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The holiday season is here, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and traditions that make this time of year magical. For many of us, the holidays are a chance to relive the joy we felt as children—the beautiful displays of festive scenes, the aroma of baking, and the warmth of special time spent with loved ones.

In my family, no matter what the year brings, we hold tight to our traditions: watching every holiday movie we can, making a joyful mess decorating gingerbread houses and cookies, and spending a cozy evening trimming the tree with ornaments we’ve collected through the years—each one telling a story, reminding us of where we’ve been and the memories we’ve made. These are the moments of connection that I treasure most this season.
This month, we’re celebrating that same spirit through stories that inspire togetherness and community. Our cover story spotlights the work of local photographer Charlene Taylor, whose magical Santa Experience invites families into a storybook world filled with twinkling lights and heartfelt moments—creating keepsakes they’ll treasure for years to come.
We also share the story behind the EDH Fire Department’s Santa Run, a more than 60-year tradition in our town that blends holiday fun with generosity through its food and toy drive. And if you’re craving classic Christmas charm, take a trip back in time at Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas or Grass Valley’s Cornish Christmas—where roasted chestnuts, carolers, and street fairs bring these foothill towns’ downtown districts to life.
Finally, we’re proud to feature EDH resident and artist Robert N. Anderson, whose work captures the beauty of everyday moments through masterful use of light and shadow, reflecting both technical skill and genuine connection.
May your holidays be wrapped in warmth and filled with memories you’ll treasure for years to come!

KRISTY
MURDOCH, PUBLISHER
@ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Krista Minard
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cadence Murdoch
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Krista Minard
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Charlene Taylor of Charm Photography & SmackDab Studio, Nick Sharples, Kat Alves, Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick






Exploring light, shadow, and everyday beauty with EDH-based artist Robert N. Anderson Featured 10 16 22 26 16
An EDH Tradition: Making a Difference
EDH
Department
Capturing Magic
Photographer Charlene Taylor describes what’s beautiful
Holidays in the Foothills
Two beloved events just off Highway 49 in Nevada County provide a ready reason for a festive mini-getaway
From Broadcast to Brushstrokes
The Kleary family enjoys the magic of The Santa Experience. Photography: Charlene Taylor of Charm Photography/ SmackDab Studio



EDH Fire Department hosts the annual Santa Run, which captivates this generous community

At the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, they look forward to the Santa Run all year long. Between the planning, the staffing, deciding who’s going to play the Grinch, and more, the EDH Fire Department really gets into the Santa Run fun; they’re also deeply touched by the community’s giving spirit. Last year, the event garnered 6,200 toys and more than 2,900 pounds of food, in addition to monetary donations, to benefit Shriners Children’s Northern California and El Dorado County Food Bank. It kicks off at the EDH Town Center Tree Lighting Dec. 6, and runs for four nights in various neighborhoods the following week. EDH Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal tells us more.
The Santa Run is our premier community outreach event, where firefighters, administrators, retirees, CERT members, and volunteers, along with their families, join Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard fire engines and support vehicles as we travel through local neighborhoods collecting nonperishable food, new toys, and monetary donations to support those in need. Children and adults line the streets to wave and gather at designated stops where Santa and Mrs. Claus greet families and pose for photos. Meanwhile, our elves hand out candy canes, and the Grinch is often spotted adding a bit of mischief and fun to the evening.

The Santa Run is a proud El Dorado Hills tradition for more than 60 years, dating back to the earliest days of the EDH Fire Department. It reflects the department’s deep commitment to service, generosity, and community spirit, passed down from generation to generation of firefighters.
The Santa Run is the largest community event the department organizes each year. Beginning as early as February, staff and volunteers meet regularly to coordinate every detail—mapping out routes, building or enhancing props, ordering candy canes, refreshing costumes, and decorating fire engines. The team also ensures Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their festive crew are prepared for each night, while keeping the website and marketing efforts up to date. Each year, one firefighter is selected to take the lead in organizing the Santa Run, a prestigious assignment and highly respected. It takes hundreds of hours of coordination, creativity, and teamwork to bring the event to life and ensure everything runs smoothly.




