Village Life/Cameron Park Life, Thursday, March 7, 2024

CAMERON MEADOWS PROJECT

was lled past capacity Feb. 15 as community members attended a public scoping meeting regarding a controversial development planned to be built around Rasmussen Pond.

The True Life Companies LLC has been pursing its Cameron Meadows project, a 161-lot subdivision of single-family homes and 16 accessory dwelling units on a 104-acres locals have used as an uno cial nature park for decades.

When “for sale” signs rst popped up in the area in 2021, heralding the possibility of future development, a grassroots opposition group called the Rescue Rasmussen Pond Alliance came together. The groups has swi ly grown in the past three years; according to a representative of the alliance, Rob Harris, the group now boasts more than 700 members and counting. Harris explained the group is committed to stopping the development before it

Opponents show up en masse

gets o the ground and aims to purchase the land to preserve its undeveloped natural beauty.

The land in question is bordered on two sides by the Pine Hill Preserve and El Dorado County owned land — both parcels have been established as preserves for rare plants that grow on the area’s gabbro soil. RRPA members have said they believe the pond deserves similar protection for its status as a wetlands area.

“People have looked a er this place, cleaning and maintaining the socially developed trails for 20 years,” Harris said. “If you go to other natural parks in Cameron Park, they’re basically just utility easements and you’re just staring at other people’s backyards.”

Though privately owned, the public has freely accessed the pond and trails for decades. Trails on the parcel connect to others that weave through the area, a web of walkways spanning more than 6 miles. TTLC’s project description carves out more

■ See CAMERON MEADOWS, page A6

Noel Stack Managing Editor

EDHCSD leaders under pressure

■ Residents, board members air numerous concerns at meeting

Anonymous complaints, calls for resignations and accusations of misconduct have put a dark cloud over the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors in recent months and it loomed large once again at the Feb. 8 board meeting.

Director Steve Ferry opened directors’ comments with the statement that an anonymous complaint has been made against him. That was followed by Director Heidi Hannaman calling recent events “a witch hunt” and sharing that she has received three anonymous complaints and two anonymous public records requests.

EDHCSD lawyer out

Noel Stack Managing Editor

The El Dorado Hills Community Service District has replaced its general counsel.

The announcement that Kronick Moskovitz

Tiedemann & Girard attorney David Tyra would no longer serve the district came Feb. 29, three weeks a er members of the public and EDHCSD board members Heidi Hannaman and Steve Ferry openly criticized the attorney.

“Cole Huber attorneys Derek Cole and Elizabeth Fratarcangeli will provide the bulk of the district’s legal services under the interim agreement,” states the EDHCSD press release.

“Both are experienced municipal attorneys who

■ See LAWYER, page A7

Village Life photo by Odin Rasco

Community members troubled by the Cameron Meadows development project ocked to the Cameron Park Community Services District assembly hall Feb. 15, airing their concerns about potential ecological impacts the project may cause.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

March 7

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Kniesel’s Collision, 4031 West Chaparral Drive in Shingle Springs.

The El Dorado Union High School District hosts the annual Career Expo, 6:308:30 p.m. at Union Mine High School, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado. This event is intended for high schoolers and young adults searching for career inspiration. Along with the many industry leaders that will be exhibiting the fascinating work they do in the community, there will also be a job fair where attendees have the opportunity to be interviewed and hired on the spot.

Oak Ridge High School Drama presents “Murder on the Orient Express,” March 7-9 and March 14-16 at the high school theater in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more information visit ortab.org/services-7-1.

March 8

See Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta and Dolly at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter. net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 9

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts What Is IPM?, 9 a.m. to noon at the Bethell-Del no Ag Building Conference Room, 311 Fair Lane in

Chamber champions local businesses

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Installation & Business Awards Feb. 15 to a sold-out audience of 200 attendees at the Serrano Country Club.

The event is a celebration for the business communities’ chamber members and their guests. The chamber received several quali ed nominees in every category for its annual business awards and announce the winners at the dinner celebration:

• Home-Based Business of the Year: Dave Maestas & Jan Parker, West Coast Events

• Start-Up Business of the Year: Jennifer Yoder and Mike Giancanelli, Sierra Home Transitions

• Small Business of the Year: Joe Humphrey, Western Fire Supply

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Cayla Colon, Creamy’s by Cayla Jordan

• Excellence in Business of the Year: Snowline Hospice

The dinner, awards ceremony, no host bar, fantastic silent auction, as well as the team/table activity “Word Builder” and the beautiful, illuminated balloons on every table really had the room sparkling with excitement and laughter. The wine at the event was sponsored by Crystal Basin Cellars. Owners Mike and Melissa Owen also provided a “tasting” of some of their premier wines during the cocktail hour. The event was kicked o by So a Badolian, daughter of the outgoing Chairman of the Board Craig Badolian, leading the Pledge of Allegiance and performing her beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner — this followed by the Master of Ceremonies, Miss Taryn Grows. Guests included California State Sen. Maria Alvarado-Gil, California State Assemblyman Joe Patterson, county Board of Supervisors District 1 representative Cindy Munt, Kimberly Pruett representing Congressman Tom McClintock’s o ce and El Dorado County Sheri Je Leikauf, among other notable

dignitaries.

With a new and di erent spin on the regular auction, Sheri Leikauf produced a live auction experience that really blew the attendees away — breakfast or lunch with the sheri and a ride in EDSO’s new helicopter, ECHO 1, a memorable addition. The chamber is appreciative of all the donors and bidders for the silent auction and happy to announce that scholarships for local graduates will be funded as a result.

Also at the event, the El Dorado Hills Chamber installed the 2024-25 Board of Directors, sworn in by Sheri Leikauf — Jenna Hoyt (chairman of the board) with Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Craig Badolian (past chairman of the board) with BI Designs & E Life Cycles, Kelly Seymour with Blue Shield of California, DeeDee Riley with Lyon Real Estate, Cathey Cort with AdsUp!, James Boras with El Dorado Disposal, Todd Pate with Mercy Hospital Folsom, El Dorado County Superintendent

of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, Dave

Coast Events and David Williamson with Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions. The Chamber recognized the

■ See AWARDS page A8

Maestas with West

continued support of its Premier Partners: Parker Development Company, El Dorado Hills Town Center, Dignity Health

Photos by Charm Photography

Snowline Hospice received the EDH Chamber’s Excellence in Business of the Year award, above. From left are former District 3 supervisor Brian Veerkamp, former District 1 supervisor John Knight, Snowline Chief Clinical O cer Lori Scoville, hispice care consultant Suzy Vietor, Andrea Howard with Parker Development Company and Snowline Philanthropy Development Director Laurie Heyman.

