The Gold Mine, Friday, March 6, 2026

SPOTLIGHT

Pleasant

For 35 years, Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic has provided trusted, quality care to El Dorado County’s cats and dogs with one clear goal: helping pets stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

At Pleasant Valley, it’s always been about the animals — and the people who love them. What sets the clinic apart is its experienced veterinarians and exceptional team of medical and support staff. Every team member shares a commitment to compassionate care, open communication and building meaningful relationships with clients. It’s a place where concerns are heard, questions are welcomed and both joyful and difficult moments are navigated together.

“I think I’m one of the luckiest people,” owner Amy Nichols, RVT shared, expressing joy about her job while commending her “phenomenal” staff.

By building long-term relationships with pet owners, the team is able to practice the highest standard of medicine — tailoring care to each pet’s unique needs while supporting

the people who love them. This relationship-centered approach allows the clinic to care not just for individual pets, but for generations of families.

“Being part of a hospital that has cared for pets across generations — and now proudly welcoming third-generation family members who trust us with the health and well-being of their own pets — has been one of our greatest joys and honors. These lasting connections are a reflection of the trust, consistency and compassion that define our culture,” Nichols said.

Pleasant Valley Pet Clinic offers comprehensive services under one roof, including: wellness exams, dentistry, surgical procedures, low-cost spay and neutering, vaccinations and microchipping, urgent care, in-house diagnostics and a fully stocked pharmacy.

With Saturday hours available, the clinic works to ensure care is accessible and convenient for busy families.

STARS AT SCHOOL

Jennifer Leué

Mental Health & Wellness billing coordinator

Jennifer Leué has called El Dorado County home since middle school. Today, her roots run even deeper, surrounded by her husband Jeff, daughters Samantha and Chelsea, bonus children Matthew and Haley, and her granddaughter Quinn.

Jennifer joined the El Dorado County Office of Education 16 months ago, bringing with her years of experience in medical billing and health insurance. Now serving as billing coordinator in EDCOE’s Mental Health and Wellness Department at the Smith Flat office, she saw an opportunity to apply her healthcare expertise in a new way — supporting students and schools.

In her role, Jennifer helps local education agencies implement the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule and guides them in using EDCOE’s new electronic health record system, SmartCare. While students are already receiving vital services, her work ensures schools can be reimbursed, sustaining and expanding access to care. She especially values the relationships she’s built along the way.

Jennifer says she appreciates her team’s honesty and support as she transitioned into education. One of her proudest moments was seeing the SmartCare system officially launch after more than a year of behind-thescenes work.

“Jennifer comes to EDCOE with years of experience in healthcare billing. She adds an extremely valuable piece of experience and knowledge to our

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Quest for Don Quixote” through March 8. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum presents East of the Golden Gate, a new temporary exhibit at the Fountain & Tallman Museum through May 8. For more information visit edchs.org.

March 7

El Dorado High School Foundation’s annual Blue & White Gala taking place March 7 at Cold Springs Country Club. The event will include live music with ShirlJam, dinner, n See TO DO, page 5

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000* to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified wood or gas device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low-income residents or residents of designated low-income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment In centive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a cordless electric version. Now includes push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/weedeaters, chainsaws, and more!

The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

The new CHar ge At your Resid ence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.

The Driving Clean Assis t ance Pr ogr am (DCAP) offers lowerincome residents up to a $10,000 incentive towards the purchase of an eligible new or used clean air vehicle in addition to a $2,000 incentive to help cover the cost of charging. DCAP also provides financial advice and counseling and their select group of financial partners offer financing at a rate of 8% or less.

CHANDLER (A170566)

String cheese is a prime mover for this red M Chihuahua. Built in stranger alarm. 8 mo.

TNR-RUNE (A170535)

This attractive piece of mobile yard art is waiting to adorn your garden. M Snowshoe DSH 10 mo.

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

ROOSTER (A170542)

A portable alarm clock with a red comb over? Runs on chicken scratch. No winding needed.

OSIRIS (A152970)

e is a clever boy who needs a secure fence. Come meet this handsome GSD mix. 3 yr., tan w/blk.

