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C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 39 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Several dozen teachers from area high schools stand together and wait for El Dorado Union High School District board members to make their way to a meeting last month, when contract negotiations stalled.
Staff writer
The El Dorado Union High School District Board of Trustees approved California Public Employment Relations Board mediator Jun Payoyo’s compromise proposal on May 12. The mediator’s proposal originally was presented to the faculty on April 21 after both sides failed earlier to reach an agreement. The EDUHSD Faculty Association asked for a salary increase of 6% and for an increase in the ■ See COMPROMISE, page A8
Lighthall hearing delayed a month Shelly Thorene Staff writer
Joshua Joseph Lighthall, the man accused in the killing of El Dorado County resident Tyson Fiddler, has a new court date. The suspect appeared in court Monday for a bail and pre preliminary hearing but the case was continued to June 15. Lighthall, 47, of Sacramento was arrested in April and is being held on a no-bail murder warrant in the El Dorado County Jail more than a year and a half after Fiddler’s body was found. An accomplice, Michael Alexander Cooney, faces a charge of being an accessory after the fact and is not listed in custody. Lighthall’s attorney requested a continuance in
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
■ See DELAY, page A9
Buried history
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Shelly Thorene
Photos by Marilyn Gilham
El Dorado County District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo, center, stands with members of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and descendants of the Gregory and Watkins families after a plaque dedication ceremony on May 9 in Shingle Springs.
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Teachers and board reach a compromise
Cemetery plaque gives nod to pioneer families Shelly Thorene Staff writer
A
t a May 9 dedication ceremony for a new historical plaque, descendants honored the three pioneer families who purchased the Frenchtown Cemetery land for $10 in gold. The Gregory, Watkins and Turnboo families purchased the oneacre lot just west of the old Frenchtown area in Shingle Springs around 1850 and L.T. Waters was the first person to be buried in the cemetery. The plaque placed near the entrance to the cemetery was donated by the Sutter’s Mill Parlor No. 336 – Native Daughters of the Golden West. The cemetery is
The Native Daughters of the Golden West Sutter’s Mill Parlor No. 336 donated a plaque honoring the pioneer families that purchased the plot of land creating the Frenchtown Cemetery around 1850. maintained by the Frenchtown Cemetery Association, made up of local residents.
El Dorado County District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo is the president of the
association. Larry Robinson of Placerville is the current caretaker.
County getting into the Entertainment (Zone) business Noel Stack Editor
Hoping to help local businesses and attract more visitors ready to spend some money, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on May 12 conceptually approved the establishment of Entertainment Zones in unincorporated areas of the county. The discussion was prompted by a request from El Dorado Hills Town Center representatives based on Senate Bill 969. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the law authorizes California cities and counties to create designated Entertainment Zones where individuals, 21 and older, may legally possess and consume
open containers of alcoholic beverages within a specific geographic boundary and purchased from licensed participating businesses. “At its core, this is about economic development and community vitality,” said Nina Watkins, vice president of Marketing Operations for Town Center. “From our research and conversations with other cities and municipalities, such as San Francisco, Sacramento, Auburn and Redding, we’ve seen consistent outcomes. These zones increase foot traffic and local spending, support restaurants and small businesses, and create a reason for residents to stay local rather than
Courtesy photo
El Dorado Hills Town Center Live on the Boulevard concerts are popular with residents and visitors. A proposal to create an official Entertainment Zone at the venue would expand visitors’ options regarding where they could buy and have alcohol during these and other events. traveling to neighboring regions. They also provide a safe and organized environment for community
gathering.” Town Center representatives submitted a detailed management plan
outlining how events would operate in the El Dorado Hills shopping center “in a controlled ■ See ZONE, page A9