On a steep hill overlooking Placerville stands the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, the oldest continually occupied church building in El Dorado County since 1865. As the building has withstood the tests of time and preserves elements of Placerville’s bygone years, a stronger testament of contributing to the continual success is the active members and the community who care about it,
reciprocating the long serving care the church has given the community.
While the church’s focus is to bring God’s love to people, Reverend Debra Sabino described how they make that alive through action serving the community, especially during times of disaster.
“We have a disaster relief team and during the Caldor Fire, for example, we were out every morning visiting the Red Cross shelters to bring coffeee and pastries to people. We worked with the local cafés to provide the coffee and
Placerville Fruit Growers Association celebrates 110 years
Shelly Thorene Mountain Democrat
Nobody knows everything. That’s part of the fun of farming,” said John Caswell, manager of Placerville Fruit Growers Association on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. The company that began in 1915 became the biggest packing company in the United States during the 1940s and ‘50s with 300 member growers. While the business isn’t shipping fruit anymore, it still provides valuable information and supplies to area farmers at their
“Placerville Fruit Growers started off as a co-op,” said Caswell, “because there is strength in numbers.” The co-op was able to secure better prices on shipping and supplies. Pears were popular and they, along with oranges could hold up for the two to “
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
The sta of Placerville Fruit Growers stands in front of the business on Missouri Flat Road. Left to right, Norm Hammond, store manager, Beau Cleveland, sales associate and John Caswell, manager.
The Gift of Kids, Inc.
Jennifer Tommasini
5130 Golden Foothill Parkway
SECOND LOCATION:
5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy., Suite 200
El Dorado Hills 916-521-1835 • www.thegiftofkids.net
I would like to thank everyone for their vote for #1 Favorite Daycare and continuing to trust us with your precious children. I love being part of this community and helping children learn and grow. With 4 children of my own (now 28, 25, 15, & 14), my own journey began in the daycare preschool field because I was unhappy with the care and education I was receiving.
I have been blessed to have a large facility in El Dorado Hills where I employ 50 loving teachers and care for 300 children a 2 locations! We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, and school-agers, where we transport to 9 local schools. Don’t be fooled by our large size, our teachers make each classroom homey and warm. The kids have lots
of outdoor space to play, we are on over an acre and have 7 large playgrounds, a soccer field, and a an organic garden. The Gift of Kids outdoor area gives the kids space to explore, garden, and play on age appropriate playgrounds.
The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. We have been working with soccer shots for over 10 years and have a very creative curriculum! Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certified, and make it a priority to continue their education.
The Gift of Kids Inc. is celebrating 26 years in business, with 16 years in our original location, Business Park 1. We could not have done it
without the many wonderful families here in the community that I have called home for 20+ years! Again...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me live out my dream in a business that I love and families that continue to bless us with their children.
Premium Orchard & Vineyard Supplies
Customers nd the personal touch at The UPS Store
Shelly Thorene Mountain Democrat
UPS Store owners, Kevin Carney and Meredith Escabar did quite a lot of research before acquiring the franchise on Broadway.
YEARS
1390 Broadway, Suite B, Placerville (530) 642-0601 store1513@theupsstore.com
Carney said, “My marketing background and her experience in merchandising make a really good combined team effort.” Additionally, in order to acquire the business, the couple had to go through training from the company.
During the pandemic in January of 2021, while still living in Southern California, they researched businesses to purchase and discovered that UPS Stores were in the top five best businesses to own. Through the UPS website, they found one was available in Placerville, Meredith’s hometown and they decided to make the move.
“The ball just started rolling from there,” Escabar said. She added, “What we do love about owning the store is that it is in a small community.”
“The store has been here a long time and we were happy to get something with a good base,” Escabar said. “With our backgrounds we have taken the store in a new direction, focusing more on printing, business cards, banners and flyers. We upgraded equipment in-house including a production color printer but some of our larger scale pieces are still sent out. If someone comes in with a partially done graphic design, I can help them get it to the next level. We can help someone with a school project all the way up to businesses that need banners, yard signs or help designing a business card. We saw an opportunity to focus on these aspects.”
Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene Meredith Escabar and and Kevin Carney are the new owner operators of The UPS Store on Broadway which marks its 25th year in operation.