• Large selection of handmade artisan chocolates

• Our chocolates paired with wines from El Dorado & Amador Counties

• Gift boxes of all sizes for any occassion

SUE (A163040)

This Central Asian Shepherd has tan accents on her B & W coat. She is a big dog in every sense of the word. 5 yr.

PIE (A169263)

Adopt this fun orange tabby DSH and celebrate his “day” each March. 5 yr.

A hearty stew to celebrate St. Pat’s

Feature Impact

Green beer and decor may get all the attention, but for hosts looking to wow their St. Patrick’s Day guests or astound their loved ones, a traditional Irish recipe can become an annual tradition. Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with this St. Patrick’s Day Stew, a hearty, beefy meal loaded with chuck stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions and, of course, stout beer.

To find more recipes that put tradition center stage, visit Culinary.net.

St. Patrick’s Day Stew

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Servings: 6

1 1/4 pounds marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2inch chunks

1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups beef stock

2 cups water

1 cup extra stout beer

1 cup red wine

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped

4 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions: Sprinkle beef chunks with 1 teaspoon salt. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.

Pat beef dry with paper towels and add to pot, working in batches to avoid crowding pot. Cook until browned on one side then flip and brown.

Add garlic cloves to pot with beef and saute 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add beef stock, water, beer, wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir.

Bring mixture to simmer then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

In separate pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.

After beef mixture simmers 1 hour, add onions, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves and spoon excess fat.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Stop the sniffles with Sick Day Soup

Feature Impact

Coughs and sniffles don’t have to derail you for longnot with a fresh, homemade stockpot full of Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup. Loaded with rotisserie chicken, celery and carrots, it’s sure to warm you from the inside-out as a warm, comforting meal. Plus, with eight servings, this dish can help solve dinnertime dilemmas throughout the week by storing leftovers in the refrigerator and reheating on the stove. Warm up your winter meals with more comforting ideas available at Culinary.net.

Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup

Recipe adapted from Tastes Better from Scratch

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

1/2 tablespoon butter

2 ribs celery, diced

3-4 large carrots, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

10 cups chicken stock or broth

1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes salt, to taste pepper, to taste

chicken bouillon cubes (optional)

4 cups dry egg noodles

3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken

Directions: In large stockpot over medium-high heat, saute butter, celery and carrots 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add chicken stock or broth and season with rosemary, thyme and crushed red pepper. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Taste and add chicken bouillon cubes, if desired, for flavor.Bring to boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Remove from heat once noodles are tender. Add chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

To

Do Continued from 5

drinks and silent and live auctions. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/bhfhw47t.

March 11

The El Dorado Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host the unveiling of the Lucy Ann Stoddard Historical Plaque from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 4561 Greenstone Road. Register at regent@eldorado. californiadar.org.

March 12

Studio 81 at El Dorado High School presents “Little Shop of Horrors” at 7 p.m. and continuing through March 21. For tickets and more information visit studio81arts.com.

March 13

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Steel Magnolias” through March 22. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Oak Ridge High School Theater presents “Chicago,” teen edition, at 7 p.m and continuing through March 21. For tickets and more information visit ortab.org.

March 14

The Pollock Pines-Camino Community Center will host a St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser dinner from 4:30-7:00 p.m. featuring scrumptious corned beef and cabbage, soup, potatoes and carrots and a roll with a no host bar serving beer, wine, margaritas and Irish coffee. To make a reservation call (530) 647-8005 or visit pollockpinesca.org.

March 15

The Placerville Shakespeare Club will host its annual Authors Day at 1 p.m. with authors Michelle Chouinard, Erin Dealey, Susan Norman and Sandra Sullivan. Learn more at placerville-shakespeare.com.

Late night sips and nibs, tasty tunes, and unmatched energy are worth the stop!

Kitchen open till midnight, 7 days a week!

KITTENS

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets! To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs JACK (A170226) When is a card not a card? When it’s a cute B&W shorthaired

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

CLUES SOLUTIONS

1 oven setting (4)

2 peaks (7)

3 desired state for a boat (6)

4 add body to a stew, say (7)

5 sketchy (5)

6 Sweden’s queen since 1976 (6)

7 where oars are attached (8)

We

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood flow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the flow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

The treatment to increase blood flow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow flow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the first few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient