The Gold Mine, Friday, October 3, 2025

SPOTLIGHT Business

Edwards A-1 Appliance

Edward’s A-1 Appliance has been a staple in the community for nearly 80 years, offering full-service appliance sales, installation and repairs — all handled in-house.

“The business has been around since 1947,” co-owner Katie Stabler said. “My grandparents were looking for an additional store to have because they have four boys, and four boys are not sharing one business.”

Her family purchased the store in 1986, and Stabler now co-owns it with business partner David Bannister, who has worked there for about 35 years. The two officially took over ownership in 2022.

Stabler grew up working in her family’s Woodland location.

“I started working in there when I was 10, doing filing and answering phones,” she said. “Then I started working the floor when I was 15.”

She began working at the Placerville location in 2006 and said she appreciates the community.

“You just get that small-town feeling that I grew up with in Woodland,” Stabler said. “Everybody knows everybody, and I like that. I like knowing who my neighbors are, who my cus-

tomers are.”

Stabler said one factor that separates Edward’s A-1 Appliance from competitors is the commitment to handling every part of the process themselves.

“We do everything in-house. We don’t use any third parties,” she said. “If you buy a dishwasher from me, David is going to be the one who’s installing it. If you buy that dishwasher and five years from now it has a problem, if you call us, we’ll be the ones who can come out and service it.”

That approach, Stabler said, has helped build long-term trust with customers.

“I have people who I will run into in the grocery store, and they’ll say hi to me,” she said. “It’s, you know, again, you’re my neighbor. I need to be able to look you in the face when I say how much something is or how a delivery is going.”

After nearly 80 years in business, Stabler said the company continues to thrive.

“We’re happy that we survive every year and that we have a loyal customer base that supports us and keeps us going,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here without them.”

To Do

Top activities in the region

Oct. 4

The city of Placerville will host a special tour day of the Priest Mine at Gold Bug Park with tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals will have the rare opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of this hard rock mine. Pre-registration is required. To register visit tinyurl.com/26rpwa5y.

Camp Richardson Resort in Tahoe will host Oktoberfest Oct. 4 & 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets and more information visit camprichardsonresort. com/oktoberfest.

EDC Cancer Warriors will host Bowl for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Bowling at Apex in Red Hawk Casino at 9 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Sunday. For more

n See TO DO, page 5

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

BUBBLICIOUS (A167236) HOUSE RABBIT

This happy-go-lucky dog is looking for her people. Is it you. Meet her today. tan MastiffX 4 yr.

Much quieter than your average house elf. House rabbits make great pets. 3 to choose from.

Do Continued from 3

information or to register contact Teri Abrahamzon (831) 818-1347 or visit BowlfortheCure2025.eventbrite.com.

Oct.

5

The 2025 Niello Concours at Serrano featuring The Golden Era of Sports Racing & Aston Martin takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the green at the Serrano Visitors Center, 4525 Serrano Parkway in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more information visit theconcours.net/serrano_home.html.

Oct.

8

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a Bark-B-Que, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Community Park. Bring your leashed pup and enjoy free food, music, family and K9 oriented activities/games and local dog-themed businesses. Don’t forget to bring your favorite picnic blanket.

Oct. 11

Placerville Girl’s Night

Out – Pink in the Night Gala takes place in downtown Placerville, 5-9 p.m. Fun activities in participating shops include a fashion show, live music, costume contest, raffles and more fun to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

n See TO DO, page 6

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 ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow 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 ow 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.

advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

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 ow 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 ow.

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.

Treatment Method What Causes It? John Mooney, DC at Premier Healthcare will do a neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage for only $47. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN! CALL TODAY! John M. Mooney, D.C. QME 1980 Broadway,

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst 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

Oct. 12

Women’s Fund El Dorado hosts a Sip and Savor event, 2-4 p.m. at Saureel Vineyards in Placerville. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Women’s Fund and the local nonprofits it has supported. For further information contact Cathy Harris at coordinator@womensfundeldorado. org. Purchase tickets at womensfundeldorado.org/current-events.

