Mountain Democrat, Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Plea deal for three involved in student’s death questioned

■ Sentencing delayed for former school staff

Odin Rasco Mountain Democrat correspondent

Three employees of the now-closed Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills who recently entered no contest pleas to charges related to the death of Max Benson, a 13-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, were not sentenced as expected on Monday,

June 16, following a decision by Judge Mark Ralphs to postpone the hearing in light of concerns raised with the plea deals pro ered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce.

Guiding Hands School, a private kindergarten through 12th-grade school in the El Dorado Hills Business Park open for 25 years, served more than 100 children from 22 school districts across the Sacramento Valley whose needs couldn’t be met at their home or public schools. Max, whose family lived in Davis, had recently

‘Distasteful budget’ calls for layoffs

Jo Carrerow Mountain Democrat correspondent

In the fiscal year 2025-26 recommended budget approved by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors June 10, budget reductions included layo s — 11 filled positions and 28.20 vacant positions.

“So, this is mainly due in general government … reducing vacant and some filled positions,” El Dorado County Assistant Chief Administrative O cer Sue Hennike said during her budget presentation.

Layo s will take place in the Board of Supervisors division (1), Chief Administrative O ce (6.60), Health and Human Services Agency (1), Planning and Building (1), Registrar of Voters (.40) and Surveyor’s O ce (1).

Vacant positions will not be filled in the Assessor’s O ce (1), CAO (6), child support services (1), District Attorney’s O ce (4), HHSA (4.45), Information Technologies (4), Library (6.75), Planning and Building (1), Probation (.50), Recorder-Clerk’s O ce (2) and Treasurer-Tax Collector’s O ce (.50).

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The Public Defender’s O ce will hire three new employees — public defenders (2) and alternate public defender (1).

Several people spoke against the firing of county employees.

Jen Rimaldi, president of El Dorado County Employees Association Local No. 1, asked the board to hold o on eliminating filled positions and on new hiring until the final budget numbers come back in September.

“When I asked in our last mediation before we finalized our MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), I asked how many layo s would this trigger and I was told zero,” Rimaldi said, maintaining the county can’t function with just management and consultants.

“It’s clear, protecting employees is not your top priority,” Rimaldi added.

District 5 Supervisor

Brooke Laine said she also recalled a recent meeting where they were told there would be no layo s.

“How did that come to change?” Laine asked.

“I’m not sure where that misinformation is coming from and, if that was said, that was certainly an error because that has not been what we have been seeing would be a result of this budget,” Hennike said.

“Granted 11 positions out of 2,000 is a very very small number. It’s .005%,” Laine added.

Laine said she noticed the Sheri ’s Department has a large budget and asked if that department had trimmed its budget.

Hennike noted EDSO did reduce its budget by $4 million o what was

been placed there when an incident in which he spit on another student led to his restraint in a prone position for more than 90 minutes.

Witnesses testified Max had ceased to resist long before the restraint was concluded, even vomiting and urinating on himself during the prolonged restraint which only ended after he had become unconscious.

Testimony also indicated the school nurse failed to respond to calls for help for 10 minutes and a call to paramedics was not made until 25

minutes after Max was first discovered unconscious. Max was transported to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where he was declared brain dead the following day and died on Nov. 28, 2018.

Investigations into the incident conducted by the California Department of Education determined Guiding Hands sta had violated state rules regarding student restraint by using excessive and unnecessary force.

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ESSENTIALS

Matthew Doyle

Oct. 19, 1966 – June 3, 2025

Matthew Doyle, born in 1966, was raised in Northern Virginia before moving with his family to Northern California. He entered the Navy after high school, serving five years including a tour in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War. After his naval service ended, Matthew lived in New York, Maryland, and eventually returned to Northern California. While in Northern California, Matthew earned contracts with several government and private agencies securing grants and designing their IT infrastructure. Almost two decades into the new millennium, he moved back to the east coast, near his parents and several of his siblings.

Matthew died of natural causes, passing peacefully seated in his favorite chair, on June 3, 2025. He is deeply missed and will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Preceded in death by his mother, Matthew is survived by his father, Stephen Doyle of Texas; his brother Michael of California; sisters Glenda Heidsick (Matthias) and Kathleen Edwards (Robert) of North Carolina, and Amanda Carmen (Mark) of Texas; and his closest and dearest friend Carrie Calligan of California.

Patricia Ruth McErlane

Feb 21, 1928 – Jan 14, 2025 Patricia (Pat) Ruth McErlane passed peacefully on the eve of January 14. She was born in Alameda, California to Reuben and Ruth Lund. Pat graduated from Alameda High School in June 1945. Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, James (Jim) Edward McErlane in 2021, her parents, her younger brother Jack (who died at the age of 3), her step-mother Alice Lund, and infant granddaughter Riley Jocoy.

When recently asked of her greatest achievement, she simply stated, “Being a mother.” Pat is survived by her 5 children. Suzanne Pronk (John), Michael Jocoy, Scott Jocoy, Daniel Jocoy (Wendi), and Mark Jocoy. She also has a total of 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild. She is also survived by (ex) daughters-in-law Catherine Casso and Poravy Lim and step-daughter Laura McErlane and step-son Matthew McErlane (Angela) (and daughter Loren). Pat also left behind her wonderful half-sister Martha Patton (Douglas) and their 5 children (plus spouses) and 10 great nieces and nephews.

Her very first trip as an infant was to visit her maternal grandparents Zach and Nellie Moorman in Placerville. Due to Pat’s love of Placerville, she finally moved here in 1975 after spending 10 years in Pacifica, California. Prior to that she spent almost 15 years in San Diego County. Most of her earlier work years were spent in the insurance industry until 1984 when she joined the El Dorado County Sheri ’s Department as a clerk until retiring in 1993.

She had a very active social life until about 2021. She loved birthdays and holidays especially when with family. She loved her Bridge (card) gatherings, going to Placerville Newcomers Club, the Sierra Club, Volunteering with The Center (for Nonviolent Relationships) just to name a few. She had a soft spot in her heart for her Golden Retrievers she raised over the years. Her love of walking and gardening kept her in good physical health and her mental health was strong until the end. She loved all her family and friends. She was a strong, slightly tough, supportive, loving mother. She was well loved by many.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die,” Thomas Campbell (1777-1844)

Pat and Jim’s final resting place will be in the Rowlands family plot at the Union Cemetery in Placerville.

Charlene Foster Makis

Aug. 30, 1935 – May 29, 2025

Charlene was a long time resident of Diamond Springs. Charlene was the daughter of Herbert and Isabel Green born in Placerville on August 30, 1935. Charlene was a bail bonds writer for Placerville bail bonds for many years in Placerville. Then Charlene was a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Placerville. Charlene’s most favorite thing to do was sing karaoke with her friends she loved it. Charlene was proceeded in death by her husbands Charles Foster and Steve Makis and by her oldest son Steven Foster and by her three brothers Larry, Alan and Erwin Green. She is survived by her son Brian and wife Erika Foster and by her daughter Cindy Weldy and her daughter Tammie and her husband Gordon Anderson and her cat Bluebell. Charlene had many grandchildren and friends. She will be missed by many. There will be a small grave side service on July 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westwood Hills Memorial Park, 2720 Cold Springs Road, Placerville. All family and friends are welcome.

Michael Francis Slowey

Oct. 8, 1943 – June 7, 2025

Michael Francis Slowey passed away on June 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after losing his battle with cancer. He lived a full, beautiful life of 81 years. He resided in El Dorado County for over 60 years.

He was a great storyteller. His favorite thing to talk about was his family and growing up with 9 siblings. He had endless stories of growing up, all entertaining. His Mom and Dad had their hands full, a home full of fun, crazy events, God and love.

He loved golf, crossword puzzles, SF Giants, SF Forty Niners, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Cold Springs Country Club for many years and played with the Spanky’s Golf Club. In his earlier years he played softball at Lions Park in Placerville and was also an empire for youth baseball in the area.

He got a kick out of telling us the fishing and bear stories, of his mens camping trips to Hell Hole, which was a yearly tradition.

He worked in telecommunications with Pacific Bell for 50+ years, started as a lineman, then supervisor and eventually became an inspector. His crew at Pac Bell were not only co-workers but truly became best friends and family.

He met the love of his life, Norma Jo, at Sam’s Town, they fell in love and the rest is history. Married for 50 years, together they raised four daughters. He was the only man in a house full of girls, he was truly a saint. He always took care of his girls and was our “go to guy” in the worst and best of times.

Michael grew up in Klamath Falls, OR, and attended Sacred Heart Academy, a Catholic parochial school. He was a Catholic and never wavered from his devotion and faith. In high school he was involved in sports, he was captain of the basketball team, played baseball, and football. His senior year, he was the student body vice president. He was also the editor of the school paper and yearbook. While editor of the paper he got the opportunity to interview John F. Kennedy as JFK was campaigning for the presidency of the U.S. He loved telling that story.

