Village Life, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Project Frontier outta here

Village Life staff

El Dorado County was noti ed at 3:57 p.m. May 11 that the Project Frontier applicant has withdrawn its application, according to a statement from county o cials.

“The Project Frontier applicant team would like to thank county leadership and sta for their commitment and dedication in working with the applicant team on Project Frontier,” reads a note to the county from the law rm representing the applicant. “At this time, the applicant has decided to withdraw the appli-

Sean Liu lets them eat cake

Jana Rossi

Staff writer

What started as El Dorado Hills resident Sean Liu’s attempt to bake the perfect macaron, ended with the much-more-than-a-hobby baker a contestant on “The Great American Baking Show.”

If asked, Liu would describe himself as more of a gamer than a baker, especially during his high school years at Oak Ridge. A er graduating from MIT he went on to work at Meta, formerly Facebook. It was during an event he attended where Martha Stewart was promoting her cookbook that he decided to pick one up for his mom for Mother’s Day. A er thumbing through it, one recipe in particular stood out. How hard could it be?

The macaron became somewhat of an obsession for Liu. He said he liked the challenge of the macaron because

cation and is considering other alternatives.” County sta had no further information to share.

Thursday evening, hours a er the announcement, the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors had expected to hear a presentation from the EDH Area Planning Advisory Committee regarding Project Frontier.

A er noting the application’s withdrawal, APAC Chairman John Davey said, “There’s nothing else for me to say.” Cheers and applause came from the audience at the Norm Rowett Pavilion.

EDHCSD directors also expressed their relief and thanked the people who worked to educate the public about Project Frontier and actively opposed it.

“You did an amazing job,” said EDHCSD Board President Noelle Mattock.

EDHCSD board hits pause on incorporation

Noel Stack Managing editor

A $1 million price tag and not enough information proved too much for the El Dorado Hills Community Services Board of Directors, which made the decision Thursday evening to hold o kickstarting an EDH incorporation e ort.

EDHCSD General Manager Kevin Loewen presented the cost estimate of $970,000 to $1.2 million to launch an environmental analysis, cover Local Area Formation Commission expenses, send out communications to the public and utilize legal counsel.

“That price tag for me right now is just a little high,” EDHCSD board Chair Noelle Mattock said. She and other directors, while seeing the merit of El Dorado Hills becoming a city, noted the community doesn’t have enough information or apparent enthusiasm for the CSD to make this e ort to get cityhood on the ballot — at this time. Results from a public opinion survey released last month, for which nearly 650 likely voters in EDH responded, found that 47% supported incorporation.

“This is my call for people who want to support this, come and show us,” Director Ben Paulsen said, noting that support should include nancial donations to the e ort.

■ See PAUSE, page A3

Photo courtesy of “The Great American Baking Show”

El Dorado Hills resident Sean Liu whips up delicious creations on “The Great American Baking Show.”

Now

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Short Cuts” through May 21 with performances on Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets and more information call (916) 947-1010 or visit stageatburke.com.

El Dorado County

Certified Farmers Markets have begun Wednesdays at Burke Junction on Coach Lane in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon, and Sundays at El Dorado Hills Town Center, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 19

The lovely Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open again every Friday and Saturday for open garden days, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens. Docents are on-site to assist with any questions regarding Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal garden. May be closed for inclement weather or poor air quality. Check the website before visiting: ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden.

The Sierra Renaissance Society presents America’s HomeGrown Denominations:

Understanding Mormons, Christian Scientists, SeventhDay Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses by Keith Atwater, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs. Admission free for members; public is invited to attend two

Who will you honor this Memorial Day?

“This Memorial Day, I’ll be thinking about all those who have been selfless enough to represent our country by putting everything on the line to fight for our freedoms, and who have sacrificed so much in the process.”

“I am honoring a longtime friend and student of my dad’s. He fought in the Vietnam war, survived, and then faced cancer four times over the course of many years. He survived the first three and then sadly lost the battle.”

San Diego

“Freedom isn’t free and we have all that we do today because of the sacrifices of the brave men and women who hold this country’s ideals so dear. So I’m honoring all those who fell so that we may live safely and free..”

“I’m honoring my grandpa Raymond Johnsen. He was a Marine and a smoke jumper. I didn’t know him very well, but I know he was an honorable man.”

