06.05.26_GoldMine

SPOTLIGHT

Air Quality Management District

Tall trees, spectacular views and fresh, clean air are part of what makes El Dorado County a truly beautiful place to live. It’s the job of of the county Air Quality Management District to keep that air fresh and clean for all of the county’s residents, be they feathered, furry or clad in denim and flannel.

Created in 1971, the El Dorado Air Pollution Control District functioned as a wing of the county’s Office of Emergency Services, regulating burning and stationary sources of air pollution. Eventually renamed the Air Quality Management District, county officials designated it as a standalone agency in 2010.

Today’s AQMD carries out the task of managing air pollution from local sources and implementing state and federal regulations. The staff works with permitted facilities to assure adherence to these regulations as well as residents, announcing (and enforcing) burn days.

“We are technically an enforcement agency,” air pollution control officer Rania Serieh said, “but our primary goal is to educate the public as we work toward a common goal of

breathing cleaner air.”

AQMD offers incentives for local residents to make the switch to electricity from gas, such as their Clean Lawn Equipment Incentive Program, which includes $100-$2,000 rebates to replace gas-powered equipment with battery-powered equivalents.

“The cost is often lower than the gas units, once you factor in the incentives we offer,” program manager Scott Wilson said.

Additional programs include the Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive, offering rebates up to $599 (or more for qualifying households) to replace aging wood-burning stoves with cleaner units, and the Drive Clean, Charge At Your Residence and Go Electric initiatives which offer similar rebate incentives for drivers looking to switch to electric vehicles and install charging stations in their homes. Alternatives to burning — such as the county’s Residential Chipping and Green Waste Disposal programs — are also available.

Visit eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Land-Use/Air-QualityManagement-District to learn more.

STARS AT SCHOOL

Pacific Crest Academy student internships

For 22 years, Pacific Crest Academy’s internship program has provided students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences, culminating each year with a celebratory luncheon recognizing the accomplishments of student interns and their community mentors.

This year’s annual Internship Celebration Luncheon honored the outstanding growth, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by students throughout their internship experiences. El Dorado Union High School District expressed gratitude for the many community partnerships that continue to create valuable opportunities for students across El Dorado County and surrounding communities.

“EDUHSD is grateful for the incredible community partnerships that help make these opportunities possible,” district leaders shared. “Congratulations to this year’s interns for representing EDUHSD so well, and to every mentor and organization who invested time and energy in students’ futures.”

The internship program, coordinated by Pacific Crest Academy Workplace Learning Coordinator Zohre Lowry and supported by Director of Educational Options and Innovation Amanda Petersen, Ed.D., connects students with hands-on career experiences across a wide variety of industries.

This year’s mentors and internship hosts included healthcare providers, government agencies, schools, engineering firms, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and skilled trades professionals. Participating organizations included the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, EDC Animal Services, Palm Design & Surfaces, El Dorado High School, Sutter Health, El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, EDCOE, U.S. Forest Service Placerville Nursery, Sutter’s Mill School, Hard 90 Baseball, Fine Arts Salon & Spa, VantagePoint Church, Union Mine High School, El Dorado County Placerville Library, Caked by Mandy, Sue Hall Homes – Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, Folsom Dermatology, Marshall Medical Center, Vintage Grace Church, Oak Ridge High School, EDUHSD Business Services, Gold Trail School, EDC Environmental Management Department, The Zen Den, Stretch Fab Works, Mark Thomas Engineering, Duramax Service Center, CFolsom Water Treatment Plant, Cedar Springs Ranch and R Squared Bakery & Cafe.

June 5

The Pollock Pines/Camino Community Center, 2675 Sanders Drive, Pollock Pines, will welcome the Wagon Train around 1 p.m. The celebration begins at 10 a.m. with baked goods, vendors, pony rides for the kids and fire engines. The grill will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festivities will continue with a chicken and rib dinner beginning at 4 p.m. and the sounds of Last Call from 4:30-8 p.m. For information call (530) 6478005.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host its Business Showcase and I Love Film Mixer from 4-8 p.m. and the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

June 6

Join Golden History Association for Golden History Days, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street Placerville to welcome the 77th annual Wagon Train arriving around 3 p.m. Festivities include honoring Gold Rush history, family activities and more.