Michael was born in Prosser, Washington on October 8, 1943, to his father, Francis Eugene Slowey of Irene, SD and his mother, Marguerite Elizabeth Morrison of New Orleans, LA.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Patrick Slowey, Seattle WA, and his sister Phyllis Minten of Tracy, CA.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Jo Slowey, his daughters, Georgiann Chambers (Ted), Melinda Frank (Steve), Beth Ann Slowey and Stacy Aylsworth, his siblings, Shirley Matchett, Janet Roberts, Virginia Smith, Donna Keylor, Glenn Slowey and Joseph Slowey, 9 grandchildren, 6.5 great grandchildren and his little dog Sofia.

A rosary for Michael will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 3109 Sacramento Street, Placerville, CA, followed by Mass at 11:00, with reception at church hall to follow. Rosary at 1030 and Mass at 1100.

CONTACT US

Of ce Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (530) 622-1255 / Fax: (530) 622-7894 Toll-Free from El Dorado Hills: (888) 622-1255 Chief Operating

T. Burt McNaughton (530) 344-5055 tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net

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VACATION HOLDS

If

Yolanda Klemyk

April 26, 1954 – Nov. 2, 2024

Yolanda Klemyk, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on November 2nd, 2024 at the age of 70. Born on April 26th, 1954, in the picturesque mountain city of Baguio, Philippines. She brought warmth, resilience and a zest for life to everyone she met. Her journey from the cool highlands of her homeland to a life filled with love and adventure in America was marked by her unwavering spirit and devotion to those she cherished.

Yolanda leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by her husband Walter, her two children, Yvonne and William and her seven grandchildren.

Yolanda’s light may have dimmed, but it will never fade from the lives she shaped so beautifully. Rest peacefully my Love.

Claudia Jean Kitts Burger

Nov. 26, 1943 – May 29, 2025

In Loving Memory of Claudia Jean Kitts Burger, 81, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Placerville, California. Born on November 26, 1943, in Folsom, California to Barbara (Van Winkle) and Edward Kitts. Claudia’s life was defined by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

Claudia was raised in Folsom and prided herself on her knowledge of “Old Folsom.” She pursued her passion for caring for others by following a career in Nursing. Her journey took her to Elko, Nevada, where she worked at Elko General Hospital and later generously volunteered her time at Highland Manor. Claudia’s warmth and kindness touched countless lives, both in her professional work, the church and her community service. It was while working at Elko General Hospital that she met the love of her life, Kenneth “Pops” Burger. They spent 42 wonderful years together raising their collective children and families. They moved from Elk, NV to Placerville, CA to enjoy retirement.

Claudia enjoyed camping trips with family, curling up with a good book, and the joy of a friendly board game. She also loved to dress up for any occasion and was never seen without her signature red lipstick. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren whom she cherished deeply. She also held a deep and abiding love for dogs, always welcoming them into her heart and home. Her boisterous personality and booming laugh lit up every room she was in.

Claudia is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth Burger; her siblings Shirley (Joe) Victor and Mike (Cathy) Kitts; her children Scherrie Whitfield, Kenny Whitfield, and Kimberly Keuseman and stepchildren Charlyn (Mark) Van Slyke and Laura (Kevin) Paulini; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love and strength.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Barbara Jean Van Winkle Salvi and Edward Kitts, and her cherished daughter, Billie Dawn Norman. In accordance with her wishes, Claudia’s ashes will be spread in Lamoille Canyon, Nevada, a place close to her heart. A private family service will be held at a later date to honor her memory.

To the strongest woman we know: You’ve weathered storms with grace, protected your family with unwavering faith, and given of yourself in ways that words could never fully express. You’ve been the backbone, the heart, and the light of our lives. We love you endlessly.

John (Jack) Robert Krahn Sr.

April 12, 1941 – May 16, 2025

John was born in San Francisco on April 12 1941 to Anita Babb and John A. Krahn. After graduation from San Mateo High School in 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea near the DMZ.

In a letter John sent home he asked that in lieu of Christmas gifts for him that family and friends send clothing to the orphans he was seeing near the camp. As a result of this letter, over 4 tons of clothing was sent by his hometown community, The first 15 boxes arrived on Christmas Eve. Upon returning home, John married his High School sweetheart, Ann King. They were blessed with three children. Kathleen, John Jr. (Rob) and Scott. After John and Ann divorced, John met and eventually married Joyan Schwarting Howe. They were married 54 years until his death. John worked many years as a truck driver and then as a Deputy Sheri in San Mateo County, John & Joy moved to El Dorado County in 1996 to enjoy a much simpler retirement. Among Johns many interests were Military History and Miniatures, HO Model Railroading and Classic Cars. John was proud to a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the American Legion Post 119 in Placerville.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Anita Anderson and Michael Krahn and his daughter Kathlern Carreiro.

A special thank you goes to his wonderful caregiver, Patty. He enjoyed your company, You were an asset to our family. John died peacefully in his sleep.

A military service was held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon on June 17, 2025. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

A SUPREME EFFORT FROM LOCAL YOUTH

of receding gums that expose the porous part of the tooth known as “dentin.” Otherwise, overzealous tooth-brushing may actually wear away protective enamel to the point where underlying dentin is left vulnerable to

and air that trigger

If so, brushing less forcefully with toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristle brush may help alleviate discomfort. The dentist can also take steps to protect dentin from exposure, such as applying oxalate compounds or bonding the exposed surface. Do your teeth overreact with food temperatures? We can take care of all

your dental needs. Our recommendations for dental treatment are always in the best interest of the patient. You can enjoy dentistry in an up-to-date setting with the latest techniques and materials. We believe comprehensive and preventive dental care provided in a gentle manner can enrich and improve your overall health, lengthen your quality of life and enhance your lifestyle. For family oriented dental care, please call us to schedule an appointment. We offer “Tooth Print,” which is an impression of a child’s full mouth. About the size of a small wafer, the impression is given to the parent/ guardian for the family album or for ID for a missing child.

PS Enamel erosion that leads to dentin hypersensitivity may also be caused by tooth grinding (bruxism), tooth clenching, or acidic drinks.

OBITUARIES

Kathleen Hale Sorensen

Nov. 2, 1942 – June 24, 2024

Kathleen Hale Sorensen (AKA

Kathleen Ryugin Sorensen Sensei) was born on 2 November 1942 in San Francisco CA to Viola and Glenn Hale as the first of 3 other children: Glenda, Barbara, and Douglas. The family moved to Mill Valley (Alto) CA in the early 1950s, where she graduated from Tamalpais High School. She attended the College of Marin, getting a AS degree in Biology, and where she met and was married to David Rentz from 1963 to 1972.

Crafts motif and architectural style to Parker Development that was chosen for the look of Serrano’s corporate buildings and the El Dorado Hills library on their campus, and thus left a mark on the community.

Verna Jean Sly

Feb 2, 1938 – April 18, 2025

She served as a summer intern at the Smithsonian Museum, Washington DC in 1963. In 1970, she was a volunteer museum assistant at the Philadelphia Academy of Science as well as the Membership Secretary for The American Entomological Society hosted there. Kathi worked as a Museum staff member at both the California Academy of Science (3 yrs), and the University of California, Berkeley (20 yrs) where she curated collections, did field work, and served as research support for faculty members and researchers in their research, particularly on bees, beetles, katydids, aphids and pollination. She is gratefully acknowledged in numerous scientific research papers in various scientific journals, and has published herself in them, as well as having new insect species named after her.

Kathi met her second husband, John Sorensen, a Ph.D. Student, in 1974 at UC Berkeley, and they were married in 1975. The couple had a son, Kirk, in 1984, and moved to El Dorado county in 1987, after John finished and was earlier hired as a Diagnostician for the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Plant Pest Diagnostic Center in Sacramento, where Kathi frequently helped in the collections as a volunteer while being a devoted mother.

When their son started school, Kathi started work for the Buckeye School District as a school playground monitor, initially at Brooks School for 2 years and later at Silva Valley school for many years, where she supervised the students at recess and lunch. She worked for Buckeye District from the late 1980s until she retired in 2013, and was acknowledged in preventing several serious injuries and getting medical paramedics to the site on multiple occasions. Kathi often was asked by the teachers to give talks to the students on insects and pollination biology, which she loved to do. She claimed to know the kids often better than the teachers because each teacher spent only a single grade with the students, while Kathi followed them through their entire school experience.

Kathi was also very active in the Boy Scouts, and served as a Den Leader for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos for EDH Pack 454. When her son bridged to Boy Scouts, Kathi served as Advancement Chair for EDH BSA Troop 645 for 10 years, often serving as liaison for the Troop to the Rio Del Oro BSA District. As Advancement Chair she oversaw and encouraged the development of 27 Eagle Scouts (including Kirk) for which that troop made her an Honorary Eagle Scout for her service. She also completed the BSA Wood Badge, an adult training program, and attended most scouting camping sessions.