Oct. 17

The Cameron Park Community Services District will host The Great Trunk or Treat community event, 5-8 p.m. at 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. For more information visit cameronpark.org.

Oct. 18

History buffs and those interested in El Dorado County’s influential characters should mark their calendars for the Save the Graves 2025 — Women of Character event at Placerville Union Cemetery, where actors dressed in pe-

riod garb will share enthralling stories of some of the region’s most remarkable women. For more information visit savethegraveseldorado.org.

Weekend days

Madrone Tree Hill Christmas Trees presents The Haunted Forest: Zombie Apocalypse each weekend in October, noon to 5 p.m. at 2600 Barkley Road, Camino. Explore a 450-yard loop trail with classic Halloween frights that slowly descend into a fog-filled, post-apocalyptic nightmare. Visit hauntedforest.farm.

Fill fall menus with a divine dessert

Family Features

For those final days of summer that bleed into fall, you may be searching for a recipe that uses up garden veggies but tastes like autumn. Find comfort in this delicious Zucchini Spice Bundt Cake that features the freshness of warm days combined with the soothing flavors of cooler weather then discover more tasty desserts by visiting Culinary.net.

Zucchini Spice Bundt Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

1 box spice cake mix

2 cups grated zucchini

1/3 cup melted butter

3 eggs

1 cup chopped walnuts, divided 1 cup chopped white chocolate chips, divided 1 cup powdered sugar milk

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F.

In bowl, mix cake mix, zucchini, butter, eggs, 3/4 cup walnuts and 3/4 cup white chocolate chips. Pour into greased bundt pan and bake 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Let cool about 10 minutes then remove from pan to finish cooling.

Mix powdered sugar and milk, about 1/4 cup, to reach desired consistency of frosting. Pour over cooled cake then sprinkle with remaining walnuts and remaining white chocolate chips. Cut and serve.

Behavioral Health Commission seeks additional members

Carla Hass El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office

The El Dorado County Behavioral Health Commission is seeking to fill four vacant positions. Commissioners serve a three-year term. Commission membership is comprised of volunteers from South Lake Tahoe and the west slope of the county.

The commission is looking for members who are committed to actively participating in monthly commission meetings and advancing services for consumers of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder services in the county. The commission’s authority is established in Welfare Institutions Code 5604.

The commission reviews and evaluates behavioral health needs, services, facilities and special problems where mental health or substance use disorder services are provided in the county. Both adult and children’s services are reviewed and evaluated. The commission advises the Board of Supervisors regarding the needs or concerns of mental health and substance use disorder services delivered by the county’s Behavioral Health Division.

“We’re specifically looking for people who are family members of consumers of adult or children’s behavioral health services in El Dorado County to serve on this commission,” said Behavioral Health Director Justine Collinsworth. “Community members with lived experience, professional expertise, or a strong interest in behavioral health are encouraged to apply, especially those who can help represent all corners of our county to advise the Board of Supervisors.”

The Behavioral Health Commission meets monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers located at 330 Fair Lane, Placerville. Contact the clerk of the board at edc.cob@ edcgov.us or by phone (530) 621-5390 or contact Jim Abram, Behavioral Health Commission chairman, at jimabram@comcast.net or by phone at (530) 306-3897 with any questions.

PARKER (A167895)

More playful a pal than spider-man. M Dobie mix 4 yr. black/red.

SARAH (A167307)

Do you need a very quiet pet? Consider this F black shorthaired house rabbit. age unk.

Precious Pawprints

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

TNR-IZZY (A167539)

Looking for a sentinel for your garden area. Check out this 6mo. F gray tabby DSH.

ZENDAYA (A165897)

She is looking for a nice home and owner. Not really into the circus thing. brown GSD mix age unk.

