C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Weekend Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 86 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
Veto puts the Recorder’s Office in bind Noel Stack Editor
A surprise veto earlier this month has added new challenges to El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Janelle Horne’s job. She, along with other county recorders who struggle to make ends meet in EDC RECORDER-CLERK their departments, had JANELLE HORNE significant support from the California State Legislature for Assembly Bill 1430 only for Gov. Gavin Newsom to opt out. Authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, AB 1430 aimed to increase the fees county recorders charge for recording services. The bill would have raised the record and indexing fee for the first page from $10 to $15 and for each additional page from $3 to $4, and the land ownership documents recorder fee from $1 to $3 for each additional page. Funds collected from these increased fees would have been solely dedicated to cover recorder-clerk’s offices’ operational costs. After declining to sign the bill, Newsom noted in a veto message he appreciated the author’s intention. ■ See VETO, page A5
Dr. Richard Pan challenging Congressman Kiley Mountain Democrat staff
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Dr. Richard Pan, a pediatrician, educator, small business owner and former state senator, recently announced his run for California’s 3rd Congressional District against incumbent Republican Kevin Kiley. Pan had previously flipped his state legislative seat from red to blue in 2010.
DR. RICHARD PAN In a press release, Pan states he is running for Congress to take on extremists in Washington and solve the problems everyday California families face — lowering costs, expanding health care and ensuring every family has the chance to succeed. “Dr. Richard Pan has always led with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to public health and fairness,” notes Rep. Judy Chu in the press release. “In Congress, I know he’ll fight tirelessly to protect families’ health care, stand up to extremism and deliver real solutions that make life more affordable and secure for everyone.” “I had the honor of serving alongside Dr. Richard Pan in the California State Senate, where I saw firsthand his integrity, compassion and determination to get results for working families,” Rep. Dave Min ■ See PAN, page A5
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, right, is prepped for a blood donation by Vitalant phlebotomist Lindsey Kennedy at the Deputy Brian Ishmael Memorial Blood Drive on Oct. 21. Below, EDSO Deputy Talya Stohlman, left, gives the thumbs up sign as Vitalant phlebotomist Lindsey Kennedy, right, collects a blood sample at the blood drive. Donors complete a health screening questionnaire and their hemoglobin level is checked before they are allowed to donate a pint of blood.
A gift in memory of ‘Ish’ Blood drive honors fallen deputy
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
T
he El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office and Vitalant hosted the fifth annual Deputy Brian Ishmael Memorial Blood Drive at the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office community room, where 68 community DEPUTY BRIAN ISHMAEL members, including a dozen EDSO employees and Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, each donated a pint of blood. Sheriff ’s technician Avonlea Oglesby, 25, of Orangevale said at the Oct. 21 event it was her first time giving blood at the location and she was happy “to serve a bigger purpose. I love what this is for.” “Deputy Brian Ishmael was a true servant to the community of El Dorado County. He was law enforcement officer with two agencies in our county. He believed in and embodied ‘working for something greater than himself ’ and this annual blood drive embodies that spirit,” shared EDSO PIO ■ See ISH, page A5
Mission creates lasting memories Shelly Thorene Staff writer
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olunteers and community members gathered at Foothills Church in Cameron Park on Oct. 17 to pay tribute to veterans in the fifth annual Mission to Honor Veterans, during which 92 local servicemen and women attended the free event designed to bring the spirit of Washington, D.C.’s, war memorials to the foothills. Veterans were treated to a virtual tour of the National World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Event organizer Gail Lohman said, the event allows veterans who cannot travel to the nation’s capitol due to “age, health, or distance” to participate in “an immersive and ■ See MISSION, page A5
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Bushhorn, 87, of Folsom arrives at the check-in desk with the help of his daughter Nancy Bushhorn of Oakmont, right. The pair was greeted by volunteer Margaret Ervin of Placerville, left, at the Mission to Honor Veterans event at Foothills Church in Cameron Park on Oct 17.