In the mid 1990s, Kathi served on the El Dorado Hills Area Plan Advisory Committee’s Serrano Development Subcommittee, during that development’s inception. She was instrumental in suggesting the Green & Green Arts and

Plea Continued from A1

Though Max died in 2018, legal proceedings in the case of his death have not been swift. Guiding Hands teacher Kimberly Wohlwend, site administrator Cindy Keller and Principal Staranne Meyers were indicted by an El Dorado County Grand Jury in 2022; hearings and court dates were repeatedly pushed back for years until the three entered no contest pleas on May 19, 2025. Wohlwend’s plea was to an involuntary manslaughter charge, while Keller and Meyers both pleaded to misdemeanor child abuse.

The El Dorado County Courthouse Department 2 courtroom in Placerville was overstuffed when the scheduled sentencing hearing began shortly after 2 p.m. Monday afternoon; so many community members were in attendance that some in the gallery were seated in the jury box or stood along the back walls, waiting to see the close of a years-long case. The conclusion did not come as expected, however, as the result of an impassioned and detailed victim impact statement delivered by Dustin Collier, an attorney representing Max’s family in a civil case. Collier’s statement was an expression of profound disappointment in the plea deals offered to the three women that would result in no prison time served for the death of a teenage boy caused by restraint practices that had been identified as unsafe by the CDE for “more than a decade.”

Collier alleged that Guiding Hands staff defaulted to the use of restraint as a first step intervention, rather than attempting other forms of intervention first, and that students restrained for long periods of time were not given periodic breaks. According to Collier, staff at Guiding Hands took over restraining Max to provide relief to other staff members, but that same relief was not extended to Max even

In the early 1990s, when the family began martial arts training, John and Kirk started Gosoku Ryu Karate in EDH, while Kathi enrolled at the Placerville campus of Los Rios Community College to take classes in their athletic department’s Kodenkan Jujitsu program. She obtained the highest intermediate (pre-brown belt) level in Kodenkan before she ran out of eligibility. She then started Karate in Roseville in a Funakosi Shotokan Karate Association affiliate with the Roseville Parks and Recreation District. Her husband later transferred to that style and dojo so they could train together there. Kathi retired from karate at 69, after obtaining the first level pre-shodan rank (post-12 Kyu brown belt) in Shotokan, because her physical endurance was waning.

Inspired by their years of martial arts training and associated meditation in the dojo, Kathi and her husband, began studying to be Zen Buddhist priests in the Order of Clear Mind Zen, headquartered in Las Cruces, NM. They became Unsui (novice Zen priests) under Daiho Hilbert Roshi, of the Matsuoka lineage of Soto Zen.

Both Kathi and her husband ultimately became transmitted Zen Priests under Daiho Roshi. They were tasked with starting and leading the Golden FootHills Zen Sangha in EDH, as Clear Mind Zen West, (www.cleannindzenwest.com) and the Gyoa-ji Zen temple, where they provided Zen priest training to 11 other Zen practitioners from across the U.S. and in Mexico. The couple also provided 6 years of Zen training in meditation and mindfulness to the black belts of their former FSKA karate dojo in Roseville. CMZW, through CMZ, is affiliated with the Zen Peacemakers organization. CMZW’s priests include hospital chaplains, academicians, and therapists, and several are now teachers in White Plum Zen lineage affiliates.

Kathi also graduated from a Chaplaincy training program at the SATI Center for Buddhist Studies, Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. She served as a volunteer Zen Prison Chaplain providing Zen Dharma services and coordinating and facilitating Buddhist services at the Folsom Prison complex locally in the Folsom Prison’s Women’s Facility, as well as providing Dhanna services occasionally at Sacramento State Prison’s (“new Folsom”) B and C yards, and at San Quentin Prison in San Rafael.

Kathi was a member of the Sacramento Ikebana Society and the American Sewing Guild. And she enjoyed cooking, and meditating in the couple’s Japanese Garden at their home, Hanashobu-an.

Kathi died on 24 June 2024 after battling Lewy Body Dementia, a variant of Parkinson’s Disease, for about 7 years. She is survived by her husband John (76) of 48 years, her son Kirk (40) and his wife Lindsey, her sister Glenda [Nordmeyer] (Bermuda Dunes, CA) and brother Douglas (Sequim, WA), as well as several nieces and a nephew (in CA, WA, IA, and TN), and several grand nieces and nephews. Her sister Barbara [Spicer] (South English, IA) preceded her in death.

Kathi had a full and meaningful life, and one of community service at several levels. She inspired leadership and devotion to those she worked with, and she touched the lives of many people, helping and teaching wherever she could. She’s missed and appreciated by many.

after he urinated himself, vomited and lost consciousness.

“In short, they tortured and abused children placed in their care,” Collier told the court. “Defendant Wohlwend bypassed other recommendations and used a takedown maneuver. She restrained him facedown on the floor and maintained this restraint past when he had calmed down and lost consciousness.”

Collier condemned the actions of the school staff, saying their decisions made them tantamount to Max’s “judge, jury and executioner.”

Collier additionally criticized the “seven years waiting for justice” that had been delayed repeatedly by “stall tactics” used by the defendants only to conclude in “an unbelievable slap on the wrist.”

“In this country, in this county, you can torture and abuse a child and not serve a single day in jail,” Collier said in response to the proposed plea agreements. Immediately after Collier concluded

Verna Jean Sly died peacefully on April 18, 2025 in Paso Robles, California surrounded by loved ones. She was born on February 2, 1938 to Walter and Charline Leffel in Inkster, Michigan and spent most of her youth in Wayne, Michigan. Upon graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1956, she was awarded the Detroit Edison Scholarship and attended Olivet College. In 1958 she married her high school classmate and friend, Donald Sly, and they enjoyed 53 years of wonderful marriage before he preceded her in death in 2011.

Verna devoted her life to caring for her family. They moved to Placerville, California in the early 1960s where she raised her three children and was a devoted grandmother. She loved music, was a talented pianist and singer, and taught piano lessons for many years. She served Calvary Bible Church in many capacities: librarian, Sunday School teacher, played the organ and the piano for church services and oversaw the youth group musical programs. Later in life she was a Sunday School teacher and Awana leader at Pollock Pines Community Church. Verna was an avid reader and loved baking and tending to her flower garden. Her generosity, sense of humor, and kind and loving spirit will be remem-bered by her family and friends. Verna is survived by her three children: Jeffery Sly and wife Ann, Gregory Sly and wife Michelle, Holly Phillips and husband Chris; her seven grandchildren: Brittney Amoruso and husband Anthony, Breanna Perez, Kimberley Sly and wife Kayla, Joshua Perez, Blake Sly, Ashley Perez, Derek Hamlin; and her two great-grandchildren: Aiden Amoruso and Ava Amoruso. Verna is also survived by her sister Linda Montgomery and partner Jerry, her brother Neal Leffel and wife Delores, her sister Patti Burns, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and greatnephews.

At Verna’s request there will be no public memorial service. In memory of her life, the family asks that gifts be made to Pollock Pines Community Church, P.O. Box 59, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. Arrangements entrusted to Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home in Paso Robles, California. Friends may sign a guestbook and leave condolences at https://www.dignitymemorial. com

Joyce Ella Smith (Seavers)

June 25, 1930 – May 23, 2025

Joyce was the beloved child of Chris & Mabel Seavers. She graduated from San Jose HS in 1948. When she met Marnell Smith they began a marriage that lasted almost 70 years. They were devoted to one other. They made their happy home in San Jose to raise children, Sue Moore, Peggy Fitzgerald (Michael), Dane Smith (Darlene), Darryl Smith (Donna), There are 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The Smith house was always filled with good food and laughter. Joy was a kind and loving person of faith. She volunteered as a room mother, Cub Scout leader, played the piano for the children’s choir, and was always ready to help others. Her home was warm and welcoming. As a mom, she was the best. After retiring from work as a school secretary she volunteered at a hospital and later at Snowline Hospice.

After retiring, Joy & Marnell traveled for 2 years all over the U.S. before building a home in Pollock Pines. They later moved to Diamond Springs. Joy’s name was reflected in the joy she had for life.

his speech, Judge Ralphs called every attorney associated with the case to the bench. Conversation between the judge and lawyers continued in hushed tones obscured by white noise played over the courtroom speakers for minutes before Ralphs returned to his chambers to deliberate for close to 15 minutes. After deliberation and further discussion with attorneys, Ralphs addressed the courtroom and laid out his decision to delay acceptance of the pleas offered.

Because the indictment had been handled by the grand jury, Ralphs explained, he had not been acquainted with police reports or “boxes upon boxes” of evidence compiled during the discovery process.

