Man killed in solo crash
Odin Rasco Senior sta writer
A Cameron Park man died during a car crash on July 18 and California Highway Patrol documents indicate alcohol use may have been a factor.
The 38-year-old driver, whose name has not been released, was driving a Ford truck eastbound along Country Club Drive close to De Sabla Road in Cameron Park when, CHP records indicate, he made an “unsafe turning movement” that caused the Ford to leave the roadway and collide with a tree, overturning the vehicle. The driver was fatally injured, while the passenger, a 37-year-old Reno resident, was unharmed.
Further details were not available at press time.
Grant helps firefighters breathe easier
El Dorado County Fire Protection District News release
El Dorado County Fire Protection District announces it has been awarded funding to purchase new selfcontained breathing apparatus.
The district will receive $538,687 from the fiscal year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant Programs Directorate. The El Dorado County Fire Protection District Board of Directors recently accepted the grant, which includes
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL
approving 10% matching funds.
“The El Dorado County Fire District is thrilled to have been awarded funds through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” said EDCFPD Fire Chief Tim Cordero.
“These funds will be utilized to provide all of our firefighters with equipment that meets the most current standards.
“Grant funds allow for the district to further stretch our dollars to enhance our level of service to the communities we protect,” Cordero continued. “We are grateful for the support of our elected o cials who recognize the importance of continuing these funding sources for our firefighters.”
Funding for the 2023 AFG program was approved by Congress in late 2022 under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117328). The 2023 AFG program will award $324 million to fire service agencies across the nation. Since fiscal year 2001, the AFG has awarded approximately $8.4 billion in grants to provide critically needed
Logging days came back with a roar, a buzz and a whole lot of cheers at the Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center July 19 & 20. On Saturday competitors tested their skills in the axe throw, stock sawing, hot and double-buck sawing, pole climbing and chocker setting, among other games, as the crowd watched in awe. Tina and George Harrison Sr. of Grass Valley, above, compete in the Jack and Jill Bucking competition, finishing with a time of 11.32 seconds. Molly Hodges, 17, of Northfork, at right, hops over a log in the Choker Setting competition as her father, Nate, right, looks on.
Photos by Shelly Thorene
Rupley, 74, of Placerville, bottom photo,
even. Saws in this competition must have
operating procedures are allowed.
ESSENTIALS
Leland Gordon
Feb. 24, 1941 – July 9, 2024
On July 9, 2024, Lee passed away in Camino. He is survived by his loving wife Jean of 61 years. Lee was born in San Francisco to Lennon and Frances Gordon. He has 3 daughters Sherie Baker and husband Paul, Laurie Gordon and Julie Gordon. He has 7 grandchildren Douglas and wife Ellie, Katherine and husband Justin, Sarah, Cameron, Nicklaus, Mary Jane, Jonathan and 4 great grandchildren Finn, Tristan, Kira and Leo. Lee grew up in San Carlos, and enlisted in the United States Air Force for four years. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering, he worked for Westinghouse and the Department of Defense for 40 years. He’s lived all over the world in Goose Bay Labrador, Canada, The Philippines and in Germany. Traveling all over the world with his beautiful wife and daughters. He was a devoted 49er’s fan, loved fishing, camping. He was a proud Eagle Scout. He loved telling funny stories and making people laugh. Lee had built two houses with his wife Jean during their wonderful life together. He could fix and build anything. He loved to debate about politics and really any topic he was passionate about. He loved his church and was a member of Placer Heights Baptist Church. Lee has two surviving siblings, brother Roy and sister Phyllis. He was an Uncle to Derek, Cullen, Heather, Rob, Susiy, Pam and Heidi and a cousin to Shirley Vanderford. Lee had a wonderful life with his best friend and loving wife Jean. He is going to be missed by all of his family and friends.
Patsy JoAnne Elledge (Ferguson)
May 29, 1937 – July 8, 2024
Patsy JoAnne Elledge (Ferguson) Melbourne, Florida (formerly of Pollock Pines, Ca.)
Patsy was born in Ventura, California to Stona “Stoney” W. Gipson and Elisabeth “Bessie” Jones Gipson. She had 1 brother and 4 sisters who proceeded her in death along with her parents. Her younger Sister Donna Hart lives in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Patsy owned and ran PJ Trucking with her late Husband Gerald R. Elledge until his passing January 02, 1989 in Pollock Pines. She also worked for a few local Resturants and Bars over the years from Server to Bartender. She was involved with local Organizations as a volunteer for many years. Patsy found joy as an In Home Care Provider in later years.
Patsy leaves behind 2 daughters Joan Mc Daniel, Kellie Elledge-Bott, Son-in-Law Joshua Bott, Grandchildren A.J. and Lacie Alderman, Great Grandchildren Hadley, Franky, Paxton, Addison, Nash, Cole, Loretta, Zachary and Kevyan. She was also the proud Grandma to Stacy Elledge-Greene, Steven Elledge, Angela Perron, Kate Mc Queen, Paula Jordan-Lawson, David and Dale Van Bebber and numerous Neices & Nephews. Even though she battled Tongue Cancer in 2016, she never lost her spark for life. Patsy was a strong woman that loved with all her being. Patsy lived in Pollock Pines for almost 50 years. Due to health reasons she had to leave her beloved “Cabin in the Woods” in 2016 and move to Galt, Ca. with her daughter Kellie and Son-inLaw Joshua. In 2021 She, Kellie & Joshua moved all the way to Melbourne, Florida for Joshua’s job at the Brevard Zoo. She wasn’t too keen on the move, but came to enjoy the closeness of the beach and watching the rocket launches from their front yard (especially the night launches). She also made some good friends there. Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday July 27th at 10:30 a.m. at the Brevard Worship Center in Palm Bay, Florida.
Norman Gayle Schuster
June 27, 1935 – July 12, 2024
Norman Gayle Schuster, Marin County Deputy Sheri , dies at 89. On July 12, 2024, Norman Schuster watched his last Gunsmoke western and no doubt sang his way up to the pearly gates where he was called home. “Norm” born on June 27, 1935 in Dodge City, KS, lived most of his life in California where he served and protected his community in law Enforcement as a Marin County Deputy Sheri for 36 years. He still called Helga, his beloved wife of 42 years, his bride. She has been his greatest supporter. Helga and Norm retired in Placerville to be closer to the beautiful California mountains and lakes they adored, always enjoying knowing that a Kaiser hospital was just a stone’s throw away. In 2021 they relocated to Indiana, so the pair could be closer to family. Norm’s biggest joys were singing in his church choir, his dogs, feeding wild birds, watching vintage westerns and spending time with family. Norm is survived by his wife Helga, Daughters Marcia and Sonja, grandchildren,Jack, Paige, Gavin, Ryan, Caitlin, Joann and Steven, Son in Laws Andrew and Carl, and great grandchildren, Hope and Jack. Norm will be reuniting with his son, Steven, who passed away in 2010. The family will be following Norm’s wishes with a private family memorial. Please consider a donation in Norm’s name to our local animal rescue, Oinking Acres Farm Rescue and Sanctuary at Oinkingacres.org.
Donna Lea Schwartz O’Halloran
Nov. 16, 1928 – June 27, 2024
Donna Lea Schwartz O’Halloran passed away June 27, 2024, at the age of 95 years. She was born Nov. 16, 1928, to Eugene Peter Schwartz and Grace Viola Calvin Schwartz. She grew up on an apple farm in the Yakima Valley of WA with her siblings Eula Mae, Phillip Peter, and Jean Marie. She walked to the Orchardvale Country School 1 ½ miles and later drove her red Willy’s Jeep to Zillah High school, graduating in 1946. Donna graduated from Washington State University in 1950 where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega and received her teaching credential. She married Patrick Gerald O’Halloran on December 26, 1954. Donna and Pat moved to California in 1956 and started a family.
In 1968, Pat and Donna moved their family of five children to Camino, California, where they established O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch.
Throughout her life, Donna served the El Dorado County community in many ways. She was a member of St. Patrick Church, where she taught faith formation, a leader in the Camino Go-Getters 4-H Club, a substitute teacher and a devoted parent volunteer at all school functions. For over 50 years, she was an active member of the Apple Hill Growers Association. She enjoyed participating in the activities of the Placerville Shakespeare’s Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. While busy with community activities and caring for her family, she oversaw the running of O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch. Donna made life-long friends here and was loved for her contributions, kind heart, and friendly smile.
Donna will be missed greatly by her daughter, Kelly, and her four sons and daughter-in-laws: Mike (Kunthea), Dave (Wendy), Dan (Stacie), and Tim (Laurel). In addition, she is survived by her twelve grandchildren: Timmy, Corey, Zach, Jake, Lindsey, Patrick, Alyssa, Annalea, Jerry, Peter, Sophie and Rosemary O’Halloran and three great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Hadley, and Raz O’Halloran.
Donna’s life will be celebrated at a funeral mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Placerville on Monday, Aug 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. There will be a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend.
