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– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 51 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025
Chamber of Commerce brings the mixer of the year Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
O
n Friday, June 27 the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Showcase and I Love Film Mixer. This event welcomes the entire business community, film industry professionals and enthusiasts and local residents offering local businesses an opportunity to connect with thousands of potential customers and clients each year. “This isn’t your average business expo,” said Laurel Brent-Bumb, chamber CEO. “It’s where El Dorado County’s entrepreneurial spirit meets creative innovation. Whether you’re here to network, discover local gems or connect with the film industry, the Showcase and I Love Film Mixer is your one-stop shop for inspiration, opportunity
and community.” The annual event will feature over 90 businesses presenting their latest wares and services along with film industry professionals and exhibitions providing multiple opportunities to learn about the business community and film industry. Among the many businesses in attendance, some of El Dorado County’s cherished wineries, breweries and restaurants will offer an array of complimentary tasting options. Several raffle opportunities will take place throughout the evening. Attendance clocked in at 2,300 last year during the four hour event. With over 100 booths including film industry professionals guests can look forward to a lively evening of networking, exposure and lead generation. This year, the I Love Film Mixer will feature ■ See MIXER, page A5
Mountain Democrat file photo
The event features over 100 exhibitor booths providing multiple opportunities to network.
Torch blazes through Placerville
Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard
Ten people were on board the 27-foot vessel when it capsized Saturday afternoon.
Capsized boat leaves eight dead Mountain Democrat staff
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
At approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office
responded to multiple reports of a capsized boat near D.L. Bliss State Park in South Lake Tahoe. Callers reported there were roughly 10 individuals in the water, with wave heights reportedly reaching 8 feet. EDC Sheriff ’s, in coordination with local emergency response partners, immediately responded to the area. Two individuals were rescued and transported to a local hospital. Tragically, six deceased adults were recovered from the water. Two individuals were still missing. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search on Sunday at 10:55 a.m.
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Runners in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics make their way from the Placerville Station Transfer Center to the Bell Tower on Friday afternoon. The first segment of the run began earlier in South Lake Tahoe and ultimately to the steps of the State Capitol on Monday. From there, the torch travels to Yolo County and on to it’s final destination in Santa Clara where the games will begin June 27. According to Special Olympics of Northern CA, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is “an international movement comprised of more than 110,000 law enforcement personnel who choose Special Olympics as their charity of choice. Members of LETR raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics at events throughout the year including Tip-A-Cop fundraisers, Polar Plunge events and other special fundraisers. LETR has raised more than $900,000 globally and $20,000,000 in Northern California. Participants in this year’s run included 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, U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire and El Dorado County Fire.
■ See CAPSIZED, page A9
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Left, Arturo Ambriz, 20 of El Dorado Hills, right, ran with his brother, Joseph, 23, a Special Olympian who competes in basketball, soccer, bowling, track and field and swimming. Ambriz said he often runs with his brother to help him train for the Special Olympics Above, El Dorado County Chief Probation Officer Brian Richard, right, holds the torch known as The Flame of Hope beside Special Olympian Cameron Kiley, 19 of Garden Valley. Kiley ran all three segments of the Torch Run including a run from Sutter’s Fort to the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento on Monday. Officer Richart said that he “appreciates how all the law enforcement personnel join together along with the public to make the event happen.”