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.
The El Dorado County Certi ed Farmer’s Markets take place at Burke’s Junction in Cameron Park, 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.
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 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.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Little Women” through July 13. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
June 19
Twist on Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift 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.
June 20
The Sierra Renaissance Society presents “Travels to Bhutan, Nepal & India” by Steve and Dickson Schwarzback, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Admission free for members; public invited to attend two meetings for free. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to lifelong learning and hosts presentations and workshops throughout the year. For more information visit srsedc.org.
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District host a Concert in the Park with Ariel Jean from 7-9:30 p.m. at Community Park. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Broadway At Music Circus presents “Hello Dolly” at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento through June 26. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
June 21
Join the El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves for Pioneer Vintners of the Sierra Foothills, a curated wine tasting and tour of historical wineries from noon to 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit edchs.org.
June 26
Mania! Live Beatles Experience 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.
OBITUARY
Kathleen Hale Sorensen
November 2, 1942 – June 24, 2024
Kathleen Hale
Sorensen (AKA Kathleen Ryugin Sorensen Sensei) was born on 2 November 1942 in San Francisco CA to Viola and Glenn Hale as the rst of 3 other children: Glenda, Barbara, and Douglas. The family moved to Mill Valley (Alto) CA in the early 1950s, where she graduated from Tamalpais High School. She attended the College of Marin, getting a AS degree in Biology, and where she met and was married to David Rentz from 1963 to 1972. She served as a summer intern at the Smithsonian Museum, Washington DC in 1963. In 1970, she was a volunteer museum assistant at the Philadelphia Academy of Science as well as the Membership Secretary for The American Entomological Society hosted there. Kathi worked as a Museum sta member at both the California Academy of Science (3 yrs), and the University of California, Berkeley (20 yrs) where she curated collections, did eld work, and served as research support for Faculty members and researchers in their research, particularly on bees, beetles, katydids, aphids and pollination. She is gratefully acknowledged in numerous scienti c research papers in various scienti c journals, and has published herself in them, as well as having new insect species named a er her.
Kathi met her second husband, John Sorensen, a Ph.D. Student, in 1974 at UC Berkeley, and they were married in 1975. The couple had a son, Kirk, in 1984, and moved to El Dorado county in 1987, a er John nished and was earlier hired as a Diagnostician for the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Plant Pest Diagnostic Center in Sacramento, where Kathi frequently helped in the collections as a volunteer while being a devoted mother.
When their son started school, Kathi started work for the Buckeye School District as a school playground monitor, initially at Brooks School for 2 years and later at Silva Valley school for many years, where she supervised the students at recess and lunch. She worked for Buckeye District from the late 1980s until she retired in 2013, and was acknowledged in preventing several serious injuries and getting medical paramedics to the site on multiple occasions. Kathi o en was asked by the teachers to give talks to the students on insects and pollination biology, which she loved to do. She claimed to know the kids o en better than the teachers because each teacher spent only a single grade with the students, while Kathi followed them through their entire school experience. Kathi was also very active in the Boy Scouts, and served as a Den Leader for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos for EDH Pack 454. When her son bridged to Boy Scouts, Kathi served as Advancement Chair for EDH BSA Troop 645 for IO years, o en serving as liaison for the Troop to the Rio Del Oro BSA District. As Advancement Chair she oversaw and encouraged the development of27 Eagle Scouts (including Kirk) for which that troop made her an Honorary Eagle Scout for her service. She also completed the BSA Wood Badge, an adult training program, and attended most scouting camping sessions.
In the mid 1990s, Kathi served on the El Dorado Hills Area Plan Advisory Committee’s Serrano
Development Subcommittee, during that development’s inception. She was instrumental in suggesting the Green & Green Arts and Cra s motif and architectural style to Parker Development that was chosen for the look of Serrano’s corporate buildings and the El Dorado Hills library on their campus, and thus le a mark on the community.
In the early 1990s, when the family began martial arts training, John and Kirk started Gosoku Ryu Karate in EDH, while Kathi enrolled at the Placerville campus of Los Rios Community College to take classes in their athletic department’s Kodenkan Jujitsu program. She obtained the highest intermediate (prebrown belt) level in Kodenkan before she ran out of eligibility. She then started Karate in Roseville in a Funakosi Shotokan Karate Association a liate with the Roseville Parks and Recreation District. Her husband later transferred to that style and dojo so they could train together there. Kathi retired from karate at 69, a er obtaining the rst level pre-shodan rank (post-12 Kyu brown belt) in Shotokan, because her physical endurance was waning.
Inspired by their years of martial arts training and associated meditation in the dojo, Kathi and her husband, began studying to be Zen Buddhist priests in the Order of Clear Mind Zen, headquartered in Las Cruces, NM. They became Unsui (novice Zen priests) under Daiho Hilbert Roshi, of the Matsuoka lineage of Soto Zen.
