The Purple Place makeover reveal coming soon
A er three years, a once favorite El Dorado Hills haunt is showing signs of life.
“It was always my plan to bring a new and improved iteration of The Purple Place back to the community,” Green Valley Center owner Amy Anders insisted, adding that she never once considered putting anything other than a restaurant in the space.
Former owners Mike and Denise Hountalas closed The Purple Place Bar & Grill in August 2022 amid tempestuous negotiations and since that time Anders has been patiently awaiting her Goldilocks. “I had a lot of interest from entrepreneurs with various backgrounds. However, I wanted an operator who could do it all and do it well. That meant holding out for the right operators.” ■ See PURPLE PLACE page A2
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FREEDOM
WHAT’S HAPPENING REVIVING A TRADITION ON THE WATER
July 17
SuperBad will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
July 18
The Shingle Springs Community Center will host an evening of Dinner and Bunko. Doors open at 5 p.m., Dinner served at 5:30 p.m. and Bunko play starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit shinglespringscommunitycenter.org.
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will a Free Concert in the Park with Pop Fiction, 7-9:30 p.m. at Community Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd. org.
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents an evening with ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 6086888.
The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents HomeGrown Comedy at 8 p.m. with Steve Barkley, Lourdes Ayon, Casey Cagle and host Joey C. Fond tickets at stageatburke.com.
July 19
Blue Soul Acoustic will perform at Boring Rose Brewing Co. in El Dorado Hills Town Center at 6 p.m. West Coast Performing Arts Concerts presents The Alley Cats Live In Concert at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
All About Equine Animal Rescue will host a Used Tack Sale noon to 4 p.m. at 4050 Durock Road, Suite 6, Shingle Springs. For more information visit allaboutequine.org.
July 20
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District at YogaSix present Yoga in the Park, 9 a.m. at Blackstone Park. This is a free, family-friendly event.
July 21
District Church will host a community blood drive 12:30-3:30 p.m. at 7000 Rossmore Lane, El Dorado Hills. Donors will be entered into a Vitalant drawing for a chance to win a car. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFR481or call (877) 258-4825. Walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated if space allows.
July 24
Join the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce for its River Fest and Mixer on the South Fork of the American River. Rafting begins at 12:30 p.m. and the mixer starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradocounty.org.
Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars Tribute will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the El Dorado Hills Town Center from 7-9 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
Want to join the EDHCSD Board of Directors?
Noel Stack Editor
The ling period has opened for those interested in lling the vacant El Dorado Hills Community Services Board of Directors seat. Information is available on the El Dorado County Elections Department website at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/CountyGovernment/Elections.
The deadline to le a declaration of candidacy is Aug. 8. The special election will be held Nov. 4. The winner of the special election will hold the seat until
Purple Place
Anders ultimately entered into a contract with Eric Rushing and Tom Holzmann, both El Dorado Hills residents. Rushing, whose children attend Marina Village Middle School, was born and raised in the Sacramento area and moved to El Dorado Hills in 2010. With almost 30 years’ experience in bar, restaurant and live music nightlife venues, Rushing owns several local locations in
Sacramento, Folsom and Roseville.
“Tom brought the idea to me over and over during the past few years and nally I decided to turn the rock over and see what was underneath.”
he said. “We really just want to give the community what they have been waiting for.” Patrons can look forward to a similar menu of a new American breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a small live music presence.
the next general election in fall 2026.
The vacant seat was brie y held by Chuck King, who was rst elected to the board in November 2024 but abruptly submitted his resignation in late January. King tried to rescind that resignation and contentious meetings followed with residents debating whether his resignation could be taken back.
Ultimately, the remaining four directors declared the seat vacant but couldn’t agree on appointing a replacement. A er the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors declined to make an appointment the special election was set.
exceptionally good human beings rst and talented business entrepreneurs second,” said Anders, revealing that she has been in talks with Rushing and Holzmann since September 2024.
“Both are solidly invested in our community. They have what it takes to bring a beloved landmark back to the community in an exciting way.” Anders assured only a modest portion of the building will change color with most of the iconic purple paint throughout the shopping center to remain.
Holzmann, whose son attends Holy Trinity, only recently moved to El Dorado Hills in 2020 but remembers The Purple Place fondly. “We saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity,” the entrepreneur shared, explaining that he and Rushing are looking to build something fresh, including a new name.
“We want something we can all enjoy. There is a lot of historic signi cance and we were sad to see it go. We know we have a large responsibility.”