At each planned Santa Stop, a representative serves as ambassador. Ambassadors meet with the department in advance of the event to help ensure the success of their Santa Stop. Community partners include District Church, which donates the use of their large box truck to transport toys; the El Dorado Hills Town Center, sponsor of the annual Tree Lighting; and the Oak Ridge High School Boys Team Charity, who assist in organizing and boxing donated toys.
Each year, a sign-up list is circulated among firefighters and their families, inviting them to volunteer for various roles in the Santa Run. The individuals for each role change annually, adding a fresh mix of enthusiasm and spirit. One of the most beloved traditions involves the Grinch. During a firefighter’s first year of employment, they serve a probationary period, and it has become a long-standing tradition for a probationary firefighter to take on the mischievous role of the Grinch each night of the Santa Run.
Come see us at one of our Santa Stops, listed on the Santa Run flyer and EDH Fire website (edhfire.com/how-do-i/attend/ santa-run). Drop off donations of new, unwrapped toys and nonperishable food
Donations of any new, unwrapped toys and nonperishable food are appreciated. (No glass or expired items, please.) We have a lot of bikes donated each year, which are exciting for kids to receive. Each organization has a wish list, which can be viewed on the EDH Fire Santa Run page. For more information, go to edhfire.com.

“The Santa Run reflects EDH Fire Department’s commitment to service, generosity, and community spirit, passed down from generation to generation of firefighters. ”
during each Santa Stop or at any of five EDH fire stations. If you’d prefer to make a monetary donation, scan the Donate Today QR code on our Santa Run page. New this year: Support the El Dorado Hills Firefighter Foundation and help continue the Holiday Heroes event. (Visit the sponsorship-donations page on the EDH Fire website.) You can also track Santa’s en-route journey by scanning the Track Santa QR code at the website.
On the Saturday following, volunteers gather at Fire Station 85 on Wilson Boulevard, then deliver the toys (by truck and fire engines) to Shriners. Witnessing the joy these donated toys bring to the children is a truly humbling and heartwarming experience. During the Santa Run, we collect and store donated food in large bins provided by the Food Bank inside the department’s apparatus bay. After the event, the Food Bank retrieves the food, weighs it, and distributes it to families and individuals in need during the holiday season.
Seeing the community gather for the holiday spirit. We are always humbled by the generosity. Many nights, we hear stories of parents who grew up in EDH and have moved away. They travel back with their kids to participate in the Santa Run! It is truly a multi-generation event.










Local photographer and cinematographer Charlene Taylor, of Charm Photography and SmackDab Studio, has created a special hour-long photo session that brings families into the wonder of the holidays and provides an artistic keepsake they’ll always treasure. We caught up with her to find out more about The Santa Experience.
LET’S START WITH YOUR STORY.
I’ve always been drawn to stories—not just telling them, but seeing them. Long before I had a studio, I was the one documenting quiet, meaningful moments that others might miss—the sparkle in a child’s eyes, the way light falls across a face. Photography became my way of preserving not just what people look like, but how they feel in that moment. I opened Charm Photography to create a space where people could slow down, connect, and be reminded of the beauty in their own stories. The Santa Experience began as a small idea—what if children could spend real, unhurried time with Santa instead of being rushed through a line? It grew into something far more meaningful: an immersive, story-driven experience that blends fine-art portraiture with heartfelt memory-making.
WHAT MAKES YOUR SANTA EXPERIENCE UNIQUE?
Our sessions feel less like a photo shoot and more like stepping into a Christmas storybook. The world outside fades away—twinkling lights, soft music, cookies in the air, and Santa who knows every child’s name. Each session is private and intentionally paced so families can relax, laugh, and truly believe in the moment. Every detail is crafted—from hand-styled sets to custom storytelling prompts—so that each family leaves with both exquisite portraits and a memory they’ll talk about for years.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE ATMOSPHERE FEEL SO WARM AND CINEMATIC?
I design each set starting with emotion and building everything else around it. The lighting is soft and layered to feel like candlelight or the golden glow of nostalgia. Textures, colors, and props are chosen to evoke warmth and timelessness. I want every image to look like a still from a cherished holiday movie.
CONTINUED >
“EVERY YEAR BRINGS COUNTLESS TINY MIRACLES—PURE WONDER, LAUGHTER, AND BELIEF THAT SOMETHING GOOD AND

