Village Life, December 18, 2024

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■ COLORFUL AND

WONDERFUL

Village Life’s Christmas Coloring Contest entries didn’t disappoint.

■ INSIDE, A2

I N E L D O R A D O H I L L S ■ DECEMBER 18, 2024

EDH fire chief taking new role Noel Stack Editor El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Maurice Johnson will step down from his leadership position in the fire department effective Dec. 30.

But don’t expect him to take up golf just yet. Johnson said

EDH FIRE CHIEF MAURICE JOHNSON

■ See CHIEF, page A5

Merry Christmas

Village Life photo by Noel Stack

Reagan, 7, and her Big Sister Nettie Fox admire a lovely red sweater dress at the Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping Event at Target in El Dorado Hills on Dec. 7. This dress made it into the cart.

The Christmas spirit came to El Dorado Hills Town Center on Dec. 7 with the annual tree lighting and holiday celebration. People lined Town Center Boulevard, where they enjoyed live music, delicious treats and Santa Claus’ grand arrival with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department. Top photo, Santa waves to the festive crowd of families, friends and neighbors while making his way to the stage, where he and Mrs. Claus lit town center’s Christmas tree. Santa’s cheerful elves, at right, hand out candy canes to the children.

Shopping trip fulfills Christmas wishes Noel Stack Editor Big Sister Nettie Fox and her Little Reagan had a big decision to make. Should the 7-year-old get the silver or red sparkly sweater dress? After much ■ See SHOPPING, page A6

Photos by Laurie Edwards

INSIDE NEWS

VOL. 31 ■ ISSUE NO. 24

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■ INSIDE, A7

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A2

DECEMBER 18, 2024

C c h o r i lo s r t i mn a g s

contest winners 7 and younger category First place, Julia Perez, 7, Cameron Park (above left) Second place, Jaxon Perez, 5, Cameron Park (above right)

8 and older category First place, Alayna Rider, 10, El Dorado Hills (left) Second place (tie), Holland Patrick, 10, El Dorado Hills (right)

Second place (tie), Ethan Martinez, 9, El Dorado Hills

Third place, Liam Rider, 8, El Dorado Hills

■ See HAPPENINGS, page A5

A3

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Refurbished bikes on the move Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer Upward of 250 refurbished bikes for kids and adults have been donated to be distributed to families in need over the holiday season. For nearly 40 years Folsom State Prison inmates, in collaboration with the Cameron Park Rotary Club, have refurbished bicycles for donation to local children who might not otherwise have a bike.

Having and riding a bike is practically obligatory for kids all over the world. Learning to ride without training wheels, how to jump a curb or skid to a halt are all rights of passage. Owning a bike represents adventure, belonging and freedom. This program has assured that many kids in the surrounding area have

Village Life photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

n See BIKES, page A6

Bike shop employees William Wilson and Robert Farmer hand off a bike to Cameron Park Rotary’s Joe Ryan. The refurbished bicycles will go to children in El Dorado County.

Hidahl’s fire board seat to be filled by appointment for two-year-term

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Noel Stack

years.

Applications for the two-year appointment to the board are available on edhfire.com. The district is acceptAcknowledging how much everyone ing letters of qualification or résumés missed John Hidahl, El Dorado Hills from any individual interested in being Fire Board President Tim White and selected for this vacancy. These docuthe other three directors got back to ments must be submitted to the El the business at hand during a special Dorado Hills Fire Department at 1050 Dec. 9 board meeting.

Wilson Blvd., El Dorado Hills, CA, The final agenda item: filling the seat 95762, or emailed to clerkoftheboard@ Hidahl never got to take. The District edhfire.com prior to 5 p.m. Thursday, 1 supervisor, who had previously served Dec. 26, to be considered for appointon the fire board for 33 years and then ment. eight years as a county supervisor, died To be eligible, applicants must reside JOHN HIDAHL Nov. 2 — three days before he was rewithin the El Dorado Hills County elected to the fire board. Hidahl won Water District (EDH Fire) boundarone of two full-term seats, taking the top spot in that ies, be at least 18 years of age and be registered to vote race. within the district. The appointee will serve through The EDH Fire Board — including newly sworn-in December 2026. Applicants selected to move forward Directors Dan Donelli and Kevin Gotro — unaniin the interview process will be notified no later than mously decided to appoint a replacement to serve Monday, Dec. 30, and interviews will take place at a the first two years of what would have been Hidahl’s special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2025. term. On the 2026 general election ballot, candidates For more information call (916) 933-6623 or will face off for the chance to serve the remaining two email clerkoftheboard@edhfire.com.

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A4

DECEMBER 18, 2024

EID welcomes new directors, plans more improvements Dawn Hodson Village Life correspondent New members of the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors were officially sworn in on Dec. 9 as El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf administered the oath of office to Paul Penn, Alan Day and Chuck Mansfield.

New board officers were also chosen with Pat Dwyer elected president and Lori Anzini as vice-president. Sitting in the audience to wish them well were family members and outgoing Directors George Osborne and Brian Veerkamp.

A meeting full of hellos and goodbyes, the agency also took time to recognize several employees who were retiring, all of whom have had long and productive careers with EID and were acknowledged for their many contributions to the water agency and the community over several decades of service.

On hand to discuss a different issue were members of the Strawberry Fire Safe Council. Angel Ball, president of the Council, noted that over several years the community has invested considerable time and money in infrastructure improvements and residents appreciate the help they received both from EID and local fire agencies in making the community more fire safe.

However, she noted, she had recently received an email and letter from EID staff that questioned who was respon-

Photo by Jesse Saich

EID Directors Paul Penn, Alan Day and Charles Mansfield take the oath of office Monday, Dec. 9. They were sworn in by El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf. sible for infrastructure upgrades and the nature of the relationship between the council and EID. Other members of the council suggested some kind of written agreement was needed to formalize the partnership between the two organizations. In response to their con-

cerns, Director Dwyer asked General Manager Jim Abercrombie to bring the issue back before the board with some recommended actions.