Rita Bessie Sutherland (Baker)
Nov. 15, 1932 – June 25, 2024
Rita Bessie Sutherland (Baker), aged 91, passed away on June 25, 2024, in El Dorado Hills, California. Born on November 15, 1932, in Hilo, Hawaii. Rita was a cherished member of the community and a beacon of kindness and resilience.
Rita graduated from Hilo High School before furthering her education at Sacramento State University. She dedicated 25 years of her life as a public servant with the State of California Department of Health Services, where she retired, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment.
Beyond her professional life, Rita was passionate about sewing and gardening, hobbies that reflected her creativity and love for nature. These activities brought her immense joy and allowed her to connect with friends and family in meaningful ways.
Rita is survived by her one daughter, Donna Sutherland; four sons, James (Cheryl), Michael (Kelli), Gary (Tracy), and David (Karen) Sutherland; six grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. Her beloved aunt “Snookie” Nina Adams, her brother Donald Sutherland, and Sister Marilyn Lafavor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Baker Sr. and Rita M. Baker, and her brother, Clarence Baker Jr. Burial arrangements are being handled by Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, CA. Rita’s life will be celebrated and remembered for the warmth and love she shared with everyone she knew. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched.
Frances Cowles
Dec 10, 1950 – June 27, 2024
Mrs. Frances Cowles entered peacefully into the presence of her Savior in heaven while in the arms of her husband of 53 years. She was the loving wife of Pastor Mark Cowles and mother of Timothy Cowles, Benjamin Cowles and Melissa (Cowles) Rubio. Frances also dearly loved each of her 13 grandchildren. Mark and Frances met while in Bible College in Salem, OR, were married the day after graduation and relocated to Grand Rapids, MI where Mark attended and graduated from Seminary. Frances served as a pastor’s wife for 50 years. She excelled in hospitality, filling the home with family, friends and some who simply needed a friend. Frances was also very gifted at the piano and had a beautiful voice which blessed many. Being a pastor’s wife, mother and grandmother required a great amount of labor, patience and love. Frances has left a testimony of serving well. The Bible describes the faithful wife and mother with the words, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” (Proverbs 31:28) Frances Cowles was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and much, much more. A Celebration of Life service was held at the Highway Bible Church Saturday, July 20 at 11am.
Gloria Miser
May 23 1947 – July 10 2024
Gloria Miser, 77 of Placerville passed away on July 10th after a long battle with multiple health issues. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Miser; her mother Connie Torres; her father Daniel Torrez; her sister’s Frances Davis and Sara Torres; her brother’s Daniel Torres Jr., Jesse Torres, Michael Torres and David Torres. She is survived by her son Ronny Miser; sister’s Mary Soto, Kathy Rogers and Virginia Torrez; brother’s Louie Torres, Johnny Torrez, and Carlos Torrez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gloria was born in Clarksburg, CA. She was a native of Placerville, CA but resided in Ontario and Richmond for a period of time while her husband served in the Navy. She was a longtime employee of 24 years at Florence’s Dress shop in downtown Placerville and 34 years at Flyers gas station on Placerville Dr. Gloria lived life to it’s fullest and in her spare time enjoyed knitting, playing bingo, spoiling and dressing her dogs, watching game shows, traveling, and spending time with family. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed by all. Services will be held at Chapel of the Pines, 2855 Cold Springs Rd in Placerville with a viewing on July 29, from 4pm-7pm and funeral service taking place on Wednesday, July 30, at 10:00am Following funeral services, she will be laid to rest with graveside services taking place at Westwood Hills Memorial Park 2720, Cold Springs Road in Placerville.Following att services, everyone is invited to a celebration of life at 3550 China Garden Rd, Placerville, 95667 in the clubhouse.
Mary Maceiko
June 5, 1931 – July 9, 2024
Mary Maceiko, 93, of Shippenburg, formerly of Carlisle PA passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Celebration Villa of Shippensburg, PA. She was born on June 5, 1931, in Burbank, CA. and was the daughter of the late Ralph and Edna (Mueller) Champlain. Mary was the widow of William Maceiko who passed away on June 9, 2018.
Mary graduated in 1949 from John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. She was a devoted homemaker and loved animals.
She is survived by one son Vern (wife Deborah) Maceiko of Pollock Pines, CA and one daughter Sharon (husband Bryan) McLaughlin of Shippensburg. PA.
A private burial will be in North Middleton Church of God Cemetery, Carlisle. Ewing Brothers.com
Sally Lawson
Dec. 24, 1931 – June 20, 2024
Sally Lawson, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother passed away peacefully in her home at Eskaton Roseville with her daughter by her side.
Sally was born on the family farm in Edmond County , South Dakota to George and Lena Weishaar. She loved growing up on the farm with her sister Maxine. She especially enjoyed helping and dad and playing with the animals. In 1944 she moved to California with her family and granduated from Lodi High School.
In 1969 Sally married her loving husband Bob Lawson in Napa. They retired and moved to Pollock Pines to build their dream home in 1984. They lived there until 2011. Sally was a member of The Placerville Emblem, The Shakespeare Club, Pollock Pines Community Church, and later Pleasant Oak Baptist Church. Sally loved people and helping out whenever needed. She loved doing ceramics and was a talented cook.
Sally is survived by her 2 daughters Linda Laporte, and Constance Lyons, stepson William Lawson, 4 granddaughters, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
The family would like to thank the compassionate caring sta of Sutter Hospice and Eskaton Roseville. They would also like to say Thank-you to her wonderful friends at Pleasant Oak Baptist Church. A Memorial was held at the church on July 20th.
Dolores B. McClintock
Dec. 3, 1929 – July 13, 2024
Dodie McClintock was born in Bismark, North Dakota. She was the only child of Berenice and Leonard “Andy” Anderson. The family moved to California in 1938 and lived in Oakland and Sacramento before settling in San Francisco. Dodie’s fondest memories were riding the cable car to Market Street, where she worked at the Emporium selling men’s ties. She was a graduate of Lincoln Highschool and earned her B.A. at San Jose State in Home Economics. Her college roommate introduced her to Harold McClintock Jr. a former Marine who was kind hearted and lived life to the fullest. The two spent many dates on the Peninsula at Clarke’s Charcoal Broiler and cruising El Camino Real. They married in 1952 at St. Aloysius Church and lived in Palo Alto. They were a hard working couple; Harold at the phone company and Dodie was employed at Hewlett Packard, but they had a dream of opening their own company. By 1961, with two young children in tow, they moved to Placerville and opened Placer Finance Company on 76 Main Street. They were 30 years old. Old Hangtown in the 1960s was very eye opening to the “city” folk. When Dodie shopped the local butcher, her children were offered a free hot dog. The banks closed at 3pm on Fridays and closed on the weekends. The pet store down town had gold fish in a bath tub. The Cash-Mercantile informed Dodie they would never carry a canvas shoe for kids called “Keds”. Once a month, the family would enjoy a meal at Chan’s Chinese, where Dodie’s father, Andy Anderson would be meeting and singing with the Rotary Club in the backroom. They also loved the Blue Bell, where the kids could dig through the treasure chest. But the real treat was going to Sam’s Town or driving out to Coloma, to the Sierra Nevada House, where they were always greeted by two giant St. Bernard dogs asleep at the front door. As Placerville grew, their business thrived. Placer Finance was known for its friendly, honest service and for Harold’s and Dodie’s commitment to the community. They were living their dream until 1972 when tragedy shadowed the family with the unexpected death of their 19yr old son, Hal. By 1981, they had sold their beloved business due to Harold’s poor health and Dodie found herself a widow at age 50. Dodie was a strong, determined and opinionated woman. She rallied from her devastating losses with her faith and began to build a new life. In her home, she created the most amazing Christmas tree display each year, with a tree from Veerkamps lot. One of her favorite traditions was to pick her daughter up from school and go to Hangtown Pharmacy for a piece of coconut cream pie. She started traveling and enjoyed trips to China, Panama Canal and Alaska to name a few. During the summer, she absolutely loved working at Oakland Feather River family camp in Quincy, as an assistant manager. She also worked at Apple Hill for a few years at Bodane’s Orchards. In 2021, at age 91, Dodie was up for a new adventure and moved with her family to Sequim, WA, where she enjoyed playing Bingo at the Senior Center, playing the slot machines and taking the ferries to Whidbey Island and Victoria. As she began slowing down, her main passion was playing (and winning) at double solitaire, Kings in the corner, as well as rereading her beloved Nancy Drew books. She continued her fierce support of the SF Giants and 49ers, never missing a game or rooting, “Hooray!!” When she fell asleep during the late games, she would always demand to know what the final score was the next morning. The greatest legacy Dodie left behind was her ability to make friends. She continued through out her life, to meet with her high school friends, colleges friends, camp friends, Placerville friends, and Four Seasons friends. She was very dedicated to the places she lived and the friends she celebrated with. She cherished each and every one. On July 13, Dodie passed peacefully after months of struggling with heart failure. She was 94 years old. She will be returning home to the family plot in the Placerville Union Cemetery , reuniting with her husband, son and parents. Dodie leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law, Tracey and Folke Lilyquist and four grandchildren: Katie and Kylle Rose (Vacaville, CA), Henry Lilyquist (Sequim, WA), Tim and Emily Lilyquist (Port Angeles, WA) and Andy Lilyquist (Idaho Springs, CO). Our dearest “Gammie” will be eternally missed and forever remembered. You can help celebrate Dodie by having a piece of Sees Candy and living your best life ever!
