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• CAMERON PARK 3321 Durock Rd Bldg A (530) 676-2446 • EL DORADO HILLS 4640 Post Street (916) 293-5665 • PLACERVILLE 85 Placerville Dr. (530) 622-6956
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– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 8 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Retired band teacher accused of sex crimes Noel Stack
The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office has filed the case, and Varoff is set to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in El Dorado County Superior Court in Placerville. The criminal complaint alleges that between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, 2023, Varoff engaged several times in unlawful sex acts with an unidentified minor at the youth’s Sacramento County home. The complaint also alleges Varoff committed an act of sexual penetration against J. Doe in the defendant’s office at school sometime between Jan. 1 and Feb, 28, 2023, and two other alleged offenses occurred after a birthday celebration for Varoff in the summer of 2023. The complaint further notes: “As
Editor
Photo courtesy of EDSO
Paul Varoff was arrested Monday, Jan. 26.
The Oak Ridge High School community and beyond is in shock after El Dorado County sheriff ’s officials announced the arrest of Paul Varoff. The band teacher directed young musicians for more than three decades and now stands accused of sex crimes against a minor. On the morning of Jan. 26, EDSO detectives arrested Varoff, who faces five counts of oral copulation of a person younger than 18 and five counts of sexual penetration of a person younger than 18. Varoff was booked into the El Dorado County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
to all felony charges in the aboveentitled charging document, the People hereby further allege the following facts and circumstances in aggravation: “Factors relating to the crime, whether or not charged or chargeable as allegations include that: “The victim was particularly vulnerable; “The manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism; “The defendant took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense.” Varoff retired from his position at the El Dorado Hills high school ■ See VAROFF, page A9
Supes mull cannabis rules amendments Noel Stack Editor
Rules are rules, and those in the commercial cannabis industry could face stricter rules if they want a permit to operate in El Dorado County. Earlier this month the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, on a 4-1 vote, supported a resolution of intention to amend the Commercial Cannabis Ordinance, asking staff to consider removing language that currently allows exceptions to the ■ See CANNABIS, page A8
Coscto report out for review Noel Stack Editor
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
The El Dorado County Planning and Building Department – Planning Division has released the proposed El Dorado Hills Costco project draft environmental impact report. This DEIR is available
for public and agency review through March 23. The purpose of this comment period is to consider the content of the DEIR and the potential environmental impacts that may result from project implementation. Comments pertaining to the environmental impact analysis, criteria and thresholds, mitigation measures and alternatives presented in the DEIR will be considered by the county during preparation of the
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
Firefighters converge in Downtown Placerville Monday afternoon following a report of smoke coming g from one of the historical buildings. Below, firefighters place a fan near the opening of a crawl space under the now vacant Hangtown Cyclery at 413 Main St. after battling a fire that broke out beneath the building around noon on Monday.
Main Street fire prompts swift response Shelly Thorene Staff writer
The downtown Placerville lunch rush was interrupted by smoke, prompting a heavy and immediate response from local fire agencies Monday afternoon. El Dorado County Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Andrew Lemos said firefighters were dispatched at 12:06 p.m. on Jan. 26 after heavy black smoke was seen near Highway 50 behind a business on Main Street, which is filled with historical buildings tightly packed together. Main Street was closed at Sacramento Street and Bedford Avenue while surrounding businesses were evacuated. Powell’s Steamer Co. owner Sheila Kelly told the Mountain Democrat she and Kelly Thayer saw thick black smoke billowing out from the nearby business. She made the call
■ See COSTCO, page A9
■ See FIRE, page A9
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