Mountain Democrat, Friday, May 31, 2024

& LIME ROCK

Projects inching forward

Eric Jaramishian

Sta writer

Two large residential projects between El Dorado Hills and Shingle Springs briefly returned to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ agenda last week.

Board members approved the latest contract amendments with ICF Jones Stokes Inc., the consultant tasked with preparing

Grizzly Flat tiny homes are a go

Eric Jaramishian

Sta writer

With five simple “ayes” from the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, the new ordinance which will allow certain Grizzly Flat property owners to build small dwelling units after losing their home during the Caldor Fire, goes into e ect June 20.

This means those living in Grizzly Flat who were under-insured and/or uninsured will be able to build tiny homes on their property, free of construction fees. Those interested will still have to apply for building permits. County

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE

Odin Rasco Sta writer

The Mosquito Road Bridge Replacement Project has o cially hit the halfway mark, with construction progress now easily spotted by onlookers as support columns begin to stretch skyward.

Breaking ground in September 2022, work to this point has largely been setting the literal and figurative groundwork for the ambitious project, such as carving out pier walls and placing temporary trellises that currently support the 270-ton cranes that aid in the heavy lifting on either side of the canyon.

After repeated weather delays, footings for the bridge’s two main support pillars were poured in April. The footings were a massive undertaking, pouring close to 1,100 cubic feet of concrete — about 120 full concrete trucks’ worth — at the pillar bases on the project’s north and south sides.

“The first year of progress was underground work, so it was hard to

Mosquito Bridge project taking

see what had been done,” El Dorado County Department of Transportation

Senior Civil Engineer Aradhana Kochar said.

“We just recently hit our half-done mark on the project timeline, with the bridge slated to be done in late 2025 or in 2026, depending on weather delays.”

The new bridge

takes the title as the biggest capital project ever constructed in county history with a price tag of $93 million, according to information from the county DOT. Because of funding acquired through the federal Highway Bridge Program, the full cost of the undertaking is set to be reimbursed to the

county. The next step of the process involves a mix of hurry up and wait.

Crews work quickly to place frames and pour sections of the north and south support columns, then wait days for the concrete to cool and cure. If the concrete temperatures fall out of an acceptable range while setting, it

could lead to thermal cracking that would notably impact the structural su ciency of the bridge support. In order to avoid such issues, temperature sensors are placed within the concrete as it is poured, allowing the crew to monitor progress during the

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Gale Willingham

May 19, 1934 – May 24, 2024

Gale was born on May 19, 1934, in Littlefield, TX, and passed from this life on May 24, 2024, in Cameron Park, CA. He was a loving son, husband, father, and friend.

He lived his childhood in Texas and then moved with his family to California while he was a teenager. He graduated from Modesto High School in 1952. Upon graduation he went to Alaska to work on the railroad and live his dream of hunting and fishing there. Returning to Modesto, he met Martha Jane Ramsey and they were married on September 3, 1954. He enlisted in the Army, attended basic training in Fort Ord, CA, and then spent a year and a half in Germany. While in Germany in 1955, his only child, Paula, was born. Meeting for the first time over a year later, a bond formed that strengthened throughout the rest of his life. Gale went through California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cadet training and became a Tra c O cer in 1957. He worked in Norwalk and Merced until 1972 when he was promoted to Sergeant. He worked in East Los Angeles, Los Banos and in 1978, transferred to Central Division in Fresno. He managed that division’s Vehicle Theft Unit until his retirement in 1988.

Gale enjoyed hunting and fishing his whole life. He and Martha played golf and learned to snow ski in their fifties. He belonged to the Madera Lions Club and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He, Martha, and his mother Zelma moved to Shingle Springs, CA, in 2012. He cared for both until Martha’s passing in 2013 and Zelma’s passing in 2014. He was a proud member of the Church of Christ in Placerville.

He traveled in his later years, to France and Belgium to satisfy his life-long interest in WWII history. He and Paula visited the family historical towns in Tennessee and the burial site of his GreatGreat-Great-Great Grandfather, who fought for the Continental Army during the revolutionary War. They saw the sights in Washington, DC and took a road trip across Texas, during which he was able to visit his birthplace in Littlefield, TX.

Ailing from congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, Gale passed away peacefully 5 days after his 90th birthday. Funeral services will be held at Green Valley Mortuary Chapel (3004 Alexandrite Dr., Rescue, CA 95672) on June 3, 2024, at 11:00 am. A reception will be held immediately afterward at the Church of Christ (4120 Missouri Flat Rd., Placerville, CA). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the CHP Widows and Orphans fund in his memory (at www. thecahp.org/widows-and-orphans-trust-fund).

Larry Rumble

June 4, 1951 – Nov. 10, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry Robert Rumble. He passed away on November 10, 2023 in Thailand while on a trip of a lifetime with his brother, Steve. Larry was 72 years old. Larry grew up in Southern California and was often heard bragging that he was a second generation native Californian. He enlisted in the Navy Construction Battalion after graduating highschool. Upon returning home, he joined the Steamfitters Apprenticeship and became a very sought after and talented welder. Larry and his family built a home on acreage in El Dorado County su cient for dairy goats, horses, bunnies, cats, dogs, chickens, and guinea pigs. Life on the ranch suited him well. Later Larry moved to Davis, California-inviting no pets!!Later on in life, sailing became quite a passion for Larry as he and his son Chris purchased a sailboat together. Many hours were spent sailing and enjoying time together on the boat. As a grandfather, Larry just couldn’t do enough to be involved in his granddaughter and grandson’s life. He loved picking JT up from school, and taking Abby to Taylor Swift concerts. He was a huge supporter of the preschool Kelly and Whalley built, and was always available to ‘direct’ the work parties at their house. Family was very important to Larry. Larry was always willing to give new things a try. He was well known for his jovial and large personality, his quick witted humor, and the ability to break out in song at a moment’s notice. Larry is survived by his children Kelly and Chris, his grandchildren Abby and JT, his brother Steve, his ex-wife and good friend Cathy, and loving family members. A Celebration of Life will be held at Slide Hill Park, 2850 Temple Drive, in Davis, California on June 22nd at 10am. All are welcome to join in honoring Larry, sharing stories, and remembering all the happy moments spent with Larry during his life. Please RSVP or send questions to larryrumblesfamily@gmail.com

Paul Everett Spillers

Oct 17, 1953 - June 24, 2021

A devoted husband and father, Paul passed away peacefully at home in Roswell, New Mexico. Paul was born in Lodi, California to Anna Mae Sturtz and Paul Raymond Spillers. Paul loved the out of doors. Hunting and fishing were his favorite. He liked to work with Gun kits and enjoyed gunsmithing. Paul hiked portations of the Pacific Crest Trail. Paul was an Eagle Scout and earned the “Order of the Arrow.” While a student at Joseph Kerr Middle School, he and 3 other students set the 8th grade school record for the mile relay. Paul loved his motorcycles and racing. Paul was a graduate of Elk Grove High School, Class of 1972. After working on the family pear orchard on Steam Boat Slough, he was employed by Capitol Coors as a delivery driver. Paul worked for H and H Oil Tool in Rio Vista, Air Pacific Compressors in Lodi, and used this experience to begin working for the state of California as a Maintenance Supervisor for 20 years. Paul was a very knowledgeable mechanic and repairman. Most of all, Paul loved his family, especially his grandchildren. They were the center of his world. Paul was preceded in death by his mother Anna Sturtz, Paul R. Spillers and son Ryan Spillers. He is survived by his wife Deanna (Lawrence) Spillers of Roswell New Mexico, daughters Lacey Stiles (Bryan), Jenna Spillers, and their mother Dee Spillers of Garden Valley, grandson Blake Stiles and granddaughters Bailey Stiles and Chloe Spillers-Neet. Aunt Betty Horsky of Sacramento. Sisters Deborah Tapella (Clark) of Isleton, Karyn Salas (Oscar) of Napa, Lenese Coughran (Kirk) of Rio Vista. Nieces and Nephews Hayley Thomas (Randy), Chase Tapella, Benjamin Salas, Samantha and Dylan Coughran. Step sisters Melody Dean of Boise Idaho and Lori Ubidon. Numerous cousins and inlaws, and so many friends. Please join us for a Celebration of Paul’s Life! June 2nd, 2024 11 am to 1:00 pm Camp Lotus, 5461 Bassi Road, Lotus, California. Share your stories and remembrance with us.