Kathleen Gay Scarry
July 9, 1946 - July 11, 2024
Kathleen Gay Scarry was welcomed home to Jesus, surrounded by her seven children on July 11th, 2024 in Folsom, California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jerry Scarry, and is survived by her children, Michael, Philip, Joseph, Anne, Andrew, Jennifer and Thomas, and her 17 grandchildren. Memorial services for Kathleen will be held on Aug 1st, 2024 at St. Stephen the First Martyr Catholic Church, 5461 44th St., Sacramento. A viewing will begin at 9am, with a recitation of the Rosary at 9:30am, followed by a funeral mass at 10am. The burial will be held that afternoon at 1:15pm at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon. A reception will follow immediately back at St. Stephen’s Church.
Fallen tree sparks fire in Placerville
Odin Rasco
Senior sta writer
A fast-spreading fire in Placerville was hastily handled by local firefighters after a fallen tree hit power lines near The Pines at Placerville Healthcare Center Saturday, July 20.
Firefighters from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District hurried to the scene at around 3:19 p.m. shortly after receiving the call about a quickly spreading fire that threatened two nearby structures. A Pacific Gas & Electric crew also rushed to shut off power to the area in order to mitigate risks fallen live wires could have created.
The fire was stopped at less than one-tenth of an acre in size; fire crews from EDCFPD, Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District and Cal Fire as well as Placerville Police Department officers remained at the scene until PG&E rendered the power lines safe, according to EDCFPD Capt. Jacob Poganski. No buildings were damaged by the fire due to the rapid response. Power was out in the area for several hours; during that time, The Pines operated on generator power.
While fighting the fire, Cal Fire Ponderosa Crew 7 found an injured songbird, which was taken to a local wildlife rescue.
CRIME LOG
The following was taken from Placerville Police Department’s O ce records:
June 30
12:25 a.m. Battery reported on Fair Lane.
July 1
2:53 p.m. Grand theft reported on Broadway.
July 2
2:47 p.m. Loitering reported on Broadway.
5:20 p.m. Verbal disturbance reported on Main Street.
7:19 p.m. Harassing telephone report reported on Tunnel Street.
July 3
8:37 a.m. Trespassing reported on Clay Street.
4:11 p.m. Trespassing reported on Placerville Drive.
6:30 p.m. O cer initiated activity on Main Street led to arrest.
8:06 p.m. Trespassing reported on Placerville Drive.
July 4
4:53 a.m. Fire reported at the intersection of Tunnel Street and Robin Court.
12:48 p.m. Brandishing on Smith Flat Road led to arrest.
10:53 p.m. Battery reported on Forni Road.
July 5
2:17 a.m. Vandalism reported on Main Street.
11:22 a.m. Robbery reported on Placerville Drive. Arrest made.
3:45 p.m. Vandalism reported on Broadway.
9:59 p.m. Trespass reported on Coloma Court.
July 6
6:53 a.m. Deputies booked into jail a 49-year-old man on suspicion of trespassing on Placerville Drive. He was later released.
1:02 p.m. Battery reported on Wiltse Road.
9:46 p.m. Petty theft reported on Forni Road. On Facebook?
Courtesy photos
Firefighters maneuver a wooded hillside as they contain a fire in Placerville Saturday afternoon, top photo. The cause of the fire was determined to be a fallen tree colliding with nearby power lines. A Cal Fire Ponderosa Crew 7 firefighter holds an injured songbird discovered at the site of the fire. The small bird was taken to a local wildlife rescue for treatment.
MOUTH SYNDROME
As the name suggests, burning mouth syndrome causes a burning sensation in the mouth—which may include the tongue, gums, lips, cheeks, and roof of the mouth—without any apparent cause. It usually comes on suddenly, and the pain can be severe, much like burning your mouth with a hot drink. Potential causes of burning mouth syndrome range from nerve issues to nutrient deficiencies and oral health problems. If you have burning pain or soreness in parts of your mouth, see both your doctor and dentist to identify the source. Dental issues that can contribute to burning mouth syndrome include dry mouth, oral thrush, teeth clenching and grinding, and mouth irritation from brushing too hard or over-
using oral care products. If you are looking for a family dentist with a sincere interest in their patients’ complete health and who is familiar with many oral health concerns that can compromise our comfort and well-being, we invite you to call us for an appointment. All oral issues brought to us are dealt with efficiently, effectively, and compassionately. And any medical problems noticed during a dental exam will be discussed with your other health care providers if you so choose. We offer complete gentle, dental care for all members of your family. P.S. If the source of the burning sensation is determined to be oral, you will most likely be treated by your dentist for burning mouth syndrome.
Little provides quality family and cosmetic
Flowers may be sent to East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819 NLT 5pm on July 31st to be displayed during Kathleen’s memorial services the next day.
Golobic wins Speedweek finale in Placerville
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
A dramatic battle for the SCCT Speedweek title came right down to the wire on July 20, which saw Auburn’s Andy Forsberg fend off Oakley’s Dylan Bloomfield by four slim points to wrap up the championship.
Fremont’s Shane Golobic also held off a hard-charging Justin Sanders of Aromas to win a thrilling Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour main event at Placerville Speedway on Saturday night. Colfax driver Ben Wiesz brought home victory in the Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association feature.
The 35-lap SCCT Speedweek finale showcased an entertaining contest with action all over the Placerville Speedway bullring. Golobic jumped out front at the waving of the Ron Stahl green flag, as he looked to make it three wins in a row during SCCT Western Sprint Speedweek.
The action behind him was as good as it gets, however, with Forsberg and Dylan Bloomfield locked into several battles while going after the overall. Plenty of side-by-side racing was seen and positions changed during the main event.
The Speedweek title also switched hands on several occasions, while the race for the top-
spot heated up as well.
Aromas driver Justin Sanders closed in on Golobic as lapped traffic came into play. The fight for the race win and the Speedweek victory kept fans on the edge of their seats in the waning laps.
Sanders hounded Golobic and looked to find a way past but couldn’t get an opening as Golobic grabbed his third Speedweek win in a row. It marked
his 16th career SCCT triumph, which ranks No. 1 all-time. Lincoln’s Tanner Carrick had also closed in on the front duo over the closing laps and on the final corner, made the move to nip Sanders at the line for second.
Sanders, Hanford’s Michael Faccinto and High Sierra Industries Dash winner Austin Wood completed the top five. Rounding out
the top 10 were Chance Grasty, Pit Stop USA Hard Charger Sean Becker, Bloomfield,
Forsberg and Colby Copeland. As the race wound down, Bloomfield
looked to be in position for the SCCT Speedweek title but caught the cushion a couple times and lost just enough spots to allow Forsberg the opportunity. When all was said and done, Forsberg brought home the $3,000 championship by just four points over Bloomfield, and 14-markers ahead of Shane Hopkins, who also gave it a valiant run all week long. Corbin Rueschenberg and Copeland finished fourth and fifth respectively in the week-long race.
Dunnigan’s Luke Hayes began the evening by earning his first career Sierra Foothills Wine Services Fast Time Award, pacing the 28-car field with a lap of 11.029. The Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour will now take an extended break, before resuming things on Saturday, Sept. 21, with the annual Adobe Cup at Petaluma Speedway. Placerville Speedway returns to action this coming Saturday, July 27, with the annual Carnett Clash.
Photo by Devin M. Photography
Andy Forsberg brought home the $3,000 championship after an action-packed race Saturday in Placerville.
Photo courtesy of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Magnet School on South Shore line up for prizes. Bike-to-
Bike Month.
Knight Monsters end guessing game, reveal affiliations and more
STATELINE, Nev. – Tahoe’s brand new ECHL hockey team has announced an affiliation with the Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights. The announcement wasn’t a surprise for many fans.
“I was definitely expecting the Knights to be the affiliate,” young fan Addi said, wearing a Golden Knights jersey at the unveiling July 16 at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Showroom.
The team’s hashtag and slogan #TessTheWaters provided a small ray on the mascot. A video revealed a blue creature walking toward Bally’s, then through its doors and finally outside the showroom. In sync with the video, light entered the darkroom as the widely lored Tahoe monster — Tessie — made its entrance through showroom doors and greeted guests from the back of the room, eventually making its way on stage.
“It definitely resonates with a lot of locals here,” said Megan, a fan who drove from Reno for the event. “We appreciate that.”
Observing Tessie’s accessories, she added, “I like that it has the face shield to reflect back to the affiliation with the Knights.”
Tessie excited the crowds in one of three jersey’s also revealed at the event.
“The black is my favorite,” said Laura, a fan in line to purchase a jersey. “The lore about Tahoe Tessie is captured, I think, in that black one.”
