C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 45 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025
Mountain Democrat photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt
District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp and Boys & Girls Club CEO Sean McCartney stand on the 30-acre lot in El Dorado where they hope to build a multi-use facility called The Landing.
Boys & Girls Club gets moving on new sports facility
Mountain Democrat photos by Noel Stack
Bicyclists make their way across the newly opened Missouri Flat Road bike/pedestrian overcrossing during the grand opening event Saturday, May 31.
A SAFER PATH
Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
There’s a new sports complex coming to an empty field near you and it’ll be a public/private collaborative effort with a multitude of players that brings it to fruition. The Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County Western Slope has partnered with El Dorado County and the El Dorado Community Foundation to create a 40-acre, state-of-the-art sports and recreation complex complete with soccer fields, baseball/softball diamonds, walking trails, a full gymnasium and a stand alone teen center, just 4 miles south of Placerville in the community of El Dorado. This elaborate facility called The Landing comes with an estimated $30 million price tag from ground breaking to final ribbon cutting. What at first glance might look like a monumental undertaking, The Landing will be achieved with the community behind it, according to Sean McCartney, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club. Just like the old adage, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” he said he believes success lies in the attempt. “If we don’t try, we won’t get anywhere,” he said, acknowledging the estimate comes with a certain amount of sticker shock. “People look at that number of $30 million and they go, ‘Oh my gosh,’” he said. “But, the beauty of this community is, once they get behind a project, the momentum is real.”
Missouri Flat overcrossing officially open Noel Stack Editor
B
icyclists, pedestrians and a few pooches cheered as the cut ribbon fell to the wayside at the Missouri Flat Road pedestrian overcrossing on the El Dorado Trail in Placerville. The May 31 celebration marked the end of a multi-year project to build the bridge over the thoroughfare tying Placerville to Diamond Springs/El Dorado, giving trail users a dedicated, safer path. The steel truss bridge spans 180 feet over the roadway. “It’s so great to have the support of the people,” said Matt Smeltzer, El Dorado County Department of Transportation deputy director of Engineering. “This is a fantastic addition to El Dorado County.” Smeltzer, all decked out in riding gear, joined dozens of other riders
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
■ See THE LANDING, page A8
■ See BRIDGE, page A2
Matt Smeltzer, El Dorado County Department of Transportation deputy director of Engineering, thanks all the community partners who worked together on the Missouri Flat Road bike/pedestrian overcrossing project.
Almost time to groove at the county fair News release The upcoming El Dorado County Fair takes place June 12-15 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. This year’s fair theme, Moovin’ and Groovin’, celebrates the sounds of the many steers at the fair and the live music found on any of the four stages while the fair is open. “We love bringing this event to our community,” shared Kathy Dunkak, Fair CEO. “There is something for everyone. There are many fun and educational opportunities for both young and old.
1 Dentist Dentist!
#
nine times!
“A person can watch wool spinners, learn about fire safety, experience the Rubicon, compete in the wheelbarrow races, shop, get up close and personal with livestock, ride a pony or a camel, walk on water, enjoy some crazy fair food, check out vintage logging trucks, win a bubble blowing contest, put on a circus — it just goes on and on” continued Dunkak. “Green Valley Community Church brings their Sunday service to the fair on Sunday, June 15, at 11 a.m. so fair goers have the opportunity to worship and then enjoy the fair.” Paul Maurer Shows will be bringing 24 rides for the thrill seekers, with some for the
1,750 OFF
$
up to
Mention CODE: MD
Your Next Project!
*Call for details. May not be combined with other offers, estimates or prior purchases. Quantities Limited.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
“Look For My Column On Page 3 Today!”
■ See FAIR, page A2
5.000%3.61 5.30% YEAR3.250 YEAR ROOFING • SOLAR • SIDING 1515 3.250 3.61
New Patients Always Welcome!
Jeff Little, DDS
little ones to experience as well. Safety is first and foremost, fairgoers should utilize clear or no bags for faster entry. No weapons, pepper spray or pocket knives will be allowed on the fairgrounds, nor will gang attire be allowed. The El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office provides security for the fair. While the deputies enjoy getting out and meeting the community, they uphold the fair’s zero-tolerance policy for bad behavior. In partnership with El Dorado Transit and the El Dorado County Air Quality
2024
3811 Dividend Dr., Suite A, Shingle Springs (916) 985-9995 • (530) 672-9995 www.straightlineconstruction.com
Mountain Democrat
2010 2024
HOME LOAN HOME LOAN
Fixed RateFixed Rate
Annual Percentage Annual Percentage Rate Rate
• ReÀ• nance Purchase ReÀnance PLACERVILLE Purchase PLACERVILLE 4040 ElRoad Dorado• 622-1492 Road • 622-1492 • 4040 El •Dorado
180180 Monthly per $1,000Borrowed Borrowed MonthlyPayments Payments of $7.91 $7.03 $1,000 180 Monthly Payments of $7.03 ofper $1,000per Borrowed
Check the El Dorado Advantage: Check the El Dorado Advantage:
PLACERVILLE • (Downtown) Main • 622-0833 PLACERVILLE • (Downtown) 247 Main247 • 622-0833
✓ No application ✓ No application fee fee W. PLACERVILLE l e Dr.Lawyer & Ray• Lawyer W. PLACERVILLE • Placervi•l ePlDr.acervi & Ray 626-3400• 626-3400 ✓ No prepayment ✓ No prepayment penalty penalty • 694 Val Plelasant Road • 626-5701 DIAMONDDIAMOND SPRINGSSPRINGS • 694 Pleasant ey RoadVall•ey626-5701 Local processing and servicing CAMERONCAMERON ✓ Local✓processing and servicing PARKCameron • 4060 Cameron Drive • 677-1601 PARK • 4060 Park DrivePark• 677-1601
PINESPony• 6462 PonyTrai Express Trail • 644-2363 POLLOCKPOLLOCK PINES • 6462 Express l • 644-2363 EL DORADO HILLSPark• 3963 Drive • 933-3002 EL DORADO HILLS • 3963 DrivePark• 933-3002 GEORGETOWN 193 • 333-1101 • 6310 Hwy.• 6310 193 Hwy. • 333-1101 Serving local over 54 years GEORGETOWN Member Member Serving our local our communities forEspanol over 54foryears Se communities Habla
Habla Espanol 800-874-9779 Espanol 800-874-9779 Maximum loan$417,000.00, $650,000, primary vacationresidence. residence. Se HablaSe loan vacation Maximum Maximum loan $417,000.00, primary orprimary vacationororresidence. NMLSR ID 479256 20%cash minimum downonpayment on purchase. equityonrequired on refiOther nance.loansOther loans under available underterms. different terms. 20% minimum downcash payment purchase. 25% equity25% required refinance. available different