• Large selection of handmade artisan chocolates

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

• Gift boxes of all sizes for any occassion

BINDI (A167631)

Outgoing and active, this F Australian Cattle Dog mix awaits adoption. black/white, 13 wks

ASHLEY (A163020)

Consider doing a foster to adopt with this quiet playful F GSD mix 26mo.

Are you planning your next chapter after working at a public school or other local/ state organization?

We recommend you review the options for your 403(b) or 457(b) and make sure your retirement plans stay on track. Call me to learn more.

Are you planning your next chapter after working at a public school or other local/state organization?

Joshua Fournier Financial Advisor

your next chapter after

3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422

school or other local/ organization? options for your 403(b) or 457(b) and stay on track. Call me to learn more.

Are you planning your next chapter after working at a public school or other local/ state organization?

We recommend you review the options for your 403(b) or 457(b) and make sure your retirement plans stay on track. Call me to learn more.

We recommend you review the options for your 403(b) or 457(b) and make sure your retirement plans stay on track. Call me to learn more.

Joshua Fournier

Advisor

3439 Robin Lane #120 Cameron Park, CA 95682 530-676-9422

PRT-4873I-A

Explore Hope Valley

Hope Valley rests at 7,000 feet on the eastern side of Carson Pass. The valley has long been a favorite destination for fly fishermen, artists, photographers, day hikers and a host of others who appreciate its beauty. Most famous for its fall colors, Hope Valley is a magnificent destination year-round. In winter its pristine snowfields attract cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers.

Its lack of development is one of its greatest features. Visitors scan the meadows and see almost nothing but unspoiled beauty, from its meandering West Carson River to its guardian peaks.

PRT-4873I-A AECSPAD 26016954

To get there take Highway 50 to Highway 88. Don’t forget your camera.

California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is conducting its annual art contest to select the design for the state’s 2025-26 upland game bird stamp. The California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest is open to all U.S. residents ages 18 and older, excluding current and former CDFW employees.

The 2025-26 stamp will feature the band-tailed pigeon. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 27 through Dec. 5.

photo by Katherine Miller Band-tailed pigeons are the birds selected for the upland game bird stamp.

The band-tailed pigeon is stately in stature, with a distinctive banded tail. Second only to the passenger pigeon in size, it is now the largest member of the family Columbidae in North America. Band-tailed pigeons are ornamented with patterned iridescent green-bronze feathers on the nape of their neck, topped by a white crescent. The pale grey-banded tail is most visible in flight and contrasts with slate-colored back feathers that transition to under parts with a subtle purplish hue. These gregarious birds migrate and forage in large flocks which helps them locate seeds, nuts and fruits and avoid predators in mature forest and woodland habitats. Band-tailed pigeons frequently visit mineral sites where they ingest water rich with minerals like sodium and calcium that are needed to supplement their diet. This behavior is most frequent during the nesting season when the need is greatest to support eggshell and chick bone development for the single offspring in each nesting attempt.

Entries must include at least one band-tailed pigeon, preferably in a habitat or setting representative of California. Entries will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.

The contest will be judged by a panel of experts in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. The winning artist will be selected during a judging event in December.

An upland game bird validation is required for hunting migratory and resident upland game birds in California. The money generated from stamp sales is dedicated to

upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach. CDFW sells more than 130,000 upland game bird validations annually. Any individual who purchases an upland game bird validation may request their free collectible stamp by visiting wildlife.ca.gov/ licensing/collector-stamps. For collectors who do not purchase a hunting license or upland game bird validation, or for hunters who wish to purchase additional collectible stamps, an order form is also available on the website.

For contest information and entry forms visit wildlife. ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.

SUPPORT IMMUNE HEALTH WITH 4 EVERYDAY HABITS

Family Features

The coughing and sneezing you hear at home, in the office and at the gym means one thing: It’s cold and flu season. Although it’s impossible to guarantee you won’t get sick, adopting a few healthy habits can go a long way toward avoiding the sniffles and sneezes.

Start by talking with your health care provider about any concerns you may have then follow these lifestyle recommendations for natural immune system support.

