Erin Levinson Wins 2025 Poetry Out Loud Championship in El Dorado County

El Dorado County, CA celebrated its 2025 Poetry Out Loud champion, Erin Levinson of El Dorado High School, whose masterful recitations earned her top honors in this prestigious poetry competition. Her renditions of 1969 by Alex Dimitrov and Fairy Tale with Laryngitis and Resignation Letter by Jehanne Dubrow were praised for their emotional resonance and flawless delivery, distinguishing her among a talented group of finalists.

Amber Baker of Mountainside Middle College High School took second place, while Alivia Chen from Oak Ridge High School claimed third. Kaitlin Fuller of Union Mine High School and Julianna Rowe of Ponderosa High School also made the finals, showcasing the depth of talent across the county’s schools. Although Rowe was unable to attend, her qualification speaks to her literary prowess.

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SEO-Friendly Title: Coalition Urges FCC to Protect California Phone Service High-Impact Subtitle: Local governments and consumer advocates warn that weakening California’s authority could jeopardize reliable communications for rural communities, including El Dorado County. Focus Keyphrase: California Carrier of Last Resort Meta Description: Coalition asks the FCC to preserve California’s authority to protect reliable phone service for rural communities, including El Dorado County. Social Media Excerpt: Could rural residents lose critical telephone protections? A broad California coalition is urging the FCC to reject a proposal they say could weaken reliable communications for communities like El Dorado County. 4-Sentence Summary A coalition of local governments, consumer advocates, labor organizations and public interest groups is urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject an AT&T petition that could limit California’s authority over basic telephone service requirements. The filing centers on California’s Carrier of Last Resort rules, which require designated providers to make basic communications service available throughout their service territories. For rural counties such as El Dorado County, the debate carries significant implications for emergency communications, wildfire preparedness and access to reliable voice service. Coalition members argue that California—not federal regulators alone—should retain the authority to ensure residents continue receiving dependable communications services. Main Article Body PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A broad coalition of California organizations is asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject an AT&T petition that opponents say would weaken the state’s ability to guarantee reliable telephone service, particularly in rural communities where dependable communications remain critical during emergencies. The coalition, led by the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), filed comments with the FCC opposing AT&T’s request for federal preemption of California’s Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) requirements. Those rules require designated telecommunications providers to offer basic voice service to customers throughout their assigned service areas. For El Dorado County residents, the issue extends beyond traditional landline phones. Many foothill and mountain communities continue to experience limited cellular coverage, frequent Public Safety Power Shutoffs, severe winter storms and wildfire-related outages. During those events, reliable voice communications can become a lifeline for residents seeking emergency assistance, contacting family members or receiving evacuation information. According to the California Public Utilities Commission, Carrier of Last Resort obligations are technology-neutral. Providers may use fiber, wireless or Voice over Internet Protocol technologies, provided they continue delivering reliable basic communications service that meets state standards. The coalition argues that AT&T’s petition asks the FCC to override California’s authority to enforce those protections. “California’s Carrier of Last Resort requirements remain essential to ensuring reliable communications services for all residents,” the coalition stated in its filing, arguing that federal regulators lack the authority to invalidate the state’s consumer protections. AT&T has argued that maintaining its aging copper telephone network costs approximately $1 billion annually in California while serving only a small percentage of customers. The company says newer technologies—including fiber and wireless services—can provide faster and more reliable communications in many areas. California regulators disagree that modernization alone justifies ending existing obligations. In filings before both the FCC and federal court, the California Public Utilities Commission contends that modern communications networks are important but must not come at the expense of vulnerable residents who continue relying on dependable voice service. The agency has argued that AT&T has not demonstrated that every affected customer would have an equivalent replacement service available. The issue carries particular significance across El Dorado County. While communities such as El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park generally enjoy multiple communications options, residents in more remote areas—including portions of Georgetown, Grizzly Flats, Somerset, Pollock Pines and the Crystal Basin region—often face limited wireless coverage due to rugged terrain and forested landscapes. During wildfire evacuations or prolonged power outages, communications resilience becomes a matter of public safety. RCRC, which represents 40 rural California counties, argues that weakening California’s authority could disproportionately affect residents living in those communities. The organization says local governments have a strong interest in ensuring communications infrastructure remains reliable for emergency response, economic activity and access to essential services. The FCC has not yet issued a final decision on AT&T’s petition. The outcome could influence how California regulates universal telephone service as the telecommunications industry continues transitioning away from legacy copper networks toward fiber and wireless technologies. For El Dorado County residents, local officials and emergency managers will likely continue monitoring the proceeding closely, given the county’s recurring wildfire risk, mountainous terrain and ongoing reliance on dependable communications during disasters. Public documents: California Public Utilities Commission Carrier of Last Resort proceeding: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/colr FCC public docket regarding AT&T’s petition (available through the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System). Social Promotion #ElDoradoCounty #Placerville #California #PublicSafety #Telecommunications

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Held at Imagination Theatre, the event underscored the value of poetry in cultivating creativity and confidence among youth. Educators, including Lead Teachers Denise Ivelich, Heather Brooks Freer, and others, played a pivotal role in guiding students through the program, while judges, families, and supporters amplified the spirit of the evening.

Erin Levinson now moves on to represent El Dorado County at the state-level competition. Her success not only celebrates individual artistry but also reflects the vibrant literary culture within the community. Congratulations to all participants for their dedication to the art of poetry and for inspiring others with their passion and performance!

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Participants master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

In El Dorado County, the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Finals took place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Imagination Theater. The event was free and open to the public, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the competition starting at 7 pm.

The competition structure is similar to a spelling bee, beginning at the classroom or school level, progressing to county and state levels, and culminating at the national level. In El Dorado County, the contest offered the following prizes:

• 1st place: $100 cash prize and advancement to the State Finals
• 2nd place: $75 cash prize
• 3rd place: $50 cash prize

At the California state level, the champion receives a $200 cash prize and $500 for their school to purchase literary materials. The state champion also earns an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Finals, where substantial scholarships are awarded.

For more information about the Poetry Out Loud program in El Dorado County, you can contact Jordan at Jordan@ArtsAndCultureElDorado.org.