Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Grass and trees scorched in fire

Nearly 100 acres of land burned in Pilot Hill Sunday afternoon in the Miners Fire.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Cal Fire o cials report the blaze is 95% contained and the cause is under investigation.

In additional to Cal Fire crews on the ground and in the air, assistance came from the U.S.

■ See MINERS FIRE, page A9

Motorcyclist dies in multi-vehicle wreck

Noel Stack Editor

An Auburn resident died in a three-vehicle collision on Highway 193 west of Coon Creek Road near Cool on June 18.

The fatal wreck occurred around 9:10 a.m. Saturday, according to Placerville CHP O cer Andrew Brown. The victim, a 47-year-old man, was riding a 2016 Harley-Davidson. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Others involved are a 74-year-old man from Newcastle riding a 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 and a 45-year-old man from Garden Valley driving a 199 Honda. The Yamaha rider su ered minor injuries.

“The cause of crash is still very much under investigation,” Brown said.

Court dates set in Snyder murder case

An El Dorado County Superior Court judge last week set two new court dates in the case against Geo rey Snyder, a Placerville area man who is alleged to have murdered his wife. Snyder, 57, will next appear at the Main Street courthouse in Placerville on Friday, July 24, at 8:30 a.m. for a prepreliminary hearing. During Snyder’s July 17 court appearance in Placerville it was confirmed that he would return to the same courthouse on Aug. 5 at 8:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

Snyder, 57, was arrested Feb. 17 after El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce

■ See SNYDER, page A8

American River Conservancy News release

American River Conservancy welcomed newly identified direct descendants of one of the original members of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony to Wakamatsu Farm, o ering an emotional opportunity to reconnect a family with a remarkable chapter of American history.

In March, Brian Williams of Sacramento, his daughter, Brianna and nieces Marissa and Faith visited Wakamatsu Farm after discovering they are direct descendants of Kuninosuke Masumizu, one of the Japanese colonists who arrived at the farm in June 1869. The visit also brought together distant relatives and descendants from other branches of the family, creating a meaningful family reunion centered on their shared heritage.

Wakamatsu Farm has been owned and protected by ARC since 2010. It is California Registered Historical Landmark No. 815 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 272-acre property is recognized as the site of the first Japanese colony in America and the birthplace of the first Japanese American born in the United States. It is also the resting place of young Okei, the first woman and Japanese

immigrant buried on American soil in 1871.

Some have described Wakamatsu Farm as the “Plymouth Rock of Japanese Americans.”

The family’s new connection to Wakamatsu Farm was uncovered through genealogical research conducted by Ryan Robinson of Pomona. While exploring his own family history following the death of his father in 2020, Robinson discovered historical records that

ultimately connected the Williams family to Masumizu through multiple generations. Robinson is distantly related by marriage to the Williams family, and although not directly related to Masumizu, he was determined to reconnect Masumizu’s descendants with their family history. Robinson’s research eventually led him to ARC, where sta and volunteers worked with ■ See VISIT, page A10

Marshall announces leadership transition

Marshall Medical News release

Marshall recently announced that Siri Nelson has stepped down as president and chief executive o cer following seven years of leadership marked by organizational growth, expanded access to care and a continued commitment to delivering highquality health care throughout El Dorado County.

The Marshall Board of Directors has appointed Chief Medical A airs O cer Martin Entwistle as interim chief executive o cer, e ective immediately, while the board begins the search for Marshall’s next permanent CEO.

During her tenure, Nelson helped guide Marshall through a period of significant transformation, including the organization’s strategic rebrand, expansion into El Dorado Hills, strengthening of its revenue cycle, improved employee development programs and recognition through numerous national quality awards. Under her leadership, Marshall expanded access to care for patients across the region while

reinforcing its position as the premier health care provider in El Dorado County.

“Siri has led Marshall with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our patients, employees and community,” said Tom Cumpston, chair of the Marshall Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Siri for her leadership and the lasting impact she has made on this organization and community. We are grateful for her continued support during this leadership transition and are confident Marshall is well positioned for

continued success.”

Nelson will remain engaged for a transitional period to support leadership continuity and ensure a smooth transition.

“Serving Marshall has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Nelson. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful to the employees, physicians, volunteers and community members who have made that success possible.

Marshall’s greatest strength has always been its people, and I am

■ See MARSHAL, page A8

ESSENTIALS

David Wesley Long

Aug. 4,1938 - June 28, 2026

David Wesley Long was born in Reno, Nevada on August 4, 1938, to Josephine Florence Long (née Menard) and Fred Wesley Long. He was the second child of three, born two years apart between his older sister Barbara and his younger sister Sharon. At the time of his birth, David’s father was working for a logging company. David joined his parents and 2-year-old Barbara in a tent cabin in a logging camp near Feather Falls, northeast of Oroville. Despite hardships, David had fond memories of the natural beauty of the Feather River area and the Plumas National Forest.

The family relocated to Portola when David was in elementary school. Portola was a crew change site on the Western Pacific Railroad Feather River Route over the Sierra Nevada, and David was fascinated with the trains and the railroad men. His father began a business in the emerging industry of propane sales and David helped with deliveries. He loved to go on wide-ranging explorations of the surrounding area on his bicycle with his friends and dog.

The next move was to Chester, where they spent several years enduring winters with record amounts of snowfall. David truly did experience the proverbial “I walked a mile to school in several feet of snow.”

Leaving the snow country, they moved to the valley town of Chico, where David started 7th grade. Life was much more stable for them from the 1950s onward. David’s father worked as an electrician and his mother worked at a nut processing factory.

During high school and college, David served in the National Guard and worked as a “pin boy” at the local bowling alley. His job was to reset bowling pins (this was before automation), while doing homework between frames. He enrolled at Chico State College (now CSU Chico) as an engineering major.

After two years of college, David enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was assigned to Kinross Air Force

Hal Ploghoft

Feb. 10, 1936 – July 2, 2026

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we honor the memory of our beloved Hal Ploghoft. Hal peacefully passed away on July 2, 2026, in Placerville, CA. He was surrounded by family who miss him dearly.

Hal was born on Feb. 10, 1936, in Omaha, NE, to Paul and Patricia Ploghoft. Raised in Elliott, IA, Hal spent his early years working the family farm before graduating from high school in 1955. Following his graduation, Hal proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in the 3rd Battalion, Platoon 320. His military service reflected the dedication, discipline, and sense of duty that remained with him throughout his life.

Hal is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Ploghoft. He was a devoted and proud father to his three sons, Casey, Du y, and Thomas Ploghoft. Hal cherished his three grandchildren, Chad, Zachary, and Sarah Ploghoft. Hal was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Hazen, Aaliyah, and Hal II.

Hal lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, quiet strength, and an unwavering love for his family. While our hearts are heavy with his passing, we are forever grateful for all the years of memories, laughter, lessons, and the love he showed us. Hal leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him. Hal will be deeply, deeply missed and forever loved.

Cletus Raymond Hohn

Nov. 6, 1935 – April 6, 2026

Cletus Raymond Hohn passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side. He was 90 years old.

Cletus was born in 1935 in Dimock, South Dakota and later moved to California, living in Hayward, Fremont and then settling in Somerset with his wife Marlene Fae who preceded him in death on June 23, 2012.

Cletus is survived by three of his four children, Yvonne Bonham, Vicki Pierson, and Steven Hohn. Ronald Hohn preceded him in death on October 26, 2023. Cletus and Marlene had 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Cletus loved to fish and go camping with his family who he loved dearly. Cletus worked as a truck driver for Sterling Transit company for 30 years. Although Cletus is now resting in the arms of Jesus, he will be greatly missed by his many friends and loving family.

Cletus had a Catholic graveside service in Placerville, Ca and a gathering of friends and family at his daughter Vicki Pierson’s home.

Base, as it was then named, in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. During his station there, the United States was engaged in the Cold War. Kinross was considered a vital Air Defense Command base. David reported for the base newspaper and spoke to community organizations about the importance of the base. While he didn’t enjoy the icy cold Michigan weather, David found he had a talent for figure skating and enjoyed competitive partner skating.

From Kinross, David was transferred to Iraklion Air Station on the island of Crete. There he helped build the first television station in Greece. He was also a station disc jockey and enjoyed selecting the music and entertaining his listeners on Radio Free Europe. He spent two years on Crete. Living in Europe was a big adventure for someone from rural northern California. David loved Greek culture and food and discovered a lifelong love for philosophy and spiritual life while visiting historical Greek temples.

David was released from active duty at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. He returned to Chico State College and switched his major to philosophy. He was awarded a Department of Defense education grant for a graduate program in philosophy at Florida State University. He graduated with honors and accepted an o er from Sacramento State University to join the Department of Philosophy in 1967. He didn’t want to leave California.

David taught at Sacramento State for 38 years and retired in 2005. A gifted teacher, his students remember him as someone who helped them see things in new ways. The word “philosophy” is a Greek word that means “love of knowledge.” David shared that love of knowledge with the thousands of students he taught. A highlight of David’s career was two visits to India for Conferences for the Synthesis of Science and Religion, which he helped organize. In 1972, David’s sister Barbara introduced him to Roberta in Portland, OR. He was immediately smitten and regularly made the 10-hour drive to Portland to visit Roberta. David and Roberta married on October 28, 1973, at the West Linn Inn, near Portland. The newlyweds settled in Sacramento for a year before finding their mountain home in

Meredith Bouley Hoag

Jan. 30, 1954 – July 5, 2026

Meredith Bouley Hoag, known to family and friends as Merry, passed away on July 5, 2026 at the age of 72 in Somerset, CA. Merry was a wife, mother, sister, and friend to all (people and animals).

Born in Warwick, RI and raised in Branford, CT, Merry was the youngest of four children to Muriel (Faulds) and Thomas Bouley. Merry’s love for animals, and in particular horses, was her defining passion. Much of her childhood was spent learning about horsemanship from her neighbor Mr. Blackstone, and riding and caring for his horse, Lucky. As a teenager and into early adulthood, Merry was often found riding her horse, Filly, with her beloved dog, Happy, running alongside them. She attended college at Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut, and after graduating with degrees in recreation and landscape design, she met and married her husband George Hoag.

Merry and George settled in Storrs, CT, where they built a horse farm in 1983 and raised their children, Jess and Austin. Merry was active in the equestrian community in CT, competing in eventing and dressage competitions and volunteering, including serving as president for the CT Dressage & Combined Training Association. Her interests expanded into co-counseling and equine therapy, where she found a community to dedicate herself to helping others, in particular children and teens experiencing challenging circumstances.

Merry and George were known for opening their home to family and friends, hosting Thanksgiving gatherings for over 10 years, and operating for a time as a bed and breakfast inn. The family moved to El Dorado Hills, CA in 2022, where Merry spent more recent years celebrating time with her grandchildren, exploring the West Coast, teaching watercolor classes, and riding her horse, Sassy. Merry is survived by her husband of 43 years, George Hoag, her children Jess and Austin, daughters-in-law Jessie and Maggie, and her two treasured and beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Margaret Voss Howard (John), brother Paul Bouley (Sherry), and sisterin-law Jane Peterson Bouley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Bouley. She also leaves behind a wide circle of lifelong friends whose lives were enriched by her creative and generous spirit, boundless energy, and kind heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to High Hopes, highhopestr. org/appeal/gifts-in-honor. greenvalleymortuary.com.

