DAZZLING DISPLAY
MAX BENSON DEATH
Sentencing delayed for defendants
Odin Rasco
Village Life correspondent
Three employees of the now-closed Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills who recently entered no contest pleas to charges related to the death of Max Benson, a 13-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, were not sentenced as expected on Monday, June 16, following a decision by Judge Mark Ralphs to postpone the hearing in light of concerns raised with the plea deals proffered by the El Dorado County District
■ See DELAY, page A7
■ Tireless Trojans atheltics leader and supporter will stay on as assistant girls basketball coach
Thomas Frey
Village Life correspondent
Since 1994 Steve White has been an encouraging presence who led Oak Ridge through exponential growth as athletic director, head girl’s basketball coach and math teacher.
Now, the leader is stepping down from those three positions and will remain on the El Dorado Hills campus as an assistant girl’s basketball coach. Former head football coach and current ag football head coach Eric Cavaliere will take over as athletic director.
“I’ve got big shoes to ll,” Cavaliere said. “He just set an incredible example for me on how to lead a program like this.” White became the head girls varsity basketball coach in 1995 and won 704 games, four section titles and one state championship in his tenure.
“I like trying to instill life lessons through sports,” White said. “When you get out into the real world and have jobs, the hard work, determination, time management, communication, getting along with people in the workplace, all those kind of things, sports just provides that kind of avenue to give you a lot of those experiences that you don’t get if you don’t participate in athletics.”
■ See STEVE WHITE, page A7
Thomas Frey
ORHS head coach Steve White, right, hugs senior Teagan Brown as other girls celebrate their Division 1 Sac-Joaquin Section championship victory at Golden 1 Center in February 2022.
Photo by Laurie Edwards
Fireworks create a dazzling re ection in the still waters at Cameron Park Lake during the Summer Spectacular nale on Saturday, June 28. Families, friends and visitors gathered for the annual patriotic event that also included a kids’ carnival, food trucks and live music. See more photos on page A9
STARANNE MEYERS
CINDY KELLER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
July 3
El Dorado Hills Town Center presents Fireworks and Freedom Concert. This family-friendly event promises fun for all ages. Big Crush will perform at the Live on the Boulevard Summer Concert Series in the amphitheater from 7-9 p.m. Followed by the area’s best display of pyrotechnics — a show that will light up the night sky. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
July 4
The El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host the annual 4th of July Family Blast beginning at 3 p.m. with live music at 6 p.m. and reworks around 9:30 p.m. 100 Placerville Drive.
July 5
El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Willy Wonka” July 5-13 at Harris Center Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 6086888.
Sacramento Shakespeare Festival presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” July 5-27. For tickets and more information visit sacramentoshakespeare.net.
July 8
Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile bus will be parked near the baseball elds at Community Park, 1021 Harvard Way. 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.
July 9
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.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce will host Business Connections Mixer at Lindora at EDH Town Center from 5:307:30 p.m. For more information visit eldoradohillschamber. org.
July 10
One of These Nights – Songs of The Eagles 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.
Broadway At Music Circus presents “West Side Story” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento, July 10-17. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
July 12
Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers combine their knowledge for the All About Berries class, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Master Gardeners will discuss how to grow and care for common berry plants with an introduction to less known varieties including goumi, goji, Nanking cherry, jostaberry, currants, lingonberry, honey berry and mulberries. Then Master Food Preservers will show students how to preserve berries in fun and creative ways. For more information visit ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-el-dorado-county.
July 13
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host Fitness in the Park at 9 a.m. at Blackstone Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
July 15
Join the El Dorado Community Foundation for its Amplify ■ See HAPPENINGS page A5
Empty building destroyed by flames
Village Life sta
An abandoned apartment complex in Cameron Park went up in ames June 24. At 1:27 p.m. that Tuesday Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit responded to calls of a building re on Dunbar Road at Starbuck Road and found the multifamily dwelling ablaze. Cameron Park Fire Chief Dusty Martin noted the the complex had been vacant for a number of years.
Crews immediately went to work to stop the ames from spreading too far into nearby dry grass and
neighboring homes. A tanker plane was called in but did not drop re retardant on the building. About 20 minutes a er crews arrived all forward progress had been stopped and the focus shi ed to dousing the structure to make sure the re was completely extinguished. No injuries were reported and the cause of the re has not been released.
Responding agencies included Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit, Cameron Park Fire, El Dorado County Fire, El Dorado Hills Fire and Growlersburg hand crews.
Cameron Park CSD adopts budget with many goals in mind
“Spoiler alert: We have a balanced budget.”
manager Maurice Johnson delivered those words at the June 10 budget workshop and, a er a few tweaks,
the CPCSD Board of Directors adopted the $7.3 million operating budget the following week.
The 2025-26 budget focuses on transparency, sustainability and alignment with goals and priorities, Johnson told the board. It was adopted 4-1 on June 18 with Director Tim Israel voting no as
he expressed dissatisfaction with how the district was handling its deferred maintenance while also adding a new position.
Johnson noted district sta is chipping away at its deferred maintenance, not ignoring it, with some projects scheduled in the 202526 year. Those include pool repairs — pump
replacement, new tile and plaster — for which the district is exploring funding options.
Other operational highlights noted in the adopted budget are:
• Comprehensive review of cost recovery goals and methodology.
• Explore the implementation of a volunteer program in the community and use it in creative ways to support areas that may struggle nancially, such as underfunded LLADs.
additional land within the CSD’s sphere of in uence. Regarding the annexation of property, Johnson noted some areas just outside of the CSD’s boundary have seen signi cant growth. District o cials have met with El Dorado LAFCO sta to determine the next steps, he shared, as the CSD is providing those residents with services but not seeing any additional revenue.
recently revised Weed and Rubbish Abatement Ordinance.
“We’ve heard from the public loud and clear that this is important,” the GM stressed, adding that sta is exploring ways to mitigate some of the expense.
• Create a comprehensive programming plan for Cameron Park Lake.
• Begin the update process for the CPCSD Strategic Plan, nexus and reserve studies.
• Continued exploration of annexation of
The wild re mitigation coordinator position, an anticipated $64,000 expense, garnered some conversation. Johnson told the board this person would support the district’s wild re prevention e orts and ensure compliance with the
Director Katie Gilchrest called the wild re mitigation coordinator position a “must-have.” She and Directors Sidney Bazett, Monique Scobey and Dawn Wolfson agreed to keep it in the preliminary budget.
One concern expressed by Scobey is that the budget has no additional funding set aside for reserves — the general fund’s revenues exactly match its expenditures. Johnson promised sta continues to look for more revenue streams and e ciencies and hopes to bring back more details when the board adopts its nal budget.
“Even though the district is nancially stable, sta are mindful of the adjustments that may need to take place as the economy may react to the rise in in ation,” he notes in his budget letter to the board. “The district is future thinking and seeking opportunities and partnerships that lay the foundation for funding opportunities.”
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department and Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills celebrated Richie Edelman as Fire ghter of the Year at the June 18 meeting. “Rich is a rock for our department,” said EDH Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal, noting Edelman mentors new re ghters and took on the public relations role for the department. Edelman joined EDH Fire seven
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
Park on June 24. Quick action prevented the re from spreading to nearby homes.
Klotz dives into his
photo
Cameron Park resident Matt Klotz, seen here while swimming for Louisiana State University, hopes
next competes in the 2025
Courtesy photo
Ingargiola, Giuliana Martino, Megan Tiedeman, Lauren Tiedeman, Elise Sale, Demarco Patterson, Suhnny Bernardi, Chase Fontana and Cole Esten raced well at last month’s Nike
Nationals in Oregon.
Teen to turns tragedy into action and encouragement
Julie Samrick Village Life correspondent
Just days before starting eighth grade in 2023, Anaya Shah’s classmate died by suicide.
“It was really hard for me, so I knew it must be hard on the hundreds of other kids who also went to our school,” Anaya, now 15 and a sophomore at Oak Ridge High School, explained during a recent interview with Village Life. “I wanted to be sure it didn’t happen again.”
Within weeks, Anaya approached Marina Village Middle School Principal Levi Cambridge about hosting a school wellness fair. The event is now held annually on the minimum day when students recess for winter break. Teachers host activities to bolster mental health, from breathing exercises and board games to art, during their respective class periods.
A er the rst wellness fair, Anaya aimed to spread greater awareness beyond her own school, starting Wellness4Teens, a nonpro t focused on improving the mental health of middle schoolers. “I have been working with local schools and district o ces to start up student-led W4T clubs with the objective of hosting one wellness focused event per year,” Anaya continued. “Wellness events could be a full day, such as wellness fairs, but they might also look like a booth during
lunch where breathing exercises are modeled and stress balls are passed out.”
A er getting feedback, Anaya wanted to see students more
involved in the process, not just teachers, so Anaya and the rest of the nonpro t’s youth board work to help club chapters get started.
“A er working with students and sta to develop Anaya’s vision, we have had two amazing (annual) days dedicated to wellness instruction. The
response from sta and students has been very positive and we are excited to continue our commitment to supporting students,” Cambridge told Village Life. “Anaya continues to work with Marina Village to provide wellness support for students, bringing a greater awareness to student needs. We are grateful for her vision and e orts.”
Though she’s moved on to high school, Anaya said she thinks middle school is a “crucial time when students mostly absorb information” when it comes to mental health and awareness.
Marina Village Middle School now has a Wellness4Teens club and Anaya said it’s “a mission” to get 20 club chapters started by 2027, with each hosting one wellness event a year. Most recently Wellness4Teens co-hosted a booth at the El Dorado County Fair with the National Charity League to spread their message. The nonpro t currently has Wellness Kits for any school that wants to get started.
Anaya said she’ll measure success based on student feedback and would like to get data from the Healthy Kids Surveys California public school students are o ered annually. “I mainly want to see if wellness routines would have an impact,” she continued. “Seeing that change would be a really good thing.” For more information visit wellness4teens.org.
State of education — County schools rate high but enrollment remains flat
and 34.9% in 2022-23.
In the 2023-24 year in mathematics the percentages exceeding the standard varied from about 65% to 25%.
Buckeye Union School District exceeded standards by 65.19% in 2023-24, whereas Buckeye exceeded by 63.64% in 2022-23. In 2022-23, Latrobe had exceeded standards by 70.64%, but that number dropped in 2023-24, with the school exceeding by 58.73%. The lowest percentage exceeded in Mathematics was Gold Oak Union Elementary School District, which exceeded standards by 24.73% in 2024-25, down from 25.81% in
In both categories, some of the schools’ percentages rose from the previous year, and others’ percentages dropped.
“We own the accountability for every classroom and school district,” Manansala said. “And, when I say we own that, we collectively are looking at how we improve our practices, anywhere from keeping the standards high, the expectations high.”
Dropout rates were also better than state averages, with just 3% students who dropped out of El Dorado County Schools this past year compared to the state’s 8.9%. In the two previous years, the county’s dropout rates were 3.8% in 2022-23 and 2.9% in 2021-22, compared to the state which was at 8.2% and 7.8%, respectively.
Of this year’s dropout rate, Manansala said, “Once again, that’s 3%
He pointed out that there are approximately 709 homeless students in El Dorado County, a decrease from 2022-23 when there were about 757 and in 2021-22 there
With homeless kids, he said the district tries to address basic needs and coordinate support
“As a county o ce, that is a population that we are zeroing into,” he said. “The educational fabric becomes an important layer of support for those students and families.”
Manansala identi ed ve areas of challenge impacting education today, which include advanced technology, student well being, learning outcomes, scal resilience and school safety. Advanced technology includes rapid evolution
of AI and digital tools, teaching e ective and ethical use in classrooms and a need for local adaptation and strategic integration.
“We are leaning into this space,” he said. “In such a way that we can accelerate learning, but not compromise critical thinking and/or analysis,” he added.
He said at a workshop held at El Dorado Union High School District, “We sampled a signicant number of students. They are engaged in these tools whether we are explicitly teaching them or not.”
Manansala quoted a Georgetown graduate in her rst year of college who said, “Students who were taught how to utilize AI tools for learning were well ahead of those who were not.”
On the other hand, students said AI would never replace their teacher who “motivates us, cares for us, understands us.”
To ensure students don’t get le behind technologically, the district is partnering with the National Center on Education and the Economy.
With regard to well being, he said teachers and administrators watch for signs of depression and anxiety. Challenges identi ed are: learning recovery post-pandemic, declining math prociency and increased mental health needs among students.
“I will acknowledge that our students sometimes are the best strategies in supporting other students,” Manansala said, adding that in 2020 there were 25 students looking at developing skills, supports and strategies to support other students. This peer advocacy program has grown to include 243 peer advocates now.
“The board has been very much supporting this youth commission,” he said.
Learning outcomes speaks to how students are performing. Manansala said collaborative environments among educators are important. Educators have the privilege to visit other classrooms and schools that are high achievers and take back what they learned.
“We are starting to see gains in mathematics and are being highlighted, not only locally, but statewide,” he said.
Fiscal resilience refers to a conservative budget,
with challenges identi ed as: reduced enrollment impacts funding; the need to o er attractive, high-quality programs; focusing on maintaining strong student outcomes. In response, high-impact programs are designed, such as medical assisting certi cation with Marshall Medical, a teacher residency program, and Mountainside Middle College o ers a dual enrollment high school where you can achieve an AA degree. Expanded Career and Technical Education Pathways are o ered in: agriculture, media, construction, education, engineering, fashion, health, hospitality, information and communication technologies, manufacturing, public services and transportation.
“I think that the idea (is) ensuring that our students are not only ready for secondary education, but are ready for the career technical education elds,” Manansala said, adding the O ce of Education is able to a ord to o er CTE pathways because of a teacher residency program, a one-year program in which teachers train under experienced teachers.
EDCOE also administers statewide projects, Manansala said. Some of the programs they work with include ASPIRE (preschool), Special Education Local Plan Area, System Improvement Leads, and El Dorado Chapter SELPA, which supports more than 400 charter schools with special education needs.
“We are providing support statewide and that could be anywhere in the areas of innovation, preparing early childhood development supports, right down to improving systems,” he shared. “We are working alongside some of the most challenging districts and districts who are needing just additional support,” he added. Also, school safety has become a priority with all the school shootings taking place globally.
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero asked if all schools allow law enforcement on campus. Manansala said a law enforcement memorandum of understanding exists in the county. It’s a collaborative e ort where many agencies come together to discuss everything from communica-
Courtesy photo
W4T members Jack Clarke, Anaya Shah (founder) and Lana Flaherty work with other members to spread the word about their nonpro t. Here they are at the Marina Village Middle School open house in May.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
You have an estate plan — whether you know it or not
hink estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly? Think again. If you own anything — a home, a car, a savings account, even a pet — you already have an estate plan. The only question is: Did you create it or will your state do it for you?
Suzy O’Neal Financial columnist
When someone passes away without an estate plan, state laws take over, deciding who gets what and when. This legal process may not re ect your wishes. That’s why taking control of your assets through a personal estate plan should be a top priority. At its core, estate planning is about clarifying your wishes and making things easier for your heirs. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your preferences, designates who will make decisions on your behalf if you can’t and provides guidance for
Happenings
Good; Brown Bag Lunch and Learn event from noon to 1 p.m. at the EDCF conference room in Placerville. For more information visit eldoradocf.org.
The Cameron Park Community Services District will host Cannonball Cinemas featuring “Moana 2” at the Cameron Park CSD pool, 7-10 p.m. For more details visit cameronpark.org.
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.
Now
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “For the Love of Dog” through July 6. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
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 Farmer’s Markets take place at Burke’s Junction in Cameron Park,
tion to presence to emerging trends.
School sta are trained on how to identify and report concerns to avoid catastrophes. If additional support is needed, there is a county-wide team that includes law enforcement.
“So that’s a simple way of saying, yes, they’re more than welcome on the campus, and then some,” Manansala said.
Moving forward, Manansala said they’re looking at what students need “not only now, but for the future.”
“So, the world is changing, we’re feeling it and we’re seeing it, and that’s a lens in which we’re looking, not only now, but beyond.”
District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp asked about a slide that had shown declining enrollment demographic projections.
Although enrollment rose at some schools, notably, El Dorado Union High School enrollment had declined from 6,716 students in 2022-23 to 6,439 this past year. In the same years, for example, Gold Oak Union went from 466 to 388 students, Gold Trail Union went from 520 to 476 students and Lake Tahoe Uni ed from 3,648 to 3,528.
“What is happening is there is no one system with the exception of the high school district that is dealing with a sharp decrease in enrollment,” Manansala explained.
“The projections just don’t look good,” Veerkamp said. “They continue to at least be at or maybe even decline for most schools.”
He asked that educators bring ideas for how to increase enrollment to the board.
“Obviously the charter schools are blossoming because parents have different options,” Veerkamp added. “It’s some of our state ed code requirements that our public schools have to go through and maybe a charter or a private school does not. And parents are sick of it and opting out.”
Earlier, Manansala explained the county is a critical partner. He said he would give board members a “real-time pulse” of what’s happening in education in the county.
“Declining enrollment has to do, once again, turning back time, with COVID,” El Dorado Hills resident Kelley Nalewaja maintained, explaining a lot of parents realized their children, especially at the high school level, are capable of learning at home. “When they do that, they’re having time to address their activities, a job; their anxiety is less.”
In his introduction, Manansala said in addition to local high and middle school graduation celebrations, he had attended pre-kindergarten graduations this spring.
