Village Life & Cameron Park Life, Thursday, April 11, 2024

Cumpire Dan Anzini, a er 12 years of umpiring, has been given the opportunity to call balls and strikes in this year’s Little League So ball World Series in August. Anzini said he was always interested in umpiring, but one day while watching one of his nephew’s games, it became a reality. The head coach of his nephew’s team also happened to be the umpire-in-chief. “My brother-in-law connected us and next thing I know I was putting on gear and calling balls and strikes,” Anzini said. “From there it’s taken o .”

at

Kevin Loewen’s outside working relationship with CSD consultant DTA. The investigation quickly expanded “into a broader investiga-

■ See REPORT, page A8

In order to be in consideration to umpire the biggest tournament of the season, an umpire must rst work a regional tournament. Anzini got his chance to umpire his regional in 2021. He was selected to do it in 2020, however COVID-19 prevented that from happening. A er working a regional an umpire is deemed World Series quali ed to apply if they perform well enough.

Anzini will be on his way to Greenville, N.C., for a week in August to cross another goal o his bucket list. “It’s a balance of wanting to perform as best I can

■ See ANZINI, page A8

IN OTHER EDHCSD NEWS

Special to Village Life

■ Nerves of ‘Steele’

El Dorado Hills grappler makes it to the podium.

■ INSIDE, A3

■ General Counsel Derek Cole shared the district is continuing its review of the investigation report regarding prior general manager Kevin Loewen’s activities. “We’re not ready to make a nal decision on the release of that report,” Cole said.

■ The EDHCSD Board of Directors has hired Mark Hornstra as the district’s permanent general manager. Hornstra had been serving as interim GM since January 2024. Sta will bring back an employment contract for approval next month.

A group of fourth- and hgrade students at William Brooks Elementary School in El Dorado Hills are about to step into the business world for handson experience and experiential learning. They are part of the William Brooks PTA’s inaugural Bear Business Fair scheduled 3:15-5:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, in the school gymnasium. This parent volunteer-run e ort is months in the making. Starting in December, students interested in

■ See FAIR, page A8

Photo courtesy of Dan Anzini Local strike-caller Dan Anzini has been selected to umpire at the Little League World Championships in North Carolina this summer. Anzini is pictured here overseeing plays at the Little League West Region Academy in 2020.

Courtesy photo William Brooks student Isabelle shows o knitted gnomes she will sell at the upcoming Bear Business Fair.

El Dorado Hills Bowmen to host 3D archery contest

Come out Saturday, April 20, for the big El Dorado Hills Bowmen North American Animal 3D Archery Competition. The event is open to the public with registration 7-8:30 a.m and a 9 a.m. start time at the range on El Dorado Hills Boulevard. Online registration is available at eldoradohillsbowmen. com. There will be 28 3D targets, marked yardage with awards through third place for NFAA/ CBH Class. Hot lunch, coffee, snacks and beverages will be available at the clubhouse and snack shack along the course. Visitors could also win great prizes in the event’s drawings. There will be Adult, Family, Youth and Pee Wee divisions and don’t miss the chance to hit the Flying Pig Target. The California Deer Association will bring out its Youth Education Trailer to teach kids about conservation. California Department of Fish & Wildlife partners with CDA at the trailer with Lt. Warden Robert Pera and large mammal biologist Shelly Blair along with CDA volunteers. Bring the kids and make sure to ask about the CDA/EDHB Youth Archery Team. Signups to join this fall’s team will be available free thanks to sponsorship by CDA/ EDHB. Season runs Nov. 10, 2024 to Feb. 15, 2025. Accredited and background-approved instructors teach the recurve barebow and compound bow teams for teens 12-17 years old every Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

is really fun … especially when you win.”

Steele trains with her dad, Coach Lawrence Divinagracia, and her Sierra Sabres Wrestling Club in Shingle Springs. She also plays Comp Soccer with USA STARS and runs track at

Rolling Hills.

“Unfortunately Rolling Hills Middle School has no wrestling team but hopefully they will have one next year,” Steele said.

Girls wrestling is the No. 1 fastest growing sport nationwide, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Continued

A

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,

strengthening the player pathway for those in EDHSC’s Comp Program, where coaches and players will receive advanced training experiences, as well as exposure to Republic FC’s Youth Academy. Republic FC will also organize a special Regional Development Program in El Dorado Hills each year. RDP is Republic FC’s top youth development program, offering opportunities for players to grow their skills and prepare for more competitive soccer.

EDHSC President Trevor Holton, Sporting Director Paul Buckle and Technical Director Glenn Shepherd recently sat down to talk about the partnership, its goals for players and growing the game across the Sacramento region.

