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LOTS OF LAUGHS ON STAGE ORHS Theater presents two takes on “The Odd Couple.” ■
IN EL DORADO HILLS ■
SPOTLIGHT, 3
MARCH 16, 2022
AT OAK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Staff listening to racism, harassment worries Noel Stack Managing Editor Oak Ridge High School students and staff have turned their sadness regarding the racist taunt uttered by a student into passionate activism with the goal of ensuring that an incident such as the one that occurred March 5 never happens again, ORHS Principal Aaron Palm shared with Village Life. Days after the student made a monkey/ape noise when Black soccer player Ciara Wilson ran toward the ball during her penalty kick at the Division 1 CIF NorCal girls soccer championship “Hearing people’s between Oak Ridge and Buchanan High stories was powerful. School, hundreds of students and staff It is now time for us stood in front of the to put listening into El Dorado Hills campus and declared that action.” racism (intentional or not) has no place at — ORHS Principal Aaron Palm their school. “Our first step was doing everything we could to apologize to Buchanan,” Palm said, adding that he sent apology letters to Buchanan’s principal, the school, the community and the girls soccer team. “I also spoke with the impacted girl’s family. “Second, I had to work to protect our girl’s soccer team,” he continued. “For some reason, there were people who felt our girl’s soccer team was to blame. However, they were not involved and, in fact, were complimented by many at Buchanan.” ■
See WORRIES, page 7
Village Life photo by Sel Richard
Oak Ridge High School sophomores Gillian Miller, Katherine Rodman, Reagan Manning, Lauren Lallana and Connor Carlson, left to right, protest racism in front of the El Dorado Hills school.
CSD board approves new fees for ADUs
OFF TO A GREAT START
Sel Richard Staff writer
Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge Trojans Athletics
The ORHS varsity women’s lacrosse team boasts a 4-0 record early in the season, winning their latest game 19-3 Saturday when they took on Vista del Lago at home. The Trojans trounced Whitney Friday, 23-1, and also won their first two games by large margins. Up next, the team heads to Folsom Friday for a second match against Vista del Lago.
Residents who have considered building a guest house or granny unit on their property, take note. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors recently voted to collect a park impact fee for accessory dwelling units. An ADU is defined as a secondary house or apartment that shares the building lot of a larger, primary home. The CSD allows ADUs in all zones that permit single-unit residential development and, up until this point, has not charged a park impact fee during the permitting process. Park impact fees pay for new public parks and facilities in El Dorado Hills and are assessed on each new residential unit built within the CSD’s service boundary. The adopted proposal requires an exemption for ADUs smaller
than 750 square feet from paying impact fees and states that fees be proportional to the floor area of the primary dwelling unit. For the last three years, a total of 83 ADUs were permitted in El Dorado County, six of which were approved within the EDHCSD boundary. Two permits were for dwellings just over 1,150 square feet, three around 500 square feet and one was missing data. Only the two permits over the 750 square feet threshold would have been assessed an impact fee. “The proposed ADU fee will help to reduce the district’s general fund impact to meet anticipated goals and projects identified in the district’s master plan,” said Principal Planner Tauni Fessler. “The addition of ADUs will certainly add population to the community, therefore putting a strain on the ■
See FEES, page 7
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 29
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ISSUE NO. 11
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Plant sale March 19: Are you getting ready for spring and looking forward to sprucing up your garden? Check out the offerings of the El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. The sales website, shop.eldoraocnps. org, opens at 10 am on Saturday, March 19, and closes at noon on Saturday, April 2. In-person pick-up will be on April 9 in Placerville. There will be plants, garden books, and garden art available. Proceeds from plant sales fund the conservation and education work of the chapter.
Learn about insects March 22: Check out Gardening for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects, 7-8:30 p.m. Landscaper Kit Veerkamp will explain the importance of insects in your garden, how plant selection encourages and supports the insects you want, and how to make room for ground-dwelling insects and pollinators. This Zoom meeting of the El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society is free and open to all. Register at tinyurl.com/EDC-CNPSMar-Gen-Meet.
MARCH 16, 2022
PEOPLE TALK
Photos and question by Sel Richard
What would you do if you found a pot of gold?
Ian Hunt
Braden Beagley
Kylie Huss
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills
“I would buy seven mountain bikes, one for each discipline.”
“I’d quit my job, spend more me-time and go have fun doing things.”
“I would put it towards college.”
Catherine Samrick
Olivia Dress
El Dorado Hills
“Probably share it with my friends and family.”
“I would donate some of it to charity and the rest I would put into a savings account and go on a shopping spree.”
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Letting dirt fly Village Life photo by Noel Stack
EDH Fire Board Directors Greg Durante, Bobbi Bennett and John Giraudo, Fire Chief Maurice Johnson and Directors Jim Hartley and Tim White, left to right, let dirt fly at the site of the future EDH Fire training center in the EDH Business Park near Station 87. Dozens attended the March 10 ceremony. Department leaders have been planning the project for nearly two decades. Phase one includes two burn structures and an outdoor classroom with storage at a cost of about $11.7 million with most funding coming from a fee paid by new development. Construction begins this spring and will take about two years.