Raymond Francis Faircloth

April 22, 1949 – May 25, 2024

In the early hours of May 25th 2024, Raymond Francis Faircloth, a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away at the age of 75 surrounded by family in Placerville California.

Raymond was born on April 22nd, 1949 in El Dorado, California. Raymond is preceded in death by his Mother, Myrtle Shuster; Father, Ray Faircloth; daughter Tamera Young; brothers Douglas (Sonny) and Steve Price; sisters Marie (Sissy) Marden (Faircloth) and Donna Torres (Faircloth). He is survived by his children, Duncan Faircloth, Tammy Donnel and Richard Faircloth; sisters Florence Maggard and Diane Thomas; brothers Cli ord and Ernest Faircloth Sr; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins - way too many to name.

Raymond spent most of his lifetime in the El Dorado area and worked in the logging industry. Raymond had many passions including old western movies, country music, spending long hours reading and enjoying a cold beer watching pro wrestling. He was a kind hearted man that enjoyed a simple lifestyle and was very proud of his Miwok Native American Heritage and loved spending time at his family property, the “Homeplace”.

Over the last several years of Raymond’s life he resided with his nephew, Rodney Durrett, and his children RJ and Sissy. After moving to Swansboro, Raymond quickly grew to love sitting on the porch watching the animals and reading a book. He enjoyed living out the final years of his life with Rodney and helping him raise his kids.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 1st at 12:00pm at the El Dorado Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the El Dorado Church, 4701 Church Street, El Dorado, CA 95623. The family will provide lunch. If you would like to bring a side dish and/or drinks to share it will be greatly appreciated. Flowers can be delivered to the Chapel of the Pines Mortuary and donations can be made directly to his son, Richard Faircloth or daughter, Tammy Donnel - please reach out to them for more information.

Kathleen A. Slater

Oct 22, 1952 - May 8, 2024

I write this with a heavy heart. My life partner and wife of fifty years has lost her two and a half year battle against cancer. Besides me, her husband Bob, she leaves behind a son, Josh (Melissa) and grandson Mason.

Survived by her brother Ken (Carol), preceded in death by her father Herman, Mother Alice and brother Albert. A youth coach, Aerobics Instructor, Secretary & Bookkeeper. A special thanks to the people at Marshalls Oncology Center in Cameron Park for their e orts. Also to Snowline Hospice for their tender care over the last three months.

Roger Alan Stutts

Aug. 19, 1948 – May 9, 2024

The most important human being we called husband, daddy, pop-pop, cousin, nephew, honorary uncle, buddy, and colleague is now resting in peace having passed at UC Davis Medical Center. He had two loves – his family and friends, and the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Forest Genetics (IFG) where he dedicated 40 years in the field studying and documenting pine trees, achieving “clipboard” Resource Manager status before retiring in 2008. Roger Stutts was a literal stand out. Occupying five-foot eighteen inches (his favorite retort when asked “How tall are you?”), he towered in height, but lifted everyone he met with his gentleness, hearty laugh, and easy nature. His blue eyes always sparkled with love, mischief, and possibility. He never knew a stranger and flowed memorably into the company of anyone he met. Dedicated to helping others over a 28-year period, he proudly achieved his goal of donating over 50 gallons of blood, platelets, and plasma with BloodSource. An active member of his El Dorado High School Class of ‘66 reunion committee, he enjoyed monthly classmate lunches.

If there was a backroad, he’d find it, taking himself and later three restless kids on infamous “Dad Tours” or woodcutting adventures in his ‘77 Chevy. He always enjoyed family gatherings, great food, a cold beer, a blended margarita with a salted rim, and a glass or two of wine. He watched with pride as his kids excelled in volleyball, baseball, advanced art, and college and military graduation achievements. More recently, he even climbed bleachers to watch his granddaughters’ sporting events.

He was a Yankees and Raiders fan and loved sitting down to a game over a big bowl of popcorn and Pepsi. Later, with his sweetheart Lauri and wife of 50 years, it became a Friday night movie tradition with the addition of hot fudge sundaes! Beginning with his high school woodshop skills, he further broadened his knowledge of woodworking and carpentry. In 1986, his skilled hands built his family’s house, still called home to this day. He could always find a way to fix, build, and solve anything.

Louisiana born, California raised in Smith Flat, Roger loved living in Placerville for over 70 years. Thankfully, he grew up before there was video evidence of youthful indiscretions, like his “wanting to see the speedometer needle disappear” on Highway 50 in his beloved ’67 Chevelle Super Sport (nearly thrown into jail over that one)! In his older and wiser years, he was an informal member of the “city council,” spending many Sunday mornings over co ee with “like” members at Chuck’s or the Wa e House. During his IFG era, Roger planted thousands upon thousands of trees across California and Oregon, having the distinction of overseeing the most trees planted at one site/one season in the history of IFG. He proudly led the State Capitol Christmas tree selection for several years and brought his “tall family” to meet governors Davis and Schwarzenegger for the ceremonies. He was featured on the show California Gold with Huell Howser, where he highlighted IFG supplying seeds to an Apollo astronaut to travel to space and back for scientific evaluation. Once returned to IFG, the seeds were propagated and became known as the “moon” trees. He loved his work, especially the camaraderie amongst IFG scientists and sta , tree climbing in the earlier years, nursery and plantation development and data recording, and travel within the United States and Mexico. It was never a job to him, except when things went digital. He was also known for his hat collection which wrapped several times around his o ce ceiling! After retirement, Roger established his Forest Services business and was contracted in 2016 to evaluate the health and site needs of several IFG research plantations in northern California and Oregon. He was grateful to see these amazing plantations once again after so many years. Roger is preceded in death by his parents Clara Laverne Stutts and John Jesse Stutts, Jr., and motherin-law, Happy Wallace. He is survived by his wife Lauri Stutts and his children Courtney Zuke, husband JT and stepdaughter Savannah; Sharon Durand, husband Mike and daughters Emma and Bailey; and Michael Stutts and daughter Amelia.

Heartfelt thanks to Oakmont of Folsom, Marshall Medical (Dr. Galang), and the UC Davis Medical Center Neurology Unit who cared for him in his final weeks. Private family graveside services will be held with a celebration of life for family and friends to follow.

Now, when you hear the wind playing through the pines, think of him...standing forever tall amongst the trees.

Free animal adoptions Saturday

Odin Rasco Sta writer

May my love rest in peace. Services were private.

Peter Herman Ludwig Messimore

July 17, 1961 – April 21, 2024

Peter Herman Ludwig Wilhelm Messimore passed away April 21, 2024, at the age of 62, in Rocky Point, Oregon. He was born July 17, 1961, in San Mateo, California, to Peter and Gloria (Menner) Dorbandt. He leaves behind sister Renee Pew. For a complete obituary, please visit ohairwards.com.

California Adopta-Pet Day is June 1, and El Dorado County Animal Services will joins more than 150 shelters participating statewide by o ering free adoptions at its shelters Saturday. Adoption fees will be paid for by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in partnership with

CalAnimals. All dogs and cats are spayed/ neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Animal services operates two shelters in the county: • 6435 Capitol Ave, Diamond Springs. (530) 621-5795 • 1120 Shakori Drive, South Lake Tahoe. (530) 573-7925

More information about California Adopta-Pet Day can be found at caaadoptapetday.org.

DON’T MISS

Larry Bassham

Feb. 26, 1936 – May 3, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Larry Bassham announce his passing on May 3, 2024, at the age of 88, in Folsom, California. Larry was known by family and friends as a family man, storyteller, advisor, thoughtful and always eager to help.

Larry was born on February 26, 1936, in Sacramento, CA to Sacramento natives Al and Nadine Bassham in Land Park. While attending McClatchy High School

Larry worked as a Soda Jerk at Vic’s Ice cream just down the street from the family home and graduated in 1954. Shortly after graduation, Larry was going to enlist in the Navy and with the recommendation from the president, he joined the Navy Reserves as aerospace engineers were needed. He attended the University of California, Berkley where he earned a Mechanical Engineering degree. While Larry was in school, he worked surveying Bridges for the State of California and was a member of the Theta XI Fraternity. In 1980, while working at Aerojet, Larry graduated from Golden Gate University with a master’s in business.

