Mountain Democrat, Friday, August 1, 2025

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Officials ponder bridge’s historical significance, future

Andrew Vonderschmitt

Features editor

At the behest of Placerville resident

Mike Drobesh the city of Placerville is seeking options for historical designation for what is known as the 1906 bridge located o Main Street between Canal Street and Forni Road.

The 1906 bridge has been defunct since the Southern Pacific Railroad Company abandoned rail service to Placerville in the 1980s, according to Placerville resident and railroad chronicler Mark Acuna. Prior to that time the bridge provided crossing over Hangtown Creek for the railroad. It currently sits in a General Plan land use area within the Placerville Community Business District with no zoning designation. While other

parts of the SPRC right of way were purchased by Caltrans for the Highway 50 project, this parcel is owned by the city of Placerville.

Director of Development Services Carole Kendrick outlined the challenges and opportunities for historical designation for said bridge.

There are five possible routes to historical designation. The first three: California Historical Landmark, California Point of Historical Interest and California Register of Historical Resources all come with similar requirements such as confirmation of statewide or local significance, its role in historical events like the Gold Rush, a connection with rail or settlement history or a connection with notable figures. All three would require significant research and documentation to satisfy designation requirements.

“The main street 1906 bridge is unlikely

A COMMANDING PRESENCE

Placerville Police sergeant earns distinguished California State Guard title

Chris Woodard Sta writer

Brig. Gen. and Placerville Police Sgt. (ret. annuitant) Duane Tadlock was recently promoted to deputy commanding general of the California State Guard, becoming the first general o cer in the organization’s history to hold the rank without federal military service.

“It’s never been done,” Tadlock said.

“So I had to break some glass ceilings to do it.”

Tadlock has served in the California State Guard since 1984, rising through the ranks from enlisted to o cer before being promoted to brigadier general. He has completed 41 years of service and is the longest-serving member in the organization’s history, according to the California State Guard and PPD.

“I am the first Flag O cer Commanding or general that had no federal service. My entire

career has been state service,” Tadlock said.

Tadlock said to meet promotion requirements, he completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at National University, earning his master’s in homeland security and emergency management. This academic background served as a substitute for

certain federal military training programs that are not accessible without federal status, he explained.

“I had to convince the commands that those substitutions were acceptable,” Tadlock said.

“So that it wasn’t lesser than but equal to.”

Tadlock began his public service career

with the Sacramento Police Department as an explorer scout. He attended the police academy in 1986 and became a sworn o cer a year later. Over the years, he worked for several law enforcement agencies, including the Elk Grove Unified School District Police Department, the California Horse Racing Board and the California State Lottery, where he was eventually promoted to chief.

In addition to his fulltime law enforcement roles, Tadlock has worked with the California State Fair Police Department for 22 years and has served as a reserve sergeant with the Placerville Police Department for the last decade. According to the Placerville Police Department, Tadlock has 43 years in law enforcement and contributes to training, youth mentorship and faith-based community leadership. The department stated, “His

project. The board approved a 3.23% rate in 2020 to cover the second $12 million on the project, which was then up to $24 million.

“In 2020 El Dorado Disposal came back to the board for a cost overrun.

The original project was $12 million. In 2020 it went to $24 million and now the final was $38, which is why we’re back in front of you,” El Dorado Disposal District Manager Christopher Brown said.

The MRF rebuild rate impact will a ect curbside customers from 92 cents to $1.35 each billing cycle, depending on the size of trash can and where they live, according to information in a presentation by Christopher Brown and Dave Brown, EDD regional engineer, who worked closely on the MRF project. Exact rate increases are:

Area A – 35-gallon can at $1.07, 64-gallon can at $1.35; Area B – 35-gallon can at 92 cents; Area C – 35-gallon can at 92 cents. The minimum charge adjustment when dropping o trash at the facility on Throwita

Way in Placerville would be 61 cents, with the average charge adjustment at $1.20. Dave Brown said the MRF project started in 2014 as requested by the county, and was included as part of a franchise agreement. At the time, the existing MRF was inadequate and the county desired a new facility. He said it was also less expensive to build a new building than to try to make improvements to the old one.

EDD didn’t have a way of working on the existing MRF and still remain operational so a 36,000-square-foot building was approved.

The new MRF was requested to improve and make the process safer when customers were unloading with separate tipping areas for commercial and residential, a drive-thru load out for transfer trucks and use of

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
The 1906 Bridge is on city property but not maintained at present time. Some have expressed interest in reviving the structure.
Courtesy photos
California State Guard Deputy Commanding Gen. Duane Tadlock receives his insignia from Col. Jim Barry (ret.), a friend and mentor, left, and Tadlock’s wife Cassonda, right, at the promotion ceremony.
Duane Tadlock is a fixture in the PDD and community, often seen participating in events and supporting programs like Toys of Tots.

ESSENTIALS

Beverly Nairne Parry

March 12, 1935 – June 7, 2025

Beverly “Bev” Parry passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Surprise, Arizona, on June 7th at the age of 90. She was born in Los Angeles, California, to Kenneth Archibald and Katherine Alexander (nee Podhraski) Nairne.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother (Douglas D. Nairne), and stepdaughter (Melissa Check Gra ). Bev is survived by her soulmate of over 45 years, Thomas Check; daughters Wendy S. Hunter and Kim A. Zappala (Joe); stepdaughter Leslie Check Wells (Dave); grandsons Joshua D. Wilson (Britini), Shawn R. Bryson, and Zachary B. Hunter; and great-grandchildren Aiden J., Hunter B., and Kinley G. Wilson.

Bev graduated from Point Loma High School in 1953 and Stanford University (B.A. 1957) and (M.A. 1958) with degrees in physical education and teaching. She participated in many sports at Stanford, well before women were formally recognized as athletes. In 1995, Stanford finally acknowledged their former women athletes, and she was awarded the coveted ‘Block S’ for outstanding athletic participation and achievement.

She started her professional career as a physical education teacher at three high schools in California (Newport Harbor in Newport Beach, Hamilton in Los Angeles, and Westminster in Huntington Beach). One memory she shared was of a day when she had a class outside on the volleyball court, and an earthquake struck. The asphalt could be seen rolling in waves, causing quite a panic among her students. She resigned from teaching in 1962 to embrace motherhood.

During the 1970s, she lived on a 15-acre ranch on Tanglewood Drive in Placerville, California, with many animals (cows, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, horses, dogs, and cats), which required everyone to pitch in on chores. The back cow pasture was a dreaded assignment because Beulah lived there. Beulah was a black, white-faced cow who was just plain mean. She had us girls up a tree or stuck hiding in the well house on many occasions. My mother carried a long stick when she went out there and told us not to show fear, otherwise Beulah would chase us. One day, Beulah ignored the stick my mother carried and pinned her against a fence. A few months later, when we were eating dinner, my mother proclaimed that “Beulah burgers” were the best burgers she had ever tasted.

Also in the back pasture was Bigshot, a huge rooster, who presided over his harem of hens. Bigshot resembled the cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn, but that was where the resemblance ended. Foghorn Leghorn was a lot of bluster but harmless. Not Bigshot. One day, my mother came back from that pasture with shredded boots because he too didn’t respect the stick she carried and attacked her. A few weeks later, we had ‘Bigshot and dumplings’ for dinner. Although we all agreed that the meat was tough (and why wouldn’t it be), it was still the best chicken meal we ever had. We joked in later years to never get on the wrong side of our mother, otherwise we might end up on the dinner table.

She spent every December from the 1980s to 2022 at her condo at Surfside, Kihei, Maui. She loved her daily walks on the beach, snorkeling, golfing, celebrating sunset, and hosting their infamous ‘fizz’ Christmas Day party.

Bev reentered the workforce in 1978 as a real estate agent in Cameron Park, California, and became a broker. For a few years, she was part of the managing owner team of ABC Brokers before ending her career with ReMax Gold. She loved her work (“It’s not work if you love what you do”) and helping people find their dream homes. She had many repeat clients whom she helped buy their first home, then a larger home as their families grew, and finally, a downsized home when their children left them and they became empty nesters. Bev was frequently found on the coveted real estate list of Top Achievers within the county and nationally. Beverly retired after more than 31 years and moved to Surprise, Arizona. Because Arizona summers were a bit too hot, she bought a home in Graeagle, California, where she and Tom had rented a condo every summer for over 30 years. Golf and snow determined their schedule, arriving in Graeagle in May to play in the Mother’s Day golf tournament and departing in October with the first snowfall.

Her retirement was filled with traveling, golfing, hiking, kayaking, attending or hosting parties, and making new friends. She and Tom traveled the world and filled three passports that document where their adventures took them. They golfed and danced their way across multiple countries and continents, always sharing their adventures and experiences through postcards and picture albums.