Chamber lunch March 23: The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Cameron Park Country Club. Guest speaker will be ■
El Dorado Hills
See EVENTS, page 4
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MARCH 16, 2022 Courtesy photo
Olive (Ryan San Martin), Mickey (Olivia Gregor), Vera (Liv Craine), Renee (Sienna Aloot) and Sylvie (Sophie Aguaristi) have some laughs during a friendly game in “The Odd Couple.” See all the comedy at the ORHS Theater March 17-19 (female version) and March 24-26 (male version).
ORHS brings back funny with ‘The Odd Couple’
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Sel Richard Staff writer
G
et ready to laugh at Oak Ridge High School’s upcoming production of “The Odd Couple” as Director Kate Rolls takes on double duty, directing two casts performing this Neil Simon favorite. Based on the popular play, the 1968 movie of the same name starred Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as two divorced men who decide to live together. Unfortunately, Felix is a neurotic neat-freak and Oscar is a fun-loving slob. Personalities clash and hijinks ensue. Less well known is Simon’s female version of the play featuring Florence and Olive as the main characters. “I keep telling everyone that this is the world’s longest rehearsed show,” joked Rolls, referring to the production’s original run, canceled one week before opening night due to COVID-19 shutdowns two years ago. It’s also the very show Rolls cut her teeth on working technical crew as an ORHS sophomore.
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Walk and Roll to showcase Bass Lake playground Sel Richard Staff writer Kids and adults are invited to get outside and enjoy a free Walk and Roll event at Sellwood Field and the future Bass Lake Regional Park this Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. to noon. A joint event hosted by Walk with Austin in partnership with the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, the morning will kick off with outdoor yoga before residents set off to explore the Bass Lake area. “The main thing is to let people know where Bass Lake is, where the all-abilities playground will be,” said Holly Reininger, founder of Walk with Austin, a nonprofit organization that advocates for kids with special needs and raises funds for abilityinclusive playgrounds. Residents will be treated to guided trail explorations and trail safety and etiquette tips. Family friendly outdoor activities will be organized by Hands4Hope. The Bass Lake Action Committee will be on hand to answer questions about the area’s rich ecosystems. Look for fun raffles, check out fitness and health oriented booths and chow down on free pizza provided by the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills. Bring your reel and snag a bass or two at the lake, open for fishing through the end of March. And LMK, Marina Village Middle School’s own student band, will be rocking some fresh tunes. All event proceeds will go toward building the future all-abilities playground planned for Bass Lake Regional Park. Currently, Walk with Austin has raised $80,000 of its $250,000 fundraising goal for the project. Sponsors include Wow Wow Lemonade, Dentists of El Dorado Hills, Golden Aire and the TeeShirt Bar. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd. org/programs___activities/special_events/index.php. PURCHASE • REFINANCE
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Courtesy photo
Firefighters with El Dorado County Fire’s Station 25 in Placerville hold up their tasty CASA lunches received during last year’s fundraising event.
CASA lunch is more than a meal Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer Child Advocates of El Dorado serves up lunch for a cause Thursday, April 7 — time to get those order forms filled out. CASA’s Boxed Lunch fundraiser is a way to get a delicious lunch while helping a worthy cause. This year the event is dedicated to CASA El Dorado’s 30th anniversary. Established in 1992, Child Advocates have provided support, empowerment and a voice for atrisk youth for a solid 30 years. A significant percentage of El Dorado County youth are in the foster care system, according to CASA’s website. Court appointed advocates provide these youth with
chips or a Greek salad. Options feature a cookie and Barsotti juice and everything is packaged in a CASA-branded reusable lunch tote ready for use year-round. Lunches are $13.50 and those hungry to help can place an order online at casaeldorado.org/casa-el-doradobox-lunch-fundraiser. Orders are due by Tuesday, March 22. Lunches will be delivered to local businesses (10 or more orders) or available for pick up at three drivethru locations: El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, Rolling Hills Church in El Dorado Hills and the South Lake Tahoe County Library. For inquiries reach out to Mayra Aguilar, fundraising manager at Mayra@casaeldorado.org.
individualized support, empowerment and compassion. This fundraiser directly supports this work and helps to fund the recruitment, training and ongoing supervision of volunteer advocates. CASA notes: Foster children who are served by a CASA advocate receive more services to help them recover from their abuse or neglect. Children who have a CASA in their lives are half as likely to end up in long-term foster care. Children who exit the child welfare system with the help of a CASA advocate are 50% less likely to reenter the system. Lunch options range from a turkey or a ham and Swiss sandwich (both with bacon) with
Events
Continued from 2
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley. For more information visit sscpchamber.org.
Reggae Campout March 25 & 26: Celebrate the first Reggae Campout at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Enjoy live music, an interactive vendor village, camping and glamping. For tickets and more info visit ReggaeCampout.com.
Gardening basics class March 26: UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County presents Back to Basics, 9 a.m. to noon at the El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Parkway. 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 Master Gardener Sheri Burke’s free public education class.