After graduating from U.C. Berkley, Larry joined Aerojet General Corp. in 1959. While working at Aerojet Larry met Donna, a secretary for his team in 1960, and they married in 1962. While Donna was pregnant with their Second Child, they purchased a home in Crown Village El Dorado Hills in 1965, the first family in that neighborhood. In 1985 Larry helped design and manage the building of their trilevel home overlooking Folsom Lake in Marina Village El Dorado Hills.

Graduation from Berkley made Larry a prime engineering resource at Aerojet. He was destined to work up through the ranks from Advanced Research and Engineering Design to Marketing. During Larry’s early career at Aerojet, he worked on many state-of-the-art rocket programs including the Saturn V and Apollo programs. In 1974, Aerojet was awarded the Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) storable propellant engine, and Larry was heavily involved in the design.

In 1984, President Reagan created the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) programs, aka ‘StarWars’ to develop a missile defense system to protect the U.S. from attack by ballistic strategic nuclear missiles. Larry was selected as a program manager to develop SDI program propulsion systems and was later promoted to Program Director of all SDI programs. He was recognized as an industry expert

Gloria Tong (Varozza)

April 11, 1949 - April 28, 2024

Gloria was the youngest of nine children born in the home of her parents Alice Marie (Moore) Varozza and William James Varozza in Latrobe California. Her love of ranching and animals never weakened as she showed her horse in 4-H through childhood and spent every free moment outside working and playing on the ranch. She loved fast cars and her pride and joy was her Roadrunner. She worked hard to complete Cosmetology School and opened her own hair salon in Shingle Springs. She married Arthur David Tong March 17, 1973, and continued to manage the salon until she chose to raise her children on the Tong Ranch in Clarksville, CA. With her sister Mary Lou as endless support and encouragement she worked hard to build the ranch and raise her daughters Shamarie and April. After her divorce Gloria moved to her property in Latrobe CA. She then turned a blank canvas into a warm and loving home and ranch. She started a herd of beef cattle and added longhorns to the mix later. She also raised registered Quarter Horses and miniature horses.

on many propulsion technologies. Larry was Aerojet’s most visible propulsion researcher and presented technical papers at many international symposia. He was well known in Space Defense offices in Huntsville, and the Washington Department of Defense Offices. Amongst the many unique defense systems that Larry lead was the ExoAtmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), High EndoAtmospheric Defense Interceptor (HEDI), and Gelled Propellants and throttleable solid rocket motor technologies. When the cold war with the Soviet Union ended in 1991, most of these programs were terminated. The EKV program was spared with the throttleable solid rocket motor technology and is currently known as the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI). Throughout his career at Aerojet, Larry was recognized for his creative talents and marketing skills. He mentored many engineers to successful leadership roles at Aerojet and was known for his calm, yet highly influential demeanor.

Throughout Larry’s long career and into retirement Larry had a love for travel and golf. Some of Larry’s favorite destinations include England, Scotland, Europe, China, Africa and Japan. His love for golf started at El Dorado Hills Golf Course in the ‘60s and continued to Cameron Park Country Club in the ‘80s till today. His passion brought him to Volunteering at the famous 17th hole in Tahoe overlooking the lake at the Celebrity Golf Tournament and the AT&T tournament in Monterey.

Larry would call El Dorado Hills home along with Tahoe and Yosemite as he would spend time in all 3 every year from the early ‘70s till today. While living in El Dorado Hills, Larry was devoted to the community and family, volunteering time with Boy Scouts during his sons’ childhood and later volunteering at Hills Church. Additionally, he volunteered at the Sacramento Jazz Festival and Breast Cancer walk.

Devoted husband and father of three, Larry is survived by his wife Donna, of 62 years and his two sons, Kevin and Sean. He is also survived by six wonderful grandchildren who call him “Papa”, Brittany, Brianna, Brandy, Debbie, Dean and Colton, plus two great grandchildren Amelia and Jameson. Larry is preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie, in 1980. Memorial service will be 10 am, June 1, 2024, at Millers Funeral home Folsom, CA. An “Open House”, celebration of life will be at the family home in El Dorado Hills. Any questions, stories or pictures can be sent to lbasshammemories@gmail. com.

in a swing watching her peacocks, bunnies, chickens, dogs and cats. Her greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughters Hannah and Ruby. She loved watching them grow up and learn to love the animals, riding and the ranching lifestyle that she loved so much. Gloria enjoyed being a member of the Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento Cattlewomen, Lifetime Member of the AQHA as well as other Horse Clubs and The Red Hat Society. She enjoyed her friends and was always there to lend a hand when anyone needed some help.

Joann D. Ricks

April 20, 1937 – May 15, 2024

Joann Ricks passed away peacefully at home in Diamond Springs, CA. Born in Bell, CA, her family moved to Oregon City, OR when she was seven where they operated a small farm.

She graduated from Oregon City high school in 1954, shortly thereafter she returned to California and attended college in Santa Monica.

After college she moved to Pollock Pines, CA where her parents had built a mobile home park. She took a job with local laborers union in 1958, which is where she met her husband Wayne Ricks.

In 1962 she took a job with the state, working at the EDD office in Placerville, where she retired from in 1997.

After retirement she devoted a lot

of her time to the Pollock Pines Community Center and the Pleasant Valley Grange. She loved playing bingo and became quite the Nascar fan.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Ruth Olson, her husband Wayne Ricks, her brother Jeff Olson, two sisters Judi Slater and Janet Jones and grandson Michael Bergstrom. She is survived by three daughters, Sue Bergstrom, Debbie Pebley and Teresa (Andre) Derieux, her brother John Olson, six grandchildren, Kevin Bergstrom, Ashley Johnson, Travis Pebley and Brandon, Daren and Tyler Derieux, nine great grandchildren, Nathan and Ian Bergstrom, Kyrie and Mia Johnson, Harper, Talen, Finn and Max Derieux and Lyla Mae Pebley.

A Celebration of life to be determined at a later date.

Gloria enjoyed riding horses, working on the ranch and gardening. No one could miss her teapot collection! She loved relaxing

Gloria was called home to be with the Lord April 28, 2024. Gloria is survived by her Daughters Shamarie Tong and April Kelley, Son-inLaw Zack Kelley, Granddaughters Hannah Rose Kelley and Ruby Jo Kelley, Sister Jacqueline (Varozza) Fox and brothers Robert Varozza and Wayne Varozza and nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to count. Friends are invited to attend services June 1st at 3:00 PM with a reception immediately following. Gloria loved salads at potlucks so if you plan to attend, please bring your favorite salad (potato, pasta, green, broccoli, Jello, etc). For additional information you may call 916-8060807. Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 739, Shingle Springs, CA 95682

SCCT jumpstarts Bradway weekend with first Placerville Speedway visit

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Friday night lights are coming to Placerville Speedway this week, as the Sprint Car Challenge Tour opens the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial with its first appearance of the season on the red clay.

The May 31 event marks round four of the Elk Grove Ford SCCT season and launches the prestigious Bradway weekend, with the NARC 410 Sprint Cars invading Placerville the following night. Live music will entertain the crowd from 4-6 p.m., with Coors Light Happy Hour occurring until 6 p.m.

The official jeweler of Placerville Speedway, Adrian Blanco, also returns in 2024. This Friday’s show will be designated as Adrian Blanco Jewelry Night, who will present the SCCT winner with a custom watch certificate. Both nights also showcase the Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association.

The “Bradway” originally began at Silver Dollar Speedway in 1992 to honor the late Dave Bradway Jr., who lost his life in a Sprint Car crash at Skagit Speedway’s Dirt Cup in 1987. Bradway was a driver destined for stardom in Sprint Car racing and the event held in his memory has become a cornerstone for Northern California.

“We are excited about this weekend’s Dave

Bradway Jr. Memorial at Placerville Speedway,” said track promoter Scott Russell. “If you’re a winged sprint car enthusiast in California this is the place to be. We feel that running SCCT on Friday night and NARC on Saturday will give us the best chance to have an outstanding track for the teams and fans.

