Cameron Park Lake BEAVERS REHOMED
Mountain Democrat sta
Abeaver colony that recently called Cameron Park Lake home has been relocated to a new home away from people and infrastructure.
In early June Cameron Park Community Services District o cials contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Beaver Restoration Program about the possibility of relocating the beavers reportedly encroaching on the lake’s earthen dam.
“CDFW sta were able to confirm the burrowing damage to Cameron Park Lake’s infrastructure,” information shared with the Mountain Democrat
Eric Jaramishian
Senior sta writer
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is initiating many e orts to combat aquatic invasive species. These e orts will help keep and improve Lake Tahoe clairty, including control method tests, invasive weed removal projects
and controlling the population of a recently discovered invasive mudsnail.
The New Zealand mudsnail, which looks like a tiny, dark grain of rice when examined via microscope on a boat, was discovered by divers last September, the first time a new species was detected since the beginning of the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, which launched in 2008. It is important that aquatic invasive species are kept in check as they can harm the clarity of the lake, according to TRPA o cials. UC Davis found in its 2023 Tahoe clarity report that the lake’s winter conditions were the clearest the lake has been since 1983, a trend TRPA o cials want to maintain.
“Aquatic invasive species have pretty devastating impacts, especially in a place like
states. “Given that there are no feasible nonlethal measures to deter beaver burrowing and that CDFW’s Beaver Restoration Program was, at the time, actively seeking a source population for a July beaver restoration project, CDFW’s BRP resumed the discussion with CSD about translocating the beaver family.”
The beavers consisted of a mating pair, a 2-yearold male, a 1-year-old female and a kit.
“CDFW was able to safely conduct trapping operations to capture the family group,” CDFW’s statement continues. “Following quarantine, on July 25 the family group was translocated to
Lake Tahoe, where it’s famed for water clarity and water quality, and a $5 billion recreationbased economy,” said Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Dennis Zabaglo.
TRPA, in coordination with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, is working to stop the spread of the snails, which have only been detected in the South Shore of the lake between Tahoe Keys and the Ski Run Marina. Information gathering and partnerships with scientists, biologists and resource managers for decision making on how to deal with the snails are currently under way.
Though the mudsnails have been found near the Lower Truckee River near Reno and the Lower American River near Sacramento, it is undetermined how they made their way into the lake. It is possible
Placerville’s
night as community members participated
special event workshop.
The July 30 workshop was intended to serve as a jumping-o point for the city council and sta to develop an improved set of rules for how special events would be scheduled and organized.
In recent years, council discussions related to public events have often been met with Main Street merchants and residents debating the necessity and duration of road closures, as well as the frequency of events that might impact the number of store visits and potential sales. Additionally, as the city enters a fiscal year with a tighter-than-usual budget, the costs incurred by the city to put on events have been identified as a potential place to tighten the pursestrings.
“One of the things we discovered was that the city was bearing most of the costs to put on an event,” Councilmember Michael Saragosa said. Sheets
they were carried to Tahoe on boats, fishing gear, paddlecraft or other water-sporting equipment not properly cleaned before hitting the lake’s water.
Outreach and education is a key task TRPA has taken on to ensure water-sporting equipment is properly cleaned, drained and dried.
CDFW photo by Krysten Kellum
CDFW Beaver Restoration Program scientists Kyle Pagel and Tanner Harris are joined by Ben Cunningham with the Maidu Summit Consortium as a beaver family translocated from Cameron Park Lake are released into Humbug Creek in Plumas County on July 25.
ESSENTIALS
Darlene Ann (Tooch)
Wrzesinski
Nov. 8, 1948 – July 6, 2024
Darlene Ann (Tooch)
Wrzesinski, born Nov. 8, 1948 in Torrance CA, passed away July 6, 2024. Darlene graduated from Ponderosa High School, married Wesley Wade in 1966, 57 years together, they raised 5 children in Helena Montana but CA was her special place. Darlene was proceeded in death by James and Mary Tooch, brother James Tooch Jr. and sister Beverly Dollar. She is survived by Wesley Sr., her children, Lisa, Wesley Jr., Clint, Helen, Mary Kate, brothers David and Richard, fourteen grandchildren & one great grandchild.
In honor of Darlene, please remember Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Darlene is in Heaven watching over me and you.
Sue Megee
Sue Megee passed into the land of eternal light on July 15, 2024.
We imagine that she was greeted with open arms by her two sons, Steven Bryan Megee and Darren Henry Megee. May the rose garden where they reminisce about the lives they shared be full of love, laughter and anticipation of reuniting with their beloved father and devoted husband, George Megee.
Sue was born in Chandler, AZ and raised in Waterford, CA. George and Sue moved to Placerville, CA in 1960, calling this small, friendly community home for sixty years.
Sue was an avid reader with a passion for learning and a love for teaching. She spent many years as an elementary school teacher, touching the lives of many children. She especially had a gift of connecting with children that felt like misfits and creating space where they would feel like they belong.
The yard where she spent her evenings with her husband watching deer, turkeys, ducks and geese was filled with luscious trees and beautiful flowers, especially a variety roses. Her home was filled with tokens, trinkets and crystals that brought her joy, comfort and peace.
She will be missed by her family and friends — and the hummingbirds that flit about her gardens as she makes her journey onward.
Richard (Dick)
DeHaven White
Oct. 12. 1948 – July 10, 2024
Richard (Dick) DeHaven White, 75, of El Dorado Hills, California, passed away on July 10, 2024. Born on October 12, 1948, in Orange, New Jersey, Dick is the son of Richard DeHaven White and Margaret Mary Williams. He is survived by his partner of 34 years, Michele and sister, Suzanne Mabe (Pete). Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn White.
Dick received a Naval Reserve O cer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree and Ensign rank in the US Navy. He was deployed on the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and transferred from active duty to the Naval Reserve in late 1974.
Dick pursued a successful career in manufacturing employing his IT expertise to facilitate the production operations of companies including Mercedes Benz and the toy company Wham-O in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 1989, he was recruited as Director, Information Technology for Power Wheels in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1994 he moved to California and began working as an independent IT consultant for manufacturing companies in the US, Europe, Scandinavia and Asia.
An avid sports fan, Dick has always been a diehard supporter of the New England Patriots and loving Dad to four wonderful Golden Retrievers. In retirement, he renewed his college interest in the game of Bridge and played several times per week. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Dick will be laid to rest at 11:30 am on August 15, 2024 in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to the El Dorado County, CA food bank or the American Cancer Society.
Crews douse structure fire on the Divide
Georgetown Fire Department News release
The Georgetown Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 4:25 p.m. on July 30. Crews from the Garden Valley Fire Protection District and U.S. Forest Service joined the response on the 3200 block of Buckeye Lake Road, where they found an exterior fire on a deck that extended into the interior of a house and the attic. Crews quickly knocked down the flames and conducted an extensive overhaul due to a sheet metal roof over cedar shingles.
“It was a great response by our crews, volunteers and
Fire crews work to ensure a structure fire is completely out after knocking down flames at this residence in Georgetown.
our neighbors from Garden Valley Fire, said Georgetown Fire Chief Glenn Brown.
THEFT SUSPECT SOUGHT
Courtesy photo
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office detectives are attempting to identify a man who reportedly used a stolen credit card to make multiple purchases inside the Home Depot in Placerville. Anyone with information is asked to reach out to Det. Lopez at (530) 642-4729 or lopeza@edso.org.
LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES
PLACERVILLE CITY COUNCIL
City Hall 3101 Center St., Placerville (530) 642-5200
Mayor Michael Saragosa msaragosa@cityofplacerville.org
Vice Mayor Jackie Neau jneau@cityofplacerville.org
John Clerici jclerici@cityofplacerville.org
Nicole Gotberg ngotberg@cityofplacerville.org
David Yarbrough dyarbrough@cityofplacerville. org ElL DORADO COUNTY SUPERVISORS EDC Government Center 330 Fair Lane, Placerville
District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl (530) 621-5650
District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo (530) 621-5651
District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas (530) 621-5652
District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin (530) 621-6513
District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine (530) 621-6577 (Placerville) (530) 621-6577 (South Lake Tahoe)
CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom 1021 O St., Suite 9000 Sacramento 95814 (916) 445-2841
U.S. SENATE Laphonza Butler SD-G10 Dirksen Senate Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3841
Alex Padilla 112 Hart Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3553 Sacramento O ce 501 I St., Suite 7-800 Sacramento 95814 (916) 448-2787 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Tom McClintock Constituent Service Center 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 210 El Dorado Hills 95762 (916) 786-5560 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Kevin Kiley Constituent Service Center 6538 Lonetree Blvd, Suite 200 Rocklin 95765 (916) 724-2575 5TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Joe Patterson District O ce 8799 Auburn Folsom Road Granite Bay 95746 (916) 774-4430
1ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Megan Dahle District O ce 113 Presley Way, Suite 2 Grass Valley 95945 (530) 265-0601
State Senator, DISTRICT 4 Marie Alvarado-Gil Capitol O ce 1021 O St., Suite 7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004
District O ce 460 Sutter Hill Rd, Suite C Sutter Creek 95685 (209) 267-5033 EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2890 Mosquito Road, Placerville (530) 622-4513
Division 1: George Osborne, (530) 647-0350 Division 2:
Crews remained on the scene for several hours to ensure the fire was fully out.
