Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, August 27, 2025

– Midweek Edition –

Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan on its way to voters

■ What you need to know

Maya C. Miller and Jeanne Kuang CalMatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to counter President Donald Trump’s election gerrymander in Texas with his own redistricting play in California is on its way to voters.

The California Legislature on Aug. 21 approved his proposal calling for a special election on a ballot measure that would suspend the state’s current congressional districts, which were drawn by an independent commission, and replace them with a map intended to favor Democrats.

The Assembly passed the measure 57-20, and lawmakers on the floor erupted in applause even before they closed the vote. The Senate passed it hours later on a party-line vote, 30-8. Newsom declared a Nov. 4 special election shortly afterward.

At a press conference to promote the upcoming campaign for what will appear on the ballot as Proposition 50, he said it was

PLACE ADDRESS LABEL

time for Democrats to “play hardball” in response to the Trump administration’s moves to “advance their power.”

“We tried to hold hands and talk about the way the world should be,” he said.

“We can’t just think di erently; we have to act di erently.”

California voters in a 2010 ballot measure backed independent redistricting for congressional districts, a process meant to cultivate fair, competitive elections.

Democrats say they’re reluctant to give up that system, even temporarily, but believe they have to in order to counter Trump’s bid to retain control of Congress after 2026.

“If unaddressed, Texas’ actions — which occur without the vote of the populace — will disenfranchise California,” said Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, a Long Beach Democrat whose father had pushed for nonpartisan redistricting as a state lawmaker and Congressman.

“It’s imperative that Californians have a voice in selecting the political party that controls Congress in 2026,” said Lowenthal in an emotional speech from the floor before

Murder suspect arraigned

DARIN

The man suspected of killing a mother and her son, and attempting to kill another child, appeared in El Dorado County Superior Court Monday afternoon. Darin Blake McFarlin, 47, entered not guilty pleas to all charges in Judge Mark Ralphs’ courtroom shortly after 1 p.m. A prepreliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 29 with a preliminary hearing scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 16.

McFarlin, a Cal Fire captain, faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder with

special allegations that a firearm was used in the crimes. He also faces charges of domestic violence and child abuse. The criminal complaint filed by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce alleges on Aug. 21 McFarlin attacked Marissa Herzog (previously identified as Marissa N. DivodiLessa) in the bedroom of the Oakwood Road home the couple shared in Cameron Park. After Herzog left the room and used her cellphone, McFarlin obtained the gun and “did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought, murder Marissa

Cleanup begins on Coyote Fire

Mountain Democrat sta

Fire crews continued to hold the Coyote Fire to 624 acres with containment reported at 78% as of Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire o cials.

“With containment steadily increasing, crews are beginning the hard work of cleanup,” a Cal Fire incident post noted. “Even as equipment is removed, firefighters continue checking for hot spots, reinforcing the line, and patrolling the fire’s edge throughout the day to keep it secure.”

The blaze near Omo Ranch broke out at about 2:16 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, ballooning from 30 acres to 400 acres in six

hours due in part to the fire’s remote location and steep terrain.

At one point, more than 1,500 personnel came together to battle the flames that started in southern El Dorado County. The

fire footprint includes private property and Sierra Pacific Industries lands.

Evacuation warnings for residents who live on Omo Ranch Road south to Farnham Ridge Road were put in place around 5 p.m. Wednesday and lifted early Saturday evening. No damage to structures has been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Jury convicts serial abuser; sentencing scheduled next month

El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office News release

A Placerville jury has found 30-year-old Joseph Marquez guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The verdict was returned on Aug. 20 at the conclusion of a trial presided

over by El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Vicki Ashworth.

The jury also found that the victim was especially vulnerable, that Marquez abused a position of trust and that he carefully planned and carried out the crime.

After the verdict, Judge

Ashworth ordered Marquez taken into custody, where he will remain until his sentencing on Sept. 15. If given the maximum penalty under California law, he faces up to 16 years in state prison.

“I want to commend the bravery of the victim for coming forward in this case,”

said District Attorney Vern Pierson.

“Our o ce remains committed to seeking justice and supporting survivors,” he continued. “Protecting children from this kind of harm is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a community.”

ESSENTIALS

OBITUARIES

Mary (Chiara) Faure

Dec. 12, 1938 – June 18, 2025

With deep love and profound loss, we announce the passing of Mary (Chiara) Faure at the age of 86. She is survived by her two daughters Rochelle (Shelly) Hoisington and Anita Chavez (Paul Chavez) as well as her three grandchildren Joshua Chavez, Tyler Hoisington and Samantha Chavez. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Faure in 2012.

Mary was born in Kenilworth, Utah and raised in Helper, Utah by her parents Hector and Mary Chiara. After graduating from the University of Utah she moved to California and became a teacher. In 1973, Mary and her husband moved to Placerville, where they raised their family and opened Ace Copy. Later, Mary went on to work for the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and ultimately became a long-time employee of the El Dorado County Association of Realtors.

Mary was an avid San Francisco 49er fan and a religious Jeopardy and Judge Judy viewer. She was also a lifelong patron of the theater and the light of every party. In her later years, Mary was often found enjoying a jigsaw puzzle and on the winning Trivial Pursuit team.

However, above all else, Mary loved her family. Mary was a remarkable woman – intelligent, kind, fun and generous. She will be greatly missed. (Love you more) A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on September 4th at Saint Patrick Church.

Elna Joyce Peck Norman

May 11, 1931 – Aug. 12, 2025

Elna Joyce Peck Norman, long-time resident of El Dorado County, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 12, 2025 at home. A proud California native, Ms. Norman, born in the Central Valley during the Great Depression, was 94 years old. Settling in El Dorado County in 1959, she lived on a five-acre property, “Sunset Ranch,” for more than 60 years. She raised four successful children and cared for a parade of pets that included cats, dogs, a beloved African Gray Parrot, a donkey, several horses, and a flock of peacocks. Ms. Norman enjoyed the natural environment and her numerous friendships within this community, and she traveled internationally. While working for the Department of Social Services, Ms. Norman served the children and families of this community for 33 years as a social worker and marriage and family counselor. She was in the forefront of the movement to protect abused and neglected children, advocated for “equal pay for equal work” and helped design and plan El Dorado County’s in-service training program, while mentoring many of the Department of Social Services younger sta . Her many contributions to the community include shaping the Child Abuse Council into a positive force, sitting on the School Attendance Review Board, and teaching in the community college system. Upon her retirement in 1997, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote to Ms. Norman saying “I am grateful for individuals like Ms. Norman whose commitment to her community reminds each of us that we can make a di erence in another’s life…Ms. Norman exemplifies the positive influence a single individual can have.” Ms. Norman received her bachelors and masters of social welfare from U.C. Berkeley and Sacramento State College and was a board-licensed marriage and family counselor and therapist. She is survived by her children, Nicki, Drew, Jeri, and Piper, grandchildren Daniel, Emily, Jeremy, and Marina, and great-grandchildren Ellis and Micah. Private memorial services will be held with the family, and she requested that any remembrances be sent to Amnesty International.

Sally Louise Bogovich

Bishop

Nov. 21, 1952 – Aug. 10, 2025

Born November 21, 1952, in Warren, Ohio, to Sally (Dolores) and Michael Bogovich. To have known Sally was to have been touched by a ray of sunshine. She had a contagious laugh that could light up any room, a smile that warmed every heart, and an unwavering passion for family. Whether she was dancing to her favorite songs, sharing stories, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, Sally’s joy for life was evident in everything she did.

Sally left us unexpectedly and far too soon on August 10, 2025, due to a tragic car accident.

A resident of El Dorado County for over 40 years, Sally retired from a long and successful career in the insurance industry.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Je Bishop; her son, Ryan Bishop; and two brothers, Tom Bogovich and Mike Bogovich.

She is survived by her treasured Daughter, Ti any Seibold (Bishop); her beloved granddaughters, Alyssa Bishop and Krista Bishop; her greatgrandson, Tristian Medina; the Mother of her Granchildren and longtime Daughter-In-Law Candi Pike (Marden); two sisters, Lexine Bogovich Hall and Julie Bogovich Warren; one brother, Stanley Bogovich; a niece, many nephews, and several cousins.

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and the unforgettable memories she created with family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service was held at Vantage Point Church on August 21st at 3:00 P.M located at 2687 Andler Road Placerville, California with a celebration of life that immediately followed at El Dorado Community Hall located at 6139 Pleasant Valley Road El Dorado, California.

Robert D. “Bob” Foote

July 28, 1946 – Aug. 8, 2025

Robert D. “Bob” was born to Roman and Cora Foote on July 28,1946 in Auburn, California. A graduate of Highlands High School in 1964, Bob was employed at North Highlands Auto Supply rising to the position of Counterman. It was during that time he married Dixie Pipkin, sharing a love that endured 60 years till death they did part. Bob became a Sacramento County Sheri ’s Deputy in 1969, serving as patrolman, Field Training O cer and Detective during a career spanning 30 years. His second love was motorcycle touring, near and wide, coast to coast, Mexico to Canada. Bob’s chronic heart failure took its final toll on August 8, 2025, when he passed peacefully at home in Cumming, Georgia. He leaves behind his brother Ray Foote, wife Dixie Foote, son Robert Tracy Foote (Cecilyn), daughter Teri Putnam (Aaron), and grandchildren Madison Foote, Marley Foote, Ella Putnam, Ethan Putnam. Graveside service and reception will be held at Green Valley Cemetery in Rescue, California on August 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

LEGISLATORS’ ADDRESSES

PLACERVILLE CITY

COUNCIL Placerville City Hall 3101 Center St., Placerville (530) 642-5200

Mayor John Clerici

jclerici@cityofplacerville.org

Vice Mayor Nicole Gotberg ngotberg@cityofplacerville.org

Ryan Carter rcarter@cityofplacerville.org

Jackie Neau jneau@cityofplacerville.org

David Yarbrough dyarbrough@cityofplacerville. org ElL DORADO COUNTY SUPERVISORS EDC Government Center 330 Fair Lane, Placerville

District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero (530) 621-5650

District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo (530) 621-5651

District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp (530) 621-5652

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin (530) 621-6513

District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine (530) 621-6577 (Placerville) (530) 573-7918 (South Lake Tahoe) CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom 1021 O St., Suite 9000 Sacramento 95814 (916) 445-2841 U.S. SENATE Adam Schi B40B Dirksen Senate O ce Building Washington D.C., 20510 (202) 224-3841 Alex Padilla 331 Hart Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C., 20510 (202) 224-3553 Sacramento O ce 501 I St., Suite 7-800 Sacramento 95814 (916) 448-2787 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Tom McClintock Constituent Service Center 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 210 El Dorado Hills 95762 (916) 786-5560 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Kevin Kiley Constituent Service Center 6538 Lonetree Blvd., Suite 200 Rocklin 95765 (916) 724-2575 STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 5 Joe Patterson

PPD CRIME LOG

The following information was taken from PPD reports:

Aug. 11

7:57 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a grocery store on Broadway.