Her last few years were spent in their new community of the Colonnade, also in Surprise, Arizona. She loved the activities, beautiful pool, walking trails, and enjoyed having three restaurants to choose from when she didn’t feel like cooking. She maintained her independence in her own home, which was so important to her, until her last day.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to us after her passing, and to the Colonnade and Sun Health at Home sta for ensuring her last years were lived with independence and incredible care. A private family memorial will be held at a future date.

Beverly’s family welcomes stories about how you knew her and your adventures with her, which can be sent via email to: rememberingbeverly@yahoo. com.

Terry Tenley

Feb. 7, 1951 – July 16. 2025

Terry Tenley, 74, passed away on July 16th at his residence. He was the husband of Nancy Tenley, and they shared 54 years together. For 42 years Terry and his family have called El Dorado County home. He was employed with the U.S. Forest Service for 37 years. He had a passion for woodworking and making wine with friends. He will also be remembered for his gift for gab. He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Tenley, his children: Nickie Johnny and Jason Tenley, his grandchildren: Alica Washington, Cameron Tenley, Cary Washington and Amanda Tenley, and sisters Virginia McKinney and Cynthia Vickory. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members. The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 13th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Cold Springs Golf and Country Club, 6500 Club House Drive, Placerville, California.

Robert W. (Bob)

Campbell

Dec. 11,1945 – June 23, 2025

Bob passed away June 23, 2025, after more than a decadelong journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Throughout his illness, Bob never lost his zest for life or his sense of humor. He brought joy and laughter to those around him, especially his family and the compassionate sta at Overland Court Memory Care with his playful spirit.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 38 years, Peg; his children, Jennifer Posey (Larry Schellang), Ryan Campbell (Ti any Harward), and stepson, Ron Coit (Elvia McDaniel); along with his grandchildren Emma Posey, Makenzie Campbell, and Sean Coit.

Bob was born in Rochester, Minnesota, on December 11, 1945, to Belva and Robert W. Campbell Sr., Bob was their only child. He graduated from Carleton College with a master’s degree in geology, where he was a member of the National Science Honor Society and served as president of the Geology Club. He pursued graduate studies at Stanford University on a full scholarship, earning his MS and nearly completing his PhD before answering the call to serve his country. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served with distinction as a Lieutenant from 1970 to 1975, stationed in Washington, D.C.

Following his military service, Bob embarked on a global career with an international development company, working in locations around the world. He embraced every opportunity to explore new cultures and landscapes, always with his camera in hand to capture the beauty he encountered.

Bob’s passions were as deep as they were diverse. A geologist and a photographer at heart, he spent countless hours on rock-hounding trips across California and Nevada. He was also a gourmet cook and an exceptional baker, known for mastering any subject that piqued his curiosity. One of his proudest personal achievements was designing his dream home—so well thought out that only minor adjustments were needed to meet building codes.

Bob was a remarkable man—intelligent, kind, curious, and endlessly creative. His legacy lives on in the memories he created the laughter he inspired, and the love he shared.

There will be a Memorial for Bob at the Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Rd., Placerville, CA 95667 on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local hospice organization in Bob’s memory.

CONTACT US

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T. Burt McNaughton (530) 344-5055 tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net EDITORIAL STAFF

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

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

Features Editor 530-344-5058 / andrewv@mtdemocrat.net

Shelly Thorene Staff writer 530-344-5063 / sthorene@mtdemocrat.net

Chris Woodard Staff writer chrisw@mtdemocrat.com GRAPHICS

Letty Bejarano-Carvajal Graphics Manager (530) 344-5049 / lettyb@mtdemocrat.net Click “Staff Directory” at the bottom of mtdemocrat.com for full staff directory

Christa Jones

March 28, 1950 – May 20, 2025

Christa Jones, 75, born in Gummersbach, Germany, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025 surrounded by her family. Christa is survived by her two children Julia and Eric as well as her sister Dorothee Crawford. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Jones in 1995. Christa embodied kindness and it poured out onto everyone she encountered. There was not a person she met where she did not leave a lasting impression. She was passionate about her career in marketing for the Mountain Democrat, and it showed as she set records for sales for continuous years. Her hobbies included supporting local animal rescues, dog breeding/showing, and painting Breyer horse models as she was a massive animal lover.

In her legacy, she leaves behind an unforgettable impact of resilience. She never gave up, never lost hope, and fought till the end. Christa is welcomed in heaven into the loving arms of Jesus and her loved ones who went before her.

A celebration of her vibrant life was held July 26 at 11 a.m. at New Life Church, 8101 Sunset Ave., Fair Oaks.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to New Life Community Church in Fair Oaks, her devoted church. The family wishes to thank everyone who has reached out, prayed, and supported them in this time of grief.

Patricia Erhard

Sept. 14, 1932 – May 29, 2025

Patricia (nee Cooper) Erhard, of Southbury, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 92 on May 29, 2025, at Regional Hospice in Danbury. She was born in Springfield, Colorado, in September of 1932, during the time of the Dust Bowl.

For their survival, her family moved to the family farm in Clearwater, Kansas, before later moving to Wichita, Kansas. She graduated from North High School in 1950 and married Dwight Erhard in 1952. They raised two daughters, Linda and Brenda, first in Wichita and then Upland, California. She was the school secretary at Cabrillo Elementary School in Upland for 23 years. After the death of her husband in 1993, she lived a number of years in Placerville, California, Eventually she moved to Southbury, Connecticut to live with her eldest daughter, Linda, and her family. Pat volunteered in every community where she resided as time and energy permitted. In Upland she held a number of PTA positions, ran a Girl Scout troop, and managed the performance details for Sing-Out West End. In Placerville she was a “Pink Lady” at Marshall Hospital and participated with the Knit and Crochet group at the Senior Center. When she moved to Southbury she was active at United Church of Christ volunteering with the craft group and other projects as needed. She also went on some great adventures with family to parts of the U.S., Europe and Asia.

She is survived by a sister, Marcella (Cooper) Shaver of Anaheim, her two daughters and their spouses, Robert Langley (Linda) and William DellaPenna (Brenda), four grandchildren, Emily Campbell (John), Caitlyn Langley, Colton Della Penna, and Christian Della Penna, and two greatgrandchildren, Ainsley and Jack Campbell. She will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and sense of adventure. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, at United Church of Christ, Southbury at 11:00 a.m. with a light lunch and ice cream (Pat loved ice cream) reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Regional Hospice of Danbury or a charity of your choice that brings light and goodness to the world.

FEEDING OUR NEIGHBORS

Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

Linda Mattson of Shingle Springs, left, waits to collect a food donation from volunteer Craig Styles, 76, of Placerville at the Families First Food Drive on Placerville Drive on Saturday, July 26. The two-hour food drive collected more than 1,500 pounds of food and was organized by Indivisible El Dorado, a nonprofit, civic-engagement organization affiliated with the El Dorado Progressives based in Placerville. Afterward, the non-perishables were taken to Federated Church where half will be distributed through the SHARE Program and the other half of the donations will go to La Promesa Familiar. The drive was also part of a larger national day of action in rural towns and major cities marked with gatherings to protest the recent cuts to social programs, including SNAP benefits, school lunches and Medicaid.

El Dorado Irrigation District board supports fuel break contract

The El Dorado Irrigation District unanimously approved awarding a contract to GE Forestry of Oregon not to exceed $309,670.30 for a wildfire mitigation project.

A powerpoint presentation given by EID Environmental Review Analyst Doug Venable on July 28 states the district received 11 bids on the project. According to the EID packet, the project’s objectives are to reduce hazardous fuels and establish a shaded fuel break extending up to 300 feet on each side of approximately three miles of a canal located on both district-owned land and portions of the Eldorado National Forest, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Treatments will begin directly west of the Caldor Fire burn scar and continue westward to district-owned property adjacent to a recently completed fuel break on Sierra Pacific Industries’ land. The project is designed to help protect more than 5,700 linear feet of wooden flumes, including Flumes 42/43, 45, 45A and 46. The project will treat 55 acres of

LAKE LEVELS

EID property and 70 acres of USFS property.

The project will be funded through the Hydro Operations budget, which has $500,000 allocated for project implementation in 2025. This budgeted amount will cover the cost of the contract with GE Forestry as well as the district’s cost share for registered professional foresters, environmental consultants, and district staff time necessary to support project implementation. The work is scheduled to begin in September and it has a CEQA exemption.

When asked if there were any comments, former EID Director George Osborne asked, “While this project will take care of the immediate need. Are there any funds allowed for maintenance?”

Director Paul Penn agreed with Osborne that maintaining the fire breaks is something that should be monitored about every three years. “I’m pretty certain that there’ll be extra money in the budget to handle that,” Penn said.

The next meeting of the El Dorado Irrigation District will be held Aug. 11 at 9 a.m.

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

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

EL DORADO COUNTY SHERIFF’S CRIME LOG

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

LAKE TAHOE — North shore-grown

Madio Wallner doesn’t own a car and she doesn’t drive. When it comes to her lifestyle and research, it’s about walking the walk — well, in her case, biking. That includes through an entire Tahoe winter. She relies on her bicycle, public transit and buses to get where she needs to go.

