Mountain Democrat, Friday, November 22, 2024

Natures splendid colors

A PASSION FOR PARKS

Meet Placerville’s new Community Services director

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

Following the departure of Placerville’s prior Community Services director in the first half of 2024, the city recently brought on Denis Nishihara to take the reins. A Hawaii transplant, Nishihara has embraced the new role with enthusiasm and a passion for the career he’s cultivated over half his life.

When Nishihara first moved to California from Maui at 20 years old, his life packed into some of the 17 boxes he and his first wife brought with them. He wasn’t searching for a career; at

first, all he wanted was some money to pay the bills.

“When I first started on this path, I was going to school at Cal State East Bay. I had just moved to California with my first wife and I just needed a part-time job,” Nishihara recalled. “I got a job with the city of San Carlos at its youth center and I just fell in love with the field. I didn’t realize it could be an actual profession, though.”

Through guidance from mentors and a dedication to parks and recreation, however, Nishihara forged a path forward, building a decades-spanning career.

When mentors explained that the best program development would require an aptitude for managing both money and people, he switched majors halfway through his bachelor program to focus on business studies.

“Later, after I had a couple kids, I thought it would be a great idea to go to grad school,” Nishihara joked. He completed a master of business administration degree at William Jessup University, taking night classes while working full-time and taking care of four kids. “I love

my kids and I love what I do, but it was a hard time.”

When he’s not working, Nishihara enjoys his time with his family, including his four children. He likes to spend time with them playing games, going on family adventures and watching anime.

Through his career with local governments over the past 20-plus years, Nishihara has developed experience with recreation programs, park maintenance, special events, facilities management and more. Prior to taking his role in Placerville, he most recently served as general manager of the Arcade Creek Recreation and Parks District.

Nishihara’s career started a new chapter

“I’m from Hawaii, a place that’s really rich, culturally, and I feel like this area is the exact same way. There’s an enriched legacy here that I want to help uphold it.”

— Denis Nishihara

when Placerville brought him on board to serve as the city’s Community Services director in August.

The city’s previous director, Terry Zeller, stepped away from the position for a different opportunity in March, closing out nearly five years of service in the role. Former Director Steve Youel stepped back into the role for an interim term while the city started the candidate search that ultimately found Nishihara.

“I really love what I do and it’s a great opportunity to come here,” Nishihara said.

“Don’t get me wrong, serving in Rancho is awesome, but I fell in love with the city, and the staff here and

El Dorado County staff are planning to demolish the property of the former Taco Bell in Pollock Pines, officials confirmed.

A request for the warrant to abate the property must be made; once staff have the warrant in hand, a sign with the intention to abate the property will be posted on the building for 24 hours, according to Communications Director Carla Hass.

Then it is a matter of having a contractor to schedule the work.

The Taco Bell closed in 2018. The building has been vacant since and the property owners have accrued thousands of dollars in fines for neglect and disrepair.

The building has been repeatedly vandalized, including having multiple windows broken, and shows signs it was once used as a shelter for unhoused individuals.

County staff attempted to contact Kilo Watt Investments LLC, a Wyoming-based company that acquired the land in 2020 but did not address complaints or pay any fines.

A new owner, unidentified, later shared with county staff interest in renovating the space which would have waived all fees under the requirement that the building undergo necessary repairs and open the restaurant by June 2024. However, in September 2023 a fire started by a suspected arsonist damaged the structure. The property has been closed and fenced off since.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian

Photo by Shelly Thorene

Two deer take a break from grazing beneath a blazing red maple tree near Fort Jim Road last week. Fall color is at its peak around many parts of El Dorado County. Take a drive and enjoy Mother Nature’s splendor.

MAIL LABEL

ESSENTIALS

Peter Halpin Cunningham Aug. 15, 1932 – Oct. 5, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Halpin Cunningham on October 5, 2024, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, businessman, and friend. Peter was born on August 15, 1932 in Rochester, New York. He and his mother moved to California in 1944. He graduated from Grant Union High School in Sacramento and after graduation, worked for Sears Roebuck & Co., Blake, Mo t & Towne Paper Company, and Western Pine Lumber Company. In 1969 he started his own business, Attorneys Diversified Services, a thriving 39-year strong business. In his spare time, he volunteered as a Docent at the California Automobile Museum. He kept several cars on display at the museum, and yearly would give a presentation honoring the history of Cunningham Vehicles. Peter owned several Cunningham cars including an original Cunningham ambulance. His great-grandfather, James Cunningham & Sons out of Rochester, New York originally started with carriages, and later produced high-end automobiles and ambulances from 1911 through 1937. After retiring from ADS, Peter and his wife moved to Placerville where they have lived since 2005. He was always working on something, and in his final days was helping his son Blaine successfully revive Rimrock Water Company in Placerville. Peter always had some advice to give, and had such a rich life experience that he would always point you in the right direction. Peter is survived by his wife Marceil, and children, Susan, Jay, Mark, Michelle, Blaine, and Christine, 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sons Timothy Mo ett, Gregory Cunningham, and grandson Jayme Mo ett. A Celebration of Life will be held at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento on December 8, 2024, at 1:00 P.M.

John Walter Hidahl

Oct 10, 1951 – Nov 2, 2024

John Hidahl was born on October 10th, 1951, in Ceres, California, to Joel and Margaret Hidahl. He grew up in Ceres alongside his six siblings, working on the family ranch growing peaches and cherries and driving for the family trucking business. John earned his Eagle Scout rank by age 16. He met his future wife, Eileen, in religious education classes and they started dating their senior year at Ceres High School. John went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he earned his Bachelors of Science. John and Eileen married in 1972 and moved to the Sacramento area, where John built a successful career in the Aerospace Industry, working for 31 years at Aerojet and 10 years at Northrop Grumman. John’s true calling and passion, however, was public service. He used his extensive knowledge, clear vision, and personal connections to improve the community in his 46 years as an El Dorado Hills resident. His motto of “Service before Self” guided his involvement in numerous boards and committees, helping veterans, seniors, and youth. A member of St. John’s parish for 50 years, he sang in the choir, served as a lector, and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He served the last eight years as the El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor, working to enhance the area’s quality of life. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man of deep, abiding faith. After suffering a heart attack, John was called home to the Lord on November 2nd, 2024. He is survived by Eileen, his wife of 52 years, their five daughters- Kathryn, Maureen & Ben, Christine & Josh, Rachel & Jon, Brittani & Marissa, and twelve grandchildren- Jacob, Samuel, Tyler, Evelyn, Rebecca, Ryan, Claire, Luca, Matteo, Theo, Walker and Waverly. He is also survived by siblings Claudia, Marty, Mike, and Rita, and preceded in death by his parents Joel and Margaret, and brothers Rob and Joel. Services will be held on Monday, November 25th at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 307 Montrose Drive, Folsom, CA 95630. All are welcome to attend: 10:00 AM Rosary, 10:30 AM Memorial Mass, and 11:30 AM Celebration of Life in St. John’s Gallagher Hall. In honor of John, the family gratefully welcomes contributions to the John Hidahl Memorial Fund, established by the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance to continue John’s legacy of supporting local veterans and their families. While John was not a veteran himself, he was a true patriot and a steadfast advocate for those who serve our country. https://eldoradocountyveterans.org/john-hidahlmemorial-fund/

Douglas Garig

May 03, 1963 – June 20, 2024

Doug was fond of the simple things in life such as a good beer, a good book, and time spent in nature. He often saw the humor in every situation. He was described as a big hearted fool by those who knew him best. He was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in October 2023. For the next eight months he fought hard doing everything possible to rid himself of the cancer including many chemotherapy cycles and nonstop radiation treatment for two months straight. Even through it all he maintained his sense of humor, still cracking a joke until the very end. He passed peacefully in a loving family member’s home with his mother by his side. He is and will continue to be greatly missed by his family including his daughter, mother, sisters, and brother. To those that made his life full of laughter, we thank you. And to those that were there to the end, we are very grateful for all the help and love he received. Sincerely, His daughter Erika and the rest of his family.

Melba Ambro

Dec. 10, 1927 – Oct. 31, 2024

Melba grew up in Alhambra, CA. She married Sam Ambroff and moved to the San Fernando Valley to raise their family. Upon Sam’s retirement, they moved to Placerville. Melba is survived by 4 children, Rita (Bob) Phelps, Craig (Debi) Ambroff, Terry (Ellen) Ambroff and Jaynee Bradshaw. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Melba was a member of Newcomers Club, Shakespeare Club and Quilting groups. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mary Nell Bryant

Aug. 14, 1950 – Oct. 29, 2024

The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheri ’s reports:

Nov. 1

4:18 a.m. Battery reported at a mobile home park on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. A suspect was arrested.

