C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 45 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026
DECISION 2026
TED GAINES
GINA POSEY
Gaines, Posey likely headed for District 4 runoff Noel Stack Editor
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Ted Gaines and Gina Posey lead in the District 4 supervisor race following the June 2 primary election. Unless there is a shift in votes among the ballots yet to be counted, the pair will move on to the November general election. Four candidates competed for the seat currently held by District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin, who terms out at the end of the year. The Unofficial Election Night Final Summary Report posted by the El Dorado County Elections Department on Tuesday night, the most recent results available as of press time, lists Gaines as the overall leader with 4,247 votes (46.89%) followed by Posey with 2,318 votes (25.59%). Candidate Greg Clark, who was endorsed by Parlin, is in third with ■ See SUPERVISOR, page A7
Coppola keeps his job Noel Stack Editor
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector Sean Coppola overwhelmingly earned the support of local voters in the June 2 primary election. The appointed department head will become an elected department head and has thus far earned 25,195 votes (67.1%), according to the Unofficial Election Night Final Summary Report posted by the El Dorado County
TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR SEAN COPPOLA Elections Department on Tuesday night, the most recent results available as of press time. Challenger Corey Leikauf has received 12,189 votes (32.46%). “It felt really good seeing those results come through,” Coppola told the Mountain Democrat. Calling his campaign a true “grassroots effort,” Coppola said he appreciates the support of his family, friends and the community. “I’m extremely grateful.” Coppola joked that Thursday morning was the first morning in months he didn’t wake up and immediately open Facebook. The treasurer-tax collector said he’s ready to ■ See COPPOLA, page A8
Retiring El Dorado County Fire Protection District Chief Tim Cordero, second from left, kneels as incoming Fire Chief Brad Gates, right, is pinned by his son, Tucker, in a change of command ceremony at Green Valley Church on May 29. Left to right, Senior Chaplain Lloyd Ogan, Chief Cordero, Tucker Gates, Chief Brad Gates, Charlee Gates and Breena Gates.
A NEW CHIEF IN TOWN El Dorado County Fire Protection District recognizes the past, looks to the future
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
O
ne chapter ended and another began May 29 as retiring El Dorado County Fire Protection District Chief Tim Cordero was recognized for his distinguished service and incoming Fire Chief Brad Gates stepped into the department’s top leadership role during a change of command ceremony at Green Valley Church. The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by Local 3556 ■ See CHIEF, page A6
EDCFPD Fire Chief Tim Cordero, left, passes the speaking trumpet to new Fire Chief Brad Gates during the May 29 ceremony. Speaking trumpets were historically used in the late 19th century by fire chiefs to amplify verbal orders at a fire scene.
Holland Fire burns acreage near Placerville Noel Stack Editor
A wildfire scorched nearly 5 acres of heavy brush and trees northeast of Placerville Wednesday evening, prompting a swift fire service response and some evacuations. The Holland Fire was reported just before 5:30 p.m. on June 3, in the 2000 block of Holland Drive near the South Fork of the American River. As of Thursday morning, the blaze was 25% contained, according to information provided by the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit. Firefighters were expected to continue working throughout the day to strengthen containment lines and mop up hot spots within the burn area. “As firefighting operations continue, expect to see first responders and fire equipment throughout the area,” Cal Fire officials noted in a social media post. “We ask the public to ■ See FIRE, page A9
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Cal Fire tanker 120 drops retardant on the Holland Fire at 6:23 p.m. Wednesday.
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