Laura and her husband Rich reside in Denver, but have a house in Incline Village and are big time hockey fans, holding season tickets for the Colorado Avalanche. Now Knight Monster ticket holders as well, the Denver tie the team has with co-owner Tim Tebow, former Denver Bronco quarterback, only fueled their excitement to have a minor hockey team close by.
Rich said affiliate team jerseys often look almost identical to parent team jerseys. What he likes about the Knight Monsters’ black jersey is that although they use similar colors, there’s still a deviation. “They have their own identity,” Laura added.
Golden Knights assistant general
manager Andrew Lugerner said at the event they hope to bring the success of southern Nevada to northern Nevada and detailed his last 20 minutes with the Stanley Cup. He had his 2-yearold daughter in the shopping cart at the local grocery store in Las Vegas, along with the Stanley Cup. “Never,” Lugerner said, “have I stopped traffic like I did that day.”
Since their establishment as an expansion franchise in 2017, the Golden Knights have qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs in six of seven seasons. In addition to winning the cup last year, they’ve won three Pacific Division titles and two Western Conference Championships.
Silver Knights general Manager Tim Speltz explained the three-tier development system between the three Nevada teams. The Knight Monsters will embody step one, the Silver Knights step two and the NHL Golden Knights step three. Nevada joins Pennsylvania and Québec as the only states/provinces with all three teams directly affiliated.
The Knight Monster head coach Alex Loh said he’s seen players from ECHL teams climb the ladder to play and win the Stanley Cup.
Loh is making the move from the Ghost Pirates, having spent two seasons there before accepting the role as head coach for the Knight’s new affiliate team, the Knight Monsters.
At the event the head coach didn’t provide a 10-year plan for the team.
“We want to put a winning hockey team on the ice right away,” he said, explaining the first signing of Anthony Collins shows that. The team has also agreed to terms with Blake Christensen, Brennan Kapcheck and Nate Kallen.
“Gotta say, I love hearing those cheers right now,” the coach said acknowledging the crowd. “There’s no question; it makes me excited for October.”
The Knight Monsters’ first game comes Oct. 24 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center against the Jacksonville Icemen. At last week’s event, 100 days from the first game, co-owner David Hodges announced they have only 300 tickets remaining for that opening night.
month Continued from A4
participation in more than 20 bike-friendly events and activities, including bike kitchen pop-ups, bike path clean ups and the Pride Bike Ride.
Reflecting on the success of the event, TRPA senior transportation planner Kira Richardson expressed gratitude.
“We commend all participants for getting out of their cars and experiencing Tahoe’s magnificent paths and trails,” Richardson said. “Your efforts not only promote healthier lifestyles but also contribute significantly to preserving our environment.”
Participants logged their rides on tahoebike.org/bike-month, competing for prizes donated by local businesses. Noteworthy achievements included:
In the team category, Competitive Commuters emerged victorious, amassing 156 points over the month.
Carson “the” Guy recorded an impressive 152 rides.
Joshua Hutchens dominated in elevation gain with 85,981 vertical feet and covered 1,176 miles, securing the top spot in distance traveled.
Mark Hoefer completed the
COMICS
biggest ride, covering 139 miles and ascending 14,423 vertical feet.
Of the 474 total participants, 39 biked every day throughout June.
One of those participants who biked every day was Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition president Nick Speal.
“The community’s enthusiasm and commitment to biking not only set new records, but also exemplifies our mission to make it safer and more fun to get around Tahoe on two wheels,” said Speal.
The success of the 19th Annual Tahoe Bike Month was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Gear Lab, Pine Nut Cycle Cafe, Heavenly Epic Promise, Blue Granite Climbing Gym and many others.
Looking ahead, organizers hope the momentum from this year’s event will encourage continued biking, walking and transit use throughout the summer and beyond. For more information on sustainable transportation options in Tahoe visit LinkingTahoe.com and explore the interactive bike map at map. tahoebike.org.
Tahoe Bike Month will return in June 2025.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). While selflessness has its place, you are also a person as in need of advocacy as any. You are worthy of your own efforts to please, save, uplift, improve, challenge and educate yourself.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People take the gift of security for granted, which is only a sign that the one offering security is doing it right. Love and attention in abundance are the best safety anyone could have. You aim to give it to someone who could use a stabilizing influence.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When something is both sweet and salty, it can satisfy while also creating more desire. Accumulating more of such a thing may leave you feeling perpetually unfulfilled. Consider sources of satisfaction that reward slowly over time.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may feel yourself acting like a parent toward someone who is not your child. Should you guide the action, speak up and set rules? Or should you let them do what comes naturally and correct when necessary? This is what you’ll figure out as you go.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Life’s stages are filled with many seasons: gaining, losing, molting, flowering and fruition. You’re not always sure which stage you’re in, and that’s fine, too. The important part is being where you are and letting that be enough.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A puzzle piece clicks into place in your mind, and suddenly, you understand a bigger picture. So much that occurred was impersonal
-- a matter of fit, and simply what had to happen for all to move forward.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The future has its own vision and may not align with your preconceived notions. Don’t let this deter you from dreaming. Your influence on the future, though not absolute, is significant.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It will be too overwhelming to concern yourself with the rippling effect of every action. Some of the biggest steps you take will seem small as you are taking them. It’s as though your shoes defy the laws of scale.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Nicknames and reputations are decided by others, and there’s no telling or controlling the final verdict. But as long as you do what you’re proud of, it will work out just fine for all. You’ll be recognized in a meaningful way today.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). People will tell your story, which you can consider an honor. It means people feel safe with you. They feel your kind heart and want to share. Interpersonal agreements will enrich your life.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
SUDOKU
Bike
Photo by Katelyn Welsh / Tahoe Daily Tribune
The Knight Monsters unveiled their mascot, jerseys and affiliations on July 16.
Katelyn Welsh Tahoe Daily Tribune
OPINION
President Joe Biden drowns as his closest friends turn their backs
President Joe Biden could no longer keep his head above water and drowned this past Sunday. Democrat leaders turned their backs and covered their ears to Biden’s gurgling for oxygen as he no longer could tread water and succumbed to swirling, raging political waters.
For 50 years Biden has worked for and supported the Democrat Party but in these recent days the party leaders turned their backs on him as big money donors called the shots with their pocketbooks. As the money flow came to a halt, party leaders began to cry and beg Biden to resign from the 2024 presidential race.
Keep in mind that, with party support, Biden had raised over $200 million. That’s a lot of money to enrich television station owners across the country. How much of this money will go to the Democrat nominee is yet to be seen. How much money Vice President Kamala Harris, or whoever is running, raises between now and November, will not be as much as Biden has raised in the last couple of years. Wouldn’t you love to have the leadership of the Democrat Party as your best friends? When the going got tough, they folded and left President Biden to drown.
Donald Trump’s supporters have stood with him through the res of hell. Everything has been thrown at Trump, including bullets, and support for Trump has only grown.
Donald Trump’s supporters have stood with him through the fires of hell. Everything has been thrown at Trump, including bullets, and support for Trump has only grown. The prosecution and persecution of Trump only strengthened him as his numbers became stronger. The more he was in the news for being in court or faced the possibility of jail, the more his supporters stood with him.
The President Joe Biden who has been pushed out
The Balancing Act
Letters to the Editor
Thank you, rst responders
EDITOR:
On behalf of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, I o er our deep thanks to the herculean e orts to eradicate our recent wildfires on the West Slope. First, the Moccasin Fire threatened residents in on the outskirts of Diamond Springs and then, right on its heels, the Pay Fire launched an attack on the city of Placerville and the Placerville airport.
Both were met with a swift and relentless assault which made a tremendous di erence in the course of those fires. Thanks to the extraordinary response, minimal damage ensued and there was no loss of life. The unprecedented heat made these immense e orts all the more heroic.
To that end, I would like to expressly thank all those who saved our community: El Dorado County Fire Protection District, Diamond Springs-El Dorado Fire Protection District, Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit, El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, Sacramento Regional Incident Management Team, El Dorado Hills Fire Department, Rescue Fire Department, County of El Dorado, CHP – Placerville, Georgetown Fire, Garden Valley Fire Protection District, Pioneer Fire Protection District, Cameron Park Fire Department, Cosumnes Fire Department, Folsom Fire Department, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Sacramento Fire Department, California Governor’s O ce of Emergency Services, Tribal Fire – Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, California State Parks, Placerville Police Department and various Cal Fire units from across Northern California. Mutual aid is a real thing, and it made all the di erence in our community.
We are richly blessed to be living in a community with such professional and dedicated first responders. To all those who responded, please know how grateful we are.
WENDY THOMAS Chairman, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors
Here to help
EDITOR:
California has the largest homeless population in America — 30% of all homeless in America and California is 12% of the total population. And 50% of people experiencing homelessness have spent time in the foster care system.
The homeless population in California is expected to grow 20% this year. The statistics I’m citing are from the government. The government has created this problem and claims it is dealing with the situation. The government is making the situation worse. We as a society must stop looking for the government to solve our problems. It has proven over the decades that it can’t.