Both Kathi and her husband ultimately became transmitted Zen Priests under Daiho Roshi. They were tasked with starting and leading the Golden FootHills Zen Sangha in EDH, as Clear Mind Zen West, (www.cleannindzenwest.com) and the Gyoa-ji Zen temple, where they provided Zen priest training to 11 other Zen practitioners from across the US and in Mexico. The couple also provided 6 years of Zen training in meditation and mindfulness to the black belts of their former FSKA karate dojo in Roseville. CMZW, through CMZ, is a liated with the Zen Peacemakers organization. CMZW’s priests include hospital chaplains, academicians, and therapists, and several are now teachers in White Plum Zen lineage a liates.
Kathi also graduated from a Chaplaincy training program at the SATI Center for Buddhist Studies, Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. She served as a volunteer Zen Prison Chaplain providing Zen Dharma services and coordinating and facilitating Buddhist services at the Folsom Prison complex locally in the Folsom Prison’s Women’s Facility, as well as providing Dhanna services occasionally at Sacramento State Prison’s (“new Folsom”) B and C yards, and at San Quentin Prison in San Rafael.
Kathi was a member of the Sacramento Ikebana Society and the American Sewing Guild. And she enjoyed cooking, and meditating in the couple’s Japanese Garden at their home, Hanashobu-an.
Kathi died on 24 June 2024 a er battling Lewy Body Dementia, a variant of Parkinson’s Disease, for about 7 years. She is survived by her husband John (76) of 48 years, her son Kirk (40) and his wife Lindsey, her sister Glenda [Nordmeyer] (Bermuda Dunes, CA) and brother Douglas (Sequim, WA), as well as several nieces and a nephew (in CA, WA, IA, and TN), and several grand nieces and nephews. Her sister Barbara [Spicer] (South English, IA) preceded her in death.
Kathi had a full and meaningful life, and one of community service at several levels. She inspired leadership and devotion to those she worked with, and she touched the lives of many people, helping and teaching wherever she could. She’s missed and appreciated by many.
OFFICIAL WARNING
Deed crimes are on the rise
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
An increase in real estate fraud cases involving vacant land in South Lake Tahoe, Georgetown, Placerville and Grizzly Flat, as well as cases involving single family homes in the county and in one instance the IP address of the perpetrator was traced to Panama, have prompted El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Janelle Horne and District Attorney Vern Pierson to raise awareness on this issue.
The duo is sending information to local real estate and title and escrow companies and out to the public with goal of safeguarding property owners. Seven cases have been reported to the Recorder Clerk’s O ce in the last 45 days and Horne told Village Life she thinks there may be more as only around 10% of deed crimes get reported. Properties most likely to be targeted are ones without encumbrances such as deeds of trust, mortgages or liens. A scam artist will pose as a property owner and o en contact a Realtor in neighboring county to list
a property. Horne said the Recorder’s O ce is obligated to record documents they receive but suspicious documents are forwarded to the District Attorney’s O ce.
Imposters are using arti cial intelligence to create false IDs and AI-generated photos and videos. Horne showed Village Life two driver’s licenses from Nevada and a video purportedly of a homeowner “to show proof of life” that were recently used to commit fraud.
“Once a title is changed the scammer will apply for a mortgage for 80% of the value of the property,” Horne said. She and the DA recommend that neighbors look out for each other.
“If you see a for sale sign on a property, inquire about it with the homeowner,” Horne advised. The recorder-clerk recently gave a presentation to the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce where she urged real estate agents to “ask as many questions as you can about the property and go see with your own eyes to
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Janelle Horne talks about ways to prevent deed crimes, referring to a presentation she prepared.
El Dorado Hills Rose blooms at the county fair
Mimi Escabar
Special sections editor
Three amazing women join the El Dorado Rose Court this year with El Dorado Hills resident Kimm Richwine named 2025 El Dorado Rose at the El Dorado County Fair on Thursday, June 12. Richwine is joined in court by Rose contestants Cora Motak of Placerville and Louise Sweet of El Dorado.
Sponsored by Save the Graves, Richwine was born in Orange. The mother of ve children spent quite a bit of time volunteering in school related activities. She currently works with the Sons of the American Revolution in its School Guard program giving presentations to h-grade classes on the American Revolution while dressed in colonial attire.
Active in Girl Scouts, she served in various roles with the Tierra del Oro Girl Scout Council. While serving the Girl Scouts she was recognized as Leader of the Year in 1998 and 2000. She participated with NorCal Bully Breed Rescue and was a Foster Fur Parent, specializing in medical fosters.
The active community member belongs to the American Red Cross, Daughters of the American Revolution, Rolling Hills Blue Star Moms, Save the Graves and National Society Colonial Dames XVII
Century. She has volunteered in the El Dorado Hills community at various events from a veterans bridge dedication to community clean ups and has participated in a cemetery census of all the headstones of Low Country South Carolina. In 2018 she was awarded Outstanding Volunteer. She was also with the El Dorado County Cemetery Advisory Committee and served until the committee was disbanded.
An interest in history and genealogical research and learning more about her family’s history occupies her spare time.
