To Do Top activities in the region
Now
This Valentine’s Day, you can win big while supporting a meaningful cause by entering MORE’s Sweetheart Raffle. For $100 per ticket, you’ll be entered for a chance to win cash prizes and 100% of your purchase will benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets are limited to 400 and are available at: MORE, 399 Placerville Drive, Placerville. For more details call (530) 622-4848. The winner will be selected at 1 p.m. Feb. 14 live at morerehab. org.
Feb. 7
Imagination Theater at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Stuart Little, The Musical” by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Frank through March 2 in Placerville. Enjoy the story of an extraordinary mouse from an ordinary human family in New York City. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville. org.
Feb. 8
A free House of Worship Security symposium with law enforcement takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. For more information email Sgt. Steve Schofield at schofies@edso.org.
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a stoytime hour with JaNay Brown-Wood, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Her new book, “On Our Way! What a Day!” is a joyful tribute to music, creativity and grandmothers. For more information call (916) 941-9401.
Rescue Community Center hosts its annual crab feed fundraiser. Enjoy all-you-can-eat crab with the community in Rescue. Individual tickets are $75 and a table of 10 for
$675. For tickets and more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com.
The Sheriff’s Posse of El Dorado County invites you to an evening of laughs, food, cocktails, games and magical entertainment. The event features cop comedian Vinnie Montez. For tickets visit eventbrite.com/o/ el-dorado-county-sheriffs-posse-66624679843.
Feb. 11
World Ballet Company presents “The Great Gatsby Ballet,” Feb. 11 & 12 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Feb. 14
Atrium EDH Artists Gallery in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Hidden Kiss, an exhibit that rings Feb. 14 through March 16 with an opening reception on Valentine’s Day, 4-8 p.m., and a closing reception the exhibit’s final day, 1-4 p.m. Lin Fei Fei, a Sacramento-based artist, brings an evocative depth to the Hidden Kiss exhibit with her emotionally charged and visually striking works. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events.
“Annie” takes the stage at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom Feb. 14-16. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Feb 15
El Dorado County Bridal Expo will take place at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Multiple vendors will in attendance providing samples of their wares. For more information visit eldoradocountybridalexpo.com.
Dive into a night of delicious fun and community spirit at the American Legion’s annual Crab Feed. Proceeds support local veterans and community programs. Tickets are $75 per person and available in-person at the American Legion at 4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville, Monday through Fridays 9-11 a.m. or during Friday Happy Hours 5-8:30 p.m. Advance purchase is required.
Feb. 17
Martin Media presents An Evening with Amy Grant at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Feb. 21
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Fencing and Wildlife, a presentation by Kathleen Jermstad, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction will host Homegrown Comedy from 8-10 p.m. For more information visit stageatburke. com/homegrowncomedy.
SPOTLIGHT Business
Sierra Mountain Firearms
Morgan Lowder has been shooting since she was a child, hunting with her dad and later joining the 4-H shooting program. She grew up knowing how to safely handle a firearm and learning how important it is for women to have these skills.
As the owner of Sierra Mountain Firearms, the born-and-raised El Dorado County resident wants to share her and her team’s knowledge with the community. The Shingle Springs shop offers new and consigned firearms sales, ammunition, accessories plus a host of training opportunities for experienced marksmen to beginners.
Lowder took over the business a year ago, explaining that she loves working with the people in her community. From regulars to first-time visitors, Lowder and her team make sure everyone feels like a friend and gets accurate information and professional assistance. The Sierra Mountain Firearms team is happy to work with first-time buyers, ensuring they purchase
the right gun for their needs and personal comfort.
“I like the look on people’s faces when I get to tell them they own (the firearm),” Lowder shared.
Classes offered include an introduction to handguns, CCW courses, handgun basics and more.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Lowder said part of her mission is to get more women comfortable about owning a firearm as well as interested in shooting sports. “It’s fun and very empowering,” she said, adding that her personal favorite firearm is her Sig Sauer 2022.
When she’s not in the shop or on the range, Lowder might be seen in an evening gown and tiara. She was once a Miss El Dorado runner-up and currently serves as an assistant director with the Miss El Dorado County Scholarship Pageant. She also held titles as Miss Agriculture America – California and Miss Universal – Nevada.
