C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 41 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025
EID getting new general manager El Dorado Irrigation District News release
The El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Pravani Vandeyar as the district’s new general manager. Her selection follows a highly competitive national recruitment process that PRAVANI VANDEYAR attracted more than 90 candidates. Vandeyar brings nearly 20 years of experience in the water utility sector, with a strong record of operational leadership, regulatory compliance and customer-focused service delivery. She most recently served as the utilities director for the city of Sacramento, where she led major initiatives to modernize infrastructure and enhance water system reliability. She began her career with the city of Sacramento in 2007 as a supervising water quality chemist and later advanced to the role of Drinking Water ■ See GM , page A9
Council catches up on transportation plan Andrew Vonderschmitt Features editor
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
At the May 13 regular meeting of the Placerville City Council the Active Transportation Plan, originally developed in 2020, was unanimously approved and adopted. The Active Transportation Plan, a 145-page document, assesses current conditions and proposes goals and strategies for a more bicycle and pedestrianfriendly city. It recommends programs and infrastructure improvements to
enhance walking and biking safety and ease. It also includes a prioritization tool and potential funding sources for these improvements. Funding was provided by the Caltrans fiscal year 2017-18 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Sustainable Communities Grant Program. It was developed in partnership with the city of Placerville, the El Dorado County and Alta Planning and Design. The plan identifies more than 30 organizations as members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee. Before discussion of the item began Mayor John Clerici had a question for Acting Development Services Director Carl Cahill. “Mr. Cahil, who is that next to you?” “This is your very fine Development Services Director Carole Kendrick,” said Cahill. Clerici welcomed Kendrick aboard before turning his attention to the transportation plan. “Our plan for 2020?” asked Clerici. “The decade just went ■ See PLAN, page A10
Photos courtesy of EDH Fire
Homes sit below a scorched hillside in El Dorado Hills. Fire crews limited the blaze to 4 acres with no structures damaged.
EDH blaze scorches 4 acres Noel Stack Editor
El Dorado County firefighters jumped into action Monday afternoon after a grass fire broke out in the Blackstone community of El Dorado Hills during critical red flag conditions. El Dorado Hills Fire Department, Cal Fire and El Dorado County Fire Protection District crews responded shortly after 4 p.m. on May 19 and contained the blaze to 4 acres. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. “Fortunately, a fast response from firefighters and assistance from the local construction company in the area with their water trucks and bulldozers allowed for the fire to be controlled quickly,” EDH Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal said. The fire cause was deemed to be unintentional. “Residents are reminded to be very careful with their outdoor activities and home improvement projects during the summer fire season,” Lilienthal added.
Fire crews, with the help of a construction company working in the area, knocked down a grass fire in El Dorado Hills before any significant damage occurred.
$5 million winning Scratchers sold in Georgetown California Lottery News release
SACRAMENTO — In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, between Auburn and Placerville, you can find Georgetown, a tight-knit community thriving on the foundations of its California Gold Rush history. Its famous Georgia Slide Mine may be closed, but that didn’t stop a prospector who stopped into the Gas & Go on the corner of Lower Main Street and Georgetown Road from striking it rich with the purchase of a Scratchers game ■ See LOTTERY, page A9
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Courtesy photo
Alissa Cimino, owner of Georgetown Gas & Go, left, stands outside her shop with store manager Randy. A lucky customer won big after purchasing a California Lottery Scratcher there.
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