10:42 a.m. Burglary was reported at an apartment complex on Clay Street.

3:07 p.m. Burglary was reported on Clay Street.

7:25 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Clay Street.

Aug. 12

3:10 p.m. Robbery was reported at a yogurt shop on Main Street.

7:54 p.m. Battery was reported on Main Street.

Aug. 13

7:40 a.m. O cers booked into jail a person suspected of

Aug. 14 1:07

District O ce 6030 West Oaks Blvd., Suite 145, Rocklin 95765 (916) 435-0501 STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 1 Heather Hadwick District O ce 113 Presley Way, Suite 10 Grass Valley 95945 (530) 265-0601 STATE SENATE DISTRICT 4 Marie Alvarado-Gil Capitol O ce 1021 O St., Suite 7240 Sacramento 95814 (916) 651-4004

District O ce 4364 Town Center Blvd., Suite 313 El Dorado Hills 95762 (916)

Commission ups some fishing opportunities

James Phillips & Steve Gonzalez

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

On Aug. 14, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted emergency changes to the state’s groundfish regulations so that recreational ocean fisheries are no longer constrained by quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger).

Fishing opportunities in northern and central California were reduced in 2023 due to low estimated quillback rockfish abundance. A new stock assessment completed earlier this summer indicates it is no longer necessary to restrict groundfish fishing to specific depths north of Point Conception in order to avoid quillback rockfish, allowing anglers to take advantage of expansions to open fishing areas. The Commission acted to rapidly change the regulations to allow additional opportunities before summer’s end.

Over the last few years, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife collaborated with federal partners, fishing groups, and anglers to gather data and improve scientific knowledge of quillback rockfish o California. The information was crucial in informing the new stock assessment, which indicates the stock is at a healthy level and not overfished. This finding reverses results from a 2021 stock assessment which relied on very limited data from the California stock. Retention of quillback rockfish, however, remains prohibited in all waters statewide until recommendations for sport and commercial fishery catch limits are developed for California quillback rockfish in conjunction with those for other nearshore groundfish species.

“This action is the result of hard work by a lot of people,” said Tim Klassen, an appointed advisory member for the groundfish sport fishery and a charter boat captain in Eureka. “The commission and CDFW moved quickly to implement these changes and worked collaboratively with fishermen to achieve a result that protects our fisheries and the people that depend on them. This is what good fishery management looks like.”

CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham remarked, “CDFW is pleased with the new assessment, which reflects what California anglers have been seeing, and is committed to restoring fishing access as quickly as possible. We appreciate all our fishing industry partners who participated in scientific data collections that contributed to this positive outcome; it was a true collaboration.”

With restored access to all-depth fishing for northern and central California, a sub-bag limit for canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) is necessary to keep catches within the federal California recreational harvest guideline for this species. Therefore, a new two fish sub-bag limit will apply for canary rockfish, statewide. Additionally, vermilion (Sebastes miniatus) and sunset rockfish (Sebastes crocotulus) will be managed together as a species complex, meaning that they are considered the same species for regulatory purposes (e.g., subbag limit) due to their nearly indistinguishable

Congressman Kiley talks water with GDPUD leaders

Georgetown Divide Public Utility District

News release

The Georgetown Divide Public Utility District recently hosted Congressman Kevin Kiley for a tour of its water treatment plant, highlighting infrastructure investments that will strengthen water reliability and quality for residents.

During his visit, Kiley met with GDPUD leadership and sta to see firsthand how federal support is helping the small rural water district modernize essential infrastructure. In 2023, Kiley secured a federal appropriation for the district, providing critical funding to support upgrades and long-term improvements to GDPUD’s water system.

“The Georgetown Divide PUD plays a vital role in ensuring clean, safe and reliable water for our community,” said GDPUD General Manager Nicholas Schneider. “We are grateful to Congressman Kiley for his leadership in securing this appropriation, which will allow us to make this community safer and more resilient to fires in the future.”

The 2023 appropriation submitted by Kiley was to provide a new water tank at the treatment plant. The Water Reliability and Fire Resiliency Storage Tank Project will provide an additional 2 million gallons of water storage at the site in order to help

Agencies sign strategy to protect Lake Tahoe region

Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team

LAKE TAHOE — Against the backdrop of the 2025 Tahoe Summit, federal, state, local and tribal partners commemorated the renewal of the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy, a 10-year plan to protect communities and restore fire-resilient forests within the Lake Tahoe Basin.

A multi-agency coordinating group developed the first multiJurisdictional strategy following the Angora Fire in 2007, which burned 3,100 acres and destroyed more than 248 homes. Since 2007, subsequent strategy updates have guided more than 78,000 acres of forest treatments in and around communities and 85,000 defensible space evaluations to assist homeowners. This work helped protect neighborhoods during recent wildfires, including the 2021 Caldor Fire.

“The updated strategy outlines the priorities for the most needed work to protect communities,” said

Scott Lindgren, chair of the MultiAgency Coordinating Group and Lake Tahoe Basin Regional Chiefs.

“We know wildfire will happen. This strategy ensures we are prepared and positioned to secure the resources needed to continue the critical work of protecting the Lake Tahoe Basin.”

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit led the strategy update with input and support from Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team partners. It lays out a shared framework for reducing hazardous fuels, strengthening community preparedness and safeguarding Tahoe’s environment for the next decade.

“This agreement represents our continued commitment to collaboration,” said Annabelle Monti, Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team program manager. “Together, we are building resilience for both the environment of Lake Tahoe and the people who call it home.”

This August also marks the fourth anniversary of the start of the 2021 Caldor Fire, which burned 221,000

Tax scams targeting Californians

California Franchise Tax Board News release

SACRAMENTO — The California Franchise Tax Board warns taxpayers to protect themselves from tax scams. Recently, the FTB received reports of a scam targeting taxpayers through text messages that appear to be from FTB. These text messages contain a link to a fraudulent version of certain FTB web pages, which are designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam aims to trick taxpayers into providing personal details and credit card information.

Taxpayers should review FTB’s online scam avoidance tips and be especially cautious with their tax, bank account, credit card and other personal information.

“Sadly, FTB and other California agencies constantly battle bad actors attempting to steal your money. These scammers may impersonate tax agency representatives to steal your personal information,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Malia M. Cohen.

“If you ever have doubts about the authenticity of a text, email, or phone call claiming to be from FTB, IRS or any other government agency, contact the agency directly to verify

whether there’s an issue that requires your attention.”

FTB advises Californians not to reply to suspicious text messages, download attachments or click on links in texts or emails if they are unsure of their authenticity. Verify any suspicious messages by contacting the sender directly and visiting the o cial site. Visit the Text Messaging page to verify when FTB sends texts and what information is included.

On its online Scams webpage, FTB o ers a way to report suspected

scams and provides tips on how to avoid them.

Scammers frequently target taxpayers by pretending to be employees of the IRS or FTB. They may try to trick taxpayers into sending money that they do not owe or request providing personal information that could be used to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds. If you receive a suspicious letter from the FTB or the IRS, contact the FTB at (800) 852-5711 or call the IRS at (800) 8291040 for assistance.

AN INSIDE LOOK AT GENERAL HEALTH

ing mental health care. In other cases, eroding enamel may be an indication that a patient is experiencing a backup of stomach acid into the mouth associated with “gastroesophageal reflux disease” (GERD). If so, this chronic disorder should be diagnosed and treated. In addition, while dry mouth may be associated with dehydration, allergies, smoking, or new medications, it may also be an early warning of diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. Our goal is to provide the best dentistry possible in the most com-

fortable way. We want to help you. You will receive a professional exam to detect and address any existing or impending oral health problems. Please call us to schedule an appointment for the highest quality dental treatment in a warm and caring environment. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits, is the key to making an informed decision. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child.

P.S. Swollen gums that seem to overgrow the teeth may indicate a need to adjust the dosage of medication for heart disease or seizures or drugs used to suppress the immune system (such as before a transplant).

Sacramento region leaders celebrate ozone attainment milestone

News release

SACRAMENTO —

At a joint press conference on Aug. 21, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Pacific Southwest Region Administrator

Josh F.W. Cook joined local Sacramento leaders to celebrate the region’s successful attainment of the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone by the 2024 deadline. The announcement reflects successful efforts to reduce air pollution and improve public health in California’s fastestgrowing metropolitan area. It also underscores the region’s ability to achieve real results through shared vision and partnership.

“Congratulations to the Sacramento metropolitan area for successfully meeting the 2008 ozone standard by the 2024 deadline; this is an achievement that will bring numerous health benefits to communities across the region,” Cook said. “I am so pleased to see multiple air districts coming together to

Sac Metro, Yolo-Solano, Placer County, Feather River and El Dorado County representatives celebrate a clean air milestone at last week’s event.

accomplish this result.

Achieving attainment not only brings cleaner air for residents, but spares businesses from additional regulatory burdens and secures continued eligibility for future federal funding for vital transportation and infrastructure projects.”