Wash Your Hands

While it’s probably the first rule you learn about getting sick as a child, washing your hands remains a critical first line of defense. Use warm, soapy water and rub your

hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget the

backs of your hands, wrists and under your fingernails. Rinse off the soap then dry with a clean towel.

Commit to Healthier Eating

Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains are recommended by experts as essential foods for optimizing your immune system. Consider fresh grapes, a prime example of food that contains beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans.

Healthy cells are the foundation of good health, and the antioxidants and other polyphenols naturally found in grapes help protect the health and function of cells. The good news is that improving your diet doesn’t require a complete overhaul - small steps such as swapping in fresh California grapes for processed snacks or simply adding a handful of fresh grapes to your day will add these beneficial compounds to your daily routine.

Or, you can add grapes to recipes like this Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad, a vibrant and fresh melody of color and flavor. Roasted red and yellow beets meet sweet and juicy grapes, peppery arugula and pumpkin seeds all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding hearthealthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health.

Avoid Others Who are Sick

Along with washing your hands frequently, steering clear of people who are ill may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. When loved ones, close friends or coworkers come down with a cold or flu, do your best to keep your distance and avoid touching items with which they came into contact. After bedtime routines with a sick child or afternoon meetings with an under-the-weather associate, thoroughly wash your hands and clean commonly used surfaces like doorknobs or conference room keyboards.

Prioritize Hydration: Even during cooler weather, staying hydrated remains important for immune health by keeping the body’s defenses functioning properly. Drink water throughout the day, and for an extra dose, increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water.

Find more health and nutrition information at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad

Servings: 6

1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

2 cups peeled and sliced (1/8-inch thick) raw red and yellow beets, cut into small half-moons or triangles

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

3 cups halved red California grapes

1/2 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds

2 green onions, thinly sliced

4 cups (3 ounces) baby arugula freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions: Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and honey; set aside. Place sliced beets on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining oil. Add salt and toss well to coat. Spread in single layer and bake 25 minutes, or

until tender; let cool.

Add grapes and pumpkin seeds to bowl with dressing and toss well to coat. Add cooled beets, green onions and arugula. Toss lightly; season with pepper, to taste.

Nutritional information per serving 250 calories; 5 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (58% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 320 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

CLUES

1 large, juicy fruit (10)

2 “Maggie May” singer Rod (7)

3 sound of vocal support (8)

4 sounded like a contented cat (6)

5 clan colors (7)

6 margin of a very narrow win (4)

7 they disrespect sacred cows (11)

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.

SOLUTIONS

Understanding the Hidden Dangers of LDL (Bad) Cholesterol

These days, wellness information is practically everywhere you turn. Do this; don’t do that. Eat more of this; eat less of that. This is good for you; that is bad.

It can be hard to cut through all the noise, but the reality is, when it comes to something as serious as your heart health and LDL cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol – ignoring it can be downright dangerous for your health.

According to the American Heart Association, about every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack, and strokes occur at about the same frequency.

High LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, significantly increases your risk of heart disease.

A poll conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Heart Association revealed 75% of heart attack and stroke survivors reported having high cholesterol. Yet nearly half (47%) of heart attack and stroke survivors are unaware of their LDL cholesterol number. This lack of awareness shows more knowledge is needed to help survivors proactively manage their health.

In fact, knowledge is key to reducing your risk of heart disease. Understanding the impact of LDL cholesterol and knowing your LDL number can help you make informed decisions.

Cholesterol: The Good and The Bad

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat­like substance your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, not all cholesterol is created equal:

n LDL (low-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol: This is the “bad” cholesterol. When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, forming plaque that can narrow and eventually block these arteries, leading to heart attack or stroke.

n HDL (high-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Known as the “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from the arteries, protecting against heart attack and stroke.