“It was great to be with the Class of 2038,” Manansala said. “Our transi-
your care in a medical crisis. Most plans include four key components:
1. A will — This document outlines how your assets should be distributed a er your death and names an executor to oversee the process in probate court. It can also designate guardians for minor children. Keep in mind that a will doesn’t cover everything; certain transfer on death accounts and jointly held property may bypass your will entirely.
2. Power of Attorney — If you become incapacitated, you’ll want someone you trust to be able to make decisions on your behalf. A durable power of attorney designates such a person, helping to ensure your bills are paid, your business continues (if you have one) and your wishes are honored.
3. Healthcare directive — Sometimes called a living will, this document spells out your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to speak for yourself. It can also designate someone to make healthcare decisions for you.
4. Bene ciary designations — Accounts like 401(k) s, IRAs and life insurance policies transfer directly to the people you name, regardless of what your will says. It’s essential to review these bene ciary designations regularly, especially a er signi cant life events such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or the
Continued from A2
Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon and at 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 region has to o er.
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.
The El Dorado Hills Arts & Entertainment Foundation hosts a dynamic display of automotive art and craftsmanship at the Pinstripes and Pistons exhibit now open at Atrium Gallery EDH in El Dorado Hills Town Center. The exhibit showcases the work of ve incredible artists — Brent Patten, Raphael Delgado, Bruce Gosset, Jon Gilbreath and Cameron Bartlett. From sleek automotive pinstriping to vibrant mixed media pieces, this collection celebrates the intersection of art and engineering. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events/theatrium-gallery-edh.
tional kindergarteners going into kindergarten, it’s amazing to be with those parents as they think about the next 13 years.”
The county has a total population of 188,656 with 35,460 children younger than age 18. The median age is 46.9. In the county 94.18% have a high school diploma or higher, 48.26% have an associate’s degree or higher and 38.11% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income is $112,803 yet 4.98% of families and 2.44% of children are living in poverty, with 3.81% unemployed.
“Of course we’re always paying particular attention to our students who are in poverty because we feel the educational landscape really is the game changer, right?” Manasala asked the board.
In the county’s public schools there are 32,270 students enrolled. That number has increased since the 2022-23 school year when 31,268 were enrolled, and in 2023-24 there were 31,895.
He said there has also been a growth in charter schools. He noted some of the charter schools in the county, including: American River Charter, Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion Charter, California Montessori ProjectShingle Springs Campus, Charter Montessori Valley View Campus, Clarksville Charter, Cottonwood, Rising Sun Montessori School, Paci c Crest Academy, Charter Home Study Academy, John Adams Academy – El Dorado Hills, Mountainside Middle College High and Rite of Passage.
Of 15 school districts with 67 schools and a total of 32,270 students, the 12 TK-eight grade districts have 18,660 students enrolled.
“There are 12 TK, Transitional Kindergarten, the year before kindergarten through 8th grade districts that feed into El Dorado Union High School District,” he continued — Buckeye Union, Camino Union, Gold Oak Union, Gold Trail Union, Indian Diggings, Latrobe, Mother Lode Union, Pioneer, Placerville Union, Pollock Pines, Rescue Union and Silver Fork.
Two uni ed districts include Black Oak Mine Uni ed with 1,238 students and Lake Tahoe Uni ed with 3,528 students, El Dorado Union High School District has 6,439 students and EDCOE Student Programs serves 2,405.
He said district superintendents meet monthly and attend retreats in the fall and spring.
“So, when we look across the state, when we compare the leaders in our county, I would say there is a high level of collaboration and trust and focus together,” he said.
The board received and led the presentation. All ve board members were present.
birth of a child. One common myth is that a will is all you need. But wills only take e ect a er death; they don’t help if you’re alive but unable to make decisions. Another misconception is that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In truth, planning is about more than money; it’s about making things easier for the people you love during di cult times.
An e ective estate plan can prevent costly legal battles, reduce confusion and give your loved ones a clear roadmap to follow. It also allows you to leave a legacy that re ects your values and priorities.
As your life changes, your estate plan should change along with it. Review your documents every few years or a er major life events. It’s o en a good idea to seek help with such reviews. Your nancial advisor or attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring your plan ts your unique circumstances.
In the end, estate planning isn’t just about planning for what happens when you are gone. It’s about feeling con dent, knowing that what matters most — your family, your purpose, your legacy — is protected.
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was
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Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 6765402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.
PR). Jennings competed with the 16-year-olds. He placed 2nd in the shot put (39-01.25, PR), 4th in the discus (101 feet, 4 inches) and 4th in the hammer throw (79 feet, 5 inches). Both qualified to compete at the USATF Junior Olympics Championships in Savannah, Ga., July 21-25. ORHS had 10 track athletes compete at the Nike Outdoor Nationals June 19-22 at University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene.
Klotz
ORHS results
Suhnny Bernardi — 100m freshman boys race, 18th, 11.49
Ben Gutierrez — 1 mile freshman boys race, 43rd, 4:33.16 (PR)
Giuliana Martino —1 mile freshman girls race, 12th, 5:16.57 (PR)
Lauren Tiedeman — 1 mile freshman girls race, 18th, 5:19.49 (PR)
Adriana Ingargiola — girls emerging elite 3,000m, 31st, 10:32.28 (PR)
Middle School were anything but. Klotz was born deaf and hard of hearing, his disability discovered at the age of 2. He wore a hearing aid and relied heavily on lip reading, yet he spoke so teachers expected him to hear.
“There were a lot of challenges I had to overcome growing up with a disability that can be invisible to some,” Klotz shared with Village Life. “The most difficult was getting the support I needed in classrooms. I couldn’t hear everything the teacher said, so that put me behind quickly with homework and assignments. And being able to socialize and make friends with hearing people was hard for me as I couldn’t engage in all the conversations or even keep up, especially if someone is more quiet.”
Though he struggled in school, Klotz loved sports and began swimming partly because his sister was a swimmer. Soon other sports fell away, as it was simply more convenient for his parents to manage transportation issues.
“Funny enough, swimming was the one sport I had to take my hearing aids off,” Klotz reminisced. “And yet I loved it the most because I started making friends from that. Then I got more confidence in myself with being good in the water. I always wanted to get better and push myself as it was my only motivation since school wasn’t very easy for me.”
Attorney’s Office.
Guiding Hands School, a private kindergarten through 12th-grade school in the El Dorado Hills Business Park open for 25 years, served more than 100 children from 22 school districts across the Sacramento Valley whose needs couldn’t be met at their home or public schools. Max, whose family lived in Davis, had recently been placed there when an incident in which he spit on another student led to his restraint in a prone position for more than 90 minutes.
Witnesses testified Max had ceased to resist long before the restraint was concluded, even vomiting and urinating on himself during the prolonged restraint which only ended after he had become unconscious. Testimony also indicated the school nurse failed to respond to calls for help for 10 minutes and a call to paramedics was not made until 25 minutes after Max was first discovered unconscious. Max was transported to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where he was declared brain dead the following day and died on Nov. 28, 2018.
Investigations into the incident conducted by the California Department of Education determined Guiding Hands staff had violated state rules regarding student restraint by using excessive and unnecessary force.
Though Max died in 2018, legal proceedings in the case of his death have not been swift. Guiding Hands teacher Kimberly Wohlwend, site administrator Cindy Keller and Principal Staranne Meyers were indicted by an El Dorado County Grand Jury in 2022; hearings and court dates were repeatedly pushed back for years until the three entered no contest pleas on May 19, 2025. Wohlwend’s plea was to an involuntary manslaughter charge, while Keller and Meyers both pleaded to misdemeanor child abuse.
The El Dorado County Courthouse Department 2 courtroom in Placerville was overstuffed when the scheduled sentencing hearing began shortly after 2
Steve White
As athletic director he has seen the El Dorado Hills school grow from a Division III program at about 1,300 students to the Division I power more than double that size today.
“I love being around sports,” White said. “I enjoy all types of sports and competitions so it’s been fun for me to get to watch a lot of their sports and help the other coaches.”
The rivalries with Folsom, Granite Bay and Rocklin have grown 10-fold in every sport and every Trojan game is a must-see spectacle. Several sports, including soccer, softball, track and field, cross country and volleyball, have become powers in the Sac-Joaquin Section, covering the gym with blue banners that signify a cherished section title.
“That’s a testament to the coaching staff and community working together to build programs,” White said. “We’ve been able to keep coaches around for a long time. We were fortunate to find quality people to hire and then working with them and keeping them happy to stick around for what is not a very large paycheck, but quite a bit of work.”
White has helped raise four of those blue banners himself in girls basketball. In 2010 he won a state title led by Sara James, who went on to play in the Final Four at Stanford. James is one of the hundreds of players to play for White in the past 30 years.
