium plant) grow thick. Many intruders were brought innocently to this delicate ecosystem as hitchhikers aboard freighters and boats that ply this labyrinth of rivers. Some, deliberately, by human hands. Either way, we must work to protect this Delta gift, which is (literally) the lifeblood of water for most of California. Arriving by land or water, California Delta websites and maps help you chart your course. Proceed with caution along narrow levee roads. Always call ahead to confirm days and hours of operation. Remember, you’re on Delta time. For more information visit californiadelta.org.

TArtistic Beads & Studio

Burke Junction CAPTRUST

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Conforti Plumbing

Edwards A-1 Appliance

El Dorado County Fair

El Dorado Irrigation District

EN2 Resources, Inc.

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Sierra Valley Enterprises, LLC

The Greenhouse Café

Triangle Well Drilling

Western Sign Co., Inc.

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

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

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

relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools. Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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

Photos courtesy of AreYouThatWoman.com Ferries, this one is called Real McCoy, carry vehicles from place to place in the Delta.

The Delta is home to great dives like Foster’s Bighorn, where locals and tourists dine under the watchful gaze of hundreds of wild game trophies.

There is a delicate balance necessary to protect the California Delta. Natural and manmade invaders threaten its health.

Downtown Sacramento debuts summer roller rink

Traci Rockefeller Cusack

SACRAMENTO —

Starting June 28, the Downtown Roller Rink will transform the underutilized Ali Youssefi Square into a vibrant hub of community activity, offering public rollerskating sessions June to September. Beyond gliding around, the rink will be a festival of music, dance, family-friendly entertainment and pop-up experiences, capturing the spirit of Sacramento’s rich history and showcasing

its exciting present. “We’re thrilled to introduce an extended family-friendly activation right in the heart of Downtown Sacramento. Our incredible city deserves such an exciting addition, especially in an area that has often felt neglected. We envision this roller rink becoming a source of pride for our community, bringing us closer together as we embrace all the wonderful activities our city has to offer,”

shared Damian Lynch, co-owner of HOF.

“We can’t wait to welcome thousands of

House Cleaning

attendees throughout the summer and our goal is to establish a successful model for this inaugural event, ensuring that the fun continues for many summers to come.”

“Now more than ever, it is important for city centers to invest in their communities,” said Michael Ault, executive director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “We’re eager to increase our collaboration with local creators to continue a more people-centered destination downtown and a summertime outdoor roller rink fits that vision perfectly.

Downtown Sacramento Partnership is fortunate to have decades of experience hosting largescale events and programming, and we’re excited to use those skills to support and uplift community producers.”

The Downtown Roller Rink offers something for all

ages: it provides a safe and fun environment for families to enjoy, engaging activities and entertainment for young adults, vibrant lunchtime and after-work activity for downtown employees and a unique Sacramento experience for visitors and residents.

The Downtown Roller Rink will be open June 28 though Sept. 17. Hours are 2-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Admission is $10 for children 6 and younger and $20 for regular admission. Admission includes skate rental.

More information can be found at downtownrollerrink. com. The Downtown Roller Rink is made possible through the generous support of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Visit Sacramento and other community organizations.

Courtesy photo

in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

June 26

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a grand opening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with Dream Catchers EDH at 5041 Robert J. Mathews Parkway, Suite 400, El Dorado Hills. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

June 27

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Hawk Casino’s Koto Buffet with guest speaker Bev Dierks of Blissful gardens, To RSVP call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.

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 & Divertissements, 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

Celebrate freedom at the 4th of July Party for seniors at the Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills, 1-2 p.m. The event is free and preregistration is required. For more information call (916) 9336624.

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

The Smiling Stones Garden is located near the east entrance to Marshall’s Placerville hospital. The project was designed to foster a sense of community and positivity and to make the grounds “reflect the beauty in the hearts of each member of our organization,” according to organizer Jeffrey Hunter of Marshall’s education department.

