C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 174 • ISSUE 73 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Courtesy photo
Robert DiNunzio gives passengers a lift with his award-winning business — Rides with Rob.
Rides with Rob drives away with chamber award Chris Woodard Staff writer
R
ides with Rob has turned a local transportation need into an awardwinning service. Founded in January 2024 by Robert DiNunzio, the business recently earned the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce’s Home-Based Business of the Year award. “I have been taking trips and found out that it’s very difficult to get Ubers or Lyfts east of Folsom,” DiNunzio said. “I had a friend who was driving for someone else, and (I) just thought that would be a good idea and a needed service up here.” He started the business by giving a handful of rides each week, but has seen it grow as he began advertising. ■ See RIDES, page A5
Lawsuit threat prompts EDHCSD bank swap Noel Stack Editor
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
The El Dorado Hills Community Services will take its business to River City Back
for financing of up to $5,300,000 for the purchase of the second half of the Old Executive Golf Course. Umpqua Bank rescinded its terms after a former El Dorado Hills resident wrote a letter to the EDCHSD threatening litigation regarding the lease financing transaction. “As part of (Umpqua’s) requirements for the 2025 lease financing, the ... bank required an opinion of legal counsel regarding litigation. Due to the threat of litigation … (Umpqua) was unable to move forward as the purchaser … due to the inability of legal counsel to deliver a clean litigation opinion
Mountain Democrat photos by Shelly Thorene
Classics are lined up in a parking lot during the Automotive Excellence car show event that honored the legacy of Sidney “Scott” Santana, an El Dorado County teen who died in a car accident. Proceeds from the show benefitted the Scott Santana Memorial Foundation and the Live On! Drive On! Initiative to encourage organ, eye and tissue donation.
SWEET RIDES REV FOR WORTHY CAUSE Special to the Mountain Democrat
A
utomotive Excellence in Placerville hosted its annual car show on Saturday, Sept. 6. In addition to a spectacular car display, the fun-filled family event featured a cake walk, trophies, drawings, food, music and vendors. It wasn’t just a car show. Hosted in proud partnership with Live On, Drive On!, this year’s event honored the life and legacy of Sidney “Scott” Santana, a beloved son, friend, athlete, and community member whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2011 at just 17 years old. Scott’s story continues to inspire thousands through his final act of generosity — organ and tissue donation — which saved five lives and restored sight to two ■ See CAR SHOW, page A5
Above, groovy Granny Barbara Rebiskie of Placerville gives the peace sign as she stands next to her 1968 VW Bus. She said a lot of “adult cuss words” went into the upholstery of the vehicle which she did herself having no previous experience. Below left, Lex Noll, right, and his wife Casey of Placerville stand next to their 1968 Ford Bronco. Casey said when they were first dating 52 years ago, he took her for a ride in the Bronco up to Oregon with the top down and it rained and the windshield wipers didn’t work. She married him anyway and they have been married for 48 years. Their son, Lex, had the vehicle brought to Texas and it took him five years to complete the restoration. Below right, the Johnson siblings, (parents Shannon and Kevin) right to left, Alice, 7, Carter, 1, and Autumn, 4, of Lotus sit in Ol’ Hozer, a 1950 Ford fire truck owned by Tom Ambrose of Elverta.
■ See EDHCSD, page A5
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