A Silent Threat

Many people think high cholesterol has obvious signs, but that’s not always the case. In fact, about half of U.S. adults and 42% of heart attack and stroke survivors mistakenly believe high cholesterol has clear symptoms. However, high LDL cholesterol typically doesn’t show any signs, which is why it’s known as a silent threat to your heart.

People who have had a heart attack or stroke are at higher risk of future cardiovascular problems, which is why it’s important to monitor your cholesterol regularly to help prevent future events.

It’s also important to know high LDL cholesterol can be genetic, meaning someone who eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly can still have high cholesterol. Additionally, the risk of high LDL cholesterol increases with age.

That’s why the American Heart Association’s “Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Now” initiative, nationally sponsored by Amgen, emphasizes the importance of regular cholesterol checks

regardless of your weight, diet and physical activity levels. Knowing your LDL cholesterol number – and understanding the target levels based on your health history – gives you the opportunity to manage your health proactively. This enables you to make informed decisions to prevent future heart issues.

Know Your Number

You can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke by knowing and addressing your LDL cholesterol number.

Working closely with your doctor allows you to actively manage high LDL cholesterol – often a key risk factor you can help control – and together, you can develop a personalized treatment plan. Ask your doctor or health care provider for a cholesterol test to know your LDL number. Understanding your cholesterol number is the first step toward managing it effectively. If necessary, appropriate management of your LDL cholesterol can help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Your doctor may also talk with you about your personal and family medical history; previous heart­related medical events such as a heart attack or stroke; lifestyle habits such as tobacco use, obesity, unhealthy living or aging; racial and ethnic backgrounds; and reproductive health.

Lower is Better

When it comes to your cholesterol, guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend “lower is better” to reduce your risk. Studies show that an LDL number or below 100 mg/dL is ideal for healthy adults.

If you have a history of heart attack or stroke and are already on a cholesterol­lowering medication, your doctor may aim for your LDL to be 70 mg/dL or lower.

Talk to your doctor about the right treatment plan for you. Positive lifestyle habits, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, may also help.

However, if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke before, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to lower your risk of another event. Your doctor may recommend cholesterol­lowering medications to protect your heart health.

Learn more about LDL (bad) cholesterol by visiting heart.org/LDL.

Precious Pawprints

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 LOLA (A157554)

She is ready to play ball, then just hang out for love & affection. 2 year old Dobie mix, black & brown.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Much quieter than your average house elf. House rabbits make great pets. M, black, shorthaired, age unk.

CDFW anticipates good quail, chukar season

Katherine Miller & Peter Tira

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Get your boots and bird dogs ready. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife expects aboveaverage abundance of quail and chukar for the 2025-26 hunting seasons.

California has three native species of quail — mountain, California and Gambel’s quail. At least one quail species can be found in every part of the state, offering close-to-home hunting opportunities for Californians no matter where they live.

California also hosts introduced chukar partridge populations that are native to the steppe regions of Asia and the Middle East. Chukar were introduced into California beginning in the 1930s and took hold in areas that most closely resembled their native lands — the steep, rocky terrain in the Modoc Plateau south into the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.

California is divided into three quail hunt zones. For the general hunt seasons, Zone 1 opened for mountain quail Sept. 13. Zone 2 opened for both mountain and California quail on Sept. 27. On Saturday, Oct. 18, all quail species and chukar are open to hunting statewide. The season runs through Jan. 25, 2026. Hunters may take up to 10 quail per day in any species combination. Chukar harvest is limited to six birds a day. The possession limit is triple the daily bag limit for both quail and chukar.

Rainfall is important for quail and chukar populations: It supports the insect populations critical for chicks and the growth of lupine, clover, chickweed, filaree and fiddleneck, plants common in quail and chukar diets. The winter of 2024-25 was drier than normal but followed two wet winters so quail and chukar should have experienced an above-average nesting season this year.

CDFW will again deploy wing collection barrels on select public hunting lands in prime quail habitat throughout

the state. At these locations, CDFW encourages hunters to donate a wing from each bird harvested. From these wing samples, CDFW can determine age ratios that inform quail and chukar productivity.

During the 202425 season, CDFW deployed wing barrels at 10 sites and collected 555 California quail wings, 31 Gambel’s quail wings and six chukar wings from 194 hunters. California quail productivity varied across the state. For Gambel’s quail, the sample size was too small to properly evaluate productivity.

The spring and summer of 2025 have been drier than normal and the risk of wildfire remains high. Wildfires can benefit quail by setting back the plant succession and creating a mosaic of vegetation types that support quail habitat. Larger wildfires are less beneficial to quail populations. Hunters are reminded to check their favorite hunting areas ahead of time for wildfire-related closures.

In addition to a valid California hunting license, an Upland Game Bird Validation is required for hunting quail and chukar in California. No Upland Game Bird Validation is needed for youth with a Junior Hunting License. The money generated from the sale of upland game bird validations/stamps is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach.

In addition to public hunting opportunities available on many CDFW wildlife areas and some ecological reserves, CDFW offers a number of special quail and chukar hunts throughout the season along with private land opportunities through the SHARE Program.

For more information on hunting seasons and other regulations, visit CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Hunting web page. As a reminder, only non-lead ammunition may be used when hunting quail, chukar or any other species with a firearm in California.

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.

How eating together benefits your family

Family Features

Sharing a meal offers far more than a full stomach; the benefits of eating together extend well beyond the dinner table.

In the “2025 World Happiness Report,” evidence shows that sharing meals has a substantial impact on an individual’s well-being. Those who regularly eat with others report higher life satisfaction and display higher levels of social support, positive reciprocity and less loneliness.

Learn more about how sharing a meal can improve your

n See MEALS, page 22

FALL

Make Dinner Prep a Family Affair

The benefits of eating together as a family don’t have to wait until everyone is at the table. During dinner prep, parents and children have a chance to work elbow-to-elbow and talk about their days. When children participate in preparing healthy food, they may be more interested in eating it. As an added bonus, kids who take part in food preparation enjoy the benefits of building their own life skills. DIY dishes that put kids in charge of what goes on their plates can be a fun way to bring the family together and make meal prep easy. You can customize salad kits with a selection of protein options, create your own personal pizzas or serve a bar-style dinner such as nachos, baked potatoes or tacos that let each family member choose their own toppings.

family’s overall well-being with these insights from the experts at the FMI Foundation and their “2025 Family Meals Barometer survey,” which delivers research, collaboration and education to address food safety, health and nutrition concerns.

Civil and Respectful Interactions

In a world full of distractions, it may come as no surprise the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey found poor communication is a leading concern among parents, more worrisome than schoolwork or chores.

More than two-thirds of respondents expressed a belief that civility in America is worse today compared to 10 years ago, but 74% said family meals are a great time to have and teach respectful interactions. Frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues.

Better Nutrition

Numerous studies have shown fami -

lies who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general. Family meals at home typically make it easier to fill plates with food from each food group. What’s more, parents who prepare well-balanced meals and model healthy food choices allow children to mirror and adopt similar habits.

Improved Family Function

In the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey, respondents cited having more time to spend together and family meals as the top two ways they feel more connected to family and loved ones. With busy school and extracurricular schedules, many families are hard-pressed to find quality time together without distractions. Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about what’s happening at work, school and with friends.

Meals

Continued from 22

Better Grades at School

Numerous factors affect students’ academic performance, but eating together as a family helps reinforce many of the variables thought to influence student success. More nutritious meals play a role in stronger cognitive function. Multiple researchers found that children who are part of families that eat together regularly tend to have a stronger vocabulary and higher grades.

Improved Mental Health

Another way family meals benefit students at school and beyond is stronger mental and emotional health. In several independent studies, researchers found a positive correlation between family meals and self-esteem, psychosocial outcomes and other markers of mental health.

Learn how gathering around the dinner table supports your family’s nutritional, social, mental and emotional health at fmi.org/family-meals-movement.