West Coast Events owner Dave Maestas, center, celebrates his Home-Based Business of the Year award with his daughter Dana, left, and Mary Carrera with the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Courtesy photo Shelby Mason is crowned Miss California HeartShine 2024 by Miss California HeartShine 2023 Aakriti

Dua at the recent pageant.

Gathering brings Bruins, PHS supporters together

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage

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

2024 marks the 20th year that Ponderosa High School Foundation has been working diligently to “enrich the education of every Bruin” by supporting the school through twice-ayear mini-grants, twice-a-year Teacher Amazon Wishlists, senior scholarships and collaboration on larger scale projects such as the recent gym mural.

The first semester of the 2023-24 school year the grant recipients are: Special Education (Chase Baginski), Science (John McClellan), Modern Languages (Damian Fragano), Family and Consumer Science (Britta Fletcher), CTE-FACS (Amanda Speake), Science (Lisa Bertram), VAPA (Jennifer Schrock/Juliana Yorba), ICT (Cameron Bennett) and Agriculture and Special Education (Britta Fletcher). In addition the foundation facilitated the Holiday Amazon Wishlist; 27 teachers received 82 gifts with a total value of more than $1,500.

These efforts are only made possible through the generosity of the

greater Ponderosa community and this includes the annual Green and Gray Gathering fundraiser. This year’s event will be held in the heart of the district at the beautiful Cameron Park Country Club, 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 6. It includes a buffet dinner, live music performed by Ponderosa Jazz Band programs, raffle baskets, silent auction for student-produced creations from Art, Floral and Ag Mechanics, as well as other amazing items. The Dessert Dash is supplied by Bruin bakers from Advanced Culinary Arts, and don’t forget photo ops with the beloved Ponderosa Bruin.

Early bird priced tickets are available until March 17 at pondofoundation.com and sales end on March 31. Sponsorships are available. Email pondofoundation@gmail.com.

“We believe communities are strengthened by the schools within them,” said Avis Jolly, PHSF board president. “And we hope you, our community, will consider joining us for this wonderful evening to support our mission.”

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Friel appointed court commissioner

Kinney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient

News release

The El Dorado County Superior Court has announced the appointment of Michael H. Friel as court commissioner. After an extensive search and vetting by the entire bench, Friel was appointed by Presiding Judge Vicki Ashworth.

Friel will be based in the Cameron Park courthouse but will serve in all courts in El Dorado County. He will specialize in cases involving civil case management and mandatory settlement conferences, unlawful detainers, small claims, the Department of Child Support Services, domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders, family law, traffic and juvenile infractions, as well as overflow matters as assigned

Events

that lessen risks to people and the environment? Are you interested in less toxic pest management? Join Master Gardeners for a presentation on Integrated Pest Management, an ecosystem-based approach to solving garden pest problems using a combination of techniques. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=41976.

by the presiding judge.

Friel was most recently employed as the director of Family Court Services and Self Help at the court, where he assisted unrepresented litigants in family law, small claims, probate and unlawful detainers. Friel has served in this role since 2017. Additionally, he has acted as a judge pro tem in civil case management and mandatory settlement conferences, small claims and traffic.

Prior to his employment with the court, he worked as a contract attorney at Lake County Superior Court from 2015-17. Additionally, he worked as an attorney practicing in various areas of the law from 1993-2013 and as a professor at Yuba Community College instructing English and political science courses from 1994-2015.

Continued from A2

March 15

Explore what life would have been like in Coloma during 1850 at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Docents will have demonstrations set up to show the park visitors different hands-on demonstrations and crafts that people did during the California Gold Rush. Thrive presents Back the Badge, a rustic gala. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Tickets are available online at heartbehindthebadge.eventbrite.com.

The Pops Chorale and Orchestra presents Big Band Pops March 9 & 10 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Lightning Thief,” March 9 through April 7. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

March 10

The Placerville Shakespeare Club presents

Authors’ Day, featuring author presentations, question & answer period, book sales, book signings, door prizes and light refreshments. Authors appearing will be Lexa M. Mack, Frank Nissen, Karen A. Phillips, Jamie Susslin and Julie Tully. Doors will open at noon at the Shakespeare Clubhouse, 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville. For more information visit placerville-shakespeare. com.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists presents Concerti Grossi at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 12

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents Medicine in the News, a presentation by Ted Christy, M.D., 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills at 1 p.m. Call (916) 61403200 to sign up. Space is limited.

March 17

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts two events: Read to a Dog, 1-2 p.m. Therapy-trained friend Emma the Corgi will be on-hand for a free, fun, one-on-one reading session with kids. Writers’ Coffeehouse, 1-2:30 p.m., allows writers to chat about the latest trends in the industry, about the craft of writing, about marketing, pitching and selling as well as the frustrations and positives of the writing experience. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Folsom Concert Association presents Key of G Live! A Tribute to Garth Brooks at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 19

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive, noon to 3:15 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot at 2101 Vine St. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant. org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Now

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Almost, Maine” through March 10. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke. com.

Kerry Irish Productions presents Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

March 13

Master Gardeners of El Dorado County hosts

Back To Basics, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Are you brand new to gardening, but have a burning desire to learn proper practices? Have you had some gardening experience, but not much success achieving healthy plants? Plan to attend MG Sheri Burke’s free public education class.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a park party at the Jackson Elementary School all-abilities playground, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy free dinner, music, and family-oriented activities, including golf games provided by First Tee. Be sure to bring your favorite picnic blanket.

Women’s Fund El Dorado’s Wickline Scholarship applications are now available. Candidates must reside on the Western Slope of El Dorado County, be female age 22 or older and must be accepted by and plan to attend an accredited educational or vocational institution between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Applications are due before 5 p.m. March 11. For additional information visit womensfundeldorado.org/wickline.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” through March 30. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Abstract Ideas, featuring art by Linda Nunes and Matt Rhoades, through April 18. In the adjacent Community Art Gallery, art from the Children’s Art Classes at the Folsom Art Center is on display through April 11. For more information call call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.