“Eric and Tom are
Dubbed El Dorado Hills’ original roadhouse, the bar and grill were established in 1955 by Diana Anders and her partner Pat Evans. Diana’s daughter Amy Anders opened the restaurant portion in 1985. Matt and Stephanie Luther of VMJ Restaurants Inc. then purchased the business from Diana and owned it for only a few years before the Hountalases
bought the business in 2006. Upon Diana’s passing in 2012, Amy Anders inherited the property and has since been the acting landlord. The Purple Place transformed from a rough biker bar to a bustling family friendly sports bar known for regular live music programming as well as good eats. A er eight months of lease negotiations with Anders, the couple was unable to secure an updated lease for the property they occupied for 16 years. Though the timeline for the next reincarnation is not set, Rushing said he hopes clean up and remodeling will only take a few more months. “My guess would be early 2026,” he speculated as to an opening date. “We can’t take away or replace what The Purple Place was but I promise to create a new legacy that the community will love. While I know we have some big shoes to ll, I’m con dent everyone will love the new concept.”
to longtime EDH resident and advocate William “Billy” Vandegri , who died late last month.
Vandegri , 74, served on the EDHCSD board 2007-18 and was o en seen at community events with a smile on his face and story to tell — one that would likely have listeners laughing.
Director Heidi Hannaman read a brief statement at the July 10 meeting, noting, “Billy made it his mission to preserve the charm of the town while planning for its future. Known a ectionately as Billy V., he brought warmth, wit and a calming presence to o en contentious civic meetings.
“His colleagues recall a man who could listen with patience, argue with clarity and laugh at himself when needed,” Hannaman continued. “His constituents remember someone who returned calls, showed up at soccer games and never forgot a name. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a quiet force behind countless community improvements that will bene t generations to come.”
Calling Vandegri a unique and fun guy, Hannaman shared she got to see his passion for the community during the Windsor Point Park project, which was completed in 2013.
EDHCSD board President Steven Ferry, a longtime EDH cityhood advocate, noted Vandegri opposed the community’s previous incorporation e ort but still praised the former director. “Delightful gentleman — hate to see him gone. He was a real presence here in the community.”
Director Noelle Mattock served with Vandegri on the CSD board, calling the experience a privilege. “He was de nitely a calming, sometimes contentious himself, fellow board member but he did many great things for this community.”
Vandegri , born in Southern California in 1951, graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1969. He
then attended Folsom Lake College before establishing a successful career in real estate and title services. Since 1978, Vandegri resided in El Dorado County, living in various communities before making El Dorado Hills his home in 2000.
As an EDHCSD director, Vandegri championed the Windsor Point Park and Lake Forest Park projects as well as the corridor landscaping between St. Andrews Drive and Green Valley Road and he saw through the Josh Anderson Memorial Basketball Court built in memory of a 19-year-old EDH resident who died in a car accident. Vandegri also made bathrooms a priority, getting outhouses out of local parks and replacing them with permanent facilities. The bathroom at Stephen Harris Park is a ectionately known as “Billy’s Throne.”
Longtime friend and El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn called Vandegri a kind and generous man with a great sense of humor. “We spent a lot of time together over the decades. If I was in political trouble, he would always defend me,” Harn recalled. “When Bill was on the El Dorado Hills CSD board he wanted to build parks rather than the bureaucracy.”
Former EDHCSD recreation supervisor Janet Kenneweg commented on the community services district’s social media post announcing Vandegri ’s death, “Billy cared for and listened to sta like no other. He also supported the senior community in EDH to no end. Thanks for your volunteerism, Billy V.” No services for Vandegri have been planned at this time.
Editor’s note: On behalf of the Village Life team, past and present, we would like to thank Billy V. for being a community champion and friend to the press. He was always willing to share a story (and the occasional joke that couldn’t be published). Rest in peace.
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
Dr. Elena Tarango of Elk Grove is all smiles as she stands by the Tule boat her family built and used to compete in the rst Tule Boat Race at Black Miners Bar on the American River in Folsom Saturday. The inaugural event was months in the making with elders and
children from several local tribes getting together to gather material and build boats for competition. Tarango is a member of the Wilton Rancheria and competed in the TEK Division. She said one of the best aspects of this event was the tribe’s building days where elders and young people worked together to build the traditional boats.
EDH Fire Engine 91 gets celebratory ‘push’ into service
Richard Edelman
El Dorado Hills Fire Department
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department placed in-service its newest apparatus, Engine 91, during a special push-in ceremony at Latrobe’s Station 91 on July 1. which serves the communities of Latrobe, El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County. EDH Fire Chief Mike Lilienthal was joined by community members, re department sta and EDH Fire Board directors for the momentous occasion.
The push-in ceremony is a tradition where re ghters and community members physically push the new apparatus into the re station bay. This practice dates back to the days of horse-drawn re engines, honors the history of re ghting and welcomes the new engine into service. There was also a symbolic water transfer from the old Engine 91 into the new Engine 91. This symbolizes a “passing of the torch” to the new apparatus that will be responding to emergency calls out of Station 91.
This new engine is the rst EDH Fire apparatus with the grey over red paint scheme. It is a 2025 Pierce Type 1 pumper with a 500-gallon water tank and is not only designed for structural re ghting but also comes equipped with “pump and roll” capabilities utilized in wildland re ghting. This re engine comes equipped with auto extrication tools, rope rescue equipment and advanced life support medical gear for several types of emergency calls that can occur.