“I want to be that living proof to show people that even living in someplace like Lake Tahoe, where you get serious winters, does not necessitate having a car,” Wallner said.

It’s an important principle to her, emphasized by her environmentally focused graduate project under Adina Paytan at the University of California, Santa Cruz, investigating tire wear particles and microplastics in Lake Tahoe’s sediment.

Her research follows a rich history of microplastic studies in the Lake Tahoe region.

“So many people have come before and done really important things,” shared Wallner, who has both gleaned insight and inspiration from work that includes Veronica Nava and team’s study on microplastics in Tahoe’s surface waters as well as studies from the Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

It underscores her collaborative approach to research. “I want to learn from other people,” she expressed. “I want to invite and open the door for conversation so that we can all become experts together.”

In reviewing research, Wallner found an opportunity to expand knowledge on Lake Tahoe’s microplastic problem by uncovering data on pollutants in the lake’s sediment.

Similar to how the ocean is often referred to as the ultimate sink for microplastics, Wallner explains, Tahoe’s sediment can be thought of as this region’s ultimate sink.

Her current project will specifically quantify common microplastics in Tahoe sediment, but she has plans to study tire particles in the future as well. While tire particles are included within the broad umbrella of microplastics, they are often studied separately due to requiring a completely different quantification, analysis methods and equipment compared to common microplastics.

That doesn’t mean Wallner won’t be taking notes on tire particle evidence she runs across within this study. Those notes can potentially shape those future studies. “I’m really interested in, again, for all the personal reasons of not having a car, trying to show people that you can do whatever you want to do without having a car, and tying that back to limiting this pollution source that is often not thought about,” she explained.

From taking alternative modes of transportation to investigating pollution below Tahoe’s surface, Wallner’s dedication isn’t new. Growing up on the north shore of Lake Tahoe has left a mark on her, cultivating a passion for the lake, sustainability and the

LAKE TAHOE — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board unanimously approved the 25-year Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan last week.

Called Connections 2050, the fouryear update ensures that transportation policies and priority projects improve safety, protect the lake and reduce vehicle miles traveled in the Tahoe Basin. Backed by extensive public and partner agency input, the plan includes more than 90 projects focused on improving transit, trails, town centers and technology.

“Improving Tahoe’s transportation system supports our lake environment and communities,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Significant progress has been made upgrading Tahoe’s roads with water quality infrastructure and providing additional options like trails and transit. We must continue that progress while addressing growing safety concerns

and strengthening the resilience of the region.”

Key strategies of Connections 2050 include:

Increasing safety and reducing congestion in Tahoe’s most popular roadway corridors through corridor management plans that coordinate transit, parking management and reservation systems.

Supporting wildfire evacuation planning by ensuring roadways are safe and navigable and communication infrastructure is ready for more extreme weather and emergencies.

Integrating new technology including travel apps, communication systems, parking reservations and on-demand microtransit. Identifying sustainable funding to invest in transportation infrastructure and transit.

An example of corridor work kicked off earlier this month with the launch of the Emerald Bay pilot project. Public agencies and nonprofit partners are

Courtesy photo
Madio Wallner collects water samples from Lake Tahoe’s west shore.
Courtesy photo
Madio Wallner collects water samples from Lake Tahoe’s west shore.

Placerville Speedway opens big month with Carnett Clash

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Placerville Speedway is set to launch the month of August with one its special nights of the year for the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models and Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks. The annual “Carnett Clash” takes place this Saturday.

The Carnett Clash presented by Ford’s Only will hand out a stellar $500-to-start the Pure Stock main event. The Aug. 2 event will be show up points only, with local track divisions welcomed in.

The extra money is thanks to several gracious people who have lent their support including Ford’s Only, Shelton Racing, Galvan Construction, Heath’s Construction, Murphy’s Concrete, TKO Recycling, Nick Baldwin, Tan Central in El Dorado Hills and in memory of Sabrina Preszler.

The Ltd. Late Model winner will also go home with an extra $1,500 bonus at the show.

The 60th season of competition presented by Berco Redwood/ Hoosier Tires/Coors Light continues its summer run with an event showcasing all four of the track regulars.

Along with the Ltd. Late Models and Pure Stocks, the speedway also welcomes the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars and the Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks.

Bryan Carnett was a true fan of the stock car

divisions at Placerville Speedway while racing, owning and sponsoring both Pure Stocks and Late Models throughout the decade he spent at the track. Carnett had a knack for storytelling. He could carry on a conversation with anyone and oftentimes had people in tears laughing from his sense of humor. He was known for his generous, caring personality and was always willing to give of himself to help someone in need. On Oct. 18, 2015, after a short but aggressive battle with brain, bone and lung cancer, Carnett passed away at his home in Placerville surrounded by his family.

“Placerville Speedway has always been our home track, and I am thrilled that Scott Russell and Kami Arnold were willing to host the Carnett Clash once again,” said Forryst Carnett, son of Bryan.

“I am hoping we can build upon the success we’ve had and have another exciting night of racing, which is the best way to remember the competitive spirit of my dad.”

Oakley’s Nick Baldwin is in search of a seventh Pure Stock championship at Placerville Speedway and heads into the Carnett Clash sitting atop the standings. Baldwin is fresh off his fifth triumph of

the season at the most recent race and looks to add the Carnett to his fantastic campaign thus far.

The Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models continue to be anybody’s race up front. Yuba City’s Rod Oliver and Live Oak’s Matt Micheli stand just five points apart at the top of the charts. Oliver has two wins, while Micheli will be searching for number one on Saturday.

Rookie driver Noah Lapoint brings the Mountain Democrat Mini Truck point lead into the Carnett Clash. The Camino driver has put together a consistent year and is 13 points up on Luke Costa in the standings.

Auburn’s Andy Forsberg is in search of a record 11th Thompson’s Winged 360 title this year. The 76-time Winged Sprint Car winner at Placerville Speedway holds an 18-point lead in the standings over Chance

Grasty with three races left.

Tickets & details Grandstand seating during the Carnett Clash will be general admission on Saturday, Aug. 2, except for the reserved seats allocated to season ticket holders that are marked. Adult tickets cost $18, while seniors 62 and older, military and juniors 12-17 will be $16. Kids 6-11 cost $8 and those 5 and younger get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online via eventsprout. com/event/psr080225. The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 4 p.m. Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is offered until 6 p.m. in the grandstands featuring live music with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow. The Placerville Speedway is located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information visit placervillespeedway. com.

Photo by Tim Holland

OPINION

Breaking the public school monopoly on education is long overdue

The Trump administration has been pursuing, on two fronts, the critical objective of fixing America’s broken education system.

One, an executive order by President Donald Trump, issued shortly after he assumed office, is to dismantle the Department of Education. Outright closing of the department is only possible by an act of Congress. However, the president is moving to accomplish the same objective administratively by closing down offices and major staff elimination. The Supreme Court recently upheld the president’s authority to do this.

Letters to the Editor

Support open enrollment

EDITOR:

El Dorado Union High School District comprises four high schools: El Dorado, Union Mine, Ponderosa and Oak Ridge.

The Folsom-Cordova Unified School District shall consist of four high schools: Cordova, Folsom Lake, Vista del Lago and Folsom.

The second front is advancement of parental choice in education. Give parents the power and authority to educate their children as they choose and send their children to a school that reflects their values.

One need not look further than the so-called Nation’s Report Card, the biannual test results administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, to see the problem.

Of course, education is more than math and reading. It is a platform of 12 years in which values are transmitted to our youth.

Results from 2024 as follows: Grade four math, 39% at or above NAEP proficiency standards; grade eight math, 28% at or above proficiency; grade four reading, 31% at or above proficiency; grade eight reading, 30% at or above proficiency.

To those parents who think these are good results, I invite you to continue to allow public schools and teachers unions to control your child’s education. But recent Gallup polling shows most understand there is a problem with our public schools and major change is overdue. Only 29% say they have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in our public schools.

The beginning of important change was recently passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The new law contains a provision allowing taxpayers to direct funds to support school choice vouchers. The provision allows a dollar-for-dollar tax deduction up to $1,700 that can be sent to a qualifying scholarship granting organization that can distribute scholarships to qualifying applicants (households earning no more than 300% of their county’s median income) who have been accepted and registered in a private school. There is no

n See PARKER, page A7

The Not So Weekly Daley

The primary difference between the two districts is that parents in the Folsom-Cordova district have the option to choose which school they send their children to. Why can’t we go back to the way things used to be? Or, at the very least, let the children compete in the sport program of their choosing. Our school district officials need to stop making decisions that make their jobs easier and instead focus on what is best for our children.

Our county has no better marketing than when our schools succeed in sports and academics. Oak Ridge is competing with Folsom in football with one hand tied behind its back. And the wrestling community knows that Pondo is a powerhouse. It’s time to level the playing field against our Folsom neighbors and bring back open enrollment,

because our community deserves better.