What makes you excited about partnering with Republic FC?

PB: To have El Dorado Hills Soccer Club affiliated with Republic FC is just so exciting. Republic FC has established itself as such a successful club on and off the field, and to align ourselves with the organization in this way is just fantastic.

GS: It makes sense for us to build a pathway with the top soccer organization in our area, so to formalize this relationship is just the first step in helping us support our players’ development the best we can. That’s what our mission is — as coaches, as directors — to try to graduate our elite players to professional ranks. So partnering with Republic FC will help us begin to make that pathway easier to understand and more accessible than it ever has been for our players and their families.

TH: Our players and families love Republic FC, love going to their games, so this partnership fosters that enjoyment of soccer for people at all levels. We are all excited about this

because there are going to be so many opportunities that come up over the next few years, not only for our players and coaches, but for the organization as a whole.

How does the partnership benefit players in El Dorado Hills?

GS: For the players in our Comp Program, this gives them a kind of map, a ladder, to use to identify what they need to do within their own game to reach the next level. And for our coaches, it will help us better identify a clear mission in what our ultimate goal is for our players.

PB: The biggest thing I am looking forward to showing everyone in our organization is what the youth development pathway looks like at the professional level. It brought me so many benefits as a player, and later on as a coach, and now our members, players, and coaches are going to get an opportunity to experience it. We want to show the community how serious we are about our club, and we want to keep raising the bar. And there’s no better club to do this with than Sacramento Republic.

How do you hope to help grow the game in the Sacramento region?

TH: I think that our region is saturated with good clubs and good players, and I think there are so many doors that can open if we collaborate to develop our players and grow the game. Why can’t we work together? Through this partnership with Republic FC, we want to show that we want to collaborate with the best clubs in the area, and that we are willing to team up with other organizations to set our players for success — and that we can do it in a way that still allows us to stay true our identity. So I think this relationship can serve as a model of how clubs can better work together to develop top players.

dentistry that aims to be a home away from home

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

Courtesy photo

The El Dorado Hills Bowmen North American Animal 3D Archery Competition is fun for the whole family.

Your baby, your birth center.

Holding your baby for the first time—it’s a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. And Mercy Hospital of Folsom’s Family Birth Center is here to help make your experience as special as your new bundle of joy—from our private rooms, to warm tubs that comfort laboring mothers, to complimentary doula support throughout the process. And for babies who might need some extra TLC on arrival, the advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at our sister hospital Mercy San Juan Medical Center is just a short ride away.

Take a virtual tour of our Family Birth Center by scanning here:

FINANCIAL FOCUS

When should you take Social Security?

One of your important sources of retirement income will likely be Social Security — but when should you start taking it?

You can start collecting Social Security bene ts at 62, but your checks will be considerably bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. You could even wait until you’re 70, at which point the payments will max out, except for yearly costof-living adjustments. But if you need the money, you need the money, even if you’re just 62 or any age before full retirement age.

However, if you have adequate nancial resources to meet your monthly needs, whether through earned income, your investment portfolio or a combination of the two, you could have some exibility in choosing when to take Social Security. In this case, you may want to weigh these considerations:

• Life expectancy — For all of us, it’s one of life’s great mysteries: How long will we live? Of course, we can’t see into the future, so the question can’t be answered with total con dence. But to make an informed decision on when to take Social Security, you don’t need to know your exact lifespan; you just need to make a reasonably good estimate. For example, if you’re approaching 62, you’re enjoying excellent health and you have a family history of longevity, you might conclude it’s worth waiting a few years to collect Social Security so you can receive the bigger payments. Conversely, if your health is questionable and your family has not been fortunate in terms of longevity, you might want to start taking your bene ts earlier.

• Employment — You can certainly continue working and still receive Social Security bene ts. However, if you’re younger than your full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security will deduct $1 from your bene ts for every $2 you earn above the annual limit of $22,320. In the year you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will deduct $1 in bene ts for every $3 you earn above $59,520. So, you may want to keep these reductions in mind when deciding when to begin accepting bene ts. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn any amount without losing bene ts. (Also, at your full retirement age, Social Security will recalculate your bene t amount to credit you for the months you received reduced bene ts because of your excess earnings.)

• Spouse — Spouses can receive two types of Social Security bene ts: spousal and survivor. With a spousal bene t, your spouse can receive up to 50% of your full retirement bene ts, regardless of when you start taking them. (Your spouse’s bene t can be reduced by the amount of their own retirement bene t and whether they took Social Security before their full retirement age.) But with a survivor bene t, your decision about when to take Social Security can make a big di erence. A surviving spouse can receive the larger of their own bene t or 100% of a deceased spouse’s bene t, so if you take bene ts early and receive a permanent reduction, your spouse’s survivor bene t may also be reduced for their lifetime.

