The Gentlemens Edition
As we head into summer this June, let’s take a moment to recognize the men in our lives—those who lead, support, build, and show up in meaningful ways, not just as fathers but also as father figures, mentors, and role models who become a constant source of strength and guidance. With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s a natural time to reflect on the character and love these men bring into our lives every day, helping shape who we are.
This Gentlemen's edition brings together stories that speak to both lifestyle and everyday life. We explore the history of the Old-Fashioned cocktail, a timeless classic rooted in simplicity and tradition. You’ll also find practical insight into maintaining your home’s AC when things start heating up, along with a feature on a beautifully preserved 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible—an example of craftsmanship from another era. For those considering something more personal, we take a look at traveling abroad for hair restoration, an increasingly popular and affordable option for many. And finally, a conversation with an Air Force veteran and former television personality, who shares the experiences that led to his wellness brand.
As always, I hope these pages offer a blend of inspiration and information you can carry with you into the month ahead. To all the men in our community, thank you for the steady presence, hard work, and support you bring into the lives of those around you. And to all the fathers out there, we wish you a well-deserved day of appreciation this Father’s Day.
Warmly,
KRISTY MURDOCH, PUBLISHER @ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Krista Minard
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cadence Murdoch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Krista Minard, Todd Murdoch, Pauli Reep
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jacqueline Pillar, Charlene Taylor, Chris Gora, Brittany Dawn Short, Kaela McGuire
Corporate Team
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
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS GORA
The OldFashioned
Some background on the classic rich-amber cocktail
It seems it all began in the early 1800s, when cocktails were very simple: spirits plus sugar plus water plus bitters. Such a concoction was first documented in a New York publication in 1806 and identified as a “cocktail.”
Nowadays, pretty much any mixture including hard liquor is called a cocktail, and that original mixture of whiskey, sugar, and bitters has undergone plenty of creative twists itself. In fact, within a few years after “the og” became popular, it evolved. By the mid- to late1800s, bartenders were taking the basic whiskey-sugar-bitters recipe and adding various liqueurs, absinthe, muddled fruit (cherries and pineapple have been popular), and other ingredients.
Not everyone was a fan of the fancy. Over time, purists who preferred their cocktails stripped down began ordering them “the old-fashioned way,” meaning as a lowball with just the whiskey, sugar, bitters, and maybe a narrow spiral of orange as garnish. Thus, that mixture became known as the Old-Fashioned.
Last month at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby—the most exciting two minutes in sports—it wasn’t just about the horses and the hats and the all-famous Mint Juleps. Some say “real fans” know
that Thurby, the wildly popular extravaganza held the Thursday before Derby day, is all about the Old-Fashioned. In fact, it has even been said the cocktail was invented in Louisville. There’s no doubt Louisville claims the Old-Fashioned as its own, citing links between the drink and the private Pendennis Club, where it was all the rage in the late-1800s.
No matter where it was born or how you take your whiskey these days, it’s worth going back to basics on occasion. Start with a very high-quality whiskey—typically bourbon or rye—and add a little sweet, a little bitter, a little snap of citrus, and just the right amount of ice. Here, we share the formula for a classic Old-Fashioned you can make at home. If you’re in the mood to go out, to slide into a barstool, or sip down a smooth Old-Fashioned alongside a great meal, try one of the friendly EDH establishments. They’ve got signature versions of the Old-Fashioned—some with peach, chocolate, vanilla, or other flavors—and also will happily make you a spirit-lifting version of the classic one we’re celebrating. Just ask, and request the highest-shelf whiskey you can manage. Some possibilities: 36 Handles Public House, Sienna, ELDO Chophouse & Kitchen, C. Knight’s Steakhouse, Milestone, and South Fork Grille.
“No matter where it was born or how you take your whiskey these days, it’s worth going back to basics on occasion.”
For more information about the Old-Fashioned’s history, check out “The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail With Recipes & Lore” by Robert Simonson; “The Old Fashioned: Celebrating the History, Craft and Culture of America’s Classic Cocktail” by Gilbert Chediak; and “The Old Fashioned: An Essential Guide to the Original Whiskey Cocktail” by Albert W. A. Schmid. Cheers!
THE CLASSIC RECIPE
At its core, the Old-Fashioned is beautifully simple.