EDSO CRIME LOG
The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheri ’s reports: June 19
6:03 a.m. Vandalism reported on Rock Creek Road in Placerville.
7:56 a.m. Vandalism reported on Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.
1:02 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 37-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and giving false ID to police on Coach Lane in Cameron Park. He was listed in custody.
2:05 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 32-year-old man on suspicion of being under the in uence of a controlled substance on Durock Road in Shingle Springs. He was later released.
3:33 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 29-year-old man on suspicion of battery on Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado. He was later released.
5:32 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assault with deadly weapon and obstruction on Dusty Lane in Placerville. He was released on $68,000 bail.
6:23 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 46-year-old man on suspicion of obstruction and possession of a controlled substance on Dusty Lane in Placerville. He was released on $8,000 bail.
10:26 p.m. California Highway Patrol
o cers booked into jail a 39-yearold woman on suspicion of DUI on Highway 49 and Bacchi Road in Lotus. She was later released.
June 20
2:44 a.m. California Highway Patrol o cers booked into jail a 38-year-old man on suspicion of driving with a suspended license on Highway 50. He was released on $5,000 bail.
12:46 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 36-year-old man on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy to a commit crime on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was released on $365,000 bail.
2:22 p.m. Verbal disturbance on Post Street in El Dorado Hills led to arrest.
2:59 p.m. Grand theft reported on Mountain View Drive in Camino.
3:26 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 52-year-old man on suspicion of
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Fire
EID focuses on energy projects
Dawn Hodson Mountain Democrat correspondent
With the rising cost of energy on everyone’s mind, the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors and EID staff reviewed investments the agency has made in alternative energy infrastructure at its recent meeting.
One of the district’s biggest expenses, Senior Civil Engineer Jon Money noted in 2023 the agency’s electric bill came to $6.8 million.
A 50% cost match by the California Public Utility Commission initially offset the cost of the solar field at the EDHWWTP. Operational since 2006, EID recouped the upfront cost in annual cost savings and other costs in 2017 and 2021 of approximately $550,000. And while the panels have degraded to some extent over the past 18 years, in 2023 cost savings totaled $389,808.
... the investments in alternative energy projects provided a minimum of $1,818,600 in cost savings to EID in 2023.
To reduce that hit to the budget, EID has invested in three types of energy-related infrastructure projects, including in-conduit hydro, solar and battery-power storage to date.
In-conduit hydro generation has been disappointing by returning the least bang for the buck, according to EID’s analysis. The project consists of taking pressurized water from the Pleasant Oak Main water transmission pipeline and feeding it into two turbines that can produce a combined total rated output of 445 kilowatts (kW) of electricity before the water is fed into two storage tanks.
More expensive to construct than originally estimated by almost $500,000, the project’s electrical cost savings have been lower than expected. Anticipated to be $215,000 annually, in 2022 they were only $112,000 and in 2023 EID saved $118,000. The payback period for the project has been lengthened from 17 to 35 years with staff estimating there will be no net savings until the year 2053.
However Money said despite these setbacks, staff will continue to work on improving the facility’s operation with the goal of eventually generating more power onsite.
Commenting on the report, Board President Alan Day said the project should serve as a “cautionary tale going forward,” saying there were objections and questions about it when it was first proposed and the 17-year payback period did not constitute a good investment.
Director Lori Anzini asked what kind of grants might be available to help the district with its energy usage. Money noted the district had recently hired a person to help pursue grants and other assistance might come through existing PG&E programs.
A second energy related investment described by Money has generated more positive results and consists of solar facilities at the El Dorado Hills Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Deer Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
In addition to the existing solar field at EDHWWTP, EID has entered into power purchase agreements with Greenbacker Capital for three additional solar facilities at EDHWWTP and DCWWTP.
Under these kinds of agreements a third-party developer (in this case Greenbacker Capital) owns, operates and maintains the solar system and the customer sites the system on its property and purchases the system’s electric output for a predetermined period.
Under these PPAs, Money said the district pays between $0.078 and $0.106 per kWh delivered, whereas PG&E’s rates can be up to $0.60 per kWh during peak hours. The difference between PG&E’s rate and the PPA rate multiplied by the amount of solar energy produced results in cost savings to the district.
Construction on the PPA facilities began in September 2020 and the facilities were operational in 2021 at EDHWWTP and DCWWTP. Initially the district projected cost savings of $491,181 during the first year of service. However, because PG&E’s electrical rates have gone up sharply since 2018 and energy production from the three PPA arrangements has over-performed, there has been a total cost savings of $953,238 at the three PPA sites during 2023.
The district also receives renewable energy certificates for each megawatthour of solar energy produced. The district decided to sell its REC credits to a third party, which allows the third party to use the environmental, social and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation to offset its carbon footprint. In 2023 EID realized $93,500 in REC sales. When combined, the district received $1,436,546 in cost savings and credits from solar in 2023.
A third area of energy investment has been with battery energy storage facilities. EID staff began working with Tesla in 2020 regarding potential battery storage and identified eight district facilities that qualified for Self-Generation Incentive Program Equity Resiliency rebates.
n See EID, page A4
Courtesy photo
The solar array at the Deer Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of several EID alternative energy projects.
Workshop planned for EDH area developments
News release
The El Dorado County Planning Commission will hold an informational workshop in the Building C Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court in Placerville on Aug. at 8:30 a.m., or soon thereafter, for the following projects: Village of Marble Valley Specific Plan submitted by Marble Valley Company, LLC. The project consists of 3,236 dwelling units on 2,342 acres in the unincorporated area of the county south of Highway 50 approximately 1,000 feet southeast of the Highway 50-Bass Lake Road interchange in the El Dorado Hills area, Supervisorial District 2. While public comments are welcome and will be received and filed, no action by the Planning Commission will be taken at this time.
Lime Rock Valley Specific Plan submitted by Lime Rock Valley, LLC. The project consists of of 800 dwelling units on 740 acres in the unincorporated
area of the county south of Highway 50 in the Shingle Springs area, Supervisorial District 2. Agenda and staff reports are available approximately two weeks prior at eldorado.legistar. com/Calendar.aspx.
Project information for Marble Valley is available online at engageeldorado.us.engagementhq.com/ village-of-marble-valley-specific-plan and edc-trk. aspgov.com/etrakit.
Project information on Lime Rock Valley is available online at engageeldorado. us.engagementhq.com/lime-rock-valley-specificplan and edc-trk.aspgov.com/etrakit.
In order to view attachments in E-Trakit, login or create an E-Trakit account and search the project name or application file number in the search box.
All persons interested are invited to attend and be heard or to write their comments to the Planning Commission. For the current remote options, including whether in-person attendance is allowed,
Continued from A1
Plumas County and released within Tásmam Koyóm as part of the Maidu Summit Consortium’s beaver restoration project.
“As ecosystem engineers, in their new environment they will create habitat for numerous other fish and wildlife species, retain more water on the landscape, increase groundwater recharge, improve wildfire resiliency in the valley and help improve areas with degraded stream channels,” the CDFW statement notes.
“When and where possible, CDFW intends to utilize ‘conflict’ beavers in
its restoration projects, particularly in incidents with damage that cannot be deterred with non-lethal measures,” the statement concludes. “This story is a prime example of that ideal, where approved beaver restoration projects not only benefit the receiving ecosystem but can also function as second chances for beavers found in untenable human-wildlife conflicts, allowing them to transition from a perceived nuisance to a nature-based solution.
CPCSD staff have been looking at ways to make improvements
check the meeting agenda no less than 72 hours before the meeting, which will be posted at eldorado. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. If you challenge the application in court, you may be limited to raising only those items you or someone else raised at the informational workshop described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Commission at, or prior to, the informational workshop. Any written correspondence should be directed to the El Dorado County Planning and Building Department, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667 or via e-mail: vmvsp@edcgov.us.
To ensure delivery to the commission prior to the informational workshop, written information from the public is encouraged to be submitted by Thursday the week prior to the meeting. Planning Services cannot guarantee that any correspondence or comments received the day of the commission meeting will be delivered to the commission prior to any action.
at Cameron Park Lake, including installing an aeration system in which 12 bubblers sit on the bottom of the lake and add oxygen to the water.