A glimpse of our past

EDITOR:

Iwould like to take this moment to thank Doug Veerkamp and all the men who drove the restored logging trucks through “Hangtown” on July 4, horns tooting, flags waving along with hands. This is how we used to do it in “Hangtown” decades ago — before political correctness and all the other applied censorship of thought present today in this country. Living here was fun and everybody enjoyed each other and the holidays. People were proud of their country, their county and shared it with each other. Like the song says, “Those were the days, oh yes those were the days.” (Ann Hopkins, 1968) Sadly, though, they have ended. Again, thanks Doug for bringing it back even for a glimpse.

The Epstein Files — a saga of and for our generation

As mentioned a number of times in the past, I’m in regular contact with several very reliable sources in Washington, D.C. Over the last couple of weeks, Larry and Liz (confidential source names for obvious reasons) have kept me updated on the “hunt” for the Epstein Files. Larry thought he had a good lead Wednesday before last but ran into a brick wall of the “deep state” variety. Liz caught a break last weekend with one of her sometime-FBI snitches. That led to a FaceTime conversation with a veteran Justice official on administrative leave, allegedly, for “insufficient loyalty.” That long-time civil servant

intimated that the files do, in fact, exist and may be accessible by someone who “really knows what they’re doing ‘snoop-wise’ but could still take a while.”

The DOJ official told Liz he/she would definitely stay in touch and share anything of note. However, he/she confirmed “WJClinton” and “DJTrump” names do appear more than once in the Epstein collections. The official thus “unofficially” confirms they represent William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton (42) and Donald John Trump (45 & 47), respectively.

Britain’s Prince Andrew may or may not be in there somewhere, but he and the UK establishment vehemently deny any such tawdry suggestion and are otherwise mum

Britain’s Prince Andrew may or may not be in there somewhere, but he and the UK establishment vehemently deny any such tawdry suggestion …

on “such an indelicate” matter.

“Never complain, never explain” was a handy public relations strategy attributed to 19th Century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Although hinted at for decades, notable current and former heads of state including Fidel Castro, Kim Jong Un, Saddam Hussein and the Shah of Iran are notably absent, per the available evidence, said the official.

It should be noted that while Fidel Castro died in 2016 at the age of 90, he is described in one book as “an insatiable womanizer.” Therefore, it may not be out of the question that “El Comandante” could show up one way or another in an Epstein-related

context.

Attorney General Pamela Jo Bondi acknowledged that the huge files pile currently is or was on her desk to be reviewed. To date, the public doesn’t know for sure whether or not she has completed or even begun that review, according to published reports. And my sources remain in the dark on that score.

Although I have not read or heard of anything like an “Epstein list lottery,” surely it can’t be far off. In my mind, it could be played several different ways. For example, you could play “who’s on the list,” “who’s not on the list,” “who could or should

KEN STEERS Cameron Park
BRIAN DeBERRY Diamond Springs
CHRIS DALEY
STAR PARKER

limitation to the total funds that can be disbursed through the program and no expiration date for the credit, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Although Trump and congressional Republicans deserve major kudos for getting this passed, it still falls short of the mark.

One problem — it’s not enough. The version in the House bill had the credit up to $5,000 but this got whittled down to $1,700 in the bill that finally passed. Per Education Data Initiative, average tuition in private schools, combining both primary and secondary schools, is $13,302. So, it will take eight $1,700 contributions to reach this. Further, there are some 50 million students in elementary and secondary public schools. To get just 5% out, at an average private tuition of $13,302, means

Protesting deportation of non-citizens

EDITOR:

Instead of protesting (and/or rioting, looting and vandalizing), why don’t the protestors put their money where their mouths are and sponsor them. If they feel that strongly about them staying here, sponsor them and help them toward citizenship — where they can work and pay taxes.

Or maybe they don’t want them here that bad,

$33.3 billion. That’s 19.5 million individual $1,700 contributions. Can this happen? We’ll see. But, again, we’re just talking about 5%.

How about using the $82.5 billion discretionary budget of the Department of Education to fund scholarships?

Another major obstacle is the provision that requires states to opt in to the program. Many believe that blue state governors won’t do it. Sad, but possibly very true.

Of course, education is more than math and reading. It is a platform of 12 years in which values are transmitted to our youth. If you want to know the values being transmitted, log on to the websites of the two major teachers unions — the National Education Association and the American

because if they do commit a crime, it would reflect poorly onto them, the sponsor. But, if they truly are deserving of remaining in the U.S., they shouldn’t have a problem signing their names on the dotted line, claiming responsibility for their actions. They might also have to pay them standard wages (which I have no idea what they get paid, but I bet it isn’t what they deserve). Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Federation of Teachers — and the hard left agenda emerges loud and clear — DEI, LGBTQ, Trump being called a fascist, advocating liberation from the public schools being called an attack on democracy, etc.

With all the horror about what’s happening at our universities, K-12 is where it starts.

It’s time to break the public school monopoly and give parents control over educating their children.

Star Parker is the founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her book “What Is the CURE for America?” is available. She is also the author of “Necessary Noise: How Donald Trump Inflames the Culture War and Why This Is Good News for America.”

Clear message

EDITOR: M

ake no mistake — Mr. Trump’s deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles is a clear message to those who displease him.

Daley

Continued from A6

be on the list,” “who couldn’t or shouldn’t be on the list.” Any version of “20 questions” could work quite well too.

Imagine the “ice breaker” effect at the office Christmas party or a meet-your-neighbors block party that starts with introductions like, “I could be on that list, because …” conversely, “I could not be on that list, because …” The possibilities are both epic and endless.

Full disclosure: I’m sure I don’t know anyone on Epstein’s list or in the Epstein Files. I’m absolutely certain I am not. However, I did spend an entire morning with Shirley Temple in her bedroom, but that’s a tale for another time.

Chris Daley is a biweekly columnist for the Mountain Democrat.

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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

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CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.

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

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

9

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

for

and

(June

–10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal

Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses.The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2025 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.

Tadlock Continued from A1 unwavering dedication and leadership reflect the highest standards of public service.”

Throughout his military-related career, Tadlock has held several leadership positions in the California State Guard, including commander roles in the 115th Support Command and 49th Military Police Command. He has also served in personnel and operations leadership positions.

The CSG is a seamless. fully integrated state military operational force enhancing the civil support and federal readiness of the California

Rates Continued from A1

sides of the building on weekends. More tra c lanes were added and the scale was moved to a di erent area.

“There was an issue before with stacking,” Dave Brown said, adding that in some cases trucks were in line all the way out to Highway 49. Between 2014 and 2018 a couple of things changed, he continued, and there came a point where EDD o cials knew the project would go over its initial estimate of $12 million. In the franchise agreement, the fourth amendment approved in November 2018 added a provision for the contractor to request cost recovery.

Several changes from 2014-2024 resulted in higher project costs. This included the new MRF, removing lime-waste soils and remediation as required by the water board, which resulted in project delays, and a temporary household hazardous waste facility was added to provide services during construction along with a temporary scale house.

It took five phases of construction for the project. The first was the lime remediation in 2019. The second phase was building a 25,000-square-foot transfer station equipped with a misting and deodorizing system and a 3,856-squarefoot administration building. The third phase was building an 8,100-square-foot baler building “because we need to have a place for our co-mingled recyclables to go,” Dave Brown explained. Phase three also consisted of demolishing the old MRF and phase four was the southern half construction, which includes a 2,400-squarefoot recycle canopy and a 3,000-square-foot household hazardous waste facility. An additional 14,000-square-foot

Military Department and interagency partners, according to the agency’s website.

“In the military, I have people that want to work for me because I treat people right,” Tadlock said. “When I change commands, 10 to 12 people try to transfer into that command just to work with me.”

One of Tadlock’s prized moments in his career was being awarded the Selective Service System Meritorious Award for maintaining the Sacramento region’s draft board unit independently for two years. Due to factors out of his

expansion to the transfer station made it a total of 39,150 square feet and a 7,000-square-foot metal and co-mingled recycle canopy was built.

A 1,440-square-foot education center was also part of the project.

“We bring out folks, students, di erent programs, and we talk about the trash industry and give them a sense of what’s happening cradle to grave with what they throw away and how it gets recycled or how it is disposed,” Dave Brown said.

New fire code regulations in 2019 and new building code regulations in 2022 led to the expansion of the household hazardous waste building to include a fire room for storage of flammables and explosives.

Currently El Dorado Disposal is looking into adding axle scales, a cost the company pays for itself, according to Dave Brown.

“We’ve already kind of passed the point of anything for this transfer station that we’re sharing with, or trying to get a rate increase on,” he said.

The MRF has a vehicle capacity of 679 vehicles per day and a facility capacity of 750 tons per day, not including free recycling. Currently less than half that amount of vehicles visit each day, but Dave Brown said EDD planned for the future when designing the facility.

