C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 17 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026
Voters asked to consider tax increase Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
Supporters of the El Dorado Ready initiative have launched a countywide campaign to gather signatures needed to place an emergency preparedness and healthcare access measure before county voters in November 2026. Originally launched by Marshall Medical, the citizens’ initiative — formally titled the El Dorado County Emergency Preparedness, Healthcare Access and Wildfire Prevention Initiative — requires voter approval to enact a 3/8-cent increase in the county’s unincorporated area sales tax rate, which is currently 7.25%. The increase would generate more than $12 million annually in locally controlled funding dedicated exclusively to emergency response, hospital access and wildfire risk reduction. Initiative often must complete their signature drive and submit petitions by a date at least 88 days before Election Day to allow El Dorado County Elections officials time to verify signatures and prepare election materials. El Dorado Ready describes itself as a partnership of local healthcare leaders, ■ See INITIATIVE, page A7
EID launching new cost-of-service study Chris Woodard Staff writer
The El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors voted unanimously Feb. 23 to award a contract for a new cost-of-service analysis, citing major capital projects and looming debt service as drivers behind the review. The board approved a single-source contract to Water Resources Economics in an amount not to exceed $156,440. The district’s last cost-of-service study was completed in 2023. On Dec. 11, 2023, the board accepted that report and adopted Resolution 2023-30, approving rate increases reflected in the 2023 Proposition 218 notice. Those changes included water fund increases of 13% in 2024 and 12% annually from 2025 through 2028. Wastewater rates increased 2.5% in 2024, while recycled water rates increased 3% in 2024, with both services receiving 3% annual increases from 2025 through 2028. El Dorado Irrigation District’s Finance Director Penny Buchman said the district would normally
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
■ See ANALYSIS, page A7
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Phil Johnson of Grizzly Mountain Minis, above, spends time with RM Finnegan, left, a micro miniature Highland bull, and GMM Stormy-Jo, a mid-mini Highland/HighPark cross.
Grizzly Mountain Minis spark joy Shelly Thorene Staff writer
N
ikki Johnson said when she was a child, she had always wanted a cow. Now, the Grizzly Flat resident and her husband Phil have six adorable Miniature Highland, Highland Cross and HighPark cows. The Johnsons have found a way to share their love for Miniature Highland cattle by participating in local events and hosting the public at their ranch in Grizzly Flat. You may have seen them at local events including the third annual Trick or Treat at Burke Junction, New Hope Fellowship tree lighting and the Hangtown Christmas Parade. Nikki said her herd is “pet quality,
Miniature cattle owner Nikki Johnson stands with two of her six cattle at her home in Grizzly Flat. On the left is red brindle mid-mini Highland KMC Fiona and on the right is GMM Stormy-Jo, a silver mid-mini Highland/HighPark cross. not show quality and they’re very affectionate and curious. People are interested in them. Everyone who comes to see them leaves with a
smile.” Scottish Highland cattle with their signature horns, long hair and mild temperament vary in
size with micro minis shorter than 36 inches and minis 36-42 inches at the hip, weighing ■ See MINIS, page A9
Cameron Park CSD board welcomes new director Noel Stack Editor’
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
JR Hichborn, standing left, takes his Oath of Office administered by CPCSD board President Dawn Wolfson at the special Feb. 25 board meeting.
After a lengthy Q&A session with three candidates, the Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors selected JR Hichborn as its newest director. Hichborn, a Cameron Park resident since 1988, previously worked for the district and in 2024 was a candidate for an open board seat. He has been in the parks and recreation industry for 26 years, working for Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and most recently as the Mission Oaks parks superintendent in Carmichael. He’s raising his daughter in Cameron Park and told ■ See BOARD, page A7