“For four years you have them and they’re like your kids,” White said. “But they go away and they don’t come back as frequently and visit as much as if it was my own kids. Those relationships you build with them over the years, it’s fun to keep in touch with them.”
In 2022 he won a section title at Golden 1 Center over Highway 50 rival Folsom.
“That was a fun group to coach,” White said of his 2022 squad. “We’ve been through a lot of good years where you only get second place and you
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Suhnny Bernardi, Chase Fontana, Demarco Patterson, Cole Esten — boys championship 4x100m relay, 12th, 42.91
Giuliana Martino, Megan Tiedeman, Elise Sale, Lauren Tiedeman — girls emerging elite 4x800m relay, 12th, 9:59.53
Giuliana Martino, Lauren Tiedeman, Elise Sale, Adriana Ingargiola — girls Championship 4x1-mile relay, 14th, 22:07.96
As a young swimmer, Klotz trained with the Sierra Marlins and the Sierra Sharks year round competitive teams. Nationally ranked at LSU where he earned his degree in Kinesiology, Klotz competed several times at USA Nationals and USA Olympic trials but truly excelled swimming for team USA at the Deaflympics in Bulgaria 2013, Turkey 2017 and Brazil 2022.
Then in 2023, Klotz landed a spot on the CBS show Big Brother. “They’d never had a deaf contestant before and I thought that I could advocate and spread awareness on reality TV about what it’s like and the challenges we face,” Klotz explained, saying his favorite experience was seeing his housemates change. “Everyone knew I was deaf, but after a few weeks, other houseguests, producers, everyone involved started to see how different it actually is. They started accommodating me, realizing they need to face my direction and look at me when talking, repeat things and not cover their mouths.”
Dubbed “Matty Ice,” Klotz eventually found other houseguests sticking up for him during challenges and ensuring that Klotz understood all the rules, despite the fact that they were each competing for almost a million dollars.
“It made me glad I went on the show,” Klotz said. “I learned that at the end of the day, enemies or
p.m. Monday afternoon; so many community members were in attendance that some in the gallery were seated in the jury box or stood along the back walls, waiting to see the close of a years-long case. The conclusion did not come as expected, however, as the result of an impassioned and detailed victim impact statement delivered by Dustin Collier, an attorney representing Max’s family in a civil case.
Collier’s statement was an expression of profound disappointment in the plea deals offered to the three women that would result in no prison time served for the death of a teenage boy caused by restraint practices that had been identified as unsafe by the CDE for “more than a decade.”
Collier alleged that Guiding Hands staff defaulted to the use of restraint as a first step intervention, rather than attempting other forms of intervention first, and that students restrained for long periods of time were not given periodic breaks. According to Collier, staff at Guiding Hands took over restraining Max to provide relief to other staff members, but that same relief was not extended to Max even after he urinated himself, vomited and lost consciousness.
“In short, they tortured and abused children placed in their care,” Collier told the court. “Defendant Wohlwend bypassed other recommendations and used a takedown maneuver. She restrained him facedown on the floor and maintained this restraint past when he had calmed down and lost consciousness.”
Collier condemned the actions of the school staff, saying their decisions made them tantamount to Max’s “judge, jury and executioner.”
Collier additionally criticized the “seven years waiting for justice” that had been delayed repeatedly by “stall tactics” used by the defendants only to conclude in “an unbelievable slap on the wrist.”
“In this country, in this county, you can torture and abuse a child and not serve a single day in jail,” Collier said in response to the proposed plea agreements.
never get to put anything on the wall. So being able to get a championship, that was pretty special for that group especially coming out of COVID and whatnot. It was definitely a fun memorable year to go off of.”
That unit was led by guard Teagan Brown, a dominant defender and elite scorer now playing at the University of Washington.
“Coach White has made me love basketball more than I imagined I ever would,” Brown said. “He exemplified great work ethic and passion, which I caught onto fast and helped excel me to the next level. Thank you, Coach White, for all the time and effort you put into Oak Ridge women’s basketball. You are so loved by so many, especially me.”
White grew up in San Jose and went to Santa Teresa High School, where he played tennis and basketball. As a senior, he gleaned everything he could from the basketball program.
He got his start teaching at A.B. Miller High School and was the varsity girls basketball head coach at the Fontana school for two years.
White was married at the time and he and his wife Rita wanted to move out of Southern California.
Oak Ridge was the school to hire him and he began teaching math, a position he held his entire tenure at the school. Rita worked in the library. His daughter Kayla eventually became a coach on his staff and is also a teacher at Oak Ridge.
Once Steve’s father retired from his career, he moved to the area and even joined his son on the girls basketball staff for 20 years.
“He was just a staple; it was a fatherson coaching staff for quite a while,” White said.
In 2002 White added athletic director to his title while remaining a teacher and coach.
“Something that really separates Steve is that when he took over the job as
Continued from A3
not, we still respect, care about and help each other which was very refreshing.”
Klotz is currently working and training in Houston, Texas, squeezing in a little beach volleyball between daily training sessions. He lists Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps as his Olympic inspirations, but admits he didn’t have a deaf athlete as a mentor and credits his parents with keeping him focused and supported. Come November, he plans to compete in almost every race as he did in Brazil, where he swam 14 races and medaled in every one. He currently holds 22 medals and to break the record for most medals won by a deaf athlete, he would need to win 12 in Toyko.
USA does not offer funding for athletes to travel, compete or train for the Deaflympics as they do for regular Olympics and Paralympics, nor do Deaflympics athletes earn medal money. Between travel and competition costs, training and equipment, it costs about $10,000 each time Klotz competes in a Deaflympics event.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/defying-theodds-matt-klotzs-journey-to-the-deaflympics. For a tax deductible donation for USA Deaf Swimming visit mightycause.com/story/.Usadeafswimming and add in the notes “IN HONOR OF MATT KLOTZ” for Klotz to receive funding.
Immediately after Collier concluded his speech, Judge Ralphs called every attorney associated with the case to the bench. Conversation between the judge and lawyers continued in hushed tones obscured by white noise played over the courtroom speakers for minutes before Ralphs returned to his chambers to deliberate for close to 15 minutes. After deliberation and further discussion with attorneys, Ralphs addressed the courtroom and laid out his decision to delay acceptance of the pleas offered.
Because the indictment had been handled by the grand jury, Ralphs explained, he had not been acquainted with police reports or “boxes upon boxes” of evidence compiled during the discovery process.
“The court did not have the chance to read transcripts, as no motions necessitating that had been made,” Ralphs said. “Based on what I’ve heard today, I am not ready to accept these plea agreements.”
Ralphs then scheduled a new hearing for Aug. 8 at 1:30 p.m. which would determine if he would accept the plea deals offered by the DA’s Office. Ralphs noted if he were to choose to not accept those pleas, a trial would be scheduled at that hearing.
The courtroom emptied to the sounds of dozens of disappointed, confused and frustrated people leaving the gallery.
“It’s just shameful,” one member of the gallery could be heard saying as she shook her head and stepped away from her seat.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisette Suder and Collier both declined to comment on the day’s proceedings as the case is ongoing.
Following Max’s death, the CDE suspended the Guiding Hands School’s certification, and the school closed in early 2019. The events at the school inspired the creation of Senate Bill 483, known as Max Benson’s Law, which bans the use of face-down restraint techniques in all California schools. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in January 2024.
athletic director we were a DII or DIII school and we’ve grown to a DI school of 2,800 students,” Cavaliere said.
“That’s a pretty big difference. We’ve added multiple sports since he’s been there and the job has grown exponentially and he’s just grown right along with it.”
One of those new sports is girls flag football, which Cavaliere leads as head coach. The 2024-25 school year was the sport’s inaugural season at the school and the Trojans went to the section championship game, narrowly falling to a Del Oro squad that was in its second year as a program.
Cavaliere said White encouraged his girls basketball players to join the team.
“It just made the season so much better knowing that we have the support of Steve and his athletes and that just kind of spread to other sports as well,” Cavaliere said.
Cavaliere steps into this role with 30 years of teaching experience and more than 25 years of coaching experience, including 14 years as the Oak Ridge head tackle football coach. He won a section crown at the Division 1 level
during the 2019 season with Trojan legends Justin Lamson and Avant Jacobs leading the way.
“Steve has always been very attentive and understanding,” Cavaliere said. “Being a coach himself, he understands a lot of the dynamics that come along with coaching. He had belief in myself and my coaching staff and stood behind us. He let us run our program and I’m very appreciative of the support that Steve always gave me.”
White said he will now enjoy vacationing and plans to golf multiple times a week. He will be in the stands watching his older grandkids play sports and said he also has a 2-year old granddaughter he is excited to spend time with.
He told Village Life he appreciates each person who has ever coached with him and the players who worked their butts off for the program.
