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THE PINE HILL PRESERVE Take a tour of this home to rare and unique plants right in our backyard. ■
IN EL DORADO HILLS
■
MAY 11, 2022
READY TO SERVE Thomas Frey Staff writer Jeff Leikauf reported for his first day of work with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office in 1990, just 21 years old at the time. His first assignment was as a correctional officer at the South Lake Tahoe jail. Leikauf told Village Life he remembers wondering what it would be like to be the sheriff of El Dorado County. “It’s the craziest thing because I did have that thought on my very first day,” he said. Thirty-two years later Leikauf, 53, a husband and father of four, is readying himself for a June 7 election where he is unopposed to serve as sheriff. He said he aims to serve more than one term. “I love serving something that’s bigger than myself,” the Cameron Park resident shared. “It’s my life’s work and I’ve always been a proud member of the Sheriff’s Office. I’ve always been proud to take that car home and park it in my driveway and represent our agency.” In those 32 years his ladder to the top included becoming a deputy sheriff, a school resource officer, a detective, a sergeant and now a lieutenant, where he leads patrol operations. ■
INSIDE, PAGE 3
John Adams Academy set to expand Sel Richard Staff writer More than 1,000 waitlisted students hope to someday attend the John Adams Academy in El Dorado Hills, a tuition-free K-12 public charter school. It is good news for them that the El Dorado County Board of Education recently approved a material revision of the school’s charter to expand its site. The school, opened in 2017 in the El Dorado Hills Business Park, offers an American classical leadership education model and presently serves just fewer than 900 kids. Scholars enjoy a curriculum that includes history, English, math, visual and performing arts, laboratory science and foreign languages, including Latin and Greek, with college-preparatory electives. “Our scholars and families have been very patient and resourceful with the limitations of our current space,” said Executive Director Joseph Benson. “We have had to convert utility rooms to classrooms and we’re using the parking lot as a playground.” The revision permits the academy to acquire an adjacent 78,286-square-foot building to house classrooms, a theater, a library as well as refurbish field space that connects the two buildings. Improvements to the existing building are also planned for the secondary program along with a gymnasium. Concerns were raised over questions of charter violations. “There were some folks who wanted to challenge it, saying it was a separate site and in fact it’s the same site; we share a parking lot with it,” explained John Adams Academy representative Carlos Yniguez. Ultimately, EDCOE staff found the revision legally
See LEIKAUF, page 7
Village Life photo by Krysten Kellum
Running unopposed this June, El Dorado County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Leikauf is poised to be the new sheriff.
■
See ACADEMY, page 9
Comedians lighten the mood at Oak Ridge Jana Rossi Staff writer
L
ocal comedian Brad Bonar Jr. started off the show with a handkerchief and a deck of cards — a quick slip of his hand mixed with a bit of magic and out popped a tiny dove. His impressed audience filled with Oak Ridge High School seniors, applauded while Bonar addressed the packed theater room using light-heartedness and humor. “Laughter changes the brain,” he told them, explaining that laughing releases the same chemical as antidepressants. Bonar was at Oak Ridge High School to perform his comedy show, 1 Degree of Separation, A Funny look at Depression and Suicide. The mantra behind the name, “If you don’t suffer, then someone you know does,” is a comedy routine with the sole purpose to create a dialogue and kill the stigma of mental illness. Part of the show is dedicated to give the audience an opportunity to gain a brief insight into each of comedians struggles with depression. Bonar led things off and described his mental health journey that included a 5150, police code for an involuntary psychiatric hold, which eventually led him to form 1 Degree of Separation a year and a half later. Though he said he had never spoken about depression prior, he recalled later in his life finding a suicide note ■
See COMEDY SHOW, page 7
Village Life photo by Jana Rossi
Comedians Aurora Singh, Sydney Stigerts, Sureni Weerasekera and Brad Bonar Jr., left to right, use comedy to highlight mental health struggles. The group recently performed at Oak Ridge High School, sharing the message that those who are depressed are not alone.
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 29
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What’s Happening Ready to rummage?
May 11, 2022
May 12: The Giant Spring Rummage Sale at the Placerville Shakespeare Club, 2940 Bedford Ave. in Placerville, takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 12; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 13; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Saturday includes a large selection of plants, 8-11 a.m. Bring your own shopping bags. Call Joyce at (530) 622-8351 for more information or visit placerville-Shakespeare. com.
Steamy book discussion May 12: Join Face in a Book for From Bodice Rippers to Bridgerton: The Rise of the Rom-Com & Other Books with a Light Touch, a talk about the rise of romantic novels at the El Dorado Hills Town Center shop, 6-8 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401.
Swap meet May 14: Check out the Swap Meet at the El Dorado County Fair and Event Center in Placerville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. Admission is free. For more information and to reserve a spot visit eldoradocountyfair.org.
PEOPLE TALK
Photos and question by Sel Richard
How has stock market whiplash affected you?
Dylan Young
Kasceka Mills
Folsom
Folsom
“It hasn’t. I don’t have any stock investments.”
“It hasn’t affected me. I’m not in the stock market.”
Macarthy Visman Camino
“Little to none. We’re not heavily trading.”
Ride the rails May 16: The El Dorado Western Railroad offers train rides the first and third Sundays of n
See Events, page 10
Capitol honors for heroes
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills
“I’ve been afraid to look.”
“It has validated my concerns about our monetary policy.”
The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheriff’s reports:
April 8 4:41 a.m. Deputies arrested a person on suspicion of burglary on Town Center Boulevard. 7:54 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Grassy Creek Way. 9:12 a.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Blackstone Court. 12:24 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Valley View Parkway. 2:01 p.m. A battery was reported on City Lights Drive. 8:02 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Powers Drive.
April 9 10:40 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Tah Nee Way. 6:33 p.m. A battery was reported at Rolling Hills School on Silva Valley Parkway.
April 11 12:40 p.m. A burglary was reported on Yellowstone Lane. 12:43 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Tah Nee Way. Courtesy photo
Flags surround the California Peace Officers Memorial at the State Capitol May 2 as dozens of officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice were memorialized. At right, Brian David Ishmael, the El Dorado County deputy killed in the line of duty in 2019, was one of 36 officers honored.