In addition to Administrator Cook, the event speakers included Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Sac Metro Air

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appearance.

These changes are intended to roll back restrictions that were put into place to avoid quillback rockfish, which are very rarely seen south of Point Conception. Since fishing in the Southern Groundfish Management Area [(GMA) south of Point Conception, 34° 27’ N. Lat. to the U.S./Mexico border] is constrained by copper (Sebastes caurinus) and vermilion/sunset rockfish, there are no changes to the current fishing seasons in the Southern GMA. Groundfish fishing in the Southern GMA is currently open shoreward of

District Board Chair and Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino; Sacramento Metro Chamber Representative Cameron Gallad; Placer County Health & Human Services Director Dr. Rob Oldham, and Sac Metro Air District Board Member, city of Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem and California Air Resources Board Member Eric Guerra. The event was emceed by Sac Metro Air

the 50 fathom Rockfish Conservation Area boundary until Sept. 30. The Map Viewer application can be used to view updated GMA boundaries and the 50 fathom Rockfish Conservation Area boundary.

The following summary details the changes adopted by the commission:

• Boat-based fishery season dates and depths: North of Point Conception (34° 27’ N. Lat.; within the Northern, Mendocino, San Francisco and Central GMAs), groundfish fishing will be authorized in all water depths through Dec. 31.

• Species retention: Nearshore,

District Air Pollution Control Officer Dr. Alberto Ayala.

“Today, we are celebrating a cleaner, healthier future for families in the Sacramento region,” said Guerra, speaking on behalf of the air districts of the Sacramento region. “This achievement reflects years of hard work by local communities, businesses, and air agencies, made

possible through strong partnerships at all levels of government.

“While reaching attainment is a proud moment, we’re not stopping here,” he continued. “We remain committed to advancing innovative projects and programs to meet cleaner air quality standards, which will protect our children and hard-working families for generations to come.”

The EPA’s final

shelf, and slope rockfishes, lingcod, cabezon and greenlings may be retained during the all-depth fishery.

n Canary rockfish will have a new two fish sub-bag limit statewide.

n Quillback rockfish will remain prohibited (no retention) statewide.

n Vermilion and sunset rockfish in combination are limited to two fish south of 40° 10’ N. Lat. (near Cape Mendocino), and four fish between the OR/CA border and 40° 10’ N. Lat.

• Management line at Lopez Point removed: The Central GMA will revert to a single management area. The split at Lopez Point (36° N. Lat.) between the Central — North and Central — South GMA is no longer needed. The Central GMA remains at the same northern and southern borders from 37° 11’ N. Lat. (Pigeon Point) to 34° 27’ N. Lat. (Point Conception).

With all-depth fishing opportunity, anglers will experience greater flexibility on fishing trips when targeting species in addition to groundfish. Combination trips are no longer limited by depth constraints when targeting additional species or transiting between GMAs that do not have depth constraints. Note when transiting between GMAs it is still unlawful to exceed the bag limit

Strategy

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acres and became just the second fire on record to cross over the granite crest of the Sierra Nevada.

“As we saw when the Caldor Fire entered the Tahoe Basin and hit previously treated areas, it allowed our firefighters to move in and aggressively fight the fire,” said USDA Forest Service Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Erick Walker. “These fuels treatments, along with home hardening, defensible space, and

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fight future wildfires in the area.

“I was proud to support this important investment in the Georgetown Divide

determination confirms that, based on certified air quality data from 2022 to 2024, the region has reduced ground-level ozone, meeting the 2008 standard by the 2024 deadline. The benefits of attainment include cleaner air for residents, helping businesses avoid additional regulatory requirements, less damage to crops and other vegetation and continued eligibility for federal transportation and infrastructure funding. The air districts of the Sacramento region will now begin the process of developing a maintenance plan and requesting formal redesignation from the EPA to remove the region’s severe nonattainment status. The air districts of the Sacramento metropolitan region are Sac Metro Air District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, Placer County Air Pollution Control District, Feather River Air Quality Management District and El Dorado County Air Quality Management District.

of a GMA even if the fish are caught in another GMA (§27.20(b)(1)(A) (1). Meaning, anglers cannot catch four vermilion/sunset rockfish in the Northern GMA, then possess or land them in the Mendocino or another GMA with a two fish vermilion/sunset sub-bag limit. Similarly, anglers cannot take nearshore rockfish, cabezon, or greenling north of Point Conception and land them in the Southern GMA October through December when inshore fishing is closed.

CDFW will notify the public when the new regulations take effect through the Marine Management News blog; subscribe to receive the notification or check back regularly for the announcement confirming the new regulations are in effect. Anglers should review the Summary of Recreational Groundfish Regulations page for the most up-to-date information before going fishing. If anglers encounter a quillback rockfish, CDFW strongly encourages using a descending device to return it to depth. When fishing in ocean waters from a vessel a landing net is always required, and when fishing for or possessing groundfish, a descending device is required to be carried aboard. Questions? Contact Ask Marine.

water infrastructure improvements helped prevent the loss of life and property.”

The Caldor Fire burned 10,000 acres in the Tahoe Basin, but not one permanent residence was lost. With the signing of the strategy, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team and its partners enter a new chapter of coordinated action to reduce wildfire risk and protect Lake Tahoe’s communities, environment and treasured natural resources.

PUD,” said Kiley. “Fire resilience is critical to the well-being of this region and I am pleased that these resources are being used to strengthen local water supplies.”

“Having this great relationship with the congressman can go a long way with a project like this and it will help us to secure additional funding for future projects as well,” noted Michael Saunders, GDPUD board director and legislative liaison.

The Georgetown Divide PUD serves the communities of Georgetown, Garden Valley and surrounding areas, providing water service to approximately 11,000 residents across a 112 square mile. The district remains committed to advancing projects that improve reliability, sustainability and resilience in its water systems.

Local legislators’ responses to redistricting plan

Congressman Kevin Kiley, R, who represents El Dorado County’s eastern portion, issued the following statement in response to Newsom and the California Legislature’s call for a special election to implement a new Congressional map for the state:

KEVIN KILEY

“California voters are overwhelmingly opposed to Newsom’s plan to sideline our state’s Citizens Redistricting Commission,” Kiley said. “Yet the supermajority Legislature chose to ignore this and will now spend

Congressman Tom McClintock told the Mountain Democrat, “Our Constitution protects Californians from precisely the partisan gerrymanders we see in other states with a non-partisan independent commission. That commission held 196 public meetings

$250 million trying to convince voters to reverse themselves and return power to politicians. The political leadership of California has never been more out of touch with the people of California.

“Newsom’s scheme is an unprecedented assault on democracy and good government in our state. But gerrymandering is a plague on democracy wherever it occurs. I’m calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to advance my bill (HR 4889) to safeguard democracy in California and end the redistricting war nationwide.”

TOM MCCLINTOCK

Assemblyman Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin, who represents El Dorado County’s western half in California State Assembly District 5, noted the plan strips control “from the nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission and place it in the hands of state politicians — disenfranchising voters based on national political agendas rather than focusing on what’s best for Californians.” Patterson said the plan would tear apart communities of interest,

State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, R-Jackson, who represents a large chunk of California in Senate District 4, denounced the redistricting plan “as a blatant seat-stealing scheme by legislative Democrats.”

and received more than 30,000 written communications over nine months, listened to every constituency and community in the state and drafted a consensus plan in public. The ‘Gavinmander’ was drafted behind closed doors in a matter of days.”

counties and regions for personal and political gain.

“Independent commissions should be drawing the lines here and across the nation, not politicians looking to serve themselves,” he continued. “It is incredibly disappointing that while our state makes cuts to critical foster care programs and families continue to struggle with the high cost of living in California, our governor is now asking for a special election expected to cost upward of $235 million.”

“This power grab is purely driven by the governor’s presidential ambitions and not by what benefits Californians or the state itself,” said Alvarado-Gil. “Californians deserve a voice in how their districts are drawn,

not backroom dealmaking.

“We’ve witnessed the consequences of oneparty control in California —escalating costs, underperforming schools, unsafe communities and the erosion of our freedoms. Gov. Newsom’s attempts to consolidate power by dismantling voter-protection safeguards threatens the foundation of our democracy. California belongs to its people, not to its politicians,” Alvarado-Gil concluded.

See the proposed map at aelc.assembly.ca.gov/proposed-congressional-map.

Redistricting

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the vote. “So today, I proudly join with my father, the architect of this commission, in urging its temporary suspension.”

Republicans before the vote pleaded with their colleagues to resist following Texas in the race to the gerrymandering bottom.

“There’s really only one way to stop — someone has to refrain from striking back, and show a better way,” said Assemblymember James Gallagher, Republican of Chico and the minority leader.

Lawmakers on Thursday also passed a bill containing the new congressional map voters will be asked to approve, sending it to Newsom’s desk, and an additional bill that will facilitate and fund the special election. Newsom signed both of them Friday.

The change is intended to be temporary; the measure that will go before voters requires the state to return to nonpartisan map-drawing after the 2030 census.

Murder Continued from A1

Herzog, a human being,” shooting the 29-year-old woman dead in or near the dining room.

“It is further alleged … pursuant to PC 189(a), that the murder of Marissa Herzog was willful, deliberate and premeditated,” Count 1 reads, noting Herzog was intentionally killed because she was witness to a crime.

Count 2 further alleges McFarlin shot and killed the juvenile boy, identified by Herzog’s family as her son, also to prevent testimony as the child was witness to a crime.

Count 3 asserts the suspect attempted to murder a second child, who also resided in the home, and Count 5 notes McFarlin “did willfully and unlawfully, inflict unjustifiable mental su ering on a child or permit a child to su er unjustifiable mental su ering under circumstances and conditions likely to produce great bodily harm, to wit J. Doe 2, said actions being criminally

Newsom wanted to counter Texas Newsom kicked o the special election scramble after Trump declared that he was “entitled” to five more GOP congressional seats in Texas. He demanded that Lone Star State lawmakers shore up Republicans’ razor thin, three-seat House majority by redrawing their congressional maps mid-decade.