1:36 p.m. Trespassing reported on Patterson Drive in Diamond Springs.

2:26 p.m. Trespassing reported on Derby Court in Somerset.

4:51 p.m. Trespassing reported on Faith Lane in Diamond Springs.

5:33 p.m. Burglary reported at an apartment complex on Valley View Parkway in El Dorado Hills.

5:36 p.m. Deputies cited a person suspected of petty theft at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

11:47 p.m. Vehicle burglary was reported on Sterling Way in Cameron Park.

Nov. 2

2:21 a.m. Battery reported at bar on Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

7:17 a.m. Deputies arrested a suspect after responding to a trespassing report at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway.

12:21 p.m. Trespassing reported on Lynx Trail in Pollock Pines.

1 p.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a defrauding report at a business on Highway 49 in Lotus.

1:16 p.m. Deputies cited a suspect after responding to a suspicious vehicle reported on Park Drive in El Dorado Hills.

1:57 p.m. Trespassing reported on Staghorn Lane in Garden Valley.

5:54 p.m. Burglary reported on Grouse Ridge Trail in Cool.

Mary Nell Bryant, 74, Placerville, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic disease. Born on August 14, 1950, in Georgia, to Edward Louis and Alice T. Bryant. Mary was known for her magnetic personality, her southern accent, and her special gift for turning strangers into friends. She is survived by her life partner, Ron Wermes (Placerville), and her siblings, Emmett Bridger, Darlene Gregory, and Edna Pennone, who reside in Georgia. May she rest in peace.

Rosemarie Bejcek

Sept. 11, 1932 – Nov. 2, 2024 Beloved mother and friend, Rosemarie Bejcek, 92, of Susanville passed away peacefully November 2, 2024. The wife of 47 years to the late Ronald C. Bejcek. She is survived by her 5 children, Naomi, Holly, Renee, Steve & Wade, 9 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. Memorial: Thursday December 5, 11am at 140 S. Lassen St., Susanville Monticola Club

CONTACT US

Richard B. Esposito Publisher (530) 344-5055 / resposito@mtdemocrat.net

Noel Stack Editor 530-344-5073 / nstack@villagelife.net

Mimi Escabar Special Sections Editor 530-344-5070 / mescabar@mtdemocrat.net

Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer 530-344-5063 / eric@mtdemocrat.com

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer 530-344-5062 / odin@mtdemocrat.com

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Letty Bejarano-Carvajal Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net

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VACATION HOLDS

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

2:20

4:31 p.m. Trespassing reported at the pool on Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.

7:17 p.m. Deputies booked into jail a 25-year-old man suspected of possession of narcotics for sale, obstruction and a probation violation on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills. He was listed in custody in lieu of $373,000 bail.

8:02 p.m. Deputies cited a person suspected of petty theft at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

10:03 p.m. Trespassing reported on Loch Way in El Dorado Hills.

11:04 p.m. Battery reported at a bar on Embarcadero Drive in El Dorado Hills.

Nov. 3

1:43 p.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a suspicious person reported on Klondike Way in El Dorado Hills.

10:58 a.m. Grand theft reported at an eatery on Green Valley Road in Cameron Park.

11:15 a.m. Grand theft reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

1:23 p.m. Grand theft reported at a mobile home park on Cold Springs Road in Placerville.

2:03 p.m. Battery reported on Stonehurst Drive in El Dorado Hills.

3:10 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

3:11 p.m. Trespassing reported on Maple Avenue in Pollock Pines.

3:14 p.m. Petty theft reported at a store on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

3:33 p.m. Trespassing reported on Sunset Lane in Shingle Springs.

6 p.m. Grand theft reported at the casino on Red Hawk Parkway in Placerville.

8:11 p.m. Trespassing reported on Old Schoolhouse Road in Somerset.

8:23 p.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Vine Street in El Dorado Hills.

8:52 p.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

9:11 p.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Vine Street in El Dorado Hills.

9:25 p.m. Trespassing reported at an eatery on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville.

9:57 p.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

9:58 p.m. Vehicle burglary reported on Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills.

Nov. 4

10:49 a.m. Vandalism reported on Gold Ridge Trail in Pollock Pines.

10:50 a.m. Deputies made an arrest after responding to a trespassing reported on Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs.

11:19 a.m. Grand theft reported on Clemson Drive in Cameron Park.

11:25 a.m. Grand theft reported on Hawks Flight Court in El Dorado Hills.

12:41 p.m. Burglary reported on Independence Road in Shingle

D.L. Bliss State Park to remain closed into next summer

TAHOMA — California State Parks recently announced D.L. Bliss State Park will remain closed for camping and partially closed for day use into summer 2025. This extended closure is necessary to complete an ongoing waterline infrastructure replacement. Campground reservations for the 2025 season at D.L. Bliss State Park will not be available until further notice.

The following day-use areas remain accessible:

• Lester Beach and Calawee Cove: These areas will remain open for water access from Lake Tahoe and foot access via the Rubicon Trail from Emerald Bay State Park.

• Backcountry areas: Portions of D.L. Bliss State Park west of Highway 89 will continue to be available for winter backcountry use.

• Bouldering/rock-climbing areas: Popular bouldering and rock-climbing

sites located just east of Highway 89, closed for the past two seasons, will reopen in 2025 for walk-in access from designated roadside parking areas.

Please note: No restroom or trash services will be available at these locations. Visitors are encouraged to practice “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize environmental impact. Due to construction activities on the park roadways, emergency response vehicle access may be limited and response times could be delayed.

The public is invited to visit nearby campgrounds and day-use access areas at Emerald Bay State Park and Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, which are expected to be fully open during summer 2025. California State Parks appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as it works to improve D.L. Bliss State Park for all visitors. For further updates visit parks. ca.gov/?page_id=505.

Measure T trial date set for day before Thanksgiving

Katelyn Welsh

Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The measure prohibiting vacation home rentals in residential areas will once again be heard in El Dorado County Superior Court. A trial is scheduled on Nov. 27 on issues a higher court sent back.

Measure T has been the subject of litigation since not long after voters passed the citizen-initiated ballot measure in November 2018. The South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group sued the city of South Lake Tahoe in December 2018, arguing that Measure T violates property owners’ constitutional rights.

A series of years-long court proceedings led to South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group appealing the trial court’s decision, taking the measure to the Third Appellate District Court of California.

That appeal’s court largely ruled in the city’s favor by affirming the trial court’s decisions, except for certain issues it remanded back to the trial court in June 2023.

Various motions and hearings in the lower court since bring both parties to trial the day before Thanksgiving

Double rainbow glory

on three issues, according to city attorney, Heather Stroud.

The first issue is whether the plaintiff, South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group, has standing to maintain this lawsuit, and whether South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group is a valid, unincorporated association.

The second is whether Measure T’s discrimination in favor of permanent residents in its Qualified Vacation Home Rental provisions advances a legitimate local purpose that cannot be adequately served by reasonable nondiscriminatory alternatives and whether the city has exhausted all of the reasonable nondiscriminatory alternatives that have been identified. The Qualified Vacation Home Rental provisions allow permanent residents an exception to rent their properties for up to 30 days per year in residential zones, where the measure otherwise bans short term home rentals.

If the court cannot make this finding, then the court will have to decide a third issue of whether the Qualified Vacation Home Rental Provisions are severable from the remainder of Measure T.

The trial is estimated to take one day.

Due to expected weather conditions, sandbag locations are now open in El Dorado County to help protect properties from potential flooding.

Residents can pick up sandbags at the following locations: Garden Valley Fire Station 51, 4860 Marshall Road, Garden Valley El Dorado Hills Fire Station 85, 1050 Wilson Blvd., El Dorado Hills Cal Fire Station 89, 3200 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park

To find the nearest sandbag location to you visit PerimeterMap.com for an interactive map.

Please remember to bring your own shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags. El Dorado County sheriff’s officials encourage everyone to take proactive measures to protect their homes and properties.

The Placerville Police Department offers sandbags at 730 Main St. in

walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain

Photo by Paul Cockrell

double rainbow glows behind the redwood

Photo by Brian Baer

L. Bliss State Park due to a waterline replacement project.

News release

Garden Valley firefighters rescue trapped canine

Odin Rasco Senior staff writer

Firefighters from the Garden Valley Fire Protection District, with help from the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit, rescued a dog trapped in an abandoned mine shaft early Thursday morning.

