C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 53 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025
Placerville budget comes with some strings attached
CELEBRATE FREEDOM
Get patriotic at these 4th of July events
Andrew Vonderschmitt
In El Dorado County there is no shortage of ways to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the forming of this great nation. From fireworks to pancake breakfasts, cookouts to parades, residents will show their patriotism from border to border at top-notch celebrations.
Features editor
The Placerville City Council adopted a $24,982,533 operating budget for 2025-26 at the June 24 regular meeting. “I know you’ve seen this document three times now, so I’ll keep my comments short,” said Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Dave Warren, adding that the budget anticipates economic impacts. An expected 2.09% decrease to General Fund revenue and increase of 6.44% in expenditures forced the budget team to “make concerning decisions to staff in order to reach a balanced budget,” according to the proposed budget document. These decisions include a reorganization of the Community Services Department that reduces management positions and adds front line workers
*A friendly reminder that any and all fireworks are illegal in El Dorado County. Leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals and keep the county fire safe. July 3 — El Dorado Hills Town Center presents the Fireworks and Freedom Concert. Gates open at 5 p.m. The all-ages event includes live music at the Theatre Plaza from Funk Shui Band and Hip Service at the amphitheater and fireworks at around 9:40 p.m. from two locations — on the lake and the top of Regal Cinemas. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
■ See BUDGET, page A3
July 4 — The Pleasant Valley Day 4th of July Celebration will include a pancake breakfast at the Pleasant Valley Grange, 8-11 a.m., the Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m. plus food, fun and games at the Pleasant Valley Fire Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit pleasantvalleycommunity hall.com.
Photo courtesy of CDFW
The female bear euthanized by officials had a long history of home invasions and vehicle break-ins in South Lake Tahoe stretching over two years. The sow destroyed the vehicle door above trying to gain entry.
Bear that sent camper to hospital euthanized ■ Two cubs captured
and delivered to wildlife rehab facility California Department of Fish and Wildlife News release
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Parks have removed a bear that was a danger to public safety in South Lake Tahoe with a long history of human conflict, including multiple home invasions and vehicle break-ins.
At 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, the light-colored female bear, or sow, entered an occupied trailer belonging to a camper at Eagle Point Campground within Emerald Bay State Park. After being awoken by the bear trying to gain entry, the camper attempted to scare the bear off by banging pots and pans, screaming at the bear and making a loud commotion. Undeterred, the bear forced its way into the trailer and swiped at the camper, leaving her with cuts and bruises on her arms and hand and requiring an escorted trip to the hospital. Later that same morning, the bear ripped the door open on a camper-van with teenagers sleeping inside and later was reported harassing other campers within the same campground. Following the camper attack, the bear was deemed a “Public Safety Bear” under CDFW’s 2022 Black Bear Policy in California and targeted for immediate removal. The bear was located in the vicinity
Above, the Summer Spectacular lit up the night sky at Cameron Park Lake last Saturday with bright, colorful fireworks reflected beautifully on the water- drawing cheers from families, neighbors and friends. Right, Decon Brown, 11, of Cameron Park, zooms down a giant water slide to cool off during the Spectacular event on June 28. With splashy fun, carnival games, live music, a patriotic aerial flyover, and a dazzling fireworks finale over the lake, this annual event is a much-loved community patriotic celebration. Below, the Nattrass and West families of Placerville had set out lawn chairs and gathered by the lakeside, ready to enjoy the fireworks display at Cameron Park’s Summer Spectacular.
July 4 — The Garden Valley 4th of July Parade and Celebration begins at 9 a.m. at Garden Valley Park with booths offering arts, crafts, food and a raffle to win a grand prize. Live music will be on the Garden Valley Park Stage. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Garden Valley Firehouse. For more information visit gdrd.org. July 4 — The Pollock Pines Independence Day Parade begins at noon. Celebrate with friends, family and neighbors on Pony Express Trail from Sly Park Road to Sanders Drive. Join in on the parade or grab a seat and enjoy the view. For more information visit pollockpinescaminorotary.org.
Photos by Laurie Edwards
July 4 — The 4th of July Family Blast at El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville runs 3-11 p.m. with live music from Locked -N- Loaded, vendors, food and beverages for sale and fireworks around 9:40 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocountyfair. org. July 4 — The Lights on the Lake Fireworks extravaganza will take place on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore at 9:45 p.m. and is visible from all over town. For more information and best ways to view the show visit tinyurl. com/2rbbet3t.
■ See BEAR, page A9
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