The EDH Fire Board initialized the purchase in October 2020 and the new apparatus arrived this spring in Sacramento, where an EDH Fire team oversaw installment of the nal touches. The total cost of the engine is $996,000, according to Fire Chief Lilienthal, with funds coming from the department’s Capital Replacement Fund and the Development Fee Fund.
Barbecue fire displaces El Dorado Hills family
Noel Stack Editor
An El Dorado Hills home sustained approximately $200,000 in damages a er a re broke out July 6. Fire crews responded to the house re at approximately 5:40 p.m. on the 5300 block of Da Vinci Drive in the Serrano gated community. It took crews about 20 minutes to gain control of an attic re that started from a barbecue on a rear balcony that extended into the attic, according to El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal. A family of four was displaced by the blaze, but fortunately there were no injuries, he added.
Fire ghters from EDH Fire, Cal Fire/ Cameron Park Fire Department and Rescue Fire Protection District responded to the blaze.
Defensible space programs available to residents
News release
All of the defensible space assistance programs are currently open and funded. Information can be found by visiting edc resafe.org/assistance-programs. These programs include the chipping program that provides up to six hours of free chipping available each year, o ered to all homeowners. The hazardous tree removal program that covers
July 26
Ed Wilson will play at Boring Rose Brewing in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m.
July 27
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills town Center welcomes children’s author Lisa Frenkel Riddiough, who has a new picture book published by Penguin Random House called “Embarrassed Ferret.” Get your book signed 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
July 30
Vitalant will host a Shingle Springs community blood drive, 1:30-4:15 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 3821 Quest Court. Make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM551 or call (877) 258-4825. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
Aug. 1 & 2
The Cameron Park Community Services District will host a Smash Bros. tournament for ages 13-17 at the Cameron Park CSD, 6-9 p.m. on Friday and for ages 9-13, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
Aug. 6
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of
Commerce hosts its Business Connections luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Hills Church, 800 White Rock Road in El Dorado Hills. To register and for more details visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
Now
The Mom Walk Sip and Stroll meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Amphitheater at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. It’s a great way to get active with other local moms.
EDH Cars and Co ee 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. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”
The El Dorado County Certi ed Farmers Markets take place at Burke Junction in Cameron Park, Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and the EDH Community Services District in El Dorado Hills, Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a vibrant selection of locally raised meats, farm-fresh produce, fresh-baked goods and handcrafted items from talented local artisans. With delicious food vendors and a welcoming community atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to support local businesses and enjoy the best of what the foothill region has to o er.
the removal of dead or dying trees within 100 feet of structures. This is free for qualifying low-income households and is a 25% cost-share for all others, up to a maximum job cost of $4,000.
The Defensible Space Assistance Program that provides up to $1,500 of defensible space work provided by a licensed contractor to qualifying households for low-income, senior, disabled and/or veteran. Apply online at edc resafe.org/assistance-programs.
Continued from A2
The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market is back in action on Sundays in the amphitheater near Brickyard & South Fork. Stop by 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy local certi ed produce, fresh owers, wine, baked goods, micro greens, skin care, handmade goods, baskets, jewelry, face painting, henna art and more. Live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2680 in El Dorado County invites veterans of World
War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War as well as those seeing action in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war on terror plus those serving peacekeeping missions throughout the globe to become VFW members. Member bene ts are plenty and there is no fee for the rst year. For more information call (530) 499-2950. Send calendar items for publication in What’s Happening to editor@villagelife.com.
Photo by Nick Sharples
Engine 91 gets its ceremonial push into Station 91 in Latrobe. The new engine is well-equipped to handle many di erent types of emergency calls.
Photo courtesy of EDH Fire
The barbecue is suspected of starting a re that severely damaged a Serrano home.
MESSAGE FROM EID by Jim Abercrombie
Laws, challenges, legacy
As we continue to mark our centennial year, I’m reminded that longevity is never an accident; it’s built on a foundation of strong principles, thoughtful decisions and the ability to face challenges head-on.
For the El Dorado Irrigation District, our rst 100 years have been shaped not just by engineering and infrastructure, but by the legal and policy frameworks that guide our work and the resilience we’ve shown when tested.
Legal groundwork for service
In July, we highlight the legal and policy milestones that have allowed EID to serve communities for a century. At rst glance, laws and regulations may seem like dry technicalities; they are anything but. They de ne our authority to provide water and wastewater services, generate hydroelectric power, share recreational opportunities and protect the environment we all depend on.
In 1925, the California Legislature enacted the Irrigation District Law, which gave rural communities like ours the ability to form public agencies dedicated to water management. This allowed EID to take over the failing systems of the past and begin building a more reliable future.