Our entire staff is honored to host the Bradway for the fourth straight year.” Leading SCCT into Bradway opening night is one of the hottest drivers in California, Aromas’ Justin Sanders. The driver of the Dale Miller Septic No. 4SA has captured all three Sprint Car Challenge Tour events contested thus far, including last Saturday’s Hall Memorial. Sanders is always

a tough customer at Placerville Speedway but will face stiff challenges from what is expected to be a stout field of SCCT competitors. Last time out at the track it was Auburn’s Andy Forsberg who raced to his 70th career Sprint Car win at Placerville over young Braden Chiaramonte and Shane Hopkins, who is fresh off a career night with SCCT in Marysville. Additional drivers hoping to punch their ticket to victory lane include last season’s Friday night Bradway night winner Dominic Scelzi of Fresno and reigning Saturday champ Colby Copeland from Roseville, along with Fremont’s Shane Golobic, Oakley’s Dylan

Bloomfield, Lincoln’s Tanner Carrick, Hanford’s Michael Faccinto, Roseville’s Sean Becker, Clarksburg’s Justyn Cox, Clovis’ Dominic Gorden, Penngrove’s Chase Johnson, Modesto’s Tony Gomes and more.

Grandstand seating is reserved both nights this Friday and Saturday for the Bradway Memorial at Placerville Speedway on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Purchase tickets online at eventsprout.com/event/ psr-053124 or at the gate. The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 3 p.m. The pit meeting will be held at 4:45 p.m with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, qualifying and racing will follow.

NARC 410 Sprint Cars coming Saturday

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

The thunderous roar of the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series will once again fill the air at Placerville Speedway on Saturday, June 1, for the 33rd annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial race. This marks the only appearance of the season of the NARC sprint cars at the high-banked quarter-mile oval.

With five races in the books already for the series’ 65th anniversary season, there has been some incredible action, a tight points race and an incredibly tough contingent of drivers populating the pit area.

Among the “locals” who experienced a great finish in the 2023 Bradway race was Hanford driver Michael Faccinto, who drives the Friends and Family #X1 sprint car.

“Last year was their second 410 race ever, and to be able to put a good night together with NARC that night was pretty special,” explained Faccinto, referring to his second-place finish with car owners Alan Bradway and Steve “Tooch” Tuccelli. “Tooch and Alan put a lot into the race and it’s very important to them. Hopefully we can be one spot better this year.”

Gates open at 3 p.m. with cars on the track around 5:15. Hot laps and ARP qualifying will follow. For more information visit to placervillespeedway. com.

Photo by Tim Holland

Get ready for great racing this weekend in Placerville as the Sprint Car Challenge Tour opens the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial weekend.

Sting operation target pleads guilty

Odin Rasco Staff writer

A Concord man arrested by detectives in an El Dorado Hills sting operation June 2, 2023, pleaded guilty to multiple sex offenses in El Dorado County Superior Court last week.

Joshua Cain Mascitelli, 41, had unknowingly communicated online with El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crimes detectives, believing them to be a 13-year-old girl, according to an EDSO press release. Mascitelli arranged to meet the young girl in a public location in El Dorado Hills with the intention of having sex, officials state.

“The suspect brought condoms with him and had already booked a

hotel room for them to stay in,” states the 2023 EDSO press release.

During a preliminary hearing before Judge Vicki Ashworth May 24, Mascitelli pleaded guilty to charges, including felonies for meeting a minor for lewd purposes and attempting to commit a lewd act upon a child younger than 14. Because the hotel booked by Mascitelli was located outside the county, he was also guilty of attempted kidnapping for child molestation.

Mascitelli is set to return to court June 14 for sentencing; he faces up to six years in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender. After release, Mascitelli will be on parole for between four to 10 years.

COMICS

sometimes 18-day wait. If temperatures begin to wobble, crews may even be seen wrapping the structures in blankets, Kochar remarked.

The forms for the supports are constructed on the nearby trestles before they are lowered by crane and attached to existing sections already in place. Because of the steep approach to the supports on the south side of the project, crews have had to get creative in how they tackle the task of directing the concrete to where it needs to go. While concrete can be piped to the frames on the north side, crews have had to utilize oversize funnels and buckets of concrete hoisted by a crane to make progress on the southern support, Kochar explained.

When completed — a milestone expected to happen in about five months, Kochar estimated — the two 230-foot-plus-tall supports will be composed of four sturdy pillars connected to form hollow-center columns and will be ready to hold the deck of the bridge close to 300 feet above the South Fork American River that flows below.

When construction wraps up, the new Mosquito Bridge will span 1,180 feet between the tops of two ridges above the river. The bridge will include two 12-foot-wide lanes with 5-foot shoulders and a 54-inch-high barrier. The barriers will be timber textured while other parts of the bridge will have stone texturing, according to design documents published by the county.

Though Shimmick, the company contracted by El Dorado County to construct the bridge, officially began work in 2022, the process that preceded the first shovel in the ground started decades prior. The current Mosquito Bridge has been in operation since 1867, when it was known as the Swinging Bridge, according to a fact sheet released by the county. The bridge was reconstructed in 1939 on the original foundations, but has required extensive and frequent maintenance over the years. A structural integrity inspection of the bridge gave it a 12.5 out of 100 sufficiency rating — one of the lowest ranks out of every bridge in California. A study into replacing the historical bridge was drafted as far back as 1993, according to county documents.

As the state has grown increasingly aware of the threat posed by intense and fast-spreading wildfires, the rural community of Swansboro has gained notice as a community that would be at great risk from such a conflagration. With the current Mosquito Bridge often closed for weeks at a time for safety or maintenance reasons, the community often only has one road in or out of the area for residents and emergency services. One of the primary motivators for the replacement bridge is the opportunity to have a second, reliable evacuation path for residents and access for emergency responders. After the project is completed, the original Mosquito Bridge will be repurposed as pedestrian-only. The gates on the section of road made defunct by the new bridge will be open during rafting season for river access, according to Kochar.

MOSQUITO ROAD CLOSURE IN EFFECT

El Dorado County’s Department of Transportation is performing structures drainage, materials deliveries, road maintenance and bridge maintenance work on Mosquito Road from 0.6 miles north to 0.8 miles south of the Mosquito Road Bridge. The construction requires full closure of Mosquito Road through Sunday, Aug. 4, while school is out of session. A detour has been established via Rock Creek Road for which motorists should expect delays and allow extra time for travel.

The closure is necessary to ensure motorist and worker safety while the county’s contractor performs drainage system installations, structures concrete placements, materials deliveries and miscellaneous contract work for the project that is on or adjacent to Mosquito Road. The El Dorado County Department of Transportation road maintenance crew will be performing weekly inspections and temporary cold patch repairs on Mosquito Road throughout the summer closure and year. The county DOT Bridge crew will also be performing annual bridge maintenance work on the original Mosquito Bridge Monday, July 8, through Friday, July 26, while the roadway is closed.

All work by the county’s contractor and DOT crews will be left in a condition that will accommodate emergency access at the end of each shift and on weekends in the event of an emergency or evacuation. The exception will be any structural member replacement by the county DOT Bridge Crew will keep the old Mosquito Bridge closed until the bridge is structurally safe to allow access. The county will update Emergency Services in advance and daily if any work is needed that will prevent access. In the event of an evacuation, the project and bridge maintenance work will shut down to accommodate Emergency Services and public traffic.

For more information call DOT’s main line at (530) 621-5900 (select Option 3 for Engineering).

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You can make even the most disparate elements seem to coincide. You will find relationships between things, correlations that no one else sees. Even when things seem to be working at cross-purposes, you can braid them together.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People sense you like but don’t need them. that will work for you. Overall, it’s an attractive look. You hang back, wait and see, or bow out gracefully until an offer gets sweeter.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even twins can have drastically different worldviews. Agreement won’t be the point. Respect might be though, so you’ll offer it to people even when you don’t agree and create a sense of community where you go.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). For the open-minded like you, fresh situations tend to call up a naive state. Here your mind is like a clever child, making things up and quite capable of fibbing to you. Your body, however, won’t lie, so trust your intuition.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though it seems that someone with flawless taste and impeccable manners would be your ideal consort, since such a person doesn’t exist, a connection forged in vulnerability and shared mistakes will be infinitely more useful.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Nicknames are a signal of affection. It’s good luck to rename more than just people. For instance, by giving a nickname to a problem, you own it, love it, make light of it and ultimately are in a better position to solve it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Don’t worry, you’re not missing the point. The point is something that, when thrown, always sticks where it’s supposed to. You know all you need to know for now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Recognition and understanding are as vital as sustenance. You will retain someone in your company because you know how to make them feel appreciated. Tonight highlights your tasteful aesthetic.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will be praised for your talent and skill. As wonderful as this is, it’s

appreciate the obvious, the hidden, the sensory, the intellectual, the motion and its absence. In this state, however long it lasts, be it seconds or hours, all is well.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Maybe it’s impossible to present unbiased information.