·
Whiskey (traditionally bourbon or rye)
· Sugar (or simple syrup)
· Angostura bitters
· Orange peel (for aroma and garnish)
· Ice
No mixers. No shortcuts. Just balance.
KEEP YOUR COOL
SUMMER MEANS AIR-CONDITIONING, AND AMERICAN ENERGY HOME PROS SHARES INSIGHT ABOUT WAYS TO HELP YOUR AC SYSTEM DO ITS JOB
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAELA MCGUIRE
Here we go—it’s 103 degrees outside at 5 p.m. on a Friday in June, and the air-conditioning isn’t working. Maybe it’s blowing tepid air or none at all, and that metal box in the yard isn’t sounding the way it should. Delays and dollar signs and sleepless nights start adding up, and whether you’re facing a simple repair (fingers crossed!) or need a whole new unit, what’s required is real help right away.
At American Energy Home Pros, they know all about this scenario—and how to prevent it. As a family-owned and -operated company serving the Sacramento and foothills regions for more than 40 years, the company strives to be a one-stop shop
“We think of annual AC maintenance similar to changing the oil in your car or getting an annual physical.”
for all HVAC and plumbing needs. “The in-home service industry has become more high-pressure and transactional, with larger businesses charging top dollar and providing a poor customer experience,” says Matthew McGuire, owner/CEO of American Energy Home Pros. “We see this as an opportunity to earn customers for life.”
To do that, McGuire says, American Energy Home Pros provides an honest, transparent, personable, and zero-pressure experience for their customers. They’re as prompt as possible and keep in good contact with customers from start to finish, whatever the size and scope of the job.
As summer heats up, McGuire shares more about American Energy Home
Pros—not only how they can help, but how the homeowner can keep their air-conditioning system going as long and efficiently as possible.
WHY DO AC SYSTEMS OFTEN FAIL DURING PEAK SUMMER HEAT?
Dirty or neglected systems struggle more when they are working at full capacity and have much less room for error. This puts a much heavier load on your compressor during peak summer months. AC systems need regular maintenance.
SHOULD HOMEOWNERS CONSIDER ANNUAL AC SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE AS A PREVENTIVE CHECKUP?
We think of annual AC maintenance similar to changing the oil in your car or getting an annual physical. As your system provides you years of comfort and reliable operation, you want to catch the small issues before they become expensive, disruptive problems. Protect your warranty, save money on energy bills, and extend the total life of your system.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU SEE THAT CAN BE AVOIDED WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE?
There are several common issues we will see when a system is not properly
“The main tip we can provide any homeowner is to change air filters regularly. They become impacted sooner than you think.”
maintained—heavily impacted air filters being the most common. We recommend these are checked regularly and changed every two to three months. Dirty air filters can lead to dirty/impacted evaporator coils. Clogged condensate drains are a close second. This can cause backups and water damage. Basic component wear such as capacitors and contactors go unchecked and lead to larger electrical issues. Refrigerant loss from small leaks in the line set or coils causes a loss in efficiency and stresses the system’s compressor. Leaky ducts after years of use is another common issue easily resolved with regular maintenance.
HOW DOES REGULAR AC MAINTENANCE HELP LOWER ENERGY BILLS AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY?
Maintenance allows us to keep your system clean and allow for consistent filter changeouts. Regular component checkups will always ensure your system operates at peak performance for years to come.
HOW DOES ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IMPACT THE OVERALL LIFESPAN OF AN AC SYSTEM?
Regular maintenance will ensure you have fewer repairs and avoid inefficient aging. We can prevent the smaller issues from becoming larger costly repairs down the road.
HOW DOES AC MAINTENANCE AFFECT INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND OVERALL COMFORT IN THE HOME?
Clean coils and air filters translate to fewer airborne pollutants. Clean evaporator coils remove moisture effectively and reduce humidity. This reduces the ability for mold and mildew to thrive and directly affect your home’s air quality and comfort.
WHAT ARE A FEW SIMPLE MAINTENANCE TIPS HOMEOWNERS CAN DO THEMSELVES BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL VISITS?
The main tip we can provide any homeowner is to change air filters regularly. They become impacted sooner than you think. Clean filters = clean efficient systems.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD HOMEOWNERS SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL AC SERVICING?