The system would make the lake several degrees cooler year round and reduce a lot of the algae and aquatic weed growth which will ultimately
Events Continued from A1
provided at the event indicated the city spent around $8,000 to put on the Block Party event and $6,300 to hold Trick or Treat on Main Street.
Prior to 2020, event planning wasn’t a pressing concern for the council or city staff, as the heavy lifting was done by the Placerville Downtown Association. Four years ago it was decided the PDA could not longer take on the organizing of public events and the responsibility fell to the city government.
“Unfortunately, all the information they had didn’t move down to the people here now,” City Manager Cleve Morris explained. “Two years ago we made changes to how events were run to keep things going, but it didn’t really work. Right now, it’s a bit of a broken system.”
In 2019, there were 12 events scheduled that involved full or partial closures of historical Main Street; after planning switched over to the city, the number of approved events dropped to seven, with another two later being re-added to the list. One reason given for the cutbacks on the event list was due to complaints from Main Street merchants who claimed events that closed the road led to decreased profits, though not all merchants are in agreement about this. Concerns about impacts to traffic and local businesses was similarly a factor in the relocation of the Main Street Farmers Market in 2023.
The workshop was well-attended, with community members, merchants, city staff, councillors and fire and police chiefs providing a multitude of perspectives on five key
Continued from
create a better environment for all the habitat, a district staff report notes.
The project was approved at the April CPCSD Board of Directors’ meeting with a planned start in June; however, the beavers’ activity at the lake postponed those efforts.
topics: How frequently should events take place and at what times of year?
How will events be funded? By the city, event organizers or a mix of both?
What events should be full street closures? Can some events be partial or Bell Tower-only closures?
What kind of barricades might be used to close streets from traffic?
Who would run events — city staff, the event sponsor or a professional event coordinator?
Attendees, split into groups, discussed each question in turn, sharing takeaways that Morris took note of for later consideration by city staff. Some discussion points were generally universal; most groups agreed to around 7-10 street-closure events throughout the year and that “legacy events” ought to be at least partially covered by the city. Morris pointed out, however, that the definition of a legacy event would have to be pinned down, as there was disagreement on which events, such as the Christmas Parade and Golden History Day/Wagon Train, qualified. Other suggestions were met with a mix of approving nods and bewildered glances, such as the suggestion that the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting events be compounded into one event and moved away from the day after Thanksgiving.
As explained by Morris and Community Services Director Steve Youel, no direct action was taken during the meeting, but the insights provided were recorded so city staff could “create a comprehensive event application program” in the future.
during off-peak hours and then fully discharging them during peak hours in a practice known as peak shaving. The provided backup battery equipment is
batteries have slightly outperformed initial cost savings forecasts. In 2023 BES projects provided $264,100 in cost savings for seven installations over the past twelve months. The BES located at the DCWWTP was not granted permission to operate from PG&E until September 2023 and was not included in that year’s cost analysis. Taken all together, the investments in alternative energy projects provided a minimum of $1,818,600 in cost savings to EID in 2023. However, Money said, staff are not recommending any additional projects at this time although they continue to monitor other potential alternative energy and energy-saving projects as they become available.
Beavers
CDFW photos by Krysten Kellum
Beavers anxiously await their release after being captured at Cameron Park Lake, left photo. A newly released beaver, right, enjoys the cool waters of Humbug Creek in Plumas County.
SPORTS
Placerville man tests skills at wheelchair games
Placerville resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Michael Gillingham recently competed during the 43rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games in New Orleans, July 25-30. The games are co-presented by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, with this year’s local host VA Southeast Louisiana Healthcare System.
Gillingham, 24, the youngest of nearly 600 competitors, loved racing motocross after turning wrenches all day for the Marine Corps. After hitting a ramp apex that was too sharp, his bike flipped forward too far and he crashed front wheel first
on the back side of a dirt ramp, causing his bike to over rotate and his back broke like a scorpion.
Although initially he could move his legs, when he was in the ambulance, the paramedics removed his boots and asked if he could feel his legs and he could not. Some feeling has come back in places and he can move a toe on each foot, but he remains in a wheelchair.
“You’ll hear everything is going to get better and I believe that’s possible,” said Gillingham. “You’ll meet other people that will shut down your hope, but not here.”
This is Gillingham’s second time participating in the games and he said he’s already looking forward to next year in Minneapolis.
Racers are ready to hit the dirt track for this Saturday’s Forni-Humphreys Classic at Placerville Speedway.
Forni-Humphreys
Classic takes
center stage at the speedway
Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway
The biggest event of the Berco Redwood/Hoosier Tires championship season invades Placerville Speedway this Saturday, Aug. 3, with $8,585.85 to win at the Forni-Humphreys Classic set for action at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
An exciting four-division program will be offered to race fans showcasing the Thompsons Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Car drivers who will battle for the $8,585.85 grand prize, along with the Mountain Democrat Ltd. Late Models, the Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks and the Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association.
The Forni family has a great history in El Dorado County, with deep ties to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and much of the land on which it sits. Much like his forefathers, Mark Forni had a great passion for the county fair and its attributes, especially the racetrack.
From the time he was a young child and the days when Placerville Speedway was known as Hangtown Speedway, Mark was actively involved with the weekly auto races, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need involved with the sport he loved.
Later in life, Mark continued his contributions to local auto racing, sponsoring many race teams with his business, Forni’s Trucking. He later became a member of the El Dorado County Fair Board and focused on the issues regarding the future of the fair and the speedway. Mark believed in working relationships. He understood the importance of race promoters, sponsorships, and the one key element for every event to be successful — the
COMICS
spectator.
In November 2004 Mark was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
During his final months, Mark had the opportunity to say goodbye to friends and family and spend some special moments with his wife and children, a bittersweet time for those who knew and loved him so much. In summer 2005, Mark died at the early age of 45.
Saturday will also be a way of remembering fellow fallen friend C.J. Humphreys, who died in February 2023.
Affectionately known as the “Happy Camper” C.J. ranks No. 5 in all-time Winged 360 Sprint Car wins on the red clay, having earned 25 victories in his career. He also holds the honor of being the original North vs South Civil War Series champion during the 1991 season.
Chris and his No. 85 Sprint Car were as synonymous as any in the Placerville Speedway pit area over the years. His competitive spirit and allaround good-natured attitude have been sorely missed around the track.
Saturday’s 19th annual ForniHumphreys Classic is also the final tune-up prior to the Kubota High Limit Racing event on Aug. 17.
Grandstand seating is general admission Saturday, Aug. 3, except for the reserved seats marked for season ticket holders. Adult tickets cost $18, while seniors 62-plus, military and juniors 12-17 will be $16. Kids 6-11 cost $8 and those 5 and younger get in free.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at eventsprout.com/event/psr080324.
The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 3 p.m. n See SPEEDWAY, page A8
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone awaits your signal and will not go until you give the nod. This subtle gesture will start an irreversible chain of events. These are exciting times -- the start of something very fun for all.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Take your time. Some of what you throw into the mix won’t work out, but it’s all good information to your process. Eliminating a few options is crucial to the rest of your journey and will help you determine your style with everything going forward.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You will acknowledge your emotions without letting them rule you. Through emotional awareness, you can respond thoughtfully and deliberately, leading to more balanced and fulfilling experiences.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are hundreds of ways to accomplish a task. You sense what’s going to work for you, but you don’t know until you dive in and start making your own mistakes and earning your own points, awarded to you by you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Laughter is among the very few medicines without side effects. The humor on offer today is easy for you to pick up on, and when you do, it will exercise your insides and give a gentle massage to your heart, too. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Today you will know the satisfaction of accomplishment. That’s an easy thing to know. You’ll also sense more nuanced things; for instance, you’ll get the feeling someone’s thinking about you and you’ll guess their next move with accuracy.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). People will do as you wish, as long as they know what that is. If you can, be clear and specific about your vision. But if you’re not sure, share your whimsy and your best guesses as to how you might create mutual benefit.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). No-decision is a decision. In fact, not deciding is the best decision you can make on a day like today when you’re simply not convinced of the correctness of any direction. More options will become available tomorrow.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Self-knowledge
from action. It’s not found in idle contemplation, but in the heat of doing. As you engage in your tasks, whether mundane or challenging, your role and purpose become clear. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll be tempted to
n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly
n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
n RUBES by Leigh Rubin
n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
SUDOKU
Courtesy photo
Michael Gillingham sets up a shot during a game of 9 ball pool. The Placerville resident showed off his talents at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
News release
Photo courtesy of Tim Holland
OPINION
California Matters
As state’s population drops a big project has stalled
When California emerged from its colonial beginnings nearly two centuries ago and began coalescing into a distinct society, its towns and villages tended to be located either on navigable rivers, such as Sacramento, or around the 21 missions that Spanish explorer priests had established, such as San Diego.