Dispatched at around 3:40 a.m. on Nov. 21, firefighters were sent to the site over a defunct mine. A dog had fallen into a vertical shaft about 50 feet down from the surface, according to a GVFPD social media post.

Firefighter Trevor Willingham was lowered into the shaft with the aid of fellow GVFPD firefighters Gordon O'Neill, Aaron Green and Andrew Stokhaug. Willingham successfully secured the pooch, and the pair were pulled safely back to ground level.

The dog was taken to a local veterinarian for a medical evaluation, but firefighters noted he seemed very happy to have his paws back aboveground.

With 5,416 mining claims and at least 1,968 mines in El Dorado County, abandoned mines can pose a danger. Hikers are reminded to keep aware of their footing and to keep their furry friends close when exploring.

It’s the thrill of having a front-row seat as a wetland comes to life at dawn, being so close to birds that you can hear the beats of the wings and feel the wind they create on your face. It’s the chaos of a valley quail covey erupting from cover; the heart-pounding excitement of a tom turkey somewhere in the distance answering your call. It’s the chance to share with friends and family a wild game meal they can’t get in any grocery store, farmers market or fivestar restaurant.

Californians will have two ideal opportunities to acquaint themselves with the hunting experience during California’s 2024-25 Free Hunting Days. Each year the California Department of Fish and Wildlife director designates two Free Hunting Days. In this license year, they are Nov. 23, 2024, and April 12, 2025. On these days, eligible California residents may hunt without purchasing a California hunting license, provided other requirements are met.

The dates are carefully and intentionally chosen to provide the widest variety of hunting opportunities and options for anyone interested in hunting. The November date will allow participants to chase opportunities in waterfowl, upland and small game hunting, while the April date occurs in time for turkey and wild pigs.

Residents interested in trying hunting for the first time are encouraged to try Free Hunting Days and discover their own connections to the outdoors and wild food in California. Experienced hunters are also encouraged to participate in Free Hunting Days and share their knowledge by mentoring someone new.

Requirements for participation

include proof of completion of a hunter education course, possession of a valid Free Hunt Days registration and any required tags, federal entitlements and entry permits. All hunting participants in Free Hunting Days must be accompanied by a mentor at least 21 years of age who holds a valid California hunting license. With the possession of a valid Free Hunt Day registration, residents wishing to hunt on the two designated days are not required to possess a California Hunting License, a California Duck Validation or a California Upland Validation. All hunting regulations, including bag limits, gear restrictions and shooting times remain in effect for Free Hunting Days. Participants must also possess any additional requirements, including passes for state-operated wildlife areas, tags and federal entitlements such as a Federal Duck Stamp for those hunting waterfowl who are 16 and older. Those choosing to hunt wild pigs will need to purchase and possess a Wild Pig Validation. More information is available at CDFW’s Free Hunting Days web page. The Free Hunting Days registration is available at no cost at CDFW license sales offices, from license agents and through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website. Participants may also choose to download the CDFW license application on their smart devices to display their Free Hunting Day Permit, tags and California validations. Hunting seasons, regulations, places to hunt and other resources are available at CDFW’s Hunting in California web page. For additional information for participants hoping to get started hunting this season visit CDFW’s R3 web page for a variety of resources.

Paul Moreno PG&E

OAKLAND — As the holiday season ramps up, scammers are also ramping up their efforts to target consumers, including utility customers. To help combat this trend, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is joining Utilities United Against Scams to help customers recognize potential scams. Each year around the holiday season, scammers target consumers with new and predatory tactics and seek to exploit and defraud customers when they are more distracted or stressed than normal. While many are aware of the potential for online shopping scams, the same danger exists for utility bill scams, where scammers will demand payment by telephone, online or in person to prevent immediate disconnection of service.

Reports of scams targeting PG&E customers have remained alarmingly high throughout 2024. In fact, there have been nearly 15,000 reports yearto-date with customer losses of over $334,000, and an average loss of $628.

“Scammers don’t take the holidays off. Stress and distraction create a window of opportunity for scammers to deploy their latest strategies to defraud and exploit consumers,” said Matt Foley, lead scam investigator for PG&E. “Remember, PG&E will not contact you for the first time within

one hour of service disconnection and we will never request payment by a pre-paid debit card or via online payment services like Zelle or Venmo.”

Small and medium-sized businesses are also a target, and scammers will focus their efforts during busy business hours, preying on business owners’ sense of urgency to keep the doors open and the lights on. In fact, PG&E has received over 500 reports of scam attempts targeting these customers during 2024.

“We encourage customers of all ages to stop and verify any unusual utility company requests before making a payment, regardless of whether the customer is contacted via phone, internet or in person,” said Utilities United Against Scams Executive Director Monica Martinez. “While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone and in person.”

Signs of a potential scam Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill. Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card then call them back supposedly to make a bill

Courtesy photo Firefighters stand with the successfully saved pooch after a safe mineshaft extraction.

Forest entrepreneurship bootcamp offered for free

Laura Petersen News release

AUBURN — Entrepreneurs in the Sierra Nevada can advance their careers in forestry and build resilient communities thanks to a new tuitionfree weekend bootcamp called the Forest Entrepreneurship Training Program.

Sierra Business Council, in partnership with Sierra Commons, is hosting a two-day workshop on Dec. 7 & 8 in Auburn to create more forestbased businesses in California.

The Forest Entrepreneurship Training is part of an ongoing series. Since launching last spring, educators have conducted training in rural communities throughout the Sierra Nevada including Nevada City, Mammoth Lakes and most recently Sonora.

“There is a huge business opportunity in our forested communities, and the nexus of entrepreneurship, job creation and existing market needs such as forest thinning, defensible space and small-diameter timber manufacturing can provide much-needed opportunities that have the co-benefits of wildfire mitigation and economic development,” said Kristin York, vice president of Sierra Business Council.

The course is designed for those who have started or are interested in starting a business in forest thinning and management, defensible space, prescribed fire application, small mass timber product manufacturing, small diameter timber utilization, biofuel, bioenergy, home hardening, plant restoration, other non-timber-related businesses and/or forestry logistics.

Led by experts from a variety of backgrounds, students will hear from leaders with backgrounds in forestry, business, marketing and finance, startups, emergency services and more.

Participants will explore how preparing Sierra communities for forest resilience can also launch exciting new career pathways and emerging industries.

About the bootcamp

The workshop series covers all aspects of launching or expanding a business and will be led by Robert X. Trent, the founder of Nevada City’s nonprofit business incubator, Sierra Commons. Trent is an experienced consultant who has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs over the years.

“There are so many opportunities to

PG&E Continued from A4 payment.

Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds. Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund or that you are entitled to a rebate.

How customers can protect themselves

Customers will never be asked by PG&E to specifically purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff, a tactic often used in scam attempts. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person. If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door and report this incident to PG&E at pge.com/scams. Customers with delinquent accounts

Nishihara Continued from A1

the city manager are amazing. I’m from Hawaii, a place that’s really rich culturally, and I feel like this area is the exact same way. There’s an enriched legacy here that I want to help uphold it.”

At this early stage, Nishihara is focused on learning the ins and outs of the city and building ties with the community, such a local service groups like the Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Club. He’s also getting to know local school leaders and the Main Street merchants, all groups he expects he will be working with frequently.

“We have a great platform, and all the pieces are there,” Nishihara explained. “I’m learning those pieces and trying to see how we can capitalize on them. We’ve got to focus on our best returns for investment, so we’re

start and grow high-demand businesses throughout the Sierra that it’s mindboggling. This course is a perfect fit for people who have an entrepreneurial spirit and, at the same time, are deeply rooted in the safety and well-being of their community,” said Trent.

Students will learn the basic foundations of good business — from finance, pricing and cash flow to research, marketing and sales and the complex world of government contracts and permits. Students will expand their knowledge and access to resources with an accountability group and one-to-one advising.

“Sierra Commons and Sierra Business Council have a pretty stellar understanding of what it takes to start and grow successful businesses. It’s not as simple as just learning how to operate an enterprise. It’s also about weaving a positive mindset and character-set into everything a business owner does,” said Trent.

Each participant is eligible for personalized technical assistance at no cost through the Small Business Development Center program.

The curriculum is designed to provide:

Technical assistance to launch small businesses and entrepreneurial development focused on a broad range of forest and wood-based businesses

Training and guidance for transforming businesses from individual ownership to cooperative businesses to support economic justice at business ownership levels

Opportunities to showcase emerging business opportunities that have co-benefits of wildfire reduction and economic development, particularly at the nexus of wood product development and outdoor recreation in rural forested communities A nexus to existing markets and identified needs such as forest thinning and management, application of prescribed fire, small mass timber product manufacturing, small diameter timber utilization, biofuels manufacture, logistics and support

Funding for this program was provided by a Good Jobs Challenge EDA-funded grant through the Foundation for California Community Colleges to conduct forestry and firemitigation training programs in the Sierra Nevada region of Northeastern California.