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Mountain Democrat photos by Odin Rasco

A section of the next section of the support’s frame begins to be lifted into the air by a crane May 23. Construction crews make an effort to pre-construct as much of the frames as they can on the trellises overlooking the construction site before they are “flown” by crane to be attached to the frame sections that are already in place.

OPINION

California Commentary

Financial fraud at our state’s community colleges

The COVID19 pandemic exposed California’s fiscal mismanagement in countless ways, most spectacularly in the payment of more than $30 billion — some estimates put the total as high as $55 billion — in fraudulent unemployment benefits. But another category of fraud could quickly balloon to numbers nearly that high unless more is done to stop it.

We’re referring to the enrollment of vast numbers of “bots” in California’s community college classes and their apparent ease in obtaining financial aid even though they are fake students.

One of the co-authors of this column uncovered this startling development as a professor of criminal justice at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, part of the Los Angeles Community College District. In September 2021 the Los Angeles Times reported that fraudulent applications to community colleges had surged to at least 65,000 in just a few months. It may be much worse now.

In April CalMatters reported that an o cial in the state chancellor’s o ce told the publication that in January of this year, 25% of applicants to the state community college system were suspected to be fraudulent. The number of fake students applying “spiked like crazy” in the last year, according to an o cial of the Kern Community College District.

CalMatters made a Public Records Act request for specific data on fraudulent applications to the California Community College Chancellor’s O ce, which oversees 116 individual schools. But the data made available was too generalized to be useful. Instead, CalMatters received combined data for the entire system from September 2021 to January 2024. It showed that “the colleges received roughly

Clearing air around Biden’s democracy smokescreen

President Joe Biden makes no speech without mentioning the importance of democracy in our nation.

We would like to believe this comes from deep ideals about human liberty lodged within our president.

But more accurate is that Biden, a politician all his adult life, is defined by just that ‚ politics. No word, no act emanates from our president that does not emerge from some political calculation.

In the case of the ongoing reminders about the importance of democracy, the subliminal message Biden wishes to convey is to always remind people of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol and to brand Donald Trump as an anti-democratic autocrat.

But let’s go beyond this and examine Biden’s premise about democracy itself.

In Biden’s latest speech on Memorial Day, he said, “Our democracy is more than just a system of government. It is the very soul of America.”

Hanging on a wall in my o ces in Washington, D.C., is a picture of Booker T. Washington, with his quote

ADDRESSES

saying, “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good just because it is accepted by the majority.”

An important reminder from Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee University, is that there is good and evil in this world, and they are transmitted to us through the Bible and our faith.

Democracy can only be the means through which a nation accepts or does not accept these eternal truths.

But Democracy does not invent them.

We should recall, again, the words of President George Washington in his farewell speech in 1796: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.

... Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

In the 1850s, Sen. Stephen Douglas of Illinois proposed to use democracy to solve the problem of whether slavery would be permitted in new

states entering the union.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act provided that new states would determine by the vote whether it would be a slave state.

Abraham Lincoln rejected this proposition.

Per Lincoln, “Judge Douglas interrupted me to say that the principle of the Nebraska bill was very old, that it originated when God made man and placed good and evil before him, allowing him to choose for himself, being responsible for the choice he should make.

“The facts of this proposition are not true as stated,” said Lincoln. “God did not place good and evil before man, telling him to make his choice. On the contrary, he did tell him that there was one tree, of the fruit of which he should not eat, upon pain of certain death.”

What really interests Biden is growing government to advance his left-wing agenda, thereby diminishing individual freedom.

In 1950, shortly after World War II, federal government spending accounted for 14.1% of GDP.

Per the Congressional Budget O ce, in 2024 federal government spending

will consume 23.1% of GDP; in 2034, 24.1%; in 2044, 25.7%; and in 2054, 27.3%.

Social Security trustees now project bankruptcy of the system by 2033. Revenues will fall short by 21%. Why doesn’t Biden support letting every American choose to opt out and instead invest in their own private retirement account?

Why doesn’t Biden support the right of parents to send their child to whatever K-12 school they choose?

The only place where Biden wants more choice is to hide behind his religion and give women the right to destroy their unborn child until the final moments of her pregnancy.

The founders of our country conceived of a nation rooted in core truths, which, by limiting government, would enable individual liberty.

They would not recognize our politicized nation today under Joe Biden.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.

Richard B. Esposito Publisher

JON COUPAL

What really interests Biden is growing government to advance his left-wing agenda, thereby diminishing individual freedom.

Coupal

Continued from A6

900,000 fraudulent college applications and gave fraudsters more than $5 million in federal aid, as well as nearly $1.5 million in state and local aid.”

It is likely that the true dimensions of the fraud will significantly exceed those numbers because, as the CalMatters’ investigation found, compliance with the Community College system’s reporting requirements is uneven at best.

In September 2021 the CCCCO mandated monthly reporting on fraud tracking. But a year after the required start date, some colleges had not yet complied, while others regularly missed reporting deadlines.

Admittedly, this is a challenging problem to solve. Enrollment has been declining in the state’s community colleges and funding is tied to enrollment. That could give school administrators a financial incentive to look the other way and not investigate fraudulent enrollments too aggressively.

members to verify that students are real when they only appear as empty rectangles on a Zoom screen. For teachers, there is a downside to raising the issue of student bots. If they identify so many bots that their own classes are canceled, their paychecks are put at risk. In one district, this has happened on more than one occasion.

But in light of this problem, it shouldn’t be too much to ask for public agencies, including community colleges, to verify the identity of applicants before releasing financial aid or other benefits to them. California taxpayers can’t afford to support legions of fraudsters.

... it is difficult for faculty members to verify that students are real when they only appear as empty rectangles on a Zoom screen.

Another problem stems from the switch to remote learning, which has persisted past the pandemic. Even if it were the teachers’ responsibility to ensure that their students aren’t fake — a dubious proposition at best — it is difficult for faculty

The state legislature should order an audit of the California Community Colleges application system, including financial aid applications. The State Auditor’s office can obtain the necessary records and make recommendations to ensure that California students get the classes and the financial assistance to which they are entitled, and that fraudsters can’t.

Jon Coupal is the president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Kim Rich is a professor of Criminal Justice at Los Angeles Pierce College and consults on fraudulent student enrollment issues.

Announcements

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

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

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

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

LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE

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

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

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

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Cindy 805-540-8654. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. For more information, call (530) 622-1180. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and have a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30AM on May 20, July 15, September 16, November 18,2024 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

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

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

environmental documents and offering planning consultation services for the proposed Lime Rock Valley and Village of Marble Valley specific plans.

Supervisors unanimously voted to increase the contract amount by $64,445 related to the Lime Rock Valley project, bringing the total contract amount to $775,317, and also voted in favor of increasing the contract related to Marble Valley by $51,171, for a total of $838,713.

Funding for the work comes from the project applicants — Parker Development Company (Marble Valley) and G-3

Enterprises Inc. (Lime Rock). These residential projects have been in the works for more than a decade.

The Marble Valley Specific Plan is slated to provide approximately 3,236 dwelling units on 2,342-acres of land south of Highway 50 between El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park. Many housing units would be clustered around a 60-acre, mixed-use village center near the 10-acre lake at what would become Marble Valley Park. The village center proposes 475,000-square feet of commercial space for retail and professional services. The lake will be

used for water sporting including paddle boating and fishing, while another 10-acres near the lake would feature sports fields and an amphitheater.

Also included in the plans are 87 acres of public facility and recreational use, 1,281 acres of open space and 41 acres of agricultural use, including a vineyard. Preservation and restoration of an old lime kiln dating back to the 1800s and other mining relics is included in the plan, as is the development of Cowell Historic Park for public tours and student field trips. Two schools are also planned.

Approximately 466 acres of the land is designated for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian riding in addition to miles of walking and bicycle trails, which will connect users to other public areas.