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
STARS AT SCHOOL
Miller’s Hill Speech Contest
Latrobe School District
On Jan. 23, students at Miller’s Hill School, part of the Latrobe School District, showcased their talents at the 19th annual Miller’s Hill Speech Contest — an event that has become a highlight of the school’s academic year. The day was filled with powerful speeches, each tackling a unique topic. Fourth-graders imagined a day in the life of a superhero, while fifth-graders explored what makes a great leader. Sixthgraders unveiled their dream inventions and seventh- and eighth-graders debated humanity’s most impactful discoveries.
Judges for the event included El Dorado County Deputy Superintendent Wendy Frederickson, El Dorado Union High School District board member Janet Saitman and several El Dorado County district superintendents. As the judges tallied their scores, students and teachers gathered for a relaxing brunch in the library, allowing everyone to reflect on the day’s events. But the true value of the contest went beyond the competition. Participating students
honed essential skills like public speaking, critical thinking and creative storytelling. Through these speeches, students learned how to organize their thoughts clearly, engage an audience and develop confidence.
The event culminated in a school-wide assembly celebrating the top three students from each grade. Each winner then had the chance to deliver their speech to the entire school, leaving everyone inspired and proud of their peers’ accomplishments. Congratulations to the winners:
4th grade: Kinsley F.
5th grade: Evie B.
6th grade: Makenna A.
7th grade: Colton B.
8th grade: Sylvia Z.
Next up, winners will be preparing for the 45th annual Festival of Oral Interpretation at Pioneer Union School District in March.
Take a hike
Acorn Creek Trailhead
The Acorn Creek Trailhead at Salmon Falls Ranch in Pilot Hill is operated and maintained by American River Conservancy sta and volunteers. A large gravel parking area accommodates all intended user groups (hikers, bikers and equestrians.) One restroom is available at the trailhead, but there is no access to potable water. Trails depart to the east (toward Cronan Ranch) and toward the west through a large culvert under Salmon Falls Road, where several miles of trail and scenic vistas are now established.
Roll over cattle guards protect a small herd of cattle on the west side of Salmon Falls Road. Be sure to keep all gates closed and give cattle the right of way. Plan ahead when visiting the trail, there is limited cell service in the area. Visit the trailhead kiosk upon arrival for additional information regarding trail usage.
In 2011 and 2012, American River Conservancy purchased the 757-acre Salmon Falls Ranch in two phases from a willing seller using grant funds and private donations. In 2017, the trailhead parking and trail to the east connected to the South Fork American River Trail, through partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Trail work continued from 2020 to the present through partnership with local trail organizations.
KICK OFF A WINNING GAME DAY WITH GUAC
Touchdown-worthy apps to amp up the crowd
Family Features
The best watch parties have two things in common: good food and good company to root for your team with. Kick off your football feast with appetizers made with a game day favorite: avocados.
With nearly 2.5 billion pounds of avocados imported from Mexico annually, based on Hass Avocado Board Volume Data, the Big Game is the No. 1 occasion where avocados and guacamole are served and prepared. In fact, approximately 250 million pounds of avocados are imported in the weeks leading up to the Big Game, according to “Produce Blue Book” — that’s enough avocados to go down and back the length of a standard professional football field more than 400,000 times.
Just as the first quarter sets the tone for the game, apps are your first opportunity to build excitement and get your guests
cheering. Because it’s not game day without guac, start the party by mashing up a bowl of Championship Guac - a real craving crusher made with creamy, delicious Avocados From Mexico and crispy bacon - to sack hunger.
Take your viewing party to a whole new flavor level with Gronkamole. This all-star dip features shredded chicken, blue cheese, Buffalo sauce and the same flare that football great and Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski played the game with, so you know it’s ready to tackle every chip, cracker and veggie thrown its way.
These innovative spins on game day guacamole score big when made with fresh avocados, a nutrient-dense fruit everybody can cheer for. They taste good, are good for you and bring the good times on game day.
Find more touchdown-worthy eats, from dips and appetizers to main courses and desserts that are always good at BigGameGuac.com.
Gronkamole
Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski’s favorite guacamole recipe
Servings: 4
2 Avocados From Mexico
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Championship Guac
Servings: 10
3/4 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons Buff alo sauce
salt, to taste
corn chips, for serving (optional)
carrot sticks, for serving (optional)
5 Avocados From Mexico, peeled and pitted
1 lemon, juice only
1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 pound bacon, fried
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
crackers, for serving (optional)
Directions: In a small bowl, mash avocados and stir in lemon juice. Add chicken, blue cheese and Buff alo sauce to guacamole mixture. Add salt, to taste.
Serve with corn chips or carrot sticks, if desired.
