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C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 44 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026
Courtesy photo
Coach Jim Curtis’ Cougars won the 2026 Boys Division IV CIF State Volleyball Championship at Fresno City College on May 30 with a four-set victory over the San Diego Pointers of Point Loma High School. It was the first State Championship for the Sac-Joaquin Section. Photo by Laurie Edwards
The Summer Spectacular lit up the night sky at Cameron Park Lake last year with bright, colorful fireworks reflected beautifully on the water — drawing cheers from families, neighbors and friends. There are many great 4th of July events coming up in El Dorado County.
25th Summer Spectacular ready to light up Cameron Park Mountain Democrat staff
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eady for spectacular fun celebrating the USA’s 250th birthday? The Cameron Park Community Services District’s Summer Spectacular brings family fun and fireworks to Cameron Park Lake on Saturday, June 27. Wristbands are on sale now at the following Cameron Park locations: Community Center, Fork Lift, Bel Air (cash only) and Grocery Outlet. Visit
cameronpark.org for details. The Summer Spectacular is Cameron Park’s biggest community celebration of the year — a day of fun, food and festivities capped with a dazzling show. Parking is available at the lake for those who arrive early. The district also received an El Dorado Air Quality Management District Grant for shuttles. Satellite parking will be available at the following locations: • Pleasant Grove Middle School, 2540 Green Valley Road, Rescue • Marshall Medical Center, 3581 Palmer Drive, Cameron Park • Cameron Park Community Services District, 2502 Country Club Drive, Cameron Park The buses will travel to the satellite parking lots once every hour starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. to take guests to/from Cameron Park Lake. The drop-off location ■ See CPCSD, page A8
STATE CHAMPIONS! Cougars win state volleyball championship Shelly Thorene Staff writer
The El Dorado High School Cougars defeated Point Loma 3-1 after a 25-15, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20 victory in the 2026 Boys Division IV CIF State Volleyball Championship at Fresno City College on May 30. Coach Jim Curtis’ Cougars won the championship with a four-set victory over the San Diego Pointers of Point Loma High School to secure the first State Championship for the SacJoaquin Section. Cougar head coach Jim Curtis said the win was “unprecedented in El Dorado High School’s history. We’ve never won any
other state title besides Alpine skiing.” He added, “It was quite the event. The boys came on strong in the beginning. They prepared ahead of time by watching videos of the Pointers. They were in a good mind set to work as a team and stay humble.” The team’s first set was strong but there were service and attack errors in the second set that cost them. “They were behind by 7 points but came back and ended up losing by 2 points. It is not uncommon for the team as they did this in the section championship as well. We had some key blocks. Christian Randolph on offense helped motivate the team,” Curtis said.
“The team was disciplined and served to passers with weaknesses on the opposing team. Our Libero, Austin Houser really took on the role of defense specialist. It is important that the Libero is consistent and mixes it up in serves to other players. He got four ace serves which the opposing team was unable to handle and was the top player in the match. He served the last winning point.” Curtis also praised junior middle hitter Finn Hornsby who made some very strong blocks and kill shots. “We had a lot of support from fans, families and other coaches,” said Curtis. “It was a wonderful experience for us.”
‘Deer’ Dave steps back Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
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Courtesy photo
Fawns are bottle fed until they’re ready to move on to leaves. At that point they have limited exposure to humans. “Deer” Dave Cook often lent a hand at all aspects of the care, feeding and eventual release of the fawns in Sierra Wildlife Animal Rescue’s care.
or more than two decades, if someone in El Dorado County found an injured or orphaned fawn, there was a good chance they called “Deer” Dave Cook. At all hours of the day and night, Cook answered calls from worried residents, sheriff ’s dispatchers and wildlife lovers trying to help a distressed animal. Over 26 years with Sierra Wildlife Rescue’s fawn rehabilitation program, he became the public face of one of California’s largest and most respected fawn rescue operations. Now, Cook is stepping back from that role. “I’m retiring from the public face,” Cook said. “But my experience and knowledge are still available to the new volunteers and the new folks doing the work should they encounter something where I could be helpful.” For Cook, retirement does not mean walking ■ See ‘DEER’ DAVE, page A8
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