Georgetown near the Eldorado National Forest. They purchased a log cabin in 1975, where they raised two daughters, Alexis and Helen. David commuted to the campus to teach classes. He also served on the Black Oak Mine Board of Trustees and the El Dorado County Board of Trustees.

David’s favorite place to be was outside in nature. In the 1970s, he was an avid backcountry backpacker, exploring the Sierra Nevada wilderness and fishing for rainbow trout with friends. Some of his favorite places include Loon Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, and Mount Whitney. He instilled a love of backpacking and hiking in his daughters, taking them on trips every summer. When not teaching summer school, David could be found on the family’s 4 acres in Georgetown with his beloved chainsaw, building up a supply of firewood for the winter.

David loved the arts, and he also loved having an audience. Outside of teaching, David sang with the Sacramento Choral Society and performed with the El Dorado Community Theater in Placerville.

David had an abiding curiosity about spiritual and religious traditions around the world. He studied under a diverse array of spiritual teachers and was a lifelong learner. David had a remarkably open heart and mind and deeply appreciated learning about wisdom traditions the world over.

David was one of kind; he could discuss methods for eradicating poison oak as easily as he could wax philosophic about the Tao Te Ching. He was equally comfortable stopping in a hardware store for a new chainsaw chain as he was meeting religious dignitaries in Calcutta, India. David will be fondly remembered for his big heart, big smile, and loving presence.

Memories of David live on through his wife Roberta Long, his daughters Helen Liatris and Alexis Long, his son-in-law Larrylee Pupello, his three granddaughters, Domini, Joan, and Roxana, and the many friends, colleagues, and former students who knew him.

A “Remembrance” event will be held for him on Sunday, August 9th from 2-5 p.m. at the IOOF Hall in Georgetown, corner of Highway 193 and Main Street.

PLACERVILLE POLICE CRIME LOG

The following information was taken from PPD reports:

July 4

8:54 p.m. Battery was reported on Fair Lane.

10:04 p.m. A noise disturbance was reported on Giovanni Road.

10:51 p.m. A party disturbance was reported on Morrene Drive.

July 5

8:50 a.m. A disturbance by a barking dog was reported on Willow Street.

12:20 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported at a business on Broadway.

5:44 p.m. A noise disturbance was reported on Clay Street.

July 6

3:02 a.m. A noise disturbance reported on Cedar Ravine Road.

4:42 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Placerville Drive.

2:32 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Main Street.

July 7

1:55 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

2:44 a.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

5:36 a.m. Trespassing was reported on Broadway.

10:20 a.m. A verbal disturbance was reported on Benham Street.

6:39 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Orchard Way.

July 8

10:16 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Forni Road.

4:02 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Broadway.

4:53 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported at a business on Main Street.

5:24 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Broadway.

July 9

1O:44 a.m. An intoxicated person was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

11:48 a.m. An intoxicated person was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

5:55 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Broadway.

July 10

8:58 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Forni Road.

2:19 p.m. Brandishing was reported on Fair Lane.

3:32 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Point View Drive.

4:15 p.m. Battery was reported on Tranquil Creek Road.

July 12

1:55 a.m. A disturbance was reported at a business on Placerville Drive.

2:42 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Winesap Circle.

2:47 a.m. A disturbance was reported ■ See CRIME LOG, page A11

Paying

Green Valley Road wreck injures three, snarls traffic

Noel Stack Editor

Three people suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident on Green Valley Road at the Browns Ravine intersection in El Dorado Hills Saturday afternoon.

The roadway was blocked as first responders with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, California Highway Patrol and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of the three-vehicle collision at approximately 12:45 p.m. on July 18.

Placerville CHP Officer Andrew Brown told the Mountain Democrat a 2017 a Ford Escape collided with a 2007 Toyota Matrix in the intersection and then one or both of the vehicles struck a 2020 Lexus SUV that was sitting at the red light.

“It’s still under investigation who ran the red light,” Brown said.

The Ford’s driver, a 43-year-old man, and his passenger, a 23-year-old woman, both of El Dorado Hills, were transported by ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the Matrix, a 66-yearold man from El Dorado Hills, also suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center.

The driver of the Lexus, a 65-year-old man from Grants Pass, Ore., reported no injuries.

Family dogs may have caused home fire

Shelly Thorene Staff writer

Multiple fire departments responded to a residential structure fire in the 6000 block of Outingdale Road on Wednesday for a blaze that began in the kitchen and spread to the attic before it was contained, according to the Pioneer Fire Protection District.

The cause of the residential fire in Outingdale is still under investigation but investigators believe it may have been started by dogs activating an electric stove while trying to reach combustible items on top. The Pioneer Fire Protection District warned homeowners in a social media post to never leave flammable items like food containers, paper products or plastic on the stove, even when it

is off. “Curious pets can accidentally activate stove controls, creating a serious fire hazard,” fire officials noted. “Keep your stovetop clear,

consider using stove knob covers or removing knobs if you have pets and always practice safe cooking habits to help keep your home and family safe.”

FLOSSING

Noel Stack Editor

More than 3,000 people, including vendors and volunteers, celebrated Independence Day at the Cameron Park Summer Spectacular on June 27. Cameron Park Community Services District General Manager Mark Hornstra reported the event brought in $55,406 while costing the district $65,273.

“It was a fantastic event,” Hornstra said at the July 15 CPCSD Board of Directors meeting. “Everybody came together to put on this wonderful event.”

The difference between revenue and expenditures basically came down to staff time, Hornstra explained; labor costs were $9,245 due to some overtime. When planning for next year’s event, he added, staff will explore using more volunteers to bring down that expense.

This year’s Summer Spectacular included: • Multiple live

MacNelly

Shane Hopkins surges to first SCCT win on Saturday

Gary Thomas Placerville Speedway

Placerville’s own Shane Hopkins withstood numerous restarts to record his first career Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour victory on Saturday night at Placerville Speedway.

The 2018 SCCT Rookie of the Year piloted the familiar High Sierra Industries No. 21 mount en route to his fourth career triumph on the red clay. His win came during the second round of Western Sprint Tour Speedweek.

The 30-lap Shop Kyle Larson main event was plagued by numerous yellow and red flag periods during the Gold Pan Rampage presented by Marshall.

Things got off to a rough start with Cole Croft getting upside down in turn one. He eventually climbed out of the No. 29 machine and was fortunately OK after the nasty tumble.

The feature never got into a groove but during all the mayhem Hopkins remained calm, cool and collected up front. He executed each restart to perfection and eventually went on to grab the Ed Entz checkered flag for the $4,000 score.

Auburn’s Andy Forsberg started from eighth and made several veteran moves to take over third by lap 16 and then second with 22 circuits complete. He crossed the stripe in second to cap a solid run in the finale.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Instead of “I’m playing it cool,” it’s

“I’m obsessed!” Even before you share your excitement, people feel its power. Enthusiasm is the ambrosia of the gods, with sweetness that fuels creativity and attracts support.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Instead of “I don’t know,” it’s “I love this.” A clear preference saves time and points you toward opportunities that fit. You don’t need a complete plan before expressing what delights you. Passion often provides the first clue and the next step.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Instead of “I’m secretly working on this,” it’s “I’ll show you the process.” When you let people see the sketches, drafts, experim ents and revisions, they feel invested. The audience becomes part of the story, cheering progress and celebrating milestones.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Instead of “I wonder whether I’m qualified,” it’s “I have something to offer.” Generosity creates confidence. Focus on helping, entertaining, teaching, building or improving. Contribution shifts attention away from self-consciousness and toward the people who benefit from your gifts. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Instead of “How do I pay my dues?” it’s “How do I create my own niche?” You’re building something that reflects your originality and voice — your unmistakable point of view. There’s much less competition because no one else sounds like you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Instead of “I wear a lot of hats to keep this show running,” it’s “I’m known for this one thing I do like nobody else can.” General competence is good, but distinction is what grows your reputation and brings in stellar opportunities.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Instead of “I’m waiting for confidence,” it’s “I’ll gain confidence by doing it.” Confidence grows from experience, not contemplation. Every attempt teaches something useful. You earn your swagger through participation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Instead of “I hope someone notices,” it’s “I’ll make it easy to find.” Share the work. Send the invitation. Wear the outfit. Tell the story. Visibility is how opportunities, collaborators, customers and friends discover what you have to offer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Instead of “I’ll blend in,” it’s “I’ll bring my flavor.” Every group benefits from people who contribute something distinct. There’s value in your perspective, humor, taste and style. Communities become more interesting when people stop sanding down their most recognizable edges.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Instead of “I need more information,” it’s “I know enough to begin.” Action generates questions that study alone cannot. The path reveals itself with each step. Experience teaches lessons no amount of preparation can replace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Instead of “I should be realistic,” it’s “I should dream wholeheartedly.” Realism has its place, but most of the world was created by people who were at least a

Colby Copeland put together a strong run in the feature to carve his way from 14th to third by the conclusion. El Cajon’s Braden

Chiaramonte and Modesto’s Tony Gomes rounded out the top five. Gomes had charged from 11th to second at one point but dropped off the edge and lost positions with eight laps remaining.

Nick Parker, Carson Hammes, Steel Powell, Camden Robustelli and Pit Stop USA Hard Charger Stephen Ingraham completed the top 10. Bubba Decaires captured the B-main, while Steel Powell claimed the High Sierra Industries Dash. Heat race wins went to Nick Parker, Shane Hopkins and Braden Chiaramonte. Landon Henry earned fastest time to begin the evening, topping a 28-car field with a lap of 10.486 around the quarter mile.

SCCT Speedweek night two results

Main event: 1. 21-Shane Hopkins [2]; 2. 92-Andy Forsberg [8]; 3. 7C-Colby Copeland [14]; 4. 73B-Braden Chiaramonte [3]; 5. 75-Tony Gomes [11]; 6. 15AZ-Nick Parker [4]; 7. 56C-Carson Hammes [16]; 8. 00-Steel Powell [1]; 9. 9T-Camden Robustelli [12]; 10. 93DT-Stephen Ingraham [23]; 11. 93-Landon Henry [6]; 12. 55D-Dawson Hammes [9]; 13. 51-Jake Morgan [17]; 14. 8-Aydan Saunders [21]; 15. 1W-Trey Walters [24]; 16. 9L-Luke Hayes [10]; 17. 26-Corbin Rueschenberg [7]; 18. 7-Seth Standley [5]; 19. 94-Greg Decaires V [19]; 20. 14W-Jodie Robinson [18]; 21. 85-AJ Alderman [22]; 22. 42X-Justyn Cox [15]; 23. 17J-Josh Young [20]; 24. 29-Cole

n See SPEEDWAY, page A8

Former Trojans assistant takes over Bruins’ baseball

Mike Bush

Mountain Democrat correspondent

Wes Clanton, a familiar name at Ponderosa High School, was recently named the Bruins’s baseball teams head coach, PHS Athletic Director Alex LaBass confirmed.

Clanton takes over for Tony Vargas, who retired from coaching high school baseball after more than 30 years.

The Bruins program in Shingle Springs posted a 5-13 record in the Capital Valley Conference and 14-14 overall in the spring. Ponderosa also earned a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Baseball Playoffs – Division III, grabbing the No. 6 seed. The Bruins beat No. 11 Pacheco of Los Banos in the first round, then No. 3 Manteca eliminated them in the second round.

“I plan to be heavily involved with our

program

role.

baseball team in the spring — a role he served in the last three seasons. The Trojans also earned an SJS playoff berth in D-I. Prior to that role, he was an assistant coach for the Oak Ridge junior varsity baseball team.

Clanton’s first high school baseball coaching gig came in 2019, when he was an assistant coach at Ponderosa. He was also part of the 2020 team that had a short-lived season due to the pandemic.

For the last 20 years, Clanton notes he has “been fortunate to work with players at multiple levels throughout the community.”

Now he is putting into motion returning Bruin players, plus those moving up from the JV team, in preparation for the 2027 season.

“Our fall program will focus on building complete baseball players,” Clanton said. “We’ll begin with speed and agility training, arm care and a structured throwing program, hitting mechanics and strength and conditioning.

“As we move further into the fall, we’ll shift our focus toward defensive fundamentals, bullpen sessions, situational baseball and evaluating players to determine where they best fit within the program,” he continued. “The goal is to maximize player development while establishing the culture

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and expectations of Ponderosa baseball.”

The Bruins will also play games this fall. One notable contest will be at Oak Ridge on Thursday, Sept. 10. High school baseball teams in the section are allowed to play a limited fall schedule for about a month in preparation for the following spring season.

All the work, Clanton shared, should benefit the Bruins entering CVC action next spring.

“The CVC has become one of the strongest and most competitive leagues in the area,” he said. “Every team is well coached, disciplined and plays

the game the right way, so there won’t be an easy game on the schedule.”

The new head coach predicted Rio Americano, which won the section’s D-III title over El Capitan of Merced in May, will set the standard that Ponderosa and the rest of the CVC need to match.

“Several other programs return talented core groups that will make the league extremely competitive again,” Clanton said. “Our focus won’t be on chasing one particular team; it will be on preparing Ponderosa to compete at a championship level every single day.”

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PLAY CRIBBAGE – Begins June 17, 2026 Join the Gold Country Cribbers, We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun, Wednesdays 11:30 AM –Summer Play, Steve’s Pizza – 3941 Park Dr #100, El Dorado Hills, CA, 916-212-2465 or 916-202-1762

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB: Come play tennis for fitness, fun & friendship. Meet at El Dorado HS tennis courts on Acacia St., Placerville, Wednesdays 9-11 except June -August, hours 9-11. Social activities & monthly tennis clinics. Some tennis ability required. Call Trisha 530-651-8121.

Grief support: Green Valley Community Church provides caring support through: • Grief share classes • Suicide loss support group • Memorials year round, Visit our website: www.greenvalley.church/outreach or call 530-622-3231.

Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), for the CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on March 16, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16, 2026. The location is at the Denny’s Restaurant, 3446 Coach Lane in Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for information and programs.

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) 503-7400 or see edcdems.org for more information.

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OPINION

California Matters

Spoiled Socialists ruining America

More young people vote for socialists.

They believe socialism is good for the poor, and “pro-working class.”

But is it?

Leyla Taghiyeva, my latest Stossel Fellow, interviewed psychologist Rob Henderson, who points out that few poor people want socialism:

“When you actually see who supports socialism, these are people who are relatively well o ,” he says.

Henderson grew up in foster homes before getting degrees from Yale and Cambridge. He calls socialism a “luxury belief,” “an idea that confers status while ultimately inflicting costs on people less fortunate ... Take the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement. The majority of people who participated were college-educated. They disproportionately earned more than $100,000 a year.”

“Maybe these people just want to help the poor,” says Taghiyeva.

“If you want to help the poor, socialism isn’t the way to go about it,” replies Henderson. At anticapitalism protests, he points out, “You don’t see slogans like ‘feed the poor,’ ‘help the needy.’ It’s more like ‘soak the rich.’”

The socialists object to the wealth gap. They don’t understand that free markets help poor people the most.

Margaret Thatcher won laughter and jeers saying it like this: “So long as the gap is smaller, they rather have the poor poorer.”

“Thatcher was spot-on,” says Henderson. It’s as if the pro-socialism side believe “anyone above you, they acquired (their wealth) through illicit means. But then, once you reach that point, you did it honestly.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders seems to believe that. He used to complain about “millionaires and billionaires!”

“In American high schools, you get 155 hours of Hitler, three minutes on Stalin, you get zero on Pol Pot (and) Mao. It’s not that people have to be trained into liking socialism; they have to be educated out of liking it.”

But now he is a millionaire. So he just complains about billionaires.

Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez grew up in a wealthy suburb and attended one of the most expensive colleges in America.

Seattle’s new democratic socialist mayor, Katie Wilson, also grew up privileged. Thanks to wealthy parents, she attended Oxford debt-free.

New York City’s new democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, also grew up in comfort. His parents own a five-bedroom mansion.

“He is the poster boy for luxury beliefs,” Henderson tells Taghiyeva. “Almost like he was made in a laboratory. He has a wealthy filmmaker mother, an Ivy League professor father.”

■ See STOSSEL, page A7

Letters to the Editor

Dud in the air

EDITOR:

So let me get this straight. You and I, the taxpayers, have been billed $1 billion to retrofit a luxury Boeing 747 into a new Air Force One that will become our president’s personal property upon his return to private life. Now we find out that it is incapable of in-flight refueling and routine defensive systems!?

As an Air Force o cer who was literally prohibited from accepting so much as a model airplane from a military contractor, I am disgusted by the fact that our president accepted the gift of this airplane, that he has pretended to convert it into an o cial replica of Air Force One and that he intends to keep it for personal use. It can’t even be used for its stated purpose because the Secret

Service has deemed it unsafe.

When will we finally say enough is enough?

Danger behind that smile

EDITOR:

The self-absorbed, tone deaf Democrats could not even give Americans one day to celebrate the 250th birthday of our independence without their rhetoric of doom and gloom against our great country — and its citizens. Their vile words were directed to all who love America. The Worst of the Bunch award goes to New

The Balancing Act

An impostor in the air, an embarrassment on the ground

n the movie

I“Catch Me If You Can,” Leonardo DiCaprio played a real life forger, faker and impostor — a guy named Frank Abagnale Jr. Among other things, he faked being a doctor and faked being an airline pilot. In both cases, DiCaprio (Abagnale) was neither —no medical training and no pilot training whatsoever. He bought an airline pilots uniform and “voila,” he was a “pilot.” He never had to actually fly and, likewise, never practiced medicine.

Now it has been discovered by Air Canada that an unlicensed airline pilot, Je Wall, was flying their airliners and “performing” the duties of an airline captain for 16 years without appropriate licensing. Some news outlets are portraying this episode as a copy of what Abagnale did some 60 years ago. The story of Wall is much di erent though and, in reality, passengers were never

in danger because he was “unlicensed.” Wall was an experienced pilot, he just never obtain his Airline Transport Pilot rating or license (required to be an airline captain), but he was a licensed commercial pilot. I’ll explain.

First I feel bad for Wall. He spent more than 26 years (11 as a first o cer and 16 as a captain) flying for Air Canada. His mistake is he probably never took the ATP written exam, which I am advised is a di cult multiple choice exam.

I’ve taken and passed with scores of 98% or 100% all three other pilot exams — the private, the instrument and the commercial. I never tried to become an ATP for many reasons; the first being I wasn’t going to be an airline pilot as at the time some 60 years ago, 20/20 uncorrected vision was required for the first class medical certificate required to be an airline captain. It’s not anymore. I’ve passed

This guy could y as good as any other Air Canada captain. He evidently learned the airliners in his 11 years at ying right seat as a rst o cer.

the flight check exam to achieve the pilot certificates or endorsements that I earned, but I am not an ATP. Wall had all the certificates I have. That is all that was needed to become a first o cer at the time he hired on at Air Canada. Was Wall a good pilot?

Airline pilots are required to take an airline check ride every six months or so (even private pilots are required to take a check ride every two years to maintain proficiency and currency). In his 26 years at Air Canada, he passed every one. This guy could fly as good as any other Air Canada captain. He evidently learned the airliners in his 11 years at flying right seat as a first o cer. Remember, he did have a commercial pilot certificate, which requires some significant flying skills and lots of experience at flying airplanes. He knew the airliner systems and how to fly and handle an airliner. Wall was never a danger to

airline safety. But he is turning out to be an embarrassment for Air Canada. Wall evidently forged his ATP license, and that isn’t very hard to do. My commercial pilot’s certificate is a printed form about the size of a driver’s license and not tamper proof. It’s simply printed on a thick paper, government form. There are no holograms or special forgery protection devices. My medical certificate was a printed form issued by an MD qualified as an Airman Medical Examiner (or AME) that is typed in the AME’s o ce, or at least that how it was in my last third class AME exam about 15 years ago.

What is Wall losing?

First, he lost a job that pays perhaps $250,000 to $300,000 annually. Second they may try to revoke his retirement, which is worth perhaps $150,000 or more annually. He is

Summer is in full swing at Placerville’s Aquatic Center

Andrew

Vonderschmitt Features editor

The Placerville Aquatic Center continues to o er a wide range of programs and activities this summer, providing opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, learn new skills and beat the heat through early September according to Placerville’s Director of Community Services Denis Nishihara.

“The Aquatic Center is a great place for families, fitness enthusiasts and swimmers of every ability to enjoy the summer,” Nishihara said. “Whether you’re coming out for public swim, taking lessons, participating in a fitness class or celebrating a special occasion, we have something for everyone.”

Public swim will continue through early September, giving visitors access to the Activity Pool, Lap and

Diving Pool and Splash Pool with Waterslide.

Admission rates vary by age, with free admission for children younger than 1 and discounted rates available for seniors and military

Stossel Continued from A6

Successful socialist influencers, such as Hasan Piker, also grew up wealthy. Piker’s dad was an executive at one of Turkey’s biggest companies. Now Piker earns millions streaming on Twitch, denouncing the “inherently oppressive capitalist dogma” that makes him rich.

“He was seen wearing $1,300 glasses to his trip to Cuba,” says Henderson. “Ostensibly, they think that everyone should be equal, but then when you look at how they behave in their

lives, they’re obsessed with getting into the right colleges, wearing the right clothes, showing o that they have money (and) the right beliefs.”

Even Fidel Castro was rich.

“Castro famously wore two Rolexes,” says Henderson. “The ostensible reason he gave was because time was of the essence ... But why did it have to be two Rolexes?”

“(Socialism) never works, so why do people keep falling for it?” asks Taghiyeva.

Weitzman Continued from A6 losing face, maybe his family, and he may get a hefty fine and spend time in prison. His crime was not taking his ATP written exam and never passing an ATP check ride, which apparently he could have done blindfolded. Licensing is a problem for many people. An MD who passes the California licensing exam would be practicing without a license in many other states. But if he/she were competent in California, why would he/she be not be competent in another state if he/she were to move and never took their medical license

Letters Continued from A6

York City Democrat Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who painted a false picture of oppression, describing it as a “nation of contradictions” where “children go to sleep hungry” and “masked agents” terrorize the streets.

Mamdani went on to say, the “powerful” view America as an “arena of supremacy, where only a select few are allowed freedom, where not all are created equal.”

