Murder suspect
The man suspected of killing a mother and her son, and attempting to kill another child, appeared in El Dorado County Superior Court on Aug. 21. Darin Blake McFarlin, 47, entered not guilty pleas to all charges in Judge Mark Ralphs’ courtroom shortly a er 1 p.m. A pre-preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 29 with a preliminary hearing scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 16. McFarlin, a Cal Fire captain, faces two counts of rst-degree murder and one count of attempted murder with
Oak Hall Science Building opens at Folsom Lake College
Shelly Thorene
The 75,000-squarefoot, state-ofthe-art science building at Folsom Lake College’s Folsom campus has opened its doors. The facility expands the number of labs from four to 12 and supports biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology as well as organic and inorganic chemistry. The labs are designed to meet the teaching needs of each specialty with built in
plaint led by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce alleges on Aug. 21 McFarlin attacked Marissa Herzog (previously identi ed as Marissa N. DivodiLessa) in the bedroom of the Oakwood Road home the couple shared in Cameron Park. A er Herzog le the room and used her cellphone, McFarlin obtained the gun and “did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought, murder Marissa Herzog, a human being,” shooting the 29-yearold woman dead in or near the dining room.
“It is further alleged … pursuant to
The new UC Davis Health Folsom Medical Care Clinic, located at 14264 Innovation Drive near Highway 50 and East Bidwell Street in Folsom, is now open for patients. The three-story, 114,000-square-foot facility is the rst building on the new Folsom Center for Health Campus and consolidates three existing UC Davis Health facilities with additional services.
The $171 million facility o ers pediatric and family medicine as well as oncology, neurology, cardiology and sports medicine. In addition to
Sept. 4
El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live On The Boulevard with Big Crush — A Dance through the Decades, 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Sept. 6
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the El Dorado Hills Brewfest at EDH Town Center, 3-7 p.m. An unforgettable afternoon of unlimited tasting privileges from a wide selection of craft breweries, cideries, wineries and more. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction will hold auditions for “Well” by Lisa Kron and directed by Odin Rasco at 4:30 p.m. and again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. All parts are open. For more information visit stageatburke.om.
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents Rita Rudner at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Sept. 7
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host Fitness in the Park at Saratoga Park at 9 a.m. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Sept. 9
Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bloodmobile bus will be parked near the baseball elds at Community Park, 1021 Harvard Way. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
primary and specialty care, the facility o ers cancer treatments in a state-of-the-art infusion center. The expanded radiology center provides services such as bone density scans, MRI and CT scans.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Senior Public Information O cer Stephanie Winn said the new facility will be especially helpful for cancer care. “People used to have to drive to Sacramento for treatment but now they will have a dedicated oncology care and a full-time oncologist on sta .”
The light- lled, vaulted entryway features a large artist-made mobile with brightly colored panes of glass delicately suspended from the second- oor ceiling over the open stairway. The panes of glass represent wildowers and the nativewild ower theme is represented throughout the entire building with various art forms including wall-mounted ceramics, painting and photography. Natural light is available throughout the building with comfortable seating arrangements in each department, complemented with art by regional artists.
The infusion center includes both spacious bays with windows to maximize views to the
outdoors and brightly colored artwork featuring native ora as well as private seating areas with curtains for those who prefer privacy. There is also a compounding pharmacy on site to support the infusion center. A pediatric room, located near the infusion center lab, o ers a quiet place for children who may have di culty with a blood draw or have special needs or sensory issues.
Jonathan Gonzalez, engineer and construction manager with Jacobs Construction, whose involvement in the project began with the land acquisition in 2021, said the medical center is the rst part of a larger healthcare hub planned for the 36-acre parcel. He said while there currently isn’t an urgent care facility on site, one may be included in the future along with a small hospital.
Gonzalez proudly said the new clinic is energy e cient and water wise, earning a gold standard with U. S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building rating system, second to platinum as the highest level. According to its website, LEED is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world and certi cation “o ers a framework for healthy, e cient and cost-e ective green buildings, providing environmental and social bene ts.” Points are achieved by meeting prerequisites for energy e ciency, water conservation, sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality and site selection. According to UC Davis Public A airs, “The clinic’s design re ects a strong connection to nature and healing. Each area of the lightlled building is themed around di erent native plants, such as milkweed, lupine and poppies. Artwork lls the space, including photographs by the clinic director.”
This attention to detail is evident immediately upon entering the facility where one is greeted to the site of an enormous mobile hanging from
the second- oor ceiling. It features small panes of brightly colored glass by the east coast artist Christina Watka and is titled “If Wild owers Could Sing, It Would Look Like This.” For a brief moment, viewing this impressive work of art, one could forget they were in a medical facility. Gonzalez said the clinic design included an outdoor “central green concept” that would allow a build out from a central area. There may also be plans for a hotel close by, he noted.