Lastly, a multi-use and agri-tourism information facility will be used to promote the county’s wine and agricultural industries.

The Lime Rock Specific Plan is on property just north of Marble Valley in the Shingle Springs area. The proposal features 800 dwelling units, 15 acres of public facility and recreation use and 335 acres of open space

on approximately 740 acres. Both projects require extensive General Plan amendments. Additional

project details can be found at engageeldorado. us.engagementhq.com and parkerdevco.com/ proposed-plans.

50's Sock Hop

Shadowridge Ranch

Peace officers join community fiesta

Special to the Mountain Democrat

Lake Oaks Mobile Home Park residents paid tribute to local peace officers at a sold out clubhouse event on May 25. The Spanish Fiesta welcomed El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf and other officers. Leikauf told the crowd about several EDSO programs and future plans.

Among information shared is that El Dorado County is one of the safest counties in the United States with an A+ grade in California, indicating the rate of crime is much lower than the state average.

Garcia Dance Studio performers from Santa Barbara County showcased their talens at the event. Owner Laura Garcia, who oversees the training of more than 300 dances, was the emcee for the evening.

Food served on the Mexican Buffet was all made from scratch, including rice

Tiny

homes Continued

from A1

25 building code of regulations, which allows leniency on how dwelling units are built and what is included. Under the county’s Caldor Fire Urgency Ordinance, all planning check, inspection and other fees will be waived for construction of the units.

As previously reported, the building permits will be valid for three years. The dwelling units can be constructed using ownerproduced materials or milled lumber under proper official review.

For the specifics of the dwelling units, traditionally required room dimensions and electrical wiring are not required. There are also no specified requirements for heating and temperature maintenance. Per discussions with the Pioneer Fire Protection District and other stakeholders, it was determined that units 750 square feet or smaller would not require fire sprinklers.

Generators will also be

allowed as a sole power source during partial occupancy. While the ordinance is written to help Grizzly Flat residents recover their community, plans are in place to have the ordinance apply to Volcanoville and other Divide victims of the 2022 Mosquito Fire. The ordinance would also apply to rural, unincorporated areas of the county should another major wildfire occur.

Though county staff previously stated the ordinance would only apply to approximately 20 people, they are looking to expand the ordinance application area to other to areas within the Pioneer Fire Protection District.

Staff is also in the process of creating set dwelling unit construction plans so residents can pick and choose, making the process easier, according to county Planning and Building Director Karen Garner.

and three types of salsa made by Elvira Gaeta. Residents Doug Lofgren and Keith Krack prepared the taco bar and other residents supplied several types of homemade Mexican beans.

Courtesy photo

El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf poses with Garcia Dance Studio performers at the Lake Oaks Mobile Home Park Spanish Fiesta.

Now Registration is open for the Bist Sandigo Golf Tournament at the Cameron Park Country Club June 10. For more information and to register call (916) 798-4746 or visit purelyhope.org. Capital Stage in Sacramento presents “Cry It Out” through June 2. For tickets and more information call (916) 995-5464 or visit capstage.org.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Things with Wings, artwork with birds, bugs and butter ies, through June 20. In the adjacent Community Art Gallery, art from the El Dorado Hills Arts Association is on display through June 6. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael presents Animal House, the annual juried art show featuring animal-themed art in a variety of media, through June 8. For more information visit sac nearts.org.

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “She’s in His Line of Fire” or “The Biggest Shot in Coloma” through June 9. For tickets and more information visit oldecolomatheatre.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents: Joyce J. Scott: Messages through June 23; Denying Gravity – Woods Davy and the Assembly of Stones through Aug 11; and Penetrating Expressions –

■ See KNOW, page B4

The Stage at Burke Junction announces the imminent production of “The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?”

A life well lived will be destroyed by an unconscionable choice of lover. Join the cast and crew at The Stage and witness “The Goat” by Edward Albee, considered one of America’s foremost playwrights of his generation. This remarkable play for those who fearlessly love opens May 31.

Directed by Anthony D’Juan, the play begins in the home of an a uent loving family — Martin, the family patriarch is played by Kurt Johnson of B Street Theatre fame. Martin is a devoted, husband, father and best friend, and an internationally recognized architect. Lori Russo, plays Stevie, his devoted, witty wife. Peter Demarzio plays Billy, their sensitive and aware son. And, thanks to a special guest arrangement, Gabriel Montoya returns to Sacramento area audiences for the first time in 17 years, to play Martin’s best friend Ross.

“One of the most amazing theater experiences you will see this year, with an all-star cast,” said show producer Bill Glasser. “Kurt Johnson picking this play for his return to perform after five years of absence is truly an honor.”

The show, suitable for mature audiences, runs May 31 through June 30 with performances on Fridays (no show June 21), Saturdays and Sundays at The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane in Cameron Park. Tickets can be purchased online at stageatburke.com/goat.

Mountain Democrat photo by Eric Jaramishian Martin (Kurt Johnson) and Stevie (Lori Russo), above, have a seemingly happy marriage in “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” But not everything is as it seems. The show opens at The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park on May 31. At right, Ross (Gabriel Montoya) and Martin share some awkward laughs.

ForestSong art project raises wildfire awareness

Jordan Hyatt-Miller

Arts and Culture El Dorado program manager

ForestSong, a project from local artist Andie Thrams, has announced a full schedule of events, beginning with the RIPE AREA Arts & Nature Festival at Wakamatsu Farm, noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 2.

Created as a response to recent devastating wildfires in the region, ForestSong is a collaborative art project that investigates grief, beauty and interconnection, shares images and science, invokes the sacred while bearing witness to the e ects of natural disasters and invites action to preserve, protect and celebrate natural wonders.

The project is helmed by lead artist Thrams, whose work weaves together art and contemporary ecology to explore the natural world and humans’ relation to it.

Thrams will be joined at ForestSong events by visual artist Laurel Ferreira and poet Moira Magneson, who will share the ForestSong process with participants.

ForestSong events will also feature sound art generated from data related to California wildfires by Zack Dowell and Dustin Koupal of the Laika’s Last Wish performance collective. As part of the project, graphic artist Nate Reifke will develop informational materials for the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council to be displayed at ForestSong events.

“My ForestSong art project began during pandemic times, when catastrophic wildfires raged in forests and communities that I knew well and loved deeply. I invited the sadness and fear of those challenging times into my forest paintings,” explained Thrams. “The healing impact was almost immediate. The takeaway

for me is how empowering it can be to experience all our emotions, the dark and the light. I am such a believer in the healing power of making and sharing creative work outdoors, and I can’t wait to share that experience with the community.”

Activities at ForestSong events will include a collaborative painting process to create giant forest prayer flags, poetry readings and writing, appreciation of forest-inspired soundscapes and forest science information sharing, including actionable steps to prevent wildfires. The project will conclude with a final exhibition at Camp Lotus on Sunday, Sept. 29, of the art and poetry created at each event.

ForestSong is funded by the California Arts Council’s

California Creative Corps grant program, with support from the city of Sacramento’s O ce of Arts and Culture and Arts and Culture El Dorado. The California Creative Corps provides funding directly to arts organizations for work that creates awareness around one of several themes: public health; water and energy conservation and climate mitigation, emergency preparedness relief, and recovery; civic engagement; and social justice.

“As one of the many Capital Region Creative Corps grantees, the ForestSong project demonstrates the e ectiveness and power of the arts in bringing people together to share their stories and their hope for the future,”

Placerville Rotary Club hosts ’50s Sock

News release

et those bobby socks and patent leather shoes out for the Placerville Rotary Club’s upcoming ‘50s Sock Hop on June 8. This nostalgic event promises an evening filled with rock ‘n’ roll, poodle skirts and good old-fashioned fun, all while supporting essential causes within the community. The fundraiser aims to benefit several local initiatives, including scholarships for students at El Dorado High School and Union Mine High School, Trees for Troops and Child Advocates of El Dorado County.

Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere with classic hits from the 1950s, delicious food provided by Old Town Grill and exciting activities such as dancing, music and ra es. Guests are encouraged to don their best ‘50s attire, from leather jackets and poodle skirts to saddle shoes and bobby socks.