I became further enraged when I found out he decided to give his 4th of July hate speech sitting behind a desk that belonged to George Washington.

This from a man from Uganda, who has been a naturalized citizen of our country for eight years, and, no, I will not call him an American. He is a former rapper from a wealthy family who has contributed nothing to our country, but always has a big grin on his face — even when talking about transferring others’ property to the state.

Mamdani went on to say, “America, if you ask them, becomes less about people it welcomes,” adding, “America, they will tell you, belongs only to those with the right accent or the right shade of skin. The rest of us, they insist, should be grateful for merely being allowed to visit. How small they are, how weak, how unoriginal.”

There was much more of his divisive Marxist speech, along with other statements from elitist leftwing celebrities and politicians like Gavin Newsom. A former leader

members. Evening swim sessions are also scheduled throughout the season.

Nishihara said one of the season’s most popular attractions, the inflatable obstacle

“People have not been thoroughly educated in the catastrophes,” replies Henderson. “In American high schools, you get 155 hours of Hitler, three minutes on Stalin, you get zero on Pol Pot (and) Mao. It’s not that people have to be trained into liking socialism; they have to be educated out of liking it.”

Taghiyeva grew up in Azerbaijan: “My country lived through socialism, but when I came to America for college, all I could see around my campus was communist

exam yet treated patients?

The blame for Wall’s problems are his own. But once he started on the path he was between a rock and a hard place. If in year 15 of his employment he got his ATP license, the airline might wonder that he wasn’t licensed for the first 14 years? He was in a real quandary, perhaps unsolvable.

The lesson here is to do it right to begin with — and Je Wall apparently didn’t.

Larry Weitzman is a former El Dorado County resident.

of the Weather Underground and a Princeton University professor hosted an event called 250 Years of Resistance in the deep blue city of Chicago.

Just to note, Mamdani’s wife decided she needed a “wellness trip” to Socialist Spain over the July 4 weekend, where experts are predicting a collapse of “basic services” driven by half million, plus migrants, who now have “legal” residence status, work permits and other benefits. Too many American voters have not heeded the warnings — “It’s just New York.”

There have been 28 Democrat Socialist Congressional candidates across the United States who have won their primary elections.

I have been doing tally’s on California candidates, but not just for Congress, also the State Assembly and Senate, plus top state positions who have been endorsed or recommended by the Democrat Socialists of America, Progressives or Working Families Party.

In the California June 2 primary, 18 won a top-two spot for the Assembly, five for the Senate and 10 for Congress. They have been endorsed or recommended by one or all three of these left-wing groups, such as Mai Vang, for Congress District 7, representing El Dorado County.

We need patriots who will use their vote as a weapon to fight the enemy from within.

TERRY GHERARDI

course, is available during select public swim sessions, weather, sta ng and pool schedules permitting. Adults looking to stay active can participate in aquatic fitness classes,

posters. I don’t get it! Socialism doesn’t work!” Socialism sounds good. But it slowly wrecks lives.

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. He is the author of “Government Gone Wild: Exposing the Truth Behind the Headlines.”

including Deep Water Aerobics, Aqua Walking and Cardio Water Walking. Designed

for participants 17 and older, the lowimpact classes improve cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while minimizing stress on the joints. Classes are o ered at multiple fitness levels, and aqua shoes are recommended for water walking participants. Swim lessons also remain available throughout the summer for preschoolers, youth and adults. Nishihara said instruction is organized by skill level, allowing swimmers to build confidence in the water, improve technique and develop essential water safety skills. Small class sizes provide participants with individualized instruction from experienced instructors. For more advanced swimmers, competitive swim clinics focus on endurance, stroke

Open Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

(530) 748-3202

4232 Fowler Lane, Suite 201 Diamond Springs, CA 95619

Spectacular Continued from A3

how much time and effort is put into the flyovers, Hornstra said, “I felt it was very appropriate we paid that bill.”

The event had no major hiccups — one child that was found before anyone realized he was lost and one minor injury, Hornstra noted as he gestured to Board Clerk Niki Garrison’s finger in a splint.

Directors complimented staff for their hard work behind the scenes that made the community event, well, spectacular.

“We’re building on something here,” Director Sidney Bazett said. “It’s only going to get better.”

Cameron Park resident and former CPCSD director Eric Aiston said the Summer Spectacular is “an event worth supporting,” even if it comes at a small cost to the district. He encouraged the board to explore more partnerships and sponsorships as well as better pre- and post-event promotion that rallies residents to donate even if they don’t attend.

Snyder Continued from A1

deputies responded to a residence on Big Oak Road south of Placerville following a report of a man brandishing a firearm. Deputies detained Snyder at the residence and located Shelley Snyder, 56, inside the home. She was deceased from a suspected gunshot wound, according to EDSO.

Geoffrey is being held on a no-bail, first-degree murder charge in the El Dorado County Jail in Placerville. Earlier this year he pleaded not guilty. Shelley Snyder was a third-grade teacher at Buckeye Elementary School in Shingle Springs and was described as “a valued member of our school family” in a statement issued by the Buckeye Union School District last February. The following month, a memorial for Shelley at the school was attended by more than 200 parents, students and colleagues.

•

•

• Sonic decay detection

• Soil analysis

• Canopy structure evaluation

Science-based diagnostics for El Dorado County homeowners, HOA’s, and property managers.

Kyburz crash leads to major injuries

n Three people flown to area hospital

Noel Stack Editor

Four people ended up in the hospital Sunday afternoon after a head-on collision on Highway 50 near Wildwood Way in Kyburz.

The wreck occurred around 12:50 p.m. on July 19 when for reasons still under investigation the driver of a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee headed eastbound

confident that the organization will continue to fulfill its vision of creating a world where everyone can achieve their highest-desired state of health and well-being.”

Before being named interim CEO, Entwistle served as Marshall’s chief medical affairs officer. A physician and health care executive with decades of leadership experience in clinical operations, healthcare innovation and population health, he has played an integral role in advancing Marshall’s strategic

Speedway

Croft [13]

on Highway 50 crossed into the westbound lane and struck a 2018 BMW X3, according to Placerville CHP Officer Andrew Brown.

The Jeep driver, a 23-year-old woman from Kyburz, was taken by ambulance to Marshall Hospital in Placerville with major injuries.

Three people in the BMW, described as a 41-yearold man, a 41-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl, all from Walnut Creek, suffered suspected major injuries and were flown separately to Sutter Roseville Medical Center.

initiatives and strengthening care delivery throughout the organization.

“It is an honor to serve Marshall in this role,” said Entwistle. “Our focus remains where it has always been, which is to provide exceptional care for our patients, supporting our employees and physicians and continuing to strengthen the services our community depends on, now and in the future. I look forward to working closely with our leadership team

Continued from A4

B Main 12 laps: 1. 94-Greg

Decaires V [3]; 2. 17J-Josh Young [4]; 3. 8-Aydan Saunders [6]; 4. 85-AJ Alderman [5]; 5. 93DT-Stephen Ingraham [8]; 6. 1W-Trey Walters [7]; 7. 77-Levi Klatt [2]; 8. 20-Justin Bradway [9]; 9. 28K-Bryant Bell [1]; 10. 5D-Destry Miller [10]

Dash six laps: 1. 00-Steel Powell [1]; 2. 21-Shane Hopkins [2]; 3. 73B-Braden Chiaramonte [3]; 4. 15AZ-Nick Parker [6]; 5. 7-Seth Standley [4]; 6. 93-Landon Henry [5]

Heat 1 eight laps: 1. 15AZ-Nick Parker [1]; 2. 26-Corbin Rueschenberg [2]; 3. 9L-Luke Hayes [3]; 4. 93-Landon Henry [4]; 5. 7C-Colby Copeland [6]; 6. 51-Jake Morgan [5]; 7. 94-Greg Decaires V [8]; 8. 8-Aydan Saunders [9]; 9. 93DT-Stephen Ingraham [10]; 10. 77-Levi Klatt [7]

Heat 2 eight laps: 1. 21-Shane Hopkins [1]; 2. 92-Andy Forsberg [2]; 3. 7-Seth Standley [4]; 4. 9T-Camden Robustelli [3]; 5. 42X-Justyn Cox [5]; 6. 14W-Jodie Robinson [6]; 7.

17J-Josh Young [7]; 8. 1W-Trey Walters [9]; 9. 20-Justin Bradway [8]

Heat 3 eight laps: 1. 73B-Braden Chiaramonte [1]; 2. 55D-Dawson Hammes [3]; 3. 75-Tony Gomes [2]; 4. 29-Cole Croft [7]; 5. 56C-Carson Hammes [6]; 6. 00-Steel Powell [4]; 7. 85-AJ Alderman [8]; 8. 28K-Bryant Bell [5]; 9. 5D-Destry Miller [9]

Qualifying: 1. 93-Landon Henry, 10.486 [12]; 2. 7-Seth Standley, 10.514 [2]; 3. 00-Steel Powell, 10.537 [6]; 4. 15AZ-Nick Parker, 10.658 [15]; 5. 21-Shane Hopkins, 10.661 [5]; 6. 73B-Braden Chiaramonte, 10.675 [13]; 7. 26-Corbin Rueschenberg, 10.703 [20]; 8. 92-Andy Forsberg, 10.736 [19]; 9. 75-Tony Gomes, 10.742 [3]; 10. 9L-Luke Hayes, 10.775 [4]; 11. 9T-Camden Robustelli, 10.776 [11]; 12. 55D-Dawson Hammes, 10.810 [18]; 13. 51-Jake Morgan, 10.825 [10]; 14. 42X-Justyn Cox, 10.828 [22]; 15. 28K-Bryant Bell, 10.838 [9]; 16. 7C-Colby Copeland, 10.840 [14]; 17. 14W-Jodie Robinson, 10.841 [8];

and staff to ensure a seamless transition while building on the strong foundation that has been established.”

Over the coming weeks, the Marshall Board of Directors will begin the search for the organization’s next permanent chief executive officer.

Throughout the transition, Marshall will remain focused on delivering exceptional patient care while maintaining continuity across its hospital, clinics and healthcare services.

18. 56C-Carson Hammes, 10.872 [1]; 19. 77-Levi Klatt, 10.942 [26]; 20. 17J-Josh Young, 10.953 [17]; 21. 29-Cole Croft, 10.988 [27]; 22. 94-Greg Decaires V, 11.036 [16]; 23. 20-Justin Bradway, 11.084 [24]; 24. 85-AJ Alderman, 11.108 [23]; 25. 8-Aydan Saunders, 11.114 [25]; 26. 1W-Trey Walters, 11.346 [28]; 27. 5D-Destry Miller, 11.371 [7]; 28. 93DT-Stephen Ingraham, 11.377 [21] Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars: 1. 12N-Mike Grenert [1]; 2. 9N-Kevin Bender [3]; 3. 29N-Corey Eaton [2]; 4. 74J-John Durden [8]; 5. 410Chris Durden [10]; 6. 99N-Gage Meyers [15]; 7. 42N-Isaak Geil [7]; 8. 21N-Fred Dickey [5]; 9. 508N-Steve Costello [13]; 10. 41N-Brandon Aylesworth [12]; 11. 72N-Mike Reeder [4]; 12. 15N-Shawn Whitney [6]; 13. 32N-Dan Geil [9]; 14. 20N-Michael Durden [11]; 15. 8N-Aron Mosier [17]; 16. 5N-Cheyanne Dickey [14]; 17. 19N-Patrick Weger [16]; 18. 616N-Tyler Quilty [18]; 19. (DNS) 94N-Denny Hannel

PG&E offers customers ways to stay cool, access bill relief

Paul Moreno PG&E

As temperatures rise across Northern and Central California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is encouraging customers to take advantage of energy-saving tools, financial assistance programs and bill relief resources designed to help manage summer energy bills.