Ronald Reagan was correct when he said the scariest words in the world are, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
KEN
STEERS Cameron Park
Voting for better or worse
EDITOR:
I’m writing this letter as I’ve been told so many times, “I’m voting for Biden as I don’t like Trump.” I’ve also heard of folks who are voting for Trump but in 2020 those same folks voted for Biden. They say, “No more Biden for me.”
Folks say they don’t like Trump. You don’t have to like Trump but things were a lot better with Trump. We need Trump back.
My husband’s brother and son saw their house payment go up $900 with a high interest rate under Biden. With Trump in o ce their house payment was a lot lower. Under Biden a lot of people have lost their homes and cars with the high interest rate. Biden is a president for the rich.
Who is running the Secret Service? And other questions
Of note: President Trump’s “allegedly” classified documents case was dismissed because the appointment of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith “was above the law.” The appointment was not compliant with the Appointments clause and the Appropriations clause of the U.S. Constitution. In his concurring opinion in the presidential immunity case of SCOTUS, Justice Thomas remarked that Smith’s appointment was done unconstitutionally and unlawfully.
Justice Thomas, starting on page 52 of the decision, described in detail in nine pages why and how the o ce of special counsel required a law to be created (Art. II, Sec. 2, clause 2) which can only be created by Congress, and how the special counsel’s appointment may have required Senate approval. Justice Thomas found no specific law allowing for the special counsel, so hence it was an illegal o ce. As a result of this obvious conclusion, Justice Thomas did not go into the Appropriations clause because of the determination of its illegality.
• • • The left will do anything to hang on to power. The upcoming presidential election demonstrates that philosophy. The approval rating of the current president (and now o cially lame duck) was as of this writing 33%, with only the indoctrinated believing the lies told. What are those lies? The economy is doing great or if there are problems they were created by President Trump. The border is closed or there are no border issues and President Trump created the problem. The ongoing wars are President Trump’s fault. The deficit spending and inflation are because of Trump and corporate greed. High interest rates are also President Trump’s fault. But there are worse lies. Trump is Hitler, Trump is a fascist, Trump will destroy our democracy, Trump will destroy the country, Trump is an existential threat and Trump must be eliminated. I could go on. But perhaps the worst thing said by the left came specifically from President Biden, who said in a Lester Holt interview, “It is time to put Trump in the bullseye.” Democrats claim there is no place for violence, especially political
violence. What about the Democrats’ support of the 2020 riots in Minnesota where more damage and deaths occurred than from most hurricanes. VP Kamala Harris (and possible nominee) recently made statements against violence yet directly promoted those riots when she set up a fund to bail out those arrested.
As a result of all these lies and comments, the unthinkable has happened. An assassination attempt occurred on July 13, 2024, against the currently leading candidate for president, Donald Trump. And it was about a half an inch from being successful. More dreadful and sinister, one rally goer was murdered (a 50-year-old father of three) and two others were critically wounded. President Trump su ered a bullet wound to his right ear.
1. How did this catastrophic failure of the Secret Service occur?
2. Was the left hoping for this assassination to happen considering that their language above has been the ever-repeated mantra of the left upon which the entire campaign of Joe Biden had been based?
It remains to be seen how transparent the Secret Service will be in its investigation. Remember, most people never believed the Warren report (i.e., the aftermath of President’s JKF assassination).
Director Kimberly Cheatle’s prior job before becoming a DEI hire of Biden’s was head of security at PepsiCo, the maker of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. She was good at guarding potato chips and Cheetos. She promised to make DEI a priority, specifically hiring enough to attain a force of 30% women. Several ex-secret service agent commentators noticed the new agents being unable to holster their weapons under pressure. They also noted the inability to cover the president and their inability to carry their weight. Cheatle recently said the reason the roof the assassin used was too unsafe to put o cers on was because of its slope, yet the slope was no di erent from the roof used by the counter strike team that took the assassin out. How did this assassin get within 132 yards of the podium in an
CONNIE ROSEN Pollock Pines
Director Kimberly Cheatle’s prior job before becoming a DEI hire of Biden’s was head of security at PepsiCo, the maker of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. She was good at guarding potato chips and Cheetos.
GLENN MOLLETTE
LARRY WEITZMAN
Suspect grabbed on the run
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — On the evening of July 17 South Lake Tahoe Police Department patrol o cers received information regarding a truck stolen out of Sparks, Nev. At approximately 8:10 p.m. o cers on patrol spotted the stolen truck driving eastbound on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near Al Tahoe Boulevard. O cers attempted an enforcement stop on the driver, who reportedly failed to yield and sped away from o cers.
The driver of the stolen truck fled into the Al Tahoe neighborhood while being pursued by SLTPD o cers, according to information shared by the department. The driver returned to Lake Tahoe Boulevard from Modesto Avenue, where he crossed
of the presidential race is much the same as the one they hid in the basement in 2020. Biden was not on the campaign trail in 2020. He did not debate Trump and the majority of the American media backed Biden. If Biden had debated Trump in 2020 the race most likely would have tilted Trump’s way. This time around they had no choice but to let Biden debate Trump and therefore are now experiencing chaos in the Democrat Party. Biden has slipped since his early years in the Senate. He is not the articulate orator we remember
the highway, jumped the curb on the south side of street and attempted to go over some large rocks, which tore o the front driver side wheel. The driver continued to attempt to flee eastbound but the truck beca
The driver then fled on foot. O cers followed and captured the suspect in a parking lot at Modesto Avenue and Riverside Avenue. He was identified as Paul Mock, 48, of Sparks, Nev. Mock was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle; evading peace o cer with wanton disregard for safety; evading a peace o cer: wrong way driver and obstruction/resisting a peace o cer.
Mock is currently being held in the El Dorado County jail with a bail of $406,000. The stolen vehicle was towed and stored pending its return to the rightful owner.
from way back then. There was a day and time when I admired Joe Biden’s numerous abilities.
Biden tried to keep swimming as he had one more goal line he wanted to cross. Unfortunately, he needed a life jacket this time and no one in his party would throw him one.
Give thought and consideration as to who you consider your friends. If they will let a 50-year-plus devoted friend drown, what will they do to you?
Glenn Mollette is an author and national columnist. Learn more at GlennMollette.com.
Weitzman
Continued from A6
elevated position on the roof of the AGR building?
Law enforcement was reportedly told 26 minutes before the shooting that he was on the roof with a rifle. A good sniper can be e ective from up 800 yards. How and why was this security perimeter so small and that this information was ignored? Will anybody get fired for their incompetence?
The result of this mess up is that President Trump has surged in the polls; his once narrow lead is now becoming almost insurmountable. The left’s lawfare against President Trump is collapsing. Biden quit. Is this the Democrats’ Hail Mary or is murder their last resort?
And we are still waiting for a motive from the alleged killer. If we get one from this administration, should it be believed?
Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.
Dairy free options
EDITOR:
emember when ice cream came from cows, with all the nasty hormones, antibiotics, pus cells and saturated fat? When you could only have one to keep from getting sick? When people with lactose intolerance couldn’t have any? Sunday, July 21, was National Ice Cream Day, a superb opportunity to taste the colorful collection of delicious, healthy, eco-friendly, cruelty-free ice creams made from grains and nuts. They’re available in the frozen food section of our favorite supermarket.
ERNESTO DUVALLE Placerville
Solving problems… it’s what we do!
530-626-1399 384 Placerville Dr, Ste. B • Placerville Porch Pirate Safety Zone! Now offering a SAFE place for your packages. Have your packages delivered here at NO CHARGE!
Announcements
AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com
AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net
AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the rst Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org
El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR
RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheri ’s o ce, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE
Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-212-2465 for more information. Gold Country Cribbers play Wednesday, 12 noon at Steve’s Pizza, 3941 Park Dr., 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.
By Nellie Fly
Do you love bugs? How would you like to have a job where you got to be with bugs everyday?
You might want to study entomology. Entomology is the study of insects and an entomologist is a bug scientist. There are lots of careers for entomologists!
When a movie scene needs bugs, who gets a call?
Entomologists study how insects behave, they know how to get them to do things movie directors want them to do. Bug directing entomologists have made bees swarm a beekeeper for a fried chicken commercial and made a cockroach run across a floor then flip over! Find
Many zoos have bug exhibits with live bugs and they need entomologists to take care of the bugs. Entomologists create special terrariums that imitate each bug’s natural habitat. Entomologists also know what kind of food to feed their bugs and how much heat and light they like.
Which label goes with which symbol? Unscramble the letters on each label and then draw a line from the label to its corresponding exhibit symbol.
This book that has been grossing out children and adults since 1973. This is the story of Billy, a ten-year-old who takes a bet that he will eat 15 worms in 15 days—all for $50.
Unscramble the title of this book. Then, check it out at your local library this summer!
Draw a line from each missing word to where it belongs in this article.
Betty’s bug has spots but not tiny ones. It has stripes but it doesn’t have short antennaes. Her bug has an odd number of spots.