In the late 19th century, with California having experienced a massive population boom during the Gold Rush and become a state, entirely new communities sprung up. These settlements were often carved out of farm and ranch land by developers and railroads, the small San Joaquin Valley city of Hanford being one of the latter.
For example, the small villages south of San Francisco, such as Hillsborough, were designed as refuges for the wealthy from the noise, pollution and violence of San Francisco — and eventually led to the formation of San Mateo County as a protective bulwark.
The creation of new towns continued for most of the 20th century. In Orange County, the descendants of 19th century ranchers converted chunks of their vast holdings into new towns to absorb the region’s massive post-World War II population growth.
The most spectacular example was — and still is — the City of Irvine, named for a ranching family, and home to a quarter-million people and a major University of California campus. Dick O’Neill, heir to a huge Orange County cattle ranch, created two cities — Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.
On the outskirts of Sacramento, along the Cosumnes River, another ranching family successfully created a stand-alone community called Rancho Murieta.
Creating new towns can be a risky endeavor. Developers can spend millions to plan their new communities and install infrastructure but may
■ See WALTERS, page A7
The Not So Weekly Daley
Letters to the Editor
Volunteers needed
EDITOR:
El Dorado County is an amazing place to live and one of the most admirable qualities of this community is our eagerness to come together in times of crisis. In recent years, through the pandemic and Caldor Fire, we have witnessed the power of our community spirit. Our community steps up when things get tough; it is just what we do.
El Dorado Community Foundation’s mission to strengthen our community now and for future generations includes supporting our many nonprofit and community-based organizations with support. A significant and pressing need for many of our organizations is the need for volunteers.
With increasing demands on individuals’ time and resources, volunteers are diminishing. Many of our nonprofit and service organizations are facing a crisis scrambling for volunteers. Without volunteers, these community-based organizations and the critical services they provide for our community’s most vulnerable populations are at risk of disappearing. Many of these organizations have little to no paid sta to run their programs, instead relying on dedicated volunteers who care about ensuring those services are met.
It has been said that to volunteer is to cast your vote for the kind of society you want to see. When you give just a few hours of your time each month for a cause you believe in, that society can become a reality.
So how can you help? Join the El Dorado Community Foundation this August for one of two (or both) El Dorado County Nonprofit Volunteer Fairs. These free community building events take place on Aug. 15 at South Tahoe High Student Union and on Aug. 29 in the Placerville Cinema lower parking lot. Both events run 5-7 p.m. Bring your appetites and enjoy local taco trucks (Sombrero’s in Tahoe and Valenz Tacos in Placerville), sign up to win door prizes and visit the tables of local community-based organizations to learn more about what they do and what kinds of volunteer opportunities they have available. These events were made possible through a generous partnership between the El Dorado Community Foundation, the Pay it Forward
Be careful out there ... it’s
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something new slinks out from behind the curtains. And about the time you decide that things couldn’t get much weirder, something pounces catlike on you from behind. It’s the latest threat to Bible-thumping, windmill-bashing, solar-sco ng, guntoting, meat-loving patriots and old white guys with all the money and power. If you believe that most of the 18 million blood-poisoning, jobstealing, drug-running rapist-aliens who entered the U.S. illegally last week came over the border in foreign made electric vehicles, you’re a prime target.
The Chillest Cat Ladies and their forces are coming for you and everything you hold dear, including your country.
I’m going to use their initials CCL to save a little time and space. CCL is the vanguard of the Democrats’ latest strategy to scare the bejeezus out of all the white (and some others),
especially Christians, rural and midwestern folk, people who have children (but not foster, step, adoptive or IVFers) and anyone else who gets in their way, or threatens their supply of kibble or catnip.
We have Sen. JD Vance of Ohio to thank for alerting us to this two- and four-legged menace. He warned a couple years ago that “cat ladies,” particularly those with no children, often career-centered, maybe escapees from abusive and violent relationships are on the verge of becoming America’s dominant wielders of political power.
Vance named Kamala Harris and AOC as natural members and added Pete Buttigieg (didn’t see that one coming). Women without children “have no stake in America’s future,” Vance asserted. I’m not sure if he would include men without children in that catastrophic demographic, but he did call out Buttigieg specifically. So, I guess Lindsey Graham (childless as far as we know) also should have no stake in our future?
More art
EDITOR:
M any thanks to Wendy Thomas and her family for the beautiful new mural on Upper Broadway next to Save Mart. Wouldn’t it be great to see more of these works of art throughout our downtown area? I can imagine our downtown merchants would see an increase in foot tra c and prosper more than what seems to be an increasing number of business turnovers. JIM COPELAND Placerville
Toward the abyss
EDITOR:
M r. Trump’s MAGA followers are working very hard to change our country into something that our founders and the majority of Americans would disapprove of. Their vision is of an authoritarian, ultra-conservative country in the likes of Russia. It is a vision of straight, white, male, Christian supremacy. It is a vision where the rich and powerful are in control to take full advantage of the riches this country has to o er.
The conservative members of the Supreme Court have made it clear that there is no longer any pretense of being unbiased. They will do everything possible to keep Mr. Trump from being prosecuted for Jan. 6 and to help him win the election; precedent, the law and the Constitution be damned. They have given carte blanche to the presidents of this country to do their worst without the threat of being prosecuted in the hopes that Mr. Trump will be elected and do whatever it takes — illegal, unethical and immoral — to ensure that this dystopian vision is made a reality.
The president of the Heritage Foundation has announced plans to establish a “Christian Nation.” He advised the Democrats to “stand aside” or
■ See LETTERS, page A7
The Chillest Cat Ladies and their forces are coming for you and everything you hold dear, including your country.
To some people JD Vance might represent a fairly reasonable example of why “not to have children.”
He was born James Donald Bowman. Adopted by mom’s third husband, he became James David Hamel. At some point, he took his maternal grandparents’ name, Vance, which has stuck. However, to honor mom’s brother, he dropped the periods that came with J.D. and thus JD is now his forever name, one assumes. Along the way, he also converted to Catholicism.
Evidently, neither Yale Law, nor the Church, taught humility, tolerance or empathy for fellow victims of life. (I can’t get the image of rocks hitting glass houses outta my head).
Evidently his own life taught him shape-shifting, situational ethics and values and a practical veneer of subservience to power — all useful survival skills for navigating a hostile world. And, clearly, you can’t get a more hostile world than one run by “childless cat ladies,” Vance warns.
In a half-assed cleanup attempt,
Vance noted he actually has “nothing against cats.”
The CCL doesn’t have a logo, motto, fight song, headquarters, not a website, phone number, scheduled meetings, o cers or bank account to accept donations, as far as I’ve been able to determine. It does have a mascot, maybe a million or more mascots.
Each member’s own pet cat or cats can be o cial mascots, a confidential source explained recently.
Tin-pot tyrants have always thrived on our fear of the “other,” the di erent, the traditionally marginalized, the “witch” in the woods or under your bed, maybe the neighbor with more than one cat.
Fortunately, the real threat isn’t hiding in the closet or behind the couch. It will be staring right back at you from your 2024 in-person, absentee or mail-in General Election ballot. Just check the right box. No tyrant needed.
Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.
Project and the Latrobe Fund. We look forward to seeing you there.
EL DORADO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TEAM
CHRIS DALEY
DAN WALTERS
Walters Continued from A6
wait decades to see a profit.
California City, in the Antelope Valley 100 miles north of Los Angeles, was founded in 1958, but its remote location and somewhat inhospitable terrain and climate made attracting residents difficult. It’s still there and has about 15,000 residents, but that’s way short of the original ambition.
Mountain House, created three decades ago in a corner of San Joaquin County to attract commuters to Bay Area jobs, also struggled, particularly during the collapse of the housing market during the Great Recession. However, it survived: Today it has about 25,000 residents and on July 1 became an incorporated city.
The Tejon Ranch, an immense cattle ranch in the Tehachapi Mountains, has been trying for decades to create a new residential community, but it has faced massive opposition from environmental groups. It is finally beginning construction on an apartment complex.
That brings us to California’s latest effort to carve out a new community, this one in a rural portion of Solano County.
California Forever, a company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires, quietly — even sneakily — bought more than 50,000 acres of ranchland, after
NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD
which it finally revealed plans for a new community that would eventually have 400,000 residents.
The secrecy and scope of the project generated immediate opposition, particularly after the company said it would seek approval via a November election ballot measure, bypassing hurdles such as the California Environmental Quality Act.
With approval by Solano County voters in doubt, California Forever has shelved its ballot measure. Company officials say they now will strive to gain popular support before proceeding.
The explosive growth that California experienced in the first 170 years of its existence as a state has now abated, probably for good. California has been losing population in recent years and at best it will probably see population stagnation in the future.
That said, California still has a housing shortage, and state policy is to encourage infill projects in or near cities rather than developing open spaces, which California Forever would do.