Each of the more than 150 individual stones in the garden was artfully hand-painted by a member of Marshall’s staff, including doctors, nurses and administrative and support staff. The stones feature a variety of colorful designs, from vibrant patterns and healing messages to artistic depictions of nature and the community. Members of El Dorado County’s Girl Scout troops also stepped forward to contribute painted stones.

“Each member of our team brings their own healing spirit to work with them every day,” said Siri Nelson, Marshall’s president and CEO.

“This creative garden is a way to highlight

more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

Boeger Winery in Placerville hosts Enchanted Evenings, featuring live music with Val Star & The Blues Rocket and great wine. Reservations not required. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Clint Warner Band will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

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

HipNosis will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Images Theatre presents A Motown Celebration with Chester Gregory at The Sofia in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre.org.

June 29

Rootsafari will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Lava Cap Winery in Camino hosts a summer concert in the vineyard with Red Dirt Ruckus, 5-8 p.m. For more information visit lavacap.com/events.

Ed Wilson will perform at Boring Rose Brewing Co. in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m.

Matt Rainey at Dippin Sauce will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

their individuality, compassion and shared dedication to our patients and our community. Together, their artistry visually reflects Marshall’s commitment to a supportive and healing environment and to an elevated experience for everyone who comes through our doors.”

The brief unveiling ceremony was held June 13 and attended by Marshall’s leadership, staff and Girl Scouts. Following remarks by

Nelson, the Scouts’ color guard recited the Pledge of Allegiance, raised the flag over the garden and stood by during the official ribbon cutting. Marshall invites the community to visit the Smiling Stones Garden to experience the beauty and spirit of hope it brings. The garden is open to patients, their families and the public during regular visiting hours.

Learn more about Marshall at marshallmedical.org.

Freelance Reporters Wanted

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

journalism experience? Enjoy photography? Email resume and writing samples to Noel Stack

Paint with Placerville Soroptimists

News release

The Placerville Chapter of Soroptimist International will hold a Paint Party Scholarship Fundraiser, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at The Breakroom in Shingle Springs.

Cathie Urquhart of Cathie’s Paint Parties will provide guests pre-drawn paper patterns so no worries about the common complaint of “I can’t draw a stick figure.” Attendees will leave with a summer-themed sunflower and American flag painting perfect for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.

Soroptimist International of Placerville, founded in 1939, is a nonprofit women’s organization with the sole purpose in bettering the lives of women and children in the community and around the world.

Projects

Swigart, has diligently reviewed the district’s financial records, ensuring all expenditures align with Measure K’s stipulations. The committee’s thorough oversight and the annual independent financial audits confirm that bond revenues were used appropriately and transparently.

PPESD officials extend heartfelt gratitude to the local taxpayers and community members whose support has been instrumental in transforming the schools. This collective effort has created a safer, more modern and more conducive

This year the club’s dedicated members worked diligently to contribute to its town through a multitude of service efforts, which include $11,050 in scholarships and education awards and providing necessities for 15 families such as rental assistance and help with utility bills through the club’s Helping Hands Program.

The club also works closely with local high school girls through its annual Dream It, Be It Career Support Conference. View the sunflower and flag painting and purchase tickets for the Paint Party Scholarship Fundraiser on Eventbrite. For more information soroptimist. org and siplacerville.org or call (530) 344-1476.

learning environment for our students and educators. As PPESD celebrates these achievements, school leaders remain committed to maintaining the high standards set by Measure K. As the district continues to evaluate the quality of its facilities and resources, it will always prioritize the needs of students and staff, ensuring that Pollock Pines schools remain a beacon of educational excellence. For detailed reports and further information visit the PPESD Measure K webpage at ppesd.org/measurek.

Daycare and Presch l Where Learning and Love go Hand in Hand! Celebrating service to the community since 1999! We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten. Teachers are educated in Child Development, CPR and First Aid certi ed, and make it a priority to continue their education.