“The court did not have the chance to read transcripts, as no motions necessitating that had been made,” Ralphs said. “Based on what I’ve heard today, I am not ready to accept these plea agreements.”

Ralphs then scheduled a new hearing for Aug. 8 at 1:30 p.m. which would

determine if he would accept the plea deals offered by the DA’s Office. Ralphs noted if he were to choose to not accept those pleas, a trial would be scheduled at that hearing.

The courtroom emptied to the sounds of dozens of disappointed, confused and frustrated people leaving the gallery.

“It’s just shameful,” one member of the gallery could be heard saying as she shook her head and stepped away from her seat.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisette Suder and Collier both declined to comment on the day’s proceedings as the case is ongoing.

Following Max’s death, the CDE suspended the Guiding Hands School’s certification, and the school closed in early 2019. The events at the school inspired the creation of Senate Bill 483, known as Max Benson’s Law, which bans the use of face-down restraint techniques in all California schools. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in January 2024.

South Shingle fire burns grass, oak woodland

Mountain Democrat sta

Ground and air crews jumped into action Friday afternoon when flames erupted in a grass area near Bullard Drive and Amber Fields Drive south of Shingle Springs.

Firefighters from the Cal Fire –Amador-El Dorado Unit, El Dorado County Fire Protection District, El Dorado Hills Fire Department, U.S.

Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest and Rescue Fire Department, along with support from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, limited the Amber Fire to 6.83 acres.

No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported in the incident that started around 4 p.m. on June 13. The cause of the fire has not been released.

One hurt in vehicle rollover

Noel Stack Editor

One person was severely injured after their vehicle careened more than 200 feet o the roadway and down into a creek bed below Friday morning in El Dorado Hills.

EDH Fire and Cal Fire crews responded to the solo vehicle

wreck on Green Valley Road east of Malcolm Dixon Road at approximately 8 a.m. on June 13. First responders found the smashed BMW resting on the rocks and carefully brought up the victim, who was then transported to a local trauma center. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Burn permits suspended

Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit News release

Warming temperatures, dry winds and abundant annual grass growth are rapidly increasing fire danger across the region. In response, the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit has suspended all burn permits for outdoor residential debris burning within the State Responsibility Areas of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. This suspension took e ect at 12:01 a.m. on June 16 and prohibits all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.

“Although debris burning is useful to reduce flammable vegetation, the conditions in Amador-El Dorado Unit have reached the point where debris burning poses an unacceptable risk of starting a wildfire and it is no longer safe for the public to perform these types of burns,” said AEU Chief Mike Blankenheim.

While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, Cal Fire is asking residents to take that extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every home and buildings on their property and

being prepared to evacuate if the time comes.

Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property: clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures; landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover; find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.

The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire o cial inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.

The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if it is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at readyforwildfire.org/permits/ campfire-permit.

For additional information on how to create defensible space, on how to be prepared for wildfires as well as tips to prevent wildfires visit readyforwildfire.org.

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OPINION

California Matters

Gov. Newsom wanted to fasttrack the Delta tunnel project. The Legislature slowed the flow

Repeatedly Gavin Newsom has sought legislative approval of his high-priority policy proposals within the annual state budget process, even though they often have nothing to do with the budget.

The unique rules governing the budget and its accompanying “trailer bills” allow them to be enacted quickly, bypassing many parliamentary hurdles and vote thresholds that other legislation must endure.

The Legislature, controlled by Newsom’s fellow Democrats, generally allows him to use the budget process, in part because legislators often employ the same shortcuts for their own priorities.

Their underlying motive for the sneaky use — or misuse — of the budget process is to avoid prolonged analysis and debate that might, if the bills’ contents are fully vetted, make them more di cult to enact. The trailer bills often contain favors for interest groups that would be di cult to justify in a more transparent process.

Last month, while unveiling a revised state budget, Newsom asked the Legislature to attach legislation that would fast-track the highly controversial project to move Sacramento River water to the California Aqueduct without it flowing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta — renewing a tactic that failed two years go.

First proposed as a “peripheral canal” more than a half-century ago, it morphed into twin tunnels and, after Newsom’s election, a single tunnel. Its purpose has also evolved, from a mechanism to increase water deliveries to Southern California to one that would, Newsom and others argue, improve the reliability of deliveries.

“For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay,” Newsom said. “We’re done with barriers. Our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

Letters to the Editor

High costs in California

EDITOR:

As typical, Tamara Janies laments that George doesn’t provide facts, just opinions. Then she proceeds to spew opinions as fact. She makes excuses for the Biden train wreck and complains that prices are still too high, which she blames on President Trump.

Let’s provide some facts. Prices are high in California because of 16 years of total Democrat control in our state government. They continue to enact legislation and support various boards and commissions that make “rules” that directly impact our gas prices, making them the highest in the nation.

Between these rules, Cap and Trade, requiring our own special in California only blend, and direct taxes, (oh, and by the way, our Legislature indexed the gas tax so it automatically goes up every year and they skate by not having to vote for the increases), our gas will shortly sky rocket above $5 a gallon when many states are half that. High gas prices directly impact the cost of food and goods because of trucking and shipping

costs. Now let’s talk about electrical costs. Our same super majority Democrat Legislature mandated our electrical provider, Pacific Gas & Electric, invest heavily in wind and solar, instead of coal, hydro, natural gas and propane. Wind and solar projects cost more than they provide, depend heavily on taxpayer funds to cover the costs and are worse for our environment due to leaking oil, loss of wildlife and are not recyclable. Our electric rates have skyrocketed because our elected Democrat o cials virtue signal with their “climate crisis” B.S. instead of allowing PG&E to generate electricity in the most coste ective manner for their customers. Our price per kilowatt hour has risen from an average of 19 cents in 2016, to 43 cents in 2024. We’re on track to exceed that this year. In black and white, that means during the summer of 2016, our July bill was $252.49 and in 2024 it was $630.97.

You seem to expect the Trump policies to immediately turn around four years of waste, fraud and abuse, but fail to accept for us

It would take a book —a big book — to fully explain all of the project’s environmental, financial and political aspects. Briefly, however, while advocates say that isolating water conveyance from the Delta would improve habitat for fish and other wildlife, opponents contend that less water flowing through the estuary would further degrade its water quality. ■ See LETTERS, page A7

■ See WALTERS, page A7

At United Way, our mission has never been about politics; it’s about people. We’ve stood with communities through challenge and change for more than a century. Now, we face a moment that calls each of us to act. Federal lawmakers are advancing the Big, Beautiful Bill, but behind the name is a troubling reality: It proposes sweeping cuts to programs that keep families afloat. If passed, it could jeopardize children’s access to food, seniors’ access to medicine and the health of our entire community system.

people across the country could lose health coverage if the bill becomes law. Researchers at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania estimate that more than 51,000 additional people could die each year as a result of these cuts. These aren’t just statistics. These are our neighbors, coworkers and loved ones — real people with real lives who will bear the burden of this bill.

Here in our region, we believe no child should go to bed hungry, no senior should choose between food and medication and no working family should be pushed to the brink. This bill undermines those values. According to the Congressional Budget O ce, nearly 11 million

Here in California, more than 3.8 million families already struggle to meet basic needs, even while working full-time jobs. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid and the Child Tax Credit don’t just o er relief; they o er stability. They prevent hunger, keep families housed and allow children to succeed in school while their parents hold onto their jobs. And let’s be clear: Cuts to Medicaid won’t just hurt those who rely on it directly. Medicaid keeps our health

Budgets re ect our priorities. They are moral documents that speak to who we are and what we value. And this bill sends the wrong message.

infrastructure running. It helps fund pediatric care, mental health services and school nurses. It keeps rural hospitals open and ensures nursing homes have the support they need. When Medicaid is gutted, we all feel the impact. Emergency rooms get overwhelmed. Insurance premiums rise. Local clinics shut down. The health of our entire community is put at risk.

In our region alone:

• 72,355 households with children rely on SNAP to eat dinner tonight.

• 646,040 working families count on the Child or Earned Income Tax Credits to a ord school supplies and child care.

• 1,291,688 of our neighbors receive life-saving care because Medicaid helps fund their health clinic. Think about what this means for families right here at home. A mother in West Sacramento uses the

Child Tax Credit to a ord reliable transportation so she can get to work and keep food on the table. A retired veteran in Placerville finally manages his diabetes because of access to Medicaid. A young boy in Rocklin relies on a free school lunch during the week and a local food pantry on weekends to stay fed. These stories remind us: behind every program cut is a family facing harder choices. If this bill passes, we will see an immediate spike in families seeking emergency assistance for food, rent and medical care. Our nonprofit and faith-based communities are already doing everything they can, but this legislation would push those systems beyond their limits and unravel the safety nets that hold our communities together. Budgets reflect our priorities. They

While Newsom and other supporters often depict the tunnel as a stand-alone project, it is inexorably related to other aspects of California’s very complex water picture. For instance, as it touts a tunnel that would doubtless reduce Delta flows, the state also is pressuring farmers to reduce diversions from the San Joaquin River and its tributaries, to increase flows through the Delta. Those two efforts are not officially linked, but the connection is obvious. The long-stalled Delta Conveyance Project — the latest of several official names — has slowly approached the final pre-construction phase, which is why Newsom wanted a trailer bill to finally get a

Early Continued from A6

are moral documents that speak to who we are and what we value. And this bill sends the wrong message. It says we are willing to sacrifice our children, our seniors and our neighbors in the name of cost-cutting — without regard for the consequences.