April 14 7 a.m. Grand theft was reported on Valley View Parkway. 4:04 p.m. A battery was reported on Valley View Parkway.
April 15 9:07 p.m. A battery was reported on Murcia Way. Village Life photo by Richard Esposito
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Photos of the week
Pet adoption May 14: El Dorado Hills Pet Food Express will host a Pet Adoption Extravaganza in partnership with three local, nonprofit rescues: Pitty Pop Rescue, Norcal Cocker Rescue and 10-Lives Rescue & Sanctuary, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The goal for the two-day event is to find furever homes for as many needy rescued pets as possible and rehome any pandemic pets that have been returned to the rescues due to in-office work policies.
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Pine Hill Flannelbush in the preserve plays host to a native carpenter bee.
PINE HILL PRESERVE
home to plants found nowhere else in the world Sherri Bergmann Special to Village Life
T
he Pine Hill Preserve is centered around Green Valley Road in western El Dorado County. It stretches from the South Fork of the American River in the north, southward to Cameron Park near Highway 50. The California Native Plant Society recognizes more than 740 plant species found in this area, which makes the preserve one of the most floristically diverse areas of the world. The PHP was established in 2001 and is home to eight rare plant species. Four are endemic, which means they don’t grow anywhere else in the world, one is nearly endemic and the others are found in a few places elsewhere. This assemblage of rare plants is part of a unique community that only grows in the Gabbro soils. What makes the area’s soil so unique? The Pine Hill Gabbro formation began 175 million years ago when a volcano on the Pacific plate was pushed into the continental plate (a process known as plate tectonics). The soil that formed from this intrusion is termed Gabbro soil. The U.S. Geological Survey has described the soils as the “Rescue series,” named after the nearby Rescue community. In the unique combinations of the soils and climate, with adaptations over time, these plants have become constrained to this area. How are the plants protected? “The Pine Hill Preserve rare plants are protected by the different designations of the lands that are set aside for their conservation and by management of their habitats,” explained Graciela Hinshaw, Pine Hill manager with the Bureau of Land Management. “These land designations include the BLM Pine Hill Area of Critical Environmental Concern and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Pine Hill Ecological Reserve.” Hinshaw also pointed out the laws and ordinances that help to protect these rare plants, “Laws under the Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act provide for the federally and state listed species conservation and recovery,” Hinshaw said, “and there are ordinances in El Dorado County ... to protect the Gabbro soil rare plants through mitigation requirements. “Ten federal, state and local agencies and private, nonprofit organizations work together under a
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LPL Financial Ithuriel’s Spear (Triteleia laxa) is a common native used to demonstrate the floral anatomy of this species. cooperative management agreement to determine species conservation needs and develop strategies to preserve the Gabbro plants and habitats in perpetuity,” she continued. “The BLM, the CDFW and the EDC hold ownership of the different parcels that compose the PHP system. All the CMA partners participate providing technical advice, informing about regulatory requirements, conducting volunteer and education/ outreach work, helping to manage habitats, acquiring lands to set aside for protection and funding these and other management related activities.” The California Native Plant Society also helps care for the land and works to help others to gain appreciation and care for the unique area that hosts the rare and endangered plants. The CNPS El Dorado Chapter recently provided free guided walking plant tours to point out unique plants at the Pine Hill Preserve. Shingle Springs resident Greg Jaeck marveled at the beauty around him
during the tour. “There is so much uniqueness and variety of plants in such a short stretch,” he shared. “I’m glad there was foresight of saving this area.”
Wildfire concern Due to the increasing number of wildfires in the state and county, Hinshaw said steps are taken to protect the preserve. “One of the main activities on PHP managed lands is the reduction of the fuels load through prescribed fire and mechanical treatments, to enhance habitat for the rare plants and help to prevent catastrophic wildfire events in areas immediately adjacent to the PHP,” she explained. But, ironically, sometimes a little fire isn’t a bad thing for some plants. Debra Ayres, vice president of the CNPS El Dorado Chapter, described how some plants, such as the federally endangered endemic Pine Hill Flannelbush (Fremontodendron decumbens), whose seeds are spread by Harvester ants,
germinates only after a fire. The CNPS El Dorado chapter’s website provides information on living with wildfire, how to help your home survive a wildfire, landscaping with native plants (including fire resistance) and more on wildfire prevention and restoring landscape after a fire.
Still learning Both Ayres and Virginia (Ginna) Meyer, a retired professor of Sacramento City College Field Ecology and field coordinator for the local CNPS El Dorado Chapter, have done extensive study on the unique plants in the Pine Hill Preserve ... but they are still learning. Questions remain, especially about the Pine Hill Flannelbush. They don’t know how old the few flowering plants at the preserve are or how long it takes for a seedling plant to mature and produce flowers. Both said they hope to see the young plants mature and flower during ■
See PRESERVE, page 10
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Meet Superior Court judge candidate Barlow Village Life staff
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For the first time in eight years residents of El Dorado County will choose who they want to serve as their judge. Vacant judicial seats are commonly filled by appointment by the governor but on June 7 voters will decide between Lesley Gomes Barlow and Gary Slossberg for Superior Court Office 7. Barlow is a 15-year resident of Placerville who has worked as a deputy county attorney for El Dorado County and currently serves as such in Amador. She’s a single mother of three and an active member of the local faith community. An honors graduate from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, Barlow has more than 20 years of legal practice inside and outside the courtroom, including a clerkship in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. She has also appeared before the California Court of Appeal, Third District. Barlow’s legal experience includes private practice in established law firms in Silicon Valley and Sacramento before dedicating her career to public service in El Dorado and Amador counties. “Barlow is aware that what happens inside the courtroom affects the community outside the courtroom,” reads a campaign statement. “She is nonpartisan with a faith-filled heart who is dedicated to building trust within her community.” According to campaign organizers, among
LESLEY GOMES BARLOW those endorsing Barlow is Placerville Police Chief Joseph Wren. In a letter to Barlow, Wren states, “I believe that once elected you will exercise a prudent judicial temperament and apply the law in a fair and balanced way, staying clear of judicial activism.” Other local leaders supporting Barlow include District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo, District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas, El Dorado Irrigation District Director Brian Veerkamp, South Lake Tahoe City Councilmember Tamara Wallace and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson. Assemblyman Kevin Kiley and Amador County Superior Court Judge Renee C. Day
are also backing Barlow, according to campaign officials. “Lesley has been appearing in my courtroom regularly since September of 2017,” Day states. “I know her abilities well. As an advocate, she is strong and effective. She is respectful of all the parties and exercises her role with care. These are qualities you want in a judicial officer.” Slossberg, Barlow’s challenger, has been a superior court commissioner for the county since November 2020. He previously served as the family law facilitator and self-help attorney for the court and as the attorney for Live Violence Free. Find more information about Barlow’s campaign at lesleybarlowforsuperiorcourt.com.