Pre-registration is required. Learn more and register at sierrabusiness.org/ archives/forestry-entrepreneurship.

will be contacted by PG&E with an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail, and included with their regular monthly bill.

Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts.

Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. If called back, the numbers do not lead back to PG&E. If a customer has doubts about the authenticity of the call, they should hangup and call PG&E at 1-833-500SCAM. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.

Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with a scammer, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission’s website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information. For more information about scams visit pge.com/scams or consumer.ftc. org.

looking at how we can make events and other things happen that also provide economic development.”

The city’s bevy of parks is a highlight of the new job, Nishihara said, adding, “There’s so many amazing and wonderful little parks here, I don’t know if I can pick a favorite.” But more than what is already present, Nishihara is also eyeing possible new projects or events for the city, such as considering occasional events like small music shows in the local parks. More than anything, Nishihara said the biggest highlight of the job so far is his team.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this team,” Nishihara said. “They’re really good people who care about what they do. You don’t always have jobs where you can say that.”

OPINION

California Commentary

Yes, California is a high-tax state

Is California really a high-tax state?

That is the headline on a recent report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a liberal Washington, D.C., research group that wants us to believe the answer is “no” even as our wallets are screaming, “Yes!”

The report received a fair amount of publicity, as have ITEP’s past publications with similar themes, so it warrants some discussion.

As the leaders of the two largest taxpayer organizations in California, our conclusion is that while the data presented in the study may be technically accurate, the conclusions drawn therefrom are questionable.

The thesis of the report is that for lower-income households, California’s tax burden is similar to that of states against which California competes, chiefly Texas and Florida. Specifically, the report claims, “California has lower taxes for the bottom 40% of earners.”

The ITEP analysis focuses on income taxes and acknowledges that California has high rates for wealthy individuals. To be more accurate, it should be noted that California’s 13.3% rate on the very rich is, in fact, the highest in the nation. Moreover, the recent removal of the wage cap on employees’ state disability insurance payment subjects all wage income to the payroll tax, which means the state’s top marginal individual income tax rate on wage income (not all income) is now 14.4%.

As we work with elected o cials and others to make California the best it can be, it’s important that we all have an accurate perspective about the tax burden …

ITEP then downplays California’s tax burden by defining “high-tax” and “low-tax” very di erently than you might expect.

Most people compare taxes in a straightforward manner: The sales tax is 10.75% in Alameda, 7% in Miami and 0% in Bozeman, so if you buy a $600 widget, the additional tax will add $64.50, $42 or $0, respectively.

If you are thinking about moving, you might compare income taxes. The tax for a single filer with $110,000 in taxable income and no dependents is $6,882 in California, $4,840 in Colorado, $0 in Texas, etc. (In addition to the highest income tax rate for the wealthy, California has a 9.3% rate that kicks in at a modest $68,350 for single filers.)

Commuters might compare gas taxes: 57.9 cents per gallon in California (the highest in the nation, set to increase July 1 to 59.6 cents), 25 cents in Connecticut, 12 cents in Vermont and so on. (This is just the excise tax; additional state and federal taxes and fees increase the government’s take to roughly $1.21 per gallon in California.)

Starting a business? Compare California’s corporate tax rate of 8.84% to 9.8% in Minnesota, 2.4% in North Carolina and 0 percent in South Dakota, etc. ITEP does not use such apples-to-apples comparisons. Rather, it attempts to compare taxes as ■ See COUPAL, page A7

The Not So Weekly Daley

Letters to the Editor

I’m with you

EDITOR:

Iread Mr. DeBerry’s letter about how things have changed in our town, and I have to agree with him. For some reason there has always been some excuse why this can’t be done or that can’t be done. Yet we were able to do it in the past. Plus the word Hangtown is Placerville and should still be used. I could say more but I don’t think it would be printed.

I’m with you, Mr. DeBerry.

CORRINNE STEFANSKI Placerville

Pardon the turkey

EDITOR:

Later this month, President Joe Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House — a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, every year in the U.S., more than 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression.

At just 16 weeks, they are slaughtered — throats slit, bodies dumped into boiling water for feather

removal. Meanwhile, their meat, laden with cholesterol and saturated fat, poses health risks to consumers.

But there’s promising news: U.S. turkey production has declined significantly as more Americans embrace plant-based options. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate our good fortune with a cruelty-free meal — plant-based roasts, seasonal vegetables, fruits and grains. An internet search for “vegan Thanksgiving” o ers countless delicious, compassionate recipes.

PERCY MAILLOT Placerville

Republican leadership needs a plan

EDITOR:

The election is over, the votes are being tabulated and the Republicans control the Presidency, House, Senate and Supreme Court. But what does that mean?

News reported polls state 70% of registered voters believe America is on the wrong track. What does that mean? The polls state registered voters — to me, that means everyone, Republican, Democrat, Independent — are unhappy with the

Unusual and worrisome news coming out of D.C.

Well, here’s a chilling sort of item from a week or two ago. I saw the headline in CNN online but didn’t have time to read it then. “Pentagon o cials discussing how to respond if Trump issues controversial orders,” it read. I’ve been paying pretty close attention to the “news” for more than 60 years, and I cannot remember hearing or seeing anything like that. Our top generals and admirals are scared of the incoming commander in chief? There have always been doomsayers and “what-if-ers” when significant changes occur to the government — like after elections.

CHRIS DALEY

“Nixon will nuke China.” “Reagan will ‘Star Wars’ the Soviet axis of Evil.” “Bush 2.0 will vaporize Afghanistan even more, obliterate the rest of Iraq and reduce Iran to an oil-stained blot on the map.” Some people warned us of all that and worse, but mostly they were regular people, not the top leaders. And mostly those things didn’t happen and certainly not on a catastrophic scale as some predicted. Carter and Clinton will commit this or that outrage, some said back then, likewise Obama. Although, I do not recall Barack Hussein ever threatening to send in troops to force Americans (or anyone) to sign up for Obamacare. He did surge troops into

There have always been doomsayers and “what-if-ers” when signi cant changes occur to the government — like after elections.

Afghanistan but it wasn’t a campaign slogan or promise. And, anyway, that was Afghanistan. It wasn’t Anaheim or Ann Arbor, and an awful lot of us didn’t and don’t much care about Afghanistan any more, anyway. If we ever really did. And those presidents didn’t regularly and publicly suggest using active military to quell domestic disharmony that I can think of. (Nixon or Johnson, maybe?)

Yet, “Pentagon o cials (are) discussing …” what to do if Trump orders such actions. Like having the active military put down the “protesters and radical leftists” (if the National Guard isn’t up to it; I’m really hoping the National Guard isn’t

up to it))? I’d wager. What would a “controversial order” even look like? Is it illegal or just controversial? Controversial or just goofy? Legit goofy or goofy goofy? Just goofy goofy or actually illegal? How long would it take for the top commanders to make the “right” decision or come to the “right” conclusion about that order?

The “Pentagon o cials” referenced aren’t wearing funny hats and practicing their free speech rights down at the park on Sundays. They are serious experts talking about serious stu — and that’s the chilling part.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

JON COUPAL

Coupal

Continued from A6

a percentage of income. So, a tax of $50 in California could be deemed “lower” than a tax of $10 in another state if the Californian has a su ciently higher income.

This requires more estimates and statistical gymnastics — complicated by the fact that ITEP excludes taxpayers aged 65 and older, which leaves out roughly 18% of the U.S. population — and turns the report into one about income as well as taxes.

Another interesting fact in ITEP’s methodology is the inclusion of property taxes. Assuming for the sake of argument that the study’s apportionment of property taxes equally between landlords and renters is valid, it appears that Proposition 13 is a major factor in suppressing the tax burden for low- to moderateincome taxpayers. If this is true, ITEP and its

Letters Continued from A6 country’s direction. But just a little over 50% of eligible voters voted. So, half the country’s opinion wasn’t even polled. Also, only 47% of registered voters declare a party a liation. So, at least, I believe Republicans should hold o before saying they have a mandate.

What Republicans should do is focus on the American Dream based on the foundation of home ownership for the middle class. Owning a home has been the foundation of our society since its inception. And, for the first time, our children won’t have a better life than the previous generation. Going into the 20th century, more than 90% of families lived on a farm. That reality fortified

ideological allies should embrace Proposition 13 rather than seek to repeal or weaken it.