“I just want to thank my wife Rita for being supportive and allowing me to continue to give time away from her to do something that I am very passionate about and love,” White said. “I appreciate all the sacrifices she’s made for me.”
Courtesy photo
Alex Castro, left, and Jakeb Jennings next head to Georgia to represent Oak Ridge High School at the USATF Junior Olympics Championships.
SPECTACULAR LAUGHS AND LAKESIDE FUN
Week 1 May 27th-30th - Superhero Week
Week 2 June 2nd-6th - Sports Week
Week 3 June 9th-13th - Disney Week
Week 4 June 16th-20th - Beach Blast Week
Week 5 June 23rd-27th - Stars & Stripes Week
Week 6 July 7th-11th - Circus Week
Week 7 July 14th-18th - Jungle Week
Week 8 July 21st-25th - Camping Week
Week 9 July 28th-August 1st - Class Spirit Week Check out our classes! With 2 locations to serve you
Recreation and Competitive Gymnastics
Ninja Precision and Ninja Obstacle
Kinder Programs • Cirque • Parent's Nights Out
Open Gyms • Parties
Photos by Laurie Edwards
Decon Brown, 11, of Cameron Park, above, zooms down a giant water slide to cool off during the Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake on June 28. With splashy fun, carnival games, live music, a patriotic aerial flyover and a dazzling fireworks finale over the lake, this annual event is a much-loved community patriotic celebration. Below, cooling off before the fireworks, Zeke and Dawn Zaragoza of El Dorado get refreshing margaritas from the popular Rotaryville booth. Cameron Park Rotarians Marlyn Pino-Jones, left, and JoEllen Brooks, right, are also pictured.
Dressed in red, white and blue, the Nattrass and West families of Placerville, above, set out lawn chairs and gathered by the lakeside, ready to enjoy the dazzling fireworks display at Cameron Park’s Summer Spectacular. At left, still shivering from the water slide, 3-year-old Harper Hawkins of Cameron Park poses for a photo with her mom, Clara, and little brother, Sawyer, 18 months.
Nestled in the heart of Cameron Park, our private villas and cottages o er more than just comfort — they o er peace of mind. With personalized care that not only meets your loved one where they are today but thoughtfully anticipates their future needs, we graciously treat every resident like family.
Whether you’re seeking the independence of a vibrant lifestyle or the reassurance that comes with additional levels of support, Ponté Palmero is here to help your loved one not just live — but thrive — as part of our caring and connected community.
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A paved path leads to the charming front courtyard and the front door. Step inside and enjoy the natural light and spaciousness of the home’s great room, where residents and guests will enjoy the ickering ames from the living room replace enhanced by a gorgeous rock wall and shelving. The folding glass patio door expands the room out to the covered patio.
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This beautifully designed home features four spacious bedrooms and four luxurious, full bathrooms along with a
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Serrano is one of El Dorado Hills’ most prestigious luxury neighborhoods with an award-winning golf course, country club, trails, parks and immaculate landscaping. The gated community is close to shopping, restaurants, great schools and Highway 50. Interested in this beautiful Greenview Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Lisa Paragary at (916) 247-1303 or lisa@paragarymillerteam.com.
The Arts: July means it’s fair time in California
F
airs are the heartbeats of our communities — where traditions thrive, memories are made and the simple joys of life are celebrated.
Summer in California brings with it the vibrant tapestry of fairs. The aroma of kettle corn mingles with the laughter of children and the thrill of rides complements the melodies of live music. This July, two standout events — the Stanislaus County Fair and the California State Fair — invite families to enjoy festivities that blend nostalgia with new experiences.
Deep roots
While the fair keeps traditions alive through 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows and a demolition derby, it also adds new energy with interactive booths for kids, a brightly lit carnival midway and a live music lineup that spans genres. This year’s freewith-admission concerts feature Drake Milligan, Taking Back Sunday and LOCASH.
Grandstand events like monster trucks, motocross and Tuff Trucks make it easy to find something fun around every corner. For admission information, fair hours and more visit stancofair.com.
Big, bold & modern
The Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock, July 11-20, is celebrating its 113th year with all the charm of a classic hometown fair. With heritage trees shading the fairgrounds and a late-afternoon start time, the StanCoFair is a fun destination for all.
New this year: the children’s Midway has been moved closer to the entrance gates, making it even more convenient for families with little ones.
Down the hill in Sacramento, the California State Fair runs July 11-27 at Cal Expo. This modern fair covers acres of entertainment, featuring a monorail, interactive exhibits and pop-up shade tents to help beat the summer heat.
New for 2025: the fair will open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with Friday through Sunday hours remaining 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The fair closes at 8 p.m. on its final day, Sunday, July
27. This shift is in response to changing attendance patterns — and much like the Stanislaus County Fair, the California State Fair is becoming more of an evening fair. Organizers hope this will make for a cooler, more comfort-
able experience as the Delta breeze rolls in each night. This year marks the 170th edition of the California State Fair
Ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro coming to the Harris Center
Stacy Hanson Harris Center for the Arts
FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro, who has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving effortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same song.
He performs live at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the Harris Center, 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter. net/jake-shimabukuro.
After being taught the instrument by his mother at age 4, Shimabukuro became a local phenom, performing on his own and in a local group Pure Heart. Early in his solo career he became a YouTube sensation when his cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. Since then, Shimabukuro has gone on to play the world’s most venerable venues, from The Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House and The N.O. Jazz Fest and collaborated with some of the world’s greatest musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Bette Midler, Ziggy Marley, Sonny Landreth, Billy Strings, Lukas & Willie Nelson and Warren Haynes. Shimabukuro has also won his share of awards
and, just a few years ago he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a member for the National Council on the Arts.
One strong thread that runs through much of Shimabukuro’s work is that of collaboration. From the “Trio” album to “Jake & Friends” to “Grateful” and beyond, Shimabukuro thrives in the ability to feed off and inspire his fellow musicians.
For his brand-new project, Shimabukuro joins forces with friend, drumming legend and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, to create a fresh new take on the blues.
“I’ve always wanted to do a blues album and when Mick and I started talking about working together, I thought who better to work with than Mick Fleetwood?” Shimabukuro shared.
The result is something exhilarating and unique, as these two titans of their instruments reinterpret some of the greatest songs written by some of their favorite songwriters in a blues setting.
It’s a union whose roots go back to the late 1990s when a young Shimabukuro met and played with Fleetwood at the Hawaiian Music Awards ceremony along with singer songwriter Kenny Loggins. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that the two were reconnected by a mutual friend at a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert in Nashville. That night, the seeds of the collaboration were planted at Fleetwood’s suggestion. Not long thereafter the two convened along with Shimabukuro’s touring
bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboard player Michael Grande to start work on a new studio album in Maui. Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band plays keys on two songs, “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Rockin’ In The Free World.” Over the course of two three-day sessions, the band recorded nine songs live in the studio. The only track not recorded with all of the musicians playing together was Sonny Landreth’s brilliant slide guitar on the Jeff Beck/Stevie Wonder classic “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.” This soaring track full of peaks and valleys is a tremendous way to start the album.
The interplay between Landreth and Shimabukuro is so seamless, you’d never know that they did not play together in the same room. The chemistry is due in large part to the two performing the song together during a recent tour. In addition, Landreth would often sit in with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band back when Shimabukuro was a member.
Up next is a truly unique interpretation of the Blues standard, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’.” The song fades in with a swirling, delay-drenched psychedelic uke over top of Fleetwood’s tribal drumming pattern, giving credence to why Shimabukuro is often referred to as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” Then, on a dime, he changes his sound and cuts to playing the song’s theme which is echoed nicely by the Hammond Organ. Shimabukuro’s playing on the track is experimental and otherworldly, at times ascending into a psych jazz rock fusion in the most visceral ways.
“Mick’s energy when he plays is so infectious. He’s such an intense musician. He pushes everyone around him and it’s so inspiring to see his facial expressions and watch his movements and the way he hits the drums,” Shimabukuro exuberantly said.
About “Kula Blues,” he explained, “I’d never written anything that sounded this bluesy or a shuffle, so I wanted to take a stab at it and have a song where any musician could sit in without needing a chart”.
Again, Shimabukuro credits Fleetwood with bringing the track to life. “He just got behind the drums and without even counting it off came charging in. You either jump on the train or get outta the way!” A couple of other
Photo by Sienna Morales
Jake Shimabukuro has been called the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele” See him live on July 18 in Folsom.
Susan Laird The Arts
Courtesy photo
Summer smiles and sweet treats — a young fairgoer enjoys cotton candy near a lively Midway game, surrounded by colorful prizes and classic carnival fun. From tasty fair food to hands-on activities and engaging exhibits, the Stanislaus County Fair and California State Fair serve up family-friendly fun for all ages.
Attracting lovely hummingbirds to your garden
Hummingbirds look like iridescent jewels as they it about seeking nectar and are fun to watch in the garden. But they’re tough birds, with most California species migrating every year, sometimes traveling thousands of miles and expending huge amounts of energy due to their high metabolic rate.
And that high metabolic rate means they eat a lot. A hummingbird can visit more than 1,000 plants in a single day and they eat at least four times every hour. So, if you plant a hummingbird friendly garden you can be rewarded with hours of enjoyment watching these birds.
With their long tongues, hummingbirds favor long, tubular shaped owers and prefer red- or orange-colored blooms, but they will visit other colored blooms, too. California fuchsias, Epilobium canum; columbines, Aquilegia spp.; coral bells, Heuchera spp.; aloes and autumn sages, Salvia greggii; for example, are a few easy to grow plants that will attract hummingbirds.
Local species of hummingbirds and
plants have evolved to coexist in our area, so native plants are a great, and o en easier, option for a hummingbird garden. However, some nonnative species are also great. Since some hummingbirds live here all year long it’s best to plant a variety of plants that bloom at di erent times of the year. And it’s especially important to include spring bloomers to provide plenty of food to the migrating hummingbirds who have just nished long ights from their winter homes. Manzanita, Arctostaphylos spp., for example, blooms during the winter. Plant manzanitas away from your home as they’re not re resistant. Hummingbird sage, Salvia spathacea, and coyote mint, Monardella villosa, both bloom in the spring and California fuchsia blooms in the summer. A combination of plants with varying blooming schedules will provide a year-long bu et for hummingbirds. And if you have su cient space, plant at least three of each species to make sure that there’s enough nectar. Avoid using herbicides which can end up in the nectar that the hummingbirds eat. While hummingbirds drink a lot of nectar, they also need protein so they
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Tubular-shaped owers in inviting colors could bring more hummingbirds to your yard.
also need to eat plenty of insects, which is another reason to avoid pesticides. Hummingbirds also need a place to perch and to build nests so it’s best to plant your hummingbird garden near trees and larger shrubs. And, nally, like all birds, hummingbirds need water. They can bathe in a shallow bowl, a pond with cascading water or even lawn sprinklers.
Calscape.org is a great resource for not only learning about native plants that grow in our area but also to nd native hummingbird-attracting plants. For a list of these plants go to calscape. org and search by your location. For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado.ucanr.edu. Also available on the website are the hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or call (530) 621-5512.
Summer with watermelon
Laurie Lewis UCCE Master Food Preserver
Nothing quenches thirst in the heat of the summer as a sweet watermelon can. Who else has childhood memories holding a generous slice in your hands, biting into the fruit as the juice ran down both arms?
July is National Watermelon Month. With over 400 miles of rich, loamy soil, California’s Central Valley is perfect for growing crops, making California one of the top producers of watermelon. Did you know this entire fruit is edible? Have you tried pickled watermelon rinds? The National Center for Home Food Preservation has an excellent recipe to try: nchfp. uga.edu/how/ pickle/fruit-pickles/ watermelon-rindpickles. Not into pickled products or just don’t have the time? Make some fresh watermelon rind coleslaw: watermelon.org/ recipes/watermelon-rind-coleslaw.
Who else has childhood memories holding a generous slice in your hands, biting into the fruit as the juice ran down both arms?
How about saving some of that summer vibe in a pretty pink jelly for the long winter nights? “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving,” 2024, has the following recipe just right for capturing that summer taste.
Zesty Watermelon Jelly
Makes about ve 8-ounce jars
6 cups chopped watermelon, rind removed ½ cup (at least 5% acidic) vinegar — white balsamic, white wine or apple cider
4 tablespoons bottled lemon juice 5 cups granulated sugar 1 stem lemongrass, chopped 6 ounces liquid pectin
Jessica Cyphers Staff writer
For patients of Dale Stanec, Jr., DDS, going to the dentist feels a little like going home.
“We know all of our patients. They’re our friends,” said Dr. Stanec, who works alongside his wife and office manager, Elena, in his Cameron Park office. “The experience in our office is very personal. We’re very small and greet each patient by name when they walk in. It’s a comfortable, homey place to have dental work done, and we like it that way.”
Dr. Stanec has been in dentistry in the Cameron Park area since 2002. As a kid, he was “always into science and math” and loved the idea of owning his own business. “I ran a lawn-mowing business as a kid — always had some kind of business going — so becoming a dentist and owning my own practice just made sense,” said Dr. Stanec. Dr. Stanec did his undergraduate work at Cal Poly,
In a large stainless-steel saucepan, crush watermelon with a potato masher. Cover and heat gently over medium-low heat for ve minutes. Remove from heat and crush thoroughly.
Transfer to a dampened jelly bag or a strainer lined with several layers of dampened cheesecloth set over a deep bowl. Let drip, undisturbed, for two
hours. Measure two cups of watermelon juice. If you do not have the required amount, crush more watermelon or add up to one-quarter cup unsweetened white grape juice. Meanwhile, prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat cleaned jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil (simmering water at 180 degrees F). Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands. Transfer watermelon juice to a clean large, deep stainless-steel saucepan. Stir in vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and lemongrass. Over high heat, stirring constantly, bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Stir in liquid pectin. Boil hard, stirring constantly, for one minute. Remove from heat and quickly skim o foam, if necessary. Ladle hot jelly into a hot jar, leaving one-quarter-inch headspace. Adjust for headspace, if necessary. Clean jar rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to ngertip tight. Place the jar in the canner. Repeat until all jars are lled. Water must cover jars by one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to medium-high, 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. Start timing and process half-pint jars: 10 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 15 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 20 minutes 3,0016,000 feet, 25 minutes 6,001-8,000 feet. Turn o heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand for ve minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for three to ve minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool on a toweled surface for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal (they should not ex when center is pressed). Label, date and store in a cool dark place.
The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to your 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.
A dentistry that aims to be a home away from home
San Luis Obispo and then attended dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern in 2001 and says that, although he was born and raised in San Jose, it was a natural draw to open his practice in the foothills. “Elena and I love this area. We had a lot of family and friends here and thought it would be a great place to raise our kids.”
In his office, Dr. Stanec offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers and dental implants to crowns and bridges and more. Unlike many other dentists, Dr. Stanec doesn’t employ dental hygienists or other technicians but does all of his dental work himself.
“I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my patients. It’s fun for me to do the work myself because I get to spend more time with my patients and hang out with them and really get to know them. It makes it fun to do what I do,” said Dr. Stanec.
Another advantage of keeping his practice small is that, because he sees every patient one at a time, Dr. Stanec can be very thorough and immediately answer any questions that come up. He is also able to really respect his patients’ time. “I am almost always early or on time,” said Dr. Stanec. “My patients know that, so they’re usually early or on time for their appointments, too. It’s a win win for everyone.”
Dr. Stanec is located at 3955 Cameron Park Drive — in Cameron Park. His office is right near the Goldorado Shopping Center, directly across from the new Walgreens on Palmer Drive, and is very conveniently located for all of his patients. The move is just one more way Dr. Stanec shows his commitment to providing the best possible care for his patients.
“I look
and
Susan Wallace UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
Multi-talented musician to perform in Folsom
Stacy Hanson Harris Center for the Arts
F
OLSOM — Harris Center for The Arts presents Emmynominated singer-songwritercomposer Ben Folds, who is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation.
Folds has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums and collaborative records.
His latest pop solo album was released in 2023 to rave reviews and sold-out performances. He released his first Christmas album in 2024 and last fall recorded a live album slated for release in 2025 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he served for eight years as the first artistic advisor to the NSO. He currently tours as a pop artist, while also performing with some of
the world’s greatest symphony orchestras. A New York Times best selling author and former podcast host, Folds is also working on new compositions for film, tv and theater. He also frequently guest stars in films and TV. In 2022 Folds launched a music education charitable initiative in his native state of North Carolina entitled Keys For Kids, which provides funds and keyboards to existing nonprofits that offer free or affordable piano lessons to school-age children from economically-disadvantaged households. And he continually advocates for improving public policies for the arts and arts education on the national level as a member of Americans For The Arts and the Arts Action Fund.
Folds performs live at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Harris Center, 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Courtesy photo
Ben Folds has worn many musical hats over the year, proving his talent has no limit. See him live at Harris Center for the Arts later this summer.
Shingle Springs Cameron Park
SHINGLE SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK Chamber of Commerce
APresident’s Corner
Colette Thiel
s we dive into the heart of summer here in Shingle Springs & Cameron Park, the Chamber remains active and committed to supporting our local businesses and fostering meaningful community partnerships.
We kicked off the season with a fantastic 10th Annual Thunder in the Park Car & Motorcycle Show. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated — from the car and motorcycle enthusiasts to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. Your support made the event a tremendous success and helps fuel the work we do all year long.