For more information about the Placerville Rotary Club’s ‘50s Sock

Hop fundraiser or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Nancy Dixon at (530) 355-2445. Enjoy a night of sock-hoppin’ fun and philanthropy as the community comes together to make a di erence one twist and shout at a time. The event runs 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Shadowridge Ranch in Placerville. Tickets for the fundraiser are available for purchase at eventbrite.com/e/ 902533741717?a =oddtdtcreator or placervillerotary.org.

About the club

The Placerville Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the most pressing humanitarian challenges. Through service projects, fundraising initiatives and community outreach e orts, the Placerville Rotary Club aims to make a di erence.

■ See FORESTSONG, page B5

Japanese prints exhibit showcases country’s transition

News release

AN FRANCISCO

S— Spanning two pivotal eras of social and political change in Japan, Japanese Prints in Transition traces the artistic development of 18th-century ukiyo-e (or “floating world pictures”) to the brightly colored woodblock prints of the imperial Meiji era, following the ouster of the shogun in 1868.

These new prints and their Western-inflected imagery reflected a program of rapid modernization and increased interactions with other nations.

Drawn entirely from the holdings of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts — one of the most significant museum collections of Japanese prints in the United States — the exhibition now on display brings together nearly 150 works, presenting the rich history and wide breadth of the medium.

“Japanese Prints in Transition offers visitors a singular opportunity to explore influential Japanese printmaking traditions, from iconic ukiyo-e to the less widely known prints of the late 19th-century Meiji era,” noted Thomas P. Campbell,

director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “We are proud to steward a significant collection of Japanese prints in our Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts and we are delighted to share these treasures with our audiences at the Legion of Honor in a presentation that will speak to a period of profound change in

Japan, during which shifts in printmaking practice closely reflected the country’s dramatic transition from isolationist policies to wider engagement with Europe and the West.”

The impact of Japanese aesthetics on Western art, from Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to Art Nouveau and the Viennese Secession,

“Chochin-Me,” from the series “McDonald’s Hamburgers Invading Japan,” 1982, Masami Teraoka (American, b. Japan 1936). Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, museum purchase, Martha and William Steen Fund and Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts Endowment Fund.

is well documented.

Japanese Prints in Transition instead explores the alternative perspective by presenting the ways Western influences affected artistic production in Japan.

From the thriving port of Yokohama, which saw a large concentration of foreigners by 1860, to the toppling of the shogunate in

1868 and the Meiji Restoration, the exhibition underscores corresponding shifts in the style, materials, and subject matter of Japanese printmaking traditions.

Fascination with European and American travelers frequenting the port city — which had been closed to the West for more than 250 years — was soon

reflected in woodblock prints, with artists turning to Western newspapers and magazines as inspiration for their depictions of the newcomers’ distinctive manners of dress, architecture and entertainment.

In its first decade, the Meiji government encouraged print

• Rabbit Costume Contest

THURSDAY

FMX Ramp-Age Freestyle Motorcross 6 pm in the Grandstands, special ticket required.

• El Dorado Rose Pageant

• Miss Teen El Dorado County Pageant

FRIDAY Truck & Smoker Tractor Pulls 6 pm in the Grandstands, special ticket required.

• Plein Air Painting

• Pee Wee Rodeo & Mutton Bustin’

SATURDAY

John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races Competition begins 5 pm in the Grandstands, free with fair admission.

• Impulse Dance Academy

• “Learn to Dance Cupcakes”

• The Outlaw Mariachi

SUNDAY

• Foothill Dance Studio

• Horse Drill Team

• Family-Look-Alike Contest

Photos of art by Randy Dodson / images courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

“Imperial Party Visits the Park at Asukayama,” 1888, Yoshu Chikanobu (Japanese, 1838-1912). Color woodcut triptych. Museum purchase, Achenbach Foundation for Graphic

Lolo back on stage with another great show

Leila Srouji

The Center for the Arts

GRASS VALLEY — The Center for the Arts presents Lolo’s Lounge featuring Avetta Newby-Jones in the Marisa Funk Theater on June 9. They’ll take on some of the most iconic women’s soul grooves through the ages in their tribute to the Queens of Soul and Funk. Newby-Jones and Lorraine “Lolo” Gervais will be backed by the Lolo’s Lounge All-Star players: Ray Sayre on guitar, Jon Kelly on piano, Tim Bulkley on drums, Chris Kelly, Matt Langley and Phil Kemper on horns, Charlie Faber on bass and Michelle Amador on backing vocals. This is sure to be a super funky, get-down night with tunes by Aretha, Chaka Kahn, Millie Jackson, Gladys Knight and more.

Newby-Jones is a native of Washington, D.C. As she likes to say, “D.C. born and bred.” She has a lengthy background in musical theater and has been singing professionally for more than 25 years. During her time with the funk group, Cherry Royale, she had the opportunity to open for some of the best soul and funk players in the game including Soulive, The New Mastersounds, Orgone and even “The Woo”

and Lorraine

himself, Mr. Bernie Worrell. While living in Nevada County, Newby-Jones’ projects included singing with the Grammy awardwinning Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and her personal project, the jazz-soul group, FlyTiger. She and her husband Richard (on drums), also performed with “fellow soul sista” Gervais in the original Velvet Foxes disco show, at their famous neighborhood patio jams to keep sane through COVID, and most recently on The Center’s stage in 2022 for

will team up once

Lolo’s Lounge Cabaret series. Now living in Tulsa, NewbyJones said she’s looking forward to coming back to the West Coast and performing with Gervais on The Center for the Arts stage once again. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 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.

Kifwebe Masks of the Songye and Luba People through Aug. 11. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.org.

Arts & Culture El Dorado presents A Picture’s Worth: NEA Big Read at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville. This exhibition of illustrator Gavin Sellers-Norman’s original work features illustrations inspired by community-sourced oral histories and original audio recordings by personal historian Mariah Padilla. The exhibit runs through June 30.

May 31

Vitalant will hold a Placerville Cinema blood drive, 12:30-3:30 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 plus a Vitalant donor T-shirt voucher which can be redeemed online. 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.

Boeger Winery in Placerville hosts Enchanted Evenings, featuring live music and great wine. Reservations not required. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Lineup: Keep on Trucking (May 31), Tritones (June 7), Jordan Lucero (June 14), Jax Hammer (June 21) and Val Star & The Blues Rocket (June 28).

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

Bumgarner Winery & Vineyards in Camino hosts live music with Tepid Club of Cool, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy great music, wood-fired pizza and wine. Call (530) 303-3418 for reservations.

Bryson Musiq and the Caribbean Soul will perform at 8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

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

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “The Goat

B1 n See KNOW, page B5

Photo by Kim Sayre

Avetta Newby-Jones

“Lolo” Gervais

again to pay tribute to the queens of soul. See them live in Grass Valley.

Know Continued from B4 or Who is Sylvia?” May 31 through June 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

June 1

The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 512 invites the public to its famous pancake breakfast, 8-11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, June through October, at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy airplanes on display, old cars, old friends and more. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies.

The Shingle Springs Community Center, 4440 South Shingle Road, hosts a community yard sale, 8-11 a.m.

Amani Spring Fest 24 at The Amani Center in Cameron Park features 30 craft vendors, bounce house and kids play zone as well as live music, face painting and cotton candy sales for the kiddos plus Wani’s Taco food booth. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2558 Greenwood Lane.

Holly’s Hill Vineyards in the Pleasant Valley area hosts live music, 1-4 p.m., with Jordan Wells (June 1), MANNA (June 15) and Retro Addicts (June 22). For more information visit hollyshill.com/events. Join artist David Yapp for a Plein Air Workshop at Blossom Ridge Farm in Camino. Enjoy the apple and peach orchard and a variety of farm buildings — all great painting subjects. For more information visit davidyapp.com/blossom-workshop.

Images of Hope El Dorado presents Luau in the Orchard, 4-7:30 p.m. at Rainbow Orchards in Camino. For more information visit imagesofhopeeldorado.org.

The Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association returns to the annual Carmichael Park Community Band Festival, Carmichael Park Amphitheater. With 19 bands and ensembles, this is one of the largest community band festivals in California for over 20 years. There will be music from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1 & 2, a different band every hour on the hour. Bring the entire family, a picnic, lawn chairs, a sun hat, and enjoy two lovely days of free music.