When Gov. Greg Abbott indicated Texas would redistrict, Newsom said California would retaliate.

Democrats today hold 43 of the state’s 52 congressional seats. The Newsom-backed maps transform five Republican seats into districts that heavily favor Democrats. By ousting those incumbents, Newsom would e ectively essentially cancel out Trump’s e ort in Texas. The maps also strengthen Democrats’ hold on three other competitive California districts, making it harder for the GOP to flip them next year.

negligent when causing or permitting the child to su er or be endangered.”

At approximately 9 p.m. on Aug. 21

El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 3000 block of Oakwood Road, where they found Herzog and her son with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene and the boy was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The second child was later found safe.

McFarlin, 47, was located by law enforcement just after midnight on Friday, Aug. 22, and detained in Mono County without incident. Early that morning he was booked into the El Dorado County Jail, where he is being held without bail.

If found guilty of murder in the first degree with a special circumstance, McFarlin faces the death penalty or life in state prison without the possibility of parole.

OPINION

How soaring premiums burn homeowners and our local economy

For generations, owning a home in California has symbolized security and opportunity. Yet today, a quiet crisis is threatening that foundation: skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance costs.

California law gives homeowners a 45-day cushion before their insurance is canceled. In reality, that notice often feels like a ticking time bomb.

Letters to the Editor

Complexities of language

EDITOR:

Galgorithm accepted my comment.

For many potential buyers, the rst question isn’t “Can I a ord the mortgage?” but “Can I a ord the insurance?”

Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a letter that says your insurance won’t be renewed. You now have just weeks to protect the most valuable thing you own. Families often scramble to secure new coverage, only to find the only option left is the state’s “last resort” plan — the California FAIR Plan. The FAIR Plan is more expensive and covers far less, leaving families with high costs and gaps in protection. Even those who keep their coverage aren’t escaping the pain. Policies that once felt a ordable are now two or three times higher. Families who carefully budgeted to cover their mortgages are now staring at insurance bills that may be even higher. Insurance isn’t something you can just skip. Lenders require it and going without leaves families dangerously exposed, but paying the new premiums comes at a heavy price.

Parents are cutting back or dipping into retirement savings just to stay insured. Some families, unable to find or a ord coverage, get stuck with high-priced force-placed insurance policies purchased by the bank to protect its loan, not the homeowner’s belongings.

Even people who own their homes outright and choose to not have insurance are not immune. Many can’t find a ordable liability-only policies, leaving their life savings exposed if disaster strikes.

This is reshaping the housing market and our local economy.

For many potential buyers, the first question isn’t “Can I a ord the mortgage?” but “Can I a ord the insurance?” In some places, insurance premiums are higher than monthly house payments. That reality discourages new buyers and slows down

■ See POSEY, page A7

olly gee willikers, Mountain Democrat, what the aich-ee-double hockey sticks is going on with your First Amendment filtering algorithm? In the middle of my online comment to the opinion letter “Anarchy or Order,” I quoted your beloved president and when I clicked on “Post Comment” I was told, “Your comment cannot be accepted due to the presence of profanity. Please remove any objectionable content from your comment and try again.”

Surprisingly, it didn’t take me long to flush out the o ending “profanity.” Knowing how deep the vein of hypocrisy runs in MAGA republicanism and the publications they love, I knew it had to be a word Trump frequently uses in public with no negative repercussions. When I censored (literally) the usually innocuous but now “objectionable” synonym for “the place of eternal damnation” used by Trump on Jan. 6 at the ellipse, urging his followers to attack the Capitol, the filtering

I find it highly ironic that the United States, formerly the strongest democracy in the world, now has a leader who publicly uses the Anglo Saxon term for bovine excrement when he doesn’t like a question at a news conference. However, a lowly citizen of these United States gets censored when he uses a quote from that leader that references that place of damnation.

In school, I was taught by priests and nuns that used the word containing double hockey sticks to instill the fear of eternal su ering into my impressionable mind. They also taught us that our forefathers fought a revolution to be free of a tyrant king who couldn’t be criticized. Those teachers may be surprised to learn that the conditions sparking the revolution are looming upon us once again, and we’re all going to H...E...L...L.

The Rural Life

Happy (ant) trails to you. Critters feed my curiousity

The naturalist John Muir once admitted he wasn’t averse to the idea of letting an ant “run across your feet a few times, over your legs and hands and face, up your trousers, as if taking your measure and getting comprehensive views …” I don’t go anywhere near that far, but I do share Muir’s fascination with all animals, including ants. I’ve written of these industrious insects before, in the columns “Antsy” and “Arnold Schwarzen-ants.” In the latter, I described watching in amazement as one ant picked up a stick longer than itself and hefted it down into the nest — all while another ant was clinging to the other end of it, like a flag. Recently, as fire-abatement e orts have trimmed up our hillsides, I’ve noticed a number of ant highways snaking through the dry grass, leading to underground nests. One such nest entrance has no fewer than six trails

radiating from it in a starburst formation. At cooler times of day, the tra c along these trails is brisk as worker ants forage for food — mostly seeds — and carry it back to the nest. Who are these ants, anyway? I emailed photos to Philip Ward, Ph.D., an entomologist at U.C. Davis, and he identified them as Veromessor andrei, common name André’s harvester ant. (They’re named for Edmond André, the French entomologist who first identified the species around the turn of the 19th century.)

Google AI had already taught me about “trunk foraging behavior.” That’s where scout ants fan out to find rich seed patches, then create pheromonemarked main paths (“trunks”) to guide other workers to these mother lodes. These paths, largely cleared of debris, stand out even to the casual observer. To me, they kind of look like

To my surprise, the ants simply ignored the bran and the steel-cut oats. But those peanuts! They glommed onto those and began dragging and/or pushing them urgently down into the nest.

extremely narrow bicycle trails, only in places no bicycle would ever be.

Back at the nest entrance — just a craggy hole in the ground — a circle of cha up to 6-8 feet or so across surrounds the opening. What causes that, I wondered. Are the ants removing the seeds’ hulls before taking the seeds down into the nest?

And what exactly do the ants do with the seeds once they’re down there?

Dr. Ward had the answers. Inside the nest, the worker ants separate the cha from the nutritious part of the seed. That yummy part is broken up and fed to the ants’ young (larvae), while the cha is carried back out of the nest and deposited around the entrance, creating a large “midden pile.” (Side note: “Midden” stems from an Old Norse word meaning refuse heap or dunghill.)

Do the workers also eat the seeds?

Surprisingly not.

“Adult ants can’t consume solid food

particles,” Dr. Ward explained. “They rely on liquid food. In the case of V. andrei, I suspect the workers survive mostly on the hemolymph (blood) of scavenged insects and the residual moisture in harvested seeds.”

Then again, he added, because feeding occurs mostly inside the nest, where it’s hidden from view, “our knowledge about feeding is still rather incomplete.”

This stirred my curiosity. I decided to conduct a few amateur experiments. Early one morning, I took from my cupboard a handful of rolled oats (oat groats that’ve been steamed and rolled into flakes) and sprinkled them atop the midden surrounding the ant nest closest to my home. And … the ants went crazy! They seemed instantly to deem this good grub and began tussling with one

sales. When home sales slow, property tax revenues fall. That means less funding for schools, fire protection, and road repairs. Realtors and mortgage brokers see deals collapse. Local businesses — from hardware stores to tradesmen — struggle when families put off home improvements just to cover their insurance bills.

What starts as a line item on a household budget quickly ripples into a community-wide problem. Insurance companies aren’t wrong about the challenges they face. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more severe. Rebuilding costs are higher thanks to inflation and supply chain issues. Massive claims have rattled the industry.

Here is the heart of the issue: premiums are rising far faster than incomes. Families who worked their whole lives to buy a home now find themselves one renewal letter away from financial disaster. They are losing them to the sheer cost of protection.

This is not a problem with one easy answer, but there are steps that could make a real difference. At the federal level, Congress should pass wildfire

Forsberge Meyer

Continued from A6

another over individual flakes. Before long, a parade of oat flakes was making its way laboriously down into the nest.

But! When I checked the same nest later in the day, many — perhaps most — of the flakes had been

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

management bills like the Fix Our Forests Act and the Put Out the Fire Act. which would help our county, where many homes back up to unmanaged forestland. Washington, D.C., should also create a national wildfire-risk pool, similar to federal flood insurance that spreads the risk more broadly.

At the state level, regulators need to be nimble. Insurers should be able to price risk realistically, but the state must also prevent profiteering and ensure coverage is available everywhere. Homeowners who harden their homes with fire-resistant roofs, defensible space, and Firewise certification should see real discounts, not token gestures.

Oversight of wildfire maps is another urgent need. Right now, multiple agencies and companies use different — and often without any transparency — scoring systems to rate properties. Homeowners have no way to challenge those scores, even though the results can determine whether they get coverage. Greater transparency and uniform standards are essential.

Homeowners should also have more choice. Wildfire coverage should be an optional add-on

dutifully carried back out of the nest and discarded all around the midden.

That seemed odd! I imagined a supervisor ant in the bowels of the nest saying, “Get that junk out of here!” Which made me wonder … would

much like earthquake or flood insurance. Families should be able to customize their policies and control how much risk they take on, instead of being boxed into one-size-fits-all coverage.

At the county level, add a goal to make El Dorado County 100% Firewise through its Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resiliency partnering with local fire agencies. This would result in homeowners qualifying for insurance discounts. If every neighborhood worked together on defensible space and fire-safe projects, insurers would have fewer excuses to pull out — and families would have a path to lower costs.

This isn’t just about numbers on a bill.

Homeownership represents stability, community, and the promise of a better future. If California is to remain a place where families can put down roots, we must confront this insurance crisis head-on — before it burns away the last pieces of the California dream.