We can do better. And we must.

I’m asking you to raise your voice. Call your representative. Send an email. Share this message with someone in your life. You can find your member of Congress at congress.gov/members/ find-your-member.

Tell them: “This bill will harm my neighbors, my family and my community. The cuts are too deep,

green light. However, his proposal immediately rekindled the political jousting between advocates and opponents and the pressure on legislative leaders over whether the tunnel should be addressed in a trailer bill.

Last week the Legislature punted, its members clearly leery about taking on such a high-profile and infinitely controversial issue through the budget process, especially since Democratic legislators are very divided, roughly along northsouth geographic lines.

With the budget process now off limits, the warring factions may duke it out through the

the timeline is too fast and the consequences are too dangerous.”

At United Way, we’ll continue to advocate for policies grounded in compassion and opportunity so all can thrive. But we cannot do this alone. We need your voice, your action and your heart. Together, we can protect what matters most.

Dr. Dawnté Early is president and CEO of United Way California Capital Region and the first Black city council member in West Sacramento. She holds a doctorate in human development from UC Davis and previously worked with the Department of Public Health and Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.

normal legislative process, although there is a theory in some circles that the Department of Water Resources could proceed because the State Water Project was approved by voters 65 years ago. The Legislature specifically approved the project as a canal more than 40 years ago, but its opponents challenged it in a 1982 referendum and won.

This could be, as the inimitable Yogi Berra once observed, “déjà vu all over again.”

Dan Walters is a journalist and author who writes for CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Letters Continued from A6 Californians, it’s our internal state policies keeping our prices high. The “cutbacks” of the federal government only affect those involved in the waste and fraud of federal programs. The food insecurity, housing and jobs you cite are not due to federal policies, but our internal ones passed by Democrats in Sacramento. A little research and hard facts are at your fingertips, if you would only look.

MARSHA ZOSLOCKI Placerville

The war this time

EDITOR:

Iwas born 17 days after Pearl Harbor and only learned to read when I was about 10 when my father discovered I hadn’t mastered it. I was not aware of the war that I remember. I suppose it was not thought suitable for children.

After an afternoon of reading with Daddy, I put away “Run, Dick, Run” forever and read Alexandre Dumas’ “The Three Musketeers” and anything else now considered classic. Once I came upon a scene in a Dumas novel where the Pope’s children were mentioned. Being in a Catholic family, I asked my mother how come the Pope had children. “He isn’t supposed to,” she told me. Oh, I thought. And thought no more about it.

So I was wondering why little children today are exposed to the horrors of other little children being killed by soldiers (on purpose they say) and deliberately starved. I suppose they actually see these things on TV. I don’t watch TV, but my beloved public radio also carries the news of the wars in detail. When it’s not that, it’s the smallest details of the case against celebrities on trial for the most hideous mistreatment of women. You could have been there.

What does that do to a young mind that it didn’t do to mine?

ELIZABETH CAFFREY Placerville

Announcements

AL-ANON is here for you if you are bothered by someone else’s drinking. Call for meeting times. (916) 3342970. https://sacal-anon.blogspot.com

AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Foothills of EDC Branch. Our mission is to advance gender equity for women & girls. Science and Math Camp Scholarships, programs & interest groups. Leave voicemail for Laurel (530) 417-7737 or Sara (530) 4177138 eldorado-ca.aauw.net

AMERICAN LEGION POST 119 welcomes Veterans and guests to attend our monthly membership dinner and meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Legionpost119.org

CAMERON PARK NEWCOMERS

CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 at the Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd., CP, 95682. New and current local community members are welcome for fun and games throughout the month. For further information contact Jill Butler at 530-295-7448.

El DORADO COUNTY AMATEUR

RADIO CLUB Dedicated to all aspects of ham radio. Meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month at the El Dorado Sheriff’s office, 200 Industrial Drive, Placerville, 6:30 pm. Visitors and non-hams welcome. Info at www.edcarc.net

PLAY CRIBBAGE Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452. We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun. Wednesdays 4:00 PM. Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA Struggling with life? CELEBRATE RECOVERY is for any Hurt, Habit or Hang-up. We are a faith-based recovery program for life’s issues and struggles. Join us Thursday nights at 6:30pm at Green Valley Church, 3500 Green Valley Rd, Placerville. Doors open at 6:15pm. Children’s programs are available for ages 3 months to 18 years old. Email: celebrate@greenvalley.church. Find us on Facebook: https://m.facebook. com/crgvcc/ DEMOCRATS – Come meet with the United Democrats of El Dorado County at Round Table Pizza–Missouri Flat Rd. in Placerville at noon on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Call (530)391-6414 or see

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

HANGTOWN WOMEN’S TENNIS CLUB. Come play tennis for fun and friendship. Meet at El Dorado High School, Acacia Street, Placerville, Wed 9 AM – 11 AM. (June - Aug 8 AM –10 AM). Social activities, lessons. Minimal cost. Not a beginners group. Some tennis experience/ability required. Call Monica 530-306-7066. MONDAY CLUB BRIDGE seeks more players. The club is a very informal, friendly group and invites interested men and women party bridge players to join. The club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Denny’s Restaurant on Fair Lane in Placerville at 10:00 am. Addiction or Relationship problem? Call 530 231-7728 our free counseling can help you. Positive Realism, 3430 Robin Ln., Cameron Park. Meet first and third Wednesday of every month, 7pm. Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) for CalPERS retirees and spouses.The meetings are held at 11:30 AM on May 19, July 21, September 15 and November 17, 2025 at Denny’s (3446 Coach Lane) Cameron Park. Call 530 919 7515 for programs and information.

SENIOR PEER COUNSELING Seniors 55 and over who are grieving, depressed or having issues related to aging can meet one-on-one with a caring senior, professionally supervised and trained to listen and encourage. Call (530)621-6304 to leave a message and get started.

TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION OF EL DORADO COUNTY Our mission is to educate the public on tax issues that affect them. Our meetings are held every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 at Denny’s Restaurant, Fair Lane Drive, Placerville. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call Louis (530) 622-6763. We are a non-partisan organization.

EDHCSD gets extension for golf course purchase

Noel Stack Editor

With the deadline to purchase the remaining Executive Golf Course property rapidly approaching, the El Dorado Hills Community Services District has secured a two-week extension from Serrano Associates.

Per the agreement between the two parties for the initial purchase, the EDHCSD had 18 months from the close of escrow to buy the second portion — a deadline of July 14. The accepted extension pushes the deadline to July 28 with a closing date of the second purchase set for Aug. 13.

“This provides us the district some flexibility in terms of performing its due diligence, making sure it has done all the review it needs to and then purchasing the property, if (the board) so chooses to exercise that option,” explained interim EDHCSD General Manager Stephanie McGann Jantzen at the June 12 EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting. “This is ... at no cost to the district to get this extra two weeks and it doesn’t commit the district to anything.”

After years of debate and community input, in December 2023 EDHCSD directors opted to purchase 55 acres of the old Executive Golf Course from Serrano Associates for $10 million. The remaining golf course property on the south side of Serrano Parkway closest to Highway 50 covers 41.5 acres and comes with a $9.96 million price

tag. In August 2024 the district opened the Central EDH Mile Loop Trail on the purchased land. The trail meanders through the hillside near the intersection of El Dorado Hills Boulevard and Serrano Parkway.

Results of a survey completed around the same time, in which more than 2,600 people responded, reported nearly half of respondents said acquiring the remaining acreage is of very high importance with another 26.45% saying it is of high importance.

Regarding use of the property, the results noted, “The most preferred overall ‘type’ of recreation development project was open space/nature area, followed by a community park, then a golf course.” The top two amenities suggested by respondents were bathrooms and unpaved trails. Other activities that made the top 10 include a golf course (No. 5), driving range (No. 7), pickleball courts (No. 8) and an amphitheater (No. 10).

EDH resident Kelley Nalewaja called the price of the land “over-inflated” but told directors last Thursday it’s worth saving.

“My only hope is that we are sticking with the original intent of this purchase,” she said. “That we are not looking to put a boutique hotel resort or any kind of option that the people did not show. That was our desire.”

The board of directors created a working group to examine the first survey results regarding the

visioning of what is now known as Central EDH Park, McGann Jantzen told Village Life.