THE CHILDREN’S REACTIONS MUST BE PRICELESS.
One of my favorite moments was when a little boy climbed into Santa’s lap, whispered something in his ear, and Santa’s eyes filled with tears. Later, I learned the boy had asked Santa to visit his grandpa in heaven. It’s not just magic for children; it’s healing and heart connection for everyone in the room. Every year brings countless tiny miracles—pure wonder, laughter, and belief that something good and magical still exists.
BEHIND EVERY GREAT PHOTO IS A STORY.
I approach every session like a conversation, not a performance. I get to know the family first—who they are, how their kids connect, what makes them light up. I use humor, warmth, and curiosity to help everyone relax. They forget about the camera; the real moments appear—the giggles, squeezes, unguarded love. That’s when I start clicking.
ONCE THE PHOTOS ARE READY, WHAT KIND OF REACTIONS DO YOU SEE FROM FAMILIES?
Tears. Smiles. Goosebumps. Many parents tell me they didn’t realize how much these portraits would mean. They see not just their child’s face, but their child’s wonder. For many, these images become heirlooms–the kind that hang on walls for decades.

YOU’RE ALSO BEHIND THE PHOTOS WITH SANTA IN THE TOWN CENTER.
Yes! We’ve been photographing Santa in El Dorado Hills Town Center for five years now. It’s a completely different rhythm from the studio sessions—fast, joyful, and filled with community energy.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE PART OF SUCH A BELOVED COMMUNITY TRADITION?
Watching children grow up—babies becoming teens—and seeing families return year after year is one of my greatest joys. It feels like being part of the town’s living scrapbook.


WHAT DOES THIS SEASON— AND THIS WORK—MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?
For me, this season is about connection, faith in goodness, and slowing down enough to feel it. The Santa Experience is more than a holiday event; it’s a chance to remind families of what matters most. I see it as sacred work: capturing joy, belief, and love.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW?
That the magic is real—because of the love that fills the room when people feel seen. Every smile, every tear, every bit of laughter is genuine. My hope is that when families look back at these portraits, they remember that magic—and carry it forward long after the season ends.
To schedule your own Santa Experience, visit edhportraits.com





Two beloved events just off Highway 49 in Nevada County provide a ready reason for a festive mini-getaway


On a crisp late-fall evening, when it’s dark by 4:30 p.m., the greenery-wrapped lamplights glow against historic buildings on downtown Nevada City’s Broad Street. Well-bundled revelers—some come dressed in Victorian-era attire—wander among outdoor booths, nibbling roasted chestnuts and shopping for gifts made by local artisans. They listen to carolers and call “Merry Christmas!” to neighbors, friends, and strangers. Children extend mittened hands for candy canes and tell Santa what they’d like to find under the tree this year.
This is Victorian Christmas, held two Wednesday evenings and three Sunday afternoons in December in Nevada City (Dec. 10 and 17, 5–9 p.m.; Dec. 7, 14, and 21, 1:30–6 p.m.). Since 1978, the event has drawn crowds to the hilly town nestled among pine trees. It’s free to attend and promises a festive time. Lining the quaint streets, more than 100 vendors sell oneof-a-kind goods—jewelry, home décor, clothing, toys, foods, and more. Shops and restaurants remain open. Santa hears wishes at the Masonic Lodge, and a model of a Dickens Village adorns windows of the Alpha Building. The lighted Christmas tree in Robinson Plaza, typically decorated with frosted pine cones and red bows, anchors the district’s traditional holiday decorations, which include swags of pine and cedar garland and string lights among the gas lamps. The Walking Christmas Tree and Toy Soldier mingle with the crowd (unless it’s raining; then the tree stays in), and on Sunday afternoons, Father Christmas makes the rounds.
To make a getaway of it, consider overnighting at one of the historic B&Bs in town, or at the recently renovated and remodeled National Exchange Hotel. It opened in 1856 as a gathering spot, stage stop, and communication hub—it housed the first telegraph office in Northern
California; and later, till 1942, a post office. In 1973, the property made the National Registry of Historic Places; it’s also a California Historic Landmark. Nowadays, its history is preserved with original brick walls, vintage furnishings and fixtures, and old photos showing earlier glory days. Each guestroom—38 in all—is different, loaded with antiques and present-day luxuries (including good wifi). Floral wallpapers, dark woods and crisp whites add freshness. In the Grand Lounge, find a stunning and irresistible wraparound gold couch; in Lola restaurant, eye-popping teal blue and blood-red bench seating invites diners to settle in to enjoy innovative dishes created from ingredients sourced as locally as possible. End the evening with drinks in The National Bar, on a plump barstool or at a candlelit table for two. It’s the perfect spot for a shot of brown liquor, hot and fierce, to warm up from the outdoors.
Meanwhile, four miles away in Grass Valley, another renowned holiday event happens on three Friday evenings in December (5, 12, and 19, 6–9 p.m.). Cornish Christmas shuts down automobile traffic downtown to celebrate Grass Valley’s heritage. English miners