“I don’t have anyone specific, but honor all the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Marina Village history teacher receives

News release

The Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution in Folsom recently received news that a teacher its members nominated for a national DAR grant was one of only 31 in the United States to receive the award. Mike Smith, an eighth-grade history teacher at Marina Village Middle School in El Dorado Hills, was caught completely off guard at a recent staff

legacy grant

meeting when he learned he had been awarded a $2,500 grant from the National Community Classroom Committee as part of the 2023 DAR American Revolution Legacy Grant Program. Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter Regent Bobbi Bennett and Classroom Committee Chairman Debra Carlson presented the award. DAR offered PreK-16 teachers and administrators nationwide the n See gRant, page A4

peOpLe taLK Photos and question by Jacob Bassett

adam Roth Sacramento

Zo patterson San Francisco

Rebecca eisenhauer

Mona Maple Sacramento

edward nelsen Placerville

Courtesy photo

Mike Smith holds up the grant check with Classroom Committee Chairman Debra Carlson while Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter Regent Bobbi Bennett watches.

Events

meetings each year free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning. For more information, visit srsedc.org.

The Amani Center, 2558 Greenwood Drive in Cameron Park, hosts a Spring Fling Concert, 6-9 p.m. featuring Random Strangers, craft booths, food and fun. For more information visit theamanicenter.org.

Red Hawk Casino + Resort hosts live music at the Stage Bar, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. May 19; Get Down Tonight (‘80s dance) May 20; and Audioboxx (rock) May 26 & 27.

May 20

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the third annual youth fishing derby, 8-9:30 a.m. and 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Village Green Park. Registration is required. Visit edhcsd.org.

The Greater Cameron Park Area Fire Safe Council & Cameron Park Community Services District host a Wildfire Defense, Suppression and Safety town hall meeting, 5-7:30 p.m. at the CSD assembly hall, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. Speakers include Congressman Tom McClintock, State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil and El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf.

The Folsom Lake Symphony will perform a Twilight Delight concert, 8:30 p.m. at the Zittel Family Amphitheater in the Folsom Historic District. Purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com/e/folsom-lake-symphony-twilight-delighttickets-304322234997.

Pause

Continued from A1

If individuals and community groups stepped up to help the CSD, Hansen added, “It would make our decision for us,” and tell the board, “They’re willing to put their money where their mouth is.”

Longtime incorporation advocate Steve Ferry, who serves on the CSD board, touted the bene ts of cityhood, i.e. shutting down a proposal like Project Frontier — a now withdrawn application for 1.7 million square feet of warehouse space in southern EDH — before it even made it through the door.

Decision-makers and residents need to look at the return on investment, Ferry said. If EDH became a city it could net a lot of tax revenue. The proposed Costco within what would be the city limits, is anticipated alone to bring in $1.2 million annually.

“If it goes to El Dorado County, I would make a large bet we would not get much of that money,” Ferry said.

But fellow directors and community members remained unconvinced.

“If it should fail, which the last one did fail, we spent $1 million potentially for nothing … and our tax dollars could have gone to something much better for this community, for all of us,” said resident Richard Ross.

“There’s a lot of money at stake and it’s all at risk,” concluded Paulsen before making a motion to table the item until July, which gives directors more time to do their own research — a LAFCO educational workshop is scheduled later this month — and better gauge the public’s interest.

“Another couple months isn’t going to hurt,” Ferry conceded. The motion passed 5-0.

May 21

Continued from A2

The Gold Country Half Marathon & 5K begins at 7 a.m. at El Dorado Hills Town Center. There will also be a fun run for the small ones. Enjoy beautiful scenery, great participant services and an exciting Finishers Party featuring beer, food, music and fun for the whole family. For more information visit goldcountryrun.com.

Brickyard Counter and Bar hosts cornhole tournaments, 1-4 p.m. in the El Dorado Hills Town Center Steven Young Amphitheater. Bring a team and test your skill or just watch the competition along the waterfront.

May 22

Vitalant will host a community blood drive 12:30-4:30 p.m. at District Church, 7000 Rossmore Lane in El Dorado Hills. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFR481 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if space allows.

May 27

The Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce presents Cardboard Boat Racing at the Cameron Park community pool. Bring your boat at 1 p.m. and races start at 2 p.m. For rules and more information visit cameronpark.org/ cardboard-boat-racing.

Get it and GO! Acupuncture

Your neighborhood acupuncture practice now offers group-style acupuncture! It’s no-appointment-needed, non-insurance acupuncture.

$30 for a 20 minute visit in a group room with up to 5 other visitors. Wednesdays from 1-2pm and 4-5pm

You can get your acupuncture and then GO!

Wendy Stedeford Acupuncture

4972 Robert J Mathews Parkway Suite 120 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 530.409.5644

On Facebook at Wendy Stedeford Acupuncture

Grant

opportunity to apply for American Revolutionary Legacy Grants that support educational initiatives or student programs (for young and old), enhance student academic performance, and reward creative approaches to support higher levels of student learning. Winning grants would be for new projects/initiatives that focused on the theme of Stars & Stripes Forever: The Enduring Legacy of the American Revolution. Grant requests had to focus on a project, not a purchase.

Smith’s grant application focused on the process of conducting student interviews and then transferring that information to a digital platform for public viewing. In keeping with the designated theme, he plans to pose two questions to his students: What does the American flag mean to you? Do you think America’s view of the

Warehouse

CSD Director Steve Ferry specifically called out Blackstone Homeowners Association President Chuck King and HOA Director Tom Fox, sharing, “Without them, Project Frontier wouldn’t have fallen.”

The project was proposed on a swath of land south of the El Dorado Hills Business Park on the west side of Latrobe Road and southeast of the Investment Boulevard intersection.

Cafeteria Assistant

If you enjoy the beautiful outdoors and working with children, we currently have an amazing opportunity as a Cafeteria Assistant at our Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rate: $17.23

Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1762537

Maintenance Custodian

If you have experience performing custodial and general maintenance services and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, we currently have an amazing opportunity as a Maintenance Custodian at our Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rate: $20.47

Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1762538

For more information, contact Sacramento County Office of Education Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332

Expertise That Is Never Equaled!

The Blackstone residential community is on the east side of Latrobe Road in the same area. The 208-acre property is owned by Winn Ridge Investments LLC of Winn Communities.

Two of the buildings would have had a total footprint of roughly 1.7 million square feet, accommodating approximately 2,000 employees. Plans for parking would have accommodated stalls for hundreds of trailers and thousands of cars. Guard houses, pump enclosures and other accessory structures brought the combined square footage total to just less than 4.8 million.

Referred to as Project Frontier, the tenant has signed NDAs requiring that its anonymity remain intact, though residents speculated an Amazon facility was planned for the site.

While El Dorado County General Plan codes allow “wholesale storage and distribution” use within the parcel’s Research and Development Industrial zoning, there is a 50-foot cap on building heights. At 110 feet, one of the buildings would have exceeded this limit.

But developers from Dermody Properties made the case that the excess height is mitigated by existing

Continued from

flag has changed since the American Revolution, if so, how?

The goal of his project is to engage students in productive conversations about the American flag, have students conduct historical interviews within the community and practice civic responsibilities (creating and maintaining a historical record, responsibilities of conducting interviews, First Amendment issues like libel and slander). The project will begin at the start of the school year next fall.

Nevada State Bar #1475

El

The

topography, significant setbacks, sound walls and landscaping that includes more than 1,500 trees. The topography of the site also slopes down from Latrobe Road, putting the base of the taller building at 33 feet below Latrobe Road.

George Condon of Dermody Properties noted benefits the project would offer such as employment and sales and property tax revenue for El Dorado Hills and the surrounding community, forecasting 1,500-2,000 local jobs.

But many El Dorado Hills residents, especially those in neighboring Blackstone and Heritage Village, did not want to see such a huge warehouse built in their community.

“If it had been disclosed to us that a mega-distribution center was going to be built, we would have had serious reservations on buying our retirement home there,” said Heritage Village resident Roger Bailey at a public meeting.

Concerns included noise and light pollution, public health, environmental impacts of diesel exhaust, falling property values, wildlife safety, preservation of Native American artifacts and traffic.

When the warehouse project was moving forward with a conditional use permit application anticipated to be completed by spring/summer 2023, residents had been making their voices heard, showing up to advisory committee, Planning Commission and other governing board meetings. El Dorado County’s May 9 Board of Supervisors meeting included several project opponents speaking during the afternoon’s open forum.

“Your Wellness Is Our Passion...”

Events

June 3

Assistance League of Sierra Foothills hosts the Gardens of the Hills fundraiser, June 3 & 4. Tour some of the area’s most gorgeous gardens, enjoy pop-up boutiques, wine tasting and a raffle plus search for Nutmeg the squirrel. For tickets and more

Baker

it could be qualitatively correct: a shiny, smooth, crisp top; small, unbroken feet to show it is not hollow and slightly chewy. Each time Liu’s macarons got a little bit better until he felt he had perfected the treat ... and then there was cake with so many varieties to create.

Liu decided to give the popular “naked cake” a try for a friend’s birthday. That one turned out a tad dry and the buttercream frosting slipped o — not the look or taste he was going for. He kept trying, setting up blind taste tests with friends, using an assortment of avor pro les and experimenting with substitutions — oil for butter, should cake be served fresh or thawed from the freezer? Is there a di erence? Not according to Liu and his testers; the cakes tasted the same.

One day while baking with a friend they both commented about trying out for “The Great British Baking Show.” Coincidentally, soon a er, Liu received an advertisement for the American version, “The Great American Baking Show.” He applied several times, receiving insightful feedback with each application. He said the critique allowed him to improve his skills and expand his baking knowledge.

When he was invited to participate, he ew down to the closest recruiting hub in Los Angeles, cake in tow, which tipped over going through security. He said the judges were understanding and he was then asked to y to the United Kingdom, where, yes, “The Great American Baking Show” is actually lmed.

Continued from A3

information visit assistanceleague.org/ sierra-foothills.

Murer House & Gardens in Folsom hosts Lavender Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will hear from guest speakers and enjoy lavender products. Admission is free. For more information call (916) 413-9231 or visit murerhousefoundation.org.

Continued from A1

Once there, he was put in the baking area called the tent with eight other hopeful bakers, whom he described as “lovely people,” and called his entire experience as “magical.”

“We never felt like we were in competition with each other,” Liu explained, adding he considers his fellow bakers “eight other wonderful friends,” and said they still keep in touch since wrapping up their nal episode last summer. “It’s a di erent vibe, when we’re together; we never talk about work.”

Liu described his recipes as having an Asian in uence, an “East meets West with a little twist,” and said he walked away a much more con dent baker and thinks about recipes di erently. “I optimize di erent avor pro les and will use a hero avor to stand out in a recipe,” he shared, adding he also puts more thought into the design and style. Cakes are his favorite desserts to bake — at least once a week — usually working on a birthday or a wedding cake.

“They are a celebration,” Liu said. “Everyone loves to eat cake.”

Liu planned to have a watch party with his friends when his episodes aired earlier this month. His only stipulation — everyone had to bring an item to have their own blind taste test, a fun way of turning the tables on his friends who have all helped him on his baking journey. Did Liu win? Watch “The Great American Baking Show” on the Roku Channel to nd out.

•shorty’s Donuts 8-10:30

•Betta Toss

•Bounce House

•chick-Fil-A 11-3

•Breyer Figure Painting 11-1 (first 60 kids)

•Petting Zoo 8:30-12

V illage H OMES

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

Mary Lagomarsino CalDRE #01457713 (916) 337-6000 marylagomarsino@ gmail.com

7431 Wisam Court, Fair Oaks

2,628 square feet

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

0.22-acre property

Listed at $719,000 MLS #223036979

A wonderful home on Wisam Court

This exceptional, ve-bedroom home sits on a large corner lot in a quiet Fair Oaks neighborhood.

Enter from the covered front porch into the spacious living room with gleaming wood oors, a striking cathedral ceiling, windows that bathe the room in natural light and a formal dining area with a gorgeous Ti any-style chandelier.

The great room boasts a custom ceiling fan and gas replace above a raised hearth. Enjoy the ickering ames while admiring the backyard views.

Chefs will enjoy their time in the home’s kitchen, which boasts a tile-top center island with a sink and dishwasher as well as a built-in wall oven, gas stove, ample cabinetry, a generous walk-in pantry and an adjacent dining area. Outdoor access makes indoor to outdoor entertaining easy.

On the rst level are a bedroom and adjacent full bathroom plus a laundry room. Also accessible is the home’s attached, three-car garage. Ascend the curving, carpeted staircase to the second level. There’s storage in the hallway leading to the home’s

additional four bedrooms.

The primary suite with double door entry features dual closets, a custom fan and calming view. The suite’s bathroom o ers relaxation in the soothing sunken soaking tub, a large shower and dual sinks. There are three additional spacious bedrooms upstairs, including one oversized with a walk-in closet, and a full bathroom.

The private backyard with new fencing and a salt water spa is ready for the next homeowners’ dream plans. There’s plenty of room for a pool and equipment access could be easily accommodated. Maybe the resident gardener would like raised gardens in the side yard? There’s already a storage shed to house all the supplies. The spacious patio is great for entertaining guests. The easy-care front yard has a mature tree shading the home and colorful shrubs along the sidewalk.

Interested in a private tour of this Wisam Court property in Fair Oaks? Contact Realtor Mary Lagomarsino at (916) 337-6000, marylagomarsino@gmail.com or Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com.

Ashlie Bryant honored with 2023 Equity Award

News release

3Strands Global Foundation, a nonpro t organization working to combat human tra cking through prevention, education and reintegration programs, announced that the Greater Sacramento Economic Council has awarded Ashlie Bryant, 3Strands Global Foundation CEO, its 2023 Equity Award. This award recognizes a person or organization that has contributed to the Greater Sacramento region in a meaningful way to create job access to underserved communities through apprenticeship networks, upskilling, reskilling and/or preparedness for next generation industry opportunities.

Bryant was integral in the development of PROTECT, an antitra cking training and curriculum used by more than 110,000 adults and 765,000 youth in schools around the world. In addition, through its Employ + Empower program, 3SGF has placed 800-plus survivors and at-risk individuals in sustainable jobs in the greater Sacramento region.

“Having an equitable approach to economic development is a crucial piece of growing our economy. We can only be successful when we upli all members of our community. That is why the work that Ashlie Bryant and 3Strands Global Foundation does is critical for our region,” stated Barry Broome, CEO of GSEC.

“Our survivor clients are amazing individuals who have a high capacity to learn, work hard, and thrive,” Bryant said. “They have experi-

enced complex trauma, survived, and excelled. This equity award is incredibly special to us at 3Strands for many reasons, mostly because it highlights our clients and the success of our Employ + Empower program. I’m humbled to receive this recognition.”

responds to customer concerns in the field; and tests, repairs, and upgrades/replaces water meters. For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Senior Information Technology Analyst

Salary: I: $8,736.92-$10,619.78 per month

FFD: Open until filled.

First review of applications on April 24, 2023.

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of a Senior Information Tenchnology Analyst.

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Limited Term Utility Worker- Drinking

Salary: $25.10 per hour

FFD: Open until filled.

Water

First review of applications on March 27, 2023.

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Limited Term Utility Worker for an eligibility list to fill current and future positions in the Drinking Water Division of Operations. These are limited term positions; incumbents are temporary employees and are employed for a period not-to-exceed eighteen months from date of appointment.

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Limited Term – Utility Worker- Hydro Salary: $25.10 per hour

FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on May 12, 2023.

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for several Limited Term Utility Worker positions within the Hydroelectric Division of Operations. These are limited term positions; incumbents are temporary employees and are employed for a period not-to-exceed six months from date of appointment.

Under direct supervision performs a variety of manual labor assisting District staff with maintenance and construction activities of tasks associated with the installation, repair and maintenance of water distribution and collection systems, canals and water conveyance systems used for the operation of the hydroelectric power plant, irrigation ditches, and lakes; and operates light and moderately heavy power driven equipment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

The Boxmasters bring the ’60s beats

News release

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents The Boxmasters, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1.

In addition to being one of the nation’s most acclaimed actors, Billy Bob (Bud) Thornton is also recognized for his musical talents. He has recorded four solo albums: “Private Radio,” “Edge Of The World,” “Hobo” and “Beautiful Door.” He has also appeared on numerous recordings by other artists, including Warren Zevon’s Grammy winning album “The Wind,” the legendary Earl Scruggs’ “Earl Scruggs And Friends” and “Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash.” He recently co-wrote the song “The Middle Of Nowhere” with Tony Joe White on his album “Rain Crow.”