With above-average temperatures forecast this summer throughout the Western U.S. and increased demand for air conditioning, PG&E is reminding customers that a combination of energy efficiency measures and available bill assistance programs can help households stay comfortable while keeping costs under control.

“We know warmer weather can put extra demands on household energy costs, and we want customers to know they’re not navigating the summer months on their own,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president, Customer Experience. “By making it easier for families to find discounts,

energy-saving tools and available support, we’re helping customers take meaningful steps to manage and lower their summer energy bills.”

Customers can reduce energy use by making simple adjustments such as using Energy Star smart thermostats, changing air filters regularly, unplugging electronics when not in use and improving home efficiency with affordable upgrades like weatherstripping and advanced power strips. PG&E also offers programs such as HomeIntel, which provides personalized energy coaching, and SmartRate, which rewards customers for reducing electricity use during periods of high demand.

Customers are encouraged to review their electric rate plans through PG&E’s online Rate Comparison tool to ensure they are on the lowest-cost rate for their household. Additional tools such as Budget Billing and Bill Forecast Alerts can help customers avoid unexpected bill fluctuations during periods of increased energy use.

For customers experiencing financial

Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest, El Dorado County Fire Protection District, El Dorado Hills Fire Department, Garden Valley Fire Protection District, Georgetown Fire, Rescue Fire Department, Sacramento Fire Department, Cameron Park Fire Department and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office

The fire was first reported just before 2 p.m. on July 19, prompting evacuations for the area between Miners Valley Road and Equestrian Way. Evacuation orders and warnings were lifted a couple hours later.

Structures were threatened but none were reported damaged or destroyed. No injuries were reported.

challenges, PG&E continues to expand assistance offerings. The company’s Match My Payment Program has provided nearly $30 million in matching bill assistance to more than 78,000 customers since launching in 2025. The program offers qualifying low- to moderate-income customers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $1,000 toward past-due energy bills to help avoid service disconnections.

In 2026, PG&E committed $50 million to customer bill assistance programs, including Match My Payment and the Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help program. REACH provides eligible customers with bill credits of up to $800 based on past-due balances.

“PG&E Match My Payment provides meaningful support for many customers whose incomes don’t typically qualify for other assistance,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president and chief customer officer. “The strong response over the past year shows the difference a dollar-fordollar match can make for families who are behind on their energy bills.”

development, starts and turns for participants ages 8 and older. Private swim lessons are also available for children and adults seeking one-on-one instruction tailored to individual goals and abilities.

The Aquatic Center continues to serve as a popular venue for birthday parties, family gatherings and other group events. Rental options include exclusive use of designated swimming areas, lifeguard staffing, shaded seating, tables and chairs. Groups may reserve the Activity Pool, Lap and Diving Pool or the Splash Pool with Waterslide, with rental packages available based on group size. The inflatable obstacle course may be added to Lap Pool rentals for an additional fee.

As the summer season comes to a close, Nishihara

HELP WANTED

Electrician needed for VA paid job. Involves installing panels for generator, as well as lights and fixing outside boxes. Pay between $4000 - $5000. (530) 651-6036

Customers may qualify for assistance from multiple programs simultaneously. For example, eligible customers who receive a REACH grant may also qualify for Match My Payment assistance, providing combined support of up to $1,800, while funding remains available. Additional programs available for eligible customers include:

• California Alternate Rates for Energy: Monthly discounts of 20% or more on gas and 35% or more on electricity.

• Family Electric Rate Assistance: An 18% monthly electricity discount.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: One-time bill assistance of up to $1,500.

• Arrearage Management Plan: Debt forgiveness for eligible residential customers.

• Energy Savings Assistance: No-cost energy-efficiency improvements.

• Medical Baseline: Additional energy allowances and enhanced outage notifications for customers with qualifying medical needs. Learn more at PG&E.com.

said the Aquatic Center will once again host its annual Dog Pool Paw-ty on Sept. 12. The event allows dogs to enjoy the pools after the public swim season ends. Participants must provide proof of current dog licenses and vaccinations, keep dogs leashed when not in the water and clean up after their pets. Aggressive dogs will not be permitted.

“We’re proud to offer programs that bring the community together while promoting recreation, fitness and water safety,” Nishihara said. “We encourage everyone to come out and take advantage of everything the Aquatic Center has to offer before the season wraps up.”

For more information about programs, schedules and registration visit cityofplacerville.org.

FOR SALE

Unused trailer, 4 years old, boat sank. Trailer can be used for a sail boat or power boat. (530) 651-6036

him to arrange the family’s visit to Wakamatsu Farm.

During the tour, ARC staff Elena DeLacy and Melissa Lobach, with volunteer docent Herb Tanimoto, guided the family through the historical farmhouse and artifacts while explaining the colony history. The group also visited the gardens and paid their respects at Okei’s gravesite before spending time exploring the grounds where the colonists once lived and worked.

For the Williams family, the visit transformed a newly discovered family connection into a tangible experience. Being in the same place where their ancestors lived more than 150 years ago provided a powerful perspective on their family’s role in one of the earliest chapters of Japanese American history.

“Stepping in his footsteps on this land is amazing,” Brian Williams shared. “It’s overwhelming.”

The day also marked the first in-person meeting between Robinson and the Williams family after months of conversations during the genealogical search. Additional relatives joined portions of the visit,

including cousins Robin Brandon and Mignon “Mimi” Brandon, as well as Andrea Lashley, who is another Wakamatsu descendant through Masumizu’s daughter, Clara. Together, the gathering united relatives who had never previously met but who now share a unique connection through Wakamatsu Farm. Robinson gratefully acknowledged ARC for “the support in helping facilitate this magnificent historical and family event.”

For ARC, connecting descendants to the Farm has become one of the most

meaningful aspects of stewarding the historical property. Each newly discovered family member helps strengthen the link between the site’s international significance and the people who continue to carry that legacy today.

“When a new colony descendant discovers this place, we have the honor of sharing a hidden chapter of their own history,” explained ARC’s Development Director Lobach. “It’s such a joy to see their excitement, curiosity, and new sense of belonging

to this place. It reminds us of our collective humanity and what all of our immigrant ancestors endured for our benefit. It’s one of the many reasons why permanently protecting places like Wakamatsu Farm is important now and for future generations.”

Since acquiring Wakamatsu Farm in 2010, ARC has worked to preserve both its natural and cultural resources through environmental conservation, stewardship, education and public programming. Thousands of visitors each year experience Wakamatsu Farm through tours, school field trips, cultural events, volunteer opportunities and educational programs that highlight the natural landscape, agricultural resources and the story of the earliest native inhabitants through the modern-day stewardship of the scenic property.

As additional historical records become available and genealogical research continues, ARC hopes to welcome more descendants of the Wakamatsu colonists to the farm, ensuring that these family stories remain connected to the place where they began.

South Lake Tahoe woman crashes before DUI arrest

Victoria Mastrocola Tahoe Daily Tribune

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — A 19-year-old woman was arrested and booked at the El Dorado County jail after she crashed her Subaru Outback on Saturday, July 18, before fleeing the scene. According to the California Highway Patrol, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department reported a hit-and-run which occurred near the football field of South Tahoe High School.

“We responded to the scene and

found the 19-year-old female driver,” CHP O cer Ruth Loehr, Public Information and Media Relations told the media. CHP also confirmed that the driver is a resident of South Lake Tahoe.

After apprehending the female driver, CHP o cers conducted a DUI evaluation and determined that she was under the influence of alcohol before her arrest. Several alcoholic beverages, including BuzzBalls readyto-drink cocktails, were reportedly found in the driver’s possession during the investigation.

Shirkey becoming El Dorado County’s newest judge

Shelby Wineinger Court Executive O cer

On June 26, Stephanie Shirkey was appointed to serve in an interim appointment as a judge in the El Dorado County Superior Court by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This appointment allows Shirkey to immediately assume the position she was otherwise elected to begin in January 2027.

Shirkey will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the Honorable Vicki Ashworth. She will be sworn in on Aug. 05 in Department 1 of the Placerville Main Street Branch.

Shirkey has served as a lead attorney at the Third District Court of Appeal since 2023. She served as a senior research attorney at the Sacramento County Superior Court, 2021-23. Before that, she served as an in-house counsel at the California Department of Health Care Services, Senior Policy

and Compliance Counsel at the California Apartment Association, and director of Legal and Regulatory A airs at the California Association of Health Plans. She served as a deputy and principal deputy legislative counsel at the O ce of Legislative Counsel, 2006-18. Shirkey has served as a temporary judge at the El Dorado County Superior Court since 2024, presiding over tra c, small claims, unlawful detainer and probate matters.

Shirkey received a juris doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, in 2006 and her bachelor’s of arts from University of California, Berkeley, in 2003.

Shirkey has been assigned to Department 7 by Presiding Judge Michael J. McLaughlin where she will hear misdemeanor criminal matters.

For more information visit eldorado. courts.ca.gov.

5:07 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Broadway. 9:36 p.m. A party disturbance was reported on Ray Lawyer Drive.

July 15 11:12 a.m. Battery was reported at a business on Marshall Way.

July 16

12:43 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Ray Lawyer Drive. 9:13 a.m. Battery was reported on Naomi Way.

12:35 a.m. Battery was reported on Blairs Lane.

3:338 p.m. An intoxicated person was reported on Benham Street.

8:21 p.m. Trespassing was reported at a business on Forni Road.

9:34 p.m. A noise disturbance was reported at Highway 50 and Canal Street.

July 17

12:11 p.m. Petty theft was reported on Broadway.

Grand theft was reported on at a business on Bedford Avenue.

3:24 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported at a business on Broadway.

7:26 p.m. Illegal dumping was reported at Schnell School Road and Broadway.

July 14

4:35 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a business on Broadway.

12:21 p.m. Burglary was reported on Baco Drive. 4:12 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a business on Green Valley Road.

July 18

7:34 a.m. Petty theft was reported at a business on Broadway.

2:53 p.m. Battery was reported on Broadway.

7:54 p.m. A verbal disturbance was reported at a business on Main Street.

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A Warm Welcome Awaits You

Whether it’s the friendly neighbor who greets you each morning, a warm meal waiting for you, or a gathering that rekindles your spark, you’ll know from the very first day that at Eskaton Village Placerville, your story is far from over.

The private cottages at Eskaton Village Placerville are our most highly sought after residences. These cottages for independent residents offer a maintenance-free lifestyle with all the convenience of a professional team right outside your window.

& Discover: Culinary Spotlight Event Thursday, July 9 at 12 p.m. Learn about the various living options within Eskaton Village Placerville, including private cottages, assisted living and memory care options. Community Spotlight Event Thursday, August 13 from 2-4 p.m.