For patients undergoing treatments with other oncology treatment facilities, Winn added, “We currently pay for patients undergoing cellular therapy to stay at a Marriott hotel as it is cheaper for them to stay there instead of in the hospital.”
The second oor of the clinic is home to specialty care clinical spaces including otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, sport physical medicine and recovery.
The third oor of the clinic features the Women’s Imaging Center with state-of theart 3-D contrast imaging equipment. The dressing room area has brightly colored walls with oral art and lockers with combination locks to store valuables during exams. The waiting room is designed to be kidfriendly with spacious views of the outdoors and a comfortable seating area. Additional facilities are planned on the Folsom Center for Health campus as the health system adapts to the needs of the region. The health system is on track to open 1 million square feet of new development this year, including: Aggie Square Innovation District, 48X Complex outpatient surgery center and the C-Street Clinic expansion. UC Davis Health will continue to provide some services at its 271 Turn Pike Dr. location in Folsom. These include gastroenterology, dermatology and pulmonology.
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Peter P. Vlautin, III, J.D. LL.M.
1020 Suncast Lane #101, El Dorado Hills (916) 365-9734 • petervlautin.com
California State Bar #54733
Nevada State Bar #1475
Look at your nancial situation holistically
hen you plan a trip, you consider not only the destination but also the climate, activities that interest you, transportation needs, anticipated costs, best time to go and coverage for your work, home or pets. It’s a holistic approach — looking at your trip from a variety of angles.
Suzy O’Neal Financial columnist
It’s wise to apply that same holistic thinking when you plan for your nancial future — that is, bringing into the picture all elements of yourself.
Here are some things that may a ect your nancial strategy:
Your views on helping your family — Your decisions about helping your family are clearly going to be a major part of your nancial strategy, and this is true at virtually all stages of your life. When your children are young, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to save money for their college education and, if so, how much and in what investments. When they’re young adults, you may also need to decide how much nancial support you’re willing to provide for major expenses such as down payments on a new home or a new car. And when you’re drawing up your estate plans, you’ll need to consider how and when to distribute assets to your children, grandchildren or other family members.
Your personal beliefs — As someone with civic, ethical and moral concerns, you may feel compelled to make charitable gi s throughout your life and then make philanthropy part of your legacy. To accomplish these objectives, you’ll want to include gi ing techniques in your nancial strategy today and your estate plans for tomorrow. Of course, for the estate-planning component, you’ll need to work with your tax and legal advisors.
Your purpose in life when you
retire — Having a purpose can bring ful llment beyond nancial security. Leading up to retirement, your purpose may involve providing for your immediate family, bringing value to your profession or contributing to your community. When you retire and step o your career path, you’re entering a new world of possibilities. How will you de ne, and live out, your new sense of purpose at this stage of your life? Do you seek to broaden your horizons by traveling around the world? Or spend more time volunteering? Can you pursue hobbies that give you a chance for self-expression? Each of these choices will carry di erent nancial implications for how much you’ll need to accumulate for retirement and how much income you will need to take out each year from your retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k).
Your health — Your physical and mental health can play big roles in your nancial plans and outlook. On the most basic level, the healthier you are and the better you take care of yourself, the lower your healthcare bills will likely be during retirement, which will a ect the amount you need to put away for health care. And you also may need to prepare for the costs of long-term care, which can be enormous — in fact, a private room in a nursing home in can easily cost $100,000 per year, according to Genworth, an insurance company.
It can be challenging to weave all these elements into a single, uni ed vision, so you may want to get some help from a nancial professional. But, in any case, be prepared to look at your situation holistically because, when putting together a lifetime’s nancial strategy, every part of your life matters. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.
El Dorado Community Foundation
The El Dorado Community Foundation has announced the opening of the 2025 fall grant cycles. Visit eldoradocf.org/grants-catalog for information about the opportunities available, including how to apply. The available opportunities include the following.
El Dorado Hills Area Foundation
nity from the Locher Agricultural Fund. The fund will be accepting proposals of up to $4,500 from any 4-H or FFA program that serves El Dorado County. Applications are due before 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 25. Applicants will be noti ed of grant status in November. If successful, funding is available immediately. This grant is made possible by the estate of Carl and Kathy Locher who were passionate about agriculture and sharing this passion with children.
