LOOK TO THE STARS Observatory to host public event. ■
IN EL DORADO HILLS
■
INSIDE, B4
JULY 28, 2022
INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES FILED
Guiding Hands staff back in court Village Life staff
Village Life file photo by Dylan Svoboda
Guiding Hands School Executive Director Cindy Keller, Principal Staranne Meyers and teacher Kimberly Wohlwend, from left, are seen here during a 2019 court hearing. They returned to court last week to enter not guilty pleas in the death of a 13-year-old student.
Three former Guiding Hands School employees pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter last week in the death of 13-year-old Max Benson. In an indictment filed by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office July 15, school Executive Director Cindy Keller, Principal Staranne Meyers and special education teacher Kimberly Wohlwend are each accused of involuntary manslaughter, a felony. The indictment states the three women failed to perform a legal duty, which was criminally negligent and caused death. The school’s parent corporation, Guiding Hands School Inc., also is charged with involuntary manslaughter. The defendants appeared in El Dorado County Superior Court July 19, waiving time. A trial setting conference has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 2 in Department 2. Village Life previously reported that Benson, an autistic student, died in late
November 2018 after reportedly being restrained by staff at the school during a violent episode. While being restrained, Benson became unresponsive and a teacher then performed CPR. He died at an area hospital two days after the incident. Wohlwend was the employee who restrained Benson, according to prosecutors. One week after the student’s death the California Department of Education suspended the school’s certification. An investigation by the California Department of Education found that school staff may have violated state rules regarding student restraint. The CDE determined that school staff’s actions were “harmful to the health, welfare or safety” of Max. Benson’s family lived in the Davis area and he was placed in the El Dorado Hills school by the Davis Joint Unified School District. For 25 years Guiding Hands School, which closed in January 2019, was a ■
See CHARGES, page A3
El Dorado County Grand Jury looks into EDH LLADs Sel Richard Staff writer
Photos courtesy of El Dorado County Animal Services
Both living and dead dogs were pulled out of an El Dorado Hills home and the woman who lives there now faces serious charges.
Dogs rescued from EDH home Village Life staff An El Dorado Hills woman has been arrested in connection with a local animal cruelty case. About one month ago El Dorado County Animal Services staff was made aware of possible animal abuse at a residence in the area of Tea Rose Drive in El Dorado Hills. Arrested on felony animal cruelty charges and taken into custody without incident on July 19 was Sandra Sharlene Tidwell, 49. The woman was connected with the Sierra Nevada German Shepherd Rescue group, according to authorities. ■
The El Dorado County Grand Jury recently published results of an investigation into the El Dorado Hills Community Services District’s management of Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts. The analysis, released June 30, focused on calculation of assessment amounts, the appeals process, rental income credits and possible conflicts of interest between the CSD and LLADs. Several of the 13 findings covered engineering reports, generated by the CSD’s consultant David Taussig and Associates, which were deemed inadequate. Amendments to address this were recommended, such as “This again points defined calculation toward the lack of for the special and general benefit using understanding of each LLAD’s unique boundaries, an itemassessment districts ized list of improveby the reviewers in ments, more readable boundary maps, this civil grand jury deferred maintenance projects and usage surprocess.” veys. Additionally, the report noted that the — EDHCSD General Manager CSD does not transKevin Loewen fer the general benefit amount specified in the engineering reports to the LLADs. In particular, the report called out Heritage Park in the Carson Creek LLAD, which had not been accepted by the CSD despite collecting and increasing yearly assessments since fiscal year 2015-16. Differences were found between the CSD assessment file sent to the county Auditor-Controller’s Office and the property tax statements for Carson Creek LLAD for fiscal year 2019-20 and fiscal year 2020-2021. Carson Creek LLAD has already been approved for refunds for two years of assessments requested via an initiative the parcel owners filed. As to the directive that the CSD should recalculate the maximum assessment for Carson Creek LLAD using the current number of benefit units, EDHCSD General Manager Kevin Loewen maintained this would require a total reformation of the LLAD. “That would be the same with the recommendation to reap-
See RESCUE, page A3
■
See GRAND JURY, page A4
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 29
■
ISSUE NO. 30
■
SPECTACULAR SCENERY
■
FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME
A lovely, one-of-a-kind El Dorado Hills home with a lake view has hit the market.
FOR GUARANTEED WEEKLY DELIVERY, SUBSCRIBE BY CALLING (530) 344-5000
El Dorado Imaging brings X-ray services right to your door.
PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 215 FOLSOM, CA 95630
■
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
E OAKS SENIOR CARE VILLAG
VILLAGE HOMES, B1
Brand New!
Our There’s No Place Like Home
■
INSIDE, B3
Where Seniors Are Family. 24/7 Assisted living that keeps residents engaged and active. • 15 Private rooms with outdoor living space. • Our smaller facility allows for personalized care for each resident. • Our on-site chef can easily accommodate any special diet needs. •
(916) 294-7685 1011 St. Andrews Dr., El Dorado Hills (2.5 miles off Hwy. 50 on El Dorado Hills Blvd.) eldoradovillageseniorcare.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING ELDO mixer July 28: Join ELDO Young Professionals for their mixer, 5:30-7 p.m. at Mexico Lindo, 3375 Bass Lake Road, Suite 100, El Dorado Hills. RSVP at eldoradohillschamber.org.
Town Center concert
JULY 28, 2022
PEOPLE TALK
Photos and question by Sel Richard
How do you feel about animal organ transplant?
July 28: Live on the Boulevard rocks El Dorado Hills Town Center, 7-9 p.m. in the Steven Young Amphitheater with a free concert featuring Catch a Wave.
Live music July 28: Musician Ed Wilson will perform at the El Dorado Saloon in El Dorado Hills, 7-9 p.m.
Stargazing July 29: The El Dorado Hill Community Services District hosts a stargazing event at Bass Lake Regional Park’s Sellwood Field, 9-11 p.m. Enjoy the peak of the Delta Aquarius meteor shower and a cup of hot cocoa.
Nate Erickson
William Sorgea
Coleen Rogers
Amanda Haase
Jennifer Sattler
El Dorado Hills
Cameron Park
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills
El Dorado Hills
“Absolutely! It’s phenomenal. It’s saving lives”
“If it works then that’s OK. ”
“Mediocre. It’s not a horrible idea.”
“I don’t think it would work properly.”
CRIME WATCH
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
The following information was taken from El Dorado County sheriff’s reports:
July 1
CASA event
12:14 p.m. Vandalism was reported at a gym on Francisco Drive. 12:16 p.m. Burglary to a vehicle was reported on Platt Circle. 3:01 p.m. A vehicle burglary was reported on Rimini Way
July 30: CASA El Dorado presents the Bright Futures Festival, 4-8:30 p.m. at Saureel Vineyards in Placerville. Ryder Thieves and MerryGold will perform at the fundraiser, which will also feature food trucks. For tickets and more information visit casaeldorado.org.
July 2 6:26 p.m. A residential burglary was reported on Clearview Drive. 6:41 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Governor Drive.
July 4
Meet the author
12:29 a.m. A prowler was reported in the area if Hickok Road and Malcom Dixon Road. 8:38 p.m. Trespassing was reported on Powers Drive. 11:36 p.m. Trespassing was reported in the area of Beatty Drive and Powers Drive.
July 30: Face in a Book at El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts author James L’Etoile, author of “Dead Drop,” a Nathan Parker detective novel, 5:30-7 p.m.
EDH Chamber luncheon Aug. 3: The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hills Church. Congressman Tom McClintock will speak. RSVP at eldoradohillschamber.org.
NNO party Aug. 5: The El Dorado Hill Community Services District hosts a National Night Out celebration. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and EDH Fire Department are partnering with the CSD to offer this event with free food, children’s activities, law enforcement demonstrations and more at Community Park, 5:30-8 p.m.