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With help from Folsom’s Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of the DAR and contributions from the community, a $2.244 check was presented to the Penny Pines Program – Eldorado National Forest for reforestation efforts following last year’s Caldor Fire.
DAR helps reforest burn area one penny at a time News release The impact of the destructive Caldor Fire in the Eldorado National Forest can still be seen today and recovery from the emotional and physical scars left by that fire will take a long time. Fortunately, people generously reached out to help those affected by the devastating fire. But what is being done to help with the restoration of the Eldorado National Forest? That question occurred to Carolyn Peth, a member of Folsom’s Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution While exploring ways to complete a DAR leadership project, she learned about a reforestation program initiated by the DAR with the U.S. Forest Service called the Penny Pines Project and realized that it could benefit the community. In 1939 the chief of the U.S. Forest Service wrote about the need for more and better forests. In response, the DAR’s Conservation Committee, state forest authorities and President Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps collaborated to make that happen and developed what became known as the Penny Pines Project. Its goal was to raise funds and plant trees in areas affected by wildfires or other natural disturbances. Back then, the price of a seedling was 1 cent each. Through her research, Peth said she realized Penny Pines would be a program that could bring new life to
the Eldorado National Forest ... one seedling at a time. With help from the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of the DAR and contributions from the community, a $2,244 check was sent to Penny Pines Reforestation Program – Eldorado National Forest. The amount raised will provide more than 7,500 seedlings for the reforestation effort. Through combined donations and funds appropriated by Congress, millions of dollars have been donated to help purchase and plant millions of seedlings and renew thousands of acres of national forest land in California. Native seeds sourced from healthy forests near the area to be planted are sent to nurseries and carefully grown for one to two years when they are then transported back to forest for planting. By sponsoring plantations of tree seedlings, land devastated by the Caldor Fire can be renewed. To find out more about the Penny Pines Reforestation Program – Eldorado National Forest go to fs.usda.gov/main/ eldorado/workingtogether/partnerships. Those who have an interest in learning more about the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of DAR and honoring and preserving the legacy of potential revolutionary ancestors in their families, promoting historic preservation, education and patriotic endeavors may contact Carol Ann Nolan at carolandar@att.net or Stephanie Ratzburg at sratzburg@me.com.
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Beautiful, private property on Bethany Lane
T
his beautiful, single-story Placerville home has a gated entry and, for added privacy, is located on a dead-end road. Enjoy the solitude on the 5-plus-acre parcel, where you can take a stroll among the tall trees and a dip in the gorgeous pool. The home’s spacious floor plan showcases wood flooring throughout, a wood burning stove, vaulted shiplap ceilings and large picture windows that overlook the magnificent local views all the way to Mount Diablo. The front door opens into the stunning living room with a vaulted ceiling, built-in bookshelves and backyard access via large, sliding glass doors. A front seating area seamlessly flows into the formal dining area lit by a charming chandelier. The light and bright kitchen features an island, gas cooktop, wine refrigerator, pantry closet and an abundance of cabinetry as well as a cozy dining nook that enjoys foothill views. Just off the kitchen is a half bath and access to the home’s attached, two-car garage. The luxurious primary suite has a sitting area, French doors leading to the third bedroom and outside access. The
suite’s bathroom features dual sinks, a stall shower and a walk-in closet plus a laundry area with cabinetry and stacked washer and dryer. The home’s second bedroom is a charming ensuite. Step out and relax on the covered back patio and spacious Trex-type deck that overlooks the built-in pool — a relaxing oasis in the backyard, surrounded by open patio and greenery. There’s plenty of open space for entertaining and seating among well-maintained trees. The backyard also features a lovely casita and 11 fruit trees as well as an irrigation well. The area surrounding the home is beautifully landscaped with flowering bushes, shrubs, rock outcroppings and mature trees. Other amenities include owned solar, updated HVAC, five zone mini-split system, on-demand water heater and a Level 2 charger ready for an electric car. The property is just 5 minutes from Highway 50, making it ideal for commuters. Interested in a tour of this lovely Bethany Lane property in Placerville? Contact Realtor Marilyn Goff at (530) 672-4530 or visit marilyngoff.com.
REALTORS: WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING FEATURES IN VILLAGE HOMES?