When to take Social Security is an important — and irrevocable — decision. So, consider all the factors before making your choice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

April 18

El Dorado State hosts its monthly planning meeting, 5-8 p.m. at The Breakroom, 4131 South Shingle Road in Shingle Springs. Pick up new road signs, yers and T-shirts. Discussion will be about building the new state constitution and you’ll want to put forth your ideas.

Ponderosa Stage Productions at Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs presents “Shrek: The Musical,” April 18-20. For tickets and more information visit pondodrama.com/shrek.

April 19

The Shingle Springs Community Center hosts its quarterly Bunko Fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will feature a delicious taco bar and dessert. Margaritas, beer and wine viable for purchase. Purchase tickets in advance at shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.

Imagination Theater presents “Winnie the Pooh,” April 19 through May 12 at the theater on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org/winnie-the-pooh.

April 20

The Cameron Park Community Services District hosts a community cleanup day, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camerado Springs Middle School. Visit cameronpark.org for a list of acceptable items.

The El Dorado Winery Association presents Passport Weekend April 20 & 21, with more than 20 wineries o ering special tastings, pairings and more. For tickets and more information visit eldoradowines.org.

The rst Super Pet Fest takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane in Cameron Park. Bring your friendly, leashed pet to this free family event. Learn from local pet experts and be ready to help a rescue center, plus enter your pet in the Pet Fashion Show.

The Stage at Burke Junction presents Earth Day Puppet Ruckus at 11 a.m. at Burke Junction in Cameron Par. For more information visit stageatburke.com.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts April Pool’s Day, 1-3 p.m. at the community pool. Join aquatics sta for a free day of swimming to jump start the season.

Face in a Book in EDH Town Center celebrates “Home Fires,” a new Sheri Hank Worth mystery from author Claire Booth, with a book launch 4-6 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Sleeping Beauty,” April 20 through May 19. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

April 21

El Dorado Western Railroad’s excursion rides resume, with train rides on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting. Board at the El Dorado Station April 21. Train rides at the Shingle Springs Station are planned April 28. For more information visit facebook.com/ ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

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’ Co eehouse, 1-2:30 p.m., allows writers to chat about the latest trends in the industry, about the craft of writing and much more. For more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook. com.

Folsom Concert Association presents The Black Market Trust at 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Sierra Symphony presents a Spring Concert conducted by Roy Fulmer Jr., 3 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue. For tickets and more information visit sierrasymphony.org.

April 22

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and RC Henning Co ee Company host a ribbon cutting, 5:30-7 p.m. at 2558 Greenwood Lane, Suite 120, Cameron Park.

April 23

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive noon to 4 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be located in the parking lot near the baseball elds at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 2584825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

April 24

Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

April 25

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Hawk Casino in Placerville. For more information call (530) 677-8000.

April 26

Stand Up for MORE, a comedy show, takes place 5-9 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit morerehab.org.

April 27

El Dorado Hills Community Services District invites baseball and softball players to participate in the fourth annual Pitch, Hit, and Run competition at Promontory Park. The o cial skills competition of Major League Baseball will put young ball player’s fundamental skills to the test. This free event is open for anyone ages 7-14 to compete. For more information call (916) 933-6624 ext. 0.

Ed Wilson will perform 6-8 p.m. at Boring Rose Brewing Co. in El Dorado Hills.

May 1

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a business builder bu et, 11:30 a.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. To RSVP call (916) 933-1335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.

Anzini

as an umpire but also soak it all in and enjoy it as it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Anzini said. Anzini’s wife Natalie will join him for the trip. Natalie was not able to attend the regional tournament in 2021 due to COVID restrictions. During that tournament she watched Dan from home on ESPN+.

The couple has been able to turn Dan’s umpire travels into vacation time for themselves, like the time they went to New York for Dan’s training.

Fair

participating began meeting regularly to think through their business ideas, test their ideas, develop a timeline and budget, explore booth presentation and learn sales techniques. Meanwhile, they worked at home by themselves or with friends to develop their businesses. A total of 27 different student-led business booths will be presented.

The public, friends, and neighbors are invited to shop the student-created businesses. There will be unique arts and crafts, 3D printed items, handmade jewelry and toys, games and activities like face painting and an array of food treats, including pizza baked on site.

“I’m making purses from old jeans,” said fourth-grader Raven. “I learned how to do this from my mom’s fashion camp and it seemed like a good idea to use all the old clothes we have at home

“I got the chance to watch him in Cooperstown for two days and then we did New York tourist things and built a vacation into it,” Natalie said.