Additionally she likes to do quilting, needlework, work in the garden with her husband Kent and travel all over the world to spend time with her family.
A desire to be Rose comes from her enjoyment of living in El Dorado County.
“El Dorado County has provided a wealth of history to love, learn and share.
From sitting on the side of the road with a picnic to wait for the Pony Express to ride by, to adopting the Mormon Island Relocation Cemetery with my DAR chapter, I continue to learn about the individuals that built this county and I am grateful,” Richwine said. “As a Rose I would aspire to embody the values the Roses hold dear: community spirit, compassion and a commitment to making a positive impact. I will continue to serve, learn and contribute to the place I am proud to call home.”
Freeman named Officer of the Year
Noel Stack Editor
For going “above and beyond,” El Dorado County sheri ’s deputy Dan Freeman was honored with the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills O cer of the Year award.
Freeman was joined by his family and ESDO coworkers at the June 11 Rotary breakfast meeting, where he received a plaque and praise for his e orts serving as a school resource o cer.
“Not only is he a fantastic deputy sheri , he’s a great guy,” noted SRO supervisor Sgt. Jeremiah Hamon. Freeman has worked in law enforcement for 15
years, ve with EDSO. Hammon called him a leader in the department as a range master and instructor. He told the crowd the deputy has an unwavering dedication to public safety and has made a real impact in the community. Freeman launched the One Pill Can Kill program at local schools, educating youth about the dangers of fentanyl.
“He has started meaningful conversations in the classrooms and around the dinner table,” Hammon noted.
Freeman thanked his family and the entire SRO team, saying the honor belongs to all of them.
“We have something truly special in El Dorado County,” he added.
Burn permits suspended in El Dorado County
Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit
News release
Warming temperatures, dry winds and abundant annual grass growth are rapidly increasing re danger across the region. In response, the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit has suspended all burn permits for outdoor residen-
tial debris burning within the State Responsibility Areas of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and San Joaquin counties. This suspension took e ect at 12:01 a.m. on June 16 and prohibits all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.
“Although debris burning is
useful to reduce ammable vegetation, the conditions in Amador-El Dorado Unit have reached the point where debris burning poses an unacceptable risk of starting a wild re and it is no longer safe for the public to perform these types of burns,” said AEU Chief Mike ■ See PERMITS, page A5
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene Kimm Richwine waves to the crowd shortly after being named 2025 El Dorado Rose at the county fair in Placerville.
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
El Dorado County sheri ’s deputy Dan Freeman stands with his family, from left, daughter Alexandra, wife Jessica and daughter Emma after receiving the EDH Rotary O cer of the Year award.
County budget a go but more obstacles anticipated
Jo Carrerow Village Life correspondent
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved the 2025-26 recommended budget June 10 — but not without regret.
“Our actions aren’t always aligning with our words,” lamented District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine. “We talk about tourism. We talk about ag. And yet, in our policies I continually see that we’re our own obstacles to all of that.”
At the Feb. 11 board meeting supervisors cut $868,567 in discretionary funding to outside agencies for tourism and economic development — effectively gutting El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce programs — as part of the task to slash $2 million from the General Fund budget before the entire budget’s adoption last week.
The now-adopted budget also includes a reduction of 39.2 employees from the county’s staff of 2,000-plus with 11 of whose positions filled and the others vacant, according to assistant chief administrative officer Sue Hennike.
Also to meet the $2 million mark, county departments were asked to make cutbacks. They were able to reduce service and supplies costs and other charges 8% as well as acquisition of fixed assets 22%.
“That reflects departments really scrubbing and making a lot of conscious decisions about … replacement purchases they can maybe defer a year or two,” Hennike said, telling the board it has been a challenging couple of years.
“Typically there’s one meeting that’s required to adopt a county budget,” Hennike said. “Typically we have about four in a year. For this budget we have had 12 public meetings.”
With budget cuts in almost every department, Hennike said challenges have included state and federal budget reductions, unfunded and underfunded state mandates, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, health insurance premiums, pension costs, inflation, utility costs, construction costs and facility replacements exceeding available funding. Since 2022-23 the county has seen slowing discretionary revenue growth. This budget notes Transient Occupancy Tax revenue is expected to decrease by 23%, there’s no projected growth in sales and use tax and property tax growth is also down, slowing from 4.69% to an expected 3.5%.
“You have a combination of high housing prices, high mortgage interest rates and high homeowner’s insurance,” Hennike said. “So that is causing real
estate activity to really slow down and we really rely on the sale and the turnover of existing homes.”
It is difficult for people to maintain their quality of life due to rising costs in necessities like gasoline and insurance, District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp said.
“I think that the mass exodus is going to continue to other states because people can’t afford to live here and can’t get insurance to insure their properties,” he added. “I myself have been relinquished to the Fair Plan, and we’ve had two inspections to get that Fair Plan hopefully approved.”
Veerkamp said he’s trying to remain optimistic that Economic Development staff will come up with ways to fund some of the now-eliminated programs.