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MARCH 16, 2022
EDH Fire helps county with its defensible space inspections “We have had this mission for a number of years and we believe in it,” Johnson said. “Why would we not support this?” With the fire season on the horizon, The EDH Fire Department has El Dorado County seeks to expand the scope of its defensible space inspection a separate vegetation management program exclusive for vacant lots and program per an agreement with the El resident complaints of potential parDorado Hills Fire Department. cel issues in EDH. The department The county Board of Supervisors inspected more than 3,500 of these approved a $250,020 renewal agreelots in 2021. ment March 9, good from April 1, “The county reached out to us 2022 to March 31, 2023, which allows because they know we have an estabthe fire department to conduct fire lished vegetation management prodefensible space inspections in the gram already; they know that we have county’s emphasis areas. the capability to do that,” Johnson The program started May 25, 2021, said. “We have the infrastructure to through an agreement between the not only hire the employees but to county and EDH Fire Department supervise those employees and manage to conduct wildfire safety inspecthe requisite paperwork.” tion services in Rescue. Plans for the The only other fire district that 2022 defensible space inspection prodoes vegetation management is the gram include conducting inspections Cameron Park Fire Department, in emphasis areas Rescue and now according to Johnson. Diamond Springs, too, where they While most parcel owners are coopwill inspect developed parcels for fire erative with the safety. program, some have Emphasis areas in “We will have four been more resistant Diamond Springs in some cases the include along Union inspectors in the field and fire department canMine Road, Little but honestly we could not get into contact Canyon Road and with owners who Martina’s Creek. have 20, especially prove difficult to find, This year the according to Johnson. department plans since there has not Enforcement of the to service Luneman been a lot of education county code needs Road and Lotus areas to be improved, said in Rescue. on this topic.” Johnson. EDH Fire The 2022 defensible Department Chief — EDH Fire Chief Maurice Johnson space program also Maurice Johnson includes inspection advocated that of 150 vegetation management cominspections be conducted year-round. plaints on the West Slope, similar to Inspections only occurred between the fire district’s vegetation program, the months of July and December last and sending public and individual paryear. cel notices for 500 parcels. “Starting the program year-round “This is a massive project and we gives folks an opportunity to do the are only chipping at a small piece of mitigation work during the off season it,” Johnson said. “We will have four when it is safer,” Johnson said. “Just inspectors in the field but honestly we because we are through a fire season it doesn’t mean that the threat is not still could have 20, especially since there has not been a lot of education on this there.” topic. The EDH Fire Department con“We cannot lose our recent hisducted 428 inspections on 254 partory of the Caldor Fire. This is why cels in Rescue last year. They found programs like these are important and 77% of those parcels were defensible there is no better example than that.” space compliant, with the rest of the Apart from the county’s defensible inspected parcels to be either nonspace inspection program, Cal Fire compliant or un-inspected. El Dorado conducts free defensible space inspecHills Fire manages the Rescue Fire tions for homeowners within its state Department through a shared services responsibility areas in unincorporated agreement. Cal Fire staff helped idenareas. In these areas Cal Fire staff also tify Rescue and Diamond Springs as responds to complaints pertaining to high fire-risk severity areas. the 100 feet around a residence that Johnson said since the program is should be defendable. new, the public needs to be informed Homeowners within Cal Fire’s on how the inspections work and why state responsibility areas can request they are necessary. a defensible space inspection at fire. “A lot of folks do not understand ca.gov/dspace or by calling the Cal why we are doing this,” Johnson said. Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit office at “We hear a lot about government (530) 644-2345. overreach, but that has to do with not Also separate from the county’s understanding what exactly we are defensible space inspection program, doing.” firefighters at local fire departments Johnson said public outreach plans keep an eye on properties of concern include hosting two community in their service areas in addition to workshops on the inspections, putting emphasis on educating the public, responding to resident complaints. Fire officials say the first move is to educate spreading awareness on social media and collaborating with other fire agen- the property owner and make recommendations. cies and Cal Fire.
GREAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Eric Jaramishian Staff writer
Serve on the Civil Grand Jury Applications due May 1 for service beginning this July News release The El Dorado County Superior Court is now accepting applications from qualified citizens interested in serving on the El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury, July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. Serving as a grand juror is a unique opportunity to join other concerned citizens in helping shape local government practices. Duties of grand jurors include investigating and reporting on the operations of local government as well as looking into citizen concerns. Through these efforts the Civil
Grand Jury issues annual reports containing recommendations to aid local government in making improvements to better serve all of the county’s residents. Residents interested in serving on the Civil Grand Jury are encouraged to apply by May 1. To apply or for more information visit the El Dorado County Grand Jury website at edcgov. us/GrandJury. For more information about serving or the selection process contact Amanda Sooth by phone at (530) 6216718 or email at asooth@eldoradocourt.org.
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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
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MARCH 16, 2022
Fabulous views, amenities at this El Dorado Hills home
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njoy breathtaking views of both Sacramento city lights and Folsom Lake from this El Dorado home in the Promontory community. The open floor plan showcases a front sitting room with high ceilings and an adjacent space that could serve as a home office, playroom, library — owner’s choice. The home’s great room encompasses the family room, dining room and kitchen. Relax by the fireplace in the family room and catch up on your favorite shows. The bright space features a built-in entertainment center with room for a large TV. A custom light fixture takes center stage in the adjoining dining room, which also has a dining bar and back patio access.