Dan and Natalie have been married for 17 years and have two daughters, Clara and Betty, who are both in high school. They all share a love of music as both girls play the trumpet and are in jazz, marching and symphonic bands. Dan is also the band booster president and music is a family bonding experience for everyone.

Continued from A1

rather than buying new materials. I’m calling the business Jasper, after my cat who hangs out with me while I sew.”

“The students are working so hard to bring their creative ideas to life and learning so much in the process,” said Karen Brown, event coordinator. “We hope that many shoppers will come out to support these young entrepreneurs. In addition to all the tasty treats that will be available, it’s a perfect opportunity to find a Mother’s Day or special occasion gift, all while directly supporting a student’s real-life business experience.”

The Bear Business Fair is sponsored by the William Brooks Parent Teacher Association. There is no charge to enter the event and plenty of free parking is available. The school is located at 3610 Park Drive in El Dorado Hills.

Continued from A1 Report

tion into how CSD determines park assessments, collects developer impact fees and CSD’s overall financial position,” reads the report summary. The entire report can be found online at edcgov.us/Government/ GrandJury/2023-2024-grand-jury.

At Thursday night’s EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting, where there were few empty seats, residents shared their reactions to the report, which ranged from embarrassed to appalled.

“I have no confidence in senior board members of the CSD,” said Robin Valicenti, who advocated for term limits and more transparency.

Sharing more and accurate information with the public was a common theme during public comment.

“Just be honest, be transparent,” Chuck King told directors.

“This is your moment to reset,” added Steve Gutierrez, who encouraged directors to explain to the public their decision-making process. Director Steve Ferry said he agreed with the residents’ comments. “We need to be better.”

That sentiment was echoed by Director Heidi Hannaman, who also noted that both she and Ferry were not on the board when many of the issues addressed in the report began.

All board members agreed to be available to staff members and counsel, who have 90 days from the report’s release date to respond.

“Staff is prepared to start that response,” Hornstra said, explaining the first part of the process is to gather background information on each issue. The response will come back for public review and comment before it is submitted to the county.

Loewen side job

The grand jury concluded that Loewen’s contract work for DTA, which at the same time had an agreement with the district to determine park fee assessments, “represented a potential serious conflict of interest as well as potential statutory and ethics violations.”

“Despite the public concerns, the CSD Board of Directors did not adequately address the issue, even appearing to support the GM without inquiry or serious investigation until he voluntarily separated from CSD in midDecember 2023,” the report notes.

The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office collaborated with the grand jury on this investigation due

to potential criminal violations. It was noted in the report that current and prior board members appeared to have committed Brown Act violations when supporting Loewen’s request to start a consultancy business in 2020 and at one time Loewen publicly denied working for DTA despite evidence to the contrary. No charges have been filed.

The grand jury recommends in the report, “By Dec. 31, 2024, the county District Attorney’s Office should complete the investigation of any potential ethics or conflicts of interest violations, including required FPPC Form 700 disclosures, raised by the former GM’s consulting arrangement with DTA.”

Money in the bank

The grand jury’s investigation into EDHCSD finances ranges from looking at landscaping and lighting district assessments (several have been left off the last two years’ tax rolls during an ongoing dispute between the district and Auditor-Controller Joe Harn’s office) to cash reserves (the district nets $2 million to $5 million in revenue each year with cash on hand and other liquid investments sitting at around $50 million, a “truly shocking” amount, the report states).

Recommendations made include:

• CSD should establish and document clearer guidelines for the CSD Board of Directors or GM certification of the assessment levy to the county auditor-controller and publish that procedure in the CSD policies and procedures documents.

• CSD should document the projected use for all treasury fund assets, clarify which fund accounts are earmarked for what purposes and open the spending plan for public comment and approval.

•By Sept. 30, 2024, CSD should review, revise and publicize its master plan from 2021 with realistic timelines for all new park development, as well as accurate and realistic cost estimates that can be funded and executed within a 10-year planning period.

• CSD should get public input on its latest 10-year development plan, including any updates to the master plan from 2021 and how they plan to use park impact fee funds over an extended period. This development needs to include a contingency plan for new park development in a reasonable time frame if additional funds do not become available that are required for the current master plan.

e spacious Independent Living apartments at Ponté Palmero mean you can continue your independent lifestyle, with access to all the community services and amenities we o er to make your retirement easier and more enjoyable.

Floor plans up to 1,482 square feet | Private, attached garage | Full kitchen | In-suite laundry

You can continue to cook and entertain in your own home, or enjoy our chef-prepared meals in the community dining room with friends. We take away the worry of housekeeping and home maintenance, and provide social opportunities all month long. You can relax and spend your days with friends and family, and doing the things you enjoy most.