“Leave no stone unturned,” he encouraged. “Spend a dollar and get three back or … something of that magnitude, because we have got to capitalize on one of our only revenue sources — and that’s the county.”
Veerkamp said not capitalizing on tourism, “probably the biggest revenue generator,” will have repercussions. “But in a county that doesn’t have a lot of growth potential, and that’s OK to a degree, this is going to make it very difficult for us to work our way out of this.”
Although the reserves are currently looking good, county leaders will probably have to tap those for “facility issues moving forward that are very very in dire need of enhancement,” he continued.
Chairman George Turnboo, who is on the Budget Ad Hoc Committee with Veerkamp, added, “We’re looking at new ideas and new technology that we could bring to El Dorado County.”
Ideas include building a mill and a biomass facility, according to Turnboo.
“We’re pushing our congressman to be able to bring something back here,” he said. “We used to bring in $15 million-$20 million for our roads when we had logging here in El Dorado County. Plus it helped our rural schools.”
The District 2 supervisor also pointed out the high cost of leasing buildings is also a drain on the budget. Tunrboo acknowledged tourism is a big contributor to county revenue but added, “We’ve got to think of other things too.”
Laine said she doesn’t agree with a lot of the decisions the board made over the last six months, but admitted it’s difficult since decisions “come in waves” and “out of context.”
She said the board has had some “knee jerk reactions” in its decision making.
“So it makes the decisions that we make along the way seem disjointed. Again I think our actions need to match our words,” Laine continued. “As a board member, I wish there were a better process that would allow us to take into consideration all the different pieces that need to be considered … especially when it comes to outside agencies.”
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero said he agreed with all three supervisors, especially Laine.
“In our decisions, board decisions, we need to consider the effects to business and revenue generation,” Ferrero said, citing when in February the board was considering outside agencies.
“I think that’s a small price for us to pay to encourage tourism,” he said, admitting he supported the board’s decisions then as a new member. “I think we really need to focus on our assets and tourism and agriculture are right up there for now.”
Veerkamp said he wants to see a costbenefit analysis when making decisions about what to support.
“We have to know what it’s gonna cost and we have to know what it’s gonna cost in the long term, best we can project that,” he maintained. “And if we’ve got a chance at bringing back some industries that made the county what it was, then great. But we have to see what it costs us to pursue those.”
District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin said she sees the board as not having a “unified vision,” such as regarding promoting tourism.
“Where do we want to take those dollars?” she asked. “Just because we’ve been doing something for 30 years, is that the way to keep doing it?”
She said she thinks the board now has a good opportunity to look at a new vision.
“In our decision making, it’s not all about the mighty dollar,” she added. “We have to keep things balanced.”
The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County submitted an extensive response to the budget, which Secretary Gina Posey noted at Tuesday’s meeting included a suggestion to re-examine cuts, especially with the film industry, which she said is a “short-sighted strategy … resulting in additional decreases in both sales taxes and transient occupancy taxes.”
“Uncle Fuzzy” Rich Mason objected to cutting the Visitors Authority from the budget.
“You want to generate money. What does this county have to sell?” Mason asked the board. “We have to sell tourism.”
County Auditor Joe Harn told supervisors he sees the future getting worse, specifically with sales tax revenue.
“I hate even to call the feds and the state our partners,” Harn shared. “Unfortunately they are our partners. They have problems with money. The future looks a little bit bleak.
“So this is a very distasteful recom-
mendation,” he added. “But I urge you to implement it because I have a feeling … if you don’t do some distasteful things this morning, it’s gonna be a lot more distasteful in September and a lot more distasteful next June, or maybe we’ll have to do something mid-year.”
Addressing why salaries and benefits expenditures increased from $304.5 million this fiscal year to a projected $314.4 million in 2025-26, Hennike noted, “The board has made a concerted effort, a conscious decision to compensate our employees fairly. And so the budget does include some of those negotiated salaries and benefits increases. The board has made a decision to take care of its employees.”
Veerkamp moved to approve the item and direct staff in three months to reduce the budget even further. Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve the FY 2025-26 recommended budget and authorize the Chief Administrative Office Facilities Division and the Department of Transportation to proceed with capital projects and road work as identified and approved in the recommended budget, with any amendments as directed by the board, effective July 1.
Supervisors also approved appointing Supervisors Parlin and Veerkamp to the FY 2025-26 Budget Ad Hoc Committee and directed staff to return to the board on Sept. 23 with proposed amendments to the FY 2025-26 final budget.
Budget details
Projecting out the amount of money left at the end of this fiscal year, total appropriations (all county revenue funds) decreased 6%, from $1.27 billion in the adopted budget for FY 2024-25 to $1.19 billion in the recommended budget for FY 2025-26.
“Now, this is actually a fairly normal reduction that you would see when we’re looking at a recommended budget as compared to the adopted budget that you approve in the fall,” Hennike said. The actual fund balance will be known in September after the 2024-25 books close with final budget adoption in late September.