Gina Posey is the vice chair of the Greater Cameron Park Fire Safe Council and the chair of the Sierrama Firewise community.

the ants prefer oat bran, the most nutritious part of the groat? Or perhaps steel-cut oats, the most minimally processed? What about peanuts?

I had all of these in my cupboard as well, so I grabbed a sample of each and placed them in separate piles on the midden so I could record what happened to each of them.

To my surprise, the ants simply ignored the bran and the steel-cut oats. But those peanuts! They glommed onto those and began dragging and/ or pushing them urgently down into the nest. Watching the action, I regretted not chopping the peanuts into even smaller bits, as the larger ones were giving the ants fits.

But even that isn’t the end of the story. When I checked the nest the following morning, everything — all the peanuts, all the bran, all the steel-cut oats, even most of the rolled oats — had vanished. I counted just 10 oat flakes littering the midden. Why those bits had been rejected when the rest were in the nest … who knows?

What I do know is there must be a surprising amount of deliberation and interaction going on among the members of that colony.

Once again, I found myself awed simply by closely observing this fascinating little creature, the ant. John Muir famously wrote, “Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much larger and better in every way.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Jennifer Forsberg Meyer is a columnist with the Mountain Democrat and the author of “Friends With Four Legs.” Leave a comment for her online, or for a reply, reach her at jfmfeedback@gmail.com.

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PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the

month. Call (530)391-6414 or see edcdems.org for more information. GOLD RUSH CHORUS now welcomes both men and women to share the joy of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. To learn more or to book a performance, call Howard at (530) 647-6513 or Kent (530) 651-3575

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites

TAXPAYERS

a 29-0

Bruins blank Cougars in Gold Pan game

Mike Bush Mountain Democrat correspondent

One team’s misfortune turned into a pot of gold for the other.

The Ponderosa High School varsity football team took advantage of El Dorado High squad’s miscue in Friday’s Gold Pan and season opener for both teams at Cougar Stadium. That led to the visiting Bruins posting a 29-0 win over the Cougars.

“To hold them to no points, that’s a big deal,” said Ponderosa head coach Davy Johnson.

“This is a rivalry game; this is a big game for these guys up here. A lot of emotions in this game. I was proud with the way the guys handled it.”

Ponderosa (1-0) reached El Dorado territory in the first quarter, spotting the ball at the Cougar 35-yard line. But the Bruins were forced to punt on fourth and long.

El Dorado, which had the ball spot at its own 20-yard line after the punt, moved the rock with a mixture of running and passing

plays. But the Cougars could not get out of their own territory and punted.

The Bruins completed a seven-play, 63-yard drive with 10:05 left in the second quarter when quarterback Zealand Jenks, a junior, kept the football and went up the middle on a 4-yard run.

Diego Martinez booted the extra-point for a 7-0 lead.

El Dorado looked like it was going to get on

the scoreboard after the Bruins’ touchdown. Runs from quarterback Hunter Rupley and running backs Luca Bird and Tyler Villa, along with Rupley completing five of six passes to Gerad Lemus, Logan Kruse, Grant Raffetto and Villa, moved the chains to the Ponderosa 22. But an incomplete pass on fourth and eight led to a Cougar turnover.

“We had opportunities to put points on the

board on a few drives,” admitted El Dorado head coach Kevin Placek.

Then Ponderosa scored its next two touchdowns for a 22-0 halftime lead.

The Bruins also used the ground game to move the ball. Jenks and running backs Marshall Alvernaz and Cole Pratt were key in their team’s second touchdown.

That led to another Bruin quarterback in

Colton Ridgley throwing a 15-yard strike to Jenks, who doubles as one of the team’s wide receivers, with 1:48 left on the clock. Martinez watched his extra-point kick sail through the uprights for a 14-0 score.

“I thought we ran the ball OK, well enough to keep them honest,” Johnson said. “Obviously, we’ve got some guys who can make plays.”

The Bruins’ defense

played a role on the next scoring drive. At the Ponderosa 40, Rupley threw the ball and it landed into the hands of defensive back Kingston Houge, who raced to the Cougar 33. Five plays later, the Ridgleyto-Jenks connection struck again, this time on a 7-yard score with 10.5 seconds left in the second quarter. The two connected again on the 2-point conversion for a 22-0 halftime lead.

“Getting outscored 22-0 in the second was killer,” Placek said. Jenks, who triples as a defensive back, used centerfielder-like skills in the fourth quarter to give Ponderosa a 29-0 score. He watched Rupley getting ready to throw and intercepted him and returned the ball down the Cougar sidelines 90 yards for the score with 10:27 remaining on the clock. Martinez’s kick was good.

“Drives at the end of the second and early in the fourth that ended with turnovers really killed our momentum,”

Oak Ridge cross country crushes Sierra Invitational

Special to the Mountain Democrat

The Oak Ridge High School cross country teams had a terrific first meet of the season at the Sierra Invitational at Sierra College on Aug. 23, where they joined 38 other teams.

Of the eight races — freshmen girls & boys, sophomore girls & boys, junior girls & boys, senior girls & boys — the Trojans won five (freshmen girls, sophomore boys, junior girls, junior boys, senior

boys). The freshmen boys placed third. Ten points were earned for each team’s first place and 6 points were earned for the third place finish, giving the Oak Ridge teams a total of 56 points to win the Top Program trophy for the Sierra Invitational.

“It was a fabulous team effort by our athletes at the Sierra Invitational,” head coach Rob Fairley said. “The freshmen girls started the meet off strong for us by getting 41 points to win their race and the senior boys ended the meet with an awesome performance by placing first with 26 points. The lowest score in a cross country race wins.”

The course for all races was 2 miles of winding dirt path with some hills through oak woodlands behind Sierra College.

ORHS top 10 racers

Freshmen girls: Oak Ridge 1st with 41 points, Vacaville 2nd with 75 points (86 runners in the race).

Cameron Fechter, 2nd, 12:28.30

Addie Yip, 3rd, 12:41.80

Serapha O’Sullivan, 10th, 13:49.60

Freshmen boys: Oak Ridge 3rd with 116 points, Vacaville 1st with 109 points, Whitney 2nd with 115 points (140 runners in the race).

Sophomore girls: No team score for Oak Ridge because there were only four sophomore girls in the race. At least five runners needed to have a team score. Turlock 1st with 42 points, Whitney 2nd with 53 points.

Guiliana Martino, 3rd, 12:13.40

Lauren Tiedeman, 4th, 12:20.60

Elise Sale, 7th, 13:22.40

Sophomore boys: Oak Ridge 1st with 88 points, Bella Vista 2nd with 113 points (162 runners in the race).

Ben Gutierrez, 10th, 11:20.0

Junior girls: Oak Ridge 1st with 41 points, Whitney 2nd with 64 points (90 runners in the race).

Maya Day, 4th, 12:19.0 Emi Madsen, 7th, 12:41.50

Sutton Paulsen, 10th, 13:22.50

Junior boys: Oak Ridge 1st with 51 points, Bella Vista 2nd with 76

the

Trojan safety Ilana Lampe (49) in last Thursday’s non-conference and county rivalry flag football game at Ervin S. Cooper Stadium.

Trojans play smart, edge Bruins in flag football

A touchdown and defense — that was the story line for the Oak Ridge and Ponderosa girls flag football teams in the non-conference and season opener for both teams at Ervin S. Cooper Stadium on Aug. 21. In the end, the touchdown that did not come on offense led to the host Trojans posting a 6-0 win over the Bruins.

The lone touchdown came at the 11:12 mark on the clock in the opening quarter. Oak Ridge safety Laurel Smart, a junior, picked off a Ponderosa pass and returned it 30 yards into the end zone.

“Laurel is a returning player,” said Oak Ridge head coach Eric Cavaliere, who is also the school’s new athletic director. “She played a lot of offense for us last year.”

Smart was smart in using her knowledge of the game and picking the right moment in getting the interception.

“She might be the best player in the area,” Cavaliere said. “She really kind of set the tone for us.”

Cavaliere has 27 players on this year’s team, including three seniors in quarterback/receiver London Sanders, center/linebacker Madeleine

Cross country

LeTourneau and center/linebacker

Siena Maher. The Trojans earned a trip into the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs in 2024.

Smart had another interception later in the quarter. But the Trojans, along with Ponderosa, were unable to move the ball into the end zone on offense for the rest of the game thanks to each other’s defense holding the offenses in place.

“I thought we came out with some great intensity and focus,” said Ponderosa head coach Tyson Escobar, who is also the school’s wrestling head coach. “It’s a rivalry game, so our girls always get excited for that opportunity. I thought our defense played extremely well.”

The Bruins lost quite a few players from the 2024 Ponderosa squad that won the section’s D-II title.

But Ponderosa has 10 seniors on this year’s team, which are highlighted by Rowan Thomas, Stephanie Freas and Cheyenne Jones. The Bruins are also breaking in two new quarterbacks this season, both freshmen in Lily Thomas and Aprillia Brown.

Oak Ridge continued its non-league schedule on Tuesday, playing at Colfax.

Ponderosa played its first home game of the season, also on Tuesday, when Vacaville pays a visit.

Continued from A8

points (146 runners in the race).

Dax Whann, 5th, 10:57.60

Senior girls: No team score for Oak Ridge because there were only two senior girls in the race. Whitney 1st with 23 points, Bella Vista 2nd with 32 points (67 runners in the race).

Football Continued from A8

Placek said.

El Dorado reached Ponderosa territory, on the 23, after Jenks’ touchdown. But the Cougars turned the ball over on loss of downs again. Johnson and his crew enjoy the win. But better execution on all three sides of the ball — offense, defense and special teams need — he said, must improve as the preseason continues.

“There’s always stuff to clean up with Week 1,” Johnson said. “That’s why Week 1, as a coach, is always scary, no matter who you’re going to play.”

Placek, who had 24 players suited up, saw the pros and cons of his team’s play.