• Kitchen with full-size appliances and granite counters

• Private patio

• Attached garage

• In-home washer and dryer

• High ceilings

• Housekeeping, laundry, and trash service

• Utilities and basic cable included

• Air conditioning

• Pets welcome! COMMUNITY SERVICES & AMENITIES

• Restaurant-style dining

• Swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor grills

• Clubhouse and tness center

• Library and full-service beauty salon

• Activities, clubs, outings, and celebrations

• Transportation services

• 24-hour emergency maintenance

• Gated electronic entrance

V illage H OMES

Patricia Seide CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617 patricia.seide@ cbnorcal.com

1129 Hogarth Way, El Dorado Hills

2,837 square feet

3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms

0.17-acre property

Listed at $1,175,000

MLS #224010783

Great amenities elevate EDH home

Welcome to your dream home in the prestigious gated Serrano Country Club community.

This newer single-story residence in El Dorado Hills o ers luxurious living with every modern convenience.

Step inside onto beautiful stone tile and a wide entryway that opens into the formal dining room, which showcases hardwood ooring, plantation shutters, a custom chandelier and built-in cabinetry with a wine refrigerator. All amenities set the stage for memorable dinner parties and celebrations.

The bright and spacious great room has a cozy gas replace, perfect for gathering with friends and family. Enjoy beautiful backyard views. When you desire some privacy, use the remote-controlled shades.

The great room also includes a modern chef’s kitchen with a gorgeous waterfall-edge granite island that has an oversized sink, built-in storage, a dishwasher and space for bar seating. Resident chefs will love the six-burner gas stove with griddle and stainless steel hood. The kitchen also features dual electric ovens, built-in microwave and two warming drawers, a walk-in pantry and a spacious refrigerator surrounded by custom cabinetry.

Adjacent dining space opens onto the covered patio for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining.

Generous cabinetry marks the entrance to the primary suite, which boasts lush carpet, backyard views, a sitting area and remote-controlled shades. The suite’s bathroom is the place to relax with a deep soaking tub and a spacious walk-in shower. Other features include dual sinks with granite countertops and extra storage as well as access to the walk-in closet.

The home boasts two additional bedrooms, each o ering its own private bathroom and walk-in closet — convenience and luxury for every member of the household.

For those who love to entertain outdoors, the easy-care backyard is sure to impress. Relax and unwind on the covered patio, complete with a replace for cozy evenings under the stars. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, this backyard oasis is the ideal retreat.

Car enthusiasts will appreciate the attached three-car garage, providing ample space for vehicles, storage and hobbies. Not only does this home o er luxury and comfort, it also features owned solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall system, providing energy e ciency and cost savings for years to come. Interested in a private tour of this beautiful Hogarth Way property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com.

OUR MISSION

To empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDS) to live their best lives. We do this by providing opportunities for growth in character, health, social connections, and independence.

Everyone who is in our program is in the Self Determination Program (SDP). We also have an incredible theater program that rehearses every Tuesday evening from 5:30-7. This is not part of the SDP. This program is for ages 13 and up.

For more information contact: Jonathan Reis, Founder, CEO/Executive Director, at 209-400-1334 or Racquel Hall, SDP Administrator, at 209-443-0316 Or you can email us at jonathanr@dreamcatchersedh.org or racquelh@dreamcatchersedh.org

5041 Robert J Mathews Pkwy Suite 400, El Dorado Hills, CA., 95762 www.dreamcatchersedh.org

Discover high-end living for those 55+ at our Heritage communities in El Dorado Hills with Mosaic at Heritage El Dorado Hills now selling and Heritage Carson Creek coming soon! Offering a variety of single-story new homes with floorplans ranging from 1,251 - 2,567 sq ft, all set within masterplanned communities, residents enjoy a resort-inspired setting with amenities such as social clubhouses, gated privacy, pools, pickleball and tennis courts, parks and more!

Prices start from the $600,000s.

4975 Del Mar Drive El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 I 916-957-2187 I Lennar.com/Sacramento A

Dream Catchers EDH has a wonderful day program where our participants who have aged out of their programs or just want to come to us instead of their other program work on reallife skills both in the classroom and in public.

Jazz lovers invited to a day lled with great music

P onderosa High School hosts the ninth annual Gold Country Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 20.

The purpose of the festival is to encourage the growth of jazz education in area music programs. The festival’s participating groups receive written and recorded feedback from top jazz educators, as well as clinics with feedback creating an incredible learning environment. The participating schools are ranked, and individual medals are awarded by the adjudicators at the clinic.