The chances for California Forever to join the ranks of new town developers are slim at best.
Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Edited by Joel Fagliano No.
they would call for a second violent revolution to get the job done. The plan is to take over the government, get rid of the Constitution and then establish the Christian equivalent of Sharia law. Let me be crystal clear: this has nothing to do with Christianity. It is about power and control wrapped up in the name of Christianity to make us believe that this dystopian vision is ordained by God. Their goal is to control every aspect of our lives.
Then there is Project 2025. This is the Heritage Foundation’s 900-plus-page manifesto and plans to dismantle the government, rob us of our rights and rebuild the government to the advantage of the rich and large corporations. If Mr. Trump is elected, there is a willing list of MAGA sycophants who will implement this plan within the first few months of his administration. They know they have the Supreme Court on their side and have said they will use the excuse of executive action to get around Congress.
I do not believe that this is hyperbole. Mr. Trump has already tried to end our democracy by inciting a violent mob to storm the Capitol to prevent the certification of the 2020 election. If Mr. Trump is elected president, he states he will not fail a second time. The Heritage Foundation has also made its plans quite clear and made the 2025 plan available for all to read. As I have written many times, the choice is ours to make.
SCOTT TAYLOR Placerville
Crime log Continued from A2
3:20 p.m. Battery reported on La Canada Drive in Cameron Park.
6:44 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 48-yearold man on suspicion of DUI and obstruction on Ice House Road in Pollock Pines. He was released on $3,000 bail.
9:12 p.m. Suspicious circumstances on Forni Road in Placerville led to arrest.
10:56 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 18-year-old woman on suspicion of battery on David Court in Placerville. She was released on $7,500 bail.
11:38 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers booked into jail a 62-year-old man on suspicion of DUI on Green Valley Road in Placerville.
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 first 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 Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net
LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE
Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-212-2465 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 first 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 affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.
Speedway Continued from A5
Coors
and Coors Original at the
booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:45 p.m. with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow. For those who can’t make it to the track, CaliDirt.TV will provide live flag-to-flag coverage of every Placerville Speedway point race this season. The live streaming service also includes each event with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour. Visit calidirt.tv.
The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit placervillespeedway.com.
DINING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
O cial Ballot
HEALTH & BEAUTY
HOME IMPROVEMENT
RETAIL STORES
PETS
available for nonmotorized recreationers called a CD3 machine,”
Zabaglo said. “It’s a new tool that is waterless but it can help a nonmotorized user become clean, drained, dry, which is a mantra we push.”
The mobile CD3 Systems machines are a crucial tool to help keep invasive species out of the lake so it retains its clarity; they can be found at non-motorized launch locations, according to TRPA officials.
“The idea is that they use this before they get onto the lake, but they also use it when they get off the water so that they’re making sure that they’re not spreading anything, because now we know Tahoe has some invasive species that other regional water bodies do not,” said TRPA Community Engagement Manager Victoria Ortiz.
“Not only is it important to make sure you clean, drain and dry before you enter Lake Tahoe; it’s also critical to do it when you leave Lake Tahoe, especially if you’re going
to Fallen Leaf Lake, Echo Lake and other areas that don’t have aquatic invasive species.”
TRPA officials are also advocating nonmotorized watercraft enthusiasts to become a Tahoe Keeper. Information on that can be found at tahoeboatinspections. com/tahoe-keepers.
Motorized watercraft are required to be inspected at the Meyers watercraft inspection station before going into the lake. Watercraft vehicle users are also encouraged to utilize the station after getting out of the lake to ensure their vessels are clean before
they enter another body of water.
The lake environmental planning organization is also conducting the largest aquatic invasive weed removal project in Tahoe called the 17-acre Taylor-Tallac Marsh Restoration Project. That process started last year with the installation of large tarps known as “bottom barriers” west of the lake, which will starve invasive weeds like the Eurasian watermilfoil of sunlight. The tarps are expected to remain in place until 2026, according to TRPA officials.
“Most of these aquatic invaders that are present
here in Tahoe are in areas near shores where our locals and visitors experience the lake and the aquatic weeds that we have can ruin that experience,” Zabaglo said.
“They also can create concentrated areas of nutrients where algae can thrive, impacting that clarity. They also can alter the food webs, eating the things that our native species want to eat, and can outcompete those species,” he continued.
“From an ecological standpoint, they’re bad but are also bad from tourism and recreation experience.”
TRPA is in its final year of its three-year Tahoe
Keys Control Methods test to try out innovative methods to control the largest infestation of invasive weeds in the Tahoe Basin, including in its highest priority area; 172 acres in the Tahoe Keys Lagoons. This year, they will expand the use and duration of non-chemical methods — UV light treatment, bottom barriers and diver-assisted suction
harvesting. Results will inform long-term management plans for addressing invasive weeds in the Tahoe Keys, officials noted. Similar methods, including diver-assisted suction and bottom barriers, were utilized in 2010 to treat Emerald Bay of Eurasian watermilfoil. By 2012 that particular area had clarity.
Lake Tahoe Clarity Report shows highs and lows of 2023
Kat Kerlin University of California, Davis
The clarity of Lake Tahoe’s famed blue waters in 2023 continued its years-long trend of improving during the winter and deteriorating during the summer. The annual clarity report, released by the University of California, Davis – Tahoe Environmental Research Center, found winter lake conditions were the clearest observed since 1983 and the 10th best on record, with visibility of 91.8 feet under the surface, compared with 72.2 feet in 2022.
Summer months tell a different story, marking the fifth murkiest on record with an average of 53.5 feet, compared with 68.9 feet in 2022. Overall, the annual average for lake clarity dropped to 68.2 feet from its 2022 value of 71.9 feet.
“It’s important to understand the short-term changes but even more important to be thinking about how this lies in the context of the longer-term
trends,” said Alexander Forrest, interim director of the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.
Plankton, plastic & particles
The clarity report attributes 2023’s clearer winter months (December 2022 through March 2023) to deep mixing events that brought clear water to the surface from the bottom of Lake Tahoe. After the clear winter months, the report highlighted the role of runoff and plankton in the observed low summer clarity values.
Runoff from the heaviest winter snowfall in 70 years brought an influx of inorganic particles and a rapid drop in clarity in May. The report states the dominant phytoplankton species, Cyclotella, has decreased since 2017, while another, slightly larger algae, Synedra, is increasing. Changes among the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities within the lake also have the potential to impact clarity.
Phytoplankton are microscopic plants, while
zooplankton are microscopic animals that often eat phytoplankton. These planktonic assemblages play critical roles in lake food webs and ecology, and their interplay with lake clarity presents ongoing research questions and opportunities.
“Phytoplankton assemblages have been changing in Lake Tahoe over the last decade, and we need further research to understand the full implications of this on Tahoe clarity,” Forrest said. Meanwhile, nonnative Mysis shrimp are beginning to return, while zooplankton species are also experiencing changes to their populations.
While algae and particles are known to influence clarity, less is known about the potential impact of microplastics.
“Research has confirmed the presence of microplastics in Tahoe, and we know small pieces of plastic have the potential to affect clarity, but we don’t know their relative contribution to Lake Tahoe,” Forrest said.
At Gold Country Senior Living, we believe in more than just providing a place to reside; we create a vibrant community where every day is an opportunity for a life well-lived.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Public Information Officer Jeff Cowen and Aquatic Resources Program Manager Dennis Zabaglo showcase the importance of aquatic invasive species control, using a former Emerald Bay invasive weed removal project as an example of what can be achieved.
Mountain Democrat photos by Eric Jaramishian
Visitors of the lake enjoy a day on the boat around Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe Monday morning.
PROSPECTING
Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com
IN THE KNOW
Stellar student
Congratulations to Ryan Wells of El Dorado Hills, who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in media arts production at Emerson College.
Now El Dorado County Certi ed Farmers Markets o er fresh fruit and vegetables and much more: Burke Junction in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; Placerville Cinema, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; and El Dorado Hills Town Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. For more information visit eldoradofarmersmarket.com.
Marshall Hospital Auxiliary is looking for volunteers. Help people and make new friends. Interviews are held monthly. For more information call Norma at (530) 676-1844 or email grizzyq98@gmail.com.
B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “Blood of the Lamb” at The So a in Sacramento through Aug. 4. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre. org.
Olde Coloma Theatre presents “The Whirling Dervish of Coloma” or “Ladies, Gentlemen and Others?” through Aug. 11. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.
Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents: Denying Gravity – Woods Davy and the Assembly of Stones through Aug 11; Penetrating Expressions –Kifwebe Masks of the Songye and Luba People through Aug. 11; and The Proland Vase – Mania and Muse through Sept. 8. For tickets and more information visit crockerart. org.