“Lining the quaint streets, more than 100 vendors sell one-of-a-kind goods—jewelry, home décor, clothing, toys, foods, and more.”
from Cornwall, skilled with hard-rock mining, flocked to the area in the 1860s to extract gold from deep underground. (By 1890, 85% of Grass Valley residents were of Cornish descent.) Fast-forward, and since 1967, Cornish Christmas has brought downtown Grass Valley to life, kicking off the holiday-season weekends with carolers, musicians, cloggers, artisans’ booths, fire pits, mulled cider, chestnut roasting, food vendors, and Santa. Attendees can peruse the booths and eat their fill of delicious Cornish pasties—savory shortcrust hand pies filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s said that in the old days, these were warmed up by candlelight and eaten on the job by grubby-handed miners who used the crimped crust as a disposable handle.



For a sleepover, Holbrooke Hotel, a California Historic Landmark, circa 1852, sits on Main Street as a previously rough-and-tumble Old West stopover, renovated to historic white-washed glory with rich interior bar and lobby spaces (think cowhide rugs, leather settees, dark wood, brick, original iron). The Golden Gate Saloon is one of the longest-operating barrooms west of the Mississippi River. The restaurant serves dishes reminiscent of the Old West (elk, perhaps, and duck, and definitely steak), as well as present-day Californiainspired specialties like crispy tofu salad and mushroom risotto. The Iron Door, a cellar space rumored to have been a speakeasy and a brothel early on, is now a sophisticated amber-lighted bar (and sometimes performance venue) with cozy banquettes set against original stone walls—and the iron doors that once led to underground tunnels. The Holbrooke’s guest rooms, all different, blend old and new with antiques, old brick walls, fluffy high-thread-count bedding, and luxurious baths (some with original-but-refinished clawfoot tubs). Fun touches include old leather-bound books, vintage suitcases, and old-fashioned radios and dial-up telephones.

For more information about Victorian Christmas, go to nevadacitychamber.com; about Cornish Christmas, downtowngrassvalley. com. Check out the hotels at thenationalexchangehotel.com and holbrooke.com.

Exploring light, shadow, and everyday beauty with EDH-based artist Robert N. Anderson
Robert N. Anderson’s journey as an artist has been anything but traditional. After a four-decade career in television, including a position as general manager of a San Francisco TV station, he found his way back to his first love: painting. “Since returning to painting in 2018,” he shares, “I brought with me a deeper sense of patience, purpose, and perception.”
Anderson’s passion for art began early. He experimented with acrylics throughout high school before initially majoring in art at the University of Nebraska. Although his path shifted toward broadcast journalism, his creative instincts continued to evolve behind the camera, where he developed a deep appreciation for light, shadow, and visual storytelling. “Viewers often comment on the clarity of my light source,” he notes. “That’s central to everything I paint. It’s how I create depth, atmosphere, and connection.”
Much of Anderson’s inspiration comes from his own photographs and the quiet beauty of daily life. He often notices color harmonies or compositional opportunities
in ordinary scenes that others might overlook. His sensitivity to how light moves across form allows him to transform simple moments into striking visual narratives.
Beyond the studio, Anderson plays a vital role in the local arts community. As treasurer of the El Dorado Hills Arts Association and co-chair of the El Dorado Hills Fine Art Festival held every October— which he helped establish in 2023—he’s passionate about creating platforms for artists to share their work and connect with the community. His paintings have been featured in local galleries, and he has received several awards for his work.
“My goal isn’t to convey a specific message or commentary,” Anderson says, “but rather to evoke a feeling—warmth, curiosity, calm, or joy. I want my paintings to invite viewers in, to make them pause and linger, to engage with the technique, brushwork, and color choices. If someone stops to really look, then I know I’ve succeeded in capturing their attention.”
Explore and purchase works from his collections at robertnandersonart.com