Governmental funds in the recommended budget for next year equal $1.04 billion, another decrease of 6%. These funds consist of “our enterprise funds and internal service funds, so like our risk fund and our transport … airports and our county service areas,” Hennike said.
Projected revenue in the general fund is $409.9 million, an 8% decrease from this fiscal year, and net county costs (departmental operating net county costs) come in at $203.8 million, a decrease of 5%.
All governmental funds are split into various categories with 30.4% going
‘Distasteful budget’ calls for layoffs
Jo Carrerow
Village Life correspondent
seeing would be a result of this budget,” Hennike said.
In the fiscal year 2025-26 recommended budget approved by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors June 10, budget reductions included layoffs — 11 filled positions and 28.20 vacant positions.
“So, this is mainly due in general government … reducing vacant and some filled positions,” El Dorado County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Sue Hennike said during her budget presentation.
Layoffs will take place in the Board of Supervisors division (1), Chief Administrative Office (6.60), Health and Human Services Agency (1), Planning and Building (1), Registrar of Voters (.40) and Surveyor’s Office (1).
Vacant positions will not be filled in the Assessor’s Office (1), CAO (6), child support services (1), District Attorney’s Office (4), HHSA (4.45), Information Technologies (4), Library (6.75), Planning and Building (1), Probation (.50), Recorder-Clerk’s Office (2) and Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office (.50).
The Public Defender’s Office will hire three new employees — public defenders (2) and alternate public defender (1).
Several people spoke against the firing of county employees.
Jen Rimaldi, president of El Dorado County Employees Association Local No. 1, asked the board to hold off on eliminating filled positions and on new hiring until the final budget numbers come back in September.
“When I asked in our last mediation before we finalized our MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), I asked how many layoffs would this trigger and I was told zero,” Rimaldi said, maintaining the county can’t function with just management and consultants.
“It’s clear, protecting employees is not your top priority,” Rimaldi added.
District 5 Supervisor Brooke Laine said she also recalled a recent meeting where they were told there would be no layoffs.
“How did that come to change?” Laine asked.
“I’m not sure where that misinformation is coming from and, if that was said, that was certainly an error because that has not been what we have been
“Granted 11 positions out of 2,000 is a very very small number. It’s .005%,” Laine added.
Laine said she noticed the Sheriff’s Department has a large budget and asked if that department had trimmed its budget. Hennike noted EDSO did reduce its budget by $4 million off what was initially requested.
Tina Acree, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees business agent for Local 1, said, “The people impacted by these cuts that you’re discussing today are actual human beings. They’re not line items on your spreadsheet.” She said the majority of the layoffs fall on “rank and file employees.”
“They’re the backbone for the services that are provided by this county — that your community relies on.”
Acree said AFSCME asked for a job analysis it never received. “How is this going to get done? How are we showing you, the board members, and our community who’s going to do this work?” she asked. “We were specifically told (it) wasn’t done, not required.”
She also alleged the CAO and Assessor’s Office had “direct dealings” with employees, “noticing them of when their last day of work is because they would be a part of the layoff.”
“Those are against the law,” Acree maintained.
“These are not just job cuts,” she continued. “These are people losing their income, their health care, their dignity.”
Jason Hill, Geographic Information System Manager for the county, one of the FTE positions slated for layoff, said more than two years ago he was hired to manage and coordinate the surveyor’s GIS team “bringing GIS value to all departments, divisions, outside agencies and the public.”
“It was a dream come true for me and my family to be able to work and serve the county in which we live in,” Hill said.
Since then he said he has helped manage a team “in providing GIS services and support through enterprisewide GIS systems online and mobile
comes with a $9.96 million price tag.
In August 2024 the district opened the Central EDH Mile Loop Trail on the purchased land. The trail meanders through the hillside near the intersection of El Dorado Hills Boulevard and Serrano Parkway.
Results of a survey completed around the same time, in which more than 2,600 people responded, reported nearly half of respondents said acquiring the remaining acreage is of very high importance with another 26.45% saying it is of high importance. Regarding use of the property, the results noted, “The most preferred overall ‘type’ of recreation development project was open space/nature area, followed by a community park, then a golf course.” The top two amenities suggested were bathrooms and unpaved trails. Other activities that made the top 10 include a golf course (No. 5), driving range (No. 7), pickleball courts (No. 8) and an amphitheater (No. 10).
EDH resident Kelley Nalewaja called the price
room he enters. He gives the best hugs, loves to make people laugh and has a smile as contagious as his giggle.”
Whether he’s racing around the soccer eld, pretending to blast o into space or curling up for story time, Landon approaches everything with joy and boundless imagination. He’s endlessly curious and wants nothing more than to enjoy life freely — without the constant burden of blood sugar checks, carb counting, insulin shots and other daily challenges that come with managing T1D.
Landon and his family nd strength in connecting with fellow T1D warriors. With the devotion of his parents and sister, through thick and thin, he’s empowered to dream big and embrace life fully.
Throughout the event, these youth, ages 4-17, will participate in leadership and character-building programming, interact with T1D role models and engage
Deed crimes
verify.”
