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C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 40 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026
CITY MANAGEMENT
Warren retires; Wren steps in Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
El Dorado High School Music Director Jared Collins, center, conducts students in performances at the band’s annual A Taste on Main Street fundraiser in downtown Placerville on May 16.
MARCHING TOWARD SUCCESS A Taste on Main Street keeps the music playing
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
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PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
uests enjoyed a day of fine dining and spirited music performed by the El Dorado High School Cougar band members at the 18th annual A Taste on Main Street fundraiser in the downtown Placerville courthouse parking lot on May 16. More than a dozen merchants provided tasty bites and sips for the ticketed event, which serves as the largest fundraiser for the EDHS music program. Covered seating was provided for the guests and there were tables loaded with raffle prizes and silent auction items, including two baseballs signed by Wille Mays and weekend stays donated by the Las
After more than two decades helping guide the city of Placerville through growth, financial challenges and changing leadership, City Manager Dave DAVE WARREN Warren has retired, closing a 23-year chapter in local government service to the community he says will always remain home. Warren’s retirement became effective May 9. In announcing the transition, the city named Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren as interim city CHIEF JOSEPH WREN manager, a move officials said has ensured continuity in city operations and public services. Wren, who joined the city in 2016 as a police commander before becoming police chief in 2020, said Warren helped make the transition seamless. “Dave has been a friend and a tremendous professional to work with,” Wren said. “He made the transition and handoff extremely smooth, which speaks to his character. I appreciate his ■ See MANAGER, page A8
EDHS student musicians entertained the crowd all day Saturday. Guests were treated to ensemble and solo performances. Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The all-day event showcased the talents of student soloists and small ensembles who auditioned for the opportunity to perform. Featured student performers included Mason Crosby, Alexis Tuazon and Tobey Brown,
Courtesy photo
2026 Statewide Secondary Principal of the Year Aaron Palm.
■ See FUNDRAISER, page A8
Collin Hendricks of Grizzly Flat, above, won a burl wood basket full of handspun yarn at the A Taste on Main Street event. At left, Alexis Smith, 9, of Placerville, left, is all smiles after she won the art supply raffle prize. EDHS music director Jared Collins, right, conducted the band all day and later emcee’ed the raffle prize giveaways and announced the silent auction winners.
DON’T MISS
Gold Mine
The
Published bi-monthly in the Mountain Democrat and Village Life
ORHS Principal Aaron Palm earns statewide honor Noel Stack Editor
The Association of California School Administrators has bestowed a top honor upon Oak Ridge High School Principal Aaron Palm, naming him 2026 Statewide Secondary Principal of the Year. “Each year, only one principal in the entire state of California receives this prestigious honor, making this an incredible achievement for both
1 DENTIST DENTIST!
#
Eleven Times! New Patients Always Welcome!
Jeff Little, DDS
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
“Look For My Column On Page 3 Today!”
■ See PALM, page A8
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Se Habla Espanol 800-874-9779 • •6310 193Driv•e•333-1101 MaximumServing loan $417,000.00, primary or vacation Member our local communities for overresidence. 54 years ELGEORGETOWN DORADO HILLS 3963Hwy. Park • 933-3002 ELOther DORADO HILLS 3963 Park ve • 933-3002 • 6310 Hwy. 193terms. •Dri333-1101 20% minimum on Espanol purchase. 25% nance. loans different Sepayment Habla Se GEORGETOWN Habla Espanol 800-874-9779 GEORGETOWN • 6310available Hwy. 193under • 6310 333-1101 Maximum loancash $417,000.00, primary or vacation residence. Member Serving ourdown local communities for over 54equity yearsrequired on refi GEORGETOWN • Hwy. 193 • 333-1101 Member Serving our local communities for over 54 years Payments do not include amountsonforpurchase. taxes and insurance premiums. 20% minimum down payment equity required on refinance. OtherEspanol loans available under different terms. Se Habla 800-874-9779 800-874-9779 Maximum loancash $417,000.00, primary or vacation25% residence. NMLSR ID 479256 Habla under Espanol 800-874-9779 Maximum loan $650,000, primary or vacation residence. Maximum loan $417,000.00, or25% vacation residence. 20% minimum cash down payment onprimary purchase. equity required on refinance. Other loansSeavailable different terms. 20% 20%minimum minimumcash cashdown downpayment paymentononpurchase. purchase. 25% 25%equity equityrequired requiredononrefinance. refinance. Other Otherloans loansavailable availableunder underdifferent differentterms. terms.
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