“This working group was tasked with drafting three concepts for the community to review and respond to through a second survey,” she explained. “This survey will include best-estimate financials associated with each concept.”

EDHCSD staff will also host a community meeting to hear presentations regarding possible future uses for the land, the interim general manager shared. More information about and updates to the project can be found on eldoradhillscsd.org. Select Parks & Facilities and then Central EDH Park Visioning.

In other CSD news

Directors approved 4-0 the 2025-26 General Fund Budget of nearly $14.1 million. McGann Jantzen’s budget letter to the board notes the district’s financial position “can be viewed as stable, but with some potential challenges and opportunities.” A copy of the budget is included in the June 12 meeting packet.

The board voted 4-0 to award a contract in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for forensic audit services to Baker Tilly.

An item to enter into a contract with former El Dorado County Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton to serve as the interim general manager was pulled from the agenda.

Law Enforcement Torch Run racing through the county soon

El Dorado County Probation Department News release

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Northern California. A small but dedicated group of law enforcement officers, along with the support of Special Olympics staff, brought the Torch Run to life in Northern California in 1997.

From its humble beginnings, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Northern California has grown into an integral part of the Special

Layoffs

Continued from A1

initially requested.

Tina Acree, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees business agent for Local 1, said, “The people impacted by these cuts that you’re discussing today are actual human beings. They’re not line items on your spreadsheet.”

Olympics; each year, hundreds of law enforcement personnel participate.

To date, LETR Northern California has raised more than $20 million to support the athletes of the Special Olympics.

This year, the El Dorado County Probation Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Placerville Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, California Highway Patrol Placerville, California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe, California State Parks, El Dorado County District Attorney, El Dorado County Public Defender, El Dorado County Alternate Public Defender,

She said the majority of the layoffs fall on “rank and file employees.”

“They’re the backbone for the services that are provided by this county — that your community relies on.”

Acree said AFSCME asked for a job analysis it never received. “How is this going to get done? How are we

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U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire and El Dorado County Fire have come together in collaboration to bring the Law Enforcement Torch Run to El Dorado County once again.

Special Olympics Athletes will carry the Flame of Hope with local law enforcement and public safety officers through El Dorado County on Friday, June 20. The agencies are combining resources to bring a fun run for a great cause to area communities.

The first segment will start in South Lake Tahoe at 10 a.m. at the corner of Ski Run and Lake Tahoe Boulevard, ending at Lakeview Commons/El Dorado Beach. The

showing you, the board members, and our community who’s going to do this work?” she asked. “We were specifically told (it) wasn’t done, not required.”

She also alleged the CAO and Assessor’s Office had “direct dealings” with employees, “noticing them of when their last day of work is because they would be a part of the layoff.”

“Those are against the law,” Acree maintained.

“These are not just job cuts,” she continued. “These are people losing their income, their health care, their dignity.”

Jason Hill, Geographic Information System Manager for the county, one of the FTE positions slated for layoff, said more than two years ago he was hired to manage and coordinate the surveyor’s GIS team “bringing GIS value to all departments, divisions, outside agencies and the public.”

“It was a dream come true for me and my family to be able to work and serve the county in which we live in,” Hill said.

Since then he said he has helped manage a team “in providing GIS services and support through enterprise-wide GIS systems online and mobile mapping viewers, applications, map presentations, high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data sharing” for many departments, divisions and programs within the county.

“The loss of this role would significantly disrupt, if not cease, all current GIS projects and minimize

second segment will begin at 2 p.m. in Placerville at the corner of Clay Street and Mosquito Road and end at the Bell Tower on Main Street with a proclamation presented by the mayor and a torch handoff ceremony to Sacramento County. Each segment will last approximately 35 minutes and involve partial road closures in the areas referenced.

Special Olympic Athletes will participate in the 2025 Summer Games in Santa Clara June 27-29. For more information about the Law Enforcement Torch Run and to contribute visit sonc.org/lawenforcement-torch-run.

potential return on investment,” Hill said.

County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn said department heads are trying to save so they don’t have to have layoffs but some of those leaders have been less forthcoming than others.

“So, we need your help,” Harn told the supervisors. “In that, how are department heads doing with their budget? How frugal? How much money?

“We have a lot of work to do,” he continued. “ We need the board’s help to send the message they expect everybody to be (frugal) … and if they’re not on board, the board will take whatever action needed to get them on board.

“This is a distasteful budget,” Harn added. “Nobody wants to eliminate — nobody on this board and nobody in the CAO’s office. And certainly I don’t like it. But I’m telling you next year, maybe by September, it’s going to be much more distasteful.”

“I’m having a real hard problem … laying people off,” shared District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero. “In a few months, we might discover that we have enough money to go for them. But after hearing what our auditor testified to, I am unfortunately willing to accept that.”

The board approved the recommended budget for FY 2025-26 in a 5-0 vote.

The approval of the county’s FY 2025-26 final budget will take place on Sept. 23, when the board will consider proposed amendments submitted by county staff.

Ancestral lands donated to Indigenous group

News release

American River Conservancy has completed the first successful transfer of ancestral lands in El Dorado County to the native-led conservation nonprofit Cosumnes Culture and WaterWays. Escrow closed on May 30 and was the result of many years of partnership, careful planning, fundraising and an inspired effort on the part of all parties.

Located along the North Fork Cosumnes River in El Dorado County in the ancestral homelands of the El Dorado Band of Miwok, the donated land will provide an opportunity for local Indigenous people to reclaim a piece of their land-based ceremonial and cultural practices and renew the tribe’s relationship with the land and its more-than-human kin.

to receive the land back after more than a century of being dispossessed and disconnected. The land is healing, and we are grateful.”

“The Wildlife Conservation Board is proud to support the return of this culturally and environmentally significant landscape through strong partnerships with Indigenous leaders and conservation organizations,” said Jennifer Norris, executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Board.

“It is deeply satisfying to be able to return ancestral lands to the original stewards...”

— Elena DeLacy ARC Executive Director

ARC purchased and permanently protected the 320-acre property known as Ladies Valley in 2008 for approximately $2.8 million with funding from Wildlife Conservation Board, California Natural Resources Agency and Resources Legacy Fund. Soon after acquiring the property, ARC and members of the tribe embarked on a decades-long partnership to complete habitat restoration projects, advance co-management of the land and explore opportunities for cultural resource protection.

In 2013, the nonprofit CCAWW was formed to facilitate the tribe’s future ownership and management of the land. In 2022, American River Conservancy raised over $25,000 to assist CCAWW with ongoing land management.

“It is deeply satisfying to be able to return ancestral lands to the original stewards,” said ARC Executive Director Elena DeLacy. “Transitioning the land to Indigenous ownership has been an illuminating and relationship-centric process that has allowed our organization to empower and support Indigenous leadership in the region.”

“This is more than just a land transfer. It is reconnecting our relationships with the land and waterways and every living thing,” added Kimberly ShiningStar Petree, executive director of CCAWW. “It is a profound and humbling experience

COMICS

n SHOE by Jeff MacNelly

n TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

n RUBES by Leigh Rubin

“Protecting Ladies Valley not only strengthens habitat connectivity and biodiversity along the Cosumnes River but also helps build landscape-scale resilience in the face of climate change.”

“We appreciate the investments made by WCB, CNRA and RLF to protect the significant cultural and natural resources at the Ladies Valley property, and for their support with the transfer process,” noted ARC President Kyle Pogue. “We look forward to continuing this rewarding work with our Indigenous partners. This is just the beginning.”

As a conservation organization based in California’s upper American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds, ARC works within the land and waters that make up the ancestral homelands of the Miwok, Nisenan and Washoe people. Since 1989, American River Conservancy has completed 90 conservation projects protecting more than 30,800 acres of native fisheries, endangered species habitat, cultural resources, rangelands and recreational lands. ARC stewards 15,000 acres and provides interpretive hikes, educational programs to schools and volunteer opportunities in the greater Sacramento metropolitan region.

Donate, volunteer and learn more about ARC at arconservancy.org.