Contact Wes Edwards at (530) 344-5059 or wesley@mtdemocrat.com
7
May 11, 2022
Leikauf
Continued from 1
That breadth of experience helps him offer support and guidance to his fellow officers. “I could say, ‘I’ve done your job and I know the things you’re experiencing. I know what you may be going through or when you’re frustrated,’” Leikauf said. His hard work turned heads and about five to six years ago Sheriff John D’Agostini called Leikauf up to his office to chat. Still a half-decade away from retirement, D’Agostini told him he was putting together a succession plan and wanted to know if Leikauf was interested in running to be the county’s next sheriff. “This is a guy who has the same visions, values and he will continue the direction that the agency is going,” D’Agostini told members of the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce last month. “This is a guy who gets it.” Leikauf was interested. As the years ticked by D’Agostini would check in to see if Leikauf was still up for the job. Last year D’Agostini sat down with Leikauf and his wife Jenny and told them this would be his last term. The lieutenant was ready. “He said ‘Good, because there’s no turning back now,’” Leikauf recalled. “We had a game plan and we just got to work.” He hit the ground running, campaigning all over the county. When it
Village Life photo by Krysten Kellum
Jeff Leikauf has collected a number of challenge coins over his many years of service. became official Leikauf would be running unopposed, he didn’t put his foot on the brakes and continued campaigning. He said he wants to get to know as many residents as he can. “For me to be standing here unopposed, I think it’s a testament to our leadership, the sheriff’s mission and the way our men and women go about doing their jobs,” Leikauf said. “It’s
just building on what we’ve been able to accomplish in our sheriff’s three terms.” Leikauf’s campaign slogan is “building on the best” and he is focusing on issues such as continuing to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement officers and local residents and business owners. One of his priorities is preventing and solving costly thefts and
burglaries. He also hopes to enhance programs aimed at reducing criminal re-offenders by giving them life and job skills. Leikauf was born in Sacramento and went to Valley High School. He played baseball on a Cosumnes River College team where he shared the field with future MLB All-Star Fernando Viña. It was during that time in 1988 when Leikauf went on his first ridealong with a family friend, who was a brand-new deputy. Leikauf said he was enthralled by the experience and his friend recommended he try a career in law enforcement. He took the test to join the Sheriff’s Office and he’s been in El Dorado County ever since. He brought his baseball talent to the foothills, coaching Little League teams and at Union Mine, Ponderosa and Oak Ridge high schools, as well as club softball. He’s also been a youth basketball and football coach and is currently mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra. He said El Dorado County means everything to him. “It’s given me a place to have my career, a place to raise my family,” Leikauf explained. His children, Easton, Karsyn, Hunter, and Corey, range in age from 13-29. “It’s allowed me to be a coach, a father, an uncle, a friend and a community leader. It has allowed me to become the man I am today.”
Comedy show
Continued from 1
he had written when he was in the sixth grade. During his time on stage, Bonar shared how he used humor to stop a 17-year-old girl from jumping off of a bridge. “What bridge are you on?” he asked. Upon hearing her response he told her he didn’t think it was good bridge to jump from. Their dialogue ultimately made her laugh and, fortunately, changed her mind. Bonar explained that the idea of creating a show with other comedians stemmed from a few factors, saying, “80% of comedians struggle with depression; the other 20% aren’t funny,” and “Comedians will talk about everything.” He screens future performers for his show by asking them one question, “Are you depressed?” If they respond yes and are willing to stand on stage and talk about their struggles for the three to five minutes, they earn a spot in his show. Each performance consists of four comedians, including Bonar. After each introduction, all four comedians congregate back on stage for a series of five questions that Bonar considers to be vital to ask a person suffering with depression. Twenty-six-year-old Sydney Stigerts, a former Oak Ridge student, started things off by saying, “People
suck,” which grabbed the high-schoolers attention. Stigerts went on to discuss her experience of coming out as an openly gay woman in her teens. She ended by telling them, “You too can pursue your dreams and end up back at Oak Ridge,” which produced lots of laughs. Comedians Sureni Weerasekera and Aurora Singh followed Stigerts. Weerasekera explained how she didn’t have the support of her parents, who being from India didn’t understand the American way of talking about mental health. Singh, who describes herself as a “big girl,” was raised in a home with two strong religious views; Catholic and Sheik, ultimately leading to her parents’ divorcing. This comedic combination seems to work. So far the group has performed 35 shows, ranging from colleges to large companies around the country. After each performance, the comedians hang around to answer questions from the audience. They are not there to give advice but to share their experiences and throughout the show they recommend anyone with depression talk to someone; whether it be a professional, friend or teacher, talking is the first step.
Senior student Jessica Dean praised Oak Ridge for putting on the show, “I thought it was a good move on the part of the administration to expose kids to this type of thing. They can have exposure to lots of different experiences and maybe see that they aren’t alone.” As far as connecting with the students, Jessica didn’t entirely agree, “Personally I think that we weren’t really their crowd. I don’t think many kids got something from it that they haven’t already, but I think it was a good way to show that the school cares.” Carissa Nicholson, also a senior said she enjoyed the show, “I thought it was very entertaining and I liked the fact that they are talking about the struggles with depression more openly. That you are not alone.” But not all students feel that mental health issues should be addressed in such a light-hearted manner. Zac Vogan told Village Life, “I think it was beneficial to some students but didn’t directly impact all students. I personally don’t like the idea of making comedy out of sadness.” For more information about 1 Degree of Separation visit 1degreeofseparation.life.