Local nonpro t agencies serving the community and residents of El Dorado Hills are invited to apply for grant funding from The El Dorado Hills Giving Circle and El Dorado Hills Area Foundation. Applications of up to $10,000 will be considered. In an e ort to best serve the community, the grant does not have a speci c focus area thereby inspiring new ideas with the possibility of responding to unmet community needs. Organizations that have been granted funds the past two consecutive years must sit out this year/ cycle before re-applying to this grant process next fall. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 25. Further guidelines and funding requirements are available at eldoradocf.org/grants-catalog. This grant is for nonpro ts providing services or programs that include El Dorado Hills.
Locher Agricultural Fund
El Dorado Community Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportu-
The El Dorado Hills Genealogical Society will present a Zoom discussion with featured speaker Mary J. Sayles, titled “Location, Location, Location.” Sayles is an expert genealogist with skills in nding locations in which our ancestors lived, especially when town names and county names have changed and towns no longer exist.
. We invite anyone interested to join on Zoom by sending an email to Pat Kriz at patkriz@earthlink. net by Monday, Sep. 8.
Sept. 10
The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.
Cantare Chorale presents Christmas Concert Family Matinee at the Foothills United Methodist Church in Rescue, 3-4:30 p.m. For more information visit cantarechorale.com.
Sept. 11
El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live On The Boulevard with Bad Jovi — tribute to Bon Jovi and Bad Company, 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Sept. 12
The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber
The Pay It Forward Project partners with local school service clubs and organizations that work to build a better community with community service projects and environmental projects that build for a better community.
The Pay It Forward Project Grant Application is a youth empowerment grant for student clubs or organizations from any of the El Dorado County high schools planning a community service project that gives back to the community. This grant centers on giving back to the community, respecting our fellow man and continually looking ahead on how to make the world a better place for everyone in it.
This grant, if approved, will provide up to $1,000 for a student club’s project that builds a better community through volunteerism. Grant applications are due no later than Sept. 25. For more information contact Director of Grants, Programs and Impact Kathy Haven at kathy@eldoradocf.org.
of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at New Hope Fellowship in Shingle Springs at 2 p.m. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the Highway 50 Corridor Power Lunch at Riley’s On Sutter from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Business Connections Mixer at Alchemy in the EDH Town Center from 5-8 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Sept. 13
The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host the Bags and Beers Cornhole Tournament, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shingle Springs Community Center. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.
The Folsom Lake Symphony presents The Moonlight Serenade Bene t Gala at 5 p.m. at Twin Rocks Winery in Granite Bay. For tickets and more information visit folsomlakesymphony.com.
Sept. 14
Burke Junction in Cameron Park will host the Junction Jamboree community festival from noon to 6 p.m. The event will include food trucks, live musical performances, Hands4Hope Kids’ Zone, local artisans. tapas and sips, DJ, giant puppet performances, costume parade and a nonpro t showcase. For details visit burkejunction.com. Find more events on VillageLife.com
businesses from Folsom to Placerville to host collection bins. Next, they coordinated with El Dorado Hills Town Center and El Dorado County O ce of Education to host a Stu the Bus event on July 18.
The marketing subcommittee and a KCRA 3 interview got the word out and the community responded. Generous shoppers and organizations like churches and clubs dropped o mountains of supplies and the returned collection bins lled the EDCOE school bus. Cash and online donations, plus generous shoppers from their wish list, allowed for all item goals to be met and many were exceeded.
This year’s committee included six subcommittee youth chairs, 10 youth participants and two sta mentors, and was led by a Hands4Hope alumni/college intern. In all, 60 volunteers logged over 300 hours to plan, collect, sort and distribute school supplies. All in all, the 2025 youth-led committee collected 18,000 items, including 908 backpacks, with an estimated value of $66,800. Combined with previous donations, the youth-led committee of 16 planned and coordinated the collection, sorting, organization and then distribution of nearly 29,000 vital school supplies and backpacks.
exibility for future curriculum.
In an opening ceremony last week, Dr. Art Pimental, president of Folsom Lake College, began his presentation with an acknowledgment of multiple people who were able to make this project a reality. The building was funded by the state and taxpayer support through local Measure M.
“Behind me is an $86 million building, an incredible investment we have made in this community and this college,” Pimental shared. “We believe in the power of education.”
Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Dr. Brian King said the project was many years in the making and will serve more than 77,000 students this year. “Folsom is one of the fastest growing cities in the region and in the state of California with 28% growth over the last 10 years,” King noted. “This is going to be a growing, thriving college.”
Los Rios Board of Trustees President Kelly Wilkerson of Davis praised the new science building. “Opening this new, state-of-the-art facility is exciting for Folsom Lake, for our district and for our entire region.,” she shared.