Directions: To prepare avocado: In a bowl, use fork to mash the avocados and lemon juice until creamy. Then add the onion, tomatoes and cilantro.
To prepare bacon: Cut the bacon into squares then place it in a hot skillet over medium heat and cook 15 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a plate to drain excess fat and let cool.
To prepare guacamole: Add the bacon, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste, to the guacamole; mix well.
To serve, put guacamole in bowl and serve with tortilla chips or crackers, if desired.
Yippee ki yay! There is a handsome mud slinger in town; ready for adoption. M GSD mix 3yr. Black.
(A163291)
Precious Pawprints
Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!
To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs
We BUY and SELL firearms and ammo. Bring in your UNLOADED firearms and ammo (must be in factory boxing unopened) for a CA$H offer.
and AMMO Transfer Services for Firearms and Ammo If it's California compliant, you can use our FFL transfer services.
Firearms Training
Our Certified Instructors provide the best in firearm training and CCW qualifying. Click on our website to register..
Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
CLUES
1 to-do tabulations (5)
2 warm and sunny, perhaps (8)
3 brings to an impasse (10)
4 “went through the motions” (9)
5 they may be in one basket (4)
6 quick South African antelope (9)
7 home of Razorback football (8)
SOLUTIONS
©2018 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel
El Dorado County Grand Jury
looking for new members
News release
The annual opportunity for citizens to take part in the El Dorado County Grand Jury process is here.
The grand jury is an excellent vehicle for committed persons to keep the government accountable to all the county’s residents. Applicants must be United States citizens, at least 18 years of age, cannot currently hold an elected office and have resided in the county for at least one year at the time of the swearing-in date.
The swearing in will commence in June 2025. The judges of the El Dorado Superior Court shall review all applications and select names from those submitted to be put into the jury pool. This pool will also consist of currently seated grand jurors who have been chosen to be held over from the prior year. Nineteen jurors as well as alternates are then selected in a random drawing from this pool.
The random drawing will be held in June 2025. Jurors are expected to be present for the “draw.” Jurors serve for a period of one year, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. A mandatory twoday training session, provided by the California Grand Juror’s Association and the county of El Dorado, will take place on June 26 & 27.
The El Dorado County Grand Jury is an investigative body (established in the California State Constitution and Penal Code for
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The Ultimate Guide to Game Day Hosting
6 tips to host a game day gathering like a pro
FFEATURES
rom kickoff to the final whistle, game day is all about spending time with friends and family while rooting for your favorite team. When it’s your turn to host, you can bring all the fun of a tailgate party to the comfort of your couch with the proper plan for hosting.
Show Your Team Spirit
Make your guests feel excited from the moment they walk through the door – or as soon as they pull in the driveway – by decking out your space in team colors and memorabilia. Use football- or team-themed banners, flags, balloons, coasters and tablecloths to set the mood.
Wear your favorite jersey and create a stadium-like atmosphere with fun props like foam fingers or pom-poms for guests to use and cheer on their team.
Prep Ahead of Time to Score Big
Avoid a rush before kickoff by making a checklist of everything you’ll need. Ensure your TV and sound systems are working correctly and that you have access to the right channel or streaming platform.
Make a store run at least a day in advance to grab everything you’ll need for your watch party: dishes, snacks, drinks, tablecloths, trash bags and some household essentials like Finish Ultimate Dishwasher Detergent. Finish Ultimate tackles dish cleanup in the kitchen like a pro, so hosts can enjoy all the fun parts of game day without the worry.
If possible, pack your coolers the night before – just as you would for tailgating at the stadium – and prep and cook any dishes you can ahead of time, so you can enjoy the action with minimal interruptions.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Feed the Fans
Football fans are often foodies, too. A buffet-style food setup allows guests to help themselves to their favorite snacks and dishes throughout all four quarters. Review your game plan ahead of kickoff to make sure your game day menu offers a variety of finger foods, such as wings, sliders and nachos. Then, take your menu to the next level with unique eats like this new saucy, cheesy creation – the TRUFF Hot Honey Bacon Cheddar Dip with Pretzel Bites – to add a spicy twist.
To complete the roster of game day eats, include a veggie tray or charcuterie board and a variety of beverages, including water, soda and juice. To stay on theme, consider serving cake or brownies in the shape of a football for dessert or topping cupcakes with icing in the team’s colors.
Tackle Cleanup
All those delicious snacks your guests are enjoying are sure to make a mess. For hosts tackling cleanup during the game, don’t miss out on all the on-screen action–turn to the star player to make cleanup a breeze: Finish Ultimate Dishwasher Detergent. Finish Ultimate tackles tough game day messes, even without pre-rinsing, leaving hosts more time to cheer on their team and less time in the kitchen cleaning up.