June 2

El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the El Dorado Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

The second Sierra Highlands Mountain Wine Summit featuring the El Dorado 8 — Boeger Winery, Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms, Element 79 Vineyards, Gwinllan Estate, Lava Cap Winery, Madroña Vineyards, Miraflores Vineyards & Winery and Starfield Vineyards — is Sunday, June 2 from 1-4 p.m. at Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms, 3205 North Canyon Road in Camino. For tickets go to eventbrite.com/e/ sierra-highlands-mountain-wine-summit-tickets-883704974367.

Shadow Ranch Vineyards in the Fair Play area hosts live music and wood-fires pizza on the patio, 1-4 p.m., featuring Grey Finch (June 2), Jesse Hendricks (June 9), Nagual (June 16) and Ken Koenig and the Spare Parts Band (June 23). Reservations highly recommended. Visit shadowranch.com/Events.

June 4

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive noon to 4 p.m. Bloodmobile will be parked near the movie theater on the north side. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher. 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.

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

Starbright Entertainment presents Randy Linder – a tribute to Credence Clearwater Revival at Harris Center for the Arts, 10

noted Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture Arts Program Coordinator Richard Falcon. “We at the city of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture are pleased to provide needed funding for this amazing project and the community events that will follow.”

Schedule of events

June 2: Noon to 3 p.m. at RIPE AREA Arts & Nature Festival, Wakamatsu Farm, 941 Cold Springs Road, Placerville.

June 9: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Taylor Creek Nature Center’s Lake of the Sky Amphitheater, Visitor Center Road, CA-89, South Lake Tahoe.

June 29: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grover Hot Springs State Park Picnic Area, 3415 Hot Springs Road, Markleeville.

Sept. 22: 1-5 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 6740 Fairplay Road, Somerset.

Sept. 29: 1-5 p.m. at Camp Lotus, 5461 Bassi Road, Lotus.

Updates and more information about the collaborative art project can be found at AndieThrams.com.

College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

June 5

Girl Scout Gold Award hopeful Naomi Lojo hosts a Musical Petting Zoo, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Oak Ridge High School band room in El Dorado Hills. Children in third through sixth grade are invited to learn about and play musical instruments. The event is free. Sign up at

forms.gle/n3WcSpzgwqXF7rXGA.

Snowline Health hosts Living Well with Dementia Challenging Symptoms: Home and Community Safety Issues, 1:30-3 p.m. This class explores insights into how cognitive and physical changes associated with dementia can increase vulnerability to accidents and injuries. Strategies are offered to manage symptoms, create a predictable routine and create modifications for the home environment. For more information call (530) 621-7820.

Email resume and writing samples to Noel Stack at nstack@mtdemocrat.net.

Photos courtesy of the Hangtown Kennel Club

Tahoe Star Tours takes guests on a stellar journey

News release

LAKE TAHOE — The famously dark skies over Lake Tahoe offer an unobstructed view of the night sky, and this summer Tahoe Star Tours is expanding its schedule to invite more people for docent-led explorations of the cosmos. Events will return to Cosmoarium locations at Northstar California Resort and the Spooner Lake Visitor Center on Thursdays and Saturdays, June through September.

Led by amateur astronomer and poet Tony Berendsen, past president of the Northern Nevada Science Coalition, each tour of the night sky includes a lively science-based talk about the cosmos and telescopic view of the constellations through high-powered, professional Celestron telescopes. The telescopes use leading edge computerized technology for accurate pointing and tracking, with advanced optics for sharp, crisp views of distant celestial objects like galaxies and nebulae. Telescope operator KC Rodrigue guides guests through the expanse of the cosmos with viewing of the planets, moon and stars.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the stargazing schedule in Lake Tahoe this summer and give even more people access to the majesty of the night sky,” said Berendsen. “The theme of this summer’s events will be focused on how we perceive the cosmos. We’ll look back at how the ancient Greeks measured the distance to the moon in the third century BCE, to how we have

measured the distance to galaxies and the beginning of our universe in the 21st century.”

Tahoe Star Tours events are $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 12 and younfer (age 3 and younger are free), and advance reservations are required. Tours begin at 8:30 p.m. and conclude at 10:30 p.m. Discounts are offered to active-duty military and seniors ages 65 and older. A

10% discount is also offered to Epic pass holders for stargazing events held at Northstar California Resort. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. In addition to stargazing through computerized Celestron telescopes, guests will have the option to participate in a binocular tour using a pair of Celestron binoculars. This element of the tour is available for an

additional $10 per person and is open to the first 10 people to reserve in advance.

The Aug. 24 event at Northstar California will feature a presentation from special guest and Celestron ambassador Pranvera Hyseni, founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo and Ph.D. student of earth and planetary sciences at Univeristy of California, Santa Cruz.

Tahoe Star Tours has also partnered with Edgewood Tahoe Resort and the Coachman Hotel in South Lake Tahoe to bring special stargazing events to their guests on select dates this summer. Details are available on each property’s website. Berendsen has produced astronomy events in the Lake Tahoe region for more than 20 years, offering a distinct blend of science and art and captivating the minds of curious participants. Advance reservations for all Tahoe Star Tours events are recommended and all tours are offered weather and conditions permitting.

Tahoe Star Tours also offers private group events by advance reservation. Learn more, view the complete schedule and reserve tickets at tahoestartours.com.

• E-mail your public notice to legals@mtdemocrat.net

• Be sure to include your name and phone number

COM, using the file number assigned to this case 119090-CA. Information about

the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).) This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 05/07/2024 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a)

OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS

Photo courtesy of Tahoe Star Tours

Summer events return to Cosmoarium locations at Northstar California Resort and Spooner Lake Visitor Center.

Prints

Continued from B3

publishers to promote images of the modernizing agenda of the state, one that strongly favored international trade and military strength. Printed with imported chemical aniline dyes, their red and purple hues were striking — bold, “modern” colors that seemed to match their subjects: Western industry, fashion, technology and government.

Japanese Prints in Transition pairs the vibrant woodblock prints of the Meiji era (1868–1912) with the delicately colored prints of the preceding Tokugawa era (1603–1867).

In the bustling Yoshiwara “pleasure quarter” of 18th-century Edo, now present-day Tokyo, the attractions of the floating world drove popular demand for depictions of its celebrities. Famed courtesans and kabuki actors populated prints of the day, as did well-known warriors, myths and legends in the later years of the period. In the 19th century, Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige would also introduce mesmerizing landscapes to the genre, often rendering sea and sky in the pigment Prussian blue, newly imported from the West.

For the first time in more than 10 years, Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” (ca. 1830-1832) — considered today to be the most iconic of all Japanese prints — is presented alongside eight other works from his series ThirtySix Views of Mount Fuji and many of Hiroshige’s equally masterful views of Edo. Japanese Prints in Transition offers a rare opportunity to experience these works in person, as the extreme light sensitivity of the medium precludes more frequent public display.

Prints by contemporary artist Masami Teraoka, whose work

grapples with the cultural impact of American fast food in Japan, serve as a contemporary postscript.

A separate gallery will present a selection of shunga prints, or “spring pictures,” a genre of erotic art that depicts a broad spectrum of sexual desire. Widely produced during the Edo period, these elaborate and imaginative prints featuring a myriad of sexual scenarios had broad appeal and were considered to bring joy, humor and sensual delight to everyday life.

“This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view some of the most significant Japanese prints in history, which testify to the enduring importance of the medium,” said Lauren Palmor, associate curator of American Art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

“Additionally, the introductory gallery will offer a window into printmaking processes, materials and techniques, revealing the meticulous craft behind the making of these images.”

This exhibition is presented exclusively at the Legion of Honor through Aug. 18, where the nearby Kanrin Maru Monument commemorates the arrival, in San Francisco on March 17, 1860, of the first Japanese naval ship ever to cross the Pacific. The show is accompanied by an exhibition catalog written by Karin Breuer and Rhiannon Paget and beautifully illustrated with more than 90 woodblock prints drawn from the museums’ permanent collection. Two companion exhibitions, Woodcut: Primary Printmaking and Zuan-cho: Kimono Design in Modern Japan (1868–1912) will run concurrently at the Legion of Honor in the Achenbach Gallery and Reva and David Logan Gallery.

Photo of art by Randy Dodson / courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

“Strolling” from the series “Thirty-Two Customs and Manners,” 1888, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (18391892). Color woodcut. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, museum purchase, Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts Endowment Fund and Gifts in memory of Michael Kent Sandren.