In 2007 Thornton and J.D. Andrew formed The Boxmasters, to satisfy their craving for ’60s beats. The Boxmasters have recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music that touches on the musicians’ love of a wide array of influences.

Andrew, is a Grammy award-winning recording engineer whose credits include The Rolling Stones, Kanye West, The Pussycat Dolls, Will Kimbrough, Tommy Womack, Guy Clark and more.

As a touring band, The Boxmasters have cultivated a rabid cult fanbase across the United States and Canada. Opening for the likes of ZZ Top, Steve Miller, George Thorogood and Kid Rock, The Boxmasters have proven to win over large audiences. As a headliner, frequent stops in Kansas City at Knuckleheads, Springfield, Ill., at Boondocks, and Merrimack Hall in Huntsville, Ala., have shown dedicated yet still growing audiences. Two appearances at Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, N.Y., were highlight performances for the band, as well as the Ramble at The Ryman that Levon hosted in 2008.

The Boxmasters performed on “The Grand Ole Opry” in 2015, another in a growing résumé of must-play venues. During the shutdown of 2020, the recording studios in Los Angeles were closed for several months. For avid creators Thornton and Andrew, this was a time to start planning and writing for the day that the studios would open again and what sort of new songs would emerge. Over the course of the next year, The Boxmasters would record three new albums.

In recalling the creation of the title track on the album “Help … I’m Alive,” Thornton said, “It’s been difficult for people to live in this world for the past few years. Normally you hear someone cry out ‘Help, I’m drowning’ or ‘Help, I’m dying.’ The song is a tonguein-cheek way of saying, ‘Wow it sucks being here right now.’ Well, OK, it’s really not so tongue-in-cheek. I

n See Boxmasters, page B8

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Freelance Reporters Wanted

The Mountain Democrat, California’s oldest newspaper, and Village Life newspapers are looking for community-minded reporters to take freelance assignments.

Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Freelance reporters must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Journalism experience preferred. Interested candidates should email a résumé, writing and photography samples and a brief cover letter to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

CRIB NOTES by Julie Samrick

Why do we read and write?

One of the many things I appreciate about teaching middle school English is that it’s o en the last time a child gets guided classroom reading. We read books together and then we talk and write about them. By high school it’s o en le to a student to complete reading on their own. Rich discussions and writing may still take place in the classroom, but there’s something special about reading the same thing, at the same time and talking about it right then and there. Plus, when kids read a chapter on their own and they get back to school on Monday, who knows who actually did the full reading or who read the cli notes version? Since the rst day of school last August, I’ve had a question displayed prominently in my classroom: why do we read and write? While there are many answers

them say, “That was so much better than the movie!”

When we read “The Giver” this year, a coming-ofage story about a boy who struggles to make sense of his dystopian community, students unanimously liked

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Pet Supply Store: Ben’s Barketplace

For Kristine Lacy and business partner Mark Delgado, getting into the pet food industry was a no-brainer, especially when it came to choosing a franchise like Ben’s Barketplace. “We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information to our customers,” Lacy said.

Ben’s Barketplace carries only high-quality dog and cat food. Lacy and her crew are able to create a meal plan to help pet owners deal with their cat’s and dog’s individual issues, such as itching, scratching, vomiting, diarrhea and other discomforts. They also take on picky eaters.

Best SandwichBest Private School: Golden Hills School

Best SandwichBest Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting

35-plus years of experience to customers.

Ernie said he feels blessed to serve the wonderful residents of El Dorado County and hires locally in hopes of becoming a desired employer organization. What he likes most are residential repaints and the relationships he builds with homeowners.

“As an organization, we have committed from the start to providing the best possible coatings, quality of workmanship and service at a competitive price,” he said. “We keep our overhead costs low and pass those savings onto the customer. Thank you for your choice in our company as the best of El Dorado Hills. We are so honored and look forward to continuing to serve you.”

Big Apple Bagels

1060 Suncast Lane El Dorado Hills (916) 933-0100 goldenhillsschool.net

the best version of themselves children require the broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by fully accredited teaching professionals in small-group settings. Students participate in academic endeavors, athletics and the arts. Daily physical education, art, music, computer science and Spanish language instruction are integrated into the curriculum. GHS is the only International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Candidate Private School in the area. Ultimately, the team believes their eighth-graders graduate with a set of competencies that far exceed their typically excellent performance in standardized tests.