“Our local title companies are really good,” Horne added. “If they feel it is fraudulent, something isn’t right, they’ll send out a letter to the property owner of record basically saying, ‘You’ve opened an escrow. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.’” This tactic has been able to stop some scams from going through. “I believe that listing agreements have to have some type of ID requirement like ID.me, a list of questions whose answers only you would know — what we do for our vital records,” she added. “I think the law should be changed to include ID veri cation for property listings.” Currently there is a aw in real estate contracts, she maintained, as proof of identity is only required at escrow.
Some property owners have asked the Recorder Clerk’s o ce if they should purchase title lock protection. Horne explained that a title lock company purchases the county’s images and index on a monthly basis for its database and is then noti ed if a transaction takes place.
“It’s not a preventative measure and I think it is being misrepresented,” she said. “El Dorado County property owners can go on our website 24 hours a day and put in their legal name as it is listed on their property and the website will show everything that has ever been in your name.”
Permits
Blankenheim.
While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, Cal Fire is asking residents to take that extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wild res by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every home and buildings on their property and being prepared to evacuate if the time comes.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property: clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures; landscape with re resistant plants and non- ammable ground cover; nd alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.
The department may issue restricted
of the land “over-in ated” but told directors last Thursday it’s worth saving.
“My only hope is that we are sticking with the original intent of this purchase,” she said. “That we are not looking to put a boutique hotel resort or any kind of option that the people did not show. That was our desire.”
The board of directors created a working group to examine the rst survey results regarding the visioning of what is now known as Central EDH Park, McGann Jantzen told Village Life.
“This working group was tasked with dra ing three concepts for the community to review and respond to through a second survey,” she explained. “This survey will include best-estimate nancials associated with each concept.”
EDHCSD sta will also host a community meeting to hear presentations regarding possible future uses for the land, the interim general manager shared. More
in a number of activities on Capitol Hill, including attending a Senate hearing featuring personal testimonies that highlight the challenges of living with T1D and the need for continued Federal funding through the Special Diabetes Program and accelerating cell therapies.
Joining the U.S. delegates are ve international delegates traveling from Australia, Canada, Israel, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Together, the delegates will convey to the federal government that T1D is a global issue that requires a global response.
About Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress
Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress was inspired by a boy from Massachusetts named Thom Solo. One day, at age 9, he asked his mother, “Why
Horne and her assistant Catrina Christensen support bill SB 255 in the state Legislature which, if passed, would require county clerk recorders to send noti cations of all documents, including deeds of trust, liens and quitclaim deeds to property owners.
The Recorder-Clerk’s O ce has already implemented a “Do Not Sell” list in which a property owner registers the parcel number and information on how owners are listed on the title, their phone number and their e-mail address. This list is available to Realtors as well as title and escrow companies, Realtors check it when a client contacts them to list a property. Realtors need to sign up with the o ce and verify their license before they can access the list. This information allows them to match the phone numbers and email address of the owner with the caller wanting to list the property.
Title transfers aren’t the only way a property owner can be defrauded.
Horne referenced a recent scam involving people who lost their homes in Grizzly Flat but were o ered $500 to $5,000 by a Florida-based real estate company MV Realty to be their “future real estate agent.” The document was a covenant restriction that ran with the land for 40 years. Horne said that if the property owner signed up for this but later decided to cancel, they would be hit with a cancellation fee equivalent to a real estate agent’s commission. Horne said there were 12 property owners in
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temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, re training and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire ocial inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to camp res within organized campgrounds or on private property. Camp res may be permitted if it is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campre permit can be obtained at readyforwild re.org/permits/camp re-permit. For more information on how to create defensible space, how to be prepared for wild res as well as tips to prevent wild res visit readyforwild re.org.
information about and updates to the project can be found on eldoradhillscsd.org. Select Parks & Facilities and then Central EDH Park Visioning.
In other CSD news
• Directors approved 4-0 the 2025-26 General Fund budget of nearly $14.1 million. McGann Jantzen’s budget letter to the board notes the district’s nancial position “can be viewed as stable, but with some potential challenges and opportunities.” A copy of the budget is included in the June 12 meeting packet.
• The board voted 4-0 to award a contract in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for forensic audit services to Baker Tilly.
• An item to enter into a contract with former El Dorado County CAO Don Ashton to serve as the interim general manager was pulled from the agenda.
can’t kids go to Washington and tell their representatives about what it’s like to have type 1 diabetes and let them know that we want scientists to nd a cure?” His mom and other leadership volunteers agreed and, in 1999, the rst-ever Children’s Congress took place in Washington, D.C.
Since then, more than 1,000 kids with T1D have served as delegates and the event has been essential to securing continued government funding for T1D research and raising awareness of the daily burden experienced by people living with this serious autoimmune disease. Delegates form lifelong friendships, meet T1D role models, develop leadership skills and leave Children’s Congress empowered to use their voices to power progress on the path to cures. To learn more about Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress visit cc.breakthrought1d.org.