The transfer station has an average of 244 paying customers per day, paying an average of $43.90 each, he said.

Another problem, Dave Brown outlined, came after COVID, which created a steep increase in pricing.

“Pricing went through the roof. Our costs went up, but we still had a deadline,” he said. “These were incredible constraints to not just have availability and cost increases, but

then two years after COVID something also interesting happened. There were so many projects … you basically couldn’t find a contractor. They were playing catch-up on everyone else’s two-year-old projects.”

Other delays were caused when having to stay in operation during construction. In 2024, the team finally established regular tra c patterns.

“Before that time I think we were moving tra c around every three weeks because of construction,” Dave Brown said.

But, EDD met the October 2024 deadline.

Following the presentation, Environmental Management Director Je Warren further explained the timeframe and delays that led to the rate increases.

“The initial agreement was signed on Oct. 21, 2014, and that’s when the county and El Dorado Disposal entered into a solid waste collection agreement for the West Slope,” Warren said.

The agreement was “to build a modernized material recovery facility and transfer station,” he added. “The initial cost estimate was $8 million to $12 million to be completed by Oct. 31, 2017.” The deadline had been extended to October 2022 due to the lime cleanup and to October 2024 after COVID.

The sixth amendment, Section 11 A of the franchise agreement “clarified that the MRF transfer station rates would be adjusted using the county’s rate setting manual,” Warren explained. “Any rate increase for cost exceeding the original $12 million estimate could only be requested if it significantly exceeded that estimate.”

Since the final project cost was $38.7 million, more than three times

control, Tadlock maintained that unit for two years all by himself.

Tadlock emphasized the importance of service and listed five personal rules he follows: believe what you do is important, serve others and not yourself, do your best, dwell on the positive and enjoy life.

“My whole philosophy in life is serving others,” he said.

In Placerville, Tadlock said he has developed close relationships through his work with the community and the police department.

“I can’t walk around Placerville

the original maximum estimate, it qualified for cost recovery, he said.

Rate increases follow the calculations in the county rate manual.

Warren said in 2020 the board approved a 3.23% rate “to help compensate for the capital cost overrun of up to 61%.”

He said according to the rate manual, circumstances beyond a franchise’s control include “changes in laws and regulations, newly required county approved solid waste management programs or other events that could not be reasonably avoided.”

“We can comfortably say that it’s exceeded that definition and bring it back for your board’s consideration,” he concluded.

Supervisor Lori Parlin questioned the 2.74% increase. County Counsel David Livingston confirmed, according to the ordinance code, “unforeseen circumstances which have materially a ected the franchisee’s costs or revenues,” which were a requirement before rate hikes, had arisen.

An El Dorado County Taxpayers Association statement asked the board to deny the proposed rate increases, maintaining, “County rate payers should not be forced to pay for cost overruns of a privately owned facility.”

Further clarification was given by Christopher Brown to answer callers’ questions regarding what part of the project overrun the 2.74% increase is covering. It covers the final portion when the project rose from $24 million to $38.7 million, he said.

Parlin asked if the rates will go down in 10 years when it’s paid o . “Yeah, re-evaluate and reassess to see where we’re at, absolutely,” Christopher Brown said.

Parlin asked for an annual report for transparency “to see exactly where we’re at in paying it o .”

Additional clarification was given by Sue VanDelinder of El Dorado Disposal when

without being acknowledged and appreciated,” he said. “The citizens of Placerville are phenomenal.”

Tadlock said he plans to continue serving with the Placerville Police Department for as long as he is physically able. He also said he is prepared to take on the role of commanding general of the California State Guard in the future.

“When the commanding general decides that he’s called quits, the hope is that I would be promoted,” Tadlock said. “And that will be another historical promotion.”

Supervisor Brooke Laine asked if the company had paid the initial $12 million before the overruns. VanDelinder said yes, the first $12 million “was the El Dorado Disposal component that was not to be passed through in the rates.”

Veerkamp moved for approval, Supervisor Greg Ferrero seconded. Supervisors Veerkamp, Laine and Ferrero voted “yes.” Turnboo and Parlin voted “no.” Parlin wanted the minutes to reflect that she had misunderstood when the matter came before the board in 2022 and thought that the franchise would take care of the overrun.

Earlier in the meeting, the presentation had ended on a positive note.

Christopher Brown said they’ve had a long successful partnership with the county.

“We really are proud of our ability to be a community partner,” he shared. “We see ourselves as much more than just a service provider and that’s who we strive to be.”

Parlin thanked them for the presentations. She said she had wanted to hear it because “the world of trash and garbage and recycling has just changed so much even the last couple of years with legislation and requirements.”

She asked if recycling costs the company.

Christopher Brown said it does.

“If you look at household hazardous waste, that’s gone up exponentially for us,” he said. “We used to spend $15,000 a month. We’re close to $100,000 a month.”

The company can make some money on recyclables, but the processing can be costly and it has to be clean.

Parlin said some residents had said it was cheaper to go to Kiefer Landfill.

Christopher Brown explained the landfill takes all types of trash, including recyclables, and puts it all in a hole in the ground whereas at El Dorado Disposal, “You bring us in a truck bed, if 50% of it’s recycling,

we’re not charging you for the full truck bed; we’re charging you for the trash component of what’s in there.”

He said that is an incentive for people to separate their recyclables – including hazardous waste, electronic waste, batteries, mattresses. Rather than adding it to a landfill, it is processed and transported to a facility in Ukiah where it is further processed.

He said nearly 12,000 customers drop o hazardous waste each year, with 6,300 disposing of mattresses, more than 20,000 with electronic waste and a total of 48,000 dropping o free materials.

Veerkamp said he appreciated the barnstyle design of some of the buildings.

“We had discussions early on about trying to make it look a little bit Western, or a little bit to fit the motif of Diamond Springs, El Dorado,” Veerkamp said. As to the di culties presented by COVID, Veerkamp added, “I certainly understand those situations and I think you’ve done a great job … thank you for the community partnership that continues.”

Turnboo said he was the one who exposed the lime waste, noting it had made the original MRF unstable and made its way into Weber Creek.

“Thanks for being good stewards by cleaning that mess up,” he said.

In public comment, Florence Parks, CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Sierra, said many employees of El Dorado Disposal have participated as volunteers in the program and the company has provided resources and assets.

“Having community partners that invest back into our community is essential,” Parks said.

Dina Gentry, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ director of development, concurred.

“El Dorado Disposal has always been a constant,” she said. “We can always trust that they will be there. Especially in my role, learning about the significant impact that El Dorado Disposal and Waste Connections has on our nonprofit community. They’re just incredible to work with and you don’t hear that every day … giving back as much as they do.”

Laurel Brent-Bumb, CEO of the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, said “ditto.” She reminded everyone of the free recycling services she thought many people don’t realize. “One thing I didn’t hear mentioned is seniors get a discount,” she added.

Karen Jankowski also spoke in support. The longtime resident said most people take it for granted when their trash is picked up.

“Sorting out recyclables and keeping the pollutants out of our landfills is very important,” she said.

coordinating new microtransit service, installation of roadside parking barriers, and more parking enforcement in one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular transportation corridors. In the first six days of the pilot, 460 passengers accessed Emerald Bay via microtransit thanks to the leadership of elected officials and the funding support of local nonprofits.

Enforcement cases

The governing board also demonstrated its commitment for TRPA’s compliance initiatives by approving a $20,000 settlement for illegal tree removal at a property in Incline Village, Nev. The trees in question were not related to fire safety. TRPA works with all fire protection districts in the Tahoe Basin to ensure

Pollutants

Continued from A4

environment at a young age.

In high school, Wallner started an environmental club to reduce lunchtime waste, providing free lunch to any student that brought their own reusable bowl.

“I’ve constantly been clawing at these ideas of sustainability and how to reduce plastic waste, specifically,” she said. “It’s taken up a big space in my heart.”

Her undergrad senior thesis involved mapping the distribution of litter in the Tahoe Basin using the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s data. She went on to work for Clean Up the Lake as the data management coordinator.

Wallner recently wrapped up part one of her graduate project’s sampling campaign, which involved collecting sediment from the west shore. She is currently honing analysis methods in the lab before processing these samples.

Bridge Continued from A1

to qualify for this listing status,” said Kendrick of the California Historical Landmark option. “Its condition is fair to poor with significant accumulation of dirt and vegetation on the deck. The bridge is no longer in active use and is largely obscured from public view by trees and other vegetation. Public access is challenging due to its location and the bridge’s aesthetic does not appear to be unique or noteworthy, closely resembling numerous other small, single arch bridges throughout California. Furthermore, the bridge does not seem to be associated with any individual or group that significantly influenced California history.”

The National Register of Historical Places is another route the city could pursue. This federal designation comes with similar requirements as state level designations and involves a lengthy process, including State Historical Resources Commission and National Park Service reviews that can take months to navigate.

A fifth option not listed on Kendrick’s staff report is the City Designated Historic Resource inventory.