El Dorado County’s participating schools are Camerado Springs and Pleasant Grove middle schools, Union Mine High School and Ponderosa High School. In addition, there are 11 schools from the Sacramento region performing. In total the schools will yield nearly 30 ensembles for the community’s listening pleasure.

“I rmly believe that everyone has the potential to participate in music creation. I hope the festival events both encourage and inspire everyone to keep performing beyond school bounds,” said Sophia Sumpo, Ponderosa High School director of bands. “Only by

‘Anything Goes’ sails into Sutter Street Theatre

Folsom.

FOLSOM

— The S.S. American is sailing between New York and England with a comically colorful assemblage of passengers: Reno Sweeney, a popular nightclub singer and former evangelist; her pal Billy Crocker, a lovelorn Wall Street broker who has come aboard to try to win the favor of his beloved Hope Harcourt (who is engaged to another passenger, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh);

The toe-taping show (2022 revision) features music and lyrics by Cole Porter. This production is directed by Kenny Brian Gagni with music direction by Connie Mockenhaupt and choreography by Mockenhaupt and Devin LePage.

Rated G, “Anything Goes” performances are scheduled 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 Sundays through May 12 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations visit SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 353-1001.

exploring the unknown can we truly understand the impact and creativity we possess.”

The event’s doors open to the public at 8 a.m. and goes until the last note played around 4:30 p.m. at Ponderosa High School, 3661 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Springs. Entry can be purchased in advance or at the door. Entry fees are $12 for adults, senior (55+) passes are $10, students aged 7-18 are $5, and Children 6 and younger get in free with a paid adult. Tickets may be purchased in advance by visiting ticketstripe.com/Gold-Country-JazzFestival-2024.

The public is invited to enjoy a day lled with live music as the community celebrates and showcases the student performers and their directors from across the greater Sacramento area. Between enjoying the sounds of the visiting jazz bands and combos, enjoy snacks, breakfast or lunch from a fully stocked snack bar and vendor booths.

For more information visit facebook. com/GoldCountryJazzFest or goldcountryjazzfest.org.

Marshall film profiles stories of resilience

News release

Marshall, El Dorado County’s largest healthcare provider, has unveiled “Resilient: The Marshall Medical Story,” a feature-length documentary showcasing complex and inspiring stories of care. Filmed entirely on location at Marshall’s hospital and clinics, the documentary pro les providers and patients as they navigate life’s most di cult and joyous moments. Working within Marshall’s clinics and departments and spanning Emergency, Oncology, Pediatrics, Birth Center, Surgery and Cardiology, lmmakers with Dulcinea Productions captured profoundly personal and revealing moments. Patient safety and privacy were always at the forefront throughout the production process, but the lm manages to provide a unique glimpse into the various aspects of health care not o en seen by non-professionals.

“When you lm live within the care environment absolutely anything can happen,” said Siri Nelson, Marshall’s president and CEO. “What the documentary team captured however, in real time,

■ See MARSHALL, page B6

Courtesy photo Jazz bands from El Dorado County and surrounding areas come to Ponderosa High School for the annual Gold Country Jazz Festival.

Allen

Photo by Allen Schmeltz Actors Haley McDaniel, Madison Grandlund and Mike Jimena, back row left to right, join Daniel Kim, Emi Madsen and Tom Roy, front left to right, to bring the colorful characters of “Anything Goes” to life.

Periwinkle is one of many plants that can crowd out natives and take over an area.

GROW FOR IT!

Concerns about invasive garden plants

We all know invasives like Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) dominate woodland and field. Consider now a concern about some garden plants establishing in, and overcoming, wildland.

In a Georgetown Divide creek bed, periwinkle (Vinca major) grows lush but drastically cuts water flow, significantly changing this ecological niche. There were admonitions against planting periwinkle where garden spread is undesirable, but seemingly, no widespread reflection on establishment in the larger world; now we see a disastrous change where it takes root in the wildland. Invasives choke out moisture, sunlight and nutrients needed by natives, and thus they decrease populations of wildland species dependent on those natives, upsetting the ecosystem balance and driving down natural diversity.

Another example: I like my wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaity’), an easy-to-grow, variegated, prostrate, evergreen. But wait, it’s now listed as a watch-thisplant on the Missouri Department of Conservation website, which has noted its aggressive vining travel into wildland trees. The same attributes that I love, easy-to-grow, thick and durable in snow and drought, make it a potential invasive.

While not listed as invasive in California, my violets (Viola odorata) crowded out my carpet bugle (Ajuga repens) and my Serbian bellflower (Capanula poscharskyana) and, because violets are durable, they carry on in heat, cold, gravelly pathway or garden soil. Wild violets (V. ssp.) are considered invasive outside California.