Cameron Meadows

Dinkler explained the meet-

held days after a similar one conducted virtually, was part of

early phases of the project review process conducted by

El Dorado County Planning Department. As a draft environmental impact report is compiled, the county is reaching out to the community for comments on what potential environmental impacts are of particular concern.

“The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to listen to you,” Dinkler explained.

Pat Angell, the environmental consultant from ASCENT Environmental set to prepare

the Cameron Meadows EIR, also attended the meeting. Angell took time at the start of the meeting to explain part of the EIR process to the crowd; though the county may certify the EIR for the project, that only moves it to the next step of the California Environmental Quality Act process. It is not the same as the county approving the project.

Before the podium was opened to the public for three-minute turns at the microphone, a line had already begun to stretch along one of the walls. The attendees filled almost the entire two hours set aside for public comment with comments ranging from concerns and questions to outright condemnation.

“They are looking to expand

to high-density housing rather than the 1-acre parcel zoning that exists,” Harris read. “This project should never have reached this stage. This is not the first time the Planning Department had bowed down to developers.” Harris asked the crowd to raise their hands if they were opposed to the development; a clear majority of the people in attendance lifted their hands into the air. Concerns raised touched on a wide range of factors, from aesthetics to traffic impacts and ecological concerns. An influx of new homes might be perceived as an increased burden of risk for wildfire insurers, a concern that has proven all-toopossible as more Californians are left with only the California FAIR plan as an insurance option. Increased traffic on already-congested roadways was a common theme of complaint as well; with only a couple points of ingress and egress for the development plan, one attendee asked if there was enough consideration placed into the potential need for

evacuation.

Continued from A1

“Unlike some other roads they can expand, Cameron Park Drive isn’t going to get bigger. It’s just going to get squeeze-ier,” one speaker quipped.

Paul Gilchrist, a member of the El Dorado County Fire Protection District Board of Directors, took his turn at the podium, explaining the issue was important enough for him to make an appearance despite his weakened health. Gilchrist had just weeks prior had a heart attack and a quadruple bypass procedure.

“This is important or I wouldn’t be here,” Gilchrist told the audience. “I implore the Planning Department consider all the stakeholders — visitors to the area, neighbors and the environment. This place is a huge resource for our quality of life.”

Though the comment period has now closed on this step of the process, the public will get more opportunities to share their opinions after the draft environmental document is completed.

Village Life photo by Krysten Kellum

Locals are fighting a plan to build homes near Rasmussen Pond in Cameron Park.

Auditor-Controller releases list of El Dorado County’s highest paid staff

News release

El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn has updated the list of El Dorado County’s 100 highest compensated employees for calendar year 2023. Including salary and benefits, the following positions rank highest on the list:

• Mental Health medical director $486,944.24

• Sheriff/coroner $435,919.01

• Mental Health psychiatrist $383,251.66

• Undersheriff $353,042.84

• County counsel $350,999.93

Pressure

“I have been advised that what is being requested is potentially outside of the scope of the Public Records Act so I will be asking the district to pay for a second legal opinion to be sure that my privacy interests are protected as, at this point in time, I do not appear to be getting the legal support I would expect from the board’s legal counsel,” she said. Hannaman suggested the board provide separate legal counsel for her and Ferry and warned directors who have yet to be targeted that they could be next if the district continues to allow such “anonymous harassment.”

“I also need to express grave concern that the anonymous person also appears to have hacked into my CSD emails or that someone possibly inside the CSD has leaked them,” she continued. “As a citizen, this is very concerning to me that someone could get access to our email so easily and I would like IT to look into this immediately.

“It is sad to see this board become so petty,” Hannaman added. “It feels like this is becoming a hostile environment for those of us who are just trying to do good by actually being responsive and meeting and talking with those in our community. This is a volunteer job and while I knew there would be ups and downs, no one should be subject to harassment, bullying and intimidation.”

Hannaman made a motion to grant her and Ferry their own legal counsel; both voting aye when the time came. Board President Noelle Mattock and Directors Ben Paulsen and Michael Martinelli voted against the action.

After the motion failed, Paulsen said he agreed with Ferry and Hannaman about the anonymous complaints getting out of control but thought hiring separate legal counsel is “premature.”

“We’re all being affected by it,” Paulsen assured, adding that he’d like to see the district adjust its complaint policy. “Anonymous complaints don’t hold weight because it’s obviously being abused and not working in the manner that I believe it was meant for.”

“I agree with what’s been said,” added Martinelli. “I mean, I’ve always been a person that tries to do the right thing given the information in front of me.”

Mattock also said she has been the target of anonymous complaints, telling the audience she had complaints mailed to her home address.

“I’ve been sued by a resident for a decision the entire board has made,” she continued, “and then I’ve also had an anonymous complaint waged at my employers, stating that I’m doing the CSD’s business on my work time, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It’s upsetting and sad that it has devolved this far, that we are receiving so many anonymous complaints and it isn’t just limited to the two,” Mattock added. “I know how it felt when I received those and so I completely understand but I didn’t seek to have additional counsel. I had to represent myself in court.”

EDHCSD interim General Manager Mark Hornstra recently acknowledged issues surrounding anonymous complaints. “Obviously we don’t want to stifle the public so we look at all complaints,” he told Village Life, adding that staff considers the complaints’ contents and then determines what, if any, appropriate action to take. Board policy 5090.2 addresses the investigation of complaints and can be found on eldoradohillscsd.org; select Board of Directors under the About menu and then select District Policies on the board’s page.

EDH resident Steve Gutierrez urged the board and EDHCSD legal counsel at the time David Tyra to initiate an investigation into possible leaks within the EDHCSD. He also recommended the board receive Whistleblower Protection Act training and had some harsh words for those anonymously complaining: “These intimidation tactics won’t work. So if the anonymous person is watching or listening right now, let me just say this: hiding behind a tree of anonymousness will not work.”

EDH resident Chuck King, president of Citizens in Support of El Dorado Hills, called the situation “an absolute embarrassment.”

“You guys are just so far off track in so many different things,” King said. “You’ve gone through this crap with Kevin Loewen and his two jobs. And now you’ve got anonymous complaints that are not getting thrown in the garbage can the way they should be.