Best Asian Food: Thai Paradise

Sandwich lovers know they’re getting the best at Big Apple Bagels, a restaurant known for fresh bagels made from scratch daily. Whether ordering sensational, hot breakfast bagel sandwiches (Southern Tradition is a local favorite) or biting into a delicious choice from the lunch sandwich menu (try the turkey and havarti), customers delight in the satisfying taste of quality — all the time, every time.

“All our ingredients are fresh,” said owner Scott Walters, who opened Big Apple Bagels in June 2015.

In addition to great sandwiches, the eatery offers delicious pastries, coffee and more.

Best Sandwich Best Mexican Food: La Cascada

Coming from a long line of chefs trained at international hotels in Bangkok, Chef Jarunee Fleming brings a special touch to her authentic Thai recipes. With locally sourced produce and fresh meat and seafood brought in daily, Jarunee prepares her farm-to-fork dishes with rice bran oil, making them healthy and flavorful. “I like to make people happy with my food,” said Jarunee, and happiness abounds at the family-run eatery.

4361 Town Center Blvd., Suite 110, El Dorado Hills (916) 939-0389 thaiparadiseedh.com

The El Dorado Hills location opened in 2019 and locals already swear by favorites such as the traditional Pad Thai, spicy Drunken Noodles and curries. Round out a meal with some Thai fried rice and iced tea and your taste buds will know they’re in paradise.

Best SandwichBest Assisted Living Facility: EDH Senior Care

dining in or taking out. Offering everything from seafood — try their delicious grilled Fish Tacos or Mariscos Mojo de Ajo with sautéed shrimp or scallops — to vegetarian bites (like the Vegi Macho Burrito), this restaurant is sure to fill you up. The Tacos Alambre, with three grilled corn tortillas, choice of meat plus bacon, cheese, onion and jalapeños, are a local favorite if you’re craving more traditional Mexican cuisine.

La Cascada is open seven days a week for dinner and for lunch on weekdays with breakfast items available on weekends. Catering is also offered as well as playing host for special events.

Best Sandwich

2920 Tam O’Shanter Drive El Dorado Hills (916) 939-0962 eldoradoseniorcare.com

staple in El Dorado Hills since 1996. Offering 24-hour care for the elderly in a quaint, homelike environment, the facility has six beautiful, comfortable homes that have been designed and built specifically for care of the elderly in need of assistance. Each home houses up to six residents and private backyards connect each home to another.

A nursing support program is offered in the care facility’s list of services that also include everything from daily exercise to hospice care. Staff also keeps residents busy with activities suited for their needs, including bingo, arts and crafts, dog therapy and outings.

customers coming back year after year. With so many COVID restrictions let the experts at El Dorado Hills Travel help with all your travel needs. Some requirements of COVID-19 testing might be needed before you go and on return. El Dorado Hills Travel is a premier, full-service agency, specializing in cruises and leisure travel for families, corporations, groups and more. When you’re ready for a getaway or a family cruise, take a short trip to El Dorado Hills Travel and let Genny Arietta and her team help you plan your dream vacation.

Best Sandwich Best Pet Groomer: Dog’s Delight

As you pass the Purple Place on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills, you have likely noticed a small building at the edge of the road — home of Dog’s Delight owned by Jamie McNally.

She adds a touch of whimsy to her establishment with the display of several types of life-sized stuffed dog breeds that are decorated for the seasons.

McNally and her staff offer one-stop grooming services for dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Her shop is very easily accessed with ample parking to drop off and pick up your pet. So, stop by and see why Dog’s Delight is voted No. 1. Get your furry friend’s nails trimmed or treat them to a beautiful makeover. Walk-ins are always welcomed.

359 Green Valley Road El Dorado Hills (916) 939-3647

We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, homework tutor club and transportation for school agers. The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certified, and make it a priority to continue their education.

5130 Golden Foothill Parkway El Dorado Hills (916) 521-1835 thegiftofkids.net

Best Bakery & Cakes: Yellow Button Bakery

4510 Post St., Suite 340, El Dorado Hills (916) 941-6850 massageenvy.com

you take care of yourself. Ask about their Total Body Stretch and Advanced Skin Care services while scheduling your next appointment.