While your plant may not have invasive roots or an overbearing need for the sunlight and nutrients, an invasive can just be a nasty plant, like the Arum italicum that is spreading through my garden. Once I ignored it, waiting to see if gophers would avoid Arum’s poisonous calcium oxalates and ultimately be deterred from the entire planter box. I’m concerned now where the orange berries will end up in the wildland. After all, I did not plant the arum in my gardens origi -

nally; its large variegated leaves just appeared. Don’t depend upon your local nursery to screen invasives in their sale stock. I’ve found various brooms (Scotch, French and Spanish — respectively, Cytisus scoparius, Genista monspessulana, Spartium junceum) and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) for sale online and in local nurseries. The latter wipes out native species under its dense thicket or discourages them by exuding a toxin into the soil. Tree of Heaven has no natural predators and has been identified as the host plant for the spotted lanternfly, currently on a watchlist because it destroys crops.

You can check the below references in considering what to plant and be wary of plant descriptions such as a spreading root base, a need for severe pruning, a recommendation to stabilize a dirt slope or an ability to profusely reseed. These descriptives can indicate your choice is potentially invasive. Several references contain suggested non-invasive alternatives.

Our responsibility is not limited to our garden plants but also to how they might spread to, and affect or diminish, surrounding wildland. For more information on invasive species, here are a few websites:

• Cal-IPC (California Invasive Plant Council): cal-ipc.org

• Plant Right: plantright.org/aboutinvasive-plants/plant-list

• Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: ucanr.edu

• Arum (North Carolina State University): plants.ces.ncsu.edu/ plants/arum-italicum Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education_Classes/?calendar=y es&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open through summer, 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information about activities at the garden visit 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 office 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.

The 8th Annual Stand Up For MORE Comedy Night will be in partnership with the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce to o er wonderful entertainment along with a delicious meal catered by John Sanders. Shake o the stress of the week with this hilarious, fundraising showcase. Our Headliner, the hilarious Dennis Blair, who has been described as a Renaissance man. He is an accomplished screenwriter, award-winning songwriter, and comedic actor. Yet he is probably best known for the caustic observations and musical satires of his live comedy performances. Also featured is the amazingly talented Derrick Leonard, whose laser-sharp humor will have you in stitches!

Admission: $60 per person; $100 per couple

Tickets available at: MORE, 399 Placerville Drive Online at: www.morerehab.org

Pixabay image

Susan CoreyMcAlpine UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

confirms what we already know about Marshall. Our ‘every person, every time’ commitment is evident throughout our staff and throughout our departments and is absolutely elevating the care our community receives.”

Rural, independent hospitals and health care have unique needs which our community helps to support.”

“One thing you ‘see’ in the film, but which may not be immediately obvious is the critical role of philanthropy in Marshall’s success,” added Mindy Danovaro, executive director of the Marshall Foundation for Community Health. “Marshall was founded by, and for, this community and our foundation donors provide support for each of the areas shown in the film.

The documentary was recently unveiled at redcarpet screenings at the Regal Cinema in El Dorado Hills and at the Placerville Cinema where community leaders, donors to the Marshall Foundation for Community Health and hospital representatives sat alongside the providers, patients and family members featured in the film. Before these events, the documentary was screened for every member of Marshall’s staff, providing an opportunity for celebration and reflection.

Yellow Button Bakery

“The documentary’s title, ‘Resilient,’ honors the indomitable spirit of not only the healthcare providers who have just experienced some of the most challenging and emotionally taxing years of their careers,” noted the film’s director Will Agee. “It celebrates the courageous spirit of the patients who step through Marshall’s doors on some of their hardest days. The extraordinary results of the meeting of the two is what drives the film.”

Resilient is now available for public screening on Marshall’s YouTube channel and can be viewed by visiting marshall-resilient.org.

The film’s release coincides with a strategic rebranding campaign at Marshall, designed to highlight its best-in-practice providers and the nationally recognized services available in the heart of our foothills community. Billboards, bus shelters and advertisements are helping to spread the message that patients will receive an extraordinary standard of care at Marshall; the same or better than they would find in any large city. Learn more at marshallmedical.org.

SHINGLE SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK

of Commerce

President’s Corner

Colette Thiel

As we begin the 2nd quarter of 2024, we want to share some information about our Chamber of Commerce. The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership between businesses, professionals, and individuals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in the community. Chamber members are businesses, organizations and individuals concerned with the socioeconomic climate of our area. If you know a business that should be a member, we’d love the opportunity to talk with them. Just give us a call at 530-677-8000. Our Chamber continues to have an open-door policy and encourages ALL our members to get involved.

Exciting times ahead for our Chamber! We plan to launch a new website by the end of April. We also have a new Education Committee! More information is coming on that soon!