Letters Continued from A6

Lost lifestyle

EDITOR: Ihunt and I fish. To do that, I purchased lifetime licenses. I own a boat, and to use it I must pay an annual registration fee, a 10% tax on the boat’s value, take a test and keep a boater’s license in my possession.

I must pay a fee to quarantine my boat for 30 days and am limited to only fishing that lake from now on.

I am not allowed to fish for salmon in the Sacramento River. I’m not allowed to keep a sturgeon of any size. I am only allowed to keep two stripers over 18 inches per day.

I’ve waited over 28 years in hopes of being drawn for elk, sheep or antelope in California. I am drawn to hunt deer once every seven years. I need to purchase a tag to hunt pigs and I am limited to one pig per day.

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

Adriana Ingargiola, 5th, 12:09.00

Senior boys: Oak Ridge 1st with 26 points, Turlock 2nd with 87 points (135 runners in the race).

Roman Zamora, 3rd, 10:13.80

Wesley Ewing, 4th, 10:26.10

Thomas Capelli, 5th, 10:26.50

Bailey Van Leemput, 10th, 10:46.50

“Our run defense was solid,” Placek said. “We got off blocks and rallied to the football. When things got chippy, we did a good job of walking away. We weren’t perfect, but overall, I am happy with how well we kept our heads on straight.”

Ponderosa hits the road again in another non-league game this Friday, this time at Casa Roble (1-0), which beat Placer 46-30 last Friday. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

El Dorado also hits the road this Friday, playing a non-league contest at Del Campo at 7:30 p.m. Del Campo recorded a 55-21 season-opening win over Burbank.

There isn’t any public land to hunt pheasants and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife isn’t raising pheasants anymore, so I have to hunt at a private club. I can no longer hunt mountain lion in California or use dogs to hunt bears.

To buy ammunition, I must DROS the firearm (rifle, shotgun), nullifying my Second Amendment rights.

I’m a sportsman. I was born in California and I love my state. California is charging me fees and licenses to hunt and fish, but has made it illegal or impossible to do so. Sportsmen are not an outlier in a situation. We are a symptom of life being lived in tyranny. Other Californians are experiencing similar situations living in our state. My lifestyle has been destroyed. KEN STEERS Cameron Park

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll encounter something in wonky form. To make this appealing or useful, work must go in, like new thought, adjustment or negotiation. Your job isn’t to accept it as is, but get in there and turn it into what works for you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You hold your own standards and stay curious about people who live differently. Being firm in yourself but open with others is a balance that allows for less conflict and better relationships. It’s emotional maturity in action.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve an aim today, and you feel good about going after it. As for friction, it still exists, but you don’t pick it up. Focus on it, and your refusal to entertain it or engage with it makes your choices flow in a clear progression to the goal.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Questions come, but you’re under no obligation to answer them, especially the ones you feel weird about. Or even if you just want to withhold information out of a sense of strategy, it’s your prerogative. Keep some mystery. It suits you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Past challenges gave you skills. You’ll find yourself in a situation where you can offer an example drawn from your own experience with hardship.

Since you’ve been through it, you’re uniquely knowledgeable about how to move forward.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You aren’t chasing adventure, but it finds you on this day offering delightful and unexpected fun. Your intention, style and presence turn a regular task into a mini-quest. It’s a little twist of fate that makes your day feel enchanted.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve accumulated a lot: connections, tasks, passions, stuff. Some of it happened gradually, some all at once, but now it’s clear that you’re carrying more than is sustainable. Reassess. What’s worth it?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll trade control for expansion. Good for you. It’s a power move indeed. Defining something too soon can box it in or shrink its potential, while leaving space for mystery allows things to grow in unexpected and possibly amazing ways.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You show up the way you said you would. You expect others to do the same. You value follow-through, and you get it because you don’t tolerate flakiness. Once is forgiven. Twice is a pattern. Three strikes, they’re out.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The tendency to go into debt isn’t limited to finance. The debt between people? That’s the most interesting kind. That’s where values are truly subjective, which makes for some inspired, creative and, in today’s case, astoundingly nonsensical arrangements that feel, nonetheless, so right.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Don’t fix what’s not broken. You may think something is showing signs of wear, but until it’s really showing you a problem, it’s

Comfortable and Compassionate Care

PARK-LIKE GROUNDS

Our 64-acre campus features beautifully landscaped, walkable and pet-friendly paths, along with inviting outdoor spaces for you to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.

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Experience maintenance-free living with the convenience of restaurant style dining, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour staff on-site and no yard work to worry about.

Our dedicated staff provides attentive, individualized care with around-the-clock staff, transportation and assistance with daily activities.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Aug. 27

The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents “Tutti Frutti: The Life & Music of Little Richard” from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

California Stage in Sacramento presents “The Lehman Trilogy” through Sept. 28. For tickets and more information visit calstage.org.

Main Street Menagerie PRIDE Celebration will perform, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley presents Jon Lovitz live at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit thecenterforthearts.org.

Aug. 28

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host a Member Headshot session with Jacki Pabst Photography at the Red Hawk Hotel from 10:3011:30 a.m. and its Monthly Networking Luncheon at Red Hawk Casino’s Koto Buffet with speaker Cameron Park CSD, Interim General Manager Maurice “Mo” Johnson from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call (530) 6778000 or visit sscpchamber. org.

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host its August Chamber Mixer at the Meadow, 7510 Green Valley Road in Placerville from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

Frog Out Front will perform, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Folsom Lake Symphony will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Aug. 29 Vitalant will host a community blood drive at the Palladio at Broadstone, noon to 3:15 p.m. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM895 or call (877) 258-4825. Walkins will be accommodated if space allows.

U.B.U Rave & Club Night —Multi DJ Lineup Mix + Rave Light Show will perform, 7-11:59 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “You Can’t Take It With You” at 7:30 p.m. and through Sept. 14. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Aug. 30

The annual Fair Play Zin Fest 2025 is happening on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 & 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every ticket includes a food and wine experience at all eight participating wineries, a logo wine glass to take home, live music, raffles and more. Get tickets at fairplayzinfest.com.

Crystal Basin Cellars will host the Sourdough Challenge beginning at noon. Bake up your best and show it off.

Supply drive prepares local students

Kate Barba Hands4Hope

This summer, the Hands4HopeYouth Making A Difference School Supply Committee led a project to help local students start the year prepared for school by providing backpacks and vital supplies. In 2024, 6.5 percent of children were living in poverty in El Dorado County, so the committee members knew the need was urgent.

The Hands4Hope School Supply Drive Committee, made up of 16 middle and high school youth with the support of adult mentor volunteers, a college intern and Hands4Hope staff advisors, began by working with local businesses from Folsom to Placerville to host collection bins. Next, they coordinated with El Dorado Hills Town Center and El Dorado County Office of Education to host a "Stuff the Bus" event on July 18. The marketing subcommittee and a KCRA 3 interview got the word out and the community responded. Generous shoppers and organizations like churches and clubs dropped off mountains of supplies, and the returned collection bins filled the EDCOE school bus. Cash and online donations, plus generous shoppers from the wish list, allowed for all item goals to be met, and many were exceeded.

This year's committee included six subcommittee youth chairs, 10 youth participants and two staff mentors, and was led by a Hands4Hope alumni/college intern. In all, 60 volunteers served more than 110 times and logged over 300 volunteer hours to plan, collect, sort and distribute school supplies. All in all, this year’s youth-led committee collected 18,000 items, including 908 backpacks, with an estimated value of $66,800. Combined with previous donations, the youth-led committee of 16 planned and coordinated the collection, sorting, organization and

distribution of nearly 29,000 vital school supplies and backpacks.

"I enjoyed learning the process of creating and doing a project

with a team; managing and coordinating things that were actually important,” said Mia George, project manager and Hands4Hope

impact with what I was doing."

Rotary raises funds at Denim or Diamonds

News release

The Rotary Club of Placerville will present the Denim or Diamonds Galapalooza, on Friday, Sept. 13 from 5-10 p.m. at the Placerville Fairgrounds. This exciting event promises an unforgettable night of entertainment, food and philanthropy — all in support of two incredible local causes: CASA El Dorado and NAMI Clubhouse El Dorado.

“The Rotary Club of Placerville is known for supporting the youth of our community with many of our projects being well known, such as Rotary Park baseball park. Joe’s Skate Park was another project of this club,” said Rotary Club of Placerville President Scott Smith. “Placerville Rotary will of course continue to improve these facilities and continue to provide scholarships to students.

“We also sponsor kids to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. This weeklong camp is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where youth develop their skills as a leader while having fun and

making connections.”

Placerville Rotary has supported CASA in the past and continues to see a need in this area. The heart of this program is the Court Appointed Special Advocate, a specially trained and supervised community volunteer, appointed by a Juvenile Court judge. CASA advocates make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

"We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this year's Denim or Diamonds Galapalooza, alongside our partners at NAMI Clubhouse El Dorado,” said CASA El Dorado Executive Director Natlie Moore. “This event is a demonstration of the Rotary Club of Placerville’s commitment to the wellbeing of our community. Their support of children, families and mental health initiatives is deeply appreciated, and we are proud to collaborate with them to create lasting, positive change in El Dorado County."

Supporting National Alliance on Mental Illness Club House

El Dorado is new for the Rotary Club of Placerville. Mental illnesses are brain disorders that are biologically based medical problems.

Untreated, they can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating. This results in substantially diminished capacity for dealing with

the ordinary demands of life. Mental illness can affect persons of any age and occur in any family. Placerville Rotary believes that

The wait is over, Apple Hill is (mostly) open

Apple Hill Growers News release

Some Apple Hill Grower farms are open year round or have been open since earlier this summer. But for all the visitors who are eager for the taste of apple pie or apple cider doughnuts, or activities for the kids, the wait is over, or will be soon.

See the sections below for information and links for farms that are open now or will be shortly. This time of year is a good time to avoid the fall crowds. To plan a visit or get more information about what farms are open and when visit applehill.com.