Two visits per year is always recommended. Our team membership provides you two checkups per year. This will prevent surprise breakdowns. When you join American Energy’s team membership, we will handle the scheduling for you. Take care of your system and it will do the same in return!
americanenergyair.com
$49 TUNE-UP
A COLLECTOR’S CLASSIC
The Bonneville is widely considered Pontiac’s flagship model, serving for decades as the brand’s most luxurious offering from its introduction in 1957.
Its long, sculpted body lines, stacked headlights, and signature wide grille create an unmistakable presence, while the convertible top invites open-air driving. Inside, spacious seating emphasizes comfort, and under the hood, a powerful V8 delivers smooth, confident performance—hallmarks of Pontiac’s reputation for style and strength.
Today, it remains an enduring reminder of an era when cars were as much about design as they were about travel. “The Bonneville represents a time when craftsmanship and expression truly mattered, and people still connect with that feeling today,” says David Del Dotto, owner of EDH Motors. Located in the heart of Town Center, his family-owned business operates as a concierge-style auto lounge that focuses on sourcing the right vehicle for each client through new car brokerage, pre-owned sales, and consignment services.
ARTICLE BY TODD MURDOCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLENE TAYLOR
EDH Motors presents the 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible from its curated collection
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
This West Coast Bonneville has been locally owned for over 20 years and shows just 24,000 original miles. It features the top engine option—the TriPower 421 HO V8 with three Rochester carburetors, paired with a Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission. Rare factory options include a tachometer and full gauge cluster.
The vehicle has documentation of a full restoration completed in 1985, with additional service records maintained to the present day. The paint and interior were refreshed in 2013, preserving its classic presentation. It also comes complete with service and chassis manuals, original sales brochures, and a framed 1966 period advertisement.
LIST PRICE: $33,777.00
MILES: 24,346
FACTORY OPTIONS: 421ci HO 376 HP Engine
Turbo 400 3-Speed Automatic
Power Brakes
Instrument Cluster
Tachometer
Push Button AM Radio
EDH Motors edhmotors.com
916.282.5333
Leather bench seating reflects a “lounge-like” feel
Tri-Power 421 HO V8 with three Rochester carburetors
Original steering console with tachometer and full gauge cluster
Reclaiming Confidence in the City of Empires
A personal journey from uncertainty to action through hair restoration in Istanbul
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD MURDOCH
For me, the first signs of a thinning crown didn’t happen all at once. It was gradual, easy to ignore at first, until it wasn’t. Like a lot of people, I went down the rabbit hole of possible fixes: lowlevel laser therapy caps, specialized shampoos, supplements. Some of it helped in small ways, but none of it really addressed the bigger issue.
At a certain point, it became clear that if I wanted a meaningful change, I needed to look beyond temporary solutions and toward surgical hair restoration.
As I researched, I kept coming across two methods: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). FUE is widely used and involves extracting individual follicles and placing them into thinning areas. DHI builds on that process using a Choi Implanter Pen, which allows the surgeon to implant follicles directly without pre-cutting channels.
What stood out to me wasn’t just the technology, but the level of control it offered. With DHI, the angle, depth, and direction of each hair can be carefully managed, which plays a huge role in how natural the final result looks. That said, one thing became very clear during my research: The skill of the surgeon matters far more than the name of the technique.
Once I started getting quotes in the U.S., the reality set in quickly. Pricing per graft adds up fast, and for the level of coverage I was looking at, the total cost easily climbed into the $10,000–$20,000 range. It made what felt like the best option technically feel out of reach financially.
That’s when I started hearing more about Istanbul. At first, I was skeptical. Traveling internationally for a medical procedure felt like a big leap. But the more I looked into it, the more it made sense. Clinics there offered the same procedures, performed by highly experienced teams, at a fraction of the cost, typically 60–70% less. What really surprised me, though, was how structured the entire experience was. This wasn’t just a surgery; it was a well-developed system built around medical tourism.
What I also didn’t expect was how much the city itself would shape the experience.
Istanbul sits along the Bosphorus Strait, literally connecting Europe and Asia. Being there in person, it’s easy to see why it’s been used as the setting for films like “Inferno” and “Taken 2.” There’s a sense of scale and history that feels almost cinematic without trying.
Walking past places like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you’re constantly aware of how old the city is and how many layers of history exist in one place. And then, just as quickly, that feeling shifts.