Approved by the board was spending $59,000 for the Reservoir 1 and Pollock Pines Reservoir Replacement

Project. Previously the Bridlewood Reservoir 4 and Reservoir 7A tanks were identified as the next tanks to be rehabilitated and recoated per EID’s 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan.

The funding request is for additional capitalized labor to move the work along to completion.

The board also approved accepting grant funding of $240,187 for the Sly Park Boat Launching Facilities Upgrade Project. The purpose of the project is to update and expand both the Doolittle and Stonebraker boat launching facilities within the Sly Park Recreation Area to better serve the boating and angling communities as use of the facilities continues to grow.

The Doolittle Boat Launch Facility improvements include widening the boat ramp so there are three launch lanes when the water level is low, replacing the vault restroom with an ADA-compliant restroom, adding an ADA-compliant vehicle-trailer parking stall, installing a fish cleaning station and adding animal resistant garbage enclosures along with other improvements.

The Stonebraker Boat Launch Facility improvements include widening the boat ramp upper turnaround, replacing the vault restroom with an ADA-compliant restroom, installing a fish cleaning station, adding animal resistant garbage enclosures and other improvements.

Toys and turkeys loaded up Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer

T

he El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce joined forces with Shingle Springs Rancheria Tribal Police and the Food Bank of El Dorado County for the second annual Toys from the Bearcat community toy drive and dinner. The Dec. 6 event was a way to bring the community together while collecting toys and turkeys to be distributed throughout El Dorado County by the two law enforcement agencies.

While this is the second year hosting the community event at the Food Bank, Toys from the Bearcat is actually in its fourth year.

Sheriff Jeff Leikauf said the program has grown every year, adding this event is about showing another side of the sheriff’s office to the community.

“More than just law and order — that’s obviously our priority — but this is getting out into the community,” said Leikauf, “making sure everybody’s needs get met.

“No kid goes without,” the sheriff added. “No families out there go it alone.”

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Village Life photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt

Santa was on hand cutting up the dance floor with some very enthusiastic local children at the second annual Toys from the Bearcat event in Cameron Park earlier this month.

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A5

DECEMBER 18, 2024

WHAT’S HAPPENING Now Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Miracle on 34th Street” through Dec. 22. For tickets and more information go to itplacerville.org.

Holiday Carriage Rides, hosted by Hands4Hope and Young Life, will take place at El Dorado Hills Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 22.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “Holiday in the Hills,” an original script and SST’s love letter to the holiday season, through Dec. 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

The Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt at El Dorado Hills Town Center runs through Dec. 24.

The elf might be hiding around any participating businesses, so make sure to stop in and see if you can spot it.

Freedom Church, 4414 Commodity Way in Cameron Park hosts a drive-thru Nativity open nightly, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 27 (closed Christmas Eve).

Sutter Street Theatre presents “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” as part of its family series of shows. Performances will through run Dec. 29. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

EDH Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center.

Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome.

The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a year-round farmers market Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind Nibblers.

Dec. 20 Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m.

The Cameron Park Santa Parade will be making a series of stops around the area, weather permitting, Dec. 20-22. For more information visit cameronpark.org.

Enjoy an evening of Homegrown Comedy the Stage at Burke Junction from 8-10:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Harris Center for multiple showtimes Dec. 20-22. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Dec. 21 RiverBells Sacramento presents It’s the Time of Ringing, a performance of seasonal and not-soseasonal handbell music at the Harris Center.

The show begins at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Dec. 23 The Sacramento Master Singers present a Master Singers Christmas at the Harris Center at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Dec. 26 Experience Hanukkah! Join the El Dorado Hills Town Center community and Rabbi Yosef 6:30-8 p.m. in the Steven Young Amphitheater for this beautiful, cultural celebration. Enjoy the enchanting melodies of Hanukkah songs, savor delicious traditional foods, and warm your spirits with a variety of hot beverages. The menorah display will be on display through Jan. 3.

Bus service takes a holiday News release El Dorado Transit’s business office and dispatch center will be closed and the following services will not operate on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays: • Local Fixed Route (No service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)

• Commuter Routes (No service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) • Dial-A-Ride Services (No service Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1) Normal service will resume on Thursday, Dec. 26, and Thursday, Jan. 2.

For more information call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383 or visit the website at eldoradotransit.com.

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Dec. 27 Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive noon to 2:30 p.m. at 2101 Vine St. The Bloodmobile will be parked near the movie theater on the north side. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher. Donors will also receive a T-shirt and $15 gift card from Vitalant, and donors must be opted into the Vitalant donor rewards program to receive these items. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call(877) 2584825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

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Get your dancing shoes ready, as local 10-piece ■ See HAPPENINGS, page A7

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.

Village Life photo by Noel Stack

El Dorado Hills Fire Department Director of Finance Jessica Braddock, left, swears in new fire board Directors Kevin Gotro, center, and Dan Donelli at the Dec. 9 meeting, during which directors also named Michael Lilienthal interim fire chief.

Chief he’s committed to promoting firefighter safety and advocating for the fire service and plans to join a consultancy firm focused on those goals.

“I’m super excited about continuing that work,” Johnson shared with Village Life. “I’ve still got energy left.”

Energy is what Johnson has been known for since taking the chief’s position in March 2019.

“He’s one of the hardest working fire chiefs I have worked with in my entire career,” said deputy chief Michael Lilienthal, who was named interim fire chief by the EDH Fire Board during a special Dec. 9 meeting. “I would say a job well done.”