I want my paintings to invite viewers in, to make them pause and linger.






“Spring Thaw” is from his newest series of three paintings inspired by a January hike along the West Fork River north of Sedona, AZ. On that hike, he crossed the river 17 times—often on frozen ice—and discovered a beautiful scene at every turn!






A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
INSTRUCTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.














NOVEMBER 29TH – DECEMBER 21ST
Imagination Theater Presents “Into the Woods”
100 Placerville Drive, Placerville
This Tony Award-winning masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine weaves together favorite fairy tales in a spellbinding story with a rich musical score and unforgettable characters. Directed by Marc Bonham. Tickets $20–25. See website for show times. itplacerville.org
DECEMBER 6TH
Breakfast With Santa
CSD Gym, 1021 Harvard Way / 8:00 AM
For the 17th year, bring the family out on Saturday morning before the community tree lighting to get fueled up on breakfast and coffee, tell their big wishes to Santa, and participate in a holiday craft activity. Get tickets as soon as you can; this event sells out promptly and space is limited. Two seatings. $12 per person. eldoradohillscsd.org
DECEMBER 6TH
Holiday Tree Lighting
El Dorado Hills Town Center | 4:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with Town Center’s merchant open house (starting at 4 p.m.) and tree lighting ceremony (6:30 p.m.), with live music, the start of the EDH Fire Department’s Santa Run (yes, Santa will be on site!), carriage rides (these will continue through the following two weekends on Friday and Saturday nights), and lots of festivities. edhtowncenter.com


CONTINUED
DECEMBER 7TH
Chanukah Wonderland
Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St., Folsom | 1:00 PM
All are welcome to enjoy captivating live performances, snap photos with Judah Maccabee, and partake in craft activities, including a menorah-building workshop. Also on-site: carnival games, face painting, and candle-making stations, plus the Israeli Food Court, offering traditional latkes and numerous authentic kosher Israeli dishes. Admission is free. Presented by Jewish Chabad Community Center. jewishfolsom.org
DECEMBER 7TH
Broadway and Main Street, Placerville | 1:00 PM
This parade, a 40-year-long tradition, winds along Broadway and onto Main Street in Placerville. Colorful and creative floats, horses decked out in their finest tack, high school bands, holiday goodies, open stores and restaurants, and more make this a family favorite. visit-eldorado.com
DECEMBER 13TH
St. Andrews Frontage Road (enter on Harvard Way) | 5:00 PM
Come on out and support the Oak Ridge High School music programs by rolling through The Jingle Drive, a drive-through event hosted by El Dorado Hills CSD featuring holiday-themed musical performances from the ORHS band, entertainment, and concessions. Till 8 p.m. $20 per car. orhsmusic.org
Want to be featured?


As the region’s only academic medical center, we’re proud to expand access to high-quality personalized care for Folsom, El Dorado Hills and beyond with our new Folsom Medical Care Clinic, near Highway 50 and East Bidwell inside our Folsom Center for Health development.
The new three-story building includes primary care and some specialty care — such as OB/GYN, neurology and orthopedics — in one convenient location, with added services such as expanded imaging scans, cancer infusions, and more.
And we’re remodeling our Folsom Turnpike Specialty Care Clinic to provide even more access to our dermatology, gastroenterology/GI, pulmonology services, and more.