“As long as it’s not a cat.”
July 5 12:15 p.m. Burglary was reported on Snow Fall Way. Courtesy photo
El Dorado Hills Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Netherton was recently honored as Firefighter of the Year by the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and the EDH Fire Department. In addition to being a great firefighter and paramedic, Netherton coordinated the 2021 EDH Fire Santa Run and also served in the U.S. Army. He’s seen above at center with EDH Fire Chief Maurice Johnson, left, and EDH Rotary Club President Mark Hornstra.
SEND YOUR PHOTO OF THE WEEK TO EDITOR@VILLAGELIFE.COM
July 7 8:13 a.m. Vandalism was reported on Ottawa Street. 9:22 a.m. Vandalism was reported at the elementary school on Golden Eagle Lane. 2:30 p.m. Grand theft was reported on Valley View Parkway.
Help is a call away; 988 crisis lifeline launched News release Access El Dorado has launched a campaign to increase community awareness of mental health resources both nationally and locally, beginning with the announcement that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is now live. Designated as the new, three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 dialing code is available to everyone across the United States. When people call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org they will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how problems are affecting callers, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary, according to Access El Dorado officials. The Centers for Disease control cites mental illnesses as one of the most common health conditions in the U.S. One in five Americans experiences a mental illness each year and one in five children, currently or at some point during their life, experiences a seriously debilitating mental illness. Looking at the entire population, one in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depression.
Compassion, Care, Dignity and Respect In your time of need, we promise honest, upfront pricing and will never overcharge or mislead you. We encourage you to compare our services, facilities, and fees with others and we offer pre-planning services. We have proudly served the families of Northern California for over 35 years.
895 Dignified
$
$
Cremation
1720 Graveside
It’s time for the annual Happy Healthy Pets photo contest! Send in a favorite photo of your cat, dog, horse, goat, fish, hamster, lizard, chicken,
Funeral Service
guinea pig or ANY pet to:
mited. Space is li hoto
EL DORADO
Funeral & Cremation Services
1004 Marshall Way, Placerville (Between Cedar Ravine & Marshall Hospital) • License #FD-2299
(530) 748-3715 ~ Call 24 hours www.PlacervilleFuneralandCremation.com Our Services can be Pre-arranged with Guranteed Prices
Two crisis hotlines are also available through the Behavioral Health Division of El Dorado County. Health and Human Services crisis hotlines are (530) 622-3345 on the West Slope and (530) 544-2219 in Tahoe. ACCEL has developed materials to promote these services. Downloadable files of ready-to-print posters and wallet cards and ready-to-post social media graphics, in English and Spanish, are available at accesseldorado.org and edcopioidcoalition.org. ACCEL invites all community agencies and members to help spread awareness of this national resource.
p Send youray! d to in
photo@mtdemocrat.net to be included in this year’s Happy Healthy Pets special publication Submissions
must be rece ived by Aug. 15, 20 22
Be sure to include pet’s name, name of pet’s owner, city of residence and the pet’s favorite activity. Photos will be considered for Happy Healthy Pets, published inside both the Mountain Democrat and Village Life in September.
A3
JULY 28, 2022
It’s almost time to get your brew on Angela Nicholson EDH Chamber of Commerce
T
he El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce El Dorado Hills Brewfest, presented by RCP Construction, Inc. More than 40 breweries will be pouring, including a handful of cideries and wineries, at the lush and scenic Serrano Visitor Center Village Green, 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. The event will include unlimited tastings, food trucks, music, games and entertainment. A VIP experience will again be offered at a limited number of 500 tickets with additional benefits, such as an hour early entry, a larger, souvenir unlimited tasting glass, a VIP swag bag and exclusive VIP lounge. Current health and safety guidelines at the time of the event will be in place. Event proceeds benefit programs of the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce. The chamber produced the first El Dorado Hills
Courtesy photo
Serrano’s Village Green Park will once again turn into a beer lover’s paradise Saturday, Sept. 10, with the much anticipated return of the El Dorado Hills Brewfest. Brewfest in 2019 “to showcase our wonderful community to the Sacramento Region, with the ultimate goal of someone deciding to relocate here or better yet, relocate their business here,” shared Debbie
Manning, president and CEO. “The chamber is appreciative for all the support since our inaugural Brewfest in 2019, pivoting to Brewfest in a Box in 2020 and reconvening to a bigger and expanded in person event
since 2021.” Guests must be 21 or older (children younger than 12 OK with adult). For more information about the brewfest visit eldoradohillsbrewfest. com or facebook.com/ eldoradohillsbrewfest.
PUBLIC HEALTH REMINDER
Domestic pets can get rabies Margaret Williams EDC Health & Human Services El Dorado County Animal Services reminds residents to keep pets current on rabies vaccines and immediately notify Animal Services of any animal bite to a human or pet. Animal Services recently identified a family pet, a domestic cat, that tested positive for rabies. “While we do not often see cats, dogs and other domestic animals with rabies due to strong local rabies vaccination programs, it’s important to emphasize that any mammal can be exposed,” said El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinski. “Rabies can be fatal to both animals and humans, so keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations, including cats, dogs and livestock, is critical.” According to Brzezinski, the cat did not have a rabies vaccination and is believed to have been exposed while roaming outside of its residence on the 4700 block of Viking Road in Greenwood in midJune. Animal Services has identified rabid skunks in the Greenwood area in the past and most recently identified a rabid skunk near the family’s home in mid-May 2022, when the family’s dog had contact with the skunk. (The dog wasn’t current on its rabies vaccine so he was vaccinated and is being quarantined for six months at home in a double enclosure. He is currently showing no signs of illness.) When the cat suddenly passed away at home, the owners took it to the veterinarian who then suggested the cat be tested for rabies given the recently identified rabid skunk near the home. The family and veterinarian’s office consulted with Animal Services on any other actions needed regarding their potential exposure. Rabies is endemic in all 58 counties in California, including El Dorado County. Animal Services identifies rabid animals each year, though there have been no reports of rabid domestic pets in El Dorado County for at least the past 10 years. The California Department of Public Health’s statewide data reports show domestic animals identified with rabies from 2014 through 2021 in multiple California counties. In 2021 Animal Services identified a total of 11 ani-
mals (three bats and eight skunks) that tested positive for rabies in El Dorado County. Between the months of March and June 2022, a total of seven rabid animals (six skunks and one bat) were found in El Dorado County. Two rabid skunks were found in Placerville, two in Garden Valley, one in Georgetown and one in Greenwood. The rabid bat was found in Somerset. Rabies is a virus spread through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through a bite to its victim. It is usually fatal to pets and humans if not treated shortly after exposure. While any mammal can become infected with the rabies virus, bats, skunks and fox are the animals most commonly found to carry the virus. Comprehensive vaccination programs in the United States have meant that rabies among domestic pets is now uncommon. To prevent the spread of rabies: • Maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and livestock. • Keep property free of garbage, stored bird seed and leftover pet food to avoid attracting wild animals. • Keep pet doors closed at night to prevent entry of wild animals into the home. • Never approach, pick up, feed or interact with unfamiliar dogs, cats or wild animals. • Don’t approach an animal that appears sick or aggressive. Report it to Animal Services. • Don’t touch a dead animal with bare hands. • Call Animal Services if a domestic or wild animal shows sign of rabies (such as staggering, confusion, lack of fear or aggressive behavior). • Notify Animal Services immediately if a person or pet is bitten or exposed to a suspected rabid animal. • Maintain your property’s attic, foundation and ventilation system to ensure they are properly sealed to prevent wildlife infestation. • Immediately notify Animal Services if you find a bat alive or dead in your bedroom. For more information about rabies or Animal Services visit edcgov.us/animalservices. To reach Animal Services by phone call (530) 621-5795 in Diamond Springs or at (530) 573-7925 in South Lake Tahoe.