We appreciate the Washington group’s report but, having worked closely with taxpayers here in California for decades, we respectfully disagree with its conclusion. As we work with elected o cials and others to make California the best it can be, it’s important that we all have an accurate perspective about the tax burden and why we have concerns.

No matter where you sit on the spectrum between fiscal conservatives and progressive interests, there is value in truthful information about California’s tax burden. We ignore that truth at our own peril.

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Robert Gutierrez is president of the California Taxpayers Association.

the need for people to stay married; someone had to milk the cows and someone had to get eggs from the chickens. You needed a partner to make life easier. Our school system didn’t educate the children during the summer so that they could help their families in the field.

Homeownership, and a lack thereof, takes away the reason and responsibility to raise a family. We need young adults to have skin in the game.

My advice to Republicans is to make home ownership the foundation of their economic rebuilding plan for the sake of our children.

KEN STEERS

Cameron Park

Fagliano

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

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

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

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

PLAY CRIBBAGE

Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information.

GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part

harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

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

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

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

SPORTS EDHS water polo nets champion title

Sierra-at-Tahoe bids fond farewell to general manager

Shelby Dunlap

Sierra-at-Tahoe

After more than three decades of extraordinary leadership and steadfast dedication, Sierra-at-Tahoe announces the departure of General Manager John Rice, who has been appointed to the prestigious role of president of Ski California. For over 31 years, Rice’s unwavering dedication, deep passion for the sport, and commitment to fostering community have left a lasting mark on Sierra-at-Tahoe, and his legacy will continue to inspire as he embarks on the next chapter in his remarkable career.

Legacy of leadership and heart

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People are very much in the moment with you today, and this highlights the importance of creating good work, fun and help right now. Your past work won’t matter, which is a blessing that keeps you moving forward. You’ll get what you put in.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Important work goes unacknowledged, while flashier feats garner attention and praise. This allows the important work to be done with great integrity, not to please anyone, but to get it right.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Curiosity and the spirit of inclusivity will take you to unexpected places. As you extend trust and make known your willingness to learn, life gets increasingly interesting. This is just the beginning of the fun.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Prize connection before popularity. Trying to please will only water down your voice. Speak from your unique perspective, knowing that not everyone will resonate with it, and that’s how it’s supposed to be.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You overthink things because you care and because you sense that getting the details right will win the endeavor. You’re right. But once you hit that point where you start looping back on things you’ve already considered, it’s time to change the channel and move on.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Time is the canvas where relationships are painted. Don’t rush the brushstrokes. This is the fun part -- filling in the space with shared

experiences that create something beautiful for you both.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The adjustments you make to help another person feel comfortable and supported will prove immensely rewarding. While this journey requires time and effort, the love you cultivate will be worth every step.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Ask for inspiration, and it will ask for your attention in return. Inspiration and attention are like two dancers moving in sync. The more you notice, the more you’ll be moved.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You might be doing a job better than you ever have, but it’s still taking the same amount of time. This is part of mastery -- devoting yourself to the process no matter how long it takes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Just because you love someone with a true and complete kind of love doesn’t mean the relationship will be easy. In fact, love tends to ramp up the complexity, raise the stakes and thicken the plot. Good thing it’s worth it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). When you don’t know what

and you

Rice’s legacy has been defined by his ability to make Sierraat-Tahoe more than just a resort — a home for employees, a haven for guests and a cornerstone of the South Lake Tahoe community.

His leadership and “changes in latitude, changes in attitude” spirit created an environment where people thrive, whether they are first-time skiers, lifelong riders or aspiring Olympians chasing their dreams.

“John has given

so much of himself to this resort and to everyone connected to it,” said Alex Gillett, co-owner of Sierra-atTahoe. “His passion for people, his ability to nurture talent, and his unwavering commitment to the Sierra community have left an impression on all of us. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but we are deeply grateful for everything John has done to make Sierra a truly special place and wish him the best going forward.”

Triumphs in the face of adversity

Rice’s tenure was not without challenges and his steadfast leadership during difficult times will remain one of his greatest legacies. From navigating the complexities of the global pandemic to guiding the resort through recovery

after the devastating Caldor Fire in 2021, his resilience, compassion and vision served as a beacon for Sierra’s survival, rebirth and renewal.

“John has a gift for building bridges and uniting people toward a common goal,” said Brian Pope, CFO of Sierra-at-Tahoe.

“When the Caldor Fire left the resort in ruins, John brought together employees, guests and government representatives to face one of the toughest chapters in the history of the ski industry. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the resort is thriving once again. I can confidently say that we would not have made it through without him.”

Champion for the sport

Throughout his time

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Courtesy photo

Congratulations to the El Dorado High School girls water polo team members, who earned the title of Motherlode League champions for the second year in a row. Led by senior captains Annabelle Gould and Heidi Schneider and coached by Heather and Clint Robertson, the Cougars went 8-0 in league play and 16-5 overall during their regular season.

players won their first-round

game 16-2 against Casa Roble but fell 17-5 against Christian Brothers.

Courtesy photo

John Rice leaves Sierra-at-Tahoe to take on the role of president of Ski California.

at Sierra-at-Tahoe, Rice has been dedicated to the evolution of snow sports and developing the next generation of athletes. His inspiring vision came to life through the design of award-winning terrain parks in the early 2000s that put Sierra on the map as a premier destination for Olympic training grounds producing three Olympic gold medalists. Thanks to his efforts, Sierra-at-Tahoe stands as a true “destination of play,” known for its worldclass terrain park program with several local talents continuing to rise to international success.

and advocate for the ski industry across California and Nevada. Sierra-at-Tahoe’s ownership group is committed to building on the foundation established while the search begins for a new general manager to carry on the vision where guests can experience the magic of the mountains and a definitely different experience Sierra-at-Tahoe has to offer.

“John’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era,” said Jeff Joyce, co-owner of Sierra-at-Tahoe. “But his impact will forever be woven into the fabric of Sierra-at-Tahoe. For that, we are eternally grateful.”

and love. The mountain will always carry his spirit. About Sierra-at-Tahoe

Community, connection and the future Rice’s departure marks the end of an incredible chapter and the start to a new chapter as president of Ski California where he will continue to represent

With 48 trails across 2,000 acres, Sierra-at-Tahoe has something for everyone. For first-timers, there is dedicated learning terrain with welcoming vibes to carve your first turns at any age. To kick it up a notch, head over to the Sierra Playgrounds which feature nine amphitheater style terrain parks and South Shore’s only halfpipe (conditions permitting). The resort also offers thrill seeker favorites, avalanche bowl plus five backcountry gates in some of Tahoe’s steepest expert terrain, Huckleberry Canyon. Experience the all-new Sierra-at-Tahoe, close to home, far from the same and #DefinitelyDifferent. Learn more at sierraattahoe.com. Farewell Continued from A8

On behalf of the entire Sierra-at-Tahoe family, the Gillett and Joyce families express their heartfelt thanks to Rice for his years of service, leadership

e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle with room to entertain friends and access to all the life-enriching community services and amenities we o er.

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

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES FEATURES

• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters

• Private patio

• Attached garage

• In-home washer and dryer

• High ceilings

• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service

• Utilities and basic cable included

• Air conditioning

• Pets welcome!

COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES

• Restaurant-style dining

• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills

• Clubhouse and tness center

• Library and full-service beauty salon

• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations

• Transportation services

• 24-hour emergency maintenance

• Gated electronic entrance

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

Christmas Coloring Contest

FRIDAY NOV 29 4-5:30P 6:30-8P

PROSPECTING

Audiences are sure to delight at Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College’s hilarious performance of David Ives’ revision of Georges Feydeau’s masterpiece farce “A Flea in Her Ear.” The story of mistaken identity and misunderstandings runs through Nov. 24. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

El Dorado Musical Theatre’s production of “Seussical the Musical” hits the Harris Center Stage, running through Nov. 24 with multiple showtimes. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Sutter Street Theatre presents Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” a story of scruples and political expediency, running through Nov. 24. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Polar Express has returned to the California Railroad Museum for a limited time, and guests can purchase a ticket now to save their seat on one of the trips, running through Dec. 22. For tickets and more information visit californiarailroad. museum.

B Street Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” at The So a in Sacramento through Dec. 29. For tickets and more information call (916) 4435300 or visit bstreettheatre.

org.