Farms open now

24 Carrot Farms — Open Thursday through Saturday. Visit 24carrotfarms.com.

Delfino Farms — Bakeshop open Friday through Sunday. Visit delfinofarms.com.

Goldbud Farms — Open seven days a week. Visit goldbudfarms.com.

Harris Family Farm — Open Thursday through Sunday. Visit harrisfamilyfarm.com.

Hidden Star Orchards Open Friday through Sunday. Visit hiddenstarorchards.com.

High Hill Ranch — Open seven days a week. Visit highhillranch.com.

Pine-O-Mine Ranch Open Friday through Sunday. Visit pineomine.com.

Ponderosa Ridge B&B — Open tear round. Visit ponderosaridgebnb.com.

Wineries — Open with varying hours. Visit applehill. com/grower-cat/wineries.

Community Foundation announces Fall Grant Cycles

El Dorado Community Foundation News release

The El Dorado Community Foundation has announced the opening of the 2025 Fall Grant Cycles. All grant applications open on Aug. 28. Visit eldoradocf.org/grants-catalog for information about the opportunities available, including how to apply. The available opportunities include the following.

El Dorado Hills Area Foundation grant

Local nonprofit agencies serving the community and residents of El Dorado Hills are invited to apply for grant funding from The El Dorado Hills Giving Circle and El Dorado Hills Area Foundation. Applications of up to $10,000 will be considered. In an effort to best serve the community, the grant does not have a specific focus area thereby inspiring new ideas with the possibility of responding to unmet community needs. Organizations that have been granted funds the past two consecutive years must sit out this year/cycle before re-applying to this grant process next fall. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 25. Further guidelines and funding requirements are available at eldoradocf.org/grants-catalog. This grant is for nonprofits providing services or programs that include El Dorado Hills.

GROW FOR IT!

Blazing summer color

Do the hot, dry days of summer leave your garden landscape in need of a pop of color? If yes, then look no further than the stunning Kniphofia, pronounced ni-FOH-fee-uh. This genus consists of 68 species and brings an explosion of color from summer through fall, transforming any garden landscape.

Kniphofia, indigenous to Africa, is renowned for its distinctive appearance and robustness. It is an ornamental perennial with either evergreen or herbaceous foliage, typically forming clumps. Kniphofia is also known as poker plant, Rocket Flower, Torch Lily and Tritoma, each reflecting its unique shape and fiery color.

Kniphofia’s flower spikes are their most notable characteristic. The spikes are tubular

Fulfilling Equitable Educational Trips fund grant

The FEET Fund Grant is open to Lake Tahoe Unified School District elementary schools to support grade level, overnight field trips that enrich the curriculum being taught at their grade level as well as the students’ lives within Lake Tahoe Unified School District. The fund aims to help fund trips that actively engage students, are student-centers, provide an opportunity that students would otherwise not get and directly meet the standards for a particular grade level. Field trips are also expected to have some nominal cost to the students involved. Grant applications are due no later than Nov. 1. For more details visit feetfund.org.

Locher Agricultural grant for El Dorado County

El Dorado Community Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportunity from the Locher Agricultural Fund. The fund will be accepting proposals of up to $4,500 from any 4-H or FFA program that serves El Dorado County. Applications are due before 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 25. Applicants will be notified of grant status in November. If successful, funding is available immediately. This grant is made possible by the

flowers that vary in color from red and orange to yellow, creating a flame-like effect. The individual flowers open sequentially from the bottom to the top, ensuring a prolonged blooming period that lasts months. These vibrant hues attract hummingbirds and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.

Some Kniphofia species grow to six feet tall. Their long, slender leaves arch gracefully, adding a textural contrast to the garden. The plant’s rhizomatous growth habit allows it to spread and form dense clumps over time, making it an excellent choice for filling gaps in borders or creating striking focal points.

Kniphofia is a versatile plant that adapts well to various growing conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for different garden layouts. The plant thrives in welldrained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for regions with water restrictions or in arid climates.

One of the key advantages of Kniphofia is its resistance to pests, particularly deer and rabbits, which tend to avoid the plant. This characteristic ensures that the vibrant flower spikes stay intact, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.

Kniphofia requires minimal attention once planted. Regular watering during the establishment phase helps the plant develop a strong root system, but it will need less frequent watering once mature. Deadheading spent flower spikes will promote further blooming and keep the plant looking tidy.

The plant benefits from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer to support its growth and flowering. In colder climates, some species of Kniphofia may require protection during the winter months. Mulching around the base of the plant can help insulate the roots and prevent frost damage.

Kniphofia grow well in containers, adding a splash of color to patios and balconies. Its drought tolerance also makes it suitable

estate of Carl and Kathy Locher who were passionate about agriculture and sharing this passion with children.

Pay it Forward Project school grant:

The Pay It Forward Project partners with local school service clubs and organizations that work to build a better community with community service projects and environmental projects that build for a better community.

The Pay It Forward Project Grant Application is a youth empowerment grant for student clubs or organizations from any of the El Dorado County High Schools, South Tahoe Middle School, Douglas County High Schools and Carson City High Schools who are planning a community service project that gives back to the community. This grant centers on giving back to the community, respecting our fellow man and continually looking ahead on how to make the world a better place for everyone in it.

This grant, if approved, will provide up to $1,000 for a student club’s project that builds a better community through volunteerism. Grant applications are due no later than Sept. 25.

For more information contact the Director of Grants, Programs and Impact, Kathy Haven, at kathy@eldoradocf.org.

for xeriscaping, where water conservation is a priority. Gardeners can experiment with different Kniphofia species and cultivars to achieve varied effects, from bold, fiery displays to more subdued, pastel tones.

Kniphofia’s dazzling flower spikes and resilient nature is a gardener’s delight. Whether looking to add a burst of color or a lowmaintenance, droughttolerant plant to your landscape, red hot poker is an excellent choice. Embrace the beauty and versatility of Kniphofia and watch your garden

come alive with vibrant hues and captivating forms from summer through fall. For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu. For garden hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a

“I’ve noticed some changes, and care about your well-being...”

Tips for Talking With Your Loved Ones About Assisted Living.

We all want the best for our aging parents. When we start to notice changes in their daily routines, like di culty with household tasks, missing meals, or isolation, it may be time to start talking about Assisted Living. By approaching the topic with compassion and openness, you can help ease the transition and make it a collaborate, positive experience for everyone.

The following tips can guide conversations with family members to help determine whether Assisted Living might offer the supportive environment needed for a safer, more comfortable lifestyle.

Choose the Right Moment: Find a calm, quiet time when everyone is relaxed and free from distractions.

Express at You Care: Start by a rming your love and concern. Emphasize that your goal is to ensure their comfort, safety, and happiness.

Be Honest and Empathetic: Share your observations gently, focusing on the bene ts of additional support rather than on any limitation.

Listen Actively: Encourage them to share their feelings and concerns. Validate emotions and be patient with their responses.

Provide Information: Share details about the community, such as the quality of care, activities available, and testimonials from others, if available. O er to tour a facility together to see rsthand what’s available.

Reassure eir Independence: Let them know that Assisted Living is designed to support their independence rather than take it away.

Take it Step-by-Step: Frame the conversation as the beginning of an ongoing discussion, rather than a nal decision. is allows time for adjustment and further exploration together.

Ponté Palmero is here to help your family through the process.

...to our NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION sponsors

...And to our generous subscribers who donate their vacation credits to the fund.

HFW Enterprises, LLC

Gold Country writing contest open

Gold Country Writers News release

The Gold Country Writers has announced a nonfiction writing competition open to writers residing in Placer, Yuba, El Dorado, Nevada, Sutter and Sacramento counties. Entries or due by midnight Sept. 17.

“Writing contests are to me today what a recital was when I was a girl,” said Libby Taylor-Worden, contest coordinator. “It’s the opportunity to practice creativity and apply selfediting skills to polish my words.”

The contest provides a chance for writers to showcase their work.

Writers retain full ownership of their work. However, by entering, writers agree to allow GCW to use submitted stories in its publications and to showcase winning entries. Gold Mountain California News media will publish the winning stories online and in their local newspapers.

The GCW Nonfiction Short Story Contest offers a great opportunity

for new writers to be recognized. All stories will be judged anonymously based on specific criteria.

Winners of the GCW Nonfiction Short Story Contest will be revealed on Saturday, Oct. 4, at a special celebration event at the Auburn City Hall Council Chambers. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50.

This event is sponsored in part by the Arts Council of Placer County, the Auburn Arts Commission, and Gold Country Media.

Only original and unpublished nonfiction stories with a maximum word count of 1,500 words will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Sept. 17. The limit for submission is one entry per person. There is a submission fee of $15 and a discounted fee of $10 for GCW members.

For more information about the contest, a complete list of rules and to submit your entry visit goldcountrywriters.com.

Audition at the Stage at Burke Junction

The Stage at Burke Junction News release

The Stage at Burke Junction will hold auditions on Sept. 6 and 7 for “Well” by Lisa Kron and directed by Odin Rasco. All roles are open. The production team is looking for actors comfortable with some improvisation and with a strong sense of timing. Given the complexity of the show’s structure, it is recommended that auditioners read at least a synopsis of the play before auditions.

Casting the following roles

49’er Bail Bond

Aborn Powers Property Management

Adco Driveline and Custom Exhaust

Adept – Med International, Inc.

ARCO AM/PM

Captrust

Edwards A-1 Appliance

El Dorado Irrigation District

EN2 Resources, Inc.

Frank’s Body Shop, Inc.

Lake Oaks Mobile Home Community

Mountain Roofing Systems

Triangle Well Drilling

Western Sign Co., Inc.

The Mountain Democrat’s Newspapers in Education program (NIE) was established in 2002 to provide and educational service arm for the newspaper. NIE’s goal is to assist schools, teachers and parents in developing future readers who can use the newspaper to enrich their own lives and participate responsibly in their community, state and nation.