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Chefs will love preparing meals in the open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, center island with a prep sink, ample counter and cabinet space and a butler’s pantry with a wine fridge. Also downstairs are a home office with a Murphy bed, a bedroom and a full bathroom. The luxurious upstairs master suite features a large balcony with beautiful views overlooking the rear yard and a spa-quality bathroom boasting a jetted tub, glass shower, dual sinks, private toilet and a large walk-in closet. A spacious bonus room, junior suite with a full bathroom, two additional bedrooms and full bathroom fill out the second floor. The backyard is an entertainer’s paradise with a gor-
geous pool and elevated spa with soothing waterfalls, an open-air seating area with a fireplace and sunset view plus a covered space perfect for dining al fresco. Nearby is the wood-fired pizza oven. A small lawn, planters filled with flowers and manicured shrubs add greenery and coziness to the space. The front yard features a lush lawn, mature trees, a stamped concrete walkway flanked by manicured shrubs plus a wide driveway leading to the home’s attached, three-car garage. The property also features an owned solar power system. Interested in this lovely Bordeaux Drive 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.
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March 16, 2022
Find your ideal stress relief at The NOW Massage The NOW uses canvas draping to separate therapy spaces and soothes customers with sounds of ocean waves. Natural wood surfaces and exposed beams are accented with sheep skins, cactus galleries and crystal grids. “All the elements are aligned to form the ultimate zen environment for optimum relaxation,” explained The NOW Public Relations Manager Cody Larkin. “As El Dorado Hills and Folsom residents ourselves, giving back to our local communities inspires us,” insisted Kuckenbaker. “Self-care is becoming increasingly important to incorporate into one’s daily routine and from the moment we were introduced to The NOW Massage, we knew we wanted to bring next level healing to the El Dorado Hills community.” Massage therapists at The NOW receive advanced training specifically for stress relief, relaxation and muscle recovery that goes beyond traditional modalities. Guests can choose between three signature Swedishinspired massage styles including a relaxation massage, an energy-balancing massage designed to reduce stress and a sports recovery massage. Custom enhancements can be paired with services such as herbal heat therapy, deep tissue, fresh eyes, calm balm, hemp calm balm and
Sel Richard Staff writer When The NOW Massage launched its first storefront in Los Angeles in 2015, it sought to disrupt the massage industry with a design driven aesthetic and a highly customizable massage menu at acceptable prices. Almost 30 franchises have since popped up across the nation. This week, The NOW Massage El Dorado Hills has been putting the finishing touches on their Town Center location and co-owners Jami McWhorter and Russ Kuckenbaker are excited to open their doors. “My husband Russ and I bring over two decades of operations and retail leadership experience to our new endeavor with The NOW,” said McWhorter. “When Russ and I first met, we both had the desire to own our own business. We wanted the extra hours and energy we spend on work to result in something we could call our own and eventually pass the business along to our son. “After exploring many business opportunities in the wellness space, we decided on The NOW because of its impeccable branding, high-quality service offerings and one-of-a-kind design aesthetic,” she continued.
gua sha, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses smooth rose quartz tools to target specific areas of the body. “At The NOW El Dorado Hills we are proud to be offering an escape from the fast-paced, digital overload we experience on a daily basis through the healing benefits of massage therapy,” said Kuckenbaker. During the boutique’s grand opening week, which runs March 16-22, all massage bookings will receive a complimentary enhancement. Guests can choose from two best-selling signature add-on treatments: Calm Balm, a peppermint salve with healing ashwagandha to target sore muscles, or Fresh Eyes, a hydrating eye mask with vitamins and antioxidants. Monthly or bi-monthly packages include VIP benefits, exclusive perks, gifts and more. The first 50 guests to purchase a membership will receive a complimentary curated gift bag filled with a selection of best-selling products from the Nourish, Scent and Room by The NOW’s collection. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit thenowmassage.com/el-dorado-hills/, download The NOW app or call (279) 207-2804.
Fees
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district’s current parks and facility inventory.” “It’s going to change the landscape of our community drastically,” said CSD Board Vice President Noelle Mattock, warning against the unknown impact of future ADU growth and the leniency of ADU regulation. “They can’t tell you your setbacks; they can’t tell you the size. They can’t limit you on anything other than your lights. It’s specifically meant to take back the latitude of local governments and HOAs from prohibiting these because the state is viewing these ADUs as being the panacea to meet the needs of housing. “I’m not for taxing people additionally but we’re here to focus on the impacts of new development and
new homes and we’re charged with providing the same level of service,” Mattock continued. “The only way that we can do that without impacting the people that already live here is to make sure that everybody else is paying their fair share.” North State Building Industry Association legislative advocate Jeff Short spoke against the resolution, seeing it as an encouragement for increased high-density housing. “The county is hoping to have nearly 400 ADUs built before the end of the decade,” he asserted. “56% of those would count toward low income housing per the housing element that the county is putting forward … That means at least 200 fewer units of what we
consider traditional, high-density housing would be required by the state in El Dorado County.” Short also explained that ADUs can help generate affordable housing because homeowners, by allowing adult children or aged parents to live in an ADU for a low cost or free, would open up housing options for other people. El Dorado Hills has 167 units in White Rock Village that are considered affordable housing, according to CSD General Manager Kevin Loewen. The resolution passed by a 4-1 vote, with board member Ben Paulsen opposing on the grounds that fees from ADUs would not be impactful enough to justify the regulation.