Over time, additional legal milestones have expanded and re ned our mission. We obtained legal rights to some of the purest water in the Sierra. We adapted to new environmental laws, like the California Environmental Quality Act and the Clean Water Act, ensuring that our operations meet high standards for public health and ecological protection. And we worked within complex regulatory systems — local,
state and federal — to secure permits, funding and long-term stability for our services.
Policy isn’t just paperwork; it’s the rulebook we use to serve you. Every pipeline, every treatment plant and every gallon of water delivered is backed by legal structures that ensure fairness, safety and accountability.
Adversity as a catalyst for growth
But laws alone don’t guarantee success. Every organization faces moments of crisis — times when the unexpected forces us to adapt, innovate and grow stronger. In August, we re ect on the many challenges EID has faced over the decades and how those trials have forged the agency we are today.
The Caldor Fire of 2021 threatened our water sources, destroyed four raw water conveyance umes and tested our emergency response like never before. Yet through collaboration with local, state and federal emergency response partners and our dedicated sta , we were able to protect critical assets and keep water owing while expediting the replacement of destroyed infrastructure for the bene t of all our customers. The lessons learned from that re continue to inform our approach to wild re preparedness and system hardening. And today, we face new challenges, including the spread of invasive golden mussels that threaten California’s waterways and the critical infrastructure used for water storage, conveyance and treatment. In response, EID has taken proactive steps to protect our reservoirs, including implementing boat launching restrictions at Sly Park. These decisions are not always easy, but are necessary to safeguard resources we all rely on.
■ See ABERCROMBIE, page A5
GUEST COLUMN by Emily Kopania Funding cuts harm research
Idashed across the eld to the bowl of items, scrambling to nd the one that best described “seed.” A rock? No. A feather? De nitely not. An acorn? Yes, that’s it! I sprinted back to my cheering teammates. It was 2004 in Coloma and my teammates and I were a group of eager fourth-graders from Lake Forest Elementary School hoping to be the next Nature Bowl champions. We may have looked like a group of 10-year-olds running around in the woods, and we were, but we were also having a formative experience that would shape us into the next generation of science and conservation leaders.
I grew up in El Dorado Hills, where the local community fostered my love of biology through educational programs like Nature Bowl and the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. As I’ve continued my journey as a scientist and educator, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for how federally funded scienti c research plays a critical role in developing life-saving medical breakthroughs, improving crop growth for the agricultural industry in the Central Valley and preserving the rich natural resources that make Northern California special.
I am now a biology researcher at the University of Pittsburgh studying the evolution of eyes in sh, including rainbow and steelhead trout. Fish and many other animals have eyes that are similar to those of humans. Therefore, these animals serve as models of human eye diseases, and understanding genetic changes in animal eyes can help us identify genes contributing to blindness. Some of my colleagues have partnered with pediatric eye disease specialists to use information from our animal eye research to study rare eye diseases in children.
In addition to this biomedical application, steelhead and rainbow trout are important to the ecology of Northern California streams and to the economies of communities that rely on commercial and recreational shing. Studying the basic biology of these sh can inform their management and sustainability. This research, which has
broad bene ts for medicine and the local environment, is primarily funded by two federal agencies, the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health.
Unfortunately, this federally funded scienti c research is currently under threat. The White House’s proposed federal budget includes massive cuts to every major scienti c funding agency, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Even before the White House announced this proposed budget, the Trump administration started cutting funds for scienti c research that had already been appropriated by Congress. Many researchers have had their grants cancelled with no warning or justi cation.
Grants are not given lightly, with every application undergoing rigorous review from experts in the relevant eld. As a result, only about 20% of the applications reviewed for major grants actually receive funding.
Shutting down a well-vetted research project halfway through does not save money; it wastes the money that was already spent. This is like investing in a construction project, but cutting o the funding when the building is half built or investing in a new business but ending the investment before the business even has a chance to open. Cutting funding to scienti c research does not improve government e ciency.
In contrast, funding scienti c research provides an excellent return on investment that bene ts the United States economy. The National Institutes of Health has a 250% return on investment and the National Science Foundation is estimated to have a 150%-300% return on investment.
In addition to funding critical research, much of this federal funding is essential for educating the next generation of doctors, biotechnology innovators and medical researchers through training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Sudden cuts to federally funded training programs have disrupted these
Oak Ridge High School garden project takes root
Julie Samrick Village Life correspondent
On the rst day of summer, leaders at Oak Ridge High School rallied the community to break ground on a new school garden, saving thousands of dollars by having volunteers do the work.
Principal Aaron Palm sent an email to families on behalf of One Green Step, founded by 2025 Oak Ridge graduate Samantha Liu, and the Campus Improvement Team. “From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, we will be removing the grass where the garden will be. This will prep the garden for the next steps to put the decomposed granite and later fencing, all to be done this summer! With your help, we can save over $5,000, which will go back toward the garden.”