Grizzly Flat who were defrauded and 1,500 total cases in California. Last September California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured a preliminary injunction against MV Realty regarding this practice.
“To the nearly 1,500 California homeowners who were tricked into entering into the unlawful listing agreements with MV Realty, today is a good day,” Bonta states in a news release issued last year. “The court found that we are likely to prevail on our claim that those homeowners were intentionally misled by MV Realty. The court also found that MV Realty’s conduct imposed ‘imminent irreparable harm’ to homeowners. As a result, the company is being ordered to stop violating state law, once again allowing homeowners the freedom to do with their property what they wish. While our legal battle is not yet over, we will continue ghting to hold MV Realty accountable.”
The preliminary injunction required MV Realty to:
• Remove the liens it has recorded statewide within 30 days of the court’s order, or within ve days of noti cation from a California homeowner, or his or her agent, who needs the termination to be able to move forward with a transaction related to the homeowner’s property.
• Stop recording new liens.
• Not enforce, during the pendency of the litigation, the “Homeowner Bene t Agreements” it signed with California homeowners.
Horne’s o ce is also looking into practices implemented in Platte County, Missouri in which biometrics are used to record a document. She said her o ce is working on creating a new type of document that gives property owners the option to record themselves and it may o er the option of using facial recognition.
After decades on the job, Susie Davies ready for more
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
After 42 years in ser-
vice to the community at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc.,
MORE CEO Susie Davies, 78, is ready to pass the torch.
Davies confidently hands over the leadership role to MORE Director of Finance and Fund Development Kelli Nuttall, saying the change is perfectly timed with other changes coming to the nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities and enhances their quality of life. Starting in 2001, Nuttall, 44, has a total of 18 years experience at MORE, 12 consecutive. She was first employed as a direct support professional in the Lifeskills Community Access Program and, Nuttall said, even after she left the job her heart was still there.
“Susie would run into me at times out in the community, at the grocery store and say, ‘You’ll be back one day,’” Nuttall recalled with a chuckle.
“You don’t say no to Susie.” Davies expressed her gratitude for the community’s continual support of her efforts, MORE’s mission and its clients.
“This community has welcomed our folks. El Dorado County is unique in that we look to work together,” she shared, noting the nonprofit’s mission and vision is to create full inclusion for all people.
“We have eliminated the word ‘disabled.’”
MORE clients praised Davies’ efforts. Lorena F., MORE client for 28 years, has worked at Marshall Hospital through the Supported Employment Program for 25 years. She said she’s very proud to be the vice president of MORE’s Client Counsel and “loves attending Aktion Club with Susie” since they are both social butterflies.
Karen R. has been at MORE and known Susie for 33 years. Her favorite classes are music and choir. She said she has
“loved knowing Susie over the years,” noting at times when she was sad and having a hard time, Susie helped so much. Karen R. told the Mountain Democrat she will miss Davies, but knows she will be around because “she won’t let her get away easy.”
Davies’ idea to help people with special needs integrate into the community and develop job skills became a lifelong passion more than 40 years ago when she created one of the first Workability pro-
grams in the state. She joined MORE, which celebrates its 55th year of service, and said through the years she benefitted from leadership training from the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and the tutelage of then El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vicki Barber, who created one of the first special needs programs in the area.
“I also learned when you hire someone, look at their potential for 15 years,” Davies noted, adding that having Nuttall step up into her position will be a smooth and strong transition, given her experience at the agency and the fact that she started out working directly with the clients. “She’s already more qualified than I was at the start (of MORE.)”
Davies said MORE’s Board of Directors is “strong and diverse” and supports the transition.
Nuttall said stepping into this role “is both humbling and exciting.
“I’m beyond grateful for the trust and support of Susie, the board and our incredible team,” she shared. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation Susie has created and continuing to find new opportunities and ways to support the people we serve.”
When asked if she was anxious about having “big shoes to fill,” Nuttall responded, “People give me good advice. Don’t (try to) be Susie. Just be yourself.
“Susie’s one of those rare people who makes you want
to show up and do your best every day,” she added. “She’s been an incredible mentor and always pushes us to grow and think bigger — for ourselves and for the people we serve. I’ve learned so much from her and I’m really grateful for all the years we’ve worked together.”
At present, MORE serves 78 clients but has the capacity for 250. Some programs are one on one and for others the staff to client ratio is 1:4. MORE clients can be seen working at Raley’s, Safeway and Cold Springs Golf Course and volunteering at Snowline Hospice thanks to Davies and her dedicated staff of 44 at MORE.
The agency lost many staff members due to the pandemic. “Some of our workers were close to retirement age and missed working directly with the clients and so they moved on,” Davies explained. At this time, the agency is looking to hire employees in every department except administration. For more information visit morerehab.org.