Worries
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Buchanan head coach Jasara GilletteMyles posted on Twitter that the incident “completely affected the outcome as my players were physically and emotionally distraught at the monkey noises and gestures and the lack of action.” After the game the Trojans athletes went up to Wilson to give her hugs, words of support and apologies — an act appreciated by Gillette-Myles. “This does not reflect the players on the Oak Ridge team because we feel they displayed good sportsmanship,” her tweet continues. “However, the officials who saw and heard blatant racism decided to not take a stand against it.” The game stopped for three minutes after the incident. “The Oak Ridge administration worked to identify the individual responsible for the racist sounds in the moment,” states a news release from Oak Ridge Trojan Athletics. Hispanic player Daisy Torres also endured abuse when a fan barked like a dog just before she missed the shot over the goalpost. “However, due to the size of the crowd the individual could
not be located at (that) time.” School officials announced that the student, who has not been publicly named but was privately identified March 7, would be punished. “I can share the we did identify them and give them the consequences applicable in the education code,” Palm said. “But I can’t share anything about the discipline they received. As kids they have a lot of protections, rightfully so.” Per Education Code 49073: “The superintendent or designee may limit or deny the release of specific categories of directory information to any public or private nonprofit organization based on his/her determination of the best interest of district students.” Last week concerned students spoke up, hoping their voices would drown out the noises that put Oak Ridge in the negative spotlight. When Village Life stopped by campus, a handful of students stood with signs and talked about the incident and what changes they hope to see at their school. “I don’t understand why Oak Ridge
has so many people (who) don’t know why what happened was so wrong,” said sophomore Gillian Miller, holding a “Silence is Violence” sign. “I’ve heard a lot of people scream the N-slur and other slurs on campus and I think it just needs to change. I think Aaron Palm should really start enforcing some more teaching to be taught. If someone catches someone being extremely racist then they should get a firm punishment.” Sophomore Reagan Manning said she still heard monkey noises and giggling on campus. “I think our administration has to do more to handle these types of situations,” she said. “It’s still going on and it doesn’t even have to necessarily be for racist motivations.” Reagan said she has encountered homophobia and transphobia at her school as well. “I’ve gotten barked at for the way I dress too,” she shared. “It’s not OK. I feel like our administration needs to address harassment more as a whole.” “We can’t keep enabling racist behav-
ior and letting it fester like this because it’s not going to stop if we don’t do anything about it,” added sophomore Lauren Lallana. Palm said staff’s and student leaders’ focuses have been on listening and then acting. “Whether it was students talking directly to us, anonymous emails, parent phone calls, etc., we heard about people’s experiences,” Palm said. “Hearing people’s stories was powerful. It is now time for us to put listening into action. We have put a lot of time into respecting each other’s differences at Oak Ridge over the years. But we need to do more. “We are pulling together a group of staff to look at how we embed cultural awareness into our curriculum,” he explained. “We are committed to doing everything in our power to make sure an incident like this never happens again (and) also need to make sure that every student has a great experience every day.” Sel Richard and Thomas Frey contributed to this article.
JASON JACKSON SIERRA HOME INSPECTION “The Real Deal”
530-363-3090 • sierrahome@gmail.com
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Jason Jackson owner owner
Homes for Sale in El Dorado Hills Area As of March 9, 2022 This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by MetroList®. All information provided by seller/other sources has not been verified by a broker. All interested persons should independently verify accuracy of all included information. Listing subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2022 MetroList Services, Inc.
PRICE
ADDRESS
BD BA
EL DORADO HILLS $560,000 $589,500 $630,000 $634,950 $639,000 $745,000 $755,300 $779,000 $799,000 $849,000 $860,000 $874,000 $880,000 $899,000 $899,000 $899,999 $927,000 $985,000 $985,000 $994,999 $1,029,000 $1,040,000 $1,099,000 $1,125,000 $1,200,000 $1,299,000
3775 PARK DRIVE 3774 PARK DR 7814 SOL VISTA LN 7015 LA CUMBRE DR 2505 WILLOWDALE DR 536 COPPICE CT 2632 RIVIERA CIR 3365 RIDGEVIEW DR 3301 KNOLLRIDGE DR 7410 GRASSY CREEK WAY 2007 S SANTA RITA LN 4062 SAMUEL WAY 1000 AUTUMN SKY WAY 5372 GARLENDA DR 4880 DALEWOOD DRIVE 4311 ARENZANO WAY 9069 BRONZEWING PL 1336 DOWNIEVILLE DR 335 NEBBIOLO CT 4256 HENSLEY CIR 5056 SKELLIG ROCK WAY 5087 TRAILSIDE DR 5100 ARLINGTON WAY 2111 OUTRIGGER DR 8030 DAMICO DR 2400 HIGHLAND HILLS DR