Best Flooring: Sacramento Area Wood Specialists

Sacramento Area Wood Specialists specializes in the installation of pre-finished hardwood, laminate, carpet and vinyl flooring in both the residential and commercial environment.

Installing flooring since 1993 has given the company’s staff many years of experience in both remodels and new construction. Sacramento Area Wood Specialists has built many great relationships over the years and continues to work with many of the area’s investors, Realtors, property managers, retail shops, large area production builders as well as countless homeowners and numerous custom builders — no job is too big or too small.

2021 2022 Address: 981 Governor

(530) 676-1598

Best Sandwich Best Roofing: Nail It Roofing

2714 Mercantile Drive, Rancho Cordova (916) 879-1798 sawsflooring.com

Brothers Aaron and Christopher Meyer entered the roofing trade by working in all capacities — from laborer to superintendent, project manager and estimator. This gives Nail It Roofing customer the advantage of accurate bids and expert management over all aspects of their projects. Nail It Roofing is committed to providing the best possible service with seasoned professionals using the highest-quality products to ensure customers are satisfied with the quality of service. Considering much of their business is obtained through word of mouth, that says a lot.

6188 Enterprise Drive, Suit A Diamond Springs (530) 677-5032 nail-it-roofing.com

Best Sandwich Best Financial Planner: Shari Merle, LPL Financial

builds relationships that span generations. “I still work with some of my original clients and now I’m working with their kids,” she said, a testament to her ethics, honesty and integrity.

Drive,

came up with the chorus and melody just walking around the house during lockdown. It just came out in that moment, just as it is on the record. I picked up a guitar and Facetimed J.D.”

Bryant

The Greater Sacramento Economic Council is a public-private partnership of 40-plus CEOs and 20 communities with the mission of driving economic growth throughout the six-county greater Sacramento region. The goal of the organization is to bring CEOs and public leaders together to create one

Samrick

they agreed it was high on special e ects, but low on the inner workings of the characters, including Gold Rush-era sled dog Buck, and how they grew from their challenges.

I am currently reading “The Outsiders” with my seventh-graders and “The Diary of Anne Frank” with eighth. They take place in di erent settings — Oklahoma in the 1960s and Amsterdam during World War II, one is ction and the other non- ction, yet they both prove, among many lessons, why it’s dangerous to reduce people to stereotypes. Both teenagers, Anne shows us the thoughts of an innocent and humanly complex teenage girl. More than a statistic, Anne Frank was a girl who looked forward to a bright future. We witness her growth via two years’ worth of diary entries. Narrator Ponyboy Curtis is among the tough, greaser gang of outsiders, yet he’s sensitive. Ponyboy likes to watch movies and read books. The book also highlights that it can be lonely even at the top of the social ladder, as seen through characters from the

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Harris Center for the Arts is located at 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

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economic strategy for the entire region, with an emphasis on elevating greater Sacramento’s economy by focusing on growth, sustainability, equity and competitiveness.

For more information about 3Strands Global Foundation and its programs visit 3SGF.org.

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greasers’ rival group, the Socs.

There’s been a decline in English majors the past decade. The reasons are many, but among them is that the dropo started with the advent of smartphone technology. Books collected dust while we began consuming entertainment on smartphones and tablets. We read less as a society today. Meanwhile, our world has grown increasingly divided and less empathetic.

If you are able to enjoy lazier days this summer and are looking for ideas to boost your kids’ reading, try a family book club selection and then watch the movie version together. Visit Face in a Book and follow them on social media for events. You might also take advantage of the El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County Library programs. On those especially hot days, arrive early to browse the bookshelves. Happy reading!

Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, teacher and writer. She is the author of “Murphy’s Miracle: One Dog’s Wild Journey” and “How People Get Their Politics.”

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

If you would like a paper copy of the report, please contact Customer Service at Billing@EID.org or call (530) 642-4000.

Points Race #7: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Hunt Magnetos Wingless Tour

presented by Pizza Factory

Photo by Bella Thornton

J.D. Andrew and Billy Bob (Bud) Thornton bring their ’60s sound to the Harris Center next month.