Lotus Bonsai Nursery & Garden Hobby turns into a successful business
Shelly Thorene Mountain Democrat
In 1972, Scott Chadd, who was the director of Public Works for the city of Auburn, made a chance visit to a plant nursery on the corner of Bell Road and Highway 49 in Auburn. The business owner, a Japanese man named George Yamasaki, asked him if he wanted to buy something and after awhile, he said, the two of them spent the afternoon “drinking $100 a bottle single malt scotch together.” From that day on, they formed a lasting friendship which lead to Chadd’s lifelong hobby and successful bonsai business.
Chadd said it only took him two weeks to kill the bonsai he bought from Yamasaki so he went back to find out why. During their long friendship, Chadd said, “He showed me places in the mountains where I could gather trees (always with a permit) and stones.”
Chadd said he began bringing his creations into work where his colleagues would ask if they could buy them or if he could teach them how to do it. Yamasaki then advised him, “You can be a collector or you can operate a business.”
So, Chadd took his advice.
25 YEARS
1435 Lower Lake Drive, Placerville (530) 622-9681
Chadd began importing trees from Japan in the early 2000’s but said it became more difficult due to the cost and having to isolate the trees for so long each year. Now, he acquires
mail@lotusbonsai.com
permits to gather stock from the Eldorado, Tahoe and Inyo national forests. He teaches others, in his workshop at the business, the proper way to gather materials to create their own beautiful bonsai.
Chadd said,
“When a person buys a bonsai, it is the beginning of a relationship,” and he continues to guide his clients in the care of the tree. One
client lives in Sea Ranch and for 25 years has brought the bonsai back every year for Chadd to work on. He has guided some of his clients for more than 30 years. His wife, Bolet Salvador is a partner in the business and her specialties are shohin, flowering and fruiting trees and tropicals.
Chadd listed five key points in the secrets of his success.
• Match the right material to the right person and continue to work with them
• Keep learning and developing the
skills it takes to keep 75 different species alive and healthy
• Stick to it. Take it one day at a time and work through the difficult times.
• Have a love for the art form
• Nurture kinship with the trees
The full-service nursery is open by appointment only and also offers classes, one on one sessions, bonsai demonstrations for clubs and special demonstrations where they auction off the bonsai at the end of a show. Boarding is offered for travelers and long-term care if a bonsai
needs to be brought back to health.
The nursery has a wide selection of bonsai trees, stock plants, tools and supplies, from starter kits to master-level specimens. There are workshops, classes and seasonal events and sales including the annual sale at the end of May every year.
Chadd said his friend and mentor George lived to be 103-yearsold and had said to him, “Bonsai will keep you alive.”
Call (530) 622-9681 or email mail@lotusbonsai.com ahead to schedule an appointment.
Lotus Bonsai Nursery and Garden owner Scott Chadd stands next to a Japanese Maple Bonsai he cultivated at his business in Lotus.
Above, Lotus Bonsai Nursery and Garden owner Scott Chadd looks over some of his bonsai trees at his business in Lotus.
Left, Lotus Bonsai Nursery and Garden owner Scott Chadds looks over his tools in his workshop at his business in Lotus. Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Hong Kong Inn Fresh ingredients and quick prep keep dinners coming back
Odio Rasco Mountain Democrat
To paraphrase a classic rock tune, sometimes, you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s temporarily closed due to a car accident. When Hong Kong Inn unexpectedly became a drive-in restaurant in September 2024, the reaction from fans of their food across Placerville and El Dorado County was immediate, with many turning to social media to grieve the temporary loss of their favorite Chinese food restaurant in the region.
30 YEARS
2851 Ray Lawyer Drive, Placerville (530) 622-8888 hongkonginnplacerville. kwickmenu.com
With multiple competitors in the area, what is it about Hong Kong Inn that proved so popular that Placervillians waited with bated breath for the restaurant to reopen?
According to owner Yan Dong, the answer is simple: they focus on making the best food they can. Dong stepped into ownership of the business four years ago after having worked at the restaurant for “a long, long time” beforehand. Under Dong’s leadership, the business has celebrated a kind of renaissance, with guests applauding a jump in quality and flavor that has them coming back for seconds.
“A lot of people say our most popular
Photo by Odin Rasco
The sta at the Hong Kong Inn are ready to serve a fantastic meal.
Gold Hill Vineyard Second generation continues the success
Rebecca Murphy Mountain Democrat
As one of the first wineries to be opened in El Dorado County in 1985, Gold Hill Vineyard continues to create magic for its visitors after 40 years of its beginnings from scratch.