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Stellar Students

Congratulations to David Mahrt of El Dorado Hills who was recently named to the Dean’s List at Lin eld University.

July 22

Join American River Conservancy for Wednesday Workdays at Wakamatsu at 8 a.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org.

Join the Assistance League Sierra Foothills at its Monthly Meeting at the Patra Corporation, 4207 Town Center Drive, Building A, rst oor, El Dorado Hills.

The meeting begins at 10 a.m. with co ee and treats at 9:30 a.m. Learn about the vital work done throughout El Dorado County and discover ways to contribute to enhancing the lives of youth and adults in the community.

Senior Helpers Cameron Park will host a Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group from 1-2:30 p.m. at Town Square of Folsom, 9580 Oak Ave. Pkwy, Suite 4B, Folsom. For questions contact Jillien Erdman at jerdman@ seniorhelpers.com. Attendees should call (916) 461-4123 to register.

Matt Rainey and The Dippin Sauce Live Recording will take place, 7-10 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Valhalla Tahoe presents Young Shakespeare A D.G. Menchetti Education Program — “Macbeth” from 10 a.m. to noon. And live music with Great North Special from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Boathouse Theatre. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents ‘80s Throwback Summer Movie Series with “Ferris Bueller’s Day O ” at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

July 23

The Shingle Springs/ Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly Networking Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. with guest speaker California Assemblymember Joe Patterson at The Barn at New Hope Fellowship, 3838 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.

El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live on the Boulevard with Super Bad at 7 p.m. with gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Amphitheater. For more information or to register on the online waitlist visit edhtowncenter.com.

Crystal Basin Cellars 2.0 in Placerville will host a Flower Arranging Class with Kristin from Aronia Gardens from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit crystalbasin.com.

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

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento will host Thursday Jazz Night with Clairdee from 7-8:45 p.m. For tickets and more information visit crockerart.

Adventure starts with Pack 700

Cub Scout Pack 700 of Rescue recently completed Scout Camp from June 28 through July 1 in the High Sierra of Amador County at Camp Winton on Bear River Reservoir.

Cub Scouts, accompanied by their families, camped together and experienced everything the Scouting program has to o er, guided by dedicated troop leaders. Activities included hiking, fishing, geology, outdoor skills and many other adventures that encouraged curiosity and teamwork.

"Getting to see the kids experience summer camp together was really special,” said Wolf Den leader and Pack 700 camp leader Brittany Johns. “The best part was how the cubs got to know the sta who are also older scouts and on the last night,

invited them back to our campfire for s'mores.

“You can tell how much the younger kids look up to the older scouts and they took pride in being able to treat the older scouts who made their stay memorable and taught them so much," Johns said of the Cub Scouts experiencing Camp Winton for the first time.

The opportunity for children to come together in nature creates lasting connections and strengthens community. Time spent outdoors builds confidence, encourages teamwork and supports healthy child development. More than a century after the founding of Scouting, those same values continue to inspire new generations.

Cub Scout Pack 700 is honored to be part of that tradition, helping connect El Dorado County's past, present and future

while giving local youth the opportunity to experience and appreciate the beautiful place they call home.

Cub Scout Pack 700 serves youth in kindergarten through fifth grade in Rescue and surrounding communities.

Part of Scouting America, the pack o ers year-round activities that help Scouts build character, leadership skills and confidence through camping, hiking, community service, STEM projects and outdoor adventures. Guided by dedicated volunteers and supported by their families, Pack 700 provides a welcoming environment where youth learn new skills, make friends and have fun.

For more information about Cub Scout Pack 700, visit troopwebhostcs.org/ Pack700Rescue.

Backpack kits support The Center’s Pando Home

Lori Mortensen

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

On July 6 Lee and Cheryl Trapani of Cameron Park delivered 30 “Pando Home Welcome Backpack Kits” to sta members at The Center, an organization that provides comprehensive services and programs for families impacted by violence and abuse. The Center’s Pando Home is a safe transitional housing facility where residents may stay until they are able to move out on their own.

It was the culmination of the e orts of many volunteers who assembled the backpack kits during a Watch Party held June 26 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cameron Park. Watch Parties, held at LDS church buildings throughout the United States, streamed a performance celebrating the Tabernacle Choir’s 100th anniversary of its first performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The 120-minute program featured special performances by guest artists and beloved choir favorites. In keeping with the choir’s global mission, all revenue from ticket sales, along with audience contributions, was matched by the church and donated to charities supporting the well-being of women and children.

In concert with that mission, local volunteers filled the backpacks with items including hoodies, flip-flops, journals, pens, coloring books, toothbrushes, toothpaste, markers, socks and more to make life just a bit easier for Pando Home residents escaping domestic violence.

“The backpacks have been incredibly well-received,” sta member Morgen Earle said. “In fact, last week we had 10 backpacks distributed. The clients were so incredibly grateful and thrilled with the contents as they make their lives a little more comfortable and ‘normal’ as they continue working toward self-su ciency.”

“We came to The Center,” one family reported, “as a shattered family. The sta helped pick up the pieces, then gave us the tools we needed to put our family back together.”

The Center has been helping families for nearly 40 years. Its mission is to provide structure, support and guided discussion with a focus on accountability, skill-building and practical strategies participants can use immediately in their relationships and daily lives. By helping families overcome challenges, The Center aims to keep families together so they can grow and thrive.

To learn more about The Center, its programs, services, volunteer opportunities and donation options call (530) 626-1450 or visit thecenternow.org.

Fall for fresh fruit, farm fun and fabulous fare

Apple Hill

Growers will celebrate the bounty of the summer season during Summer Harvest Days on July 25-26 and Aug. 1-2, inviting visitors to explore participating farms and wineries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual event showcases the region's summer harvest with fresh berries, peaches, plums, vegetables, baked goods, wines, hard ciders, jams and family-friendly activities. Guests are encouraged to begin their tour at Harris Family Farm before exploring the many participating ranches and wineries throughout

the Apple Hill region.

Harris Family Farm Harris Family Farm, 2640 Blair Road in Pollock Pines, will feature u-pick flowers, marionberries and blackberries, a bake shop, live music and a marketplace with local food vendors and artisan crafts. The bake shop will o er fruit slushies, jams, preserves, baked goods and take-andbake frozen fruit pies. Guests are encouraged to order pies in advance by calling (530) 6442194. Live music is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. each event day, and reservations are available for farm classes.

Learn more at

harrisfamilyfarm.com.

Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast

Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast, 2360 Union Ridge Road in Placerville, is o ering a 15% discount on room rates with promo code HARVESTDAYS15 for guests staying two consecutive nights July 24-25 and July 31 through Aug. 2. Learn more at ponderosaridge.com.

Delfino Farms

Delfino Farms, 3205 North Canyon Road in Camino, will feature peach desserts made with fruit from Goldbud Farms at Joan's Apple Bakery. Guests can also

enjoy wine tastings at Edio Vineyards before stopping by the bakery for seasonal treats.

Learn more at delfinofarms.com.

Docmanov Winery & Vineyards

Docmanov Winery & Vineyards, 120 Jacquier Court in Placerville, invites guests to enjoy picnic fare, build-yourown charcuterie boards, sandwiches and wine pairing experiences. Live music will be o ered from noon to 4 p.m. The tasting room will also debut its Apple Bellini, a sparkling wine cocktail with an apple twist, along with special case discounts. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more at docmanovwines.com.

Goldbud Farms

Goldbud Farms, 2501 Carson Road in Placerville, expects to open in mid-July for its freestone fruit harvest. Visitors can purchase peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots, depending on availability. During Summer Harvest Days, customers can purchase 5 pounds of fruit for the price of 4.

Learn more at goldbudfarms.com.

Hidden Star Camino

Hidden Star Camino, 2740 Cable Lane in Camino, will feature craft hard ciders served from its Cider Barn, including rotating seasonal flavors inspired by summer fruits. Guests can also enjoy cider doughnuts, fruit pies, dumplings, fresh cider and jarred products. Learn more at hiddenstarcamino.com.

Jack Russell Farm Brewery

Jack Russell Farm Brewery, 2380 Larsen Drive in Camino, will serve handcrafted ales,

ciders, wines and hard seltzers, including seasonal Blueberry Ale, Peach Pilsner and Peach Hard Seltzer Slushies.

Valenz Tacos will serve peach salsa July 25-26, while Naked Pizza will o er an apricot-glazed bacon and chicken pizza Aug. 1-2. Learn more at jackrussellbrewery.com.

Lava Cap Winery

Lava Cap Winery, 2221 Fruitridge Road in Placerville, will o er wine tastings daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in its tasting room and mountain gardens. Reservations are not required. Learn more at lavacap. com.

Madroña Vineyards

Madroña Vineyards, 2560 High Hill Road in Placerville, will o er two-for-one tasting fees and a special Summer Flight featuring its estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines. Tastings are available daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last seating at 4 p.m. Learn more at madronavineyards.com.

O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch

O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch, 2261 Cable Road in Camino, will o er u-pick blackberries and flowers, a nature trail, farm animals, babydoll lambs and opportunities to feed the goats. Farm-fresh eggs, vegetables, freezedried fruit, caramel apples and cookies will also be available. Learn more at appletrailranch.com.

Pine O Mine Ranch

Pine O Mine Ranch, 2620 Carson Road in Placerville, will serve peach shakes and feature live music, food trucks and tractor rides throughout the event. Learn more at pineomineranch.com.

Rucksack Cellars

Rucksack Cellars, 3030 Carson Road in Placerville, will o er two-for-one wine tastings to guests who mention Summer Harvest Days. The winery is open Thursday

through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Learn more at rucksackcellars.com.

Smokey Ridge Ranch & Winery

Smokey Ridge Ranch & Winery, 2160 Carson Road in Placerville, will feature summer fruit sangria, u-pick flowers, fresh flower bouquets and flower crowns. Learn more at smokeyridgeranch.com.

Starfield Vineyards & Winery

Starfield Vineyards & Winery, 2750 Jacquier Road in Placerville, will o er self-guided wine flight boards on its shaded upper patio. Wine flights are complimentary for members and discounted for nonmembers during Summer Harvest Days. Guests can also enjoy Roman-style pizzas, appetizers, salads and charcuterie prepared by Head Chef Scott Tomblin. Patrick Walsh and Randy Sykes will perform live July 25-26. Learn more at starfieldvineyards.com.

Wofford Acres Vineyards

Wo ord Acres

Vineyards, 1900 Hidden Valley Lane in Camino, will feature its 2024 Molino de Vento Syrah rosé, available. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

Learn more at wavwines.com.

24 Carrot Farm

24 Carrot Farm, 2731 Jacquier Road in Placerville, will feature certified organic vegetables, summer stone fruit, berries and u-pick strawberries, blackberries and flower bouquets. The farm is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at 4carrotfarms.com.

Visitors can identify participating Apple Hill Growers by looking for the organization's signature red Apple Hill logo, which signifies locally owned family farms.

National Night Out is coming to a neighborhood near you

National Night Out hits

Placerville communities

News release

Residents throughout Placerville will gather at 10 neighborhood locations on Tuesday, Aug. 4 for National Night Out 2026, an annual event that brings neighbors, first responders and law enforcement together to strengthen community relationships and promote public safety.