California Museum in Sacramento presents America at the Crossroads through Sept. 1. Discover the evolution of the guitar as the United States’ most popular instrument and its relationship to historical events and cultural moments over the centuries. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.
Thursday Night Market at Burke Junction runs through Sept. 26 at the Cameron Park shopping center. Enjoy vendors, food and entertainment 5-8 p.m.
Aug. 2
If you want to nd great bargains, stop by the St. Patrick Church Ladies Society Rummage Sale
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 2 and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 3. The sale takes place at the church hall, 3109 Sacramento St. in Placerville. For more information call (530) 6220373.
Sherwood Demonstration Garden on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus in Placerville is open 9 a.m. every Friday and Saturday for open garden days. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on site to answer questions. Garden may be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Parking permits required; purchase a $2 permit at any kiosk. Walking the Dawg will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50
Strong story + stellar cast = exceptional play
Andrew Vonderschmitt Mountain Democrat correspondent
The Stage at Burke Junction brings the family drama “Proof’ to El Dorado County for a five-week run beginning Aug. 3.
David Auburn’s famous drama opened under the direction of American Theatre Hall of Fame inductee Daniel Sullivan on Broadway in 2000. It starred MaryLouise Parker, Larry Bryggman, Johanna Day and Ben Shenkman and played for an impressive 917 performances. It went on to win the Tony for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2001.
The play centers around Catherine, the daughter of Robert, a recently deceased mathematical genius and professor at the prestigious University of Chicago. Despite being only in her 20s, Catherine has already been burdened with the responsibility of caring for her father through a lengthy battle with mental illness. As she struggles to cope with his passing, she also grapples with her own genius-level intelligence and potential for mental instability.
But when Hal, Robert's former graduate student, uncovers a revolutionary proof about prime numbers in his o ce after his death, everything changes.
The title of the play refers to this groundbreaking discovery and an underlying question: Can Catherine prove that it was authored by her father? In addition to navigating the maze of proving its authenticity, Catherine finds herself drawn into a complicated relationship with Hal.
As the story unfolds we see Catherine's deep-seated fear of following in her father's footsteps, both mathematically and mentally. She struggles to maintain control over her own thoughts and emotions as she grapples with the weight
present Aloha Kaua`i, hŌ’ike 2024. The 25th anniversary show takes place Aug. 3 at Harris Center for the Arts. HŌ’ike is a Hawaiian word that means “to show,” “to tell”
’ike refers to events or gatherings where the community comes together to share their skills, arts and traditions. Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie a me Hālau Kahulaliwai was established on Sept. 11, 1999 in Sacramento. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Juni Kalāhikiola Lovel,
Photo by
Photos by Andrew Vonderschmitt
Hal (Cole Winslow) marshals the courage to talk to Catherine (Rona Bernadette Arrogancia) the morning after in “Proof,” opening Saturday, Aug. 3, at The Stage at Burke Junction.
Catherine (Rona Bernadette Arrogancia) struggles to communicate with her father Robert (Nathan Rangel).
The two share a complicated relationship in the play.
Superheroes, villains take over museUm
Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release
ACRAMENTO —
SThe Sacramento History Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront presents “America’s Monsters, Superheroes and Villains: Our Culture at Play,” an engaging exhibition of vintage toys and more from SuperMonster City!, opening Aug. 9.
This uniquely engaging exhibition is filled with more than 400 vintage and original toys, comic books, games, posters, packaging, television commercials, movie trailers and more, featuring iconic monsters, superheroes and villains of American popular culture. This expansive exhibition will be displayed throughout the museum’s ground floor and in the third floor R. Burnett and Mimi Miller Gallery.
This eclectic display of toys, comic books, games, posters,
packaging, media and more are derived from collector and SuperMonsterCity!
co-founder David Barnhill’s private collection of an estimated 200,000
objects. Featured are iconic monsters, superheroes and villains such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Black
Panther, The Joker, Storm, Green Goblin, Captain Marvel, as well as Star Trek and Star Wars characters and more.
Exhibit curator and SuperMonsterCity!
co-founder Stephen Rueff’s informative didactics highlight how these characters became symbols of America’s global identity and touchstones for
American youth as they navigated social tensions, from postWorld War II, through the 1960s and into the Cold War Era.
Appealing to all ages, the exhibition profiles many creators, designers, and artists such as Stan Lee, Bob Kane and Todd McFarlane, along with vintage toys from Mattel, Hasbro, Aurora, Marx and more.
The America’s Monsters, Superheroes and Villains: Our Culture at Play exhibit is included with museum admission and continues through Jan. 7, 2025. Located at 101 I St. at the Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Sacramento History Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). For more information about the new exhibit and/ or other exhibits and programs offered by the Sacramento History Museum visit sachistorymuseum.org.
n Also on display at the Sacramento History Museum
Mómtim Péwinan, River People, curated by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Exhibits & Collections Center — Displaying permanently on the Museum’s third floor in the Community Gallery, it features items specifically made for this exhibit including four full-sized mannequins dressed in seasonal attire – plus regalia, tools, instruments, and games, created by today’s tribal artisans using techniques and knowledge of their ancestors. The Sacramento History Museum stands on Nisenan land, in Nísem Péwinan territory, where many of the materials in this exhibit were gathered. The artwork and elements in the new exhibit combine research and inspiration, showcasing the artful innovations of the makers, who hail from numerous tribal communities throughout the region. Though all these families uphold their own distinct traditions, languages, and cultures, they utilize many of the same natural materials found in the Central California landscape.
Photo by Steven Zerby
Rat Fink, an anti-hero to Mickey Mouse, is part of the new exhibit at the Sacramento History Museum.
Shakespeare Festival entertains crowd with comedy
Laney Griffo Tahoe Daily Tribune
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — As the sun sets at Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor State Park on a recent summer night, Shakespeare enthusiasts wait patiently to watch the opening night at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
Laughs could still be heard from the beach, while festival crew members work furiously to move the set pieces to the back of the stage. The winds were blowing so hard staff feared for the safety of the cast but that didn’t stop the cast from putting on an amazing performance.
“You did a very special night when we did it without the set,” said Actress Teri Brown to the Tribune following the performance. “For me it forced me to return to the pure storytelling of the play and I realized how much physically is required to tell that story.”
Attendees were there to revel in the uproarious comedy of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" as it takes center stage at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, this timeless tale of mischief and mistaken identities is captivating audiences, offering a delightful blend of laughter and lakeside charm.
"The Merry Wives of Windsor" features the rotund rascal Sir John Falstaff and the wise wives of Windsor in one of Shakespeare’s most raucous comedies. With an ego as big as his voracious appetite, Falstaff conspires to woo the two wealthiest married ladies in town and pocket their riches. However, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page devise a scheme of their own to teach him a well-deserved lesson in Wooing 101 which results in a hilariously magnificent treat of monogamously artful deceit.
While Shakespeare’s plays have been
done in many different ways and in many different places, the setting of LTSF makes these performances truly unique.
“I think it’s good that we as the actors don’t face the lake because I would just be checked out, I’d be so distracted just looking at the lake the whole time,” said Josh Houghton, who plays Slender, one of three suitors of Mistress Page’s daughter Anne. Brown, who plays Widow Quickly, shares Houghton’s sentiment.
“It is a stunning backdrop,” said Brown. “I think it was last night, I was waiting to go on and I wasn’t facing the stage, I was facing the lake and the moon was glistening off the lake. I really did get distracted, I wasn’t listening for my entrance.”
Grayson Heyl, who plays both
Don’t miss Rod Stewart at Harveys
News release
The Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys hosts the iconic Rod Stewart on Aug. 9. Stewart, an iconic British rock and pop legend, is renowned for his raspy, soulful voice and a career spanning over five decades. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of The Faces and gained immense solo success in the 1970s. Stewart’s extensive discography includes timeless hits such as “Maggie May,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Forever Young,” and “Have I Told You Lately.” He has released numerous chart-topping albums, including “Every Picture Tells a Story” and “A Night on the Town.”
With multiple Grammy Awards, Brit Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stewart is celebrated for his contribution to the music industry. Known for electrifying live performances, the icon continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his charismatic stage presence.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. Tickets the show are available through ticketmaster. com and apeconcerts.com.
Know Continued from B1 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/ live-music.
Enjoy a Friday Night Out at the Rescue Community Center from 5-9 p.m. For tickets and more information visit rescuecommunitycenter. com.
HipNosis will perform a free concert at the Cold Springs Golf and Country Club in Placerville, 6-9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Michael Rock will perform at Smith Flat House in Placerville, 6-8 p.m.
For more information call (530) 621-1003.
