C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 35 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026
DECISION 2026
Two vying to be county treasurer-tax collector Noel Stack
efficiently.” Leikauf, an El Dorado County native who Corey Leikauf isn’t currently works in looking for a glamorous the county Auditorjob; the El Dorado Controller’s Office, has County treasurer-tax a background in both collector candidate said government and private he prefers positions sector accounting. He that offer a challenge graduated from Boise without the attention. State University and “I like doing things started his career at COREY LEIKAUF behind the scenes. I’ve U.S. Bank. always been that type “There, I focused on of person,” Leikauf cash flow management, said. “I get joy from working through reconciling, internal controls, and complex problems and trying to make things run smoother and more ■ See LEIKAUF, page A8 Editor
Noel Stack
intertwined everything is,” Coppola shared. “And I see (running) El Dorado County as a great opportunity Treasurer-Tax Collector to continue to serve Sean Coppola calls ... to ensure that we his job “the perfect progress responsibly role.” The appointed into the future, and department head is on hopefully a future that the ballot this June to our kids love as much keep his elected seat. as my fiancée and I did “The fiscal success growing up here.” SEAN COPPOLA of the county is so Coppola replaced important to the former Treasurerwellbeing of the Tax Collector Karen community and I know that firsthand Coleman, who retired after nearly from being in the office for the past couple of years and seeing how ■ See COPPOLA, page A8 Editor
Getty Images / Sundry Photography
The grizzly bear is a celebrated animal in California but hasn’t called the state home in more than 100 years. Some lawmakers and Native American tribes hope to change that.
IN CALIFORNIA
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Dr. Mitchell Goodis, right, showed up to help his friend Stan Mowatt move into a fully furnished apartment at Eskaton Lincoln Manor on Mother Lode Drive on April 9. Mowatt used to live in his car. His journey to find a home was previously featured in the Mountain Democrat.
Stan’s wait ends with a key ■ Stan Mowatt’s story evolves from
surviving outside to sleeping inside
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
A
formerly homeless man has turned a new page in his life after finally securing a place to call home. On April 9, Stan Mowatt opened the door to his new apartment at Eskaton Lincoln Manor on Mother Lode Drive in Placerville. Friend and advocate Dr. Mitchell Goodis was there by his side, ready to help. Dr. Goodis received the call from Lincoln Manor about the open apartment as Mowatt’s phone number had changed since he signed up on the waitlist many years ago. The unit’s previous tenant moved into an assisted living facility, and he and her family decided to leave all of the furnishings
Leaders explore reintroducing grizzly bears Eli Ramos
Tahoe Daily Tribune
for Mowatt. “It’s like manna from heaven,” said Goodis, adding he’s overjoyed that his friend and former employee finally has a fully furnished place to call home. Mowatt worked at Dr. Goodis’ practice as a dental lab technician making dentures for five years. His employment ended after he suffered a stroke, which affected his memory, balance and the use of his left hand. At 67, unemployed and on Social Security, Mowatt’s income was not enough to qualify for most apartments, which often require income to be three times the rent. Eskaton Lincoln Manor takes part in HUD’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program that provides a rent subsidy for low-income seniors. According to Zach Melchiori, Eskaton vice president of Sales, Marketing and Brand Management, to qualify for
LAKE TAHOE — After more than a century of extinction in California, the state could reintroduce the grizzly bear by 2028 through California Senate Bill 1305, the California Grizzly Restoration Act. The bill, introduced by Sen. Richardson and coauthored by Sens. Weber Pierson, Stern and Blakespear, would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a roadmap for the reintroduction of grizzly bears. This would require a scientific assessment and consultation with Native American tribes in California. The act is co-sponsored by the Yurok and Tejon tribes. Crucially, the bill would prohibit reintroduction until ecological and biological research was done into the viability of establishing a grizzly population, along with consultation with tribes and communities. Grizzlies have been extinct in California since 1924 after they were killed by settlers, miners, ranchers and government agents. In the time since, California has recovered various species and
■ See HOME, page A9
■ See GRIZZLY BEARS, page A7
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
KIDS EXPO FUN TAKES OVER FAIRGROUNDS
Photos by Laurie Edwards
Catalyst Community hosts the 40th annual Kids Expo at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville on Saturday, April 25, bringing together family resources, educational groups and children’s entertainment. Above left, Felix Clennell, 3, of Pollock Pines poses with Wooliam, the mammoth mascot for Mountainside Middle College High School. Above right, Isla Brown, 3, of Placerville leaps confidently from a ladder to the next obstacle on one of the courses set up at the fairgrounds. Kids also played games, got their faces painted and explored fire trucks at the family event. Since 1976, Catalyst Community has been a trusted resource for families, child care provider, and partners across California. See more photos on page A9.