“These two people are good people,” he said of Ferry and Hannaman. “They don’t do anything wrong. They try to get out and they try to make CSD a popular entity, and they try to do what’s right for this community.”

King went on to hurl sharp criticism at Tyra.

“Your legal counsel is supposed to be keeping you guys out of trouble, not putting you in it when these things are happening,” he asserted. “He’s the guy that’s supposed to say, ‘No, this

In the top 40 is a program manager in the Health and Human Services Agency who was again paid for more than 5,000 hours of on-call pay. This HHSA manager was paid approximately $70,000 for on-call pay in 2023.

The list of compensated employees is available online at bit.ly/2023toppay.

“Posting the list to the county’s website is part of the ongoing effort to increase transparency in our county government,” Harn said. “The best government transparency involves placing all financial information online in a readily understandable manner. Government

Continued from A1

shouldn’t be happening.’”

King closed by suggesting the board replace its counsel and advising Directors Mattock and Paulsen that they are on thin ice with voters.

“I don’t see how anybody in this community (is) going to support either one of you when it comes time for elections in November,” he said. “You might be better off to just go ahead and go now.”

EDH resident George Steed echoed that sentiment, sharing during public comment that he would like to see Mattock and Paulsen resign immediately.

“This organization needs a regime change and it needs a correction in action,” Steed said. “You two are at the center of these issues. You need to step down.”

Parker off the hook?

One matter at the heart of the public’s discontent is the EDHCSD’s apparent failure to hold Parker Development to its agreement to build a turnkey park on 12.5 acres in the Serrano development. The property, which is now part of the much-larger Bass Lake Park project, has been deeded to the EDHCSD and El Dorado County is holding approximately $3.5 million in collected MelloRoos funds for park construction.

Calling the decision “a gift of public funds,” members of the public have for years questioned current and past board members’, as well as former general manager Kevin Loewen’s, actions related to the park when it was decided Parker wouldn’t have to build it. Director Ferry has also brought up the issue several times, arguing that the CSD gave up millions of dollars — total construction cost of a turnkey park is estimated at $10 million to $12 million — without making that apparent to the public.

“It’s unconscionable that you guys would fight us on the idea that there’s a gift here. It’s unconscionable that anybody would suggest that Bill Parker and company are shrewd business people, and they made a great deal for themselves and a bad deal for us,” EDH resident Dean Getz told the board Feb. 8.

Brown Act troubles

The EDHCSD board and staff recently received a letter from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office confirming an investigation into “some past actions” by the district’s board members and Loewen. The letter notes the investigation has uncovered apparent Brown Act violations.

“We are concerned not only about the serial meetings that appeared to have occurred back in late 2020 when it looks like the board of directors approved Kevin Loewen ‘providing consulting to other public agencies (and other businesses),’ but there are also concern(s) that the lack of training and understanding of the Brown Act may lead to ongoing current processes in 2024 that may fall short of this important law,” the letter states.

To bolster public confidence that the board is in compliance with the law, DA officials advise the current board members and interim general manager to receive proper Brown Act training.

Loewen investigation

Several speakers at the Feb. 8 meeting noted the district has yet to release any information about the independent investigation into former GM Loewen, who resigned in mid-December 2023.

At the Nov. 9 board meeting Mattock confirmed the district had hired “an outside law firm separate from the one which the district legal counsel is a member of to conduct an independent investigation into the general manager’s conduct.”

This announcement came four months after El Dorado Hills residents raised concerns about possible ethics and contract violations related to Loewen’s professional activities outside the district and his relationship with a CSD consultant.

“Now that Kevin has resigned, we’re hopeful that the status and information can be updated regularly to the public, including the total taxpayer funds used to pay legal fees for the investigation,” resident and District 1 supervisor candidate Linda Campbell told the directors. “It would be helpful to know that policy checkpoints have been put in place to prevent conflicts of interest in future contract negotiations and evaluations.”

The next EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, with closed session beginning at 5:30 p.m. and open session at 6:30 p.m. at the Norm Rowett Pavilion, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. The meeting is also broadcast on Zoom. For more information and to view the agenda visit eldoradohillscsd.org/about/board_of_directors.

transparency allows taxpayers to see how our county is spending tax money and gives El Dorado County residents the ability to hold us accountable. The internet is a great place to enhance transparency.”

The cost of each employee’s CalPERS benefit is included on the list, but the reported retirement cost should be reviewed with some skepticism, according to Harn. CalPERS has intentionally understated the actual cost of its retirement programs statewide, he said; undoubtedly, higher costs for the county’s retirement program and retirees’ health stipend will need to be paid in the future.

Continued from A1 Lawyer

work with special district and city clients and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to this crucial role,” the release continues, adding that the attorneys “will be integral in navigating this complex legal landscape while also supporting the district’s vision, mission and core values.”

KMTG has provided general legal

counsel to the district for the last 10 years and, the release notes, “may continue to provide assistance on existing litigation, land negotiation and CC&R advisement services while the district conducts the search for a new firm.”

The EDHCSD will issue a request for proposals for new, permanent legal counsel.

Business Spotlight

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Aspiring professional guitarists, pianists, drummers and more have the perfect place to visit when they want new instruments, instruction and great conversations with fellow musicians.

Since 1996 El Dorado Hills Music (previously known as Ted’s Music Shop) has served the region. Owners Cameron and Emily Carbrey, a musical duo whose passion for music brought them to dedicate their e orts to helping others make beautiful music together, bought the stop in 2019. Cameron has been teaching guitar, bass, drums, saxophone and piano since 1997.

On their rst date, Emily noted, Cameron shared his plans to own a music store; it was just a matter of when.

“For me it’s just my home away from home,” said Cameron, who has been a musician since age 3 and has performed with Grammy-winning artists.

El Dorado Hills Music o ers instrument service/repairs, sales (including special orders), lessons and instrument rentals. The Cabreys take pride in having products with a strong cost/value ratio. Many instruments are made in the USA and prices are competitive with, if not better than, what shoppers will nd at the big box stores..

“We are here to help (customers) get the right tool for the job,” Cameron explained. “I don’t want anyone to buy an instrument and bring it back because it wasn’t the right quality … or within their budget for their skills and needs.”