Coming from Las Vegas, Bee Gees Gold is returning to the Harris Center by popular demand at 7:30 p.m. John Acosta has performed in Bee Gees tributes all over the world. His portrayal of lead singer Barry Gibb is done with a zest for detail like no other. From the look to the falsetto, you will close your eyes and say its Barry. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Emo Prom Night takes place at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. Doors at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
60s Summer of Love will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival – Young Shakespeare Program will take place at Valhalla Tahoe from 10-11:30 a.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Aug. 3
The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 512 invites the public to its famous pancake breakfast, 8-11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, through October, at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy airplanes on display, old cars, old friends and more. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies. n See KNOW, page B4
Artura Murray and the host of the Garter Inn said the view from the stage is also fantastic.
“I think this is the biggest audience we’ve performed for,” said Heyl, adding this is the third troup the performers have acted with. “And the sound quality is really lovely.”
The setting may be beautiful but Shakespeare is not for the faint of heart. As almost every High School Freshman who is struggling through Romeo and Juliet can attest, reading and understanding Shakespeare takes patience and time.
“When making sense of the play, which is a touch confusing at times, I think, ‘how would I say this in a modern setting, what kind of person would say this?'” said Houghton.
“The first couple scenes are
definitely an opportunity for the audience to let the language wash over you, it takes a little bit of time to acclimate to this new language,” said Heyt.
While Houghton, Heyl and Brown have all performed Shakespeare before, Brown is the only one who has performed in The Merry Wives of Windsor before.
This play has several storylines so Brown said she hopes the crowd is able to follow at least one storyline.
“[The audience can take] a sense of pride of, ‘oh, I got that joke,'” added Heyt.
"The Merry Wives of Windsor" will be performing at Sand Harbor State Park until Aug. 24.
To learn more or purchase tickets visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.
Photo by Strotz Photography
Dr. Caius (Anthony Michael Martinez), John Rugby (James Alexander Rankin) and Widow Quickly (Teri Brown) discuss their plans in the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival production “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at the Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, running through Aug. 24.
Shane Dwight presents a night of country, rock, blues and more
News release
SUTTER CREEK — Loaded with his six string gun, Shane Dwight fires away his own mix of blues-rock, country and soul to create a swagger sound. He astounds other players with his prowess and his confidence oozes out showing the crowd he’s boss.
See the musician called "outrageous, electric and brilliant" by Maverick Country Music Magazine live at Sutter Creek Theatre Saturday, Aug. 3.
“Dwight is a formidable vocalist with instrumentation that is always in support of the song. This unique album is among the year’s best,” according to Making A Scene.
“One of Music City’s prime guitar warriors, Shane Dwight excels in numerous situations, from story songs and laments to explosive workouts and fiery duels," notes Nashville’s Source for Daily News. "Shane Dwight’s playing and singing is consistently stellar and frequently magnificent."
Two things are clear: good press follows Dwight where ever he goes
Know Continued from B3
Shane Dwight is known for his stellar songwriting talent. He and his band
Theatre on Aug. 3.
and his fans are loyal, loving and relentlessly supportive. He has performed more than 3,500 shows over the years, headlining at some of
Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”
Check out Placerville Cars and Coffee every Saturday, 7-9 a.m. at Lions Park. Hang out with other car enthusiasts.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Proof,” a play by David Auburn.
Starting Saturday, Aug. 3, the show will run Fridays, Saturdays
to
music’s most significant events and sharing the stage with household names such as Blake Shelton, Joe Bonamassa, The Doobie Brothers,
and Sundays through Sept. 1. Shows start at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
The Harris Center will host Ho’ike 2024, the 25th anniversary of the presentation of traditional Hawaiian talent, artistic expression and cultural performances. Showtimes are noon and 6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Smokey Red will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Bumgarner Winery hosts Trivia Night at its Camino tasing room at 5:30 p.m. Bring your friends, family, and brainy types for this super-fun and engaging game of trivia. Moo N Brew Boba will offer Boba Wine Cocktails and non-alcoholic boba drinks. Wood-fired carnitas nachos from the wood-fired oven, and of course wine and cider by the glass, flight or bottles are available for purchase.
Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery hosts Live in the Vines with music by Moonshine Crazy, 5:30-9 p.m. For more information visit sierravistawinery.com/upcoming-events.
Delfino Farms in Camino presents Folk on the Farm, 6-10 p.m., with Pokey Lafarge. For more information visit delfinofarms.com/ folkonthefarm.
Phantom Spires will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Power Play will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.
Shane Dwight will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.
Backstory: Portland Vase Mania (via YouTube Live) at the Crocker Art Museum form noon to 1 p.m. Go behind the scenes of the exhibition The Portland Vase: Mania and Muse with this virtual panel discussion featuring speakers across three continents. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.
Aug. 4
El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the El Dorado Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.
Check out Love Live Laugh Floral Arranging at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 1 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Bumgarner Winery in Camino hosts Cider Fest Live with music by Lions of the North beginning at 1 p.m. and during their break around 1:40, talk with Brian Bumgarner, winemaker and cider maker, and learn more about his journey with hard cider and answer questions about the new cider of the month — Lìmon.
RxEMEDY will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.
Grateful Jazz — A Celebration of Jerry Garcia will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
Valhalla Tahoe will host the Gatsby Tea and Fashion Show starting at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Anaïs Reno will perform at 7 p.m. at Valhalla Tahoe. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Aug. 5
Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts Living Well with Dementia Addressing Challenging Symptoms: Supporting Mood and
Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Collective Soul and the great B.B. King. Dwight has played intimate listening rooms and large capacity venues, casinos from Las Vegas to Florida and even a stint at Disneyland for five years. He brings a four-piece with keys and backing vocals for a lush and rocking sound. Dwight, will pull the audience into his house by the ear after the first chord of "No One Loves Me Better" out on Red Parlor Records out on April 5, 2019. This esteemed independent label has long been a champion of music’s best songwriters, and Dwight is no exception. This collection of songs is some of his most personal yet — gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. The story of a man finding love, committing a crime and wanting redemption runs deep in Dwight's music.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Sutter Creek Theatre, 44 Main St. in Sutter Creek. Open seating, beer and wine are available. For tickets at more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheater.com.
Sexuality Complications, 1-3 p.m. at the Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills. This free, in person and online class is for caregivers. Caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly rewarding, but it also presents unique challenges. While memory loss is often the first thing that comes to mind, emotional and behavioral changes like anxiety, agitation and sexual disinhibition can be equally distressing for both the person with dementia and their loved ones. In this class we will explore options for addressing these symptoms.
Aug. 6
The purpose of the Widowed Persons Club is to provide a support group for widowed men and women of all ages and provide a wide range of social activities through which they have an opportunity to make new friends and find a new direction in their lives. Regular breakfasts are held every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s in Placerville. For those interested in joining or reservations don’t hesitate to get in touch with Glenda at (530) 295-8374 or Nancy at (530) 919-8276. Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.
National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County offers free, in-person family support groups monthly: 6-7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Placerville and 5:30-7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in South Lake Tahoe. For more information visit namieldoradocounty.org.
John Spivack will perform at Smith Flat House in Placerville, 6-8 p.m. For more information call (530) 621-1003.
National Night Out brings together communities, neighborhoods and law enforcement officials with community and block party locations across the county.
Broadway At Music Circus presents “Waitress” at the UC David Health pavilion in Sacramento Aug. 6-11. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
The Tahoe Improv Players will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Valhalla Tahoe. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Aug. 7
Snowline Health Dementia Connection launches the Living Well with Dementia five-week series, Wednesdays 5:30-7 p.m. and 1100 Marshall Way, Room D upstairs, Placerville. This free, in person and online class is designed for people with cognitive impairment/early dementia and their care partners/caregivers.
Try East Coast Swing with instructor Jeff Freeman at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.
The Amador Sons will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Valhalla Tahoe. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.
Aug. 24
Join El Dorado County Ag in the Classroom for 20 Mile Taste at Rainbow Orchards, 4-7 p.m. Once again, John Sanders of Old Town Grill will contribute his culinary creations for this fun event. Enjoy dessert and wine pairings plus hot apple cider donuts while listening to live music performed by Red Dirt Ruckus. Visitors will have the option to drive thru/take out the meal or to stay and picnic in the orchard. For tickets visit agintheclass-edc.org/events.
Sept. 20
All In for MORE, a fun-filled poker tournament, takes place at 5 p.m. at 399 Placerville Drive in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit morerehab.org.
Send event information for In The Know at least two weeks in advance to nstack@mtdemocrat.net.
Courtesy photo
come
Sutter Creek
The Latrobe Fund Georgetown Library Speaker Series begins
The Sky Is Not the Limit: August is Astronomy Month at the library
Saturday, Aug. 10 — Docents from the Community Observatory offer solar viewing with hydrogen alpha and white light solar telescopes, 10 a.m. at Georgetown Park.