“This building will host STEM programs aligning our investments with the workforce needs of our region.
“We have many business leaders here today who recognize how important a facility like this is so that everyone who wants to take a STEM class has the ability to do so,” Wilkerson continued. “Our facilities haven’t had enough room for all the students until now.”
She thanked the “visionary voters” who supported Measure M back in 2008 which secured the local funds for the project and included state matching funds. It is the last new construction project funded by Measure M.
Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino said representatives from high tech companies in Folsom such as Intel, Micron, Samsung and Qualcom have all said they chose to locate in the area because of the “very educated citizenry and the deep talent pool here.”
“State-of-the-art facilities like this combined with outstanding instruction insure that we continue to educate and train and develop the next generation of talent so we can continue to attract those great companies and those high quality jobs to our city,” she added.
FLC student Jacob Ward spoke to the crowd and shared his plans to major in chemistry and later transfer to University of California, Davis to earn a Ph.D. as a research scientist. He said he hoped eventually to work in a eld that would allow him to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and Native American tribes and is also considering a career as a professor at FLC.
“Working with incredible FLC faculty I have had the tremendous amount
“I enjoyed learning the process of creating and doing a project with a team; managing and coordinating things that were actually important,” said Mia George, project manager and Hands4Hope college intern. “I loved actually having an impact with what I was doing.”
School supply requests were referral-only and accessed through Hands4Hope partner agencies, such as the McKinney-Vento Services for the El Dorado O ce of Education, CASA, New Morning Youth and Family Services and Headstart, among others. About one quarter of this year’s registrants were new to the program, speaking to the increasing needs of the community. Families with students in all grades were welcomed on Aug. 5 at Louisiana Schnell Elementary School in Placerville, who once again hosted this e ort.
During the fou-hour distribution event, Hands4Hope youth participants led student guests through stations to “shop” for everything they need for school, from a new backpack to colored pencils, pens, folders, notebooks, crayons and more. That day, 501 students received backpacks and supplies, including new kindergarteners through seniors in high
school. Nearly 60 additional backpacks full of supplies were distributed in the days following the event through community partners and direct distribution, and remaining supplies continue to be requested and distributed through community partners and schools.
“Thank you to all of the donors who came to the Stu the Bus event, donated online, or brought items to collection sites,” said Kate Barba, Hands4Hope special events program coordinator. “We are especially grateful to the local businesses and organizations who hosted Hands4Hope collection bins so donors had convenient locations to drop o backpacks and supplies. In house collection drives were another huge support. We couldn’t have made the impact we did without you!”
Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence is a nonpro t, youth-driven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. It o ers hands-on education and community outreach opportunities to youth from sixth through 12th grades through school-based and a er-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call (916) 294-7426.
of opportunity to gain research experience far beyond my required classes,” Ward told the crowd. “This space represents unique opportunities for all kinds of students and the building represents innovation and an investment in one another.”
A er a ribbon cutting ceremony visitors toured the spacious, two-story building. On the rst oor there are multiple lecture rooms, multi-purpose rooms, an outdoor garden, faculty and administration o ces. Students can receive academic support from trained tutors in the Science Center, located at the facility’s entrance. There are many seating areas throughout the building between classrooms where students and faculty can gather.
Labs includes two anatomy and physiology labs, both wet and dry cadaver labs, auto clave, hazardous waste areas, biology prep lab, microbiology lab, botany prep lab, zoology lab, instruments room, organismal bio lab, eld equipment storage, intro major lab, non-major lab as well as physiology exploration, lecture rooms, o ces, the science center, science workshop and Mesa Center. The MESA Center (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) located near the entrance on the rst oor creates a sense of community for students by o ering a place to study and gather. The program serves students from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds pursuing a degree in STEM. To qualify for the MESA programs, students need to
tion space, an inorganic chemistry lab, inorganic instrument and balance lab, allied health chemistry lab and the Cafe Lab.
be a rst-generation college student working toward transfer and a bachelor’s degree majoring in a calculusbased STEM program and quali ed for need-based nancial aid. More lecture rooms are located on the second oor as well as two organic chemistry labs, an organic chemistry instruments lab, a chemistry collabora-
Chemistry teacher Max Mahoney was on hand in the Cafe Lab, which was lled with an assortment of equipment to teach students fermentation chemistry. The unique course covers the basics of how to make yogurt, cheese, pickles, Kombucha, beer, wine, bread and other fermented foods. Mahoney said classes are open to everyone. Fermentation is monitored with cutting edge technology and soware.
Gary Clarke, a dedicated Rotarian for 21 years, was recently named Rotarian of the Year by the Cameron Park club. Clarke rst joined the San Ramon Rotary Club in July 2004. Over the years, he served in nearly every leadership role, including club president for the 2011-12 term.