Make a flipbook! Paste each of these pictures on heavy paper (an old deck of cards works great). Flip the cards to see this bug flip out!
The smallest insect in the world, the Tanzanian parasitic wasp, is smaller than the eye on a
An ant is capable of lifting fifty times its own weight and is capable of pulling thirty times its own weight.
A mosquito has 47 teeth, which it uses to bite people.
INSECTS ENTOMOLOGY HORNET NATURAL SWARM DIRECTOR STAGE LARVA CRIME CRICKET IMITATE FLOUR BUGS HARM HEAT
Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.
… reading the newspaper to learn more about the world around you.
The noun larva is an insect after it hatches from an egg and before it changes into its adult form.
A caterpillar is a kind of larva
Try to use the word larva in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
When I Grow Up
What do you want to be when you grow up? Write a paragraph about the job you would like to have one day and why you would be good at it.
Standards Link: Spelling: Spell grade-level appropriate words correctly.
© 2015 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 31, No. 26
By Nellie Fly
Cal Fire takes on trio of blazes
Odin Rasco Senior staff writer
Some Pollock Pines residents were subject to a brief evacuation order as fire crews battled three consecutive blazes along Highway 50 near Ridgeway Drive Sunday, July 21. The three vegetation fires started near structures in Pollock Pines, prompting an immediate response from Cal Fire crews. Forward progress for all three fires was stopped within 45 minutes of firefighters getting the call, though a strip of buildings along Pony Express Trail were subject to a mandatory evacuation order for close to two hours as crews continued to work in the area. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported, according to Cal Fire representative Wendy Oaks. The total size of the fires was around 2 acres, Oaks said, and the cause is still under investigation.
As scammers target PG&E customers, here’s what to know to not fall victim
n Customers report losses of over $334,000 during 2024
Paul Moreno
OAKLAND — Utility scams have continued at an alarming rate during 2024, with Pacific Gas and Electric customers reporting more than $334,000 in losses to scammers. To stop this trend, PG&E is committed to helping customers recognize the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim.
A typical sign of a scam targeting a utility customer includes a caller claiming to be from PG&E and threatening disconnection if immediate payment is not made via a pre-paid debit card, digital payment mobile application or other methods of money transfer. As a reminder, PG&E will never send a single notification to a customer within one hour of a service interruption and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency or instant mobile payment applications like Zelle or Venmo.
“Scammers seek to create a sense of panic, threatening disconnection of utility services if immediate payment is not made,” said Matt Foley, lead customer scam investigator for PG&E.
“If a phone call, visit to your home or email doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Hang up, shut the door or delete it. Remember, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email, nor will we request payment via pre-paid debit cards or other methods of money transfer, including mobile applications.”
During 2024, PG&E has received nearly 15,000 reports of scams targeting residential and business customers. The average scam victim lost more than $600 and 500-plus customers have reported falling victim. This number is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as many scams go unreported.
Business customers also are not immune from scam attempts. In fact, PG&E has received 528 reports of scams targeting small and mediumsized businesses this year, and these attempts frequently occur during busy business hours when scammers hope to catch unsuspecting victims while they are distracted or stressed.
Another recent scam trend involves scammers creating fake websites which provide a fraudulent phone number when you search services related to PG&E such as “bill pay” or “start/stop” service. These sites and phone numbers often appear when a handheld device is used to search for and contact PG&E. As a reminder, customers looking to contact PG&E should either call the customer service number, 800-743-5000, or log into their account at pge.com. Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business
Grants Continued from A1
resources to help keep firefighters and the public safe from fires and firerelated hazards.
SCBAs are critical safety equipment that provide firefighters with a clean, breathable air supply in hazardous environments filled with smoke, toxic gases or low oxygen levels. These units consist of a high-pressure cylinder, a pressure regulator and face mask. By using SCBAs, firefighters can safely enter and operate in dangerous conditions, allowing them to perform rescues, extinguish fires and conduct
owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams by visiting pge.com/scams or by calling 1-833-500-SCAM.
Signs of a potential scam Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill. Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.
Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds.
Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate, and ask you for your personal financial information.
Scammers Impersonating Trusted Phone Numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don’t lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and either log into your account at pge.com to confirm your bill details or call PG&E at 1-833500-SCAM. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.
How customers can protect themselves
Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person.
If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.
Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can also sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts.
Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission’s website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information. For more information about scams visit pge.com/scams or consumer.ftc. gov/scams.
essential operations without risking inhalation of harmful substances. This grant will enhance the safety and effectiveness of local firefighters, ensuring they are better equipped to protect the community.
The El Dorado County Fire Protection District provides fire, rescue and EMS services in the communities of Placerville, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines, Camino, Pleasant Valley, Cool, Coloma, Lotus, Pilot Hill, Pleasant Valley, Oak Hill, Strawberry and Kyburz.
NEWS, IN THE KNOW
July 24
Snowline Health
Dementia Connection
hosts Living Well with Dementia Knowledge and Disease Progression, 5:30-7 p.m. at 1100 Marshall Way, Upstairs Room D, Placerville.
This training is for people experiencing cognitive impairments or early stages of dementia and welcomes these individuals along with any caregivers or people providing support for them.
In this training, attendees will learn the basics about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. In this, the bene ts of early diagnosis, and the treatments used to slow the disease and its symptoms will be addressed. We will learn about brain health, risk factors and challenges of caring for a person with dementia. We will also learn strategies to reduce the stigma associated with dementia by taking steps toward living well with cognitive impairments.
Valhalla Tahoe presents Remembering James — a Tribute to James Brown. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
July 25
Snowline Health
Dementia Connection hosts the Caregiver Support Group, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gilmore Center, 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills. This group supports caregivers and family members who are caring for or have a loved one with dementia. The group’s goals are to provide a welcoming, non-judgmental space and promote emotional and physical health, sound caregiving strategies, awareness of resources, problem-solving, stress reduction, and personal growth. Call (530) 621-6820 if respite care is needed for a caregiver to attend this group.
Join the El Dorado Hills Library and experience the ancient art form of the Japanese taiko drum!
Sacramento Taiko Dan is bringing a thrilling performance featuring incredible music and choreographed movement from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and Grapes & Ivy host a grand opening celebration, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 4232
LOCAL BREWMASTERS
Malachi Parker Sta writer
Cheers to El Dorado County’s breweries that brought home medals from the California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer competition. West slope breweries bottled up nine of 161 awards.
“The state fair is one of the most prestigious beer award organizations,” said Justin Ganz with Geartooth Alewerks of Placerville. “Going up against a lot of excellent beer, it’s good to be recognized.”
The Ganz family at Geartooth used to contract brew in San Jose before they moved to Placerville to open up shop in June 2023. The two beers they opened with on tap are the two that brought home state fair medals this year — a smoked porter called Burned and Blacked and an imperial stout called Father Cog.
Boring Rose Brewing Co. in El Dorado Hills, also a family owned brewery, wowed the judges with the Banbury Cross, an English ale. That same beer also won gold at the El Dorado County Fair, where Boring Rose entered 13 beers and had 10 take home awards.
Billy and Jamie Rose began their beer journey by brewing in house and attending Placerville and El Dorado farmers markets to network and establish a customer base through samples and taste tests; they did that every weekend for two years straight.
“That was a lot but it helped us talk to people and it helped us get going and figure out how to run the business on the small scale,” Jamie said.
They opened their business in El Dorado Hills Town Center in October 2023 and the work they did at farmers markets allowed them to have immediate success. The business has grown so quickly they are hiring more sta .
STATE FAIR WINNERS
Camerado Brewing Company: Gold, Skyvan, an Irish-style dry stout. Mraz Brewing Company: Bronze, The Cardinal, a Flanders red ale; Silver, Czech Norris, a Czech pale lager; Silver, Peach The Magic Dragon, a mixed culture beer; Gold, Miss Scoville, a chili beer; Silver, Rosé All Day, a fruit and herb/spice kombucha
Geartooth Alewerks: Gold, Burned and Blacked, a smoked porter; Silver, Father Cog, a British-style imperial stout
Boring Rose Brewing Company: Gold, Banbury Cross, a Englishstyle mild ale
Shakespeare Club gets new leadership
will share the leadership as co-presidents of the Placerville Shakespeare Club.
The club was formed on May 2, 1897, with the chief objective of studying the plays of William Shakespeare. Now well into its second century, the club continues to be dedicated to its original ideals of promoting sociability and friendship among members, providing assistance to local charities and youth in addition to beautifying the neighborhood in which the clubhouse is located. Recently nine scholarships were given to support young women in pursuing their educational goals.
The Placerville Shakespeare Club is located at 2949 Bedford Ave. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare.com.
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Darlene Tarleton, left, and Lisbeth Powell take over this year as co-presidents of the Placerville Shakespeare Club.
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Paula, Bill, Billy and Jamie Rose of Boring Rose Brewery, from left, took home a gold medal from the California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer competition.