Saturday, Aug. 17 — Awanish Mishra of the Sacramento Astronomical Society presents The Moon, How It Was Formed, How It Affects Us, and Its Future, 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
Saturday, Aug. 24 — Michal Warzecha, NASA Solar System Ambassador and outreach coordinator for the Sacramento Astronomical Society presents Discoveries and Spectacular Images From the James Webb Space Telescope, 1:00 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
The Birds and the Bees: September is Flora and Fauna Month at the library
Saturday, Sept. 7 — Mike Sampson, local fungi expert and bee keeper, presents Introduction to the Fungi of the Georgetown Divide, 1 p.m. at Georgetown Community Center.
Saturday, Sept. 14 — Craig Swolgaard, Audubon Society birder, presents Raptors of the World, 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
Saturday, Sept. 21 — Mike Sampson presents The Basics of Beekeeping, 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
Saturday, Sept. 28 — Elissa Bunn and Deborah Valerga, University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, present Hügelkultur (a sloped and raised planting bed filled with topsoil, wood and organic materials), 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: October is Mystery Month at the library
Saturday, Oct. 12 — Baker Street West presents “Sherlock Holmes and the Phoenix Phase” with John Lee from Baker Street West in Sutter Creek appearing as Sherlock Holmes, 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
Saturday, Oct. 19 — An Afternoon of Mystery and Mayhem with Todd Borg, author of the Owen McKenna mystery series based in Lake Tahoe, 1 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center.
Saturday, Oct. 26 — It Was a Dark and Stormy Night, a panel of mystery writers reading from their work and autographing their books, 1:00 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center. Panel includes:
• Lisa Michelle, author of the Calaveras Crime series
• Lisa Parsons, author of the Emergence adventure crime series
• Gary Thomas Edwards, author of “Knitting in Jamaica”
• Robert Max, author of “When It’s Personal” and “No Forced Entry”
GOT TALENT?
Grange hosting show
Marshall Grange
News release
Marshall Grange presents its 2024 Talent Show on Saturday, Aug. 17. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the performances beginning at 7:15 p.m. There will be two divisions with youth up to 15 years, and adults 16 and older. There will be a first prize of $75, second $50 and third $25. Marshall Grange is located at 4940 Marshall Road in Garden Valley.
“Georgetown Stage” photograph by Carol “Cj” Nelson.
“Coloma Ridge” original oil by Doris Gorin.
Dance the night away with Bee Gees tribute
Leila
Srouji
RASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees in the Marisa Funk Theater on Aug. 10.
There's something timeless and universally captivating about the music of the Bee Gees that transcends generations. Their harmonious melodies and disco-infused classics have made them one of the most beloved and enduring acts in music history.
You Should Be Dancing is composed of exceptionally talented musicians dedicated to faithfully recreating the Bee Gees' iconic sound, while elevating the onstage visual experience. With meticulous attention to detail, they capture the Bee Gee’s essence, delivering an unbelievable experience that transports audiences back to the golden era of disco and beyond.
Witness more than 20 No. 1 international super hits written and performed by the Gibb brothers (along with a few surprises).
The tribute pays homage to the Bee Gees at the peak of their fame, showcasing the energy, creativity and appeal that took the world by storm. Audiences can be treated to a night of dancing, soaring falsettos and some of the most beautiful ballads ever written.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main St. in Grass Valley. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org or call (530) 274-8384.
Courtesy photo
“You Should Be Dancing” brings the Bee Gees greatest hits to the stage, thrilling audience members who groove to the music.
of her familial legacy and potential destiny.
"Proof" is essentially a family drama that explores the strained relationship between father and daughter. Auburn uses mathematical concepts as metaphors for human connections and emotions exploring a central question of genius and mental illness.
Catherine's journey of selfdiscovery reveals her struggle, both as a daughter trying to define herself in relation to her father and as an individual trying to navigate her own talents and aspirations. She grapples with the weight of her father's legacy and the expectations placed upon her as a result. Throughout the play Catherine must come to terms with her fear of inheriting her father's mental illness.
These dynamics are woven together to create a rich tapestry of familial connection, human frailty, intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of personal truth.
Rona Bernadette Arrogancia, who plays Catherine, said “Proof” caught her interest years ago.
“I did see the opening scene with Hal and Catherine in a scene study class,” she explained. “It was there that I was first introduced to the play; it was very intriguing.”
Arrogancia found some personal connections to her character. This
Gathering
Continued from B1
students span in age from keiki (children) to our kupuna (elders).
Born and raised on the island of Kaua’i, Kumu Kalāhikiola began dancing at the tender age of 8 years old. She attributes her deep love of hula and lessons in spirituality to her Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia. She continues her Kumu’s legacy and honors her hula lineage through the hālau’s teachings and traditions.
The name of the women’s hālau — Hālau
Ka Waikahe Lani
Mālie — translates to “the peaceful, heavenly, flowing water” while the men’s hālau translates as “the water’s reflection.”
Just as water is essential to life, each student contributes to the life and legacy of thehālau. Students are expected to give back to the community, to share the Hawaiian culture, live Hawaiian values and traditions and to absorb the knowledge that is being passed down to them.
Deeply rooted in the traditions, protocols and history the hālau teaches the rich culture of Hawai’i. The hālau mission is all properties of knowledge, wisdom and cultural aspects belonging to the dance as passed down and rooted from generation to generation, shall be maintained by the hālau principles for the benefit of all who are part of the dance. The hālau’s vision is to enhance and to sustain strong cultural and spiritual values by better educating the hula practitioner to care, support and respect the dance so that each practitioner, as they aspire to their full potential, can spiritually and humbly make a contributing impact (through example) to the community and all walks of life.
The hālau fulfills its mission and vision by participating in various events throughout the community and a also hosts annual hŌ’ike and Holiday Hula performances, which provide an opportunity to showcase what students have learned and practiced. The hālau vision of unity and hula preservation has spanned the vast Pacific waters. As the future comes to pass, Kumu Kalāhikiola will welcome new traditions
March Arrogancia’s father had a stroke and she found herself as primary caregiver to him during his recovery.
“I live the closest to him so It really fell on me and my mom to help him,” she said. “Also, like Catherine, she's the youngest out of the two sisters. I'm the youngest in my family.”
She explained that she understands some of Catherine’s struggles being a caregiver and an advocate for her father’s well being, explaining it is easy for her to tap into those emotions since it’s so fresh in her mind.
“Not only is it the empathy but like having to be strong,” she said. “You know, sometimes he doesn't want to do his exercises, but the doctors told us, ‘you really have to work really hard at it,’ so you have to be strong,” she said, drawing the parallel to her character’s struggles.
“There are times when Catherine is like, ‘what are you doing out here, it’s cold?’ And you know, the dad's a little bit stubborn, he wants to do his own thing and … what do you do in those situations?”
Arrogancia, who’s nickname is Bernie, admits there are other aspects of the character that are a stretch.
“The real Bernie is very, like, very soft,” she admitted. “Catherine, she's hard edged and like, ‘I'm fine, I'm fine, It's no big deal.’
and the evolution of the hula art form. Just as the water’s reflection blends the grace and beauty of heaven and earth, so too will the creations and contributions of the hālau, blend the world of hula and Hawaiiana,
both past and present.
Showtimes are noon and 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
FIREARMS, AMMO & GUN ACCESSORIES AUCTION: Auburn, CA 130 Lots of Firearms, 300 Lots of Ammo & 466 Lots Of Accessories: Sale includes mostly “NEW GUNS” with some HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE FIREARMS as well. All bids start at $5.00 and will be sold regardless of the price. Online bidding starts 08/02/24 @ 10am. Accessories and Ammo to be picked up at Selling Dealers Location. All Firearms to be shipped to Your Local Firearms Dealer. For details go to: www.westauction.com Want to Sell or Consign your Firearm Collection, Contact Billy @ (530) 885-9200
“It's really helped having that shell of a Catherine and … knowing from personal experience that it's a di erent way to deal with the grief with the loss.”
Nathan Rangel plays Catherine’s father Robert, the mathematical genius, and said he thinks there is a lot for the audience to learn.
“I think the audience is going to perhaps get a deeper understanding about how di cult it is for families to deal with individuals who have a mental disorder,” he said. “I think this play in particular does a great job of showing the kind of toll that it takes on those who are both in the family and know the individual that has a disorder or that has worked with them.”
Rangel admits to his admiration of the cast and director of the show.
“I will say this is probably just the finest cast I've ever worked with,” he shared. “They're hugely talented and this is just a great play. I mean, it doesn't get better than that.”
“Proof “ by David Auburn, directed by Anthony D’Juan and featuring Rona Bernadette Arrogancia as Catherine, Nathan Rangel as Robert, Jill Wilson as Claire, and Cole Winslow as Hal runs at The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park Aug. 3 through Sept. 1 with performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
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Like writing? Have journalism experience? Enjoy photography?
Email resume and writing samples to Noel Stack at nstack@mtdemocrat.net.