2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 2 2 5 2 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 5 3 4 4
2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 4 (3 1) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (3 0) 2 (2 0) 4 (3 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 4 (3 1) 4 (3 1) 4 (4 0) 4 (3 1) 4 (3 1) 4 (3 1)
SF 1761 1761 1366 1444 1600 2422 2116 2568 2966 2229 1813 2489 3245 3265 2401 2487 2722 3182 2763 2832 2800 2574 3485 4780 3313 3261
ACRES 0.08 0.077 0.09 0.11 0.19 0.08 0.21 0.3 0.35 0.18 0.13 0.21 0.27 0.22 0.2343 0.209 0.15 0.31 0.22 0.37 0.19 0.4 0.27 0.45 0.18 0.81
LISTING # 222003840 222013824 222016587 222024959 221148491 222021686 222006672 222018506 222025434 222024464 222023987 222020275 222020948 222018678 222024350 222023463 222014572 222026385 222023702 222021360 221148033 81877904 222021236 20002670 222016633 222025924
PRICE $1,338,000 $1,395,000 $1,399,000 $1,399,000 $1,449,000 $1,475,000 $1,499,000 $1,499,000 $1,650,000 $1,675,000 $1,698,000 $1,730,000 $1,875,000 $1,995,000 $1,997,000 $1,998,000 $1,999,999 $2,349,000 $2,450,000 $2,799,000 $2,998,000 $3,150,000 $3,198,000 $3,198,000 $3,250,000 $3,400,000 $3,495,000
ADDRESS
BD BA
381 CHAGALL CT 717 WYETH CT 4038 RENI CT 2167 KEYSTONE DR 9591 PAMELA ST 8050 MARCHES WAY 5175 PADOVA DR 6724 ALSACE PL 4066 GREENVIEW DR 4509 CORDERO DR 564 DALI COURT 1641 WINDING OAK LN 105 CHARDIN PL 2346 DARTMOUTH PL 632 SHORELINE POINTE 2021 KAILA WAY 1580 ELMORES WAY 1161 LOMOND DR 1900 ROCKY SPRINGS RD 5011 GREYSON CREEK DR 4980 GREYSON CREEK DR 1581 LOMITA WAY 6314 WESTERN SIERRA WAY 4931 GREYSON CREEK DR 4243 CORDERO DR 1 LAGO DEL REY CT 29 POWERS DR
4 5 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 7 6 6
5 (4 1) 6 (5 1) 4 (3 1) 4 (3 1) 4 (3 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1) 3 (3 0) 4 (3 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (3 2) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1) 4 (3 1) 5 (4 1) 4 (3 1) 2 (2 0) 6 (5 1) 6 (4 2) 7 (6 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (5 0) 8 (7 1) 7 (6 1) 8 (7 1)
SF
ACRES
4447 4239 3031 3845 3056 4897 4346 3866 4154 4241 4245 4342 4102 3790 4266 3817 4346 4408 2685 4865 4525 5905 4819 5041 9600 7072 6500
0.21 0.19 0.4 0.84 0.65 0.55 0.53 0.21 0.47 0.27 0.26 5.03 0.39 0.66 1.1 5 0.54 0.85 14.36 0.46 0.59 12.28 0.54 0.53 0.48 3.09 0.94
LISTING # 222015836 222004269 222023234 222004682 222000449 222004754 222020694 222016533 221144798 222020991 222013549 222007861 40978505 222008302 222012856 222001261 221151358 222007338 221142862 221138992 222010985 222024633 222015702 222011011 222024805 221044423 222020020
El Dorado Hills Area Homes Sold Recently ADDRESS
EL DORADO HILLS 3103 CLERMONT WAY 3251 ALDRIDGE WAY 4072 DAVID LOOP 2807 STEPHENS LN 5149 BRENTFORD WAY 1124 VENEZIA DR
BD
3 4 3 5 3 5
BA
2 (2 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0)
SQ.FT.
1370 2194 2128 2462 2385 3377
ACRES
PRICE
ADDRESS
BD
0.21 0.14 0.16 0.24 0.24 0.24
$705,000 $770,000 $815,000 $945,000 $1,000,000 $1,050,000
2191 AIKEN WAY 5058 BRENTFORD WAY 7335 RYAN RANCH RD 165 KEYSTONE CT 4276 SUFFOLK WAY 2931 CAPETANIOS DR
5 3 3 5 5 4
BA
5 (4 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 5 (3 2) 4 (4 0) 4 (3 1)
SQ.FT.
3878 2385 2885 4041 4105 3835
ACRES
0.18 0.23 10 0.49 0.65 0.67
PRICE
$1,100,000 $1,200,000 $1,210,000 $1,425,000 $1,525,000 $2,325,000
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MARCH 16, 2022
Employment Employment
HAIR STATION available in Cameron Park. Looking for a full or part time, energetic, reliable, person with clientele. Halo Hair Studio 916-990-1286
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Part-time graphic designer needed for Mountain Democrat Newspaper. Knowledgeable in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Microsoft Office and familiar with WordPress. Hours: Monday-Thursday. 28-32 hours per week. Hours can be negogiable. Please send resume and description of prior graphics experience to: lettyb@mtdemocrat.net or mail to office at 2889 Ray Lawyer Dr., Placerville, CA 95667.
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Plant Mechanic I/II Salary: I: $29.77-$36.18; II: $32.87-$39.95
FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on March 16, 2022 The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Plant Mechanic I/II to fill one open position in Operations.
For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
SEASONAL – GROUNDS KEEPER/PARK AIDE Salary: $16.00 per hour FFD: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Seasonal Grounds Keeper/ Park Aides in the Parks and Recreation Department.
For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Electrical and Process Control Supervisor Salary: $54.63-$66.40 per hour FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on March 15, 2022 The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Electrical and Process Control Supervisor in the Hydro Department of Operations.