“The city’s website lists 10 sites as city designated historic resources through a City Council resolution,” Kendrick explained. “However, that process has not been codified.”

If the council wishes to pursue this option Kendrick recommended a city ordinance be prepared with criteria for designation to formalize the process.

“I thought that already existed,” Councilmember Ryan Carter noted. “Can you expand on that a bit?”

“We can’t find anything that’s codified,” said Kendrick, that she had done extensive research.

Mayor John Clerici was unclear how the list on the city’s website had originally been adopted.

“The municipal code does have an ordinance that addresses historical buildings,” answered City Attorney Mona Ebrahimi, clarifying that a bridge or other assets do not have a similar or separate designation process.

Councilmember Jackie Neau said there is a lot to consider regarding the bridge.

“Someone pointed out, we haven’t had anyone fall off (the bridge) because we haven’t highlighted it; we haven’t encouraged people to go there,” she noted, adding that a plan needed to be put in place to move forward.

Neau advocated for volunteers to do some of the work needed on the bridge considering staff workload.

“When I have a project in town that I’m excited about, I go round up those volunteers and then I go work with staff and I get it done,” she said. “I don’t come to the City Council and expect them to do it because we are going to run into this problem of staff time.”

Neau said the Planning Department has a list of projects in the works and asked if the bridge project should supersede any of them.

“I don’t know if this is the highest

tree removal for defensible space is expedited, according to TRPA. Policies allow property owners to remove hazardous trees with fire district approval and, in some cases, without a TRPA permit. TRPA approval is generally required in non-hazardous cases to maintain forest health, prevent soil erosion and protect scenic quality. For more information on tree removal visit trpa.gov/trees-and-defensiblespace.

The enforcement case adds to boardapproved settlements last month, including a $16,000 fine for illegal tree removal on public land in South Lake Tahoe and an $85,000 penalty for removing sensitive vegetation and disturbing the shore zone on a lakefront property in North Lake Tahoe. A list of approved violation settlements is available at trpa.gov/agency.

Known as recovery tests, the process involves creating and dying plastics of a known material type and amount, then spiking clean sediment with it and conducting analysis procedures. It then involves counting the number of particles at the end to see if the number lines up with the amount at the start.

Although in the early stages, Wallner has her sights on expanding the study to the entire lake. This will offer a lens into different trends between states, population centers, land and recreation uses. It’s not only high quality science that Wallner seeks to offer, but also data that can inform policy action.

“I hope that whatever comes out of this,” she shared, “it will add to the body of knowledge, and it will potentially inform the way people go about doing business in Tahoe and more broadly around the world.”

priority that we want to have staff doing right now,” she mulled. “And I think there’s a lot that the volunteers who want volunteers to do things can get done before then.”

“This is not a high priority,” Carter agreed. “But you know, the historic significance of this structure is unquestionable.”

Vice Mayor Nicole Gotberg had concerns regarding liability, including highlighting the bridge to the general public.

“I don’t really want to let them know about it until it’s a safe place to be,” she said. “That’s one of the primary concerns for me.”

She added that she had some concerns for staff time as well.

“We just froze our associate planner position,” she said. “We have a lot of projects that I think are economically important for the city and I don’t put this on the top of the list by any means.”

“If we’re putting all this money into it, what kind of return on investment was the city going to be getting?”

Councilmember David Yarbrough asked. “As much as I like the idea … we got to kind of be careful with doing that because then we’re just spending a bunch of money on things that we can’t afford.”

“I do think we should probably do something to arrest the vegetation growth on the bridge,” said Clerici. “My first thought was grab some people with strong backs and chainsaws and go do it.”

He rethought that idea when he saw the inherent danger of traversing the bridge.

“If you fell off this thing, you’d die, potentially,” he said. “I think we need to talk to our lawyer or the city to get up there and fix it in such a way that we are not endangering humanity by doing it.”

If the expectation is that city staff would clear the vegetation, Clerici added, it wouldn’t happen — again putting in a bid for volunteers to do the work.

“The city is not encouraging, asking anyone to do anything,” noted Ebrahimi. “Please don’t go on the bridge and perform anything. I just want to be clear about that, until we take inventory ourselves.”

“If there’s a group or someone out there that wants to do something here please put together a plan,” said City Manager Cleve Morris. “We can look at that. Obviously if there’s volunteers working, we would like to have them sign a release, etcetera. Do it in the right way.”

“Thank you very much for all of your input. It’s exciting; we have many old things in town and this happens to be one of them,” concluded Clerici. “So, we will continue on with this and see how it goes.”

The council closed the item without official action. To view the city’s current list of historically significant sites visit cityofplacerville.org/city-historicresources.

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There’s joy in sensing what others need and making preemptive moves to serve it up. It’s a rare and subtle gift, and it makes people trust you without really knowing why. They lean in closer. There’s strength in your way, and others want to walk beside you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). This is the effort stage; you’re intentionally choosing to direct your attention to the positive. Maybe you’re naming gratitudes, savoring a moment or shifting your thoughts away from irritation toward something that brings you joy. It takes awareness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You are about to remember something beautiful about yourself or your life that you hadn’t even realized you were missing. And it will land softly but meaningfully — like a secret gift from your own heart.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). To put effort into being liked, impressive, agreeable might help you fit in or succeed briefly. But over time, it drains you. Today you put less into managing perceptions and more into simply living life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re usually the team player, the adjuster, the easygoing one. But this day? It’s for you. Do what feels good, say yes to your whims and skip anything that smells like obligation. The best thing you can give is a fully alive version of you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re magnetic, moving between giver and receiver, desire and design. It’s a rhythm, a flirtation, a dance. You may not know what’s fair, but you know what’s fun — and there’s a deep beauty in trusting your sense of timing and delight.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The work you do leaves your competition scrambling. It’s about power moves, calculated chaos and an unmatched grind. You are shaking up the status quo with your raw ambition.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Frustration flares when things don’t go as pictured. Want to feel better fast? Shrink the expectation. Open the timeline. Let it unfold in its own weird, lovely way. You’ll still get there — and maybe pick up something extra on the way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s a long arc to this healing. You may not see the end yet, but you’re further along than you think. Keep going. This path grows you in ways no shortcut ever could and leads to your well-earned peace. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re a fixer, but you’re also a genius at prevention. Today is about keeping things smooth before the bumps arrive. A little tune-up here, a check-in there — and you buy yourself time, calm and more room to roam.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It is OK to resent. Indeed, there are times when resentment is not only appropriate;

by Holiday Mathis
SUDOKU

Reservation enhancements coming to California State Parks

just a few clicks away.”

California

SACRAMENTO —

Californians and visitors from all over the world can now access campground availability on Parks.ca.gov and book their perfect campsite in just a few clicks as part of customer-focused reservation upgrades recently announced by California State Parks. Previously, campground availability and reservations were only available on ReserveCalifornia.com, State Parks’ official reservation service, and were not accessible on the main State Parks website. While reservations will still be made through ReserveCalifornia, visitors to Parks.ca.gov will now experience improved integration and convenience to book their campsite while

accessing a trove of helpful information — including almost real-time campsite status and availability at other nearby campgrounds — to plan their state parks getaway.

“California’s state parks are home to some of the world’s best campgrounds, and we want to make it as easy as possible to find your perfect campsite,” said State Parks

Director Armando Quintero.

“Whether you prefer camping among the redwoods, steps away from the ocean or high up in the mountains, your next state parks adventure is

Reservation drawings

Along with improved web integration with ReserveCalifornia, State Parks also is expanding reservation drawings to three more popular state park campgrounds.

Following a successful pilot at Mount Tamalpais State Park, reservation drawings will now be offered for popular campgrounds at Malibu Creek State Park starting this month and Morro Bay State Park and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park later this summer.

Drawings are free to enter on ReserveCalifornia and give more visitors a chance to stay at some of the state’s most coveted campsites.

Since launching the first reservation drawing in 2023, there have been more than 100,000 entries for the Steep Ravine Cabins at Mount Tamalpais State Park. Visit the Reservation Drawing FAQs for more information on how this feature works.

She

Photo courtesy of Oscar Vasquez Photography
California State Parks is rolling out reservation upgrades to make it easier for visitors to find their perfect campsite.

PROSPECTING

Section B ■ mtdemocrat.com

IN THE KNOW

Aug. 1

The Rescue Community Center will host a Friday Night Out Barbecue from 5-9 p.m. with live music from Braydon Sha er. For tickets and more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com.

The Cameron Park Community Services District will host a Smash Bros. tournament for ages 13-17 at the Cameron Park CSD, 6-9 p.m. For more information visit cameronpark.org.

The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Old Dominion from 7-10 p.m. and the same time on Aug. 2. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.

See What Love Can Do, Jerry Garcia Band tribute will perform, 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Crystal Basin Cellars will host a tasting at Kit Carson Lodge on Silver Lake. , 4:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit crystalbasin. com.