Homes for Sale in El Dorado Hills Area As of May 3, 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 $622,500 $625,000 $630,000 $649,000 $649,900 $659,000 $679,000 $732,000 $735,000 $740,000 $745,000 $745,000 $749,900 $750,000 $775,000 $775,000 $790,000 $791,696 $799,900 $825,000 $839,000 $869,000 $879,000 $889,000 $895,000 $898,000 $899,000 $899,000 $899,000 $899,900 $900,000 $924,888 $925,000 $929,000 $950,000 $970,500 $975,000 $998,000 $1,050,000 $1,099,000 $1,125,000 $1,150,000 $1,250,000 $1,299,000 $1,299,000 $1,299,000
1083 PACIFICO LN 236 CAPRICE CT 3391 TEA ROSE DR 906 QUEEN VICTORIA 975 OLYMPIC CT 9106 MARISOL LN 3442 NORTHAM WAY 3930 MAGNOLIA HILLS DR 8002 AVANTI DR 2012 BEGONIA LN 8140 RYLAND 8138 AVANTI DR 4140 MONTE VERDE DR 8096 AVANTI DR 3164 STANFORD LN 3301 KNOLLRIDGE DR 3081 STANFORD LN 7025 TALMAGE COURT 3187 STANFORD LN 3582 ROSECREST CIR 2990 RIDGEVIEW DR 3609 DEVON WAY 3527 RIDGEVIEW DR 1518 PLANETA WAY 3627 WALDWICK CIR 3009 WHISTLING WAY 2640 WAGNER PLACE 3548 FALKIRK WAY 4202 TORRAZZO WAY 4237 WEATHERVANE CT 3635 ROSECREST CIR 801 VALENCIA CT 3703 ALMADEN CT 4061 IRONWOOD DR 3216 CHILTON PL 2075 MOONSTONE CIR 4710 HOLLIDAY LN 2111 STONEBRIAR DR 4250 HENSLEY CIR 3604 BACHE PL 2344 INVERNESS PL 5024 ARLINGTON WAY 3530 TERRA ALTA DR 1609 BARCELONA DR 1121 TERRACINA DR 381 CHAGALL CT
2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 2 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 6 5 5 4 4
2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (2 1) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 4 (4 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 2 (2 0) 4 (3 1) 2 (2 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0) 4 (3 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 3 (3 0) 4 (4 0) 3 (3 0) 5 (5 0) 5 (4 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1)
SF 1137 1227 1237 2047 1676 1437 1654 1580 2198 1712 2426 2198 2276 2336 2084 2966 1803 2370 2090 2384 2365 2440 2744 2038 2456 2527 3085 2116 2725 3172 2753 2612 1928 2546 2116 3500 2005 3634 2445 2958 2878 4054 3741 4417 4060 4447
ACRES 0.08 0.1 0.21 0.28 0.51 0.1 0.21 0.26 0.07 0.11 0.07 0.08 0.14 0.07 0.27 0.35 0.5 0.0847 0.3444 0.2 0.23 0.55 0.24 0.47 0.3 0.15 0.31 0.66 0.2 0.29 0.13 0.28 0.37 0.17 0.25 0.32 0.24 0.33 0.33 0.27 0.58 0.2 0.25 0.39 0.31 0.21
LISTING # 222049173 222046273 222043726 222042323 222051358 222048928 222047356 222043260 222044106 222049448 222045833 222043778 222050971 222043531 222043099 222025434 222049288 222033515 40988009 222043184 222045413 222040179 222051523 222053189 40990828 222048701 222053400 222051856 222048068 222051688 222049208 222055096 222052043 222049301 222050865 222020816 222051793 222043605 222026617 222044347 222048992 222048395 222044520 222043695 222040525 222015836
PRICE $1,339,000 $1,350,000 $1,395,000 $1,399,900 $1,400,000 $1,495,000 $1,495,000 $1,498,000 $1,499,000 $1,525,000 $1,549,000 $1,599,000 $1,599,900 $1,689,000 $1,695,000 $1,699,000 $1,775,000 $1,795,000 $1,799,999 $1,899,000 $1,945,000 $1,999,000 $1,999,900 $1,999,999 $2,079,000 $2,549,900 $2,793,700 $2,799,000 $2,812,550 $2,827,500 $2,889,000 $2,998,000 $3,008,600 $3,032,250 $3,198,000 $3,198,000 $3,200,000 $3,249,000 $3,250,000 $3,275,000 $3,400,000 $3,400,000 $3,673,150 $3,831,750 $964,705 $1,249,000
ADDRESS
BD BA
1585 ELMORES WAY 2014 SHELBY CIRCLE CIR 1094 SOUZA DR 123 GAGE CT 2408 KETTERING PL 3035 ORBETELLO WAY 1901 GREEN VALLEY RD 4055 BRITTANY PL 1530 ZAPATA DR 1135 HOGARTH WAY 4267 SUFFOLK WAY 1200 RAINBOW VIEW RD 975 STONEBRIDGE ST 4127 KILT CIR 2328 LOCH WAY 375 CHAGALL CT 4101 HAWK VIEW RD 2069 HICKOK RD 1425 CROCKER DR 2346 DARTMOUTH PL 5049 PADOVA DR 2120 HUNTINGTON CIR 1636 CARNEGIE WAY 1580 ELMORES WAY 5473 SUR MER DR 215 ST. FRANCIS CT 5053 BREESE CIR 5011 GREYSON CREEK DRIVE 6087 ALDEA DR 5067 BREESE CIR 4891 GREYSON CREEK DR 4980 GREYSON CREEK DR 4530 CARMEN DR 3962 ERRANTE DR 6314 WESTERN SIERRA WAY 4931 GREYSON CREEK DR 5070 PIAZZA PL 290 BRONZINO CT 4913 GRESHAM DR 890 LAS BRISAS CT 4160 RAPHAEL 1 LAGO DEL REY CT 7588 SANGIOVESE DR 7596 SANGIOVESE DR RESCUE 3310 FOXMORE LN 2010 E GREEN SPRINGS RD
4 4 4 4 5 5 3 5 5 4 5 2 4 5 4 5 3 5 5 4 4 4 6 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 5 6 6 6
SF
ACRES
LISTING #
5 (4 1) 4 (3 1) 3 (3 0) 5 (4 1) 3 (3 0) 4 (3 1) 2 (2 0) 3 (2 1) 5 (4 1) 4 (3 1) 3 (3 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (3 0) 5 (4 1) 4 (3 1) 5 (5 0) 3 (3 0) 4 (3 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1) 4 (3 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (4 1) 5 (5 0) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1) 6 (5 1) 4 (3 1) 5 (5 0) 5 (4 1) 6 (4 2) 5 (4 1) 5 (4 1) 6 (5 1) 5 (5 0) 6 (5 1) 7 (6 1) 6 (6 0) 5 (4 1) 7 (7 0) 7 (6 1) 5 (4 1) 5 (5 0)
4346 3101 3527 4235 3744 3709 4148 3050 3564 3809 4041 2128 2621 4221 4459 5510 3512 4700 5239 3790 4308 4138 6111 4346 5137 4478 4298 4865 4327 4350 4459 4525 4298 4665 4819 5041 5870 5244 6688 4945 3633 7072 5651 5895
0.36 0.33 0.27 0.24 0.5 0.54 5 0.91 0.36 0.22 0.79 23.33 1 0.56 0.55 0.22 9.36 5.13 0.64 0.66 0.99 0.36 0.64 0.54 0.4 0.94 0.42 0.46 0.4 0.47 0.66 0.59 1.04 0.55 0.54 0.53 1.15 0.56 1.21 0.72 0.52 3.09 0.67 0.58
222024808 222045639 222049648 40987727 222031273 222046338 222048327 222050073 222048474 222048288 222044209 222024340 222049662 222047218 222047683 222040129 222028392 222044354 222041532 222008302 222048308 222043350 222051376 221151358 222030725 222028260 222046463 221138992 222046366 222046874 222041110 222010985 222046958 222046444 222015702 222011011 222030860 222014558 222046756 222007862 222055092 221044423 222046453 222046461
3 3 (2 1) 4 3 (3 0)
2526 3421
0.282 5.67
222032542 222054752
El Dorado Hills Area Homes Sold Recently ADDRESS
EL DORADO HILLS 4093 IRONWOOD DR 934 KING JAMES WAY 1568 LOMA VERDE DR 9053 ORCHID SHADE DR 3518 KESWICK DR
BD
4 4 3 3 4
BA
2 (2 0) 3 (2 1) 2 (2 0) 2 (2 0) 3 (2 1)
SQ.FT.
1733 2231 2258 2199 2116
ACRES
0.12 0.22 0.44 0.37 0.18
PRICE
$751,000 $820,000 $828,888 $870,000 $975,000
ADDRESS
BD
5015 SKELLIG ROCK WAY 1036 ELMWOOD CT 2051 DRIFTWOOD CIR 1105 W GLENMORE WAY 2531 HIGHLAND HILLS DR 5001 GREYSON CREEK DR
4 3 3 5 4 6
BA
4 (3 1) 3 (2 1) 3 (2 1) 6 (5 1) 4 (4 0) 6 (5 1)
SQ.FT.
2544 2230 2611 4744 4470 4122
ACRES
0.23 0.22 0.66 0.62 1 0.698
PRICE
$1,015,000 $1,290,000 $1,420,000 $1,749,000 $1,880,000 $2,230,662
8
MAY 11, 2022
CRIB NOTES by Julie Samrick
Consider a different kind of check up
M
y teenage daughter made an excellent point recently while we were talking about the surge in high-profile suicides the past few months. “People should have mental health check-ups just like physical check-ups,” she explained, which led us to think about the buzz phrase: “We need to destigmatize mental health.” What would that look like and how might we go about doing it? What if we could check in with kids while they’re young enough to get help for an issue before it has the chance to get bigger? What if small mental health woes any of us suffer from could be treated before they metastasize into fullfledge depression? I am not a psychiatrist and I know there are myriad, complex reasons for mental illness, but one area that I come back to time and again in my own life, when I realize I am feeling content or going through a slump, is community — how connected I feel to others. Whether a person is extroverted or introverted, people need people and this pandemic has been a barrier for that, testing even the most mentally healthy among us. As great as technology can be, it is the other half of the modern obstacle that keeps us physically apart. We have started to see the dangers that can surface when increased isolation sets in because true, authentic interactions are not prioritized. I am going to focus only on community as one area of mental health for this column. These are ways to help you and your whole family build a stronger sense of community, especially if you have been feeling lonely. Pay now or pay later — I see more and more families in restaurants where everyone is on devices. More toddlers are transfixed by screens out in public. It might be easier in the moment to quiet children with a phone, but you’ll be helping future attention spans by giving them an Etch-a-Sketch instead. Their brains won’t be wired for immediate gratification as we’re sadly seeing with so many people, both kids and adults, today.
Have tech boundaries — Make it so that during certain times of day, phones just aren’t part of the routine. This isn’t meant to be a punishment. Everyone might put their phones in a basket at dinnertime or packed away while all in the car together. When my kids were first getting phones, we came up with the saying: “When you’re alone, it’s OK to use your phone.” It’s nice when this thinking carries over and your older kids notice that they like to be around friends who aren’t on their phones all the time. Tune in together — Watch something your kids enjoy with them, show them one of your old favorites, find a series to watch for the first time together. With so many options for entertainment, society is lacking that shared experience of bonding over the same shows when we collectively had only three channels to choose from. Mark the moments — I miss walking up to my kids’ elementary school and talking with other parents. It doesn’t have to be a big, formal thing, but capture that same, casual feeling of chatting with other parents by reconnecting with people you enjoy in simple ways. I plan to do that this summer, but I need to remember to do so all year long too. Host something — In nearly two decades living at the same house, we’ve never gotten together with all of our immediate neighbors at once. Last Halloween we gathered on our driveway and I wondered why we waited so long? You could be the first to get a book club going or invite some moms with kids in the same grade over potluck-style. Don’t wait until your house is perfect, just do it. Take advantage of opportunities — When someone invites you to something, do your best to go. Attend church services. Add your name to a volunteer sign-up. When an organization in your town plans something that sounds interesting, get out of your comfort zone and go. Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, writer and teacher. Connect with her at juliesamrick.com.
GUEST COLUMN by Heidi Hannaman
An El Dorado Hills golf course for all
F
amed golfer Greg Norman said, “Happiness is a long walk with a putter.” For those new to the area, you may be interested to learn that El Dorado Hills was founded on this notion when it was designed as a golf course community. Newcomers to EDH may also be interested to know that the large, dead grass acreage on both sides of Serrano Parkway was not always this way. It was a beautiful, green, oak tree filled, 18-hole golf course for the community to enjoy for more than 40 years. I recently came onto the EDH Community Services District board hoping to make a difference to a town that has been so good to me and my family. One of the main ways I thought I could do this was by helping to bring resolution to a very divisive issue … what is to become of the old golf course? Is this land nostalgic for me? You bet. I learned to golf with my dad at this course. I saw firsthand many seniors using it daily, as well as kids learning to play. It provided jobs to teens collecting range balls and to seniors as marshals. It was an affordable place to practice at the driving range. It offered the community another location for meetings, dining, events, etc. And, perhaps most importantly, it was the opening gateway to our community. Now, sadly, we have none of that. As a 35-plus-year resident, it pains me to see the land in its current state. Once pretty ponds dried up. Trees dying all over the property, creating a fire hazard. A rezone vote on this land is heading quickly to our county Board of Supervisors. We need to understand what it’s currently zoned for and what that could look like, as well as what a rezone could look like. We need our EDH supervisor(s) to fight for EDH. We need a compromise that takes into account our recreation needs. For that reason, I am bringing the community an idea I believe could strike a balance with the proposed project while also preserve the history of some of the land, provide a recreational space to be enjoyed by all ages, be an economic driver for our area, and restore some of the property to being the beautiful welcoming gateway it once was. Golf popularity has exploded in recent years. Tiger Woods even recently worked to redesign a short course at Pebble Beach called “The Hay.” His company, TGR Design, has been putting short courses all over the country. Why? Well, short courses have quite simply reimagined the game of golf. This is not a junky pitch and putt. It’s a well-designed, exquisitely maintained course. It’s affordable (even free for certain ages), quick (rounds can be played in a little over