Folsom Lake Symphony presents American Salute at 7 p.m.

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CELEBRATE SUMMER

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000* to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified wood or gas device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low-income residents or residents of designated low-income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment In centive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a cordless electric version. Now includes push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/weedeaters, chainsaws, and more!

The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

The new CHar ge At your Resid ence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.

The Driving Clean Assis t ance Pr ogr am (DCAP) offers lowerincome residents up to a $10,000 incentive towards the purchase of an eligible new or used clean air vehicle in addition to a $2,000 incentive to help cover the cost of charging. DCAP also provides financial advice and counseling and their select group of financial partners offer financing at a rate of 8% or less.

ROOSTER (A171962) A

lay down a picnic blanket and sip on a

Sweet Beverage

Feature Impact

Salty snacks and savory sandwiches may fill you up at your next springtime picnic, but no family trip to the park is complete without a sweet, refreshing drink to wash it all down. Stay cool and keep the fun going with a light sip that showcases the taste of the season.

This Picnic Cherry Limeade is easy to make from the comfort of home before being transported (in a non-spill container, of course) to the picnic table or blanket. Just don’t forget the cups and ice. Find more refreshing beverage ideas by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Cherry Limeade

Recipe adapted from “Southern Living”

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 10

1 jar (10 ounces) whole red maraschino cherries, chilled 6 limes, divided

1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled

1/2 cup tart cherry juice, chilled

Directions: Drain maraschino cherries, reserving syrup. Set whole cherries aside.

Juice four limes to yield 1/2 cup juice; thinly slice remaining limes. In large pitcher, stir cherry syrup, lime juice, soda and tart cherry juice. Add lime slices.

Transfer to container with tight-fitting lid for transport. Serve over ice and garnish with reserved whole cherries.

Say ‘yes, please’ to the Grilled Cheese of the Year Gooey goodness with a protein punch

Feature Impact

Agrilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter — but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting an upgrade.

It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic.

The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard powerhouse sauce and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.

Visit BordenCheese.com/grilledcheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

The Protein Powerhouse

1 tablespoon butter, softened

2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber

2 Borden Mild Cheddar Slices

1 slice Borden Mozzarella Melts

5 ounces sliced chicken breast (delishaved or thinly carved)

Powerhouse Sauce

2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions: Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.

Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side. Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.

To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.

The Classic

1 tablespoon butter, softened

2 slices white bread

2 slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts

2 slices Borden American Singles

Directions: Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.

Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.

Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.

Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.

Enjoy!

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy.

When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

To Do Continued from

Saturday, June 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

June 13

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host Thunder in the Park at Cameron Park Lake. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.

Calling all dancing queens: disco inferno fun comes to Downton Placerville during Girls Night Out, 3-8 p.m. Gather your girlfriends, slip into your disco dancing outfits and make your way to Main Street for an exciting event filled with a fashion show, live music, a best-dressed contest and a whole lot of fun activities in the participating shops.

June 18

The El Dorado County Fair runs June 18-21 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Find the whole schedule and reserve tickets at edcfair.org.

LOLA (A171837)

Smart, joyful and ready for adoption. Ready for her walk to a new home.

GSDx Black & tan 7mo.

PUDDY (A171964)

Stop by the shelter and see this M DSH Grey tabby & white 7yr. Then adopt.

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

KITTEN-O-RAMA

Get ready, get set, ADOPT. New models arriving soon to choose from. Check often. Act quickly. They go fast.

TAZ (A163328)

He is a tricolor Hound mix who is neither from Tasmania nor devilish. 16mo.

• Large selection of handmade artisan chocolates

• Our chocolates paired with wines from El Dorado & Amador Counties

• Gift boxes of all sizes for any occasion

(A171831)

It may still be spring, but anytime is a great time to adopt this M Great Pyrenees. white 1 yr.

(A171760)

This brown tabby DSH would love to park himself in a sunny window. Cute and a bit shy. 4 yr.

The right investment strategy could potentially lower next year’s tax bill. Talk to a financial advisor today to learn how.

Jason Friese, CEPA® Financial Advisor

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.