The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Tahiti Pehrson’s solo exhibition Carrying the Fire in The Granucci Gallery through Jan. 4, 2025. Tahiti will transform the gallery space with captivating hand-cut and painted paper, woodblock prints and carvings, and graphite drawings. For more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.

The California Museum presents Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues through Jan. 19, 2025. For more information visit californiamuseum.org.

The Salvation Army needs bellringers. If you would like to sign up for volunteer bellringing opportunities call the Placerville o ce at (530) 344-9178.

ASPIREKids is looking for volunteers to help with The Elf Project, a program that will bring Christmas to hundreds of local youth. For more information email hello@aspirekidseldorado. org.

Nov. 22

Moonlit Mustangs will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Melodious Sounds of the season

❈ Folsom Lake Symphony presents some Holiday Cheer News release

FOLSOM — One of Folsom Lake Symphony’s most popular concerts of the year is just around the corner. Nationally known vocalists, adorable young vocal talents and even the audience join the symphony for a program wrapped up with Holiday Cheer and packed with goodies — “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night,” music from “The Nutcracker,” “Frozen,” “Home Alone” and more.

There will be a 7:30 p.m. concert at the Harris Center for the Arts on Saturday, Dec. 7, and a matinée performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

From O -Broadway to world class performing arts centers, soprano Natalie Cordone has played to packed houses around the country. She has headlined with the Colorado Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Greensboro Symphony,

to name just a few.

Some of her favorite symphonic productions include touring as the star of “Rhapsody & Rhythm: The O cial Gershwin Concert Experience” (produced by Todd Gershwin), “Cirque Goes Broadway” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

Cedric Berry wields a “bass-baritone of considerable power and agility” (Chicago Tribune), “deploying dazzling thunderbolts of sound at the top of the range” (Voix des Arts). He has held title rolls in Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi,” as Mephistopheles in Gounod’s “Faust” and Leoporello in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” He has appeared with the Santa Barbara Symphony, California Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Telemann Chamber Orchestra of Japan, and won first-place in the Metropolitan Opera Western Region Competition.

The Northern California Children’s Chorus, founded by vocal coach, conductor and music teacher Judy Britts, is a coeducational choir for singers in second

through 12th grades in El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties. The goal is to nurture the spirit of all children through a choral music program that provides excellent training in vocal technique, teaches repertoire from cultural and historical periods, and provides performance opportunities in local, national and international venues. Tickets for the “Holiday Cheer” concerts are available on the symphony’s website, folsomlakesymphony. org, by phone at (916) 608-6888 or at the ticket o ce on the Folsom Lake College campus, 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

❈ Area symphonies share the stage with exceptional talent

❈ UCD Symphony Orchestra features guest conductor and soprano

Michael G. French Davis Enterprise

The UC Davis Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the 2024–25 season will be guest-conducted by Matilda Hofman and will feature a collaboration with Guyanese American soprano Shawnette Sulker.

The concert is Nov. 24 at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts and begins at 7 p.m.

The program opens with Yu-Hui Chang’s “Pixelandia,” a 2015 multi-movement

work inspired by the joy of first-wave 2D video games, “with graphics so primitive that every scan line and pixel was visible.” Music and video-game enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the third movement is where one meets the “Boss” and that the tempo marking before the last movement is “Insert coin to continue.”

The program continues with works by 20th-century American composers Florence Price and Samuel Barber. Price’s Third Symphony in C Minor was funded by a Works Progress Administration grant and was first performed in 1940, Michigan. Sadly, the work remained unperformed until 2001 when the Women’s

■ See SYMPHONY, page B5

Courtesy photos

Soprano Natalie Cordone, above, brings her talents to the Folsom Lake Symphony’s Holiday Cheer celebration Dec. 7 & 8. Bass-baritone Cedric Berry, below, will also perform with the symphony at next month’s holiday concerts.

Courtesy photo

Matilda Hofman will be the guest conductor on Nov. 24, when the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra opens its season at the Mondavi Center.

Spirits wreak havoc at Olde Coloma Theatre

Kat Mendenhall Staff writer

Olde Coloma Theatre’s final melodrama of 2024 opens on Nov. 29.

“Mrs. Waldecott & the Christmas Spirits!” or “The Coloma Christmas Speck-tacular!” is written by Jason Boyer and Beth LaBean and directed by Boyer.

When Coloma’s greatest ghost hunter, Mrs.Waldecott (and her giant dog Speck), are asked to appear in Coloma’s Christmas parade, she thinks she and her friends can finally enjoy a holiday without “ghosts or ghouls.”

Unfortunately a nasty Villainess has sent three ghosts to haunt the mayor of Coloma. Mrs. Waldecott and her sidekick must swing into action in

order to stop the Villainess and save the town — all in time for Christmas.

There will be Christmas carolers, as well as live music by Mary Beth Dowd, Diana Haynie (in her final performances at the OCT), Debi Ramos and Rachel Wattson. This is a family-friendly take on a Charles Dickens classic, mixed with melodrama, music and a Merry Christmas.

The show runs through Dec. 22 and some dates are already sold out. For tickets visit oldecolomatheatre.com or call the OCT box office at (530) 6265282 and make reservations. Then pay at the door, using cash, debit or credit, Google or Apple Pay. The Olde Coloma Theatre is located at 380 Monument Road in Coloma (just south of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park).

Placerville exhibit connects artists and ancestral water

News release

Switchboard Gallery in downtown

Placerville hosts

Scattered Water Droplets — and exhibit that showcases the intimate relationship between native artists and their tribal waters. These artists were chosen to embody a “scattered” representation of native viewpoints across the region. Participating artists include Billy Hawk Enos, Raymond LeBeau, Jacky Calanchini, Viola LeBeau, Meyo Marrufo, Gemma Benton, Shanti Parks, Deerstine Suehead and Jacinda Tayaba-Cordero.

Scattered Water Droplets is presented by concept:art+movement, in partnership with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians’ Exhibits and Collections Center and Arts and Culture El Dorado as part of the Momím Wadaahá Campaign, made possible by the Capitol Region Creative Corps grant. This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 12 at Switchboard Gallery, 525 Main St. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more details visit artsandcultureeldorado. org/gallery.

With six string loaded, Shane Dwight is ready to perform

Mary Carrera News release

FOLSOM — After a sizzling set headlining the Blues and Bones festival in Calaveras County, Shane Dwight will rip it up at Powerhouse Pub on Nov. 24

Loaded with his sixstring gun, critically acclaimed Dwight fires away his own mix of blues-rock, country and soul to create a swaggering sound. He astounds other players with his prowess and confidence, and his stage performance lures the crowd in, making them feel like they are a part of the show. Dwight’s latest album, “No One Loves Me Better,” is a brilliant collection of

VOLUNTEER AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE COUNSELORS NEEDED FOR THE 2024 TAX SEASON

There are openings for Volunteer Tax-Aide counselors, a technology coordinator, client facilitators, appointment schedulers, and leaders for the 2024 tax season to provide free personal income tax assistance in El Dorado County, for seniors and low to moderate income residents. The program operates February 1 through April 15, 2025. Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of six hours per week. Self-study materials and introductory classes are provided starting in November. Classroom training on Federal and California income taxes and form preparation takes place in January. Computer knowledge is required as all returns are prepared with software provided by the IRS for electronic filing. In addition to tax preparers, volunteers are needed to make appointments by phone from home and as facilitators at the tax preparation site. These positions do not require as much training or computer knowledge.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is presented in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board.

Please contact Joanne Allen D23instructors@gmail.com

&

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Have a hauntingly good time at Olde Coloma Theatre’s holiday show, opening the day after Thanksgiving.

Courtesy art Native artists demonstrate their relationship with water in Scattered Water Droplets, open now at Switchboard Gallery.

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Shane Dwight is known for his stellar songwriting talent. He comes to Folsom this Sunday.

American River College partners with Berklee College of Music

SACRAMENTO — The American River College Music Department has announced an innovative partnership with Berklee College of Music, one of the world’s premier institutions for contemporary music education. This collaboration will provide ARC students with a direct transfer pathway to Berklee after completing two years of study at ARC.

Students enrolled in ARC’s Associate of Arts in Music for Transfer or Associate of Arts in Commercial Music Business or Recording programs can transfer to Berklee to complete their bachelor’s degree. This opens doors to a world-class education while providing flexibility in their early studies.

“This groundbreaking opportunity in California higher education allows students to complete a four-year music degree online. After spending two years at American River College, they transfer at junior status to Berklee Online and finish their degree without needing to relocate to Sacramento or Boston,” said Dr. Steven Thompson, of the ARC Music Department. “These special pathways enable ARC students with an AA-T in music or an associate degree in commercial music: business or recording to transfer to Berklee programs such as electronic music and sound design, instrumental/ vocal performance, music business, film and game composition, music production and songwriting.”