Liu founded the One Green Step environmental non-pro t and school club, dreaming of bringing it to fruition since she was a freshman. “This garden will be used by all the students,” she told Village Life at the groundbreaking. “It will eventually hold veggies, fruit trees, edible owers and herbs. Our vision is for it to serve as an outdoor lab for science students, a canvas for art students, for culinary classes to gather ingredients, for special education, the wellness center and more. It will also be open during Flex Time every day.”
“We want to make sure that every student has the ability to connect to a part of our school outside of just classes,” Palm shared with Village Life. “The garden is another way to connect students who want to work with nature and be outdoors. In the end it will be a beautiful space for all students to convene with nature.”
A resilient future
As we re ect on these themes — legal and policy milestones and overcoming adversity — I want to emphasize one unifying idea: resilience. Resilience in the face of legal complexity. Resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Resilience in the face of evolving challenges that require us to remain vigilant, adaptive and committed.
Our centennial year is not just about
important programs. This year, students applied to summer research programs, including some at nearby universities like UC Davis, that were cancelled at the last minute because of budget cuts. The National Science Foundation only awarded half its usual number of graduate student fellowships, which means fewer opportunities for students to receive valuable training and potential reductions to our future science and technology workforce.
Federal funding programs support science and technology education and job training for community college and state college students throughout Northern California. For example, the National Science Foundation is currently supporting a program to help transfer students from two-year colleges, like Folsom Lake College, succeed in science programs at California State University, Sacramento. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is funding a program at Sierra College to help local students enter the cybersecurity workforce. These programs rely on consistent federal funding, so if the current budget passes in Congress, many programs such as these will be cut or will not have a chance to renew their funding.
Cuts to federal science funding are already hurting students and it is only
On June 21 volunteers, including teens and parents from Boys Team Charity, Oak Ridge’s National Honor Society and members of the school’s One Green Step club prepped the 35-foot by 40-foot foot space between the high school’s D and E wings. “It will cost $40,000 to complete,” Liu continued. “We are saving at least $5,000, and as much as $8,000, by prepping the land today for decomposed granite to make it wheelchair accessible.”
While Liu is headed to University of California, Berkeley this fall, she will keep tabs on the garden’s progress, planning to see a greenhouse eventually go into the space as well. This is the third, and largest, area One Green Step has transformed at Oak Ridge, including the addition of a native plants section born from a “muddy and uninviting” former area, explained Samantha’s father, Allan Liu.
Gina Johnston, founder of Project Green, which helps area schools build and sustain school gardens, will serve as garden coordinator. She will also keep consistency by “providing mentorship, grant writing, counseling and behindthe-scenes guidance,” she explained, adding, “Samantha spear-headed the entire project. She’s worked on it for more than a year. She wanted a high school garden for the middle school students to bridge into since our feeder schools have school gardens.”
Liu has worked to bring One Green Step chapters to other area schools as well, providing them with handbooks and mentorship to get started. “It’s not just about gardening,” it says on the One Green Step website. “It’s about creating a platform for all students to learn, heal and grow.”
looking back; it’s about looking forward. The next 100 years will no doubt bring new hurdles, but I have full condence in EID’s ability to meet them with the same strength and resolve that has carried us this far.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, through law, through challenge and through resilience, we continue to serve — stronger than ever.
Jim Abercrombie is EID’s outgoing EID general manager.
a matter of time before we feel the impacts to our health and the environment. However, it is not too late to address this problem. Although Congress recently passed a reconciliation package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” lawmakers have yet to vote on the full budget for the upcoming scal year, which will determine the amount of funding given to federal agencies.
In 2017, President Trump’s budget proposed massive cuts to scienti c funding, but congress instead voted to increase or maintain funding levels for many science-related agencies. We can all protect medical and scienti c research by calling our senators and congressional representatives to share the impact of scienti c funding cuts in our community and urging them to increase funding for scienti c research. Now is the time to act to protect scienti c research that saves lives, sustains our natural resources and provides educational opportunities for our local students.
Emily Kopania is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Pittsburgh with a Ph.D. from the University of Montana. She grew up in El Dorado Hills and attended Oak Ridge High School. This opinion piece represents her personal views and does not necessarily re ect those of any institution.
Photo by Julie Samrick
ORHS grad Samantha Liu, holding wheelbarrow, and other volunteers prep the space for a new school garden on the El Dorado Hills campus.
V illage H OMES
Patricia Seide
CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617
patricia.seide@ cbnorcal.com
4542 Echo Springs Circle, El Dorado Hills
4,232 square feet
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
0.3848-acre property
$1,899,000 MLS #225043876
EDH home o ers privacy, convenience
Tucked behind the gates of Serrano on a level, oversized lot with sweeping views of the 5th fairway, this custom El Dorado Hills home blends timeless cra smanship with an unbeatable setting.
Backing to mature oaks and a seasonal creek, privacy meets elegance in a oor plan featuring a main-level primary suite, guest suite with private entry and a stunning o ce with box beam ceilings.