A er relocating to Shingle Springs, he became a member of the Rotary Club of Cameron Park in May 2021, following in the footsteps of his late father, C. Robert Clarke, a beloved past district governor who also sponsored his membership.
Since joining the Cameron Park
PC 189(a), that the murder of Marissa Herzog was willful, deliberate and premeditated,” Count 1 reads, noting Herzog was intentionally killed because she was witness to a crime.
Count 2 further alleges McFarlin shot and killed the juvenile boy, identi ed by Herzog’s family as her son, also to prevent testimony as the child was witness to a crime.
Count 3 asserts the suspect attempted to murder a second child, who also resided in the home, and Count 5 notes McFarlin “did willfully and unlawfully, in ict unjusti able mental su ering on a child or permit a child to su er unjusti able mental su ering under circum-
Rotary, Clarke has become a driving force behind many of the club’s community service initiatives. His leadership, reliability and positive spirit are evident in everything he does, from organizing major fundraising events to delivering bicycles for the club’s longstanding bicycle project.
“Whenever Gary is asked to help, his answer is always the same, ‘Yes,’” said outgoing club president Cathy Dugan. “He sets an example for all of us with his energy, generosity and unwavering commitment to service.”
The Rotary Club of Cameron Park congratulates Clarke on this welldeserved recognition and thanks him for his outstanding contributions.
stances and conditions likely to produce great bodily harm, to wit J. Doe 2, said actions being criminally negligent when causing or permitting the child to su er or be endangered.”
McFarlin, 47, was located by law enforcement just a er midnight on Friday, Aug. 22, and detained in Mono County without incident. Early that morning he was booked into the El Dorado County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
If found guilty of murder in the rst degree with a special circumstance, McFarlin faces the death penalty or life in state prison without the possibility of parole.
Jennifer Tommasini
5130 Golden Foothill Parkway
El Dorado Hills 916-521-1835 • www.thegiftofkids.net 2nd Location
5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy., Suite 200 El Dorado Hills
I would like to thank everyone entrusting us with your precious children since 1999. I love being part of this community and helping children learn and grow. With 4 children of my own (now 27, 24, 15 and 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. We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, and private Kindergarten, before and after school. 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 4 large playgrounds, a soccer field, and 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 7 years and have a very structured and advanced 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 same 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 over 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. We have newly renovated the inside of our school, so come by to check it out and say hello anytime!
“I’ve noticed some changes, and care about your well-being...”
e goal is always maintaining independence and a quality lifestyle. The following are signs it could be time to consider Assisted Living.
❏ Di culty with Daily Tasks: Struggling with cooking, cleaning, shopping, or managing household chores.
❏ Safety Concerns: Experiencing frequent falls, accidents, or feeling unsafe at home.
❏ Health & Medication Management: Having trouble keeping track of medications or scheduling doctor appointments.
❏ Declining Physical Abilities: Noticeable decreases in strength, mobility, or endurance that make everyday activities challenging.
❏ Cognitive Changes: Increased forgetfulness, confusion, or di culty making decisions.
❏ Social Isolation: Feeling lonely, isolated, or experiencing a decline in social interactions and engagement.
❏ Family Concerns: Loved ones expressing worry about safety, health, or overall well-being.
❏ Maintenance Challenges: Struggling to keep up with home maintenance, nances, or daily self-care routines.
If you have questions or it’s time to take the next step, Ponté Palmero is here to help.
Lisa Paragary CalBRE #01196924 (916) 247-1303 lisa@paragarymillerteam.com.
421 Aragon Court, El Dorado Hills
4,498 square feet
5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms 0.33-acre property
Listed at $1,250,000 MLS #225047602
Cul-de-sac home a fantastic nd
Homebuyers won’t want to miss checking out this gorgeous Serrano Country Club home with a resort-style backyard — now available for a lower price.
Built in a quiet court, this ideal ve bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home has an exceptional oor plan, gleaming wood and tile ooring and soaring ceilings.
The downstairs level includes a large home o ce with built-ins and a spacious ensuite bedroom, perfect for guests or those who prefer/ require single-story living.
Catch up with guests in the luxurious front living room with a crackling replace and when it’s time for dinner, walk the few steps to the adjacent formal dining room with a chic chandelier. The dining room also has outdoor access, great for entertaining.
The chef’s kitchen features new stainless appliances, a builtin refrigerator, ample cabinet and counter space, a large island with bar seating and a dining nook. The open family room with a replace and built-in entertainment center provides seamless indoor/outdoor access to the incredible rear yard oasis.