Global network of mentors

Through this partnership, ARC students can access a diverse and talented group of mentors from both institutions and beyond. ARC’s extensive program offers mentorship across traditional Western instruments, electronic instruments, traditional and jazz vocal study and a variety of world instruments, giving students the opportunity

to work with experts from around the globe.

Many mentors speak multiple languages, ensuring students from different backgrounds feel supported and included in their musical journey.

“American River College offers open access to all, with no audition requirements for our degree programs. Whether you’re 14 years old or an older student returning to education, everyone is welcome to complete a degree with us,” said Thompson. “In addition, many of our students can take advantage of the California Promise Grant, which waives both tuition and enrollment fees for eligible residents of California.”

Pathway to success

To qualify for the transfer program, ARC students must complete a minimum of two years of coursework, either online or in-person, and meet the academic requirements set by Berklee. The program’s flexibility allows students to study from anywhere nationwide, making a world-class education more accessible than ever before.

About American River College

American River College, located in Sacramento, has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the

arts and academics. ARC’s Music Department delivers a well-rounded music education that helps students build the skills for successful music careers, earn degrees and certificates and transition seamlessly into four-year programs. Both in-person and online programs are available to accommodate a diverse student body.

About Berklee College of Music

Founded in 1945, Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., is known for its innovative approach to contemporary music education. Berklee was the first college-level school in the United States where jazz was the basis of the curriculum. In recent years, Berklee has expanded by creating the innovative Berklee Online program, which now serves students in 114 countries, opening a campus in Valencia, Spain, and merging with the Boston Conservatory to form Boston Conservatory at Berklee, focusing on classical music.

Berklee alumni, many of whom are leading musicians and industry professionals, have won over 400 Grammy Awards, more than any other institution. In 2013, it was ranked as the No. 1 music school in the world.

For more information visit about the transfer program arcmusiconline.com.

Lakeside Laughs brings the funny

Breanna Boyle

Tahoe Daily Tribune

STATELINE, Nev. – Lake Tahoe’s entertainment scene is about to get a lot funnier as Harveys Lake Tahoe unveils Lakeside Laughs, an intimate comedy club that promises to turn weekend evenings into laugh-filled adventures.

The historical Cabaret showroom transforms into a cozy comedy haven three nights a week, serving up fresh doses of humor with rotating comedians every weekend.

It’s like a comedy speakeasy, minus the secret password but keeping the charm.

“Lakeside Laughs brings back comedy to Harveys, catering to guests seeking a lively, intimate evening with first-rate humor,” said Brian Chandler, Senior Entertainment Manager. “With an ever-changing roster of comedians, each visit to Lakeside Laughs

to Harveys

will be a fresh, unforgettable experience.”

The club’s debut weekend featured Pete George, a high-energy performer who’ gavethe audience’s abs a better workout than a day on the slopes. He was joined by Brenda Pontiff, who is known for her razor-sharp wit.

Running Friday through Sunday at 9:30 p.m., Lakeside Laughs aims to be the perfect nightcap.

The Cabaret showroom’s intimate setting means every chuckle, guffaw, and belly laugh becomes part of a shared experience.

Harveys is betting that while you can’t ski at night, you can certainly laugh and sometimes that’s better.

This weekend Barry Neal, featuring Sarah Halstead, takes the stage, offering clean, high energy and relationship material. For more information on Lakeside Laughs go to caesars.com/ harveys-tahoe/shows.

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The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Mrs. Waldecott and the Christmas Spirits” ... or ... “The Coloma Christmas Specktacular” Nov. 22 through Dec. 22. Doors open Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

Red Dirt Ruckus will perform at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

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

City Theatre at Sacramento City College presents “A Christmas Carol, The Rock & Roll Panto,” opening Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and running until Dec. 15. For tickets and more information, go to citytheatre.net.

Nov. 23

The Cameron Park Community Services District’s Christmas Craft Faire will kick off the holiday season running 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy free photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon.

GriefShare hosts Surviving The Holidays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at

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Philharmonic in San Francisco recorded it. The composition interweaves mid-century modernist music techniques with African dance rhythms and themes.

Barber’s “Knoxville” uses a poem by James Agee, sung by soprano and orchestra. The work is a musical picture of a summer’s day in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1915, in which a boy lays in a field listening to the sounds around him. It was last performed at the Mondavi Center by Christine Brewer and the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra in 2009 for the Barbara K. Jackson Rising Stars of Opera program.

Hofman is the music director of the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, resident conductor for the Empyrean Ensemble at UC Davis, and artistic director of the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble and this season Hofman will be conductor-in-residence at the University of the Pacific, and a guest conductor at the Eastman School of Music.

Praised for her “heart-breaking poignancy” and “beautifully tuned soprano” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Sulker has been a featured artist at San Francisco Opera in “Porgy and Bess.” Recent roles include Poppea (“L’incoronazione di Poppea”) with both Intermountain Opera Bozeman and West Edge Opera, and Cleopatra (“Giulio Cesare”) with West Edge Opera. She created the roles of Mary Jane Bowser in Houston Grand Opera’s workshop of Jake Heggie’s “Intelligence” and Ariel in Allen Shearer’s “Prospero’s Island.”

Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for students and youth. Tickets are available at the Mondavi Center Ticket Office in person or by calling (530) 754-2787 between noon and 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Tickets are also available online at Tickets.MondaviArts.org.

For more information about the Department of Music in the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis visit arts.ucdavis.edu/music.

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Dwight’s songwriting has evolved so far that he may be untouchable for a while as a prolific writer, while his fans will not be able to get these songs out of their heads.

“Exceptional talent — it’s clear this cat can sing anything he wants,” notes Blues Revue Magazine

“This is not a peaceful album, and Dwight makes that perfectly clear. ‘No One Loves Me Better’ is outrageous, electric and brilliant — an energetic album full of passion and flair,” adds Maverick, the leading independent country music magazine.

Dwight keeps it real with a bi-coastal routing to music festivals, winery series, rodeos, fairs and, of course, he will show up at his favorite dive bar to croon.

He has performed more than 3,500 shows over the past 20 years, headlining at some of music’s most noteworthy events: Beale Street Festival, Portland Waterfront, Reno Blues Festival, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Ottawa Blues Fest. Dwight has shared the stage with household names such as Blake Shelton, The Doobie Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, Etta James, B.B. King and many more.

Dwight comes to Powerhouse Pub, 614 Sutter St., Suite D, Folsom, performing 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24.. Tickets are available in advance at powerhousepub.com/events and at the door.

Faith Episcopal Church 2200 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park. Enroll at GriefShare.org/Holidays or email or weathersc@aol.com.

The Coloma Community Market takes place 1-4 p.m., drizzle or shine, the second and fourth Saturdays at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours. The Murer House Boutique is back 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come down for a free tour of the historical house in Folsom all dressed up for the

holidays. Stay to shop and grab a piece of fresh pizza.

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

Ride Captain Ride will perform at the Red Hawk

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Soprano Shawnette Sulker will join the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 24.

Songs of Grief and Gratitude offers comfort to those mourning

News release

NEVADA CITY — Myrtle Tree Arts presents a Nov. 30 concert by Paul Godwin & Friends, offering a powerful exploration of grief, gratitude and resilience through music. This intimate performance will feature Godwin’s original songs, written from his personal journey but resonating deeply with anyone who has faced loss.

“These songs are very deep for me and resulted from my brother Todd’s suicide in 2011. Some of them have never been performed publicly but have been recorded with some of my groups like Dogon and Eternal Return. It is my great pleasure to bring these to the community here in Nevada County and share this special and somewhat fragile moment in time.” said Godwin from his home on Cement Hill.

In addition to his original compositions, Godwin will perform his own renditions of iconic songs by Bob Dylan, Joanna Newsom, Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Elton John. Joining him on stage will be a talented ensemble of local and Bay Area musicians, including Velvy Appleton, Kimberly Bass, Annette Dunklin, Bea Sak and Paul Zeiff. The evening promises to be a deeply moving and transformative experience for all.

The Songs of Grief and Gratitude concert takes place at Besemer

Concert Hall, 11417 Red Dog Road, Nevada City at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. Advanced tickets are essential for this limited seating event. Carpooling is encouraged. Tickets are available at shorturl.at/F3H5z.

About the artist

Godwin, is an award-winning composer and performer known for his authentic sound and emotional depth. He is the founder of The Sippy Cups, Dogon, Main Street Collective and Eternal Return.