In February we moved our luncheons to Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino. This proved to be a great move and we had our largest attendance in the past 3 years! We welcome you to join us on the 4th Thursday of the month at 11:45am. The cost is

only $18 per person and in addition to networking, we have great speakers!

On Friday, April 12th, 5:30pm, we are hosting a ribbon cutting for Sierra Mountain Firearms in Shingle Springs. Please join us in welcoming this new business to town!

AND Save the Date, 6/8/24! Thunder in the Park Classic Car Shows roars back into Cameron Park Lake. This is an amazing fun filled family event with gorgeous vehicles/trucks on display, food trucks, vendor booths and music by DJ Brandon Dominguez. For more information or to register a vehicle contact the Chamber office at 530-677-8000.

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

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.

April 21

Farmers Market (Now Year ‘Round) 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.

April

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

April 20

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.

April 22

The

April 26

2024 “Stand Up for MORE” Comedy Night

The 8th Annual Stand Up for MORE will be held on Friday, April 26th at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. We are so excited to be able to showcase terri cally talented top-notch acts bene ting MORE and the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce!

Earth Day

April 20 to 21

El Dorado Wines Passport Weekend

Explore one of the world’s most diverse and exhilarating wine regions at El Dorado Wines Passport Weekend! Sip and savor award-winning wines while enjoying perfectly paired bites, music, and a bounty of other experiences at more than 20 participating wineries throughout the picturesque foothills of EDC. $45 - $75. Visit for tickets: https://www.cellarpass.com/events/ passport-2024-10390

April 25

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! Contact the Chamber for more details at (530) 677-8000.

Headlining for this evening will be Dennis Blair. Featuring Derrick Leonard as the opening comedian. Dinner will be catered by John Sanders of Old Town Grill. For tickets, visit: https:// www.morerehab.org/event-details/stand-up-formore-2024

April 27

Kids Expo

From 10am to 2pm at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, celebrate the 39th annual Kids Expo. Parents who once attended the event as children are now bringing their own children to share in this amazing community event. Whether it be to sit behind the wheel of a re truck, spin prize wheels or get their face painted, families and children are able to participate in a wide variety of creative activities while learning about community services, educational programs, businesses, and extra-curricular activities.

The Chamber’s mission statement re ects this premise: “To advocate, promote and preserve the quality of life in our Chamber Community, by means of a strong, healthy and diverse business community.”

unique quilts and Sandy Fong Whetstone will bring her visions to life through ceramics. The exhibit will be open April 26 to June 20. Waddle is an awardwinning textile artist and her work has received awards at the International Quilt Festival Houston, Schwienfurth Art Center and Visions Textile Art Museum. Waddle welcomes the challenge of transforming a piece of plain white fabric into a work of art. Within each piece she works to incorporate a myriad of fabric manipulation and transformation techniques. These include such techniques as dye painting, stenciling, screen printing, rusting and other methods that help to achieve the unique results she seeks throughout her works of art.

Fong Whetstone is a ceramic sculptor, painter, printmaker, fiber and mixed-media artist with a tagline of “Art that Makes You Smile.” Her work reflects the beauty and humor found in nature and explores humans’ oft fraught relationship with it — the struggle to impose our will on nature contrasted with our efforts to preserve it. Her work can be found locally at the Crocker Art Museum’s museum store in Sacramento, the Pence Gallery in Davis and the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art museum store. Her work has also been shown at galleries in Southern California and New Orleans. April 18 through June 6, in the adjacent Community Gallery at 48 Natoma, the membership of the El Dorado Hills Arts Association will display a variety of work promoting the 2024 Spring Art Studio

Tour with 45 artists from 18 studios that are participating in this year’s event. This is a great way to preview all the artists in the art tour, get a free studio map and plan your route for the tour.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma will be open for the tour weekend Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is free and all ages are welcome. For more information about the studio tour visit eldoradohillsarts.com/2024spring-studio-tour.html.

An opening reception for both exhibits is planned 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 26. Entrance is free and open to the public with complimentary refreshments and live

music.

Natoma St. in Folsom and open to the public 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with evening hours of 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The gallery is managed by the Folsom Parks and Recreation Department and displays art by regional and national professional artists, area museum collections and traveling exhibitions — offering high quality, original art exhibits to the community that otherwise may not be experienced in this area. More information is available at folsom.ca.us/galleryat48natoma or call (916) 461-6601.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma is located at 48

Ceramic bird by Sandy Fong Whetstone.

“Moroccan Stallion” by Eden Halbert, who is one of the artists on this year’s El Dorado Hills Arts Association Spring Studio Tour. See

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!