The yard features a sparkling pool, huge turf area, raised garden beds, fountains, a freestanding stainless barbecue
island and multiple patio areas perfect for dining al fresco — all surrounded by greenery, mature trees and a privacy fence. Upstairs in the home, residents and guests will enjoy hanging out in the lo area. Also on the second level is the impressive primary suite featuring a balcony, two walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bathroom with a central soaking tub and large walk-in shower. The home has three additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms also located upstairs near the laundry room. A wide driveway leads to the attached, oversized threecar garage with extensive cabinetry and epoxy oors. Other property amenities include a whole house fan ideal for energy e ciency, a stunning green lawn with mature trees in the front yard and a fantastic cul-de-sac location providing the ultimate in privacy and serenity.
Serrano is one of El Dorado Hills’ prestigious luxury neighborhoods with an award-winning golf course, country club and immaculate landscaping. The gated community is close to shopping, restaurants, great schools and Highway 50. Interested in this beautiful Aragon Court property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Lisa Paragary at (916) 247-1303 or lisa@paragarymillerteam.com.
“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”
That line always makes me pause. September in El Dorado County reminds us that beauty can be simple — fresh apples, crisp air, cozy evenings and time spent enjoying life’s quieter joys. There’s a harvest of goodness waiting in our foothill communities, ready to be enjoyed.
Sample the Sierra
Let’s begin in the jewel of our region — Lake Tahoe.
On Sept. 6, Sample the Sierra returns to South Lake Tahoe. It’s Tahoe’s original farm-to-fork festival; if you’ve never been, this is the year to go. Local chefs team up with nearby farmers, vintners, brewers and distillers to create bitesized masterpieces, each thoughtfully paired with wine, beer or spirits. The
festival marketplace is a gem in itself — overflowing with locally made art, soaps, jewelry, honey, olive oil and other handcrafted goodness. Visit samplethesierra. com for tickets and info.
Barn Sale Trail
If treasure hunting is more your style, mark your calendar for Sept. 12-14 and head out for the Historic 49 Barn
Sale Trail. This charming, Americana-style trail stretches through Highway 49 counties, offering rustic barns, pop-up shops and artisan booths packed with antique, vintage and upcycled finds. It’s part road trip, part shopping adventure — and all heart. Do note that the Barn Sale Trail extends to neighboring counties along Highway 49, so wear comfy shoes and be prepared for adventure.
More information is available at 49barnsaletrail.com.
Of course, it wouldn’t be September without a visit to Apple Hill. The Apple Hill growers are rolling out the red carpet all month long and there are some special dates you’ll want to remember. First up is Locals’ Weekend on Sept. 6–7. That’s when many farms offer discounts and
treats just for El Dorado County residents. Think half-price pies, free scoops of ice cream and 2-for-1 wine tastings. That same weekend, the Hard Cider Trail opens, inviting visitors to sample craft ciders from local orchards — a perfect way to toast the season. On Sept. 21, little ones will love Johnny Appleseed Day. Participating farms offer children’s activities like crafts, scavenger hunts, pumpkin decorating and even pie-eating contests. Many of these are free, and all are fun. Looking for an especially festive farm? El Dorado Orchards opens its fall season Sept. 13, running Fridays through Sundays through midNovember. The miniature train ride is always a hit and there’s live music, barbecue, a craft fair, baked goods and, of
FOLSOM — “You Can’t Take It With
You” makes its return to Sutter Street Theatre, now playing.
The family of Martin Vanderhof lives “just around the corner from Columbia University — but don’t go looking for it.” Grandpa, as Martin is more commonly known, is the paterfamilias of a large and extended family of charming eccentrics. His granddaughter, Alice, is an attractive and loving girl who is still embarrassed by her family’s idiosyncrasies. When Alice falls for her boss, Tony, a handsome scion of Wall Street, she fears that their two families — so unlike in manner, politics and finances — will never come together. But why be obsessed with money? After all, you can’t take it with you.
The show, based on the book by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, is presented in partnership with Kauffmans’ Give Us A Hand Productions. This production is directed by Joaquin Calderon with Allen Schmeltz as assistant to the director.
“You Can’t Take It With You” runs through Sept. 13 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St., Folsom. For reservations visit SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 353-1001.
t’s summer. It’s hot.
It’s peak season for harvesting tomatoes and hanging out at a pool. And, despite the heat, it’s peak season for starting a cool season vegetable garden. Why now? Mature cool season vegetables grow and produce best when average temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees. In order to have mature vegetables when the weather nally cools down to those temperatures, we need to plant seeds now, even though it’s hot. There are some exceptions: Peas and spinach should be planted in another month or so. And you can start a little later if you plant seedlings instead of seeds. Root vegetables, however, don’t transplant well so they must be grown from seeds planted directly in the garden.