“I spent most of my weekends and summers working on the ranch as we commuted from the Bay Area,” said Bryna Dacus, who worked in Silicon Valley. “My father (Hank Battjes) bought the land here in 1980 and started Gold Hill in 1985.”
After 27 years an an electrical engineer at GTE, Battjes took his home winemaking hobby to new heights with the vineyard that now also boasts a brewery. “It was my father’s dream that I would carry on,” said Dacus, who operates as overall manager of the vineyard.
Not sure what “secrets” there is to the winery’s success, Dacus said she always knew she would end up at the winery in some capacity. Her background is in managing people and their movement within technology companies.
“The atmosphere created
a place where I learned an invaluable skill set that is a part of who I am today,” she said.
Moving to El Dorado County in 2010 to begin the succession process at the vineyard, Dacus added that “we (her dad and her) thought alike. Our roles just fell into place and the plan became a reality when he unexpectedly passed away in 2012.”
While overnight she had a business to run, Dacus said, “I could have taken the easy way and closed the doors, but that would not have been any way to honor my father.”
According to Dacus, her father “created a magical
40 YEARS
5660 Vineyard Lane, Placerville (530) 622-6652
goldhillvineyard.com
place where you can get married, drink wine and beer from the deck, have a good time enjoying the most spectacular views of the American River Valley. “
After the first winery building burnt down in the
■ See GOLD HILL VINEYARDS, page 14
Photo by Rebecca Murphy
Bryna Dacus carries on the tradition at Gold Hill Vineyards.
Fudge Factory Farm
To hear it from family lore, Fudge Factory Farm’s owner/ operator Jean Reinders was destined to be involved with candy and confections. When she was 3 years old, making fudge with her grandmother, Reinders leaned over the mixing
bowl and got her hair tangled into the beaters; grandma jokingly responded “I see great things for you in fudge.”
Those great things came to be, with Fudge Factory Farm celebrating its 40th year of operation in scenic Apple Hill. Located by High Hill Ranch
40
YEARS
2860 High Hill Road, Placerville (530) 644-3492
fudgefactoryfarm.com
the operation is run by Reinders and her daughter, Seana Hartsell, the candy shop has been a must-visit for locals and tourists alike for decades thanks to the high-quality treats on offer. When Reinders and her husband first moved to the area, they didn’t plan on becoming one of Apple Hill’s landmark businesses; they just loved the area. But when the leaves started to turn every year and people flocked to their property to set up picnics or even go camping, Reinders decided, “We either have to move or we have to join the whole thing.”
Now, every fall is a seven-day-a-week rush, with customers often lining up outside Fudge Factory Farm’s doors before they even open. When the doors do open (at 10 a.m.
on weekdays or at 9 a.m. on weekends) the small building — originally a tractor barn, before extensive renovations — is often full to the brim with guests pursuing an alwaysgrowing selection of treats, including all-time favorites such as plain fudge, caramel apples, English toffee and peanut brittle. One of the things that makes the caramel apples
and other sweet treats so appealing is the certainty that you’ll be biting into a locally-produced piece of fruit.
“We try not to buy any fruit,” Hartsell explained. “The only fruit we do buy is from Apple Hill growers, so we have more apples for our candy apples.”
Fudge Factory Farm and High Hill Ranch are focused on sustainable
practices and supporting the Apple Hill community as a whole, Hartsell added, which is another ingredient in the recipe for success that has kept customers coming back for 40 years. A visit to the Fudge Factory Farm at 2860 High Hill Road in Placerville will be well worth the effort. Call (530) 644-3492 for more information
Photo by Odin Rasco
Jean Reinders and Seana Hartsell create fabulous treats at the Fudge Factory Farm.
Mountain Democrat photo by Mimi Escabar
Seana Hartsell, owner and chief candy maker at Fudge Factory Farm, gives alpaca Dream Catcher a treat as Tripner waits for a taste. The alpacas have been at the farm for about 10 years and are a big attraction.
American River Inn A classic mansion continues to captivate
Rebecca Murphy Mountain Democrat
The historical American River Inn has been an iconic piece of structural beauty on the Georgetown Divide for nearly 175 years. The monumental pre-Civil War Victorian mansion bed and breakfast continues to captivate and intrigue its visitors in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Originally built as a private residence in1853 by Victorian socialites, the monumental mansion
photo
Courtesy
French sports fans yell
“Allez! Allez!” “Let’s go! Let’s go!” to cheer their teams on to victory. French food fans say “Allez! Let’s go!” when they have a hankering for French cooking that lifts your spirits as it delights your taste buds. There is no other place to go than Allez! in Diamond Springs.
The chef, Christian Masse, is familiar to locals and visitors alike. Christian and his wife, Jennifer, came to El Dorado County in the early ‘90s and opened Zachary Jacques Country French Cuisine on Pleasant Valley Road in Placerville. For 17 years, Christian cooked, Jennifer managed, and people came from near and far. The couple lived in the house next to the restaurant where they raised their two sons, Christian and Shane.
Christian puts the country in French food. His dishes are not the Parisian “haute cuisine.” If there is such a thing as French comfort food, this is it. His signature dishes, cassoulet, beef bourguinon, coq au vin, and
paella hint at his southern France origins. They are popular year-round. Christian said it’s the type of food he grew up eating. He was raised in the city of Valence. The city is about the same size population as Folsom. Valence is built in four tiers beside the Rhône River. An 11th century cathedral dominates the view. The city is considered the gateway to southern France. The food and wine are legendary, and for the dessert-first crowd Valence hosts a Chocolate and Sweets Fair.
Christian started working in the kitchen with chefs when he was very young. He worked in 26 different places. He was at Chamonix Ski Resort in the French Alps during the winter and Gleneagles Golf Resort Hotel in Scotland in the summer. Aspiring chefs were encouraged to get as much diverse training as possible. He was working in Napa when a mutual friend introduced him to Jennifer. She had fallen in love with his food before she fell in love with him.
Christian became a restaurant owner in the Bay Area, and at one time had
three in Burlingame. They checked out of the Bay Area and came to the country. After closing Zachary Jacques, Christian and Jennifer downsized to Allez! Good Food on the go in 2005. It first was located in a historical building in El Dorado next to an art gallery
and in 2013 moved to its current location on Fowler Lane in Diamond Springs. On opening day it snowed and no one came. But word spread, and loyal fans came back. New customers found the intimate bistro-style restaurant and they returned.
Christian says Allez! is a
combination of Zachary Jacques and the Allez! takeout. “Zachary Jacques was almost a social club,” he said. “People got to know each other.” Allez! seats around 20. Whether diners are at a private table
■ See ALLEZ, page 14
allezeldorado.com
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
Pastry chef Michael Masters, Shane Masse and Chef de Cuisine Christian Masse, left to right, and part of the culinary team that brings delicious French food to grateful diners.
Prioritizing customer service keeps T&M Electric fully charged
Sherri Bergman Mountain Democrat
Tim and Mary Closner established T&M Electric in 1990, the dawn of the internet age and when technology evolved rapidly. Their specialty in electrical and communication wiring dramatically changed entering the new era. Instead of becoming overwhelmed trying to keep up with the advances such as from landline phones to cell phones and the introduction to Wi-Fi — they adapted and mastered the electrical and wiring demands to keep the current and connection going for homes and businesses.
Their son Josh, an owner, said, “When you run into a challenge you just go. We don’t say ‘No’ to a lot. That’s something we had to learn. You just figure it out
and make it work.”
Tim elaborated, “When we started there were no cell phones, text, email, or pagers. It was strictly a landline phone and voicemail, and calls could be returned at the end of the day. Now that you have email, text, Wi-Fi, it’s instant communication. You’re expected to respond quickly.”
T&M Electric believes its success is based on providing top service and responding to calls and emails as quick as possible. If someone has an emergency, they can dispatch quickly and provide 24-hour emergency electrical technicians. Their staff is also the spark to the success. They employ assistance to return calls. To help attract and certify electricians, they offer mentorship programs through Pacific Crest Academy/Union Mine High School which offers an internship program so students can receive valuable on the job learning experience.
Est. 1986
35 YEARS
3027 Alhambra Drive, Cameron Park (530) 676-8740 or (916) 933-9404 tmelectricservices.com
Josh elaborated, “The last few years we have done internship programs which we had high school seniors who wanted to learn about electrical. They worked with us, and we trained them out in the field. At the end of the semester, we provided an award ceremony. We have one lined up for spring again.” Their success also lies in retaining returning customers. El Dorado Hills resident Chuck Legge, owner of LDB Construction and 23-year customer boasts why he trusts T&M Electric, “I find their workmanship and professionalism exemplary. Their ability to schedule and complete work on time and within budget is truly unique within the construction trades.”
The community has also spoken, voting T&M Electrical as its top choice for electrical services 15 times in the Mountain Democrat Readers’ Choice survey, eight times from the Village Life and in other publications several times.
T&M Electric is located at 3027 Alhambra Drive, Cameron Park. For its services call (530) 676-8740 or (916) 933-9404 or visit tmelectricservices.com.
Photo by Sherri Bergmann
Owners Josh, Mary and Tim Closner, left to right, stand by the 1996 Olympic torch that Tim and his father Chips carried in the relay along the real Pony Express route, which was recreated between Julesburg, Colo., and St. Joseph, Mo.
A hole lot to celebrate as Cold Springs turns 65
Chris Woodard Mountain Democrat
Cold Springs Golf and Country Club is hole-in-one-ing a significant milestone this year as the Placervillearea institution celebrates its 65th anniversary. Known for its fun and friendly atmosphere and commitment to affordability, the club has grown into a beloved gathering place for families, golfers and community members.
Positioned in a peaceful, tree-lined setting, Cold Springs offers a beautifully maintained 18-hole championship course designed for both relaxed play and competitive tournaments. Members say the club’s appeal goes far beyond golf, and management boasts that
65 YEARS
6500 Clubhouse Drive, Placerville 530-622-7642
it’s a place where “every swing and every moment finds its perfect match,” whether enjoying a Friday night concert on the green, sharing an intimate dinner at the clubhouse or taking in scenic views with friends. The club pairs comfort with elegance through its dining options, offering American fare ranging from custom salads to hearty hamburgers, wraps and quick bites for golfers heading out for all 18 holes. Its full-service bar and restaurant, expansive fourhole practice facility, putting greens, driving range and fully stocked golf shop round out a wide array of
65 years.
amenities.
Cold Springs has also become a hub for instruction and development. Golfers of all skill levels can take part in clinics, private lessons and there are junior camps
for the young golfers. The club’s PGA instructors use tools like TrackMan and FlightScope to provide world-class fittings tailored to each golfer’s unique swing.
Beyond the course, Cold
Springs hosts tournaments, mixers and invitationals designed to help members meet new people, compete for club titles and strengthen community ties. Its indoor and outdoor event spaces also serve as a scenic
backdrop for weddings, business gatherings and special celebrations. Cold Springs is located at 6500 Clubhouse Drive in Placerville. To learn more about all the amenities call (530) 622-7642.
Courtesy photos
Cold Springs Golf and Country Club has been a popular destination in El Dorado County for
American River Inn
home was later modified as a hostelry during the Civil War era.
“The Inn has its own legend, folklore and mystique,” said Jason Dubey, owner for the past 10 years. Unlike many of the large old houses that were lost to fires, the house never burned to the ground. “We did have a fire around the turn of the 20th Century, and the roof burned off, perhaps thought by some to be burned intentionally, as the original flat mansard roof design was faulty,” said Dubey, adding that today’s roof is the replacement by Schmieder.
The property was then reopened as the American Hotel which has been written about in books as being one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, and served as such until it was basically abandoned during the Great Depression. The mansion, however, never lost its allure, and was rehabilitated as seen in historical photos from the 1950s and ‘60s, when once again the property served as a residence. In the 1970s, the Podesta family purchased the property, adding the
It’s
Been a
foundation and modifying other residential elements. In the early 1980s the property was again modified by owners at the time Will and Maria Collin. After extensive renovation(s), they re-opened the residence as the American River Inn BnB.
With approximately 18,000 square feet, the home boasts 16 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, four fireplaces, plus wood paneled room and mantle from a Belgian castle. For years, it was considered the largest private residence in El Dorado County.
As owner of the home/business for the past 10 years, Dubey not only operates the local bed and breakfast with his mother and housekeeping staff, he co-owns and operates Genius Fine Art in South Lake Tahoe, a fine art Masters gallery featuring the art of Pablo Picasso, Savlador Dali and many more. Being his primary profession as an International art dealer has brought Dubey to the families of Europe who worked directly with the masters themselves.
“Success is more than dollars and cents,” he said. “For me the secret is about combining my interests, education, experience, determination and focus into something I enjoy doing.”
Privilege Serving El Dorado County for 45 Years!
To learn more or make a reservation at the American River Inn on 6600 Orleans St. in Georgetown call (530) 333-4499.
Courtesy photo
Historical photos line the walls.
Allez Continued from 10
or the community table, conversation is usually shared. Even customers coming in for takeout are drawn into a conversation. Customers are welcome to come for a meal, for a glass of wine and plate of house-made charcuterie and cheese, or coffee and dessert.
Zachary Jaques had a full wine cellar with about 300 bottles. The Allez! wine list is scaled down, with specially selected wines from El Dorado County and France that match his style of cooking.
Hong Kong Inn
Continued from 6
food and our specials are their favorites: sesame chicken, general chicken and there’s always a lot of people eating our orange chicken, too,” Dong said.
Though repairs were expensive — and much of it came straight out of Dong’s pockets — the return to having in-person dining as an option saw locals rush back, ready to have dinner once again. One of the major appeals of a Hong Kong Inn order is the
Jennifer was born in Morocco when her father was stationed there by the Air Force, and raised in Ohio. She is responsible for the relaxing décor.
Allez! is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A special takeout menu features Frenchstyle sandwiches and a box lunch that never went to school. Other menu selections can be ordered for takeout, including desserts. House specials are tarts — chocolate, lemon and fruit — mousse, and St. Honoré Cake. A birthday cake
impressive combination of fresh ingredients and a short wait for the food to come. Dong explains the restaurant doesn’t pre-cook dishes and keep them under heat lamps like some other restaurants might, but instead the staff takes extra time throughout the day to keep ingredients prepped and ready so most dishes are ready to cook and serve within just minutes.
“We make everything ready, but we don’t cook until you order,”
Dong said.
With a daily rotation of specials, along with a menu full of musthave meals available every day, it’s no wonder Hong Kong Inn at 2851 Ray Lawyer Drive in Placerville has been an El Dorado County favorite for 30 years.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sunday. To learn more call (530) 622-8888.
stacked and decorated is a work of art.
After more than 50 years in the restaurant industry, Christian still has a smile on his face when he talks about his eatery and his love of creating and serving people delicious food. “It’s my life,” he said.
You don’t have to speak French to say “Allez!” Visit online at allezeldorado.com, call (530) 621-1160 or stop by the restaurant at 4242 Fowler Lane, Suite 101, in Diamond Springs.
Gold Hill Vineyards
late 1980s, Battjes immediately rebuilt it even better. “My dad used it as an opportunity for improvement,” said Dacus. “I am fortunate to have inherited that part of him — never give up.”
With support from the field workers to the wine tasting staff, Dacus said, “Good people are the largest part of the success of Gold Hill. I could not do it without them.”
Continued from 7
Dacus calls her husband, Ken, her “biggest supporter.” In 2007, they were married at the winery and are currently in the process of redesigning the outdoor wedding area, which has seen 25 years of martial couplings.
The winery and brewery at 5660 Vineyard Lane in Placerville are open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (530) 626-6522.
Placerville Fruit Growers
three weeks it took to ship them across the country. He added that the co-op, that lasted 105 years had “good leaders and good board members who were open to new ideas.”
One of those good leaders was Caswell’s grandfather who joined the co-op in 1917.
According to the PFGA, in 1958, El Dorado County produced 52,000 tons of pears from 3,400 acres. However, a disastrous blight spread through the orchards and in 1962, the yield had dropped to only 8,500 tons. The growers began diversifying their orchards by planting apples, cherries, wine grapes, peaches, nectarines and Christmas trees in an area called Apple Hill and the PFGA was there to support them.
Caswell said as the pear industry declined, the board had the foresight to diversify and they rented out space in their warehouses and added packaging of K-rations for troops fighting in Vietnam.
“There were always jobs available. Some high school kids worked at the plant during their summer vacations,” he said. Later in 1976 the business suffered a devastating fire and was a total loss. It was at that point when they made the move to their current location on Missouri Flat Road.
Today, the membership is around 33 members including both big and small growers. Supplies are available for large operations, ranchettes, home gardeners and
UPS Store
Continued from 4
Carney said, “I also took advance training in Excel and can help some of the smaller business with their documents.”
The business has five notaries on staff. Additionally, the store rents mailboxes to individuals and businesses.
“Mailboxes are great for small businesses because it’s a physical address for people who don’t want their home address listed,” Escabar said. “Another advantage is that and FedEx and UPS can deliver to these mailboxes. Our mailboxes are also good for people who live on the outskirts of town and for snowbirds who are out of town a lot. Some people only come into town every two weeks. You get better service. We can hold items when you are out of town.”
She added, “We answer the phone.”
“Shipping and packing is a big part of our service,” Escabar added. “We pride ourselves
boutique wineries. Caswell said their friendly staff is both “helpful and knowledgeable and can save the customer time and money.”
Store manager, Norm Hammond, an employee of 16 years said he enjoys working there because he is “always learning on the job.” Sales associate Beau Cleveland said he has worked there for four years and he enjoys helping the customers.
Today, PFGA’s inventory includes drip irrigation systems, ranch and farm fencing, water holding tanks and the necessary, parts and connections, organic and inorganic fertilizer (Caswell said, “We don’t judge.”), sprayers for insect and weed control, protective personal equipment (PPE) respirators, dust masks and chemical resistant gloves. There are other specialty items including owl boxes made by a firm in Amador County. Caswell said, “We have hard-to-find items, things you can’t get elsewhere.”
Stove pellets are available by the ton and they carry the latest trend in fencing which includes black galvanized fencing with a coating that lasts longer. They also have a certified weigh scale for public use.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed Sundays. For more information call (530) 622-2640.
*Styling– effortless, elegant, editorial, special events
SKIN
on hiring people who really care whether you are mailing the tea cup that your grandmother gave you across the country or a important document that needs to get to somebody, I am going to make sure it leaves the store in the best packaging with the best level of service and advice I can offer you. I say when I hire people, ‘you need to treat everything with the utmost importance.’ We use all of our expertise and supplies to make sure items are packed well. Whatever we do, we want to do it to our best ability. It is important to us and especially important in a small community. It’s important to give people grace.”
The UPS Store 1513 at 1390 Broadway, Suite B, Placerville, is open seven days a week. For more information call (530) 6420601.
• 2716 Coloma Street • Placerville, CA 95667 info@waterfallsalonandspa.com
breakfast; we would go grocery shopping for people because they couldn’t leave their camping space as it would get taken up by somebody else and bring the groceries to them.”
The church team also works with a group who maintains disaster relief bins to help victims replace their belongings and provide essential bedroom supplies.
Sabino is also on standby for calls from the hospital or hospice chaplain when there is a need to visit a person, which she does regularly and on an as-needed basis.
Brenda Hill, the church’s longest serving member since 1945, described the Foster Care/ Caregivers Night Out which she participates in to help provide foster parents and caregivers a few hours rest.
“The kids come, we have a meal for them, games and crafts.
We also support the SHARE program.”
Sabino provided a lighter side of the community supporting the church — and vice versa — by showcasing the small local artist gallery located downstairs in the church.
Sabino explained, “We have a rotating artist gallery where local artist can show their art and people can purchase. We really like to support the local arts community.”
The artists receive a nominal fee from a sale and donate the rest. Visitors can come during church office hours or call and make arrangements to visit the gallery.
The legacy of the church is not only in preserving a part of Placerville’s history, but also in building up the present and future of the community sharing God’s love.
It’s not just about mastering flips; it’s about creating a joyful space where resilience and kindness soar! Our amazing coaches are here to inspire and uplift young athletes, helping them shine both on and off the mat.
"We're not just shaping athletes; we're nurturing hearts," says Niki Bebout.
"Every day, we spark a culture filled with laughter and support, teaching our gymnasts that it’s perfectly okay to stumble. What matters is how they bounce back with courage and compassion!"
At All Star Gymnastics, we’re all about exceptional training and building a vibrant family where every child’s uniqueness is celebrated. "Thank you for trusting us with your child's journey and for being a vital part of our All Star family!" Bebout adds, reminding us that together, we can shine even brighter!
Photos by Sherri Bergmann
Rev. Debra Sabino proudly wears a warm knitted wrap made
Brenda Hill, church member since 1945, stands in front of a stained-glass window her daughter, Terri Kessler, created in 1998. Hill’s grandparents were married in the church in 1898 by the Reverend Charles Caleb Peirce.
At All Star Gymnastics, we live by the motto Be the G - Be the good we want to see!