Create the Perfect Viewing Environment
Ensure everyone has an unobstructed view by arranging your seating strategically. Use a combination of couches, chairs and floor cushions to accommodate your guests. Scatter small tables throughout the area within easy reach for guests to place their drinks and snacks while the action is live.
To ensure fans never miss a moment of the action, turn the TVs in other rooms to the game as well; just ensure the sound is down in case the main screen is ahead or behind of the secondary viewing options.
Consider Downtime Entertainment to Keep the Energy High
While the main event is watching the action, you can keep the excitement going during halftime and commercial breaks with fun activities like cornhole, football trivia, bingo, mascot matching or an old-fashioned game of catch. Also have some board games, card games
or video games on hand for those who might want to take a break from watching or children who aren’t as engaged in the on-screen action.
For the ultimate game day recipe and to find more ways to tackle dish cleanup in the kitchen on game day, visit finishdishwashing.com/truff-hot-honeybacon-cheddar-dip.
Hot Honey Bacon Cheddar Dip with Pretzel Bites
Recipe courtesy of Finish
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
5 slices bacon
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons TRUFF Original Hot Sauce
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup lager-style beer
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
24 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup fresh scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
24 ounces frozen pretzel bites, baked according to package instructions
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Evenly space bacon in 13-by-9-inch dishwasher-safe ceramic or glass baking dish.
Bake bacon 10 minutes.
Microwave honey 15-20 seconds. Add hot sauce and whisk to combine.
Remove bacon from oven and carefully pat dry with paper towels.
Brush bacon with hot honey and return to oven. Set aside any remaining hot honey for later use.
Bake bacon 10-15 minutes until brown and crisp. Set bacon aside to cool.
Chop bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
Pour bacon pan drippings into bowl and discard once cool.
In bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, beer and mustard to combine.
Add grated cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Spread mixture evenly in 13-by-9-inch dishwasher-safe ceramic or glass baking dish.
Bake 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes.
Sprinkle top of dip with chopped bacon and drizzle with remaining hot honey.
Serve dip alongside baked pretzel bites.
all counties) to benefit county residents by providing oversight relative to the proper and
operation of public
It is an arm of the superior court and a representative of the public but operates independently of direct court supervision. The grand jury is a watchdog of governmental action. It is not a branch of the county, nor does the grand jury answer to the district attorney. The grand jury’s goal is to ensure that county, special district, and city governments are being effectively run. The grand jury is not a jury for criminal trials. Typically, the grand jury looks at systems and processes. Although the jury has no enforcement authority, it does make recommendations through publication of a public final report, usually published in June each year. These reports usually receive effective press coverage. Each complaint the Jury accepts for investigation must be investigated thoroughly, seeking out and analyzing the facts prior to writing a report for publication.The grand jury cannot normally resolve or solve emergency situations. This
is a time- consuming process and usually takes many months to complete.
For a complete description of the grand jury’s duties, as well as past grand jury reports and report responses, visit edcgov. us/GrandJury.
Jurors are regularly called upon to confer with government officials and other citizens to gain information and insight concerning matters under investigation. While being a grand juror is not a full-time job however, it does require a substantial time commitment. This time commitment includes attendance at full jury and committee meetings, investigating and preparing written reports.
While each year the El Dorado County Grand Jury sets its own meeting schedule, jurors can typically expect to serve between eight and up to 30 hours per week, spread over two or three days. Investigative committee chairs and the Foreperson often serve more hours per week. Jurors can certainly take vacations during the session, but periods of absence exceeding two or
three weeks, especially during the second half of the 12-month session, should be held to a minimum.
This civic service is essentially volunteer, although jury meetings are compensated at the rate of $15 per day, and mileage is compensated at the existing IRS rate (currently $0.70/mile) for miles actually and necessarily traveled for purposes of grand jury sessions or committee work.
Qualified citizens who have an interest in this unique and rewarding community service are encouraged to download the application at edcgov.us/GrandJury or pick up an application from Court Administration, 2850 Fairlane Court, Suite 110, Placerville. The last date to apply this year is May 4. Submit applications online, in person or by mail to the El Dorado County Superior Court, 495 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667, Attn: Cindy Denton, Administrative Assistant.
If you have any questions regarding the application process contact Denton at (530) 621-6495 or cdenton@eldoradocourt.org.