He has composed scores for Berkeley Repertory Theatre including Tony Kushner’s “Homebody/Kabul” for which he garnered the Bay Area Critics Circle Best Composer Award. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and founder of Music Together of San Francisco. He has performed internationally as well as at venues such as Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, San Francisco Giants ballpark, The Center for the Arts, Miner’s Foundry and House of Blues nationwide.

About Myrtle Tree Arts

Focused on the intersection of the arts, nature and community, Myrtle Tree Arts is an artist collaborative founded in 2022 with the mission to develop and present new creative works and performances in the Sierra foothills and beyond. For more information visit myrtletreearts.com.

Two Runner ready to play a highly anticipated hometown show

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Two Runner in the Marisa Funk Theater on Nov. 27.

Two Runner is songwriter Paige Anderson and

fiddler Emilie Rose from the hills of Northern California. The folk duo emits a ray of unprocessed realness through their well-crafted songs and instrumental skills. Both growing up in a rural mountain town, best friends Anderson and Rose learned folk music and performance from a young age and now tour nationally as Two Runner.

Through the mediums of clawhammer banjo, vocal harmonies, oldtime fiddle and flatpicking guitar, Two Runner has a sound that is strongly rooted in American folk music combined with Anderson’s wistful songwriting. Two Runner selfreleased a debut album, “Modern Cowboy,” in the spring of 2023 and has shared the stage with Sierra Ferrell, Watchhouse, Jesse Daniel, Nick Shoulders, Charlie Parr and many more.

Anderson grew up touring in her family bluegrass band, Anderson Family Bluegrass, starting at the age of 9. The family of six traveled for about 12 years as Anderson Family Bluegrass and later the sibling band, The Fearless Kin. She wrote her first song with Chuck Ragan at 15, which kickstarted her love for songwriting. Transitioning into diverse musical roles, including a stint as bassist for Family of the Year in 2018, Anderson has continually evolved her craft, charting new artistic directions for herself and Two Runner.

Fiddler Rose was raised on Celtic fiddle and fiddle camps starting at the age of 9. In her early years, she led Celtic trio The String Sisters, who played together for 10 years in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Rose then went on to study at Berklee College of Music and was mentored by the greats such as Bruce Molsky, Natalie Haas and Darol Anger, where she graduated in 2020. She moved back to Northern California and later in the year met Anderson for the first time and joined Two Runner. Together, the duo has been touring for more than two years solidly, forging their sound and path through festivals and venues, winding highways and friendship. It’s undeniable that Two Runner brings a rich mix to the folk music world with harmonies, banjo pickin’ and dirt kickin’.

Opening this special hometown show is Mac Cornish. Cornish is originally from Santa Cruz, but resides in Portland, Ore. She draws inspiration from Joan Baez, Gram Parsons, Jackson Browne and Buffalo Springfield and began forging her own songs and style from her bouts with love, loss, tragedy and tranquillity.

Doors open 6 p.m. and the show begins 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, 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.

Photo courtesy of Fielding Weeks Photography

Award-winning composer and local songwriter Paul Godwin presents a special concert in Nevada City next week.

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Two Runner brings a rich mix to the folk music world with harmonies, banjo pickin’ and dirt kickin’. See the duo in Grass Valley on Nov. 27.

Leila Srouji The Center for the Arts

The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Ari, Awadagin and Tchaikovsky for one night only at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center starting at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.

B Street Theatre in Sacramento presents “’Tis the Season: Folktales and Fables” at The So a in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 443-5300 or visit bstreettheatre. org.

Knight Foundry will hold its monthly fourth Saturday self-guided walking tour day where visitors will discover an innovative, interactive video, text, and in-person experience as they explore the foundry complex. Expert docents are on hand to run the magni cent antique machinery and talk with visitors 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit knightfoundry.com or call (209) 560-6160.

Nov. 24

Red’s Blues Band will perform at 3 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Back Porch Swing will perform at the Smith Flat House at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to smith athouse.com.

Nov. 26

Vitalant will hold a Placerville Cinema blood drive 1-3 p.m. at 337 Placerville Drive. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher and one coupon for a large popcorn from Placerville Cinema. Make an

appointment at donors.vitalant. org and use blood drive code

SMFM553 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2101 Vine St. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher and one coupon for a large popcorn from Placerville Cinema. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant. org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Nov. 29

The Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt begins at El Dorado Hills Town Center and will run Nov. 29 through Dec. 24. The elf might be hiding around any participating businesses, so make sure to stop in and see if you can spot it.

ShirlJam will perform at 1:30

p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more details visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Placerville’s traditional holiday celebration Hometown Holiday on Main starts at 4 p.m. The event will feature performances from local arts groups and the lighting of a large Christmas tree nestled next to the Bell Tower.

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Miracle on 34th Street,” opening Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. and running until Dec. 22. For tickets and more information, go to itplacerville.org.

Starbright Entertainment presents One of These Nights a night of Eagles music and classic Christmas songs held at the Harris Center. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. For tickets visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888. It’s like an episode of CSI:Bethlehem during “Sister Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold,” a one-of-a-kind performance and living nativity coming to the Harris Center at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

HOME FOR RENT

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 4 acres in Shingle Springs, close to Hwy 50. Asking $2,900 per month, plus deposit.

dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 10/24/2024 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE

OWNER.

OF

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22 13871

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24CV2390 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Live musicals, performances come to Fairytale Town

Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release

SACRAMENTO — Newly rebranded NorCal Arts (formerly known as Northern California School of the Arts) has announced an ongoing partnership with Fairytale Town where the arts organization provides fun, free and engaging live musicals and plays at the popular children’s park.

Geared to spark imagination, creativity and a love for live theater among young children (ages 2-6), a charming musical titled “Little Bird’s Second Chance” is now playing on weekends at 12:30 and 2 p.m. in the Children’s Theater at Fairytale Town and is free with park admission. Designed to capture and hold the attention of young children, the current production will continue on weekends through November and will return in January.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Fairytale Town to introduce little guests to the magical world of live performance that we hope will foster a big love of the arts,” said Michele Hillen-Noufer, executive director of NorCal Arts.

First up in NorCal Arts theatre production offerings is the inspiring 25-minute “Little Bird’s Second Chance,” an original production created by a talented team at NorCal Arts, including playwright Dorothea Bonneau, composer and musical

“Live theater is a wonderful growth experience for kids, and our partnership with NorCal Arts means great fun and more excellent performances for Fairytale Town families,” said Kevin Smith-Fagan, executive director of Fairytale Town.

In addition to live performances at Fairytale Town, NorCal Arts produces musicals and plays with school communities throughout the region, all designed to foster artistic expression and provide students with access to the transformative power of the arts.

“The new partnership with Fairytale Town is in perfect alignment with our rebrand to NorCal Arts that better reflects our commitment to expansive, community-immersed programming across the region,” added HillenNoufer. “We are much more than an arts school as NorCal Arts has integrated into more than 75 school communities in the 2024-25 school year, offering comprehensive arts classroom and after-school programs, supporting classroom teachers through professional development and delivering robust arts curricula and artist residencies.”

For more information about NorCal Arts visit norcalarts.org. For more information about live theater schedules and/or other activations at Fairytale Town visit fairytaletown.org.

Tickets on sale for the Lake Tahoe Winter Reggae Festival

News release

STATELINE, Nev. — Good Vibez Presents announces the return of the Lake Tahoe Winter Reggae Festival in 2025. Taking place over Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 15 & 16, reggae fans will once again meet up at Tahoe Blue Event Center for two days of reggae community and winter wonderland with the help of acts like Dirty Heads, Rebelution and more.

“It’s the perfect remedy for those winter blues; what could be better than escaping to Lake Tahoe for the weekend, where you can hit the slopes during the day and vibe to

your favorite reggae music at night?” Good Vibez co-owner Dan Sheehan said. “It’s the best of both worlds and we can’t wait to share another unforgettable weekend of music and good vibes with everyone.”

Saturday, Feb. 15, will see Dirty Heads headlining the Winter Reggae Festival alongside Iration, Rome, Fortunate Youth and Pipe Down. Sunday’s show will feature Rebelution with Steel Pulse, Common Kings, The Expendables and Lizano. Passes for Lake Tahoe Winter Reggae Festival will go on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 22. For more information visit laketahoereggaefest.com/winter.

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Designed to capture and hold the attention of young children, “Little Bird’s Second Chance” will continue on weekends through November and will return in January.

director Rob Broadhurst, director Jason Bortz, costume design by Sang Lee and set design by Fred Lamora.