For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134
GUEST COLUMN by Ted Gaines
Green energy mania
C
alifornia is failing at the government basics. Public safety, homelessness, roads and water storage are all in shambles. But as long as that shameful list is, it’s about to get longer. With summer around the corner, when demand is at its zenith, our energy supply will not be up to the task. California’s headlong rush towards zero-carbon power will cost consumers through wildly expensive electricity rates and lower grid reliability. That’s a lose-lose for California families and businesses who want to avoid blackouts and avoid energy poverty. Golden State politicians and progressives — groups with an almost total overlap — live in dread fear of possible changes in weather decades in the future. Instead of planning for localized mitigations to deal with changing climate, they’ve decided to remake our entire energy sector, replacing affordable, dependable sources with their opposites. A case in point is the closing of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, scheduled to stop operations in 2025. Despite disingenuous claims that PG&E officials are choosing to close this facility, they are being forced into closure by California regulators who can make relicensing extraordinarily time consuming and expensive. How important is Diablo Canyon? It currently produces about as much power as all the rooftop solar in the entire state. And, unlike solar and wind, this power is available on-demand, 24/7. PG&E, the plant’s owner, alleges it will replace all the lost power with so-called green, renewable resources — but what if it can’t? The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting grid reliability, thinks it won’t. NERC notes that California already has insufficient reserve power to
meet demand during a heat wave. Closing Diablo Canyon will only contribute to declining reserve margins, according to NERC. All of that is to say that blackouts are coming when it gets hot in California, as it does every summer. Don’t be surprised when your AC won’t click on or you’re burning candles for light in this supposedly advanced state. The blackouts are entirely predictable and a direct result of California energy policy making our grid unreliable by replacing on-demand resources with intermittent ones. And remember, California is pushing people into electric cars through incentives and government decrees. Many people will be charging up those EVs when they get home from work, right after solar energy production peaks. We are creating dreadful imbalances that will lead to energy rationing in one of the wealthiest areas in the world. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen recently tweeted about the Ukrainian crisis and its effect on our energy markets and independence, “Build 1,000 new state of the art nuclear power plants in the U.S. and Europe, right now. We won’t, but we should.” He’s right all the way around regarding energy independence and reliance on aggressive rogue states such as Russia for our energy. But it’s the last line that hits closest to home in California. We need to reverse our green energy mania that prices electricity like a luxury good and guarantees blackouts. Dependable, affordable energy is within our grasp if we commit to predictable, ondemand resources such as nuclear and natural gas. We won’t, but we should. Sen. Ted Gaines (Ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District, serving nearly 10 million constituents in 30 counties of northern, eastern and southern California. For more information visit boe.ca.gov/Gaines.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Everyone deserves respect
No winners here
EDITOR: t the girls’ championship soccer game at Oak Ridge an Oak Ridge fan made animal noises directed at the opposing team. The behavior was clearly disrespectful. As Principal Aaron Palm said, “The victory felt hollow. It was truly a tragedy that these two excellent teams had their game scarred by this incident.” The challenge now is for the community. How will we respond? Will we support the commendable actions of Oak Ridge High School? The school is holding the individual accountable. The teachers have been having discussions in the classroom to reflect upon the incident. This is all a good start. Will our community embrace this as an opportunity to learn and to heal? How the adults in charge react is a key moment in the students’ formative years. The big question beyond this particular student’s behavior is how will the school community move all the students toward a path of tolerance and away from the “us against them” attitude that results in ugly, insulting behavior. Superintendent Ron Carruth of the El Dorado Union High School District spoke to the incident at a recent board meeting. He reminded the audience that the past two years have been extremely difficult for the staff and for students. He shared his gratitude to the staff for the excellent job that they have continued to perform during these tough times. Hoping better for all of us, he urged the board and the community to call on our best instincts. “Our best is yet ahead.” If our community can treat others as we want to be treated, with respect, the best is indeed ahead. MARY ELLIOTT-KLEMM Somerset
EDITOR: newspaper reports that although Oak Ridge defeated visiting Buchanan of Clovis, “The victory was tarnished by a single student from the Oak Ridge rooting section who heckled the Buchanan players with barking sounds to one player, and what Buchanan coach, Jasara Gillette, defined as ‘gorilla noises,’ aimed at Ciara Wilson, a Black senior star …” The article reported similar events had happened at a 2016 girls basketball playoff game at Oak Ridge when racial taunts and body-shaming insults were directed at the McClatchy High School’s Asian and Black players. The California Interscholastic Federation — governing body for high school sports — forbids discrimination or acts of disrespect toward member schools or student-athletes. Education in high schools include sportsmanship in athletics. It is hoped through sports students will develop self-confidence and life skills such as learning teamwork, self-discipline, fair play, perseverance, developing a competitive spirit and all-round good character. Racism has no place in education and it takes the will and efforts of parents, students and educators to create and build a racial equity culture. It is all about the promotion of and respect for human diversity in curriculum and supporting those programs. Implicit bias training should be part of the school to stave off stereotypes and attitudes that do not move racial equity forward. The CIF has the authority to punish offending schools “by stripping them of home playoff games.” The El Dorado Union High School District issued a statement concluding, “Oak Ridge is committed to doing what is necessary to prevent anything like this from happening again.” LARA GULARTE Diamond Springs