Step inside the tiled entryway and enjoy the natural light bathing the living room and formal dining space.
During the colder months, a ickering replace warms the room, which also has backyard access.
Through a wide doorway is the caterer’s kitchen with prep space, a sink and dishwasher. This ows into the main kitchen — one that will impress the resident chefs with its rich cherry cabinetry, granite slab counters, under-cabinet lighting and a professional-grade DCS six-burner range with griddle. Other kitchen features include a sweeping island with a sink, built-in dishwasher and bar seating.
The kitchen seamlessly transitions into the family room, with a built-in entertainment center, replace and outdoor access.
The main oor primary suite has lush carpet, a replace and built-in cabinetry. The suite’s bathroom includes dual sinks, a relaxing tub, separate shower and access to the walk-in closet.
Upstairs o ers two additional bedrooms, a large ex room and a lo deck perfect for soaking in golf course sunsets.
Enjoy custom shutters and crown moulding in many of the home’s spacious rooms.
Other features include a separate laundry room with storage and a sink as well as an epoxy- nished four-car garage. The expansive lot o ers ample space for a future pool or outdoor living expansion. Step outside to a tranquil slate patio framed by nature.
Serrano is one of El Dorado Hills’ most prestigious luxury neighborhoods with an award-winning golf course, country club, trails, private security and immaculate landscaping. The gated community is close to shopping, restaurants, great schools and Highway 50.
Interested in a private tour of this Echo Springs Circle property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com.
Hands4Hope youth filling more backpacks
News release
or the 12th year in a row, nonprofit organization
FHands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is collecting backpacks and essential school supplies to help local students in need to start the year off on the right foot. The community can contribute by dropping off supply donations at locations throughout the region, coming by the Stuff the Bus event happening on July 18 at the El Dorado Hills Town Center Target parking lot, shopping the Hands4Hope Amazon wishlist or contributing financially. This effort is organized and led by Hands4Hope youth participants.
The school supplies collected during this drive are essential to offset costs for local families who are financially struggling. More than 700 students in need from grades TK through 12th are expected to “shop” for free during the distribution event in early August. Donations needed include new backpacks of all sizes, especially backpacks for middle and high school students; plus items to go in the backpacks, such as paper, composition books, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, crayons, markers, rulers, scientific calculators, ring binders, sharpies, highlighters, scissors, dry erase markers, pocket folders and packs of 3x5 notecards.
“From counting thousands of pencils and erasers to standing under the sun collecting donations, being part of School Supply Drive in past years — and
Hands4Hope Youth volunteers earn recognition
News release
Hands4Hope –Youth Making A Difference has earned a local reputation as a meaningful way for youth to earn service hours while developing their collaborative and leadership skills. At the 14th annual Hands4Hope Youth Recognition event, held in late June, the organization announced that the 2024-25 program year had been a record-setting success.
Through the Hands4Hope Education and Community Engagement Programs, Hands4Hope youth participants logged a total of 14,841 hours served. These hours resulted in positive change for a
n See AWARDS, page B4
Courtesy photo
Hands4Hope youth volunteers are all smiles after receiving their awards.
State Parks Library Pass offers adventure for
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
Feel lie taking a trip?
Have a library card?
The El Dorado County Library can help via the California State Library Parks Pass.
Introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom in 2021, the program is part of California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All initiative, which works to support access to parks in underserved communities. Through this initiative, 5,000 state park passes became available to library card holders for more than 200 participating state parks.
The initiative also includes the California State Adventures pass, which provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 select state parks throughout the state and the Golden Bear Pass which provides free vehicle day-use access to many parks for CalWORKs recipients, SSI recipients, Tribal TANF recipients and individuals 62 years or older whose income fall under a certain threshold.
Since the beginning of the California State Library Parks Pass program, 33,000 passes have been distributed to more than 1,100 public libraries throughout the state. In 2023, the California State Parks Foundation published data pertaining to the program: 63% surveyed cited cost as the primary barrier to visiting, 90% said they now plan to visit parks more than seven times a year, nearly 70% reported household incomes below $60,000 and more than 63% identi ed as Black, Indigenous or people of color.
These statistics helped save the program that has bene ted thousands.
In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget included $6.75 million to continue the California State Library Parks Pass; however, months later, the Legislature stripped that funding in its joint budget plan. In response, the nonpro t California State Parks Foundation launched a public petition and reached out to key legislative o ces with documented evidence of the program’s success. Funding was
restored in the nal budget package signed June 27 and the program is extended through Dec. 31, 2026.
