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PLACERVILLE • 85 Placerville Drive (530) 303-8962 • JACKSON 705 S. State Highway 49 • (209) 560-6676 C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 32 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
A joyous celebration
FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025
Preparations under way to host Japanese visitors News release
Mountain Democrat file photo by Shelly Thorene
Jenkinson Lake boaters have some new rules to follow as the El Dorado Irrigation District has implemented new requirements to prevent the spread of the golden mussel.
EID flexes its ‘mussels’ to stop invasion Jack Carrerow
Mountain Democrat correspondent Although its name sounds like it could be deemed the official state mollusk, the golden mussel is not worthy of the title. These small, shelled creatures can cause havoc on the El Dorado Irrigation District’s water system by clogging pipes and other equipment used to transport water throughout the county, according to Emily Bertrand and Brian Deason of EID Engineering/Operations. Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine are temporarily closed to all “Golden mussels pose a trailered or motorized serious risk to freshwater vessels ecosystems and the launching due to a mandatory infrastructure that inspection and support our community’s quarantine program. After water supply.” May 14, vessels — EID General Manager must have a red Jim Abercrombie quarantine seal or undergo a decontamination process. EID is following suit, instituting a new set of requirements for those wishing to bring their motorized boats and sailboats to the Sly Park Recreation Area/Jenkinson Lake. EID staff is available to conduct quarantine inspections and tagging at SPRA in Pollock Pines. During initial efforts, inspections and tagging will ■ See MUSSELS, page A8
E
l Dorado County is rolling out the welcome mat for a special delegation from Warabi, Japan in celebration of 50 years of friendship through the People to People International and Sister City programs. Eight esteemed visitors from Warabi will arrive on April 25 and enjoy an exciting week of exploration, cultural exchange, and celebration while staying in the homes of El Dorado County residents before their departure on May 3. Residents and visitors alike are invited to take part in this unique cultural experience, culminating in the lively Sayonara Party, when all are welcome to bid our friends a heartfelt farewell. The visit will be packed with activities that highlight the best of El Dorado County while honoring the enduring bonds between the two nations. Many locals participating in the exchange have also traveled to Warabi in prior years and many plan to visit Warabi this fall in this dual exchange year. Highlights of the exciting Warabi visitors’ experience will include: • April 26-27: Warabi guests will spend the weekend with their host families, engaging in specially planned activities that provide a warm, personal touch to their visit. • April 28: A Welcome Party at Wakamatsu
Courtesy photo
Visitors from Warabi, Japan pose with locals during their first visit to El Dorado County in 1975 as part of the People to People International and Sister City programs. A 50-year celebration of friendship starts next week with another visit. Farm, the historical site of the first Japanese colony in America, with a small but meaningful ceremony at the gravesite of Okeisan, the first Japanese woman and immigrant buried on American soil. • April 29: A possible visit with El Dorado County’s Board of Supervisors in the morning before heading off for a beautiful day exploring Lake Tahoe or Old Sacramento (depending on the weather).
• April 30: A spirited Scavenger Hunt through Placerville designed by local high school students. This day will feature stops along the beer trail, a visit to the gardens at the Folsom Lake College campus and shopping in downtown Placerville. The entire group will gather at a Main Street restaurant for a joyful midday meet-up. • May 1: A delightful wine tasting experience will showcase regional world-class wines.
Commemorating 50 years of cultural connection, the community is invited to participate in this special occasion. The Sayonara Party on May 2 is open to all who wish to celebrate and send off Warabi friends with warmth and goodwill. For more details about the El Dorado County and Warabi Sister Cities and People to People chapter or to RSVP for the party contact Janet at jsambucetti29@ gmail.com.
Fawning over National Deer Day
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
I
t’s National Deer Day and Sierra Wildlife Rescue’s Fawn Team is prepared. From early spring through late fall the Fawn Team answers calls to the fawn hotline, (530) 678FAWN (3296), where they assess situations ranging from injured or orphaned fawns to distressed fawns (and property owners) all over El Dorado County, and sometimes beyond, according to Fawn Program Photo by Lyndi Galves
The Fawn Team helped nearly 200 fawns in need last year and may help more this season.
■ See DEER, page A8
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