Not only does the Mountain Democrat provide valuable information on a wide range of topics daily, it also can be used as a resource for teaching numerous skills to various age groups and in many different disciplines. It helps students connect classroom lessons to the real world around them and develop a positive and

relevant lifetime reading habit. A study released by the Newspaper Association of America

Foundation shows data indicating students in NIE programs do 10 percent better on standardized tests and that significant increases in student performances occur, especially in middle schools. Donations from our sponsors allow our educators to order the newspaper for their classrooms free of charge. These sponsorships contribute to literacy and allow thousands of teachers and students in El Dorado County to learn from a living textbook, the Mountain Democrat, and develop a life-long reading habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Please show these sponsors your support for the program by patronizing their businesses.

Lisa — woman, white, 25-45 years old. Actor-y, artsy, confident and anxious in equal measure. This role will require extensive memorization. Ann — woman, white, 50-70 years old. Navigates chronic illness calmly, exudes motherly kindness but able

Supplies

Continued from B1

School supply requests were referral-only, and accessed through Hands4Hope partner agencies, such as the McKinney-Vento Services for the El Dorado County Office of Education, CASA El Dorado, New Morning Youth and Family Services and Headstart, among others. About one quarter of this year’s registrants were new to the program, speaking to the increasing needs of the community. Families with students in all grades were welcomed on Aug. 5 at Louisiana Schnell Elementary School in Placerville, who once again, hosted this effort.

During the 4-hour distribution event, Hands4Hope youth participants led student guests through stations to "shop" for everything they need for school, from a new backpack to colored pencils, pens, folders, notebooks, crayons and more. That day, 501 students received backpacks and supplies, including new kindergarteners through seniors in high school. Nearly 60 additional backpacks full of supplies were distributed in the days following the event through community partners and direct distribution. Remaining supplies continue to be requested

Denim

Continued from B1 bringing awareness of these illnesses without stigma is needed within today's society.

The event will include a delicious dinner catered by Smith Flat House, music and dancing with Jeffrey Goodwin DJtainment, Line Dancing with Sara, live, silent and dessert auctions and fun giveaways throughout the evening.

The community is encouraged to

to step back from that into a more neutral character.

Ensemble — these characters will all fill multiple roles, as they are actors playing characters in Lisa’s play. Ability to flip between distinct characters smoothly (and confidence with quick-changes) ideal.

A — white woman, 30-40

B — black woman, 30/40

C — black man, 20-50

D — white man, 20-50

Actors auditioning for Lisa or Ann should prepare a 2-5 minute monologue.

Actors auditioning for Ensemble should prepare a 1-3 minute monologue.

Auditions will take place Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m. with callbacks on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 12:30 p.m. The show runs from Nov. 1-23. For more information visit stageatburke.com.

and distributed through community partners and schools.

“Thank you to all of the donors who came to the Stuff the Bus event, donated online or brought items to collection sites,” said Kate Barba, Hands4Hope special events program coordinator. “We are especially grateful to the local businesses and organizations who hosted Hands4Hope collection bins so donors had convenient locations to drop off backpacks and supplies. In house collection drives were another huge support. We couldn’t have made the impact we did without you.”

For more information about the dirive, a full list of bin collection sites, a wrap-up video and additional photos visit the hands4hopeyouth.org.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is a nonprofit, youthdriven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. It offers hands-on education and community outreach opportunities to youth from sixth through 12th grades through school-based and afterschool programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. Learn more at hands4hopeyouth.org.

dress up in denim or diamonds, and come ready to celebrate and support local organizations making a real difference in the community.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will directly benefit CASA El Dorado’s work with vulnerable children and NAMI Clubhouse El Dorado’s support for mental wellness in our community. To to learn more or purchase tickets visit placervillerotary.org.

DRIVER WANTED

It’s a show-it-off event, not a competition. Interested parties should contact KZ or Mike at (530) 647-1767 or at rsvp@ crystalbasin.com.

1850 Wine Cellars will host a Labor Day concert and Barbecue with live music from The Allegedlies from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit 1850winecellars.com.

Sierra Vista Winery will host a Labor Day celebration with live music from The Ramble Ensemble from 5-8 p.m. For more information or to make reservations call (530) 622-7221 or visit sierravistawinery.com.

Wicked Messengers performing the music of Jerry Garcia and Bob Dylan will perform, 8-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Starbright Entertainment presents Fleetwood Mask at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College in Folsom. For more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

MOUNTAIN

Entertainment Events & T2 presents Piano Men: Generations at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Shadow Ranch in Somerset will host live music with Julie and the Jukes. For more information visit shadowranch.com.

Sept. 1

Casino Mine Ranch Winery in Plymouth will host Labor Day Shellabration. For more information visit casinomineranch.com.

Sept. 2

Powell’s Steamer Company and Pub, 425 Main St., presents Eric Hill and Jonny Mojo for Taco Tuesday on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 4-7 p.m. Stop by for some good food and good tunes. For more information call (530) 626-1091.

Sept. 3

An Evening with The Cravens ~ Hattie & Joe will perform, 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents Gundhild Carling from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

Sept. 5

1850 Wine Cellars will host Name That Tune, ‘70s edition from 5-7 p.m. Form a team, guess the song(s) and band/singer (for extra points) and win prizes. For more information visit 1850winecellars. com.

Boys of Summer — The Eagles Experience tribute will perform at 8 p.m. and again on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Sept. 6

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 512, will host its Famous Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Placerville Airport, 3501 Airport Road. Enjoy breakfast, airplanes on display and old friends. Proceeds go to the Sunny Atkin Scholarship Fund for students of aeronautical related studies.

Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, is serving its acclaimed Pairings Lunches on the Vineyard Terrace on Saturdays and Sundays with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Pairings 2025 combines a chef’s creativity with the beautifully crafted Miraflores wines. Diners will be able to talk to the chef du jour about the wine and food experience. On Sept. 6 and 7 chef Carl Williams is preparing a Mediterranean Delight. Call (530) 647-8505 or email info@mirafloreswinery.com to make a reservation.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the El Dorado Hills Brewfest at the EDH Town Center from 3-7 p.m. An unforgettable afternoon of unlimited tasting privileges from a wide selection of craft breweries, cideries, wineries and more. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will host a free public tour at 9 a.m. After the approximately one-hour tour, wander around the 16 individual gardens at your own pace or ask docents for help and more information at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville.

Join the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for a Seed Saving workshop. 9 a.m. to noon. Gather seeds from selected plants to take home. Learn about tried-and-true seed saving techniques. Suitable for beginner “seed curious” gardeners and more experienced seed-savers with technical questions. Space is plentiful, but chairs are limited, bring your own folding chair if possible. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=46209.

Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery will host Harvest Hog from 1-4 p.m. an unforgettable celebration of the 2025 harvest, where attendees will indulge in the delectable flavors of a slow roasted whole pig, perfectly cooked to delight the palate. For more information visit gwinllanestate. com.

Bumgarner Winery’s tasting room in Camino will host Trivia Night at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit bumgarnerwinery.com.

The Stage at Burke Junction will hold auditions for “Well” by Lisa Kron at 4:30 p.m. and again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.. All parts are open. For more information visit stageatburke.om.

The Valhalla Tahoe boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn presents Word Wave One-Act Winners Perform from 7-9:30 p.m. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

The Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series presents Teddy Swims from 7:30-10 p.m. For more information visit tinyurl.com/yfvbt3xz.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Rita Rudner at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter. net.

Now

Broadway At Music Circus presents “Hair” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento through Aug. 28. For tickets and more information call (916) 5571999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

Atim Udoffia in collaboration with Balcony Theatre Collective presents “As You Like It” through Aug. 31 at the Clara Auditorium in Sacramento. For tickets and more information visit asyoulikeitproject.ludus. com.

Registration open to attend the El Dorado High

Class of 1975 and 1974 reunion to be held Sept. 13. Alumnus should RSVP by Aug. 29. Email euhs.75@gmail.com.

Tickets are on sale for The Robert Cray Band at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Word of Mouth Storytelling is seeking storytellers for its “Love Bites, Stories from the Dating World” show to take place on Sept. 14 in Placerville. To pitch a story idea call (650) 274-6041 or email wordofmouthstory@gmail.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Reform to Restoration, French Art from Louis XVI to Louis XVIII from the Horvitz Collection through Sept. 14; Arts, Letters, and Power, Van Dyck and the Portrait Print through Oct. 12; Cara and Diego Romero, Tales of Futures Past through Oct. 12; Black & Gold – Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics through Dec. 31, 2025; and Pueblo Pottery – Native American Pottery and Sculpture through Dec. 31, 2030. For more information visit crockerart.org.

The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series presents live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (plus additional weekdays) evenings from 5:45-9:15 p.m. through Sept 1. For more information visit tinyurl.com/3h88rmpb.

Join Valhalla Tahoe for Yoga on the Lawn every Tuesday & Thursday at 8 a.m. through August 28. Start your day with a breath of fresh Tahoe air and a grounding yoga practice surrounded by pines. All levels welcome — no ticket required, just bring your mat and a donation if you can. For more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

The Coloma Community Market takes place 5-8 p.m., drizzle or shine, every Thursday through August at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Find great local products while enjoying live music, food, beverages and more. Parking is free during the market hours.

Marshal Gold Discovery Park will host Living History Days every second Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit marshallgold.com.

The Pollock Pines Community Center will host a Yoga Class every Monday at 10:30 a.m, Bingo Night every Tuesday at 5 p.m. and a Beginners Line Dancing Throwdown from 6:30-9 p.m. For more information visit pollockpinesca.org.

07/29/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF

17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and

STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27 14957 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. FB2025-0725 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ELIA GRECIAN BEAUTY COMPANY , located at 2768 Hawks Landing Court, Placerville, CA 95667 Registrant’s Name & Mailing Address: Marta S Pickens, 2768 Hawks Landing Court, Placerville, CA 95667 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or

This statement filed with the county clerk of El Dorado County on 07/30/2025 NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS

NOTICE-IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER