VILLAGE CAMERON PARK
life
■ LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Local actor ready to ™ take on Hollywood one film at a time. ■ INSIDE, B6
SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF EL DORADO HILLS AND CAMERON PARK
VOL. 33 ■ ISSUE NO. 1 ■ JANUARY 7, 2026
Coleman travels into new career Noel Stack Editor
Village Life photos by Shelly Thorene
Physical therapist Dr. Kimi Reid, right, monitors polio survivor Diane Marchesi, 74, of El Dorado Hills as she prepares to walk an obstacle course while wearing a harness connected to the new ZeroG 3D Rehabilitation System, which was unveiled at Marshall’s facility in EDH last month.
Karen Coleman began the new year in a new role. El Dorado County’s treasurer-tax collector first elected in 2018 has retired from county service and started her own business centered around her love of travel. KAREN COLEMAN “It’s time,” Coleman said of her retirement. She has worked for the county since 2009. “I want to live out my life enjoying time traveling with my husband and spending time with family and friends.” Exploring new places around the world will assist with her new endeavor — Coleman’s Custom Escapes, LLC, a Nexion Travel Group affiliate. The business will help clients “make their travel dreams come true,” she explained. After 33 years in public service, Coleman said she’s ready to help people in a different way. She held roles with the El Dorado Irrigation District, Buckeye Union School District and El
LIGHTEN UP Treasurer-Tax Collector Coppola ■ See COLEMAN, page A8
Marshall unveils zero-gravity system at EDH facility
ready to serve
Shelly Thorene Staff Writer
T
he Marshall Foundation for Community Health unveiled its new ZeroG 3D robotic rehabilitation system at an invitation-only event at the Center for Sports Rehabilitation and Active Living in El Dorado Hills. The robotic therapy device utilizes an overhead harness that safely supports patients as they practice walking, balance, mobility and daily tasks. The Aretech’s ZeroG 3D is the world’s first threedimensional body-weight support system that supports a patient up to 450 pounds and allows unrestricted movement within an area of up to 500 square feet. The device is the first of its kind in use west of Salt Lake City, according to Marshall officials, and its purchase was made possible by a generous gift to the foundation by Robert and Star Pepper. “When we first learned about Marshall, we were impressed with the staff and the culture of service and innovation that comes from the most senior leadership,” said the Peppers. “Helping to bring this equipment to Marshall was an opportunity to enhance the health and well-being of people in El Dorado County and beyond. When you see the face of someone who has been impacted, who has been able to push themselves to the limit in their recovery because of the difference the ZeroG makes ... it puts a smile on our faces.” The ceiling-mounted device consists of metal frame work upon which sits a robotic device that controls a harness worn by the patient. Doctor of Physical ■ See MARSHALL, page A8
Noel Stack Editor
El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero, right, tries out the new ZeroG 3D rehabilitation system with the help of Dr. Ryan Ebersole at the Center for Sports Rehabilitation and Active Living in El Dorado Hills.
After two years of training, recently appointed El Dorado County TreasurerTax Collector Sean M. Coppola has taken on his new role. Coppola replaces Karen Coleman, who retired after nearly seven years in SEAN COPPOLA the elected position. He was appointed on Dec. 2 by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to take the leadership role effective Dec. 27 and serve out her term, which ends Jan. 2, 2027. The filing period is now open to get on the June 2026 ballot for a full, four-year term. Coleman told the supervisors during that board meeting Coppola has impressed her over the last two years they have worked together, and has been well-received by county officials and staff. “He has done a fabulous job,” she shared, emphasizing that Coppola fully understands the office’s investment policy and strategies. “He comes to us highly recommended by me and I’m ■ See COPPOLA, page A7
Second chance bicycles roll out of Folsom Prison Andrew Vonderschmitt Mountain Democrat Features Editor
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embers of the Cameron Park Rotary Club and partner organizations gathered last month at Folsom State Prison to distribute about 150 refurbished bicycles to five groups serving families in need, including homeless residents and refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine. The giveaway is the latest chapter in a program that Rotarians say continues to expand as donations remain strong. What began back in 1986 as a way to
keep discarded bicycles out of landfills has grown into a regional effort linking service clubs, the prison, bike shops and community donors to put refurbished bikes under children, refugees and people trying to get back on their feet. “This program has been going on for years,” said Rotarian Don Fuller, who has been involved with Rotary for 21 years. He said the effort was launched by fellow Rotarian Joe Ryan, who forged relationships that still anchor the program. ■ See BIKES, page A8
Village Life photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt
Kurt Brighton, Robert Farmer, Guillermo Vega, Arthur Torres and Antonio Sandoval, from left, are part of the program at Folsom State Prison that refurbishes used bicycles and donates them to community organizations.
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 33 ■ ISSUE NO. 1 FOR GUARANTEED WEEKLY DELIVERY, SUBSCRIBE BY CALLING 530 3445000
■ PERFECTION ON PAMELA STREET
■ SPOILING FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS
This beautiful El Dorado Hills home features a spacious layout and nice upgrades.
They’re not just pets anymore. Animals have worked their way into our lives and hearts.
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■ INSIDE, B5
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