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9
MARCH 16, 2022
‘Inferno’ heats up music scene Jana Rossi Staff writer
Y
azmeen Mirgoli, aka YAZ, landed on the music scene in 2020 when the former El Dorado Hills resident and Oak Ridge High School grad released her first EP, “Eternity,” a musical journey that took listeners through phases of the afterlife: death, judgment, heaven, hell and eternity. Last month her first full album hit the market. “Inferno” is a reference to the nine circles of hell as depicted in Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy.” The album features nine tracks, each named in accordance with the nine circles: “Lust,” “Gluttony,” “Heresy,” “Limbo,” “Treachery,” “Violence,” “Fraud,” “Avarice” and “Wrath.” YAZ said the album represents the demonization of women. Her website describes the album as “an exploration of the idea of sin and a rallying cry against the demonization of women and empowered female sexuality that is found within traditional religion and in our society as a whole.” The music itself is melodic and techno, described as “Armin Van Buuren meets Nine Inch Nails, meets satanic electro pop.” YAZ told Village Life she does a lot of research before creating her music and is involved in its entirety — writing, producing, performing. In 2020 she discussed how she wants to control the narrative to ensure her message is delivered the way she wants it heard and, as the producer, she may be making the biggest impact in her quest for female liberation. According to YAZ, females make up only 2% of producers in the music industry. In many ways, the pandemic became the catalyst for her music. She equated society’s feelings of suppression and isolation to being trapped in their own
Bryan Wild Let’s Get You Started on Your
hell. “The album encapsulates the way the world was living during that time,” she shared, adding that it also embodies the darkness YAZ said she has gone through at different points of her life. The ability to come out the other side allows her to create. While the music is somewhat dark, the heavier, faster beats lean more toward a dance album. On March 4 YAZ’s first music video for the song “Heresy” was released, shot locally in Sacramento due to the logistics of her co-stars; an all-white leucitic ball python and a Mexican black king snake were unable to make the trek to Southern California where YAZ currently resides. YAZ still has roots in Northern California. Her grandmother, Ga as she calls her, lives in El Dorado Hills where the musician grew up and she said she has fond memories of her years at Oak Ridge; however, once she left for the University of California, Los Angeles, she said she felt a connection with all Southern California had to offer and decided to call it her home. To find out more about YAZ and her music visit theyazcollective.com.
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Cast during omicron surges, Rolls said she worried about losing cast members and decided for the first time to cast swings, those who learn two or three roles and can fill in at any moment. “I don’t think I could have gotten through without knowing they are there to step in,” she insisted. The swings for the female version are Mahee Haswani, Kendall Russell and Francesca Mastrengeli. The male version swings include Sam Carter, Chantilly Lamson and Brooke Smith. Seniors Eliana Eipper and Ryan San Martin head up the opening weekend of performances. Both were cast two years ago and are thrilled to finally perform their starring roles. “It’s exciting but it’s definitely weird after waiting for so long to perform it,” mused Eipper, who plays Florence. “I wasn’t sure if we were going to do it again.” Eipper said she doesn’t relate to Florence much, finding her uptight and overly meticulous. “One of the hardest parts about this role is that you have to put all of your energy into it; otherwise a lot of her scenes fall flat.” “The Odd Couple” is Eipper’s fourth Oak Ridge production and she relishes the camaraderie among her peers. “It’s really great when you have a good group of friends that you get to hang out and do shows with,” she said. Playing Olive is San Martin, who is savoring her second chance and said she has now come to relate to Olive more. “I think when I was a sophomore I judged her for being a slob but now that I’m older and I don’t have time to organize or clean up, I get it.” Although San Martin said she finds Olive as a departure from her own personality, she is embracing the differences. “She’s this cocky, upfront person and I don’t really think of myself as that but it’s nice because I get to step out of my comfort zone and play her,” she said. Taking on the role of Manolo is senior Tyler Abers, who is getting a kick out of being the comic relief playing opposite
Eipper and San Martin. In his fifth year doing theater, Abers said he keeps coming back for the people in the program. “I’ve met some of my best friends in theater.” Playing his first lead as Oscar is junior Khyle Smith. “He’s the very opposite of who I am,” Smith laughed. “I’m more of a Felix than an Oscar. It’s strange that I got this part.” Smith, who had never heard of “The Odd Couple,” said he watched a few episodes to get a feel for the part. Though he likes his funny side, he finds Oscar a bit mean. “I would keep some of the things in my mind instead of saying it out loud,” he surmised. Smith began theater in his freshman year when he moved to El Dorado Hills and has performed in every production since. “A play is a lot of lines,” he declared, admitting that he finds musicals much easier. “There’s no breaking out into song here … It was a challenge.” And for junior William Frago, “The Odd Couple is his first play,” having forayed into theater somewhat by accident. “One of my classes got cut last year and I got put in drama instead and I like it,” he said. Frago was secretly hoping to land the role of Felix. “I get told I kind of have the same mannerisms and I have some of the personality traits of the character.” Frago has avoided watching previous productions to keep his performance fresh and said he finds Felix’s passive aggressiveness difficult. “Conveying that kind of non-confrontational anger, I had a bit of trouble getting that across,” he said, also revealing that he relates to Felix’s awkwardness. “It’s all very fun. I enjoy pretty much all of it.” Catch “The Odd Couple” at the Oak Ridge High School Theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills, with performances at 7 p.m. March 17-19 (female version) and March 24-26 (male version) and matinees at 2 p.m. on March 19 & 26. General admission tickets for $10 are available now at gofan.co/ app/school/CA22583_2.
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