So, what is a cool season vegetable? They are veggies that are grown for their leaves such as spinach, lettuce and other leafy greens, or their roots like beets, carrots, radishes and turnips, or stems such as asparagus and white potato. Some vegetables are grown for their immature ower parts such as cauli ower, globe artichoke and broccoli. As mentioned above, they grow best at cooler temperatures and they toler-
ate light frosts. Summer vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, are usually grown for their fruits and need warm weather to survive; they will die during freezing weather.
Preparing the garden bed is pretty much the same as for warm season vegetables. You’ll need a site with good soil, plenty of sunlight and irrigation. This can be a great opportunity to improve your soil. It’s easy to incorporate compost into your soil a er you pull out your summer veggies and then plant your seeds and/or seedlings. Or you can side dress if you prefer to plant around existing vegetables that you will pull out later.
Sunlight can be a bit tricky. Cool season vegetables need six hours of sunlight per day and there’s only about 9.5 hours of sunlight in the middle of winter, so you want to plant where they’ll get enough sun when they mature. But right now, it’s hot and sunny so you may need to protect seedlings at rst by providing shade. Summer vegetables may provide su cient shade if you’re interplanting, or if you’ve pulled out existing plants you can use shade cloth.
Irrigation in fall and winter is usually a lot easier than during hot summers. Between cooler temperatures and winter rains you may not need irrigation for part of the cool season growing season. I typically turn o my irrigation once the rainy season begins and only turn it back on if it’s a drought year or when the rainy season ends.
Cool season vegetable gardening can provide a bountiful harvest of fresh and delicious produce. And between the cooler temperatures and the winter rains,
Suzy O'Neal, AAMS®
FOLSOM — Devastatingly soulful vocalist, dynamic harmonica master and superlative songwriter Chris O’Leary will perform live at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom on Sept. 7.
O’Leary’s latest release is his Alligator Records debut album, “The Hard Line.” The Marine veteran and exfederal police officer and former lead singer of Levon Helm’s Barn Burners has walked a hard line from his upstate New York home to stages all over the world. His keenly written songs come directly from his colorful and sometimes harrowing life experiences.
O’Leary’s original songs are sung with pure, unadulterated soul fueled by his driving harmonica playing. A disciple and friend of both The Band’s legendary drummer/vocalist/songwriter Levon Helm and iconic blues harmonica giant James Cotton, O’Leary has been playing professionally since the 1990s, with five previous solo albums to his credit. He is beyond thrilled to be with Alligator. On “The Hard Line” (the sixth album of his career) he set his sights high and created what he says is “the best work I’ve ever done.”
With “The Hard Line,” O’Leary is at the peak of his creative powers, delivering memorable, thought-provoking original songs informed by the complex road he’s traveled. “I’ve lived a life,” he said. “Going to war, playing with Levon, getting to know Cotton.”
And now, at long last, O’Leary is set to take his place among the blues world’s most passionate and exciting blues and roots artists. His astonishingly honest material, fierce harmonica work and torrid vocals stun his listeners to attention and bring his live audiences
American River Conservancy present RIPE AREA: The Art of Native Plants Festival. In partnership with Myrtle Tree Arts, this vibrant Sept. 21 event will celebrate local art inspired by nature and land stewardship enriched by the vitality of California’s native plants.
This harvest-season festival will transform ARC’s historic Wakamatsu Farm
to their feet, all while making a lasting, personal connection.
Born in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1968, O’Leary was raised in a house filled with music and fell hard into the blues after hearing Muddy Waters on The Band’s famous album, “The Last Waltz,” and then devouring Waters’ “Hard Again” record. “Hard Again” also features the great Cotton blowing
into an immersive garden gallery where local artists, environmental educators, experts, storytellers, and culinary creatives converge. Visitors will explore the ecological and cultural significance of native flora through performances, workshops, installations, live music, storytelling, hands-on activities, food demonstrations and more. Thanks to a generous grant from Parks California, this family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is
Traci Rockefeller Cusack News release
SACRAMENTO — Visitors to the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento on Wednesday, Sept. 10, are in for a treat — a special event to celebrate California Admission Day. The California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association invites the community to celebrate California’s 175th birthday, which is known as Admission Day. California entered the Union on Sept. 9, 1850, and became the 31st state. The community is invited to commemorate this special date for the Golden State with free cake and ice cream (while supplies last), served by
cool season gardening can be a lot easier than taking care of a garden when it’s 100 degrees outside and hasn’t rained in months. For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu. For garden hours
Place the jar in the canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
Water must cover jars by at least one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to mediumhigh, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner for 1 minute. Start timing and process halfpint jars: 10 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 15 minutes at 1,001-6,000 feet, 20 minutes at 6,001 feet and above.
volunteers dressed in historical attire.