Mountain Democrat photo by Malachi Parker Justin, James, Kit and Jay Ganz of Geartooth Alewerks, from left, are all smiles after winning two state fair medals this year.
Tracy Wallin-Wilson is a Divide community treasure
Kat Mendenhall Staff writer
The Divide has struck gold with new VFW 9241 Post Commander Tracy WallinWilson. She has the distinction of being the first female commander of that post and comes to the position with loads of energy and enthusiasm and excitement about serving local veterans. Tracy and Chas, her husband of more than 30 years, have lived in Quintette for about 12 years. Chas retired from the military after 20-plus years of service and is now a federal police officer.
Tracy supported Chas’ military career, which took them across the U.S. and overseas. Twice she served as an ombudsman supporting families when Navy ships deployed. She was selected by the commanding officer of NSA Gaeta to serve as a critical liaison following the attack on 9/11. While deployed she and another parent started the Gaeta Youth Parent Sports Association
because there were no athletic opportunities for children whose parents were stationed there. She also was a coordinator for Girl Scouts developing enrichment opportunities for girls.
She is past president of the Georgetown Divide Rotary Club, being the second woman president, and now serves on the board. Tracy is currently the director of Curriculum Instruction and Professional Development for Horizon Charter Schools in Lincoln, a job held for the past three years. She also worked with Black Oak Mine Unified School District during COVID at American River Charter School, while supporting her grandkids. Prior to that she worked for two county offices of education, Placer and San Mateo, for almost 15 years combined.
Tracy has an impressive military background as a Navy Seabee. She said the Seabee motto is “can do” and explained its members are part of a unit trained to be combat ready. They
typically precede the Marines by building roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and support logistics. She completed training for jungle environment survival training and later desert combat events.
“I was a builder, also kind of an outlier,” Tracy said. “There were not a lot of women builders in the Navy Seabees. When in Navy bootcamp I was the honor recruit graduating No. 1 in the class. I competed in boot camp in what is called the Iron Woman Contest, a physical fitness competition, and I won that as well and graduated with the highest in my class across all metrics.
“I didn’t enter the military casually but with 100% intention,” she continued. “If you are going to do it, you have to give it everything you have. I am a recognized service leader and I believe in service. I lead in those environments from a service perspective. Participating 100% honors the commitments and
Thrill of the Grill
Everybody loves a barbeque. Whether you’re firing up the humble hibachi or a high-tech heater, if you’re an outdoor gourmet, chances are you’ve got a special barbeque recipe.
There’s a primal draw to the barbeque that comes from tossing a slab of meat onto an open flame and being allowed to eat with your hands, licking every savory morsel from your fingers. The best barbeques produce a moist, fall off the bone meat, but it’s the flavor that sets it apart from just another cookout. A great barbeque recipe produces just the right amount of tang, smokiness, heat, and sweet for a savory meal.
But what if you’re looking for a lighter snack with an equally mouth-watering appeal and one that you still get to cook over an open fire? When you’re in the mood for the flavors of a barbeque, try this Down Home BBQ mix to sprinkle over popcorn. Finger licking good!
Down Home BBQ Popcorn
Yield: 8 cups
Ingredients
2 t ablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 t easpoons Cajun seasoning mix
1/4 t easpoon garlic powder
1/4 t easpoon onion powder
1/8 t easpoon chili powder
8 c ups air-popped popcorn
1/4 c up clarified butter (helps prevent sogginess; may use regular melted butter)
1 t easpoon liquid smoke
Directions
1. C ombine brown sugar, Cajun seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder in a small bowl.
2. Melt ¼ cup butter. Cool slightly, then pour off the clear melted butter layer into a small bowl. Discard the opaque milky solids that remain behind.
3. Stir the liquid smoke into the butter.
4. Place popcorn in a large bowl, and drizzle it with butter mixture. Toss to coat the popcorn well.
5. Sprinkle sugar-seasoning mixture over popcorn and toss to distribute evenly.
6. S erve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Note: Liquid smoke can be found with the barbecue sauces/condiments section of large grocery stores.
The Popcorn Board • www.popcorn.org
pop art
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Tracy Wallin-Wilson will serve as the new VFW 9241 Post commander.
Make a noncombustible zone the foundation of your firewise landscaping
Do you have foundation plantings around your house?
Many of our homes do; either we planted vegetation close to the house’s foundation or it was there when we bought the home. This vegetation is a legacy of the concept of foundation planting, promoted by landscapers and landscape architects as a way to frame a house and anchor it to the site. A quick review of landscaping websites will reveal that planting trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and groundcovers around a house is still promoted to create a transition between the built environment and the rest of the garden.
Unfortunately, in a fire-prone region like ours, this strategy can increase the risk of your home igniting in a wildfire. Up to 90% of homes that burn in wildfires are ignited by embers, according to the Insurance
Institute for Business and Home Safety (lihs. org). During a wildfire, embers rain down on a house and start small fires in vegetation and woody debris. If that vegetation is in contact with the combustible siding of your house, then the small fire started in foundation shrubs can ignite the siding and eventually engulf the home.
New defensible space law for Zone Zero is coming. In order to reduce this risk, new California regulations are being written to require a 5-foot non-combustible zone (Zone Zero) around the home and all attached structures, including wooden decks. This zone will need to be free of combustible material that would allow burning embers to spread the fire to your home.
These requirements are in addition to current rules that require a “lean, clean and green” landscape between 0 and 30 feet from the home and a “reduced fuel landscape” between 30 and 100 feet from the home.
Though Cal Fire originally planned
n See LANDSCAPING, page B6
Susie Kocher UCCE Central Sierra forestry advisor
2morrows June @ 7pm Gold�eld Trading Post Sacra‐mento, 1630 J St, Sacramento Soul Glitch @ 8pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco Namorados da Lua @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco Gold Shimmer @ 8:30pm
Friday Jul 26th
LIVE at The HIVE w/ Shawn Twaites Rebel Quartet @ 5pm The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen, 1221 Har‐ter Avenue, Woodland. thehive@zspecialty food.com, 530-668-0660
Live at The HIVE presents the Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet during a free out‐door concert on Friday, July 26.
Club East Bay - Session 8 @ 8:30am / $310 Jul 29th - Aug 2nd The Seven Hills School, 975 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek. 415-6543244
brary | El Dorado Hills Branch, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills. 916-358-3500
Brad Brooks @ 2pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Artist Talk with Jaya King @ 3pm Enjoy a free talk by artist Jaya King at the Pence on July 27! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pence socialmedia@gmail.com, 530-7583370
DJ Eddie Edul: Please be Kind Rewind 80"s Party @ 7pm Upper Echelon Event Center, 3033 Hurley Way #105, East Sacramento
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings @ 7pm / $37.50 The Chan National Queer Arts Center, 170 Valencia Street, SF Bay Area. fever@eventvesta.com
Dislocation/ Jelly�sh Method/ Secret Society/ Indrid Cold @ 7:30pm / $14.60 Neck of the Woods, San Francisco
Ian Santillano @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
LaRussell @ 8pm Bally's Lake Tahoe, 55 Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe
E-40 @ 8pm Bally's Lake Tahoe, 55 Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe
Winters Farmers Market @ 9am Enjoy local produce, fresh �ow‐ers, food vendors, music and more at the Winters Farmers Market along downtown Main Street. Main Street & Railroad Av‐enue, Winters. simbasheir loomfarm@gmail.com, 415-996-8179
Makeup & Mimosas: Drag Brunch @ 10am / $4-$12 Ace of Spades, Sacramento
Art in Action: Fabulous Felt Art @ 1pm / $8 Bring the kids for felt crafting in our next Art in Action family workshop! Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis. pencesocialmedia@gmail.com, 530-758-3370
Striker Skills CampEast Sac @ 9am / $159 Jul 29th - Aug 1st McKinley Park, 601 Al‐hambra Blvd, Sacramento. 916-837-0336 L8 - Art in Nature @ 9am / Free Jul 29th - Aug 2nd Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento. 916-808-8884
B8 - Lego Engineers @ 9am / Free Jul 29th - Aug 2nd Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento. 916-808-8884
L8 -Shark Week @ 9am / Free Jul 29th - Aug 2nd Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento. 916-808-8884
AA8 - Afternoon Adventures: Adventures in Wonderland @ 12pm / Free Jul 29th - Aug 2nd Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento. 916-808-8884
Lil' Cruisers East BaySession 8 @ 12pm / $310 Jul 29th - Aug 2nd The Seven Hills School, 975 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek. 415-6543244
Sweet Undertow: Eddy Solo! @ 7pm McP's Taphouse Grill, 4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd A, South Lake Tahoe
BIT @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
EDH Library - Teen Tuesday: Jeopardy Trivia @ 2:30pm Put your knowledge to the test at Trivia! For ages 13-17. El Dorado County Library | El Dorado Hills Branch, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills. 916-358-3500
Lunar Octet Jazz Concert @ 5:30pm Come watch The Lunar Octet, a Latin jazz band, perform! Suisun City Library, 601 Pintail Drive, Suisun City. fpmoreno@ solanocounty.com, 707784-1537
GamperDrums: Gamper Funk Jazz - Tuesday Residency at the Boom Boom Room SF @ 6pm Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore St, San Francisco Dave Ricketts Music: Dave Ricketts & Friends at The
Railroad Museum’s vibrant mural in the works
Traci
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Interested community members are invited to participate in a Community Mural Input Session that will be facilitated by SOJO at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 26. The purpose of the engagement sessions is to gather input from the community that reflects the oral stories and images of the railroad and how it has impacted our lives for generations. With overarching themes that highlight innovation and invention along with the concept of past, present and future, the community mural will
be showcased by 2D and 3D art, land/earth artistry and technologycentered art. “At SOJO, our creative
team is excited to bring this project and its stories to life. Our goal is to highlight and preserve BIPOC’s
history and culture and their contributions to California history and promote cultural pride, particularly among our
children,” said Shonna McDaniel, a dedicated artist/activist who promotes creativity and social change. She said she’s enthusiastic about presenting her vision for the new mural installation to the California State Railroad Museum.