Broadway At Music Circus presents “In the Heights” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento at 7:30 p.m. and continuing through Aug. 7. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Aug. 2

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 512, will host its Famous Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy breakfast, airplanes on display and old friends. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies.

The Shingle Springs Health and Wellness Center and Children’s Behavioral Health will host a Back to School Family Fun Fest and Open House from 10 a.m. to noon at 3106 Ponte Morino Drive in Cameron Park.

Join Apple Hill Growers for Summer Harvest Days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the same time on Sunday at participating ranches to celebrate summer with activities and o erings that feature berries, plums, peaches, vegetables, wine, hard cider, baked goods, jams, treats, wine and more. For more information visit applehill.com.

The Cameron Park Community Services District will host a Walk and Talk with General Manager Mo Johnson to talk about what’s happening at the lagoon. Meet at the gazebo at 10 a.m. For more information visit cameronpark.org.

Kids bring talents to Main Street

On Sunday, Aug. 10, 12

talented kids will perform at the Green Room Social Club on Main Street in Placerville. These talented musicians who range in age from 9 to 17 participated in the Kids Music Showcase competition at the Golden Road Gathering Music Festival in May.

This was the second successful kids showcase at the gathering, where kids throughout El Dorado County — and beyond — prepared a one song video submission to be included. Solos, duos and bands were encouraged to compete on any instruments and the top 12 performed at the festival.

“We are fortunate to have supportive, local community venues that support our youth and live music,” said local music teacher and member of Red Dirt Ruckus Lisa Bond. “The Green Room Social Club has been a pinnacle establishment, supporting the local community through the arts, live music, special events and private events. The opportunity for the kids to experience a professional stage with a state of the art sound system, lighting, live stream and audience will be amazing. Come on down to Main Street Placerville and support the kids.”

Performers include Jemma Holmes, Eden Brunet, Zia McCrory, Mylah and Talulah Medici, Zoey Baxter, Sophia and Zoe Ross, Naomi Lee, Bird Conrad, Mary Nicole Turner and Simone and

Lazarre Elias.

Next year’s Golden Road Gathering is in the works for May 15-17, and will begin announcing the lineup soon. The festival will include the third annual Kids Music Showcase.

“Performing builds confidence, discipline in preparation and joy in sharing your talent,” said Bond.

The show will take place Sunday, Aug. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Young artists invited to showcase their talents

Folsom Lake Symphony News release

The Folsom Lake Symphony announces its third annual Young Artist Competition, part of the symphony’s Emerging Artists Program. This competition provides local musicians, age 8 to 18 years old, an opportunity to showcase their talents in a competitive environment at the Harris Center.

Cash awards are given to the Division winners and to the Grand Prize winner. All winners will perform at the Young Artists Recital. The Grand Prize winner will also perform with the symphony at the Spring Family Concert.

Key dates

Sept. 1 — Application process opens

Sept. 30 — Application process closes Nov. 8 — Live competition

Jan. 11, 2026 — Young Artist Recital

Join Sierra Vista Winery

March 14, 2026 — Grand Prize winner performs at Spring Family Concert Visit folsomlakesymphony.com/yac to download the competition

and application.

Courtesy photo
A dozen talented youngsters who played the Kids Showcase at the Golden Road Gathering will grace the stage at the Green Room Social Club on Main Street in Placerville on Aug. 10.

SACRAMENTO — The greater Sacramento region is rich with museums and popular

destinations that offer plenty of must-see and must-do experiences to explore before summertime makes way for a busy fall season. The community is encouraged to show support for local

museums by making plans to visit favorite locations (or discovering new ones).

A sampling of mustsee and must-do experiences and special activations offered by local museums this

summer include the following:

• California Automobile Museum — Wild Horses: Sixty Years of the Mustang is a mustsee exhibit on display now that features the

comprehensive 60-year history of the Ford Mustang, from when it first hit the roads in 1965 to the current era of the beautiful and beloved automobile. Beat the heat and visit this limited time indoor exhibit before it’s gone. For more visit calautomuseum. org/wildhorsesexhibit.

Plus, enter for a chance to win a 2025 60th anniversary Mustang.

• California Museum — This summer, the California Museum presents two thought-provoking exhibitions exploring the power of art and activism. Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print (through Sept. 14) showcases four decades of vibrant, activist screenprints from San Francisco’s renowned Mission Gráfica print center. Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories (through Nov. 2) features the portraits and stories of former Black Panther Party members, offering a humanizing perspective on the movement’s enduring legacy. Together, these exhibitions highlight the voices and visual storytelling of communities fighting for justice. For more visit CaliforniaMuseum. org/plan-a-visit.

• California State Railroad Museum & Foundation — Always a summertime favorite experience, the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation offer the only train ride experience behind an authentic, historical locomotive in the Sacramento region.

As a highlight, the Granite Rock 10 steam locomotive will return to service on Aug. 9 and is expected to ride the rails of the Sacramento Southern Railroad pulling excursion trains on two weekends per month (note motive power can change without notice). Appealing to all ages, the experience offers guests the chance to enjoy train travel from an earlier era.

For more details and/ or to book a train ride visit californiarailroad. museum.

• Crocker Art Museum — The community is encouraged to experience three recently-opened exhibitions at the Crocker Art Museum this summer. Reform to Restoration: French Art from Louis XVI to Louis XVII from the Horovitz Collection brings 110 works from one of the world’s preeminent collections of French art, offering a stunning display of masterful paintings and drawings that highlight a period of sweeping artistic and social change. Cara and Diego Romero: Tales of Future Past brings together the photography and ceramics of the artist-couple whose work shares themes of Indigenous identity and contemporary life. Finally, Arts, Letters, and Power: Van Dyck and the Portrait Print presents 60 prints, drawn from the Crocker’s worldrenowned collection of works on paper, from Anthony Van Dyck’s famed iconography print series which showcase a panorama of

educated society in the 17th century. For more visit crockerart.org.

• Fairytale Town — Get ready for a sipsational evening as families and beer lovers take over Fairytale Town 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, for the epic Tales & Ales Brewfest fundraiser. Adults will be able to sip and savor their way through an incredible lineup of 20-plus vendors pouring craft brews, wine, cider, and kombucha, plus there’s a VIP option that will allow guests to get in an hour early along with access to a VIP lounge with catered food and exclusive pours — cheers to that! Plus, there will be root beer floats for the kids, mouthwatering eats from local food vendors, and live music that will keep the good vibes flowing all night long. Tickets and more details are available at fairytaletown.org.

• MOSAC — The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is a brilliant destination for explorers of all ages this summer. Guests can dive into interactive exhibits spanning space, nature, engineering and health, or catch a breathtaking show in the state-of-the-art planetarium. Special summer programming includes science demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and foster discovery. Whether the plan is to marvel at the wonders of physics or construct a new invention, MOSAC offers excitement and learning in equal measure. Make plans to visit and explore the full schedule of events at visitmosac.org.

• Museum of Medical History — Always free, the Museum of Medical History is open on Second Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September. Guests will journey through time and learn about medical treatment during California’s Gold Rush, the flu pandemic of 1918, Prohibition-era medicine, Polio and its groundbreaking vaccine, modern advances in cardiology, radiology, surgery and so much more. Reservations are not required, and physician docents will be onsite giving tours and interpretation of the hundreds of artifacts in the museum’s collection. For more visit museumofmedicalhistory.org.

• Sacramento Children’s Museum — Kindergarten Readiness is a new pop-up activity at Sacramento Children’s Museum that encompasses social, emotional and cognitive skills that prepare children for the transition to a school environment. Ranging from letter and number recognition, fine and gross motor skills, to social-emotional skills like following directions and taking turns. The museum looks forward to welcoming little ones on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. through Aug. 6 to prepare for a successful transition to kindergarten. For more visit sackids.org.

• Sacramento History Museum — Chronicling the fascinating history of the

in the

PUZZLE BY ADAM AARONSON AND MICHAEL GARBUS

California wildlife photo contest presents SoCal early winners

Barbara L. Steinberg

California Watchable Wildlife

With so many high scoring photos, the judges had to review 17 images to reach the final four winners. The discussion was heated and lasted for more than an hour. Three of the four winning images were taken by firsttime entrants. It is always very exciting to have new photographers. Three of the winning photographers are from Southern California and the fourth that used to live in Southern California now lives in Boise, Idaho.

“Owens Lake Coyote Pups” Photographer: Dana Hodgdon

These young coyotes rely on each other throughout their development. The wildlife of Owens Lake has flourished since the LADWP has maintained water ponds to lessen dust flurries. These coyote pups surprised me with a pose, as if to say, “Lean on me.” Sony A1, Sony FE 200–600 mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS , 600mm, f/6.3 1/640s ISO 400

To learn more about Hodgson visit facebook.com/dana. hodgdon

Beach

The Peregrine falcon, once on the brink of extinction, has rebounded thanks to conservationists, protection

and even

1600,

“Oceanside Harbor Snowy Egrets” Photographer: Kathy McGaffigan

How fun to find this snowy egret chick and its siblings. Even more fun to watch the parent fly in with a stick. The parent kept moving the stick to have the chick follow it and try to grab it. Canon R6, RF 100-500mm, 500mm, 1/1250 sec, f8, ISO 320. To learn more about McGaffigan visit instagram.com/KathyMcGaffigan.