Since its founding in 2013, CCAWW has worked tirelessly to protect and revitalize the lands, waters, and cultural lifeways of the Miwok and Nisenan people. Through ceremony, education, advocacy and direct action, CCAWW has become a cornerstone of Indigenous-led land and water protection efforts across the Cosumnes River watershed. CCAWW invites the public to stand with Indigenous land stewards and help expand its efforts. To learn more and support the work of CCaWW visit ccaww.org.

n SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’re in a mirror maze of sorts

today, performing to your own reflection, inviting people to see what you want seen while controlling the angles. Even vulnerability may seem stylized, and it’s entirely your call. You’ll drop the guard when good and ready.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t worry about doing the logical thing. It’s fascinating when you don’t make sense. People will never totally understand or know everything about you. How could they? That’s the beauty of it — be the mystery.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Hit pause. It will allow for truth to surface. A rest in the action will invite clarity, trust and connection that activity would only have disrupted. Not knowing what to do next means you’re ready to listen to the universe and get on board with a grand plan.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You need the group support for something today, and you will get it, creating just the thing that will have everyone leaning in. Your boldness works first, and subtlety will work later when attention has already been secured.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A stress-free life isn’t the goal. Some stress is fuel. You’re facing hard work, but it’s doable, and you’re fully capable. Remember, you have choices. You’re not stuck. You can pivot, pause or try another way whenever you need.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When your mind feels overloaded, getting everything onto paper helps you see what’s really there. It might feel chaotic at first, but you can declutter your thoughts by writing them down. Once it’s visible, it’s manageable.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your emotional intelligence is evident in the way you handle relationships. You never stop building trust or being engaged at a meaningful level. Keep asking better questions, reflect and give the answers time to form.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). How things should be does matter, but what you can do about it matters more. It’s too soon to tell though. Keep studying and seeking a deep understanding of how things are. The move is “no move.” Instead, watch and listen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). To keep from falling into patterns of communication that verge on lazy or boring, just remember, there are hundreds of ways to relate to the people in your life, and as long as you’re coming from

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Finishing will be harder than starting. You’ve got rhythm, focus and a strange kind of support on your side. Someone’s odd way of caring will land just right. The best way to give back is just to complete the mission.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Learning isn’t just about accumulation — it’s about timing.

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

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

NEWS, IN THE KNOW

Stellar students

Congratulations to Gracie Hopkins of El Dorado Hills, who was named to the University of Hartford’s Dean’s List.

June 19

Join the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce for the Chamber Champions luncheon from 11 a.m.

to 1 p.m. at the Smith Flat House in Placerville. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.

Placerville Family Search Center will host How to Discover your German ancestors — proven steps presented and explained from 1-2 p.m. at 3275 Cedar Ravine, Placerville. The class will give a comprehensive outline, resources, links, books, articles, and websites for each step. For more information call (916) 2904395.

Smith Flat House will host Left of Cool at 6 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.

Twist on Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

AlpenGlow Band + The Human Will will perform, 7-11 p.m. at The Green Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom.com.

Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series jams into its 12th season with free live music, art, local merchants and food vendors, every Thursday night, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. continuing through Aug. 28 at Lakeview Commons, 1.5 miles from the Nevada state line. Embraced by local residents and visitors alike, the vibe is authentically pure. For more information visit tinyurl.com/432w3esz.

Clive Carroll will perform at the Side Door in Sacramento at 7 p.m. For more information visit thesidedoor. net.

June 20

Join the Marshall Foundation for Community Health for the 40th annual Bob West Drive for Marshall. Tee off “fore” health at 11 a.m. at Cold Springs Golf & Country Club in Placerville. For more information visit marshallfound.org/golf-fora-cause.

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents “Travels to Bhutan, Nepal & India” by Steve and Dickson Schwarzback, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. For more information visit srsedc.org.

The Fabulous Liars Band will play at HWY 50 Brewery in Camino from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit hwy50brewery.com/livemusic.

Smith Flat House will host a Sip and Paint event at 6 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse.com.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a free Concert in the Park with Ariel Jean from 7-9:30 p.m. at Community Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

RxEMEDY will perform, 8-11p.m.

Miss El Dorado winners crowned

Rose picked

canyon views and the

Yuba

The winter rains have swelled the Yuba River, making it well worth the trip to the Highway 49 bridge above Nevada City. Sitting alongside the raging river, surrounded by canyon views of white granite and evergreen trees, is an experience that embodies the beauty of the season. Hoyt’s Crossing, Hoyt’s Trail and Hoyt’s Extension provide stunning river views, with several opportunities to scurry down to the water’s edge. Pull up a boulder, feel the warmth of the sun and take in the sights and sounds of the river.

Hoyt’s Beach: understanding the clothing-optional policy

Hoyt’s Beach is known as a clothing-optional beach, and you’ll find signs clearly indicating this status. While some families may prefer to avoid the area due to this, I want to share some insights based on State Parks’ code enforcement: According to the South Yuba River State Park comprehensive management plan:

"Nude sunbathing... continue policy of enforcing public nudity laws at river crossings, developed sites and where complaints are received."

California’s Public Nudity Laws

California codes (section 314-318.6):

"Every person who willfully and lewdly, either: 1. Exposes his person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place, or in any place where there are present other persons to be offended or annoyed thereby; is guilty of a misdemeanor."

Title 14 of the California administrative code (section 4322): "All sections are misdemeanors which

carry a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine."

State Park Rangers operate under the "Cahill" policy, named after a former Parks Director:

"Enforcement of nude sunbathing regulations within the State Park System shall be made only upon the complaint of a private citizen. Citations or arrests shall be made only after attempts are made to elicit voluntary compliance with the regulations."

If you’re comfortable with this aspect of the trail, I encourage you to explore this 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that offers gorgeous views of the Yuba River, its canyon walls and impressive rock formations.

Getting to Hoyt’s Trail

• Take Interstate 80 East and exit onto Highway 49 toward Grass Valley.

• Follow Highway 49 into Nevada City, where it takes a left turn toward Downieville.

• Continue down Highway 49 to the bottom of the canyon and turn right just before the bridge. There is ample parking and restrooms available at the south end of the footbridge.

Hiking Hoyt’s Trail

As you cross the footbridge, enjoy the view of the river and canyon. The trailhead is located on the north side of the river, visible just upriver. The easy to moderate trail is wellmaintained, with stair steps easing the ascent in the early portions. Ferns, moss and lichen flourish this time of year, making the trail lush and vibrant. The manzanita will

soon bloom, showcasing pink bell-shaped blossoms. River views are constant on your right, and there are many “volunteer trails” offering access to swimming holes. At the 0.65-mile mark, you’ll encounter a fork in the trail:

• Right: Leads to Hoyt’s Crossing Nude Beach.

• Straight ahead: Continues up the hill along Hoyt’s Extension Trail for 1.6 miles. The trail follows the hillside and is an excellent spot for a picnic atop a granite boulder. This is a popular trail, so expect to encounter other hikers. Personally, I prefer visiting when it’s colder to increase my odds of solitude.

Tips for your visit

• Best time to visit: The winter months offer powerful sights and sounds of the river, seasonal creeks, and blankets of moss-covered wild mushrooms. It’s an ideal time to visit when it’s cold enough for people to keep their clothes on.

• Have you explored Hoyt’s Trail or the nearby beaches? How do you feel about the clothing-optional status? Share your stories and photos with @MaryWestHikes!

• Trail advice: Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water and perhaps a blanket for picnicking on the granite boulders.

Directions recap

• Take I-80 East and exit onto Highway 49

toward Grass Valley.

• Follow the highway into Nevada City and continue on Highway 49 to the bridge.

• Turn right before the bridge to access the parking area and restrooms at the trailhead.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Exhibit showcases tradition of activist printmaking

Danielle Wood California Museum

SACRAMENTO — The California Museum presents Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print, a stunning exhibition featuring dozens of screenprints from Mission Gráfica, a community print center and an incubator of cultural ferment in San Francisco. Founded in 1982 as part of the Mission Cultural Center, Mission Gráfica became the most sought-after political poster center in the Bay Area in the 1980s. Mission Gráfica will be on view through Sept. 14. Featuring 42 vibrant screenprints, Mission Gráfica explores themes of cultural celebration, political resistance and social justice — from gentrification and gender equality to international solidarity. The exhibit will be presented in both English and Spanish, honoring the multilingual roots of the Mission District and ensuring accessibility for California’s diverse communities.

The Mission Gráfica printmaking studio was created through the joint efforts of René Castro, a political refugee from Pinochet’s coup in Chile,

GROW FOR IT!

Lavender

What does the smell of lavender do for you? I love the scent of lavender; it’s such a fresh and relaxing aroma. Like the old catchphrase, “Calgon, take me away!”

No wonder it’s often referred to as calming, relaxing, stress-reducing and as an aid to help you to sleep. The fragrance of lavender in aromatherapy, and as an essential oil, is believed to help some people with anxiety and depression, easing migraine headaches, relieving menstrual symptoms, healing wounds, caring for acne and as an antiinflammatory.

One of Northern California’s most popular lavenders, Lavandula x intermedia, is commonly known as Lavandin or English lavender hybrids. Lavandin is a hybrid cross between English lavender, Lavandula

and Jos Sances, a Sicilian American Vietnam War draft resister with a base in commercial printing. Castro’s brilliant graphic design melded with Sances’ technical mastery to create the backbone of this renowned print center. During the 1990s, Mission Gráfica was reformulated under the direction of Juan R. Fuentes, who emphasized community projects and classes. He created a more open workshop that served artists exploring personal visions as well as activists involved in local struggles, from gentrification to homelessness.