Though Emily said running the shop is “a lot of hard work,” she and Cameron enjoy the local musicians scene. Her “day job” is assistant conductor with the Sacramento Master Singers while Cameron stays in the store as “the caretaker of the instruments” and helps the next generation of great musicians.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

How can women bridge the retirement gap?

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day for celebrating all the accomplishments of women around the globe. But many women still need to make up ground in one key area: retirement security.

Let us help you pay tribute to a loved one.

When you experience the loss of a loved one, our Village Life team can help you convey information in several ways!

Obituary ~ You may write the tribute in your own words or if needed we can provide assistance. Obituaries will publish on the day requested, subject to publication deadline.

Anniversary Remembrances ~ You may place an ad in memory of a deceased loved one on the anniversary of a significant date such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of their death.

Call Elizabeth Hansen for more information

530-344-5028

Women’s challenges in achieving a secure retirement are due to several factors, including these:

• Pay gap — It’s smaller than it once was, but a wage gap still exists between men and women. In fact, women earn, on average, about 82 cents for every dollar that men earn, according to the Census Bureau. And even though this gap narrows considerably at higher educational levels, it’s still a source of concern. Women who earn less than men will likely contribute less to 401(k) plans and will ultimately see smaller Social Security checks.

• Longer lives — At age 65, women live, on average, about 20 more years, compared to almost 17 for men, according to the Social Security Administration. Those extra years mean extra expenses.

• Caregiving responsibilities — Traditionally, women have done much of the caregiving for young children and older parents. And while this caregiving is done with love, it also comes with nancial sacri ce. Consider this: The average employment-related costs for mothers providing unpaid care is nearly $300,000 over a lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which translates to a reduction of 15% of lifetime earnings. Furthermore, time away from the workforce results in fewer contributions to 401(k) and other employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Ultimately, these issues can leave women with a retirement security decit. Here are some moves that can help close this gap:

• Contribute as much as possible to

Awards

retirement plans. Try to contribute as much as you can a ord to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. Your earnings can grow tax deferred and your contributions can lower your taxable income. (With a Roth 401(k), contributions aren’t deductible, but earnings and withdrawals are tax free, provided you meet certain conditions.) At a minimum, contribute enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is o ered, and try to boost your contributions whenever your salary goes up. If you don’t have access to a 401(k), but you have earned income, you can contribute to an IRA. Even if you don’t have earned income, but you have a spouse who does, you might be eligible to contribute to a spousal IRA.

• Maximize Social Security bene ts. You can start taking Social Security at 62, but your monthly checks will be much bigger if you can a ord to wait until your full retirement age, which will be around 66½. If you are married, you may want to coordinate your bene ts with those of your spouse. In some cases, it makes sense for the spouse with the lower bene ts to claim rst, based on their earnings record, and apply for spousal bene ts later, when the spouse with higher bene ts begins to collect.

• Build an emergency fund. Try to build an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account. Having this fund available will help protect you from having to dip into your retirement accounts for large, unexpected costs, such as a major home or car repair. It’s unfortunate, but women still must travel a more di cult road than men to reach retirement security. But making the right moves can help ease the journey.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.

Continued from A2

Suzy O’Neal Financial columnist

Courtesy photo

Hills Music owners Cameron and Emily Carbrey o

lessons and more at their shop.

The Gift of Kids, Inc.

Jennifer Tommasini

5130 Golden Foothill Parkway

El Dorado Hills

916-521-1835

www.thegiftofkids.net

I would like to thank everyone for their vote for #1 Favorite Daycare and continuing to trust us with your precious children. I love being part of this community and helping children learn and grow. With 4 children of my own (now 25, 22, 13 and 12), my own journey began in the daycare preschool eld because I was unhappy with the care and education I was receiving.

I have been blessed to have a large facility in El Dorado Hills where I employ 30 loving teachers and care for 200 children. We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, and private Kindergarten. Don’t be fooled by our large size, our teachers make each classroom homey and warm. The kids have lots of outdoor space to play, we are on over an acre and have 4 large playgrounds, a soccer eld, and a an organic garden. The Gift of Kids outdoor area gives the kids space to explore, garden, and play on age appropriate playgrounds.

The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. We have been working with soccer shots for over 8 years and have a very structured and advanced curriculum! Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certi ed, and make it a priority to continue their education.

The Gift of Kids Inc. is celebrating 24 years in business, with 14 years in our same location, Business Park 1. We could not have done it without the many wonderful families here in the community that I have called home for 20 years! Again...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me live out my dream in a business that I love and families that continue to bless us with their children. We have newly renovated the inside of our school, so come by to check it out and say hello anytime!

Lisa

410 Boudin Court, El Dorado Hills

5,420 square feet

5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

0.52-acre property

Listed at $3,499,000 MLS #223112843

Tamasi Ross Construction presents a stunning, brand-new home on a quiet Serrano Country Club cul-de-sac with an estimated completion date of fall 2024.

This ideal oor plan lives like a single story with three bedrooms, including the primary spa inspired suite with a cozy replace, on the main level. The El Dorado Hills home also features a main level ex room for an o ce or additional suite, as it includes a pool bathroom with exterior access.

Upstairs are two additional ensuite bedrooms plus a bonus room perfect for a remote retreat.

The spacious dream kitchen boasts a top-of-the-line Thermador appliance package that o ers a 36-inch-wide refrigerator/freezer towers, two dishwashers, double wall ovens and more. The separate scullery back kitchen also has a second Thermador refrigerator.

The great room is accented by a dramatic oor-to-ceiling plaster replace and huge patio doors to the covered loggia and patio area complete with a built-in barbecue and repit.

The outdoor oasis also includes a sparkling pool, spa and a large lawn area. An attached, four-car garage with room for golf cart parking and owned solar round out this complete package.

Country club amenities include an award-winning golf course, tennis courts and miles of trails that meander through oak woodland and showcase a natural creek. Serrano is in the heart of El Dorado Hills, close to shopping, dining, great schools and Highway 50.

Interested in this gorgeous Boudin Court home in El Dorado Hills? Contact Lisa Paragary at (916) 247-1303 or lisa@paragarymillerteam.com or Steve Miller at (916) 799-7547 or steve@paragarymillerteam.com.