Is this land nostalgic for me? You bet. I learned to golf with my dad at this course. I saw firsthand many seniors using it daily, as well as kids learning to play. an hour — a perk for busy families), walkable (great exercise and no need for carts) and multi-generational. Holes could be designed to replicate smaller versions of the old Robert Trent Jones course. An idea like this would preserve what this town was founded on … a golf community. I can see a small driving range along the south side and the old clubhouse revived, becoming a great local eatery that could be used for dining, meetings, weddings etc. While the Serrano Country Club is wonderful, it’s private and we need an option the whole community can access and afford. It can be programmed to go beyond traditional golf with footgolf NS disc golf, yoga “on the green,” senior golf lessons, night glow golf, outdoor movies and concerts, after-school/summer kids camps, First Tee and Youth on Course programs. Oak Ridge and middle school teams could practice on the course. If designed properly, it can have walking trails and use the latest irrigation technology and water saving plants/grass so it’s environmentally friendly. The CSD, which does not own the property, is holding a special public meeting about the old golf course May 19. The next Planning Commission meeting will be June 9. I’m asking our supervisors and planning commissioners to insist it’s hosted in EDH so our residents can weigh in. I encourage you to attend both meetings. If we work collaboratively, we could have our own version of “The Hay” — maybe even calling it “The Hills!” I’m challenging our county leaders to fight for what the residents of EDH want and I’m challenging the land owner to work directly with the CSD to bring something historical and great back for all to enjoy, while also helping the property values in EDH. I welcome feedback on this idea. To learn more about the project visit eldoradohillscsd.org or see other short course examples by visiting tgrdesign.tigerwoods.com. Heidi Hannaman is a mother, wife and resident of El Dorado Hills. She is also a legislative director at the California Senate and a member of the EDHCSD Board of Directors. This piece is written as an individual opinion and not of the EDHCSD.
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9
MAY 11, 2022
Future Picassos showcase their works in A Slice of Italy Jana Rossi Staff writer
V
Village Life photo by Jana Rossi
Art student Maria, 6, stands with art teacher Jamie Lentzner during a recent art show at an El Dorado Hills pizzeria. Maria’s depiction of Giuseppe Arcimboldo titled “Banana Face” is seen in the top left corner.
iscuso’s Pizza & Draft House in El Dorado Hills was recently transformed into an Italian art gallery when local students showcased their artistic talents by painting Italian masterpieces on plates. The exhibit, A Slice of Italy Art Show and Reception, was orchestrated by El Dorado Hills artist and teacher Jamie Lentzner. Aspiring artists from The Applebee Preschool, Lake Forest Elementary School and Lentzner’s private art studio were tasked with depicting works of famous Italian artists on small salad plates, donated by Viscuso’s. Mrs. Brancoli’s Lake Forest fifth-grade class painted the works of artist Giovanni Antonio Canal, also known as Canaletto. His artwork illustrated city views of Rome, London and Venice, and his works border between real and imaginary. The students of Applebee Preschool were tasked with following the work of Giorgio Cavazzano, an Italian cartoonist best known for his comic book style of art. Vibrant slices of pizza were appropriately painted on each plate. Lentzner’s art students proudly displayed their works of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, whose whimsical paintings of people’s heads are created from various food and objects, such as fruits, books, flowers and fish. They also decorated plates with painted masks from The Carnival of Venice.
3Strands hosts trafficking presentation Jana Rossi Staff writer 3Strands Global Foundation, known for its work in Human Trafficking Prevention and assisting survivors of human trafficking with employment opportunities and education, will host an event on Thursday, May 19, 6 p.m. at Hills Church in El Dorado Hills. A panel of local experts will discuss trafficking within the community, including information on how to protect youth and the risk factors and signs to watch for. They will also share information about their work helping survivors of human trafficking and how, through education and employment, they assist them
in moving on with their lives. Panel: Jason Collins – Sacramento Police’s Human Trafficking Unit (investigating human trafficking, pimping and pandering) and the Sacramento FBI Child Exploitation Task Force; Jason Nicols and Susan Perri – Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team Program for the CA Department of Justice; Lisette Suder – assistant district attorney, El Dorado County; Thienvu Ho – assistant chief deputy district attorney, Sacramento County; Ashlie Bryant – CEO 3Strands Global Foundation. To register, visit hillschurchedh.churchcenter.com/ registrations/events/1205022. Hills Church is located at 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills.
Academy
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compliant. Others worried that the school’s expansion would usurp tax revenue from the area’s district schools. But Yniguez insists that only a portion of their pupils are local. “Our current enrollment is comprised of families coming from 29 different zip codes,” he said. “We draw families from as far away as Sacramento and Yolo counties with the largest percentage coming from all across El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park/Shingle Springs, and Folsom.” As it does not receive any money from local taxes, the charter school now looks to the school finance authority for bond approval to finance the expansion. Construction is expected to begin this month, with project completion by the following fall to initially admit 300 additional enrollees. “Our goal is to continue to grow each year after that,” said Yniguez, revealing that full programming would take place over the next five years to eventually accept approximately 1,600 students in total.
In 2023 the academy will see its first graduating 12th graders. “As we grow our high school program, we will need more dedicated space for specialized classrooms such as science labs, music and art rooms, etc.,” said Benson. “Placing the elementary program in the second building allows us to serve our current and future families in an academic environment commensurate with the normal expectations of a school campus.” “To me it’s good governance when you find the ability to go ahead and support a project that’s increasing our capacity for parents’ choice and education of their kids,” shared District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, who submitted a letter of support along with District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo. “It just seemed like it was the right thing to do.” John Adams Academy is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For more information visit johnadamsacademy.org.
EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT
2021Water Quality Reports Water testing performed in 2021
AVAILABLE ONLINE Each year, EID produces an annual water quality/consumer confidence report to let our customers know how EID’s water quality stacks up against established federal and state drinking water standards. EID maintains three water systems—two small systems that supply the unincorporated communities of Strawberry (approximately 40 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50) and Outingdale (approximately 15 miles southeast of Placerville), and the Main system, which covers the rest of EID’s service area. We encourage you to review the reports as they provide details about the source and quality of the drinking water delivered to your communities.