Lilienthal said he most appreciated Johnson’s enthusiasm and long-range thinking and planning to ensure the EDH Fire Department provides the best service to the community for years to come.

“He has made a lot of positive changes in our department,” shared Deputy Chief Dave Brady, adding he looks forward to the EDH Fire Department’s next chapter.

Chief Johnson, a resident of Rescue, has been in the fire service for more than three decades. He began his career in 1989 when he was hired as a parts runner for the Sacramento County Fire Protection District and soon after became a firefighter for the Fair Oaks Fire Department, which eventually merged and became the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, according to information provided by EDH Fire. He successfully served through the ranks with Sac Metro, leaving there after 28 years as assistant chief, Special Operations/Governmental Affairs.

He joined the El Dorado Hills Fire Department as chief in March 2019.

During his tenure, he said he’s most proud of completing the long-planned training center — a facility known around the country — and working

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Continued from A1 side by side with the finest firefighters and staff.

“Our firefighters are among the best in the nation,” Johnson said. “I’m going to miss these people.”

Shedding the “incredible responsibility” of chief duties has Johnson excited for the future. “This is an incredible organization and an incredible community but it’s nice to refresh the leadership.” That doesn’t mean you won’t see Johnson at a fire station from time to time. He might take a break but said he definitely plans to stop in to catch up with his fire family, “laughing and talking about everything and nothing.”

The following is a letter to the community Chief Johnson shared with Village Life: After much thought and reflection, I have made the decision to retire from the El Dorado Hills Fire Department. It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this community and lead this outstanding organization for the past six years.

The men and women of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department are among the finest I have had the privilege to work with in my 34-year career. Their unwavering dedication to serving and protecting this community inspires me every day. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, always with the goal of improving the safety, resilience, and quality of life in El Dorado Hills.

The timing feels right, and I am excited to focus on the next chapter. While this is my retirement from the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, I will continue to remain involved at the state, local, and national levels as an advocate for the advancement of the fire service and firefighter safety.

To the citizens of El Dorado Hills, thank you for your trust, support, and partnership.

It has been a privilege to serve you, and I will forever cherish the opportunity I’ve had to be part of this incredible community.

With deepest gratitude and respect, Chief Maurice Johnson

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A6

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Shopping debate, red won. Nettie noted it would look great with the leggings the pair had already put in their shopping cart. Reagan agreed with a big smile.

In the boys’ clothing section El Dorado County Sheriff’s STAR volunteer Bob Ash and Anthony, 8, checked out the jeans selection.

They were a must-have on Anthony’s shopping list. He opted for black and then picked out a few warm tops. His big smile came when he found a cozy winter coat in a camouflage pattern — just his size with some room to grow.

Joyous moments like these took place all over Target in El Dorado Hills on a brisk Dec. 7 morning as more than 200 children and even more volunteers participated in the 16th annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping Event benefiting at-risk children in El Dorado County.

In addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, volunteers from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation,

Continued from A1

Village Life photo by Noel Stack

EDC Sheriff’s Office STAR volunteer Bob Ash helps Anthony try on a warm winter coat. This one was a little too big for the 8-year-old but he did later find one that worked.

California Highway Patrol, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Police and Fire, Deputy Sheriff’s Association

of El Dorado County, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Placerville Police Department, El Dorado County Probation, El Dorado Hills Fire

Department and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office participated. Children were greeted by DA dog Oda and handler Jim Applegate at the store’s entrance and also had the opportunity to explore fire trucks and police cars as part of the event.

“Unfortunately, many at-risk children’s exposure to first responders comes about during stressful, negative life events,” said District Attorney Vern Pierson. “Cyndee and I started the Snowball event with the help of Ken and Lani Steers to provide these children with an opportunity to interact with law enforcement and fire personnel in a positive, safe environment. This interaction serves to help change the course of a child’s life and helps provide these children with some needed items for their home, a meaningful moment with law enforcement and a Christmas gift.”

The event is also filled with meaningful moments for all the volunteers.

Dustin Murray, tribal administrator for the

Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians expressed, “The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is honored to join Snowball once again.

These community gatherings align with our Tribe’s fundamental values and our ongoing dedication to enhancing life in El Dorado County.”

“Especially in today’s environment, this event is a wonderful opportunity for officers to build meaningful relationships with area children.

The hope is that the children will learn to trust the officers in their community and know they are there to help in times of need,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra CEO Brenda Frachiseur, who explained the idea for the program originated with the knowledge that some of the most vulnerable youth view police officers as a “threat” more than a “friend.”

2024 Snowball sponsors are the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Posse,

Bikes

the El Dorado County Criminal Attorney’s Association, Waste Connections, Parker Development, El Dorado County AuditorController Joe Harn and the Jensen Family. This event is one of the largest and longest running holiday charity outreach programs in Northern California, raising more than $500,000 and benefiting more than 2,000 local children.

Children participating include those enrolled in programs offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, CASA and New Morning. Each child received a $200 gift card to purchase necessities, gifts and special treats.

At Hills Church down the road the kids, their families and volunteers enjoyed a tasty pancake and sausage breakfast cooked by El Dorado Hills Fire Department staff and explorers and served by El Dorado Hills Rotarians. Santa Claus also made an appearance, taking note of what good boys and girls hoped to find in their Christmas stockings

Continued from A3

had that all important asset for all their exploration needs.

In partnership with the Cameron Park Rotary, Folsom State Prison’s annual Christmas bike donation program has gifted upward of 200 bikes annually to disadvantaged children throughout El Dorado and Sacramento counties since 1986. Bicycles are donated throughout the year and delivered to Folsom where inmates work year round refurbishing and repairing each bike with careful detail and personal commitment.

“So there’s two (inmates) that are working on it currently that have produced all these bikes,” said Acting Warden Joseph Tuggle. “They’ve worked for several months on these bikes; there’s, I think, about 250 here.”

One is Robert Farmer, an inmate working on the program seven days a week for the last four months. “I love it,” he exclaimed. “It’s like, it’s not even like being in prison.”

His time in the bike shop has afforded him not only a feeling of freedom, but

he has acquired a new set of skills.

“My co-worker knows everything about bikes and he’s taught me everything I know,” Farmer shared. “It’s been amazing.”

Farmer said he can empathize with the recipients of the program.

“Well, it’s amazing,” he mused. “I was born and raised in the projects in Richmond, California, and I identify with all those poor kids, you know.”

He said there’s nothing like getting a new bike under the tree on Christmas. “That’s why I do as much as I can for every single bike that comes in here.”

Farmer’s cohort, William Wilson, said he has a fervor for this work. He too has been in the shop for around four months.

“I’ve been just putting in my blood, sweat and tears on this,” he said. “It’s a passion for me.”

Wilson has an extensive background in two-wheeled transportation, going back all the way to his teen years.

“I do bikes on the outside, but I do Harleys,” said Wilson. “Actually back in ‘84 I raced BMX for Skyway and worked in the bike shop growing up as a teenager.”

Wilson said he believes in the mission of this program.

“It’s a good program and I think we knocked it out of the ballpark,” he said.

“It feels good to give back; there’s going to be a lot of happy kids.”

The Cameron Park Rotarians are on the donation side of things. They collect donations of old bikes to be refurbished or repurposed and then deliver finished bikes to various individuals during the holiday season and to multiple charities throughout the year.

Joe Ryan has been the point person for that work for more than 20 years.

“We started out with kids bikes,” he said. “We would bring them to various schools.”

Over the years the program has grown to serve numerous recipients from individuals to other service organizations

© 2015 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 31, No. 22

Scientists think eating bugs could fight hunger and help protect our planet’s health.

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Mealworms, Meaalwo crickkets and crickets locussts are a locusts thhe most common bugs peoplee co the consume. But there are more than 1,,700 kinds of bugs that are safe saafe tto 1,700 eaat, including termites and eat, coockroaches! cockroaches!

that host bike giveaways.

“Hope U nited is an outfit in Elk Grove” Ryan shared. “They’re doing a big giveaway this weekend at three or four high schools so they’re going to take 40.”

This program is satisfying on many levels to Ryan, which is why he said he has been doing this work for so long.

“I love it,” he remarked. “It’s a winwin on every level.”

From the inmates who do the work to the various charities partnered with the Rotary to the kids and adults who receive the bikes, every part of the work is enriching.

“Well, it’s the inmates,” Ryan said.

“They just thank me today, for example, for you know, them participating in the program because it gives them a sense of satisfaction and maybe something positive.”

The bikes will be distributed to families throughout December. To donate your old bicycles contact the Cameron Park Rotary at cameronparkrotary.org.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

According to the United Nation s, the planet’s will reach 9 billion before 205 0. The demand for meat will double.

Rai and other livestock takes a lot sing cattle, pigs of lan , a lot of land and a lot of m money to feed them.

Insects are much and cheaper to raise than livestock. They like to live tog ether in spaces c , so they need less land. The y can also eat food . According to ento van Huis, we throw away one mologist Arnold -third of our food.

Insects could eat the we throw out, turning it back into food for people to eat.

In Thailand, poor rice who often lose their crops to bad weather, are finding that raising mounds of crickets is helping them to survive and keep their farms.

The 20,000 cricket farms in Thailan re are more than d, 7,500 tons of crickets each yea r. Thailand leads the world in raising insects for foo d.

CRICKETS CRAWFISH TERMITES INSECTS SURVIVE CHEAPER LOCUSTS HUNGER SCRAPS CROPS MENU BUGS RICE EATS FOOD

Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

E S E T I M R E T C

Divide the roaches into two equal groups.

N C R I C K E T S H S J R E O V G I S E

P T C A I Y N E G A

A I S V W S U A U P

R W R U E F H N B E

C U I C C O I N E R

S G T C R O P S B M

U S T A E D L G H S

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Divide the crickets into five equal groups.

Living Things

Collect newspaper pictures of living things.

Make a poster called LIVING THINGS with four columns: Mammals, Insects, Plants, Other Animals. Keep adding to your poster until every column is filled.

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Imagine you are starting a restaurant that makes and serves dishes made with bugs.

Complete the Bug Bistro menu at right with dishes made with bugs as the main ingredient!

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Write simple phrases that describe and summarize concepts.

On one newspaper page, find and circle the letters that spell the names of each of the bugs below. Then connect the circled letters to make and color a design.

Standards Link: Spelling: Spell grade-level appropriate words correctly.

Bug Recipe

Make up a recipe that uses bugs as a main ingredient. Explain why people should give it a try.

Standards Link: Math / Number Sense.

A7

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Trojans run one final race Special to Village Life Oak Ridge High School senior Addie Clinton, junior Oscar Carrillo, freshman Giuliana Martino, and freshman Lauren Tiedeman competed in the Foot Locker West Regionals on Dec. 7 at Mt. San Antonio College in Los Angeles.

Athletes from 12 western states competed at this meet.

The historical course has three significant hills (switchbacks, poop out and reservoir). This course is the section course for the southern section. Addie competed in the girls’ championship race at 10:20 and Oscar competed in the boys’ championship race at 10:50. These races were very competitive.

The top 10 finishers in the championship races qualified for the Foot Locker Nationals held on Dec. 14 at Balboa Park in San Diego.

Addie ran a very strong race, placing 20th out of 107 athletes with an excellent time of 18:53.8 over the challenging 5K course. She received a medal for placing in the top 24. Oscar put in a good effort in the highly competitive boys’ championship race. He placed 215th out of 254 with a time of 18:26.2.

Giuliana and Lauren raced in the freshman girls race at 7:20. There were 128 athletes in this race.

“Giuliana and Lauren put in outstanding efforts in this competitive race,”

NOW THROUGH DEC 31, 2024

Courtesy photo

Giuliana Martino, coach Rob Fairley and Addie Clinton, left to right, celebrate the girls’ success at the Foot Locker West Regionals. noted coach Rob Fairley.

“Strategically, they ran a very smart race. They went out with the lead pack during the first mile and got in a really nice rhythm with their pace and breathing.”

Giuliana took the lead after the first mile and would not relinquish it. She showed a lot of determination the last quarter mile by kicking it in with a fast pace all the way through the finish line to place first.

She finished 18 seconds ahead of the secondplace finisher with a time

Happenings horn band HipNosis is giving two chances to usher in the New Year. The band’s first stop is an afternoon show from 3-6 p.m. at the Power House Pub in Folsom; later in the evening, the party will go ‘til the calendar switches over at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma. For tickets and more information go to hypnosis.band/nye24.

of 19:14.8.

Lauren finished the last mile of the race strong to place 13th with a time of 20:32.6. Both girls received medals for their outstanding efforts.

“The Foot Locker West Regionals was a great experience for Addie, Oscar, Giuliana and Lauren,” Fairley said. “They will take a break from their training and then start training again to build an aerobic base for the track season.

The first official practice for track is Monday, Feb. 10.”

EL DORADO HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 916-933-1335

Continued from A5

www.eldoradohillschamber.org

Jan. 8 The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and The Vine Wine & Tapas Bar hosts a mixer and ribbon cutting, 5-7 p.m. at 3907 Park Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills. For more information call (916) 933-1335.

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A8

DECEMBER 18, 2024

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Real Estate Broker, Independent Senior Living Center Title Company Travel Agency Tutoring Service Vision Center

HOW TO VOTE: HOW TO ENTER: NAME STREET CITY/ST/ZIP PHONE

1. Fill in your favorite candidate for each category. Do not list the same name more than once per ballot.

2. Include complete business name or person’s name. If you nominate an individual, be sure to include the name of the business in which they work.

3. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. 4. Candidates must be businesses or people within El Dorado Hills & surrounding area.

A. No purchase necessary.

B. Mail or drop off to: Village Life c/o Mountain Democrat 2889 Ray Lawyer Dr., Placerville, CA 95667 C. All ballots must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2024.

D. No photo copies accepted.

VH Village HOMES DECEMBER 18, 2024

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

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Golf course property a luxurious find

C

elebrate the upcoming new year by moving into your new luxury home on the Serrano Country Club Golf Course.

This extraordinary El Dorado Hills property offers unparalleled views of the 14th, 15th and 16th holes.

The allure of Italy is seamlessly infused into the design, with imported Italian marble floors greeting residents and guests as they walk through the front door.

The bright and spacious great room boasts a cathedral ceiling and large sliding glass doors that lead to the patio. A double-sided fireplace connects the great room to the formal dining room, which also has outdoor access.

The great room also flows seamlessly into the gourmet kitchen. This inviting space offers everything the resident chefs will need, including an extended seating space, a wall oven, built-in microwave and warming drawer, a six-burner gas stove with griddle and pasta filler, dual ovens, a tiled backsplash, glass display cabinets, dual dishwashers, granite slab countertops and a farm-style sink.

The home has five spacious, ensuite bedrooms. The main floor primary suite has gorgeous European wood flooring and backyard views and access. Relax in the suite’s luxury soaking tub or rinse away stress in the impressive walk-in

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shower with multiple shower heads. Other bathroom amenities include dual counters with mosaic tile backsplash.

The main floor also features a second bedroom suite and an office.

Ascend the hand-cut staircase to the open loft that has covered balcony access from which you can admire the sparkling pool below and the golf course beyond. The second floor has three bedroom suites.

The backyard oasis has as its centerpiece a stunning saltwater pool and spa with multicolored lighting plus fire and water features. Entertain guests on the travertine stone patio or the covered Serrano room near the built-in barbecue and gas fireplace, which also has a surrounding seating area.

The front yard features a small lawn, well-maintained shrubs and trees and a gated courtyard. A wide driveway leads to the home’s attached, three-car garage with epoxy floors and built-in storage.

In addition to the award winning golf course and country club amenities, the Serrano community offers miles of walking trails and pristine parks as well as access to shopping, fine dining and great schools.

Interested in a private tour of this beautiful Van Gogh Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com.

Contact Wes Edwards

(916) 502-0387 or wesley@mtdemocrat.com

B2

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Tibetan monks returning to bring goodwill to the region Wendy Wood Placerville Friends of Tibet

T

he Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery will return to Placerville and Folsom, Jan. 2-18. The tour begins in Placerville with Wheel of Life Mandala, Jan. 2-12 at the historical Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way in Placerville The tour moves to Folsom with Medicine Buddha

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Since 2003, Placerville Friends of Tibet has hosted this tour. The Tibetan monks, located (in exile) in Southern India, know and love the Sierra foothills and surrounding communities. The tour participants are deeply grateful to the founders, organizers, community, and partners that have made this possible over the years.

During the tour, the monks will share their arts and culture as well as Tibetan perspectives on the Buddha’s teachings and offer empowerments, astrology readings, healings and blessings for individuals, families, businesses, pets and the community at large.

Check out the full schedule of events at placervillefriendsoftibet.org.

This event helps support Gaden Shartse Monastic ■ See MONKS VISIT, page B5

File photo by Cecilia Clark

2023

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Garden Shartse Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour takes place next month in Folsom and El Dorado County. Monks will share their culture and offer blessings during several community events.

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The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and local educates recently celebrated Tucker Maddox as the Marina Village Middle School Student of the Year. Principal Levi Cambridge commended Tucker for his kindness and caring attitude toward fellow students and teachers. “He goes out of his way to help others,” Cambridge said at the Dec. 11 Rotary breakfast meeting. The principal called the eighth-grader a natural leader who asks good questions and willingly gives up his time to fill needs as he sees them. Tucker received a plaque, gift certificate to Face in a Book and $50 from the Rotary Club.

B3

DECEMBER 18, 2024

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B4

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Courtesy photos

El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala swears in Area 1 Trustee Rachel Librach, above left, Area 3 Trustee Ken Futernick, above right, and Area 5 Trustee Kathi Jensen, below left, during the recent the El Dorado County Board of Education meeting.

County Board of Education trustees take their seats Whitney Burke El Dorado County Office of Education At the Dec. 13 regular meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Education, Rachel Librach and Ken Futernick took the oath of office to become the new trustees for Area 1 and Area 3. Kathi Jensen took the oath of office as a returning trustee for Area 5.

Librach will represent Area 1, which includes portions of Buckeye, Latrobe, El Dorado Union High and Rescue school district.

“I am very much looking forward to giving

back to my commu-

nity and working with parents, students, and faculty to maintain our high-quality schools and learning environments,” said Librach.

Born and raised in California, Librach has lived in El Dorado Hills since 2009, graduating from Rolling Hills Middle School and Oak Ridge High School.

With a bachelor’s of innovation degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Librach is coowner of El Dorado Hills Realty and Housing Centric Property Management. As an entrepreneur and business owner, Librach said she recognizes the value of El Dorado County’s education system and the special role it plays in the community.

Futernick will represent Area 3, which includes portions of Buckeye, Camino, Gold Oak, Gold Trail, El Dorado Union High, Mother Lode, Placerville and Pollock Pines school districts.

“I’m honored to serve in this capacity and to collaborate with educators and parents on behalf of all students in El Dorado County,” Futernick expressed.

A career-long educator, Futernick brings a wealth of experience to Area 3 as an elementary teacher, professor, researcher, podcast host and educational consultant. Futernick began his career in education as a teacher for RUSD

and has since dedicated his career to the profession. Futernick currently leads Bridging Divides – El Dorado, a project designed to unite the El Dorado County community. Futernick hosts “Teacher Stories,” a podcast he launched in 2018 that celebrates the profound and lasting impact many teachers have on their students and communities. In 2021 he launched and now hosts “Courageous Conversations About Our Schools,” a podcast that invites education stakeholders to engage in respectful conversations about current challenges in education.

“I am pleased to welcome Rachel Librach and Ken Futernick as newly elected trustees to the El Dorado County Board of Education,” El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala shared. “Their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership in community-based initiatives will benefit our county’s students and families. Their extensive experience and dedication to our community make them invaluable additions to our board.”

The oath of office was administered to Librach, whose term expires Dec. 11, 2026, and Futernick and Jensen, whose terms expire Dec. 8, 2028.

For more information about the El Dorado County Office of Education visit edcoe. org.

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Mountain Democrat 3.1806” Mountain Democrat 3.1806” wide by 6”wide high by 6” high

B5

DECEMBER 18, 2024

GROW FOR IT! Identifying trees in your neighborhood

cones are upright and fleshy and hard to find on the ground, because they shatter and leave spiky stalks on the tree. The fir tree needles are flat sprays he most common pine trees in and shorter than pine needles. They are the El Dorado Hills area are the individually attached to the stem. pine, fir, spruce and Douglas The white fir has needles that appear Fir. And the most familiar species of frosted or waxy and are a blue-grapey pine are the ponderosa, scotch and gray color. They are flat and twisted at the pines, and white and Douglas firs. base and have a woodsy fragrance. The Pine trees, Pinacaea, are one family needles are one-half to one inch long. in the Coniferophyta order. Conifers One distinct way to identify the white bear seeds on cones or conelike strucfir is by its bark. Young trees have thin Kit Smith tures and their leaves are narrow and and grayish bark with resin blisters, UCCE Master Gardener of needle-like, or tiny and scale-like. whereas older bark has bacon-like furThe sequoia, which is also popular, rows.

El Dorado County is in the Taxodiaceae, or Yew famThe most obvious way to spot a ily. The best way to tell members of spruce, Picea, is by its needles which the Pinacaea family apart are by the attach individually by a peg to the stem. shape of the tree, growth pattern, bark, fragrance, The peg stays on the tree after the needle drops. The whether cones hang down or are upright and whether needle has four sides and rolls easily between fingers. the needles are clustered or scattered.

They are stiffer than fir needles. Another clear difMost distinctly, pinecones are woody and hang from ferentiation is that spruce cones are narrow and have the branches. The cones fall whole to the ground. flexible scales. They hang and fall whole.

Pine needles grow two to five to a bundle out of the Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, has deeply fursame place on the twig. rowed, scaly, gray bark and an intense aroma, and its The ponderosa pine is the most common pine tree limbs beautifully droop. Its needles are dark green, soft in California. It has a single trunk about 4 feet in and flat and are arranged around the twig like a bottle diameter. The red-brown bark is scaly and looks like brush. The scales on the cone are thin and protrude puzzle pieces. Its needles grow in tufts of three near with three pronged bracts. the branch ends and are five to ten inches long. Its This winter, as you’re walking in your neighborseeds grow in green and shiny, stiff and sharp-tipped. hood, see if you can’t identify some of these beautiful Ponderosa pinecone spines point outward, are prickly evergreen trees! and grow 3-5 inches long.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout The scotch pine is a bushy tree with sturdy branches the county. You can find our schedule at: mgeldorado.ucanr. and prickly needles. Cones can weight 2 pounds and edu/Calendar/ and recorded classes on many gardening topics hold 3,300 seeds. here: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.

The gray pine’s needles grow in bundles of three, The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open, weather are pale gray-green, sparse and drooping, and can permitting, on the first Saturday of the month, from grow to almost 1 foot in length. Its trunk divides at November through February 9 a.m. to noon. First Saturday a height of from 15 to 25 feet into several upward tour starts promptly at 9 a.m. Please check our website growing slender branches in an unbalanced, somewhat for further information about activities at the Sherwood round form.

Demonstration Garden at: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

The fir, Abies, is erect, proportioned and pyramid Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are workshaped. The branches are uniformly spaced whorls. Fir

T

Pixabay image

The spruce’s needles attach individually by a peg to the stem and the peg stays on the tree after the needle drops. ing hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on our website: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Ask_a_Master_Gardener or leave a message on our office telephone: 530-621-5512. We’ll get back to you! Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

For more information on the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, see our website at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.

Region engages in cultural tolerance at Chanukah Wonderland Festival News release FOLSOM — Sacramento embraces the true spirit of freedom and the holiday season with the 18th annual Chanukah Wonderland Festival.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate community and freedom at the Folsom Community Center.

The festival will include games, music, shows, delicious hot latkes, an authentic Israeli food court, Chanukah gift shop and lots of Chanukah themed crafts. And. back by popular demand, light up your creativity with the Builda-Menorah and candle making work-

shops.

Chanukah Wonderland is an interactive and fun way to teach children and adults the important values of religious tolerance, mutual respect, cultural history, and the right for all people to worship freely, openly and with pride.

“Every extra point of light dispels a little more darkness and helps make this world a better place,” said Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum, executive director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center. “Our hope is that participants will be inspired to light the Menorah in their own home for all eight nights of the holiday.”

(Note: Chanukah Wonderland kicks-off the Chanukah festivities for the Sacramento region. Watch for the annual Menorah Lighting at the State Capitol and many locations around the county.)

Complete details of the event can be found on chanukahwonderland.info or on facebook.com/chanukahwonderland.

The Festival runs 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. in Folsom.

Shows, some games and photos with Judah Macabee are free. All-inclusive game and craft passes available for $15 if purchased before Dec. 20 on the web-

site ($30 at the door).

Chanukah Wonderland, sponsored

by Chabad Jewish Community Center, located in Folsom, commemorates the first battle won for religious freedom.

As part of the Chanukah outreach campaign, the Chabad Jewish Community Center joins thousands of Chabad Centers across the globe that stage similar public displays of the menorah and its symbolic lights. From Australia to Africa, Columbia to Hong Kong, New York City’s Ground Zero to the White House Lawn, hundreds of thousands will experience the joy of Chanukah with Chabad.

ON DUTY U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Aaron T. Smith

Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Raingelino Chiamparino from El Dorado Hills loads radiological control test equipment aboard the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), Nov. 26, 2024. Santa Fe is part of Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, home to four Los Angeles-class fastattack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including: anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

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Monks visit

Continued from B2

College, which is situated in the remote countryside of southern India. It was founded in 1969 as an effort to re-establish one of the great monastic traditions of Tibet — the Gelug tradition followed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. A small group of elder monks and 15 young boys, all of whom had managed to escape the destruction in Tibet, settled on land given to them by the Indian government in Mundgod, Karnataka.

Today the college is at the forefront of the revival of Tibetan Monastic education, with more than 1,600 resident students, teachers, scholars and spiritual practitioners. More than 70% of the members are between

the ages of 10 and 25 and 80% of these were born in Tibet. To this day, young monks arrive at the monastery weekly from Tibet, seeking shelter and education. Due to the success of the academic program and the quality of the teachers at the monastery, Gaden Shartse has established a reputation as being the leader in the field of Buddhist and Tibetan studies.

Placerville Friends of Tibet is a group of dedicated volunteers who, since 2003, have committed their time, energy and resources to sharing the culture of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism with the communities of the Sierra foothills and the Sacramento region.

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PLAY CRIBBAGE

Join the Gold Country Cribbers 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452 We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun Wednesdays 4:00 PM Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA

Share your opinion Submit your Letter to the Editor via our website: villagelife.com Select submission forms on the menu

B6

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Bonds tested in holiday show Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre

F

OLSOM — “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” brings its warmth to Sutter Street Theatre, now playing.

In their poorest winter ever, when the crops have been devastated by locusts and the family must deal with the death of baby Freddie, Charles Ingalls backtracks his family to Burr Oak, Iowa, to take over the running of a hotel.

And if things weren’t bad enough, Ma tells Laura she must be nice to Johnny Steadman, “the worst boy in Iowa.”

When wealthy Mrs. Starr asks for Laura as a companion to read to her in the afternoons, Laura is overjoyed to be invited into such a fine house, but when she overhears Mrs. Starr offer to adopt Laura as her own daughter to ease the burden of so many children, Laura

is certain that Ma and Pa will give her up. As Christmas morning approaches, Laura is faced with a decision: Will she choose what she believes is best for the family or will she find a way to stay with Pa, Ma, Mary and Carrie?

This original play presents the poignant story of the “missing” two years in the life of the Ingalls family — the only substantial period that Laura chose not to write about in her Little House books. Told with period songs, humor and depth of character, ”A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” shares a story of healing that celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds.

The show runs through Dec. 29 with showtimes at 4 p.m. Fridays, 1 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays and 4 p.m. performances Dec. 18 & 19 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations go to SutterStreetTheatre. com or call (916) 353-1001.

Photo by Allen Schmeltz

The Ingalls family, as portrayed by actors Chelsea Miller, John Hopkins, Natalie Aguiar, back row from left, and Avery Miller and Elizabeth Old, front row from left, stick together despite hardship in “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas.”

2022

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Heating/AC: Gilmore Heating, Air & Plumbing

2023

Best Solar Company: Solar Savings Direct

Address: 3867 Dividend Dr., #C Address: 8636 Antelope North Rd., Bldg. D Antelope Phone: (866) 394-1870

Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing has been serving the greater Sacramento and El Dorado County area since 1979. In that time, the business has grown to more than 100 employees, all dedicated to the “Get Website: More with Gilmore” motto that promises outstanding gilmoreair.com customer service. Gilmore provides more than just heating and air conditioning services, in 2016 the business expanded to include complete residential plumbing and drain services.

Best Private School: Golden Hills School Best Sandwich

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in El Dorado County, Solar Savings Direct offers its services as far as the Bay Area, Chico and Lake Tahoe, specializing in residential, commercial and municipal solar and battery projects.

Ultimately, the team believes their eighth-graders graduate with a set of competencies that far exceed their typically excellent performance in standardized tests.

Best Pet Sitting: Bark to Barn

Website: solarsavingsdirect.com

The team at Solar Savings Direct, including COO Jeremy Read, CEO Grant Gluck and CFO Jessica Gluck, helps homeowners cut out the middle man. “You can eliminate all those headaches and hassles by working with an installer directly,” said Grant. Give Solar Savings Direct a call today for a solar power system designed to suit your needs.

Best Roofing: Nail It Roofing

Address: 6188 Enterprise Drive, Suit A Diamond Springs

Address: 1060 Suncast Lane The Golden Hills School team believes that to become El Dorado Hills the best version of themselves children require the Phone: broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by (916) 933-0100 Website: fully accredited teaching professionals in small-group goldenhillsschool.net 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.

Phone: (530) 344-3237

Brothers Aaron and Christopher Meyer entered the roofing trade by working in all capacities — from laborer to superintendent, project manager and estimator.

Phone: (530) 677-5032 Website: 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 Bakery & Cakes: Yellow Button Bakery

Phone: (530) 313-0048 Website: barktobarn.com

While working long hours and traveling for her previous job, Kelley Jensen realized there was a need for quality, caring pet sitters — someone, like herself, who holds a lifelong passion for animals. She opened Bark to Barn Farm and Pet Sitting in 2018 and offers everything from daily, 30-minute drop-in visits to overnight care. From walking, mucking, milking and feeding, your dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats and more will all be well taken care of. And for dogs that need a little more stimulation, doggie adventures are offered with outings to a lake or the mountains. Whether you have farm animals or have a cat or dog that needs a visit or two, Kelley will be there.

Phone: (530) 676-1598

When you’re searching for delicious, gluten-free Website: treats, look no further than Yellow Button Bakery. yellowbuttonbakery @gmail.com Owner and baker Brenda McDavid saw a need and decided to fill it. She launched her new bakery business out of her own kitchen. Customers can enjoy Brenda’s delicious gluten-free treats in several local haunts: Foxwood Coffee and Tea in Shingle Springs, Caffé Santoro in Diamond Springs and Sweet Pairings in Placerville. You can also meet her at the farmers market in front of the Bell Tower in Placerville, June through October. Brenda also offers dairy-free and vegan choices. “My favorite things to bake are your favorite things to eat.”

B7

DECEMBER 18, 2024

2022

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Contractor: Straight Line Construction

Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool

Address: 4415 Commodity Way Shingle Springs

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.

Phone: (916) 985-9995 Website: 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.

Best Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting

Ernie Durst started E. Durst Painting in 2011, bringing 35-plus years of experience to customers.

Phone: (916) 712-7856 Website: 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.”

2023

Address: 5130 Golden Foothill Parkway El Dorado Hills

We offer education and care for babies, Phone: Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, (916) 521-1835 homework tutor club and transportation for school Website: agers. The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and thegiftofkids.net 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 Travel Agency: El Dorado Hills Travel

3941 Park Drive, Suite 90,

El Dorado Hills The philosophy of El Dorado Hills Travel is simple: Provide a unique vacation experience that will keep (916) 933-0476 customers coming back year after year. With so many edhtravel.com 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.

Happy Tails Pet Sitting

Big Apple Bagels

Address: 2209 Francisco Drive, Suite 160, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 936-4343 Website: bigapplebagels.com

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.

Phone:

Happy Tails Pet Sitting is your pet care solution. Pets (916) 628-5543 stay in a home with one of Happy Tails Pet Sitting’s Website: approved families, not in boarding kennels where they happy-tailspetsitting.com are away from familiar smells and surroundings and from their routine. This pet boarding service creates less stress and anxiety for you and your pet. Happy Tails Pet Sitting encourages clients to visit the approved host families when considering the service so they can see firsthand where their pet will stay and be cared for. All pet boarding homes are fully vetted and insured; your dog will be treated as one of the family.

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

Best Sandwich Best Asian Food: Thai Paradise

Address: 4361 Town Center Blvd., Ste 110 El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 939-0389 Website: thaiparadiseedh.com

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.

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.

BestFlooring: Sandwich Best 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.

Address: 2714 Mercantile Drive Rancho Cordova Phone: (916) 879-1798 Website: 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.

B8

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Now Leasing | Opening January 2025

Join us for our Grand Opening on January 25th!

At Anindell, our custom finished apartment homes seamlessly blend elegance and comfort, offering a living experience that mirrors your refined taste.

Enjoy high-end finishes, resort-style amenities, a rich social calendar, and a vibrant community designed for active adults. Here, luxury isn’t just a standard—it’s a way of life.

Call 916.587.4790 or scan to learn more.

115 Healthy Way, Folsom, CA 95630 · Anindell.com