In June, we also enjoyed a vibrant Networking After Hours mixer hosted by Homes for Heroes at Wally’s Pizza Bar It was a great evening of connection, appreciation, and local collaboration.
We were also proud to support the Cameron Park Community Services District (CSD) by hosting a vendor booth with cornhole at the Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake It was a fun and interactive way to connect with community members—and a great preview of our upcoming Bags & Beers Cornhole Tournament, happening September 13th at the Shingle Springs Community Center. Save the date and get
ready for some friendly competition!
Please note: Due to the 4th of July holiday, we will not be holding a Networking After Hours mixer in July
However, we invite you to join us for our Monthly Networking Luncheon on July 24th at Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino. We’re thrilled to welcome Jeanne Koerner as our guest speaker. Jeanne is a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with Maxwell Leadership, a DISC Trainer and Consultant, and the Branch Manager / Broker Salesperson at Nevada Home Finder—Koerner Group eXp Realty. You won’t want to miss her powerful insights on leadership, communication, and professional growth.
As always, your Chamber is here to support, connect, and advocate for local businesses. If you know of a business looking to get more involved, please send them our way — we’d love to welcome them into the Chamber family.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and connected summer!
Colette Thiel, President Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce
The SS/CP Chamber Needs Volunteers!
The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to spend a few hours a month helping the chamber with its events and management. The payback is helping your local business advocates support the community in which
JULY Events
they live and serve, while striving to make Shingle Springs and Cameron Park wonderful places in which to live! We have several key positions opening right now. Get involved today! Please contact Colette Thiel@ ThielHomes.com for more information.
C e l e b ra t i n g S u m m e r a n d C o m m u n i t y i n S h i n g l e S p r i n g s / C a m e r o n P a r k
July (Fridays to Sundays) –CP Rotary Club Observatory
From 8:30pm to 10:30 pm, weather permitting, the observatory is open to the public on weekend evenings. Trained docents show the many celestial wonders of the universe through two 14-inch telescopes. Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, Campus Drive (continue through the back parking lots to the left of the observatory gate). For info and closure updates, call (530) 642-5621, Ext. 9.
July 3 – EDH Town Center’s 2025 Fireworks & Freedom Concert
July 6 – Farmers Market (Now Year ‘Round)
Join us for our community’s most spectacular celebration of the year! On July 3rd, we’re bringing you live music, delicious food, and the area’s best display of pyrotechnics—a show that will light up the night sky. This family-friendly event promises fun for all ages, so bring your friends and family to experience the excitement. Don’t miss out on the biggest fireworks display in towns set against the backdrop of great tunes and good vibes. Mark your calendars now—you won’t want to miss this unforgettable night. 7pm-9pm El Dorado Hills Town Center - EDH Town Center Amphitheater, 4364 Town Center Blvd, El Dorado Hills, CA.
Sundays between 10am and 1pm, come shop our region’s most popular market with more produce and commodities than ever before. Choose from fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade honey and jams, cheeses, and other household favorites. For more information, contact Jim Coalwell at (530) 622-1900 or email jim@redshack.com.
July – Support Small Businesses and Keep It Local Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!
July 4 – Happy 4th of July!
Join the Chamber
July 19 –
Placerville Third Saturday Art Walk
Free! Enjoy the Art Walk on Placerville’s Main Street between 5-8pm. Artist demos, music at the Bell Tower, wine and drink specials, and more!
July 24 – Monthly Luncheon
Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino at 11:45am-1pm. We’re thrilled to welcome Jeanne Koerner as our guest speaker. You won’t want to miss her powerful insights on leadership, communication, and professional growth.
Red Hawk Casino and Buffet, 1 Red Hawk Pkwy, Placerville, CA 95667
Shingle Springs Cameron Park
CRIB NOTES
by Julie Samrick
Making new friends
When we moved to El Dorado Hills in 2003 with our rst child — an infant at the time — we didn’t know a soul. In hindsight, it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. And yet, I o en wonder: if my mom hadn’t sold our family home in the Bay Area while I was in college to move an hour north, would we have ended up settling closer to my hometown instead?
Soon, mostly through joining a mothers’ club and then through the kids’ schools and activities, we got to know people. Acquaintances turned into friends and El Dorado Hills started to feel like a real community. Within a few years, it became home.
I love seeing generations of families grow up and stay rooted in this county — grandparents living near grandkids, longtime neighbors watching each other’s children grow. That kind of continuity is special, and it’s something I quietly hope for with my own kids. Maybe one day they’ll plant roots here, too. That’s part of why I’ve stayed put.
GUEST
Thinking of my own decision to move away, I remember not to put that pressure on my kids though. I still remember my mom’s reaction when I told her I’d be moving 100 miles away. At the time, I didn’t grasp what it meant. We’d still be in Northern California, a er all. But now, mother to mother, I understand. We want to stay close to our children, even as we raise them to y — and lately, that one has personally been a delicate balance.
Over the years, between sports practices, carpools and countless a erschool activities, other parents were becoming friends, but we were all so busy. I used to dream, think about the dinner parties we can have once everyone’s kids are grown! That’s been another reason I haven’t wanted to move. And yet now, as the kids get older, it’s interesting to see how some people move away and start fresh in new areas.
I was thinking of these people when a recent post on an El Dorado County
■ See SAMRICK page B8
COLUMN by Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil
AB 84 is a cheap shot
If your child is enrolled in a California public school, there’s a two-inthree chance they can’t read or do math at grade level. According to the state’s own 2023 test scores, just 34.6% of students met math standards and only 46.7% met English standards. Millions of children are being failed by a system that continues to demand more money while delivering less.
But the crisis goes beyond academics. Since the government-mandated lockdowns, our children’s mental health has deteriorated at alarming rates. Depression, anxiety and even youth suicide are rising. Families were le to pick up the pieces. Sacramento never apologized — never even acknowledged the damage.
So it’s no surprise that more than 700,000 students now attend charter schools in California. These schools provide smaller class sizes, real support for special needs and at-risk kids and programs tailored to how children actually learn. For many families, charter schools and homeschooling aren’t just
Grand Jury blasts EID
EDITOR: The recent 2024-25 El Dorado Grand Jury report gave a scathing critique of El Dorado Irrigation District nancial reporting accuracy and incompetent nancial oversight by its board. More than $100 million of commingled funds, erroneously credited hook up funds, discrepant pension debt receipts and projected cost understatements of capital projects have occurred under the watch of the district’s retiring general manager and its 2021-24 board members. Yet the district’s management and board have publicly rejected most all of the grand jury’s ndings and continue in denial. Hopefully, EID’s incoming general manager will get the district’s nancial representations trustworthy and voters will make better choices in upcoming EID director elections. GREG PRADA Cameron Park
We need your help, Tom
EDITOR:
e can all agree one of the challenging issues we face here in the Sierra is hous-
options — they’re the only option. Instead of learning from the success of these models, some Democrats in Sacramento are trying to shut them down. Assembly Bill 84, introduced by Los Angelesarea Democrat Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, is being sold as a reform bill to crack down on fraud. In truth, it’s the latest in a long line of Sacramento’s power grabs, aimed squarely at charter schools, homeschooling families and parents who dare to seek alternatives.
AB 84 would slash up to 30% of funding from schools that provide hybrid, non-traditional or home-based education models. These aren’t fraudulent schools; they’re innovative and adaptive schools that serve students the traditional system has failed. AB 84 isn’t accountability; it’s punishment.
The bill also creates a new inspector general o ce, appointed by the governor and unaccountable to voters. It gives this o ce broad powers to audit and investigate charter schools, and
■ See ALVARADOGIL page B8
ing. There is not enough of it and it is too damn expensive. So what is our Congressman McClintock, doing about it?
Let’s review: Cost of materials. Trump has put a tari on Canadian lumber, which adds to the tari s put on all the other items imported in building a home. The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to set tari s; we’re not in an emergency that warrants the executive to act. McClintock can take back the job of levying tari s (taxes) from Trump. Interest rates. The bond market has and is acting on the uncertainties due to tari s and the debt built into the BBB. Labor. Framing, drywall and many other jobs in housing have been dependent on immigrant labor. Blanket deportation is like cutting o your nose to spite your face. Not only will housing costs go up, but it will be hard to get the labor to do the job. Remember, McClintock was the principled conservative that fought against executive overreach and complained about debt. Now he has ipped on both. I want the old Tom back!
School events unite students, families and the community
Jessica Trumble-Pitel
News release
The end of the school year marked the exciting launch of a new partnership between Rescue Union School District, Gold Oak Union School District and ASPIREKids aimed at supporting and upli ing communities across El Dorado County. Research shows that children thrive when strong support systems exist between home, school and community. Resilience isn’t just built; it’s nurtured through caring and e ective partnerships.