Explore the wine country backroads ‘Behind the Cellar Door’

One of the glories of springtime in this region is the opportunity to drive the backroads of El Dorado and Amador counties. California poppies start to dot the landscape as the road twists and turns. Blooms of gold fields, lupine and Indian paintbrush peek at you. The sky above the ranch lands is vast and the skyscapes are memorable. You may see azure skies with puffy clouds or a spring storm in all its glory.

All you need is a destination.

This month, the Amador Vintners Association has that objective for you. Set your GPS for Plymouth and the annual Behind the Cellar Door wine tour on the weekend of March 23–24. Tickets sell quickly, and no wonder.

The art of winemaking

The Behind the Cellar Door weekend is ideal for wine lovers and novices.

I would even argue it is even delightful for the designated driver. The winery settings are cozy and picturesque.

The wines are world class, presented by winery owners, blenders and chefs. This is wine education at its funnest … er, finest. Expect to encounter barrel samples, hard-to-find vintages and some delicious food pairings. Recipes are often included.

The wine education will be a tastebuds-on experience. Guests will be able to taste and see why the Sierra foothill region — and Amador County in particular — is one of the top wine regions in California. Many of the wines are rated at 100 points by Wine Spectator.

Those familiar with Northern Italy’s wine country may note many similarities in terroir and grape varieties from Old World stock. Some varietals are grown from “estate grapes” whose vines date back more than 150 years to the Gold Rush era.

This event offers a wealth of immersive activities during the two-day experience. Depending on availability, guests can reserve experiences at up to five different wineries each day, choosing from 45 wineries.

Good to know

And as you do so, enjoy those delightful backroads. Discover your own favorite spots, spectacular views and unique gems. The Hubster and I are regulars at The Pokerville Market. The deli reminds me of the old Draeger’s deli in the Bay Area. It is a fun place to grab a picnic lunch and then go winery touring any day of the week.

You will quickly discover that every weekend in Amador County wine country is a good weekend. There are so many little places to discover.

Tickets are available to purchase online at amadorwine.com. Prices are (per person): $89 – full weekend, $69 – Saturday (limited availability), $59 –Sunday and $20 each day for designated drivers.

Enjoy tasting flights, behind-thescenes vineyard and winery tours and an educational experience delivered by these expert winemakers and winery teams.

admitted Rolls, who grew up watching David Suchet’s portrayal of Poirot. “My family is British and my parents really love Agatha Christie and British murder mysteries.”

With the intercontinental nature of the cast, Rolls brought in her former drama teacher and dialect coach Janet Henke, who retired from teaching ORHS theater in 2014. Accents from across the globe range from Hungarian, Russian, Swedish, French, New York, American South to Poirot’s very specific French Belgian inflection. “It’s helping them develop their characters on stage,” explained Rolls. “Seeing them all make the characters their own has been really fun to watch.”

The set, once again, plays its own major part. The 35-member tech crew has built a sleeping compartment car and a dining car with pieces up to 20 feet wide and 7 feet deep. “These are big pieces that have to get moved around on a really small stage,” said Rolls. “A lot of math was involved.”

The play sports a double cast, with senior Michael Borkoski as Poirot in the Finney cast. “I’m a big fan of murder mysteries,” enthused Borkoski, who has enjoyed playing Poirot. “He’s definitely a character with layers. With him, every scene, every person I talk to, every situation I’m in, there’s always something a little different. He shifts his tone when he’s talking to people and I like that.”

Having studied French for four years, mastering Poirot’s accent came relatively easy to Borkoski. But bringing the accent to his character’s complexity was a struggle. “It can be challenging especially in the moments when he gets angry or sad. You have to be able to take that accent and make it sound believable.”

Though this is Borkoski’s first role in an ORHS production, he has been dancing and acting since he was 9 years old and was previously involved in El Dorado Musical Theatre. “That was a lot of fun. It just sucked because I couldn’t sing very well,” he shared with a laugh. He also served as assistant director in last season’s ORHS “Mean

Who knows? Depending on your destination, you may discover every day is a good day, too. Cheers!

Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.

Girls” production and hopes to study film directing or film producing in college, although video game design and aerospace engineering are also interests.

Senior Dylan Woodley plays Poirot in the Suchet cast. “It’s been kind of a difficult role. It’s requiring learning a lot of lines and an entirely new accent,” he confessed. Woodley said he was inspired by David Suchet and modeled some of his own physical mannerisms after Suchet’s portrayal of Poirot.

“Poirot is not like your typical leading man. He’s such a particular character in how he’s played,” said Woodley, whose favorite part is the big reveal at the end. “It’s also a mystery so you have to make sure you say everything exactly the way it is or else everything starts to unravel.”

Woodley has acted in ORHS theater for three years and earned an award for Best Leading Performance for his turn as Wadsworth in last year’s production of “Clue.” He also recently performed in two musicals with Sutter Street Theatre. Woodley plans on double majoring in theater and economics or business. “There’s something about just going up on stage and feeling the audience’s energy,” he confided. “Just performing and losing yourself in the character, there’s something unique about that.”

Woodley and Borkoski offer their own individual spins on Poirot and Rolls is delighted that each cast has a distinct personality in this season’s performances. Rolls was surprised when last year’s play sold out, a sign of the elevation in Oak Ridge productions since she has joined the faculty. She credits the theater’s parent booster group for working hard to publicize the show. “I remember when I first got here and we had 20 people in the audience. It’s really nice that outreach is happening.”

See “Murder on the Orient Express” at the Oak Ridge High School Theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 7-9 and March 14-16 with matinées at 2 p.m. on March 9 & 16. Tickets for $15$20 are available now at gofan.co/app/ school/CA22583_2.

IKit Smith UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

intended plants.

If you want to grow vegetables, build your boxes close to the kitchen. If you are planting for natural color or interesting growth, situate them for prime viewing. You can customize your garden beds for the plants, vegetables, native plants, dwarf trees or owers, considering growing seasons and sun exposure. Shade cloth may be necessary.

Group plants according to the principle of the right plant in the right place for the most successful gardening, knowing the space, changing environment, sun, soil and climate. Dirt in raised beds warms up faster in spring and will stay warmer longer, which extends the growing season.

Garden boxes allow you to grow what may not thrive in your natural soil and to sow crops or owers more densely that will result in higher yields.