“Mission Gráfica has always stood at the intersection of art and activism, giving voice to people and movements often pushed to the margins,” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “The exhibit captures a vital history of communitydriven art and activism that is as relevant and important today as it was decades ago.”

This temporary exhibition reflects an enormous variety of styles, approaches and sensibilities. The artists range from non-professional and emerging artists to well-known figures such as Carmen Lomas Garza, Nancy Hom, Rupert Garcia,

angustifolia, and Portuguese lavender, Lavandula latifolia, also known as spike lavender. Within Lavandins, the variety Provence is a favorite for its hardiness, beauty and fragrant blooms. Its robust growth and ability to produce a good yield for essential oils makes this a great choice for commercial production as well as a garden favorite. Hybrid Lavandins are considered more hardy, stronger and longer lived compared to English lavenders.

The classic English lavender, Lavandula

angustifolia, is a fragrant evergreen shrub, native to the Mediterranean, rather than England, and is perfect for our climate. Hidcote and Munstead are popular varieties of English lavender. English lavender is known for its delicate, fragrant flowers, producing oils found in perfumes and cosmetics and has culinary uses. The buds and greens can be used in teas, and the buds are an important ingredient of mono-floral honey. Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas, is known for its unique blooms which resemble a pinecone-shaped head with tubular flowers topped with bracts that resemble butterfly wings. French lavender, Lavandula dentata, is not as fragrant as English lavender. It is not often used for culinary purposes. Although not tasty, it is quite beautiful. Lavender grows best in well drained sandy or gravelly soil in full

Mildred Howard, Jean La Marr, Ester Hernandez, Michael Roman and the San Francisco Print Collective. Visitors will explore themes of U.S. imperialism, gender inequality and women’s empowerment, cultural celebrations, Indigenous America and more.

sun. Grown from seed, English lavender has a long germination process, 14 to 28 and matures from 100 to 110 days. Many varieties of lavender are available at nurseries and big box stores. All varieties of lavender need very little fertilizer but do need good air circulation. High humidity can cause root rot due to fungus infection. Gravelly crushed rocks produce better results than using organic mulch.

The lavender industry in Northern California is a growing sector of agriculture with numerous farms and businesses cultivating and selling many lavender products. It is well suited for our region’s Mediterraneanlike climate, making it a popular choice for agriculture and tourism. Many local farms offer educational tours and craft events, drawing visitors seeking beauty and relaxation. Growers also utilize local farmers’ markets, on-line stores, and collaborations with businesses to sell their products. Demands for lavender significantly exceed supply, making it a good crop to grow. Market research indicates that demand for lavender is expected

to increase in the long term.

Join the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, for a free public education class, All About Lavender. The class will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building, 130 Placerville Drive. You will learn how to propagate lavender and get to take home a free cutting.

For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

For garden hours and

activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr. edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 621-5512.

For more information about UC Master Food Preserver classes, events and food preserving resources visit ucanr. edu/site/ucce-masterfood-preservers-centralsierra.

Snowline rethinks donation policy

nowline Thrift Stores has long been proud to serve as a vital link between community generosity and compassionate care. Operated in support of Snowline’s nonprofit mission, its thrift stores raise crucial funds to provide palliative care, hospice services, bereavement and veteran support to individuals and families throughout our region.

Recently, in response to feedback from the community about donation limitations, Snowline opened its doors to accept a broader range of donated items. The goal was simple: to be more accommodating and say “yes” more often to those wanting to give.

While the outpouring of donations was generous and deeply appreciated, this well-intentioned shift led to a significant rise in items that simply could be resold, things that were broken, torn, incomplete or nonfunctional. As a result, waste removal costs have skyrocketed in the thousands due to an increased number of trash runs and landfill fees. These unexpected expenses threaten Snowline’s ability to direct maximum funds toward the care programs that are at the heart of its mission.

“We want to be a resource for our community and also remain good stewards of the donations we receive,” said Director of Thrift Operations

Daron Hairabedian. “But we also have a responsibility to ensure the dollars raised through our thrift operations go where they matter most, supporting patients and families in the most vulnerable times of their lives.”

To preserve the long-term sustainability of Snowline’s vital programs, including palliative care and grief support services, Snowline Thrift Stores will return to a more selective donation process. Generous donors should consider the condition and functionality of items before donating. If an item is broken, stained, chipped, no longer usable or unsafe, it may be better suited for another form of disposal. The donation intake team is specially trained to assess items based on quality, condition and resale potential. In some cases, they may need to make the difficult decision to decline donations that would incur additional disposal costs or cannot be sold. Like many thrift operations, Snowline may also temporarily pause acceptance of certain categories due to storage limitations or seasonal overstock.

Snowline deeply values the community’s continued support and understanding while working to responsibly manage resources and ensure that every donated item helps fund compassionate, local care for those who need it most.

EDH revs up art scene

Mountain Democrat staff

The El Dorado Hills Arts & Entertainment Foundation hosts a dynamic display of automotive art and craftsmanship at the Pinstripes and Pistons exhibit now open at Atrium Gallery EDH in El Dorado Hills Town Center. The exhibit showcases the work of five incredible artists — Brent Patten, Raphael Delgado, Bruce Gosset, Jon Gilbreath and Cameron Bartlett. From sleek automotive pinstriping to vibrant mixed media pieces, this collection celebrates the intersection of art and

engineering. Explore unique perspectives on the world of cars, engines and design, and discover how these artists bring precision and passion to every stroke. Pinstripes and Pistons graces the gallery at 4364 Town Center Blvd., Building 102 atrium lobby, El Dorado Hills. Exhibit sponsors are Boring Rose Brewing Co. and the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce. The Atrium Gallery EDH is open to the public during regular Town Center hours. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com/ upcoming-events/theatrium-gallery-edh.

Room Social Club in downtown Placerville. For tickets and more information visit clubgreenroom. com.

Sterotype will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 8-10 p.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino.com.

Broadway At Music Circus presents “Hello Dolly” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento at 7:30 p.m. and continuing through June 26. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.

June 21

The Rock Tahoe Half

Marathon is a 13.1-mile course which starts at the top of Spooner Summit, elevation 7,146-feet and drops more than 1,000 feet as runners wind down U.S. Highway 50 to the finish line at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe where it’s time for a pool party for racers and their guests. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information visit rocktahoehalfmarathon. com.

The Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival, a staple of the area, is supported by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and features bike demos, brews and live music. The event is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continues on June 22. For more information visit tamba.org.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County will host the All About Lavender class from 9 a.m. to noon at the Placerville Veterans Memorial Hall. Discuss botany, how to plant, care for, harvest and use. Learn how to propagate lavender to take home with you. Pre register at: 6.21.25 All About Lavender.

Celebrate the summer solstice at Findleton Estate in Camino from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit

finzinwines.com.

Join the El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves for Pioneer Vintners of the Sierra Foothills, a curated wine tasting and tour of historical wineries from noon to 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit edchs.org.

Nello Olivo Winery will host a Roast Pig Party from noon to 4 p.m. at the Nello Olivo Tasting Room & HWY 50 Brewery with live music by Bobby Dickson and The Born and Raised Band. For more information visit nelloolivo. com.

Ed Wilson will play at the Placerville Speedway from 4-6 p.m.

Join American River Conservancy for live music with Island of Black and White, beverages and tasty food featuring Wani’s Tacos at historic Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville from 6-9 p.m. This concert series supports ARC’s Resilience Reserve helping to manage, repair and restore its protected properties. For more information visit bit.ly/ ARCc4c2025.

Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery presents Paella on the Patio at 6 p.m. for more information visit gwinllanestate. com.

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

Smith Flat House will host a Comedy Night with Wyatt Cole at 8 p.m. For more information visit smithflathouse. com.

Power Play will perform at the Red Hawk Casino Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information visit redhawkcasino. com.

The Truckee Reggae Fest will take place from 3-10 p.m. at the Truckee River Amphitheater. For more information visit truckeereggaefest.org.

The Double Ds will perform at 7 p.m. at Sutter Creek Theatre in Sutter Creek. For tickets and more information call (916) 425-0077 or visit suttercreektheatre.com.

Now

The Stage at Burke Junction presents “For the Love of Dog” through July 6. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass through Aug. 17; Black & Gold –Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics through Dec. 31,

THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON

before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: JULY 27, 2025, 8:35 A.M.

OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code) 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25

Nestled in the heart of Cameron Park, our private villas and cottages o er more than just comfort — they o er peace of mind. With personalized care that not only meets your loved one where they are today but thoughtfully anticipates their future needs, we graciously treat every resident like family.

Whether you’re seeking the independence of a vibrant lifestyle or the reassurance that comes with additional levels of support, Ponté Palmero is here to help your loved one not just live — but thrive — as part of our caring and connected community.

Spacious oor plans | Beautiful landscaped grounds Caring, local sta | Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations | Transportation services Restaurant-style dining | Multiple levels of care on one campus