Because Istanbul isn’t stuck in the past. I found myself at places like Nobu Istanbul, staying near properties like The Ritz-Carlton, and realizing how modern everything felt. If I needed something familiar, it was there, whether that
meant grabbing a coffee at Starbucks or getting around easily using Uber. That contrast between ancient and modern at the same time ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Recovery after the procedure is more of a waiting game than anything else. The first few days were all about healing with some swelling, redness, and noticeable scabbing in the treated areas. Activities are limited early on, but light movement and short outings are manageable, making it possible to explore the city in a low-key way while recovering before your aftercare appointment required by the clinic.
The visual results take time, but over the following months, the changes become noticeable, with full results typically developing over the course of a year.
Before going, safety was one of my biggest concerns. But what I found was a city that felt organized, accessible, and comfortable to navigate. The clinic environment was professional, and the overall process felt far more routine than I had expected. That said, doing the research beforehand is critical. Not every clinic operates at the same level, and taking the time to verify credentials and do your own research makes a big difference.
Choosing Istanbul meant stepping into a place where history, culture, and modern life all intersect. It turned a purely clinical decision into an experience—one that extended well beyond the procedure itself.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE.
Pickle In A
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!
Pickle Juice Brined Wings
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drummettes)
• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings
• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.
2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.
3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.
4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juice-brined wings in this sauce and taste the joy! Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY
Town Center Market
EDH Town Center Amphitheater | 9:00 AM
Every Saturday, year-round, the certified farmer’s market comes to Town Center with produce from local farmers, goodies from area bakers, and crafts and goods from makers. Last year, the market moved to this pretty waterside location, and the community comes out each weekend for treats and live music. Summer is the best time to visit the market; June brings cherries and early peaches! edhtowncenter.com
JUNE 6TH
CSD’s Youth Fishing Derby
Village Green Park – 4655 Serrano Parkway | 7:00 AM
Kids are invited to get hooked on fishing! Two derbies get underway—one at 8 a.m. (check-in starts at 7:15 a.m.), the other at 10:15 a.m. (check-in 9:30 a.m.).
A collaboration between El Dorado County Fish & Game Commission, Serrano Homeowners Association and State Farm agent Nick Bertetta keeps this annual event free. Pre-registration required. eldoradohillscsd.org
JUNE 17TH
Town Center Connect
EDH Town Center | 4:30 AM
All are welcome at this mixer designed to bring together Town Center Association members and the broader EDH business community for an evening of snacks, networking, collaboration, and connection. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and strengthen community relationships. Town Center Association Members from 4:30–5:30 p.m; EDH connections from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Location in Town Center to be announced. edhtowncenter.com
events
CONTINUED
JUNE 18TH - 21ST
El Dorado County Fair
Placerville Fairgrounds; 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville
With a theme of Good Ol’ Fashioned Fun, the El Dorado County Fair promises plenty of family fun and excitement again this year. Think mutton bustin’, live interactive exhibits, musical performances, clown college, free train rides, a funnel cake-eating contest, and celebration of America’s 250th birthday! Gates open at noon Thursday, Friday, and Sunday; 10 a.m. on Saturday; carnival starts at noon. eldoradocountyfair.org
JUNE 19TH
Summer Concert Series
Community Park – 1021 Harvard Way | 7:00 PM
The Summer Concert Series comes to EDH Community Park the third Friday of each month this summer. This month, bring your blanket, lawn chair, and snacks, and get ready to hear some good tunes from Kirk Basquez and dance on the grass. eldoradohillscsd.org
JUNE 20TH - 21ST AND 27TH - 28TH
2025 Lavender Blue Days
Bluestone Meadow and other Apple Hill farms | 10:00 AM
Summer in the foothills kicks off with this Apple Hill Growers event taking place at various farms in the Camino/ Placerville area. If you’ve not explored this region in the summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover one of Apple Hill’s other seasons! You’ll find lavender, blueberries, strawberries, wine, flowers, hard cider, olive oil, baked goods, jams, treats, and more! visit-eldorado.com
Want to be featured?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ ELDORADOHILLS
Accepting new primary care patients in Folsom
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.
Plus, we’ve remodeled our Folsom Turn Pike Specialty Care Clinic to provide even more access to our dermatology, gastroenterology/GI, pulmonology services, and more.