Raised beds can be constructed with reinforced sides, made from pressure-treated (with chemicals) wood, untreated redwood or cedar, concrete, stone, steel, brick, rubber or plastic. Most pressure-treated wood is now treated with ACQ alternative wood chemicals that do not contain arsenic, chromium or other potentially harmful chemicals that are considered toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency. Metal horse troughs can be attractive. All boxes should have drainage holes that should be covered with stainless steel wire mesh to exclude gophers and other burrowing animals. Small copper mesh around the perimeter stops the snails.

in leafy material to nourish. Add more compost before planting a couple times a year to decrease the need to fertilize. That is better for both the environment and what you are growing and harvesting. Raised bed soil contains microorganisms and bene cial insects, which may better control or prevent diseases and insects. Worms will stay in the box, as will vermiculture. Use soil with the recommended pH acidity for your desired plants.

Healthy and level soil leads to less overwatering and runo , as air and water are free to move throughout. You can furrow the dirt for targeted irrigation and walking space to avoid compaction. You can water by hand or through drip irrigation. Consider harvesting and using rainwater. Soil in raised beds is more exposed to air and may dry out more quickly. Seasonally, add mulch to both bene t your soil and decrease the amount and frequency of irrigation.

All in all, raised beds should be considered for areas in your yard with soil insu cient in nutrients, depth and draining.

Raised bed soil contains microorganisms and bene cial insects, which may better control or prevent diseases and insects. Worms will stay in the box, as will vermiculture.

The soil in your raised bed should be organically rich, fertile, uncontaminated, non-toxic, not compacted and well-draining. Composted is best. Rotate crops for healthier soil and grow nitrogen- xing cover crops. Also dig

Raised garden beds meet the principles of sustainable landscaping by minimizing human impact on the earth, and little or no damage to the environment, by responsive planting for the climate and available irrigation.

Master Gardener classes are o ered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education_Classes/?calendar= yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/Classes.

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for further information at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the o ce telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Jessica Cyphers

Staff writer

For patients of Dale Stanec, Jr., DDS, going to the dentist feels a little like going home.

“We know all of our patients. They’re our friends,” said Dr. Stanec, who works alongside his wife and office manager, Elena, in his Cameron Park office. “The experience in our office is very personal. We’re very small and greet each patient by name when they walk in. It’s a comfortable, homey place to have dental work done, and we like it that way.”

Dr. Stanec has been in dentistry in the Cameron Park area since 2002. As a kid, he was “always into science and math” and loved the idea of owning his own business. “I ran a lawn-mowing business as a kid — always had some kind of business going — so becoming a dentist and owning my own practice just made sense,” said Dr. Stanec. Dr. Stanec did his undergraduate work at Cal Poly,

San Luis Obispo and then attended dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern in 2001 and says that, although he was born and raised in San Jose, it was a natural draw to open his practice in the foothills. “Elena and I love this area. We had a lot of family and friends here and thought it would be a great place to raise our kids.”

In his office, Dr. Stanec offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers and dental implants to crowns and bridges and more. Unlike many other dentists, Dr. Stanec doesn’t employ dental hygienists or other technicians but does all of his dental work himself.

“I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my patients. It’s fun for me to do the work myself because I get to spend more time with my patients and hang out with them and really get to know them. It makes it fun to do what I do,” said Dr. Stanec.

Another advantage of keeping his practice small is that, because he sees every patient one at a time, Dr. Stanec can be very thorough and immediately answer any questions that come up. He is also able to really respect his patients’ time. “I am almost always early or on time,” said Dr. Stanec. “My patients know that, so they’re usually early or on time for their appointments, too. It’s a win win for everyone.”

Dr. Stanec is located at 3955 Cameron Park Drive — in Cameron Park. His office is right near the Goldorado Shopping Center, directly across from the new Walgreens on Palmer Drive, and is very conveniently located for all of his patients. The move is just one more way Dr. Stanec shows his commitment to providing the best possible care for his patients.

“I look forward to going to work and getting to see who’s on the schedule every day,” said Dr. Stanec.

A dentistry that aims to be a home away from

home

Pixabay image

There are many bene ts to using raised garden beds, including less impact on the environment and a longer growing season.

Not only does litter look ugly, it can cause serious harm to wild animals – even to animals that live far away from where the litter was first dropped. Some litter looks like food. Other litter can tangle animals, leaving them trapped so that they can’t find food or escape predators.

Litter can wash into rivers and streams and be carried to oceans and bays. There, birds, sea turtles and even whales can become entangled. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and try to eat them. Eating plastic bags is very dangerous for any animal.

Do you like helium-filled balloons? They are fun to ______ and bat around.

When these balloons are let loose, they float up into the air and seem to _______. But they don’t. Ultimately these balloons lose their ______ and fall back to earth as litter. Some end up in the _____ where marine animals, especially sea turtles, eat them. The swallowed balloons can block air _______ or get caught in the animal’s ___________. Either way, balloons can be dangerous.

Find the words that complete the story before they float away!

Keep Mylar balloons __________________ .

Outside, a Mylar balloon needs to be ____________ down or attached to a weight.

When getting rid of Mylar balloons, make sure to poke __________ in them to be sure left over helium doesn’t cause them to _________ and blow around if the garbage container is overturned.

Circle the things you can do to keep your community clean and beautiful.

Circle all of the litter hidden in the park. Draw a line from the litter to where it should go. Standards Link: Number Sense: Calculate

Read

Homonym Hunt

Waste and waist sound the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are called homonyms Look through today’s newspaper and find 5 or more sets of homonyms.

Standards

Different places have different fines for littering. In some places, fines are $500. In other places, fines can be $5,000 or more. Pretend you got fined $500 for littering. Look through the newspaper and find things you could buy with $500, instead of paying a fine. Be sure to find items that add up to exactly $500.

If a Mylar balloon, kite or any object becomes _______________ in an overhead power line, call 9-1-1 or 1-800-743-5000.  Do not try to ___________ it yourself.

FINE

One meaning of the word fine is a sum of money that someone is ordered to pay for breaking law.

The girl was fined for dropping litter in the park.

Try to use this meaning of the word fine in a sentence today when talking with your friends or family members.

If I Were a Teacher

How would you set up your classroom? What rules would you have? What subject would you teach?

FAt a moment when musical streams are crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle and resurface, transformed by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre.

Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 60 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history. See the band live at Harris Center for the Arts on March 11.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band marches that tradition forward once again on “So It Is.” The album redefines what New Orleans music means today by tapping into a sonic continuum that stretches back to the city’s Afro-Cuban roots, through its common ancestry with the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti and the Fire Music of Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane, and forward to cutting-edge artists with whom the PHJB has shared festival stages from Coachella to Newport, including legends like Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello and the Grateful Dead plus modern giants like Beck, The Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket and the Black Keys.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Uplifting show on Folsom stage

Allen Schmeltz

FOLSOM — “Cotton Patch Gospel” dances into Sutter Street Theatre, now open.

With music and lyrics by Harry Chapin and based on the book “The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John” by Clarence Jordan, this bluegrass musical is a southern reinterpretation of the gospel story — retelling the life of Jesus in modern-day rural Georgia.

Produced by Gary Musick Productions and Troupe America Inc., the “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is the only OffBroadway play to be praised by both Rolling Stone and Christianity Today and hailed as “a joyous triumph” by the New York Times.

Sutter Street Theatre’s version is directed and choreographed by Sam Williams with music direction by Connie Mockenhaupt. The show is rated PG for simulated violence.

Showtimes for “Cotton Patch Gospel” are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. Sundays, through March 30, at 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations call (916) 3531001 or visit SutterStreetTheatre.com.

Symphony’s family program allows kids to explore music’s building blocks

News release

Join the Folsom Lake Symphony for its annual family concert and instrument petting zoo, Construction Zone: Musicians at Work, March 16 at Harris Center for the Arts.

Explore music’s fascinating building blocks — the instruments, the people who play them and the various musical roadmaps. This captivating and engaging program is designed for all ages.

The post-concert instrument “petting zoo” will return bigger than ever with instrument stations in the lobby, Stage 2 and Stage 3. Children will have hands-on experience trying out various instruments of the orchestra guided by symphony members. String, wind, brass and percussion instruments will all be available for children to examine and play.

New this year, the audience will be treated to a performance by the talented winner of the symphony’s inaugural Young Artist Competition. Nathaniel Zhang, 16, will perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3, movement 1, with the symphony.

The program begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Steve Rapport Photography

Preservation Hall Jazz Band comes to the Harris Center March 11.

Sutter Street Theatre

Photo by Allen Schmeltz Enjoy a retelling of the life of Jesus in modernday Georgia in “Cotton Patch Gospel.”

Courtesy photos

Children will get to try out many musical instruments at the Folsom Lake Symphony’s family concert.

Shingle Springs Cameron Park

SHINGLE SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK Chamber of Commerce

President’s Corner

Colette Thiel

March! The last month of the first quarter of 2024! A great opportunity to review your goals and see how things are going, personally and in business.

We continue to grow our membership but are always wanting to add to our Chamber family! Who do you know that should join our Chamber?

In February, we moved our luncheon day/location and the attendance proved it was the right decision. Our luncheons are open to all! Mark your calendars for the 4th Thursday of the month, 11:45am at Koto Buffet located on the lower level of Red Hawk Casino. It's only $18 per person. Check our website for the speaker of the month.

Our monthly Networking After Dark Mixer is held on the 1st

Thursday of the month. For March, Kniesel's Collision in Shingle Springs is hosting and has planned an evening of food, drink and fun!! Join us at 5:30pm.

Would you like to be added to our email list to stay informed of what's happening ? Just send an email to membership@sscpchamber.org.

Hope to see you soon at one of our events!

Colette Thiel, President SSCP Chamber of Commerce

The SS/CP Chamber Needs Volunteers!

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to spend a few hours a month helping the chamber with its events and management.  The payback is helping your local business advocates support the community in which

MARCH Events

they live and serve, while striving to make Shingle Springs and Cameron Park wonderful places in which to live!  We have several key positions opening right now.  Get involved today!  Please contact Colette Thiel@ ThielHomes.com for more information.

Shingle Springs Cameron Park

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

March (Fridays to Sundays)

CP Rotary Club Observatory

From 8:30pm to 10:30 pm, weather permitting, the observatory is open to the public on weekend evenings. Trained docents show the many celestial wonders of the universe through two 14inch telescopes. Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, Campus Drive (continue through the back parking lots to the left of the observatory gate). For info and closure updates, call (530) 642-5621, Ext. 9.

March

Support Small Businesses To Keep It Local! Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!

March 7

SS/CP Chamber Mixer

Join us at Kniesel’s Collision Center on

March 10

Farmers Market (Now Year ‘Round)

We’ve Got A Lot to Celebrate!

Sundays between 1am and 1pm, come shop our region’s most popular market with more produce and commodities than ever before. Choose from fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade honey and jams, cheeses, and other household favorites. For more information, contact Jim Coalwell at (530) 622-1900 or email jim@redshack.com.

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

March 19

Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Located at 4031 Wild Chaparral Dr., Shingle Springs. For more information, call the Chamber Of ce at (530) 6778000.

First Day of Spring

March 16

Third Saturday, Placerville Art Walk Saturday from 5-8pm, come have fun in Historic Downtown Placerville. Main Street galleries and merchants host changing art shows and late night shopping every third Saturday of the month. Demonstrations, refreshments, music and more. Placerville Downtown Association, 376 Main St., Placerville. Read more on EventCrazy.com.

March 23 & 24

Equine Trail Sports

El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville, will host the Mounted and In-Hand Obstacle Challenges, plus two “for fun” events! Obstacle jackpot: win $$! Gambler’s Choice: Win prizes! Info and online registration: Coni Lehr, (916) 975-5426 and online at: equinetrailsports.com/ events/16494

TThe Chamber’s

March 23

Town Center “Baskets & Bunnies”

Come join us from 10am to noon for a playful day of Easter Bunny visits and photos, music, games, prizes, magic show, balloon artistry, face painting and more! All children 12 and under will receive an Easter Basket, while supplies last, to visit participating businesses to gather 10 eggs each. Eggs lled with candy, toys and, for some, “a special gift”.

March 28

SS/CP Chamber Networking Luncheon

Please join us at Koto Buffet in the Red Hawk Casino from 11:30am to 1:00pm for our monthly networking luncheon! Special guest speaker: James White with State Farm Insurance. Contact the Chamber for more details at (530) 677-8000.

March 31

EASTER