El Dorado County Director of Library Services Bryce Lovell said the park pass “is very popular,” adding, “We make it easy for people.” He said he is
pleased to have more passes for patrons; there are now 500 passes available at El Dorado County libraries. Library card holders can go online or walk in to see if a pass is avail-
able at their local branch. They can place a hold on either a pass or a backpack. The backpack contains a pass, binoculars, California Trees and Wild owers Guide, California Wildlife
Guide, Gold Country and Lake Tahoe trail guides, trekking poles and carabiner compasspocket microscope-mini ashlight combo. The check out period is three weeks, the same as for other library materials. The pass can also be renewed for an additional three weeks if there are no holds. Failure to return the pass on time suspends the patron’s library account until the pass is returned. Placerville branch Library Circulation Supervisor Krystal Owens said some patrons found out about the program even before library sta became aware of it and were “super excited.” She said one patron said they appreciated the book selection in the backpack. There are 20 backpacks available for checkout at the Placerville branch and Owens said if a pass was not available at one branch, a patron could put a hold on one at another branch and it would be sent to the patron’s home library.
Traci Rockefeller Cusack
SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento History Museum located at the Old Sacramento Waterfront is excited to debut Sacramento in a Can — Featuring the Campbell’s Sacramento Story. Chronicling the fascinating history of the canning industry in the Capital City, the all-new exhibition will take place on two oors in the museum and will remain on display through Sept. 1. On the rst oor of the museum, the history of the Campbell’s Sacramento Plant and its impact on the South Sacramento community will be showcased with images, artifacts and more. Upstairs, on the third oor, guests will learn more about Sacramento’s cannery industry that le behind a cultural legacy of union struggles, family traditions and the indelible scent of syrup and steam. Sacramento was a powerhouse of California’s canning industry for over a century.
“Major companies such as Libby, McNeill & Libby; Bercut Richards; California Packing Corporation (later Del Monte) along with the California Almond Growers Exchange operated alongside smaller, family run out ts,” said author and local historian Maryellen Burns. “These plants pulsed with seasonal activity, employing thousands,
especially women and children from immigrant, Indigenous and working-class communities.”
The limited time Sacramento In a Can exhibit is perfect for visitors interested in learning how Sacramento became the Tomato Soup Capital of the world.
“As Northern California’s rail and river transportation hub, and the region’s largest population center, Sacramento’s canning industry processed just about anything edible that could be put in a can,” said historian William Burg. “Our canneries, including some of the largest in the nation, turned our region’s agricultural bounty into goods that could be shipped around the world, and provided employment for thousands of Sacramentans, principally women of color. While most of our canneries are now gone, or converted to other uses, many Sacramentans still remember the days when workers rushed to process the region’s bounty of vegetables during harvest season, and large parts of the city smelled like tomato soup.”
For more information about the exhibit and museum visit SacHistoryMuseum.org.
leading it this year — has been such a joy,” said Mia George, a 2025 Folsom High School graduate and School Supply Drive project manager and college intern for the youth-led committee. “The dedication of all the youth involved is truly inspiring and I’m grateful to contribute to something so meaningful for our community.”
School supply donations are being collected through Thursday, July 17, and may be dropped in Hands4Hope collection barrels located at more than 20 locations, including Big Apple Bagel in El Dorado Hills, El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, three Snap Fitness locations in El Dorado Hills, Placerville and Shingle Springs, El Dorado County libraries in El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park, Face in A Book, Faith Episcopal Church and Cappelli Wine. Additional donation drop-o locations, along with a list of items needed, can be found on the Hands4Hope website at Hands4HopeYouth.org/schoolsupplydrive.
Donations can also be brought to the exciting Stu the Bus event on Friday, July 18, at El Dorado Hills Town Center, near Target, where a big yellow school bus from El Dorado County O ce of Education will stand at the
record 12,700 people and animals in need.
“As someone who started in this organization as a shy middle schooler, Hands4Hope has given me countless opportunities to grow, and it has really changed my life,” said Lily Hinkle, incoming senior at Ponderosa High School and the Hands4Hope Youth Board president. “Each new experience and opportunity I have had has given me new skills I will take with me throughout my life, like how to be a better communicator and manage time e ectively. Everyone I have met through Hands4Hope pushes me to be the best version of myself and I can happily say I have formed friendships and relationships that will last me for years to come.”
Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence operates as a certi ed organization to qualify youth to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national program led by AmeriCorps to rec-
ready to receive and transport donations. The Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence School Supply Drive Committee is youth-led with the help of adult mentors. The committee’s goal is to ensure that all students have what they need to be successful in the 202526 school year. The committee develops advertising, markets for and hosts the School Supply Drive. Committee participants collect and distribute all donated supplies in partnership with Placerville Union School District and El Dorado County O ce of Education. Additional youth and adult volunteers are invited to join this e ort by participating in the Stu the Bus event, in various donation sorting and preparation events and in the distribution event.
Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence is a youth-driven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. The nonpro t o ers hands-on education and community engagement opportunities to youth from kindergarten through 12th grades through on-campus and a er-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call (916) 294-7426.
ognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. Youth participants qualify for the award by achieving the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period. Although this program was put on pause by AmeriCorps as of May 27, 2025, Hands4Hope still celebrated the 50 youth who quali ed for this prestigious award. For the rst time since Hands4Hope was founded in 2008, every on-campus high school Hands4Hope Club leadership team qualied for a group-level President’s Volunteer Service Award. These are awarded to groups who attain a certain number of hours together.