Fundraiser to help youth have ‘bright futures’ News release El Dorado County local bands MerryGold and Ryder Thieves are set to celebrate community through music at the Bright Futures Festival: a benefit concert for CASA El Dorado. This concert event will take place on Saturday, July 30, at the beautiful Sarureel Vineyards barn. “The Bright Futures Festival was born from our dedication to the belief that all children deserve a bright future. CASA El Dorado celebrates 30 years of service this year,” said CASA El Dorado Executive Director Amy Pooley. “Our community of advocates, donors, volunteers, board members, friends, anyone who has ever
purchased one of our box lunches or pulled a tag from a local holiday tree to purchase gifts for a youthin need — each and every one of these individuals, businesses and families are essential to this milestone anniversary and we invite all to come celebrate with us,” she added. Tickets are now on sale for this benefit concert featuring local music, food trucks and beer and wine. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit CASA El Dorado and support its efforts to provide bright futures for El Dorado County’s abused, neglected and at-risk youth. For tickets and additional event details visit casaeldorado.org/brightfutures.
About CASA El Dorado Established in 1992, CASA El Dorado celebrates 30 years of service advocating for and empowering abused, neglected and at-risk youth in the community by providing court appointed volunteers who speak up for the needs of children and make a positive impact in their lives. The heart of the program is the Court Appointed Special Advocate, a specially trained and supervised community volunteer appointed by a juvenile court judge. CASA advocates make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children by researching and monitoring cases involving children in foster care. Find out more about the program at CASAElDorado.org.
PURCHASE • REFINANCE
FIXED RATE LOANS
3.750% 4.04% 4.375% 4.54% $7.27
$4.99
Check the El Dorado Advantage:
✔ No Application Fee ✔ No Prepayment Penalty ✔ Local Processing and Servicing Serving our local communities for over 60 years
EL DORADO HILLS • 3963 Park Drive • 916-933-3002 CAMERON PARK • 4060 Cameron Park Drive • 530-677-1601 FOLSOM • 300 E. Bidwell Street • 916-983-3600 SACRAMENTO • 4768 J Street • 916-454-4800 SACRAMENTO • 5500 Folsom Blvd. • 916-452-2613 CARMICHAEL • 4701 Manzanita Ave. • 916-481-0664 ELK GROVE • 9003 Elk Grove Blvd. • 916-685-3936 Maximum loan $650,000, primary residence. 20%20% minimum cashcash downdown payment on Maximum loan $424,100.00, primaryororvacation vacation residence. minimum payment on purchase. on refinance. refinance.Other Other loans available different purchase.25% 25%equity equity required required on loans available underunder different terms.terms. LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
www.eldoradosavingsbank.com Se Habla Espanol 800-874-9779
Village LIfe 3.1806” wide by 3” high
Maggie’s House Cleaning Available for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, & one time cleaning. Reliable, honest, and has over 20 years of experience.
916-370-0651
Licensed
margaritalherrera@icloud.com
Insured
Publisher Richard B. Esposito
Managing Editor Noel Stack
resposito@mtdemocrat.net
nstack@villagelife.com
(530) 344-5055
(530) 344-5073
Advertising/Distribution Ian Balentine (530) 344-5048
Rescue “There were multiple complaints regarding a stench of feces from the residence,” states Chief of Animal Services Henry Brzezinski in a news release. “The investigation continued and a search warrant was ultimately authored.” On July 19 El Dorado County Animal Services personnel, in cooperation with El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office detectives, served that search warrant. Animal Services officials say approximately 25 dogs, including puppies, both living and deceased, were removed from the residence during the search warrant. The living canines were transported to the county animal shelter, where they are currently undergoing care and rehabilitation.
Broker Lic#01320399
ibalentine@mtdemocrat.net
Continued from A1 “Because this is an active investigation, no further information regarding this case is available at this time,” noted Brzezinski. Tidwell was released on $10,000 bail, according to EDSO inmate records.
Charges
Continued from A1
private, K-12 school with more than 100 children enrolled at the El Dorado Hills Business Park campus. The school worked with many school districts in the Sacramento region to serve students whose needs could not be met at home or in public schools.
Are you on Facebook? Like us! Visit facebook.com/VillageLifeNews
Multi-Media Sales Representatives: Wes Edwards Chris Jones (530) 344-5023
(530) 344-5059
cjones@mtdemocrat.net
wesley@mtdemocrat.com
2889 Ray Lawyer Drive • Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-1255 • Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-5pm
■ GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? E-mail your letter to the editor to editor@villagelife.com
A4
JULY 28, 2022
Neighbors rally to keep lights on in Highland Hills Sel Richard Staff writer Residents of Highland Hills recently received barely a day’s notice that their street lights would be turned off, prompting the alarm of neighbors concerned about nighttime safety. A letter from the El Dorado County Department of Transportation was
sent to the 78 property owners in the Highland Hills Zone of Benefit. ZOBs are mechanisms for communities which maintain their own infrastructure and can include funding for roads, lighting, drainage, snow removal or other services. The notice, received by most on May 25, informed residents that street lights would be shut off on May 26. “We are taking this action because
LIFETIME GUARANTEE ON OUR WORKMANSHIP
Direct Repair Network
Premiere Facility
Experience You Can Trust • Eco Aware & Eco Friendly More Than Pride In Workmanship… There’s Family Pride! Family Owned & Operated Since 2001
2019
OUR PROMISE TO YOU We practice honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, have a knowledgeable staff and use eco-friendly materials. We offer you top-quality customer service and peace of mind!
Remember: The choice of body shops is yours, not your insurance company's!
God Bless Our Troops
530.677.8731
Official Location
3041 Alhambra Drive, Cameron Park www.soliscollisioncenter.com
2012 Business Of The Year
Experience You Can Trust • Eco Aware & Eco Friendly
Expertise That Is Never Equaled! Peter Vlautin has over 45 years of Litigation
Experience and a Masters (LL.M.) Degree in Taxation.
Grand jury
Member of California, Nevada, and U. S. Supreme Court Bar Associations • • • • •
Estates Trusts Probate Conservatorships Financial Elder Abuse
Peter P. Vlautin, III, J.D. LL.M. 1020 Suncast Lane #101, El Dorado Hills (916) 365-9734 • petervlautin.com 20 20
California State Bar #54733
10 Time WINNER
Nevada State Bar #1475
Roofing at its Finest Comp & Metal Roofing Replacement • Repairs • Gutters
CA LIC. #1025226
Serving the Greater Placerville Area, Cameron Park and El Dorado Hills
Locally & Family Owned and Operated • 530-334-0651
Mountain Democrat
ON-LINE ONLY $
14 /Month
Comprehensive Coverage of LOCAL NEWS for El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County GO TO: www.mtdemocrat.com SELECT: “Log In” from the menu on the left CLICK: “Subscribe Now’ on the right side (Under “Not A Subscriber”) Fill out the information to start your subscription OR CALL our office Monday-Friday ~ 8am to 5pm TOLL FREE
the Highlands Village Lighting Zone increase last year and so the charges currently does not generate enough were more than were anticipated.” annual revenue to offset the increased Although county policy dictates that utility rates, administrative costs and if a ZOB fund falls to a negative balinsurance premiums,” the letter states. ance all services must stop immediately, Its $88 annual assessment was set in White happens to be an active com1995 and has not increased since. “The munity contributor and held sway. zone’s balance went negative as of April “Because Tim has worked with us on 28, 2022 … The street lights in the different committees and projects, I zone will remain off until enough revknew I was going to be able to count enue is generated to cover the annual on him to come through on his promoperation costs.” ise that if the residents didn’t pay it “We found out that since we ran out that he would pay it in whole,” said of money in our ZOB, county counsel Martinez. “Fortunately he didn’t have advised that the lights be turned off,” to do that.” resident Tim White informed county According to DOT Deputy Director supervisors at the June 14 board meetBrian Mullens, the only other ZOBs ing. “There’s no money; turn off the that provide street lighting services lights. PG&E does better. If you don’t are the Diamond Springs Lighting pay the PG&E bill ZOB, funded by you at least get 30 a property tax rate “We remain committed to 60 days’ notice at 1% of assessed before they turn off property value, and to working closely the lights.” the Barnett Business To keep their Park Lighting ZOB with the residents and 45 street lights on in Shingle Springs. property owners within through June 2023, The Barnett Business residents had to pay a these zones to prevent Park ZOB was total of $8,100 to the considered for an these types of issues county by July 19 of increase in 2008 but this year — $2,100 the ballot measure occurring in the future.” covers the accumufailed to pass and, as lated deficit for the a result, those street — DOT Deputy Director Brian Mullens lights are no longer current county fiscal year and the remainoperational. ing $6,000 pays for the following fiscal Mullens assured that ZOB funding year. balances will now be monitored on White admonished the county’s a quarterly basis. “We remain comactions as a failure of basic governance. mitted to working closely with the “It might have been right legally, but residents and property owners within it was calloused and endangered the these zones to prevent these types of health and safety of the residents of our issues occurring in the future,” he said. zone of benefit,” he asserted. Since “Additionally, DOT staff are collaboreceiving the letter, White has worked rating with PG&E representatives to with county DOT, specifically lauding assess the possibility of upgrading the department representative Elizabeth street lights to a more efficient LED Hess. “She’s been very helpful,” he lighting fixture.” said, insisting she be recognized for her The El Dorado County Board of efforts. Supervisors voted to approve the donaWith a check for $2,100 in hand, tion from White on behalf of the White was ready to pay the fund defiHighland Village Lighting ZOB resicit. “Twenty-nine of our residents have dents thereby keeping the streets lit. already raised $5,900,” he revealed A ballot measure is being recomwhen speaking to Village Life in June. mended for board approval to increase “The ZOB for this area is for lightthe Highland Hills ZOB annual lighting specifically only,” EDC Director ing assessment from $88 to $140. of Transportation Rafael Martinez said The measure includes an inflationlater, explaining that unlike roadway ary index to account for future utility projects, which are put out to bid after cost increases and, if approved, will checking fund balances, Highland Hills be put on the Nov. 8, 2022, statewide ZOB funds are collected and paid to general election ballot. Two-thirds of PG&E with a yearly true up. Martinez residents must vote yes to pass the meaadmitted that the county did not realsure. ize the fund’s balance had dipped into the negative. “PG&E had a huge rate
888-622-1255
portion the general and specific benefit calculations that came from the formation analysis of each LLAD,” he said. “This again points toward the lack of understanding of assessment districts by the reviewers in this civil grand jury process,” Loewen continued. “I’d suggest that a commission be formed to review the grand jury training and oversight that has been occurring, as we really do want these processes to be above board, efficient and effective.” The grand jury also called for the CSD to change its internal processes and begin crediting rental income to the LLAD that generated the income. The CSD is in the process of formalizing its response to this matter. Not only did the report advise the publicizing of policies and procedures in one accessible online location to address assessment complaints and appeals, an LLAD Advisory Committee was again proposed as it was in the 2015-16 Grand Jury Report, to which Loewen assured that the formation of such a group was pursued in 2018. “With little to no interest from the community at that time, we were unsuccessful in sitting a committee,” he told Village Life. “We’ll try again and if there is interest we’ll have a new committee that aligns with other district committees.” Though the grand jury called for an outside consulting firm to implement a quality control process, Loewen assured that the CSD already employs a firm for quality control. “The real issue at-hand is that the parcel data file(s) that the county produces, for a fee, will sometimes lag behind the actual parcel status, e.g., unimproved, improved, occupied,” he explained. “This is not to say that errors may not occur otherwise. If and when they do, we’d take every step to make the correction. Yet, as can be seen in the grand jury report, the information they provided was cherry-picked and vague at best as to the exact nature of errors — all when a greater level of specificity would’ve afforded readers a global and granular level of understanding that paints the full picture.” Loewen said he thinks improvements can be made, but he is unsure the grand jury fully comprehends the LLAD assessment process. “Each time we’ve participated it is apparent that there is a lack of understanding by some of those reviewers as to how assessments work in California and that there is a special interest in a specific assessment district,” he asserted.
Continued from A1 Ultimately the report cites “an inherent conflict that exists between EDHCSD and the LLADs because the board’s implementation of the EDHCSD Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan may conflict with what the affected LLAD parcel owners want.” Heritage resident Robert Williams found the report consistent with his community’s two-year long argument over CSD mismanagement. “Kevin Loewen and the entire board of directors will need to address these very real conflicts of interest and improper taxation of residents throughout El Dorado Hills,” he said. “Overall I seek CSD to cease its abusively rogue behavior and address its obvious dereliction of duty. In short, CSD owes the residents of EDH an apology,” Williams shared. “More specifically, I want the board to fire Kevin Loewen. The next bonus the CSD board should consider for Kevin is a swift boot out the door. Likewise, abusive board members should resign. All of the entire board should publicly apologize for it.” Blackstone Homeowners Association President Bob Hendricks, too, has had his share of butting heads with the CSD, detailing multiple failed attempts to gain public records access, unsatisfactory explanations for varying assessment amounts and lighting conflicts. “I am pleased to see the grand jury recommendations and hope that they will help to bring greater transparency of the CSD board and management,” offered Hendricks. “Blackstone residents should not be required to pay an assessment for something that the majority of Blackstone residents do not want.” Heritage resident George Steed said he feels validated by the grand jury report. “Throughout this period, the staff and directors openly demonstrated their contempt for their constituents by ignoring and dismissing legitimate complaints and repeatedly belittling and denigrating speakers in public forums,” he explained. “It is notable this is the second time in recent years the grand jury felt compelled to investigate and report on the EDHCSD LLAD policies and management,” Steed pointed out. “This willful failure to take appropriate corrective action to the findings of the grand juries is inexcusable and exemplifies an arrogant public agency that feels it has no checks on its power.”
Got a news tip or story idea for us? Submit your idea to Editor Noel Stack editor@villagelife.com
A5
JULY 28, 2022
2020
Celebrating Your Winners!
Best Mail & Shipping Services: The UPS Store
Everyone knows the UPS Store is a great place for mailing and shipping large, small and even oddly shaped items. Need a box? Some stamps? That’s the place to go. But what about all the other things on your to do list?
Address: 3941 Park Drive, Suite 20, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 939-3632 Website: theupsstore.com
Need printed flyers? A few business cards or maybe a passport photo? And what about the dreaded shredding of documents? The UPS Store owner Joe Henderson and his family have been assisting their customers with these services and many others for more than 26 years.
Best Sandwich Best Private School: Golden Hills School
Best BestSandwich Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting
Ernie Durst started E. Durst Painting in 2011, bringing 35-plus years of experience to customers.
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
4361 Town Center Blvd.,
Suite 110, El Dorado Hills Coming from a long line of chefs trained at international hotels in Bangkok, Chef Jarunee Fleming brings (916) 939-0389 a special touch to her authentic Thai recipes. With thaiparadiseedh.com 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. 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 BestSandwich Assisted Living Facility: EDH Senior Care
2920 Tam O’Shanter Drive
El Dorado Hills The El Dorado Hills Senior Care Village has been a staple in El Dorado Hills since 1996. Offering 24-hour (916) 939-0962 care for the elderly in a quaint, homelike environment, eldoradoseniorcare.com 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.
(916) 712-7856 edurstpainting.com
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.”
Best Event/Party Rentals: El Dorado Hills Party Rentals
1060 Suncast Lane El Dorado Hills The Golden Hills School team believes that to become (916) 933-0100 the best version of themselves children require the broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by goldenhillsschool.net 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.
2021
4663 Golden Foothill Parkway,
Suite 108, El Dorado Hills El Dorado Hills Party Rentals is your go to party supply store for all your event needs. Owners Louis and Carie (916) 933-2500 Ann Mansour and their staff help clients execute event edhpartyrentals.com design with style by offering their years of expertise along with hometown style customer service. This family owned business offers everything for all life’s special occasions — tents, tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware and décor as well as cooling/heating, catering equipment, bars, dance floors, lighting and much more. El Dorado Hills Party Rentals is based in
El Dorado Hills and serves all Sacramento and foothill regions.
Best Sandwich Best Mexican Food: La Cascada
Address: 2222 Francisco Drive, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 618-4369 Website: lacascadaedh.com
With authentic Ramos family Mexican recipes handed down through the generations, La Cascada is a favorite for 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.
BestBest Sandwich Travel Agency: El Dorado Hills Travel
The philosophy of El Dorado Hills Travel is simple: Provide a unique vacation experience that will keep customers coming back.
3941 Park Drive, Suite 90, El Dorado Hills (916) 933-0476 edhtravel.com
As a member of American Society of Travel Agencies, the professionals at El Dorado Hills Travel pledge to conduct business activities in a manner that promotes the ideal of integrity in travel. 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, take a short trip to El Dorado Hills Travel and let them help you plan your dream vacation.
A6
JULY 28, 2022
2021
Celebrating Your Winners!
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.
359 Green Valley Road El Dorado Hills (916) 939-3647
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.
Best Sandwich Best Massage: Massage Envy
2020
BestGift Sandwich of Kids Daycare and Preschool
5130 Golden Foothill Parkway
El Dorado Hills We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, homework tutor club and (916) 521-1835 thegiftofkids.net 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.
Over the years, not only have we focused on love and education here at the school, but we have also been involved in sponsoring many local non-profit groups
Best Barbecue: Back Forty Texas BBQ
4510 Post St., Suite 340, El Dorado Hills Massage is a great way to keep your body moving and (916) 941-6850 keep doing the things you love. For a massage that will leave you relaxed and feeling your best long after massageenvy.com getting off the table, head to Massage Envy in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Since 2007, clients have enjoyed the therapeutic and soothing techniques of knowledgeable and skilled professionals.
“They not only understand the benefits of massage, they genuinely care about people,” owner Laurie Vaqueiro said of her staff. Massage Envy El Dorado Hills has 29 service providers ready to help 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.
2714 Mercantile Drive, Rancho Cordova (916) 879-1798 sawsflooring.com
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.
Best BestSandwich Contractor: Straight Line Construction
Serving the El Dorado County area since 1999, Jack Borba’s commitment to quality and hard work has helped Straight Line Construction grow tremendously in a relatively short time.
4415 Commodity Way, Shingle Springs (916) 985-9995 straightlineconstruction.com
The company now offers residential services for roof replacement and repairs, windows, skylights, gutter systems, decks and siding. Straight Line also offers great customer service, a friendly team and high-quality craftsmanship. The new location offers customers the ability to view product samples, textures and colors in easing their remodeling process. Borba and his team also give back to the community in hosting fundraisers and supporting the food bank.
Back Forty Texas BBQ celebrates 25 years in business this March — a quarter century of serving up fingerlicking barbecue.
3977 Durock Road, Suite 205 Shingle Springs (530) 676-4040 backfortyshinglesprings.com
How does it all come together so tender and tasty? The pit master starts at 3 a.m. each day, smoking all the meats slowly. The menu includes mouth-watering pork and ribs, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, tri tip, brisket and more. Back Forty’s side items are also cooked fresh daily. Pair the best barbecued meat with beans, close slaw, Gram’s chili or mac and cheese. Dine in or carry out your meal. Back Forty Texas BBQ also caters. Owners Jerry and Shelley Cobb and their team put out the best meal they can every day except Mondays — the day the barbecue crew takes a rest.
Best Sandwich Best Roofing: Nail It Roofing
Brothers Aaron and Christopher Meyer entered the roofing trade by working in all capacities — from laborer to superintendent, project manager and estimator.
6188 Enterprise Drive, Suit A Diamond Springs
(530) 677-5032 nail-it-roofing.com
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.
Best Sandwich Best Financial Planner: Shari Merle, LPL Financial
A resident of El Dorado Hills since 1976, Shari Merle 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.
Address: 981 Governor Drive, Suite 101, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 933-2117 Website: sharimerle.com
A former tax preparer, Shari offers a unique perspective. “I understand taxes and how they affect your finances,” she explained. She and her son Steve are both Certified Financial Planners and are fully licensed for stocks, bonds and life insurance products. You can rest assured that she will be true to her personal motto, “No matter what, I do what’s right for the client, not for me.”
VH Village HOMES JULY 28, 2022
El Dorado Hills home showcases stunning views
E
njoy spectacular, 180-degree views of Folsom Lake from this one-of-a-kind property in Lakehills Estates in El Dorado Hills. Sitting on a level lot in a quiet cul-de-sac, this special property boasts breathtaking, year-round views from the wraparound balcony, dining room and great room. Built in 1964, the house is well constructed and has been extremely well maintained. An additional bonus — the two-story home lives like a single-story with the kitchen, great room and bedrooms all on the main living level. Entertain dozens in the impressive great room brightened by large picture windows that showcase the surrounding scenery and sliding glass doors that open onto the balcony. A lovely brick fireplace between the living room and formal dining room warms the space. Cabinet and counter space abound in the kitchen,
which also has a built-in electric cooktop with a hood, double oven, dishwasher, pantry closet and dining space. This home features three large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The lower level features an enormous, approximately 2,000-square-foot garage with a private office and plenty of space for a workshop, boat or other toys. The property, with no HOA or Mello Roos taxes, is close to shopping, restaurants and trails. It’s on the market for the first time. Interested in a private tour of this lovely Bolivar Court home in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617 or patricia.seide@cbnorcal. com or Realtor Associate Michael Buchner at (916) 850-9554 or michael.buchner@cbrealty.com.
Patricia Seide CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617 Patricia.Seide@ cbnorcal.com
Michael Buchner (916) 850-9554 michael.buchner@ cbrealty.com
1494 Bolivar Court, El Dorado Hills 2,553 square feet 3 bedrooms, 4.5 baths 0.35-acre property Listed at $1,099,000 MLS #222093321
REALTORS: INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR HOME FEATURED IN VILLAGE HOMES? Contact Wes Edwards at (530) 344-5059 or wesley@mtdemocrat.com
B2
JULY 28, 2022
EDH author brings home Purple Dragonfly Award We will remain open full-time to service and maintain our clients heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality needs 5 days a week. Our technicians are avoiding typical contact with our clients, like shaking hands and staying 6 or more feet away.
Local Family Owned & Operated for Over 30 Years!
Full Service Heating & Air Company
• Air Conditioners • Maintenance Contracts • Heating & Heat Pumps • New Construction • Furnaces • Remodels • Top Industry Warranties • 100% Financing O.A.C. • We Service All Makes & Models
News release
E
l Dorado Hills children’s book author Rae Rankin took first place in the the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Awards Outdoor Recreation category for her book “Mountain Girl.” This is her second Purple Dragonfly Award, having won one for her book “Cowgirl and the Ghost Horse” last year. Celebrating the beauty of Plumas County, “Mountain Girl” is a charming book about a family exploring the outdoors and participating in activities in the area. “This is as much a win for me as it is for Graeagle and Plumas County,” Rankin said. The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards is part of a prestigious international book award contest, hosted annually by Story Monsters LLC, which recognizes exceptional authors for excellence in writing and publishing in 56 categories.
Story Monsters LLC is also home to the awardwinning Story Monsters Ink magazine, the literary resource for teachers, librarians and parents. “It is an honor to be recognized among a group of talented authors and illustrators,” Rankin said. In addition to
the award-winning “Mountain Girl,” Rankin has published six other books. Signed copies of “Mountain Girl” are available on Rankin’s website, RaeRankin. com. She is currently working on her eighth book, which she anticipates releasing later this year.
AWARD WINNING SCULPTURE Courtesy photo
El Dorado Hills artist Laura Harling’s new sculpture, “Greta Thunberg,” was accepted into the 2022 California State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition and won an Award of Merit. See her work at the fair through July 31 at Cal Expo. Find more of Harling’s art on her website at lauraharling. com.
Call for CURRENT FINANCING and rebate offers.
916-988-6137 • 530-677-1918 www.goldenaire.net SENIOR DISCOUNTS
• License #423363 • EPA Refrigerant Handling Cert.
• Qualified Duct Testing & Sealing • CF-6R Compliance Angies List Super Service Award Winner!
‘Beauty and the Beast’ brings its adventure to Folsom stage News release
B
Photo by Allen Schmeltz
Finding the beauty within leads to true love in “Beauty and the Beast.” Sutter Street Theatre’s production features Summer Allen and Zane Begley in the title roles.
Yellow Button Bakery I bake what you like!
GLUTEN FREE PASTRIES
Pies - Breads - Cakes - Scones Muffins - Cookies
Delivery Available! CALL 530676-1598
EMAIL: yellowbuttonbakery@gmail.com
ased on the original Broadway production that ran for more than 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards and the Academy Awardwinning motion picture, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. See it live at Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom, opening July 30. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. features some of the most popular songs ever written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice. The show is based on the book by Linda Wolverton and this production is directed by Michael Coleman with musical direction by David Williams and choreography by Connie Mockenhaupt “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.” runs July 30 through Aug. 21 with ■
See BEAUTY, page B4
B3
JULY 28, 2022
Local woman takes X-ray business on the road Jacob Bassett Village Life correspondent A great many things are now available in the convenience of our homes and Valerie Rondone has added another service to that list with El Dorado Imaging, which brings X-ray capabilities right through the front door. After years of working in the corporate medical world, Rondone said she had the idea to create a more “patient-focused” business that brings much-needed imaging technology to the homes of people who have difficulty making their way to a hospital or imaging center. “(I thought) I’m gonna take the corporate out of it and I’m going to do it individually and try to make it happen. That way, patients get the care they need at an affordable price,” she explained. “They don’t have that huge burden of having to be transported to an imaging center and having then to pay this bill for imaging and then (hear), ‘Oh, it was nothing.’” El Dorado Imaging is extremely convenient to the differently abled who might have physical or mental trouble traveling outside their homes. The company accepts Medicare insurance and Rondone said she’s working to eventually accepting Medi-Cal and possibly private insurance. She also hopes to expand her services to include other medical imaging in her repertoire. “As I grow, I’m hoping to allow more services like EKG, ultrasound,” Rondone shared. As a new business, she added, the main challenge is that not many patients know a mobile X-ray service exists or is possible. Rondone said she delights in the opportunity to meet new patients and work with them in ways that best suit their needs. While Rondone started her business about two years ago, she was only able to start operating in March 2022, explaining that it took 18 months to get approval through Medicare. Even though it took a while to cut through all the red tape, Rondone said she sees a greater need than ever for her services in a
Courtesy photo
Get an X-ray right in your living room, as demonstrated by El Dorado Imaging owner Valerie Rondone, right, and her model patient, mom Sharon Rondone. post COVID-19 world. In the 1940s doctors making house calls were extremely common; that trend tapered off in the ’60s. Rondone said she thinks it’s time the practice is reinvigorated. “I think that those who are sick should not be leav-
ing their home,” she told Village Life. “And then in a post-pandemic world the services should be coming to your home to make sure ... you’re still on the right track.” For more information about El Dorado Imaging call (916) 715-7374 or visit eldoradoimaging.com.
3Strands Global Foundation board adds new member News release 3Strands Global Foundation recently announced the addition of Sherrod Patching, head of global technical account managers at GitLab, to its board of directors. Patching joins the board with a wealth of experience in customer experience, tech leadership and strategy. 3SGF envisions a world free from human trafficking, the second largest criminal industry in the world, and hopes to achieve this through a broad range of prevention programs. To
SHERROD PATCHING date, the foundation has reached more than 1 million people with its prevention work. This includes K-12 education, corporate awareness of
trauma-informed practices and placement of survivors into sustainable jobs. Customer service expertise is paramount and 3Strands focus on prevention means it needs industry professionals to help lead the way. “Sherrod brings to the 3Strands Global Foundation board a wealth of customer experience expertise. She has a keen eye for process and how to create a place for customers to feel valued,” said Ashlie Bryant, CEO, co-founder and president of 3SGF. “As we roll out our prevention programs it is vital we meet cus-
Sign up to receive public safety power shutoff alerts News release Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers and non-account holders can now sign up for notifications for any address they care about to stay informed about public safety power shutoffs. High winds can cause tree branches and debris to contact energized lines, damage PG&E equipment and cause wildfires. As a result, PG&E may need to turn off power during severe weather to prevent wildfires. Those who signed up to receive these alerts prior to June 2022, will need to re-enroll for each address to continue receiving these notifications through June 2023. To sign up for alerts for any address that is important to you or a loved one visit pge.com/addressalert. Alerts are accessible in multiple languages by automated call and text. Address alerts might be right for you if: • You want to know about a PSPS at your home, work, school or other important location • You are a tenant and do not have a PG&E account • You need to stay informed about a PSPS affecting a friend or loved one • Multiple members of your household want to be notified
Customers and non-account holders interested in receiving updates about forecasted PSPS for an address where they do not receive a bill can sign up for any number of address alerts. Note, PG&E customers will automatically be enrolled to receive PSPS notifications for any home or business they have an account for. Customers are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with PG&E so they can be notified if their location will be impacted.
tomers and clients where they are at. Sherrod will help 3Strands Global Foundation do just that. We are grateful for her appointment and her sincere heart and yearning to serve those impacted by our prevention programs.” Patching’s addition to the 3Strands Global Foundation Board of Directors is effective immediately. 3Strands Global Foundation was founded in response to an event
that shook a small, tightknit California community. A young girl was taken from El Dorado Hills and trafficked for eight days before she was recovered by law enforcement. This would later spark the creation of PROTECT prevention education, which has gone on to educate hundreds of thousands of students across the United States on how to stay safe from human trafficking. The 3SGF team then recognized that there
needed to be more resources available to survivors and those who face barriers to sustainable economic opportunities. With this in mind, 3SGF launched the Employ + Empower program, which has helped support and economically empower hundreds of individuals in multiple states. Learn more about 3Strands Global Foundation and its mission at 3SGF.org.
Your Local Health Care Professionals Drs. Peliks & Peliks El Dorado Hills Dentists
(916) 933-7401 1160 Suncast Lane, Ste. 5 El Dorado Hills www.drpeliks.com
Prepare for the unexpected PG&E understands that losing power disrupts lives and has been working nonstop to make its system safer while also reducing the impact of PSPS events. PG&E urges all customers to plan ahead of an unexpected emergency. On its website are a few resources that can help you prepare for an outage: • Safety Action Center: Find tips and guides to staying safe during wildfires or severe weather. • Kids Emergency Preparedness: Access interactive games, safety tips and quizzes to share emergency resources with children. • Medical Baseline Program: Sign up for resources available to support those in the disabled and aging populations.
2390 E. Bidwell St., Ste 400 Folsom 916-983-6211
Cameron Park (Bel Air Center) 3450 Palmer Dr., Ste 5 530-672-0151
Call Elizabeth Hansen
(530) 344-5028 for more information.
Court appoints new executive News release El Dorado County Superior Court judges recently appointed Shelby Wineinger as court executive officer. Wineinger began her service with the court July 22, 2019, as the assistant court executive officer before becoming the interim court executive officer Dec. 13, 2021, following the retirement of Tania Ugrin-Capobianco who served as the court executive officer the past 15 years. Wineinger served more than 13 years at the Sacramento County Superior Court before coming to El Dorado County. Her roles included director of juvenile operations, the civil sec-
tion operations manager and principal human resources analyst. She has also served the state of California in various roles which included branch chief of the workers’ compensation, returnto-work and payroll services program for the California Department of Transportation. Wineinger currently serves as the chair of the Judicial Branch Workers’ Compensation Program Advisory Committee and is a member of the Court Executives Advisory Committee. She has a bachelor’s and master of arts degree in sociology from California State University, Sacramento, and has a Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification.
VillageLife.com ■ News, photos and community information
Let us help you pay tribute to a loved one. When you experience the loss of a loved one, our Village Life team can help you convey information in several ways! Obituary ~ You may write the tribute in your own words or if needed we can provide assistance. Obituaries will publish on the day requested, subject to publication deadline. Anniversary Remembrances ~ You may place an ad in memory of a deceased loved one on the anniversary of a significant date such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of their death. Call Elizabeth Hansen for more information 530-344-5028
B4
JULY 28, 2022
Community Observatory hosts out of this world event Community Observatory on the Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center campus has joined hundreds of sites across the country to celebrate the release of the first science images from the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s next great space science observatory. As part of this celebration, Community Observatory will host a talk by NASA
Ambassador Tim Pinkney on Saturday, July 30, when he will highlight the images and significant findings that scientists and astronomers world over are excited about. “We are thrilled and honored that Community Observatory is, again, an official host site for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope events targeting underserved communities celebrating Webb’s first stunning images,” said Vish Deshmane, lead docent
Announcement
Employment
Special to Village Life
Classifieds LEARN & PLAY CRIBBAGE Cribbage is a fun, fast paced game that will surely keep you on your toes! **All skill levels **Learn to play by ACC Rules (American Cribbage Congress) **Beginner instruction available **Compete in weekly Cribbage tournaments. Call 916-768-4452 for more information Gold Country Cribbers play Thursday afternoon 1:00 pm at the Moni Gilmore Sr Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762
Employment Seeking FT/PT private residential property caretaker to care for beautiful 11+ acre property in El Dorado County, CA. Wages negotiable and dependent on experience and skill set. Owner lives on site. Ideal candidate possesses a willingness to perform a wide variety of (mostly outdoor) tasks including plenty of physical labor. Job requires a broad knowledge of rural property maintenance. Job requires ability to safely and efficiently operate, maintain, repair and/or service farm equipment and power tools such as chain saws, weed eaters, mowers, tractors, saws, sanders, etc. Responsible
for keeping the property groomed, maintained, and prepared for seasonal changes. The ideal candidate is able to work independently, possesses an attention to detail, is a good problem solver, is willing to tackle unexpected challenges, is willing to learn new skills to get the job done and is willing to be a facilitator and liaison with outside service and maintenance contractors. Valid driver's license, clean driving record, legal work status, clean criminal background check required. Submit resume to davlonventures@msn.com
REscuE uniOn schOOl DistRict hiring Food service Workers — needed urgently $15.23 – $19.45/hour with Medical & Retirement Benefits Assist in food preparation, set-up, serving and selling of school breakfast, lunch and ala carte food items in the cafeteria, transport food to and maintain satellite kitchen in a clean and sanitary condition.
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Position: Human Resources Analyst I Salary: $77,770.52 – $94,530.55 Annually Date Opened: June 30, 2022 Filing Deadline: Open until filled. First review of applications on July 15, 2022.
The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Human Resources Analyst I. 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:
Position: Associate Engineer Associate Civil Engineer Senior Civil Engineer Salary: Assoc. Engineer: $8,070.82-$9,810.13 per month Assoc. Civil Engineer: $8,916.91-$10,838.55 per month Senior Civil Engineer: $9,855.78-$11,979.76 per month Filing Deadline: Open until filled. First review of applications on August 5, 2022. The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for one position as an Associate Engineer or an Associate Civil Engineer or a Senior Civil Engineer in the Engineering 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
Apply on
https://www.edjoin.org/rescueusd An Equal Opportunity Employer
2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134
WANT TO SEE YOUR AD HERE?
El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:
Contact Village Life at (530) 344-5028 and place your ad today!
Position: Construction & Maintenance Worker I/II-Collections Salary: I: $26.94-$32.75/hr.; II: $29.77-$36.18/hr. FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on August 9, 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.
at Community Observatory. “This is a wonderful opportunity to share the significance of these historic images with the local community and we hope to spark interest in space, astronomy and science, technology, engineering and math educational fields. “We have partnered with El Dorado County Office of Education and Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center to help our community celebrate this amazing feat of science and engineering. People of all ages and backgrounds will find inspiration in Webb’s new view of the cosmos, which will fundamentally change our understanding of the universe for this generation and many more to come,” Deshmane added. Webb is the largest and most complex space science telescope ever built and is considered the premier observatory of the next decade. This international mission, led by NASA in partnership with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, launched Dec. 25, 2021. After unfolding in space into its final form, Webb successfully arrived at its destination nearly one million miles from Earth and began preparing for its science operations. The Webb telescope, which is designed to see the universe in the infrared, will push the field of astronomy into a new era. Webb will be able to study light from distant parts of the universe for the very first time, including the first galaxies that formed over 13.5 billion years ago and give scientists insight into how the universe formed. It will also peer into dusty stellar nurseries — areas of outer space within a dense nebula in which gas and dust are contracting, resulting in the formation of new stars— explore distant worlds orbiting other stars as well as observe objects in our solar system. Webb will extend the scientific discoveries of other NASA missions like the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. During the event, Community Observatory will showcase the science behind the Webb telescope with hands-on demonstrations hosted by its docents and Scout Troop 281, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The main presentation by NASA Ambassador Pinkney takes place 7:30-8:30 p.m. The observatory will also be open for stargazing that evening, 9-11 p.m. The Community Observatory Webb Images event is free and open to the public. It will take place at the EDCOE Gym, Building L, 6767 Green Valley Road in Placerville. Visit the observatory’s website at communityobservatory.com for further details. To learn more about the James Webb Space Telescope visit webb.nasa.gov and webbtelescope.org.
About Community Observatory The Community Observatory opened in 2006 and, with an all-volunteer staff of docents, provides free stargazing through many telescopes, including 17-inch and 14-inch reflecting telescopes. Besides the regular weekend night time operating hours, the observatory provides free, safe solar viewing on the first Saturday of every month. Observatory also hosts special educational group visits by request. The Community Observatory was a Rotary Club of Cameron Park Centennial project in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Rotary International. The Rotary of Cameron Park members raised all of the funds and donated time and materials to build the observatory on land owned by the El Dorado County Office of Education adjacent to the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College. In 2011 Rotary Club of Cameron Park built the G. Arthur Cort Sky Theater, where visitors can sit in reclined seating outside and view the constellations or enjoy a sky tour by a docent.
Beauty
Continued from B2
shows scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Folsom. For tickets and more information visit SutterStreetTheatre. com or call (916) 353-1001.
Also on stage Sutter Street Theatre also presents “Pippin,” the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. This production, rated PG, is directed and choreographed by Devin LePage with musical direction by David Williams. Performances are scheduled 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 21.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Got a news tip or story idea? 2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134
Submit your idea to Editor Noel Stack
editor@villagelife.com
Service Directory Serving El Dorado Hills
Construction
Hauling And Cleaning
Aasen Construction
Hauling & Clean ups
And Remodeling Company • New Homes • Remodels • Additions • Decks
• Complete Construction • Kitchen & Bath • Concrete
Steven Aasen www.aasenconst.com General Contractor • Lic# 626760
(530)
672-9776
Gutters
ROOFING & GUTTER SERVICES ✔ Gutter Installation, guards, repair, cleaning ✔ Roof — Tile and shingle repair, cleaning ✔ Consulting and roof inspections ✔ Real Estate roofing inspections & certifications Free estimates
916-317-2237
J. Tyler Wiese, Owner, Contractor’s Lic #956824
— All Areas —
Large & Small jobs! Mobilehome Removal Experts! Clean, polite service
7 dayS: 8aM-9pM
(530) 409-5455
(916) 806-9741
Plumbing CL#828505
24-Hour Emergency Service! 7 Days a Week
INC.
Immediate Response!
We Charge By the Job, Not by the Hour • Residential & Commercial • Water Heater Specialist • All Pumping Repairs
(916)
• Septic Pumping Services • Drain cleaning, repiping • Trenchless Pipe Replacement
934-2440
Dominic Stone — Owner
www.domcoplumbing.com
Join the pros! Call Elizabeth Hansen at (530) 344-5028 to place your Premier Business Directory ad.
b5
July 28, 2022
$ KEEP IT LOCAL S h o p p i n g
l o c a l l y
s u p p o r t s
o u r
c o m m u n i t y
July 27, 2022
SOLAR + BATTERY IS NOW AFFORDABLE! • Roof and Ground Mount Installations • Includes Premium US made 400 Watt solar panels and Premium microinverters each with 25 year manufacturer and labor warranty
Financing with as little as
ZERO
Call for FREE Estimate to Avoid Higher Costs of NEM3 Proposal!
Down or Out Of Pocket!
(530) 344-3237 • 3867 Dividend Drive, Suite A, Shingle Springs CSLB # 1065773
$
(530) 391-4207
Lic #1036145
info@SolarSavingsDirect.com • solarsavingsdirect.com
LICENSED & INSURED | FREE ESTIMATES
79
(530) 642-0987 GO
sOlar!
Furnace or a/c
InspectIons Expires 8/31/22. Not Valid with any other discount offers.
martinstreeservices.com
Brush Removal • Hazardous Trees • Trimming Thinning • Shaping & More
FREE ESTIMATES - FREE 2 ND OPINIONS
www.ComfortControlAir.com
Ask us about Tax Credits on Solar! No Out-of-Pocket Expense!
CSL#759552
Cal-Sun ConStruCtion
ORCHARD & VINEYARD SUPPLIES
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Daycare and Preschool
Where Learning and Love go Hand in Hand!
Celebrating service to the community since 1999! We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten. Teachers are educated in Child Development, CPR and First Aid certified, and make it a priority to continue their education. 202
1
5130 Golden Foothill Pkwy. | El Dorado Hills 916-521-1835 | www.thegiftofkids.net
$
25 Off
Repairs over $200!
LIVESTOCK & DEER FENCING! NOW IN STOCK! Weed Prevention is Fire Prevention
MAINTAINS STRENGTH FOR YEARS! SUPER CONCENTRATE MAKES OVER 200 GALLONS
Hours: M-F 8:30-5pm Sat 9-1pm
WATER TANKS
300-5,000 GALLON SIZES AVAILABLE!
BEST
WON’T BURN YOUR LAWN
Super Turf Lawn Fertilizer 50lb Bag
GO FOR SOL AR! OR AS LOw AS $
already already Have Solar? ADD BATTERY
* Which one is right for your system? * Be prepared for Power shut offs
ADD PANELS
* Do you already have a True Up? * Complete system review and audit
SOLAR UPGRADE SPECIAL!!! fRee
25•5•5
Call Now
3 Month Slow Release
4600 Missouri Flat Rd. Placerville • (530) 622-2640
Sign up for Medicare with Confidence!
99 MONThLY
10-minute phone consultation available now!!
(530) 683-5518
Cal • sunConstruCtion llC
694 Pleasant Valley Road #8 Diamond Springs www.calsunconstruction.com Lic#1039193
Visit El Dorado County’s Premier Cannabis Dispensary
You don’t have to make Medicare decisions on your own. DCC License #C10-0000090-LIC
Enroll in person – Online or over the phone
(916) 353-0203 (530) 677-8832
Walk-Ins Welcome!
!!! NAL SALES RECREATIO Member Appreciation Day Every 20th! Enjoy Demos, Discounts, and Giveaways! Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm • Sun: 10am-7pm
• Medicare Education • Plan Analysis & Review • Multiple Health Plan Options • Lifetime Support & Services
537 Pleasant Valley Road #2, Diamond Springs 530-622-7873 21+ WITH VALID ID t Democra Mountain
Call for your No-Obligation, No-Cost Appointment
Check Out Our Full Menu at: PureLife.wm.store
Complete plumbing & SeptiC ServiCe! Free Estimates! We charge by the job, not by the hour.
Come Visit Our Placerville Location! Also Offering Recreational Cannabis Sales!
517 Main Street, #2, Diamond Springs
530-303-3366
Contractor Lic #828505
Lic#: OF80129
sPring sPecials!
$
500 O f f
Complete Roof Replacement Ask About Low-Cost or No-Cost Financing! Offer expires August 31, 2022. $10,000 minimum.
$
an ar nab is Dispens
C
Elizabeth Beuttel
www.domcoplumbing.com
Thank you for again choosing us as your #1 roofer!
FERING
NOW OF
21+ WITH VALID ID 530-344-7394
y
INC.
As a licensed Insurance Agent, I will help you every step of the way with:
HUGE CANNABIS SELECTION • GREAT PRICES • KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF
DCC License #C10-0000836-LIC
651 MAIN STREET, PLACERVILLE Menu at: SacredRoots.wm.store
Placerville Glass Inc. A FULL SERVICE GLASS SHOP
Call us to Update Your Cabinet Glass
150 Off Repairs ($1,000 Minimum)
We Offer financing
2015
-2021
Readers’ 201201 1 - 202 2 1
NEw CONSTruCTION rOOFING
rOOF rEPAIrS
Custom Frameless Shower Enclosures Featuring Vinyl Windows & Sliding Doors
rE-rOOF/rECOVEr
FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE!
rOOF mAINTENANCE
(530) 677-5032 • office@nail-it-roofing.com • www.nail-it-roofing.com
• Wood Stove & • Commercial • Windows Fireplace Glass Storefront • Patio Doors • Cabinet Glass • Fogged or Broken • Mirrored Wardrobe Dual Pane Units • Mirrors Doors • Custom Shelves • New Screens Lic #347417
530-622-6417 • placervilleglass.com 3046 Chapel Street, Placerville
B6
JULY 28, 2022
2.9% for 48 months on 22’s Ascent’s , Crosstrek’s , Forester’s, Impreza’s, Legacy’s and Outback’s*
2.9% APR for 48 months is $21.65 per month per $1,000 borrowed for qualified buyers upon approved credit. Expires 7/31/22.
Pick from over 30 Certified Pre-Owned Subaru’s in stock! Get CPO financing as low as 2.49% from 20 CPO’s in stock!*
152 POINT VEHICLE INSPECTION 7 YEAR 100,000 POWERTRAIN FACTORY WARRANTY CLEAN CAR FAX REPORT
No down payment required. Offer may vary by location. Other rates and payment terms available. Cannot be combined with any other coupon, direct/email offer or promotional offer unless allowed by that offer. Financing for well-qualified applicants only. Length of contract is limited. Subject to credit approval, vehicle insurance approval and vehicle availability. See participating retailers for details. Must take delivery from retailer stock by 7/31/22.
877-538-0407 | 8581 Laguna Grove Drive, Elk Grove CA | ElkGroveSubaru.com All prices plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. All prices good through close of business on 07/31/22.