The mural will be painted — with the help of the community — Sept. 14-15 on or near the sycamore-shaded lawn just across from the Railroad Museum. Shortly thereafter, the finished mural will be installed in the museum’s second floor gallery space.
“You cannot talk about the history of
railroading without talking about invention and innovation,” said Dr. Ty Smith, museum director of the California State Railroad Museum. “Inventors, amateur and professional, toiled to make railroads safer, more efficient and more comfortable. And these inventors were as diverse as they were talented. Women, African Americans and immigrants from all over the globe, played significant roles. This community mural will help focus on these past contributions and it will also serve as a backdrop for the Museum’s
House Cleaning
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A new mural is planned at the California State Railroad Museum. The community is invited to offer input and assistance with the project.
efforts of those who have preceded me.”
After completing her active service, she remained a reservist drilling in Sacramento. While she was a college student attending her senior year at University of California, Davis, Desert Shield/Desert Storm occurred and Tracy was recalled to active duty — initially stationed in the Philippines with her entire unit of Seabees awaiting final disposition as the conflict in the Middle East escalated.
While there, she sustained an injury to her right thumb and left ankle. A small battalion, including Tracy, was then sent to Bahrain in the Middle East and dispersed across several combat areas, building military encampments, short-term housing and perimeter security fencing.
“After a short time of work, my right thumb became very unstable so I began using a sledge hammer as opposed to a traditional hammer,” tracy shared. “I ended up smashing my two fingers on my left hand.”
Casts were put on both hands, as well as her left ankle, which by this point had deteriorated due to a partially ruptured the Achilles tendon.
There was an incident when they were under attack and had to run to their tents and put on their Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear. MOPP gear was the only defense they had from chemical-biological warfare. This gear requires the use of both hands to seal the mask for safe breathing. Having casts on both of her hands, she could not get the MOPP gear on and the left ankle cast made putting on the clothing impossible. In addition, with the cast on her foot she could not run for the safety of the tent when they were under attack.
“Although a tent won’t protect from traditional warfare, including scud missiles, it was a perceived safety zone,” Tracy said. This event caused a panic attack and she was eventually sent for a medical evaluation at Kelly Air Force Base in Texas, where doctors determined she required a more highly qualified hand surgeon. Tracy was transferred to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland. After a number of unsuccessful medical and surgical solutions, her right thumb was fused as one bone so she can’t grip with her right hand and was medically discharged from military service.
Tracy is a lifetime member of the VFW. She took an “all in” approach to
to start enforcement of these new rules by January 2024, this has been put off until 2025.
How does a homeowner install a 0-to-5-foot noncombustible zone? Zone Zero starts at the main structure and extends out 5 feet. This zone should not have any combustible material, such as plants, debris, firewood or other stored items. Instead, consider installing hardscaping in this zone. This can be achieved by installing hard surfaces such as stone or concrete walkways, or use of noncombustible mulch products (e.g., rock mulch).
If vegetation must be kept in this zone, it should consist primarily of irrigated lawn and low-growing herbaceous (non-woody) plants. Shrubs and trees, particularly conifers, are not recommended for use
Mural Continued from B5
education hub. The California State Railroad Museum is not merely a history museum; it is a place that helps people imagine their futures, through understanding our collective past.”
The community engagement session is free to attend and will take place in the Stanford Gallery, located at 111 I St. at the Old Sacramento Waterfront (which is adjacent to the Railroad Museum). While not required, advance RSVPs are appreciated via forms.office.com/r/ChXNsQjfkz. Another way to share railroad stories with the California State Railroad Museum is to submit them at californiarailroad.museum/my-story.
More information about Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum is available at sojoartsmuseum. org. For more information about the California State Railroad Museum or Foundation visit californiarailroad.museum.
in this zone.
membership. She has served in Post 9241 for five years, was adjutant and then elected as the commander. One of her goals is to explore a community garden and a reflection garden located at VFW Memorial Park on Wentworth Springs Road in Georgetown. She said she wants to focus on being a mental advocate for veterans and assist them in being more connected to the community.
“Those veterans gave and served,” Tracy shared. “That doesn’t mean that everyone serves with the same time and energy. But it does mean everyone serves with 100% of what they have to give.”
Wilson wants to address mental health issues regarding veterans. She
Risky locations include plants that are adjacent to combustible siding and foundation vents, as well as plants under or next to windows and soffit vents or interior corners. These present the greatest hazard. Plants ignited in these locations can ignite the home by allowing flame to contact it, throwing embers into vents or through radiant heat. Do not plant in these locations.
Hopefully with a few strategic changes in your home zone, you can make fire safety the “foundation” of your landscaping.
The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information at ucanr.edu/sites/
Know Continued from B1 at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.
Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cynthia Renee will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.
The Harris Center for the Arts hosts C.S. Lewis On stage: Further Up & Further In on Friday, July 26, at 8 p.m.
and Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m. Award-winning actor Max McLean’s tour de force performance captures C.S. Lewis’ magnetic personality, astonishing eloquence and laugh-out-loud wit to create an onstage experience venturing deep into the soul of one of the most influential thinkers of the past century. The performance is followed by a post-show discussion with Max McLean. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Qmajur, Bryson Musiq and the Caribbean Soul and Eazy Dub will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.
July 27
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts Pruning and Care of Fruit Trees at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville, 9 a.m. to noon. Learn the benefits of summer fruit tree pruning: what to prune in the summer
has PTSD and said she knows this carries a mental health stigma. “I want veterans in our community to know mental health is health,” she said, explaining she wants to create an environment for veterans to trust the community. She wants to create the legacy that veterans will feel seen, heard and valued. “This is a big deal for female veterans, especially. It is 10 times harder because we are already seen as female first. Too often women end up taking on a masculinity and often suffer quietly. They don’t want to be perceived as a weak female.”
Another goal is a joint grant project next year 2025 to fund and support park improvements to the VFW Memorial Park with Georgetown Rotary, which will be led by incoming president Mel Allen. This project is championed by Mike Monroe, who is both a Rotary board member and a member of the VFW.
If being the VFW commander isn’t enough, for six years Tracy has been president of the Quintette Service Corporation, a mutual benefit water utility company that provides water to homes in Quintette. Other community commitments include Marshall Medical Foundation and Mental Health on the Divide.
She also loves and is very close to her family who live in the area, with daughter Taylor, who works remotely, and two grandchildren living with her. Her two grandkids attend Georgetown schools. Daughter Maddy lives near Kelsey and is attending California State University, Sacramento, while caring for a newborn baby. Daughter Riley works for the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office as an investigative assistant.
EDC_Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden. Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education_Classes/ ?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.
vs. winter, the reasoning, creating fruitful trees and more. Registration is requested at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=42879.
Shadow Ranch Vineyard in the Fair Play area hosts Yoga in the Vines at 10 a.m. Start your weekend right with a relaxing yoga flow followed by wine tasting. For reservations and more information visit shadowranch.com/Events.
Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, is serving its acclaimed Pairings Lunches on the Vineyard Terrace on Saturdays and Sundays with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Pairings 2024 combines a chef’s creativity with the beautifully crafted Miraflores wines. Diners will be able to talk to the chef du jour about the wine and food experience. On July 27 & 28 chef Unchu Littlefield is preparing a Korean Kitchen menu. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@ mirafloreswinery.com to make a reservation.
Darth Mozart will perform at
5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.
Via Romano Vineyards in Camino welcomes No Reason to Cry, an Eric Clapton cover band. Music starts at 5:30. Bring your own chairs as seating is limited. Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery hosts Live in the Vines with music by Jax Hammer, 5:308:30 p.m. For more information visit sierravistawinery.com/ upcoming-events.
Mediterranean Vineyards in the Fair Play area hosts Music in the Vines this summer with The Listen Hear Band. RSVP by calling (530) 240-8386 or email info@ medivineyards.com.
The Zach Waters Band will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.
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Tracy Wallin-Wilson is seen here during her time as a Navy Seabee.
Landscaping Continued from B3