“Long
Peregrine Falcon” Photographer: Frances Fujii
granted under the Endangered Species Act, and the banning of DDT. Peregrine falcons nest in cliffs, tall buildings
bridges. After consuming its prey, This adult female prepares to fly from her cliff side perch to her nest below. OM-1 Mark II, 150-400mm f/4.5 Pro lens, ISO
356mm (712mm full frame equivalent), f/4.5, 1/1250 sec. To learn more about Fujii visit facebook.com/frances.fujii.
“Salton Sea Burrowing Owl” Photographer: Lisa LaPointe

for live music with Jax Hammer from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit sierravistawinery.com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom will host West Coast Performing Arts Concerts presents ABBA Concert Experience at 3 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Shane Dwight will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

California Stage in Sacramento presents “Eleanor Rigby” through Aug. 24. For tickets and more information visit calstage. org.

Aug. 3

Join KFOK Community Radio and the American River Folk Society for the third annual Day on the Divide music festival, noon to 8 p.m. at Garden Valley Park. For more information visit kfok.org.

Aug. 5

American Made — Toby Keith tribute will perform at 4 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

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

National Night Out community events will take place 6-8 p.m. at Hangtown Village Square, 1220 Broadway, Placerville; Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave,

Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Hozier from 7:30-10 p.m. and the same time on Aug 8. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.

Aug. 8

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the HWY 50 Corridor Power Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. location TDB. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Join Apple Hill Growers for Apple Hill Job Fairs to meet its farms, discover job openings, apply and maybe even interview, all in one day. 2-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon at Grandpa’s Cellar, 2360 Cable Road, Camino.

El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host National Night Out at Community Park from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Ed Wilson will play at The Vine in El Dorado Hills from 6-8 p.m. Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents the Storytellers and Scripts production of “The Outsiders” at 7 p.m. continuing through Aug. 17. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Ben Folds and a piano at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter. net.

Now

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael presents Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons’ Go

with the Flow through Aug. 9. Museum opens at 11 a.m. daily, closed Mondays. For more information visit sacfinearts.org.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Jyotsna Bhamidipati visual storyteller through Aug. 14. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us/government/parksrecreation/facilities/gallery-at48-natoma.

Arts and Culture El Dorado presents High Side, Whitewater El Dorado through Aug. 17 at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville. For more information visit artsandcultureeldorado.org.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “The Best Little Tea House in the West” ... Or ... “When a Deed is Done!” through Aug. 24. *Note the show is rated R for sexual innuendo and language, age restrictions apply. For tickets and more information go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Young Frankenstein” continuing through Aug. 24. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents “Twelfth Night” through Aug. 23 and “Peter and the Starcatcher” through Aug. 24. For tickets and more information visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series presents live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (plus additional weekdays) evenings from 5:45-9:15 p.m. through Labor Day. For more information visit tinyurl.com/3h88rmpb.

Join Valhalla Tahoe for Yoga on the Lawn every Tuesday & Thursday at 8 a.m. through Aug. 28. Start your day with a breath of fresh Tahoe air and a grounding yoga practice surrounded by pines. All levels welcome — no ticket required, just bring your mat and a donation if you can. For more information visit valhallatahoe. com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento hosts Art Rx, docent led discussions for those with chronic pain and their friends, family and caregivers, second and fourth Saturdays at 11 a.m.; Meet Me at the

Museum. tours designed for visitors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, using art observation and conversation to foster engagement and social interaction, second Fridays at 11 a.m.; and Highly Descriptive Tours, 50-minute tours with detailed verbal descriptions and guided discussion for blind or low-vision individuals and their guests, fourth Fridays at 1 p.m. For more information visit crockerart.org.

The Master Gardener public office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon at 311 Fair Lane, Placerville. Have a gardening question or problem? Come in and chat, bring a cutting or insect in a baggie or a picture.

– Featuring the Campbell’s Sacramento Story is on display on multiple levels at the Sacramento History museum through Sept. 1. On the first floor, the history of the Campbell’s Sacramento Plant and its impact on the South Sacramento community is showcased with images, artifacts and more. Upstairs on the third floor, guests can learn more about Sacramento’s cannery industry that left behind a cultural legacy of union struggles, family traditions and the indelible scent of syrup and steam. Now through Labor Day, guests who bring a can of food to donate to the River City Food Bank will receive half-off admission (one can/discount per person). For details visit SacHistoryMuseum.org.

For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at Facebook.com/ SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and X @SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at SacMuseums.org.

log on, get news. mtdemocrat.com

CA 95667 Phone: 530-622-1441 Siri Nelson, President and CEO 6/20, 6/25, 6/27, 7/2, 7/4, 7/9, 7/11, 7/16, 7/18, 7/23, 7/25, 7/30, 8/1, 8/6, 8/8 14749

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2025-0647

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FEEL AT OM, located at 2108 N St Ste N, Sacramento, CA 95816 Registrant’s Name & Mailing Address: TLC Roots LLC, 2108 N St Ste N, Sacramento, CA 95816 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company, State of LLC: CA The registrant commenced to transact business

Signature of Registrant: /s/ Taylor Carlson TAYLOR CARLSON, PARTNER I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that 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 07/07/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION

NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE 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 BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1 14840

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

Not Applicable Signature of Registrant: /s/ Caitlyn Miller CAITLYN MILLER I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that 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 07/07/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE 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

Still a bar band at heart

LINCOLN — Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge will play Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln on Aug. 8.

Over a four-decade career that began in clubs around their native Atlanta, Ga., the Indigo Girls, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, have recorded 16 studio albums (seven gold, four platinum and one double platinum), sold over 15 million records and built a dedicated, enduring following. The past few years have seen the Indigo Girls’ hit “Closer To Fine” used in the hit film “Barbie” and the release of their own acclaimed documentary feature, “Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All.” 2025 is another busy year, with the duo featured on the recent two-hour, prime time television special, “Austin City Limits Turns 50” on PBS, part of a stellar line-up that included Chris Stapleton, Leon Bridges, Billy Strings and more. The

Girls will return to the road this summer with select June dates as a trio with Katie Pruitt supporting. The Indigo Girls will tour as a seven-piece band for their extended fall “Yes We Are” co-headline tour reuniting them with Melissa Etheridge. The two will join forces starting this summer to hit over 30 stops across North America, which kicked off on July 25 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Col.

“We joke about being old, but what is old when it comes to music? We’re still a bar band at heart,” said Saliers. “While our lyrics and writing approach may change, our passion for music feels the same as it did when we were 25 years old. As time has gone on, our audience has become more expansive and diverse, giving me a sense of joy.

The show will take place at Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln on Aug. 8. At 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thundervalleyresort. com.

Blues man to rock Sutter Creek

SUTTER CREEK — Swaggering, critically acclaimed blues maverick Shane Dwight will play at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Loaded with his six string gun, Dwight fires away his own mix of blues-rock, country and soul to create a swagger sound. He astounds other players with his prowess and his confidence oozes out showing the crowd he’s boss.

Two things are clear, good press follows Dwight wherever he goes and his fans are loyal, loving and relentlessly supportive. He has performed more than 3,500 shows over the years, headlining at some of music’s most significant events; Ottawa Blues Festival in Canada, Beale Street Festival in Memphis, Grolsch Blues Festival in Germany, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Portland Waterfront in Oregon, Reno Blues Festival and Springing The Blues in Florida, sharing the stage with household names such as Blake Shelton, Joe Bonamassa, The Doobie Brothers,

Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, Collective Soul and the great B.B. King. Dwight has played the intimate listening rooms like Bluebird Café in Nashville, to large capacity venues like House of Blues in San Diego and Chicago and B.B. Kings in New York, Orlando and Los Angeles; casinos from Las Vegas to Florida; and even a stint at Disneyland for five years. He brings a four piece with keys and backing vocals for a lush and rocking sound. Dwight, will pull you into his house by the ear after the first chord of “No One Loves Me Better” out on Red Parlor Records. This esteemed independent label has long been a champion of music’s best songwriters, and Dwight is no exception. This new collection of songs is some of his most personal yet — gut-wrenching and heartbreaking to date. The story of a man finding love, committing a crime and wanting redemption runs deep in Dwight’s songs. The show will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Sutter Creek Theatre. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

News release
Courtesy photo
Celebrated blues maverick Shane Dwight will play at Sutter Creek Theatre Saturday at 7 p.m.
News release
Photo by Jeremy Cowart
The Indigo Girls will be joined by Melissa Etheridge at Thunder Valley Casino on Aug. 8.

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