Camino invites community to National Night Out

News release

Placerville Police Department we are dedicated to a partnership with our community and are excited to celebrate National Night Out with our residents,” said Detective Gabby Irwin. “Stop by a public location and celebrate with us Aug. 4, between 6-8pm for a night full of fun, festivities and hotdogs. We hope to see you there.”

Residents of Camino will gather Tuesday, Aug. 4, for the 21st annual Camino National Night Out, an evening designed to bring neighbors together and strengthen community connections.

children’s games, raffle prizes and a classic car show. Vehicle owners participating in the car show are asked to arrive by 5 p.m. Live music will be provided by ShirlJam.

Sponsored nationwide by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out encourages neighborhoods to host gatherings that foster community connections while increasing awareness of crime prevention efforts. The event is celebrated annually in communities across the country. The Placerville Police Department participates in National Night Out each year as part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement. In Placerville, the event features neighborhood gatherings where residents can meet police officers, connect with their neighbors and enjoy a relaxed evening of community fellowship. Many locations offer barbecues, refreshments and family-friendly activities with support from local businesses and community partners.

councils, Placerville Moose Lodge 1979, Apple Hill Growers, El Dorado Disposal/ Waste Connections, the El Dorado County Office of Education, EDC Cancer Warriors, Marshall Foundation, El Dorado Ready, the Boys & Girls Club Camino School, Camino Church Adventure Club, Shatterproof and the El Dorado and Georgetown Divide resource conservation districts.

Activities will include

The annual event provides an opportunity for residents to build stronger relationships with one another and with local law enforcement while reinforcing the importance of working together to create safer neighborhoods.

“Here at the

Trip explores Picayune Valley

The American River Conservancy is offering free overnight backpacking trips this summer through the Granite Chief Wilderness, led by ARC volunteer Tom Dodson.

The final trip is scheduled for Aug. 15-16, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday and concluding at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday.

Participants will explore the Granite Chief Wilderness Area’s Picayune Valley, beginning at Talbot Creek. The route follows the Middle Fork American River through an old-growth forest before crossing the river’s headwaters. Hikers should bring water shoes for the crossing.

Once in Picayune Valley, participants will explore waterfalls, alpine meadows and the upper reaches of the valley, where the group will camp overnight. After setting up camp, hikers will continue to a saddle offering views of the Granite Chief Wilderness.

The hike is rated moderate with no steep elevation gains. The route covers approximately 16 miles round trip at an elevation of about 6,300 feet.

Participants must bring their own backpacking gear, food and supplies. The minimum age is 12 with prior backpacking experience. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

The group will meet in the Georgetown area. Participation is free. Register online at app.dvforms. net/api/dv/qv71re. A detailed email will be sent after registration is received.

Placerville public community parties include Hangtown Village Square, 1220 Broadway; and Exhilaration Station, 1412 Broadway Block parties include Point View Drive at Cardinal, Chamberlain Street, 3030 New Jersey Way, Northridge Drive, Allen Court, Orchard Hill Park, 2355 Green Wing Lane, Placer Village Apartments, 2189 Ray Lawyer Drive and Stone Crest Road. Learn more at cityofplacerville.org/ national-night-out-1.

The event will run from 5:30-8 p.m. at Camino Community Church Park, 4205 Carson Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinners and chairs. Organizers will provide barbecue grills, charcoal and free hot dogs for all participants. Food should be shared only among members of individual groups.

The annual event will feature displays and information booths from numerous organizations, including the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, local fire safe

The event is sponsored by the Camino Community Action Committee. Donations will be accepted, with proceeds benefiting community projects. For more information, contact Tina Helm at (530) 647-0336.

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Women who are living longer and in poverty

Carol S. Heape Elder Options

The following editorial is based on “From Surviving to Thriving: Ensuring the Golden Years Remain Golden for Older Women,” published by Justice in Aging and the Asset Funders Network (Copyright 2020).

After reading this publication, I felt compelled to share its findings because I believe many people, particularly women who are aging and living alone, can benefit from understanding the realities facing older women today.

The statistics are sobering.

Women are 80% more likely than men to experience poverty in retirement. More than 27 million women in the United States are over age 65, and far too many struggle to meet their basic needs. Many depend on government programs such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps), Medi-Cal and Medicare to help pay for food, health care and supportive services. These programs provide essential assistance during what should be the rewarding years of retirement.

Understanding poverty

You may wonder how poverty is measured.

The federal poverty measure, developed in the 1960s, estimates how many people struggle financially. Although it is adjusted annually for inflation, it does not account for regional differences in the cost of living or the realities faced by many older adults. It also fails to adequately reflect disparities experienced by people based on race, ethnicity, marital status or sexual orientation. Women of color, unmarried women and many LGBTQ+ older adults experience poverty at significantly higher rates.

Why are older women more financially vulnerable?

Historically, women have earned less than men. During World War II, women entered the workforce in large numbers while men served in the military. When the war ended, many women were expected to leave their jobs and return home. Those who remained employed often earned substantially less than men performing the same work because of outdated assumptions about experience and capability.

Although progress has been made, the wage gap continues today. As a result, many women enter retirement with lower lifetime earnings, fewer retirement savings and smaller Social Security benefits. Increasingly, women are working well into their 70s and even 80s simply because they cannot afford to retire.

Where does retirement income come from?

Among the more than 45 million Social Security beneficiaries, women represent more than half of all recipients.

For many older women, Social Security provides approximately 80% of their retirement income, while men rely on Social Security for approximately 34% of their income.

The report notes:

“In 2016, the annual Social Security income received by women age 65 and older was $13,891.” (p. 10)

For women who did not work enough quarters to qualify for adequate Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may provide additional financial support.

Women comprise nearly two-thirds of SSI recipients who qualify based on age. However, recipients must maintain countable resources below $2,000 to remain eligible, a limit that has remained unchanged since 1984 despite decades of inflation.

Food assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, helps older adults purchase food.

Unfortunately, only about 42% of eligible older adults participate. Many mistakenly believe they do not qualify or feel uncomfortable applying for assistance.

Retirement savings

Traditional pensions have become increasingly rare.

The report states:

“Since 1980, pensions as a retirement source have become scarcer, with fewer and fewer workers finding defined benefit plans available at all.” (p. 13)

Even more concerning:

“Half of all families have no retirement account savings at all.” (p. 13)

Without pensions or retirement savings, many women depend almost entirely on Social Security.

Housing, widowhood and debt

Economic downturns have disproportionately affected women, many of whom lost homes and significant financial assets during periods of recession. Women of color experienced even greater losses.

The death of a spouse can create additional financial hardship.

Household income often decreases substantially as Social Security benefits are reduced from two recipients to one. At the same time, surviving spouses may inherit significant medical expenses and debt. Financial insecurity has contributed to a growing number of bankruptcies among older adults. Today, one in seven individuals filing for bankruptcy is over age 65, and that number continues to rise.

Conclusion

Women are also far more likely to serve as unpaid caregivers for children, spouses, aging parents and other family members. Time spent away from the workforce often means lower lifetime earnings and fewer years contributing to Social Security, reducing retirement income later in life.

As the report states:

Women often “find themselves with significantly less wealth to rely on as they age.” (p. 7)

Women who spent years raising children frequently experience even greater financial disadvantages.

The report also highlights significant racial disparities:

“In 2016, White families had median wealth of $171,000, while Black and Latinx families had median wealth of $17,409 and $20,920, respectively.” (p. 8)

Financial exploitation

Older women, particularly those over age 80, are twice as likely as older men to become victims of financial abuse.

Older adults often lose substantial amounts of money through scams involving fraudulent loans, mortgage refinancing, home repair schemes, home modifications, payday loans, identity theft and other financial crimes. Recovering from these losses is often impossible for someone living on a fixed income.

Current measures of poverty do not adequately capture what it truly costs to age with dignity and financial security.

Simply living above the federal poverty level does not necessarily mean an older adult can comfortably afford housing, food, transportation, health care and other necessities.

There is, however, reason for optimism.

The Elder Economic Security Standard Index (Elder Index), supported by the Retirement Research Foundation, seeks to determine the actual income older adults need to live with economic security rather than merely survive.

The report concludes:

“When older women enter retirement age with insufficient liquid savings and little to no other assets, they are more vulnerable to economic insecurity or even poverty.” (p. 21) It further recommends:

“As more older women continue to work into their 60s, 70s and beyond, they need a safe and simple way to set aside some of their income as savings.” (p. 21)

The challenges facing older women are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By recognizing these disparities, strengthening retirement security, supporting caregivers and advocating for policies that reflect today’s economic realities, we can help ensure that women who have spent their lives caring for others can age with dignity, independence and financial security.

You don’t have to leave town to explore space this summer. You can blast o for fun all summer long as Kid Scoop takes readers on a trip through the Solar System with our mascot, Woodword!

This activity from NASA explains how to use beads and string to make a model that shows the relative distances between the sun and planets in our solar system. For the full directions go to: jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/ activity/solar-systembead-activity/

Our Solar System formed in the Milky Way galaxy about 4.6 billion years ago.

The sun is at the center of the solar system. Eight planets and their natural satellites which include Earth’s moon, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets and meteoroids orbit or revolve around the sun because of its gravitational pull. There are billions of other solar systems in our galaxy and there are billions of galaxies in the Universe.

NOTE: This is not an easy question to answer. The length of time depends upon many different factors, including the spacecraft used and the location of each planet in its orbit. The time periods here are approximated and refer to the previous spacecraft that flew to or near each planet.

One way to remember the order of the planets in our solar system is to make up a sentence with each word starting with the first letter of a planet, starting with the one closest to the sun. This example worked when Pluto was still considered a planet:

Can you make up a new sentence without a word starting with P?

Start your scale model by cutting a 5.0 meter piece of string and tying the largest “sun” bead to one end using a double knot.

Using the distances in centimeters, measure the distance from the sun on the string to each planet.

Tie a colored bead in place for each planet using a double knot. Note: The bead colors are rough approximations of the colors of the planets and the sun. However, you can use whatever color of beads you have handy.

Sun 0 cm

Yellow

Mercury 4 cm

Solid Red

Space junk is a major problem. Some of it is very large, such as burnt-out rocket stages, dead spacecraft, and a few tools lost during spacewalks. Working satellites can crash into the space junk, creating more space junk. Sometimes space junk falls back to the Earth.

Our solar system has 8 planets. (Pluto is now considered a dwarf planet.) Scientists continue to study our fellow planets, even though they are far, far away. Do the math to find out how long it would take to get from Earth to each planet in our solar system.

Number Game

Each player needs a page from the sports section. In one minute, each player circles as many numbers as they can. Who can circle the most? Who can circle the most over 50? Whose numbers add up to the largest sum? Whose numbers add up to the lowest sum?

Standards Link: Language Arts: Follow simple written directions.

Venus 7 cm

Cream

Earth 10 cm

Clear Blue

Mars 15 cm

Clear Red

Jupiter 52 cm

Orange

Saturn 96 cm

Clear Gold

Uranus

192 cm

Dark Blue

Neptune

300 cm

Light Blue

If you wanted to approximate the size differences of the planets in our solar system, you could use these foods to do it. Unscramble the letters below each food to reveal which planet is which.

Package from Earth

Pretend you are sending a package into space that, if life on other planets exists, will tell about life on Earth. Find newspaper pictures and articles that you would put into the package. Tell why you selected each.