To read the reports, please visit the following website addresses: eid.org/Main | eid.org/Outingdale | eid.org/Strawberry If you would like a paper copy of the report, please contact us.
The little Picassos excitedly showed off their projects and praised their art experience with Ms. Jamie. Six-year-old Michael, who attends Oak Meadow Elementary school, said the best part of his art class is painting. And 7-year-old Ethan, also an Oak Meadow student, said he loves that he can paint anything he wants. Six-year-old Maria, who painted “Banana Face” after Artist Arcimboldo, said she loved adding everything to her piece. Beaming mom Teodora Stoykova said she loved it too. Utilizing left over plates as a medium helped both the owners of Viscuso’s dispose of restaurant plates that no longer fit with their new restaurant style as well as pique Lentzner’s artistic nature, who said she is always on the lookout for a variety of mediums for her students to work with. And what better place to host an Italian art show than in an Italian pizzeria? Lentzner has been teaching art for over ten years in both her private studio and in local schools. She also wrote and teaches the Color Wheel Art Curriculum program. For more information on Jamie’s Painting and Design studio, visit jamiespnd.com.
Employment Employment
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Construction & Maintenance Worker I/II-Collections I: $26.94-$32.75/hr.; II: $29.77-$36.18/hr. FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on May 6, 2022. The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Construction and Maintenance Worker I /II for an eligibility list to fill current and future positions in the Collections Division of the Operations 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:
Construction & Maintenance Worker I/II – Hydro I: $26.94-$32.75 II: $29.77-$36.18 per hour Date Opened: April 21, 2022 Filing Deadline: Open until filled. First review of applications on May 6, 2022. The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Construction and Maintenance Worker I/II to fill one open position in the Hydroelectric Division 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
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Process Control Technician/ Sr. Process Control Technician Salary: $48.00-$58.35; Sr.: $50.45-$61.32 per hour
Date Opened: May 2, 2022 Filing Deadline: Open until filled. First review of applications on May 20, 2022 The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Process Control Technician or Senior Process Control Technician to fill current and future positions in the Hydroelectric Division of Operations. This position will be filled at the level that commensurate with experience and certifications. 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
Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Limited Term – One Engineering Position to be filled at the level that commensurate with work experience, education, and licensing. Salary: Assistant Engineer: $42.16-$51.24 per hour Associate Engineer: $46.56-$56.60 per hour Associate Civil Engineer: $51.44-$62.53 per hour Senior Civil Engineer: $56.86-$69.11 per hour
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South Lake Tahoe Phone: (530) 541-1812
Date Opened: May 3, 2022 Filing Deadline: Open until filled. First review of applications on May 20, 2022 The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Engineer, Associate Engineer, Associate Civil Engineer, or Senior Civil Engineer in the Engineering department. This position will be filled at the level that is commensurate with education, licensing and experience. 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
10
MAY 11, 2022
Preserve
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their lifetime. Learn fascinating information about the variety of plants of El Dorado County, which include native and rare, while soaking in the beauty of the county’s landscape. Some tours conducted by the CNPS also include bird watching. Visit eldoradocnps.org/ news-events/field-trips for professionally guided field trips.
Free, upcoming CNPS events Plant walk: 10 a.m. to approx. 3 p.m., Sunday, May 15. Walk starts at the Old Flume Trail, Highway 49 north of Placerville, across from the Red Shack. To carpool, meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Placerville Library parking lot, Fair Lane, Placerville. If you need to return early, let the leaders know. Walk along a steep trail of about 2 miles down to the South Fork of the American River that traverses through forest and passes by an old flume that once carried water from Chili Bar downstream to Lotus. See and learn about the spring wildflowers, ferns, trees and shrubs of the foothill forest. For more information and to sign up visit eldoradocnps.org. Frequently check the website for new walks and other events Ginna Meyer’s Favorite Hikes:
7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Veterans Memorial Hall, 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Meyer will reveal her favorite hiking places and why. Guests will also learn more about El Dorado County’s beautiful native plants and a number of other places to explore native plant diversity and receive resources for discovering even more. Although this is a general meeting for the CNPS El Dorado Chapter, the public is invited. Meetings usually include a show-and-tell about one or more seasonally notable plants, announcements of upcoming chapter events and projects and a speaker presentation. It’s a great way to mingle and meet interesting new friends who share an interest in plants and the natural places of the surrounding foothills. No RSVP required.
More resources To further help the public to learn more about the county’s native plants, the CNPS El Dorado Chapter recently held a grand opening of The Nature Nook at the Placerville Library that features four distinct gardens — Shrub Shelter, Pollinator Garden, Oak Tree Canopy and Native Meadow. All provide ideas for landscaping with native plants for your own garden and feature how they help preserve the local ecosys-
Photo by Sherri Bergmann
Stebbins’ morning-glory is a vining, trailing perennial with large trumpet shaped white flowers and highly dissected leaves — the only morning glory to exhibit this character. tems. The CNPS has native plant sales twice a year. University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of El Dorado County have great native plant and garden ideas at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville. Contrary to the popular belief you should plant in spring, Master Gardener Gail Fulbeck explained it is best to plant
native plants in the fall because the subsequent rain helps roots get established. Then, in the spring, they are ready to grow. Once native plants are established they don’t need much water and adapt well to the climate.
Events
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the month, weather permitting, at the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St. Train leaves the station at 10 and 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. For more information call (530) 663-3581.
Bryan Wild
Remembrance Ceremony
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May 18: Snowline Hospice hosts its annual Remembrance Ceremony, 5-6 p.m. at the Palladio Shopping Center, 410 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1601, Folsom. For more information visit snowlinehospice.org and click on “events.”
Flower class May 21: UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Bouquet of Flowers, a flower arranging class, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. For more information about this and other classes visit ucanr.edu/edmg.
EDHCSD party May 21: The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a 60th anniversary celebration, 6-10 p.m. at Community Park. This free event includes live music, dancing, food vendors, art installations, arts & crafts, kid zone, ’60s car show and more.
‘All My Sons’ Now: The Stage at Burke Junction presents “All My Sons” through May 15 at the theater, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E1, Cameron Park. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Folsom play Now: Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Play That Goes Wrong” through May 29, at the theater 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
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