Thanks to the Flaherty Impact Foundation, ASPIREKids hosted two Community Nights this spring — one at Gold Oak Elementary and another at Green Valley Elementary. These events were designed to bring families and the local community together for an evening of connection and joy. Dinner was served, groceries and clothing were distributed to those in need and students enjoyed fun activities. Arts and cra s, along with exploring a re truck and spraying the hose, were big hits with the kids.
to provide essential resources that help ease the nancial pressures so many families face. At the same time, we’re creating space for families to come together, share a meal, and simply enjoy being part of their school community. I truly believe that when we support both students and their families, we’re setting kids up for greater success — in school and beyond.”
“I truly believe that when we support both students and their families, we’re setting kids up for greater success — in school and beyond.”
— Jodi Mottashed, ASPIREKid
“It’s so important to create a sense of community within our schools and among our families — but even more so, to o er them meaningful support,” shared Jodi Mottashed, executive director and co-founder of ASPIREKids.
“Thanks to the generosity of The Flaherty Impact Foundation, we’re able
Looking ahead, the goal is to host one Community Night every other month at both Gold Oak Elementary and Green Valley Elementary. There are also hopes of expanding the program to include one or two additional schools that would bene t from hosting similar events. Through this partnership, ASPIREKids, GOUSD, and RUSD are demonstrating the true strength and potential of education rooted in the community. It’s all about care, connection, and creating stability—building the foundation for lasting success for students, families, and the communities they call home.
For more information about ASPIREKids visit aspirekidseldorado. org. For more information about the Flaherty Impact Foundation visit . ahertyimpactfoundation.com. For more information about Gold Oak Union School District visit gousd. org. For more information about Rescue Union School District visit rescueusd. org.
The Stage at Burke Junction theater team decides to take a break
Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Stage at Burke Junction’s team has announced the cancellation of the remainder of the Cameron Park theater’s planned performances. “For the Love of Dog,” currently in production, will be the nal show of the 2025 theater season as the team begins reworking the remainder of the year’s programming.
Alvarado-Gil
triples oversight fees — from 1% to 3% of each school’s budget. That’s money directly taken from classrooms, teachers and students.
It gets worse. AB 84 bans charter schools from partnering with local businesses, religious nonpro ts or community groups. It imposes one-size- ts-all credential requirements, despite a statewide teacher shortage. It strips away exibility and guts the programs that make charter schools work for families.
Samrick
“During this transition, our space will be available for rent, and you may also see some independent productions take the stage later this year,” reads a message sent out to the community. “While these events are not part of our regular season, some may be eligible for season ticket code use; we’ll be sure to note that clearly in event listings.”
The Stage’s team encourages season ticket holders who have unused ticket codes to use them for “For
Last year I introduced SB 1409, a good-faith e ort to strengthen oversight while protecting innovation. It brought stakeholders together — charter leaders, auditors, and state o cials. But it was blocked before it even received a hearing. Why? Because real reform isn’t the goal. Control is. Thankfully, there is a bill with a balanced alternative, SB 414. This bill ensures auditors understand charter school models, limits funding cuts to
community forum caught my eye. Someone wrote: “Since moving here in 2018, I have had a challenging time with connections and friendship in El Dorado Hills.” The post drew nearly a hundred responses. Several stood out to me: “I think one of the reasons people are not connecting within the community is that the art of friendship is lost on most of us.” Another said, “COVID is to blame for keeping people separated, and the divide only grew from there. Many people are in preservation or survival mode now.”
the Love of Dog” showing until July 6 — for themselves, friends or family. Codes may also be used for monthly HomeGrown Comedy shows. To inquire about a partial refund for unused tickets email stageatburke@gmail.com.
“Thank you for being a part of our theater community,” the theater team notes in its message. “We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your continued support.”
actual cases of wrongdoing and provides transparency without crushing innovation. California parents deserve better than a legislature that punishes them for choosing what’s best for their children. AB 84 doesn’t ght fraud; it ghts freedom. Let’s be honest: Sacramento doesn’t fear mismanagement. It fears competition. It fears an independent, choicedriven education system that works — and proves the state-run model doesn’t.
These comments hit home. Yes, my friendships here began through my kids. But what if you’re new to town without that natural inroad? Or your children are grown, and you’re starting over? How do you make new connections?
As a parent and a former educator, I will not stand by while your parental rights are stripped away and our children’s futures are sacri ced for political power. Parents: your voice matters. Your vote matters. Stand up for your right to choose the best education for your child. Because the Sacramento establishment won’t. Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil represents California’s 4th Senate District.
One framework is the 11-3-6 Rule: it takes 11 meaningful interactions, each about three hours long, over a six-month span to build a close friendship. It may sound like a lot, but it explains why kids form bonds so easily — because they spend hours together at school, on the playground and in activities. For adults, that kind of unstructured social time is harder to come by, especially post-pandemic.
But here’s the good news: it’s not impossible. Far from it. We are social creatures and connection is vital to all of us. Whether it’s joining a church group, signing up for a class or attending one of the many adult events at the El Dorado Hills Library, there are so many opportunities to meet people. If you attend once or twice a month, you are well on your way to making new friends.
So, if you are feeling lonely, know you are not alone. The desire for connection is universal. Get out there, one step at a time because someone out there is looking for a friend just like you.
Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, teacher and writer. She is the author of “Murphy’s Miracle: One Dog’s Wild Journey” and “How People Get Their Politics.”
standouts on the album are “Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Of the former, Shimabukuro recalls “I was so in the moment, I remember just closing my eyes and really forgetting my pedal board and everything and just reacting to Mick and the band.”
One thing that really comes across speaking to Shimabukuro about this record is the “spirits in the air” during recording. This is particularly apparent on their rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.” Recorded not long a er Christine McVie’s passing, the band only did one take.
“I remember Mick took a moment of silence a er the song ended and you could see that he felt Christine’s presence,” Shimabukuro shared.
Fleetwood’s tom tom groove provides the heartbeat for Shimabukuro’s oaty, ethereal uke, as he moves naturally between fast strumming chords and lilting melodic phrases. “I felt so fortunate to be able to experience that with Mick. It was very powerful to see the e ect it had on him.”
Note: Mick Fleetwood is not currently on tour with Jake Shimabukuro.
&
Courtesy photo
Students share their creativity at an arts station during the recent Community Night at Green Valley Elementary in Rescue.
‘Frozen Jr.’ melts hearts
Allen Schmeltz
Sutter Street Theatre
FOLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre presents “Frozen Jr.” through July 20. “Frozen Jr.” is based on the 2018 Broadway musical that brings Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life on stage. The show features all the memorable songs from the popular Disney animated lm, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus ve new songs written for the Broadway production.
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, ”Frozen Jr.” expands
tion that began back in 1854. While the fair has seen pauses over the years, including a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, it returned in 2022 with renewed energy and continues to grow.
One notable change: horse racing is no longer part of the fair, following the racing industry’s decision to leave Northern California. But don’t worry; there’s still plenty of excitement and variety.
Fair food is half the fun, and this fair delivers in spades. Alongside the usual deep-fried delights, you’ll nd international eats like birria tacos, Korean corn dogs, Hawaiian barbecue and Thai tea oats. Culinary showcases include award-winning California wines, cheeses and olive oils, with tastings available for grown-ups.
The Toyota Concert Series features Ludacris, Dustin Lynch, Tesla, Bret Michaels and more. Concerts are included with admission, and reserved seating is available for those who want to be up close. For admission information, fair hours and more details visit calexpostatefair. com.
Good to know
Central Valley summers can be hot, so don’t forget the essentials: sunscreen, hats and water bottles. Both fairs o er handicapped access, but heat can be a
upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, ”Frozen Jr.” is sure to thaw the coldest heart. This production is directed by Mike Jimena and Lindy Mallonee with vocal direction by Tabitha Hunter and choreography by Keira LePage. Showtimes are 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Continued from B2
concern, especially for young children or older adults. Look for cooling stations and shaded seating areas to take a break when you need one.
As I mentioned earlier, the StanCoFair is an evening fair. It’s a great option for a weekend day trip or an overnight weekday getaway. Turlock’s Fair eld Inn and Holiday Inn Express o en o er special rates for fairgoers, so ask when making your reservation.
The California State Fair can get busy, especially on weekends. Weekday visits and early entry are great ways to beat both the crowds and the heat. Check online for the fair’s updated policy on clear plastic purses and backpacks before you go; security rules may change year to year.
Fun included daily
In 2025 fairgoers want more than a day out; they want connection, culture, food, and fun. And that’s exactly what these two fairs o er. Whether you’re marveling at prize-winning produce or singing along to your favorite band, the Stanislaus County Fair and California State Fair promise something special for everyone. So grab your hat, your appetite and your sense of adventure. It’s fair time in California!
Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.
Photo by Allen Schmeltz The
Street Theatre.
Laird
The Gift of Kids, Inc.
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!