APPROXIMATE

The verb approximate means to come close to something in quality, size or nature.

The astronaut had to approximate the distance to the planet. This week’s word:

Try to use the word approximate in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.

Tell other kids about a book you think they should read this summer. Have fun describing the details but don’t give away the ending!

GROW FOR IT!

The importance of pollinators

You may often hear that pollinators are important and that we should support and protect them. But what exactly are pollinators and why do we need them?

Pollinators play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and the production of most fruits and vegetables. Most plants require assistance to produce seeds and fruit. About 80% of all flowering plants and more than three-quarters of the staple crops that feed humans rely on animal pollinators. The process of pollination happens when pollen moves between flowers. The movement of pollen can be performed by animals, insects and wind.

The absence of pollinators can cause

Jennifer Weber UCCE Master Food Preserver of El Dorado County

issues such as a reduction in the quality and quantity of your garden’s production. For example, fruits and vegetables may become misshapen, fall short of their usual size or fail to fully develop. Pollination plays a critical role in the reproductive process of plants, and without it, flowers may not be fertilized properly. Insufficient pollination can also lead to a lower yield. The most common pollinators that come

to mind are typically bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. There are other lesser-known pollinators, such as bats, beetles, birds, flies, moths, wasps and other animals. These pollinators all play a critical role in sustaining our ecosystem by helping our plants reproduce. Ways you can support and welcome pollinators to your garden: Plant flowers in your vegetable garden. Mix flowering plants throughout your vegetable garden. This not only looks beautiful but also attracts helpful animals and insects. Plant flowers that bloom from early spring through fall to provide pollinators with food throughout their active seasons. Select plants that are pollinator-friendly, such as native plants to your area. Reduce the use of pesticides. Pesticides may

Explore physics in Loco Lab

Traci Rockefeller Cusack

News release

SACRAMENTO —

Dedicated to providing educational enrichment opportunities and serving as a laboratory of learning for future generations, the California State Railroad Museum will present a “Loco Lab: Physics in Locomotion” STEM workshop Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The one-day workshop is designed for students in sixth through ninth grades. During the

90-minute, hands-on session, students will learn about the physics behind making a steam locomotive move and discover the power behind some of the museum’s greatest machines.

Workshop activities

• Discovering four different types of motion.

• Learning how engineers understand motion to move large trains.

• Experimenting with motion by building machines.

• Exploring the museum before or after

*Contact for full details. Subject to change.

the workshop to see railroad engineering up close.

Space is limited, and registration closes at 11:59 p.m. July 22.

The workshop will take place in the Stanford Gallery at the California State Railroad Museum, 111 I Street in Sacramento.

For more information or to register for the “Loco Lab: Physics in Locomotion” workshop visit californiarailroad. museum.

The California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

harm beneficial insects along with pests. For effective control while protecting pollinators, follow Integrated Pest Management principles by identifying pests correctly, using natural control methods first and choosing the mildest treatment options when necessary. Learn more about environmentally friendly pest management at ipm.

ucanr.edu/#gsc.tab=0.

Create pollinatorfriendly gardens. Leave some bare soil for ground-nesting bees, keep small brush piles for shelter and add shallow water dishes with stones for insects to drink from. Some pollinators, namely honeybees, are more attracted to larger blocks of the same flower. Try to plant at least three of the same plant together rather than single plants scattered around. A single honeybee can visit as many as 5,000 flowers in a single day. Supporting our pollinators can be simple and fun! formation about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

BETWEEN THE COVERS

“Seeing Daylight”

by Suzanne Morgan Williams

Wendy Schultz

From the first sentence readers are captured by the voice of Ben O’Mara, a 19-year-old combat veteran. As he returns from Iraq to his family’s ranch in Nevada, Ben brings with him a traumatic brain injury, piecemeal memories and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the loving support of his family, Ben tries to keep his struggles secret as he relearns how to talk, walk and read. Doubts about himself and his future plague him — he’s not the same and never will be. And there are some things he just doesn’t want to remember.

Molly, 17, misses her older sister, who ran away with a boyfriend, and her father, who left shortly afterward. Her mother, a service dog trainer, is closed and unapproachable. Molly needs something, someone to connect with — someone who will see her for herself.

Wow! Sounds like a downer type of book, doesn’t it? But “Seeing Daylight” is full of hope, realistic change and love. And, of course, Roger, the service dog, who brings together Molly, his trainer and Ben, his person. It is a

young adult companion novel to Williams’ upper middle-grade novel, “Bull Rider,” which won multiple awards, including Winner of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Award for Outstanding Juvenile Book of 2009 and a Junior Library Guild selection.

In “Bull Rider,” the desire of a younger sibling to help his big brother, Ben, is central to the story, but “Seeing Daylight” is Ben’s own story, with his shattering memories and the healing that can happen with the support of family, therapy, a service dog, love and Ben’s own determination.

Williams does such a masterful, empathetic job of portraying Ben’s mental and emotional struggles, his defense mechanisms and his grief at no longer being able to do what he loves that anyone who has been a veteran or knows a veteran who is struggling will be able to understand some of what they might be experiencing. As a reporter, I have interviewed many veterans of all ages, but after reading “Seeing Daylight,” it was the first time I felt some real understanding of what many veterans have to deal with when they return home.

After “Bull Rider” was published in 2009 by Simon and Schuster, Williams traveled the country promoting the

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org.

July 24

Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, is open 9 a.m. to noon, for Open Garden Day Friday and Saturday. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on-site to assist you with any questions regarding the Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal gardens. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality, check before visiting at tinyurl.com/pszsfdhf.

Join American River Conservancy for Sound Alchemy and Yoga Immersion at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit arconservancy.org.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra for Picnic in the Park at the Placerville Aquatic Center, 3071 Benham St. in Placerville from 5-7 p.m. For more information visit bbbsns. org.

The Olde Coloma Theatre presents “The Watered Down Saloon” or “A Trip Out West” through Aug. 23. For tickets and more information go to oldecolomatheatre.com.

Red’s Blues Band will perform at 5 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Ed Wilson will perform at Renegade Winery & Bistro in Mokelumne Hill from 5-8 p.m.

The Sam Chase & The Untraditional + Red Dirt Ruckus will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

West Coast Performing Arts Concerts presents Elvis Live!, 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

July 25

Join American River Conservancy for an Alpine Hike from Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca at 8 a.m. Registration required. For more information visit arconservancy.org.

book and speaking to students and at library conferences about the book and bull riding.

“People kept asking, ’What happened to Ben?’” said Williams. “I was writing a different story and I didn’t want to write about war and war injuries because it wasn’t something I knew about.” But she decided, if she were to write Ben’s story, that her depiction of his experience in Iraq and his injuries had to be both respectful and accurate.

Marshall Pediatrics invites the community to attend its Kid’s Summer Health Fair, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4341 Golden Center Drive, Suite A, Placerville. The health fair will be a familyfriendly event, featuring health screenings, sports and annual physicals, wellness resources, community partners and activities for kids. For more information call (530) 626-2940.

Toogood Winery Tasting Room in Fairplay will host its Wine and Cheese Celebration with no reservations required on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit toogoodwinery.com.

Holly’s Hill Vineyards and Brewery in Placerville will host A Watermelon Affair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday featuring watermelon gazpacho, shrimp tacos with watermelon salsa and vanilla ice cream with salted watermelon syrup and live music with ShirlJam. For more information visit hollyshill.com.

The Vintage Tees will perform at 4 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Art on Center, the Center for Native, Latino and Indigenous Art at 3182 Center St. in Placerville will host a Community Viewing of Reservation Dogs at 6 p.m. To learn more email artoncenteredc@gmail.com.

Apple Hill Growers invites the community to Farm to Fork at 6 p.m. at Delfino Farms in Camino. For tickets and more information visit applehill.com.

Atrium Gallery at El Dorado Hills Town Center will host an Artist Reception for Hot August Days from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter. com.

Live Sound Bath hosted by Misty Scholz and Matt Phillips will take place, 10:30 a.m. to noon and Hangtown Thrash Presents Monthly Metal — Thrash + Math + Hardcore Metal will take place 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Crocker Art Museum in

Sacramento will host Playhouse and Playdough from 10:3011:30 a.m. Inspired by the playful worlds of television and film, families are invited to get creative with clay. After viewing a selection of imaginative clips, children and caregivers will sculpt their own small characters, props or settings. For tickets and more information visit crockerart. org.

Fellowship for Performing Arts presents C.S.Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” July 25 & 26 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

July 26

Shadow Ranch in Somerset will host Live Music and WoodFired Pizzas with Patrick Walsh at 1 p.m. For more information visit shadowranch. com.

Ed Wilson will perform at Iron Hub Winery in Plymouth from 1-4 p.m.

FBI will perform at 2 p.m. at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/live-music.

Crystal Basin Cellars 2.0 in

“Talking to contemporary veterans felt invasive and selfserving,” said Williams. Instead, she talked to doctors, nurses and orderlies at the Veterans Administration who work with injured veterans and learned that every war has its own significant injury and that traumatic brain injury is the injury of the Iraq War. She interviewed therapists who work with veterans and, at last, she talked to the veterans. “A lot of their stories are

Placerville will host a California Wine History talk complete with historical wines at 2 p.m. For more information visit crystalbasin.com.

Poor Red’s in El Dorado will host Shakedown, a high energy party band from 4-7 p.m. For more information visit poorreds. com.

The Allman Brothers Greatest Hits presented by former members of Second Time Around will take place 6-8 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Valhalla Tahoe presents live music with OSITO from 7:30-10 p.m. on the Valhalla Grand Lawn. For tickets and more information visit valhallatahoe.com.

July 27

Youth Action Council at the El Dorado Office of Education presents Driven to Thrive, a free youth event for El Dorado County high school students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville, Building L, Park at Folsom Lake

part of Ben’s stories. I wanted to be sure I wasn’t misguiding readers, even if this is a fiction story, knowing that every person’s experience is different.”

Williams’ own brother had a debilitating condition that left him unable to do the things he used to do. “Those feelings hit close to home,” said Williams, who channeled them into Ben’s family.

Reading emails sent to family members from a soldier during his deployment in Iraq and hearing stories shared by families of veterans during Williams’ book tours around the country made Williams realize that when a young person enlists in the military, they are enlisting their entire family.

In her talks with young people at schools, Williams makes a point to talk about military service and the needs of veterans.

“I tell them, when they are old enough to vote, to make sure they vote for bills that support veterans … or I will come back and haunt them,” she jokes.

“I also like animals, so I gave Ben a service dog,” said Williams, who did her usual thorough research with the Injured Marine Warrior unit at Camp Pendleton, which trains service dogs for veterans, and with the Canine Guardians Assistant Dog trainers in Napa and similar organizations in Nevada. The selection process and arduous training are part of Molly’s journey in “Seeing Daylight” as Roger’s training becomes the vehicle through which she finds purpose.

“Seeing Daylight” can be purchased online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It can also be ordered through independent bookstores or purchased at Placerville News Company in Placerville and at the Sierra Arts Foundation Depot Gallery bookstore in Sparks, and its Riverside Gallery in Reno, Nev. To find out more about Morgan Williams’ books, speaking engagements and school presentations, visit suzannemorganwilliams. com.