Attendees will also enjoy entertaining live music performed by a youth choir singing rousing songs of the 1850s. The fun, free and family-friendly event runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takes place on the west steps of the State Capitol Building.
The California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association is a volunteer cooperating association partnering with the California State Parks to promote educational and interpretive activities at the California State Capitol Museum. Information about volunteering is available at capitolmuseum.ca.gov/about/ volunteer. Fr more information about the California State Capitol Museum call (916) 324-0333 or visit capitolmuseum.ca.gov.
Continued from B4
and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden visit ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_ Garden.
Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or leave a message at (530) 621-5512.
Turn off heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand for five minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for five minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool on a toweled surface for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal (they should not flex when center is pressed). Label, date, and store in a cool dark place. Peaches can be used in place of mangos. Follow directions for Mango Salsa, using diced hard, underripe but yellow peaches in place of the mango.
Join the Gold Country Cribbers
We Play - We Teach - We Have Fun Wednesdays 4:00 PM Gilmore Senior Center 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 916-212-2465 or 916-768-4452
The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Email edmfp@ucanr.edu. For more information about programs, events and recipes visit ucanr. edu/sites/mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).
some of the most forceful harmonica of his career. This was the first time O’Leary heard Cotton, and he was hooked. He acquired a Hohner Marine Band harmonica and taught himself to play the real Chicago blues.
In 1986, O’Leary joined the Marines, following a tradition of military service in his family. Deployed to the Middle East, he and his fellow infantrymen
strongly advised. Set amidst Wakamatsu Farm’s beautiful ponds, woodlands, native garden, and trails, the festival offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the land, celebrate cultural heritage and strengthen community bonds rooted in a shared, sustainable future. The organizers seek to inspire stewardship and creativity by encouraging guests to explore native plants — not just as scenery, but as cultural allies, ecological
course, fresh apples. All Apple Hill event details can be found at applehill.com.
Cozy harvest home
While you’re out gathering apples and pumpkins this month, consider bringing some of that harvest magic home. Autumn décor doesn’t need to be elaborate. A simple basket of gourds, a bowl of crisp apples on the table or a golden candle on the mantel can add a cozy warmth that lasts right through Thanksgiving. Set out a favorite throw to curl up in on a
experienced life-threatening combat. The raw emotions left by this experience would soon find expression in his deeply personal songwriting. He left the service in 1993 and headed to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he soon fell into the local music scene. Before long he was jamming with area musicians. Not long after, he formed his own band, quickly making a name for himself as the area’s foremost practitioner of authentic, classic Chicago blues. As luck would have it, Helm, who was still recovering from throat surgery at the time, heard a tape of the band and liked it enough to meet up with O’Leary and record on some of O’Leary’s demos. Helm soon showed up unannounced at many of O’Leary’s local gigs, often sitting in with the band and playing drums.
In 1997, Levon asked Chris to move to New Orleans and front the house band — featuring Helm on drums and his talented daughter Amy sharing vocals — at his new club, Levon Helm’s Classic American Café. For over a year, O’Leary and Helm performed five nights a week, often backing famous touring musicians, from Hubert Sumlin to Bobby Keys to O’Leary’s harmonica hero James Cotton, whom O’Leary befriended. While in New Orleans, O’Leary’s musical vision grew to include soul, jazz, country and straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll. With each performance, O’Leary was becoming a more fully formed artist.
O’Leary takes the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, during Powerhouse of Blues at Powerhouse Pub, 614 Sutter St. in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 355-8586 or visit powerhousepub.com.
anchors, and sources of artistic inspiration. Attendees will discover how to cultivate and use native plants responsibly, avoid harmful overharvesting, and promote biodiversity and sustainability.
RIPE AREA: The Art of Native Plants Festival takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Wakamatsu Farm, 941 Cold Springs Road, Placerville. Admission is free with a $10 suggested parking donation. To register visit bit.ly/RIPEAREA25.
comfy chair with a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa on a crisp, cool morning. It’s a small act of self-care and a lovely way to care for those you love. When we create a space that feels calm and welcoming, we make room for connection, comfort and joy.
Happy fall, y’all September invites us to slow down, take a breath and enjoy what’s right in front of us. Let’s accept the invitation. Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting. com.
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Call Elizabeth Hansen for more information
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