The leadership teams and the awards recognized were: Union Mine High School Hands4Hope Club — Bronze Award (340 hours), Ponderosa High School Hands4Hope Club — Silver Award (528 hours), El Dorado High School Hands4Hope Club — Silver Award (572 hours), Folsom High School Hands4Hope Club — Silver Award (589 hours), Vista Del Lago High School
Hands4Hope Club — Silver Award (658 hours), Oak Ridge High School Hands4Hope Empower Club — Silver Award (736 hours) and the Oak Ridge High School Hands4Hope Inspire Club — Gold Award (1,036 hours). The Hands4Hope Youth Board Executive Committee also quali ed for a Gold Award with 1,499 hours served.
“One of the best parts about Hands4Hope is building relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds in our community,” said Jillian Mao, 2025-26 Hands4Hope Youth Board vice president and an incoming senior at Oak Ridge High School, in her address to the audience at the recognition event. “I truly feel that these experiences have allowed me to grow as a person and helped me nd my place in the world.”
The recognition event was hosted by the Placerville Gathering Place, with balloon and centerpiece decorations generously donated by Foothill Events.
To learn more about Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Di erence’s programs and events visit hands4hopeyouth.org.
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Campbell’s soup was among the many products canned in Sacramento and is part of the Sacramento History Museum show.
BIG Autumn Auction fundraises for local youth programs
Dina Gentry
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra announces that registration is now open for the 21st annual BIG Autumn Auction, set to take place on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Folsom Community Center.
This signature fundraising event brings together community members and business leaders for an inspiring evening of generosity, entertainment and purpose — all in support of youth mentorship programs across El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada counties.
Tickets include a catered meal by renowned chef Diane Wilkinson, access to a robust silent and live auction and the opportunity to invest in local mentoring programs — helping local children reach their full potential through one-to-one mentoring relationships.
“At a time when giving is a fraction of what it has been in previous years and kids are growing up with less connection, this event ensures we can continue matching youth with caring adult mentors who make a lasting difference,” said Florence Parks, BBBSNS CEO.
How you can help
• Sponsor the event and gain valuable exposure while supporting local youth.
• Attend the event by purchasing tickets online by Friday, Aug. 5.
• Donate auction items such as gift baskets, getaways, services, or unique experiences to help us raise
Luau fundraiser to benefit CASA El Dorado
On behalf of The Aloha Initiative and CASA El Dorado, the community is invited to Hula for Hope: a luau-themed fundraiser, 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, at The Boardwalk in Orangevale.
This festive and community-driven evening will feature authentic Hawaiian food, cocktails, live hula performances and an interactive hula lesson, plus raffles, entertainment and a meaningful program — all in support of children and youth in El Dorado County’s foster care and juvenile justice systems. Tickets are available for purchase at rocktheboardwalk.com/ events.
The event will raise vital funds for CASA El Dorado (Court Appointed Special Advocates), whose trained volunteers advocate for the well-being and safety of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. In 2024, CASA volunteers contributed more than 5,000 hours to support 195 children across El Dorado County.
The Aloha Initiative, the philanthropic arm of The Boardwalk, creates impactful events that strengthen the community and provide resources for at-risk families, veterans and pets throughout the region. This luau reflects its ongoing mission to uplift vulnerable populations through action and engagement.
Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate by sponsoring the event:
• Presenting/Stage sponsor
• Food sponsor
• Lei sponsor
• Entertainment sponsor
•Program sponsor
Sponsorships include recognition throughout the event, in marketing materials and in the program, offering visibility and alignment with a cause that deeply impacts the local community.
All proceeds, after covering event costs, will directly benefit CASA El Dorado and support their mission to expand advocacy services for youth in need. For sponsorship details or more information about the event contact Natalie Moore at natalie@casaeldorado.org.
About CASA of El Dorado County
Established in 1992, Child Advocates of El Dorado County celebrates over 30 years of service advocating for and empowering the abused, neglected, and at-risk youth in our community by providing court appointed volunteers who speak up for the needs of children and make a positive impact in their lives. The heart of our program is the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a specially trained and supervised community volunteer, appointed by a Juvenile Court judge. CASA advocates make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children by researching and monitoring cases involving children in foster care. Find out more about the CASA program at CASAElDorado.org.
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BIG Autumn Auction brings together community members and business leaders for an inspiring evening of generosity, entertainment and
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El Dorado Hills artist Laura Harling’s latest sculpture, titled “The Legacy,” has been selected for exhibition at the California State Fair where it has won an Award of Merit. Harling describes the piece as, “Joe Biden displays his legacy while Palestinian children beg for food.” The California State Fair runs through July 27 at Cal Expo. For more information about Harling’s work visit lauraharling.com.