As for the soon-to-be-
Former CEO, Davies assured she isn’t going to bow out completely but plans to stay on three days a week as a consultant and volunteer onsite with the Feeding The Foothills food distribution service. Her husband Bill retired in 2019 and Davies said there are plans for travel and spending more time with her favorite daughter and favorite son-in-law. She said she will miss spending time with MORE clients, explaining, “They made me better.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra welcomes new CEO
Dina Gentry
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is proud to announce the appointment of Florence Parks as its new chief executive officer. With more than 25 years of experience in the mentoring field and a legacy of leadership at both the local and state
levels, Parks brings deep expertise, vision and heart to the organization’s mission of igniting the power and promise of youth.
Parks’ career is rooted in service and transformation. She has held leadership roles with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, Sierra Forever Families’
Wonder Mentoring Program and the faithbased Shoulder to Shoulder initiative. Her experience includes everything from supervising staff and program specialists to designing statewide mentor certification processes. Parks has also served as Chair of the BBBS State Association and has been an active voice in the
California Mentoring Partnership and MENTOR, the national mentoring network.
“I am honored to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra at such a pivotal time for youth mentoring in our region,” said Parks. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact a caring adult can have on a young person’s life. I’m committed to strengthening and expanding this work so even more children have the opportunity to thrive.”
BBBSNS Board President Stephanie Carlson shared her enthusiasm about the appointment, noting, “We are proud to welcome Florence as the new CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra. Her lifelong commitment to mentoring youth and her strong track record of statewide leadership make her an ideal choice to guide the organization into its next phase of growth. Florence brings both vision and passion to the role, and we are confident she will strengthen our mission of igniting the potential of every young person we serve.”
Brenda Frachiseur has been the BBBSNS CEO for the last 12 years and will retire at the end of June.
“I have complete faith in Florence who brings with her a wealth of experience — over 25 years in the mentoring and positive youth development field, includ-
ing the past six years at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast,” Frachiseur shared. “She has a deep passion for mentorship and a visionary outlook that will guide this organization into its next chapter. I believe, without a doubt, that under her leadership, BBBS of Northern Sierra will soar to new heights.”
As CEO, Parks will lead BBBSNS’s efforts to grow community-based and school-based mentoring programs across El
and
counties. Her strategic priorities will include expanding access for youth in foster care, building new partnerships and ensuring the agency remains a strong, inclusive force for mentorship in the Sierra region. Her official start date is Monday, June 16. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra visit bbbsns.org.
benefits and 0.1% to reserves/ designations. All categories have projected reduced funding next year, especially the county reserves/designations which have decreased 90%.
Hennike explained that the 90% is just a reflection of the difference between what was added to reserves last year ($13.5 million) and what will be added in the coming year ($1.3 million). The actual projected funds in reserves and designations by the end of FY 24-25 is $48.3 million.
“That is more than double the minimum required by our policy,” Hennike said.
Total county appropriations will be down 1% in fiscal year 2025-26, according to Hennike.
Though Hennike earlier noted EDSO had reduced its budget request by $4 million; however, in the law and justice categories there was an uptick in funding, rising 4%.
“This is closely related to Section 504. However, it also includes a couple of positions that have been added to the public defender and alternate public defender, which were completely offset by revenue,” she explained.
Funding to land use and development services-related departments declined by about 9%.
“That really has to do with changes in project schedules and the CIP that fluctuates from year to year,” Hennike said.
Health and human services will see a 2% increase in funding.
“That’s an increase in appropriations and mostly mandated, realigned programs. And mostly offset with revenue,” Hennike explained.
The General Fund
in
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
Kelli Nuttall, left, takes on the CEO role held by Susie Davies, right, at Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises.
Dorado, Nevada,
Placer
Courtesy photo
Florence Parks joins the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra team as its new CEO.
EID General Manager Jim Abercrombie
Jack Carrerow Village Life correspondent
Water has been a part of Jim Abercrombie’s life since he graduated from Santa Clara University.
“I went there to learn how a water system works and then I went back to college to learn how to pay for it,” Abercrombie joked.
Born and raised in Fresno, Abercrombie has been general manager of the El Dorado Irrigation District since 2009. He previously worked with PG&E and the Amador Water District.
For Abercrombie, running EID has been much smoother than what previous general mangers faced. In the early 2000s meetings could be contentious to the point of having the police called.
“My goal is to try and anticipate questions and to always get to a 5-0 vote on board actions,” Abercrombie said, adding it was a change in philosophy by the district in the mid 2000s that the system should be integrated so that it benefits all users.
“We’ve also made sure that our users don’t get sudden rate hikes by making sure that needed project costs are spread out over 30 years,” he explained.
While Abercrombie describes his time at EID as a “great ride,” his life during this time did encounter a few bumps. In 2017, he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A chronic and ultimately fatal disease characterized by a progressive decline in lung function, the disease scars the lung tissue and leads to a worsening shortness of breath. More common in men age 50 and older, it’s thought to be due to environmental and occupational factors, with cigarette smoking increasing the risk.
Happenings
June 27
The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce hosts the Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer, 4-8 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For more information or to register your business visit eldoradocounty.org.
June 28
The Cameron Park Community Services District will host the annual
Layoffs
mapping viewers, applications, map presentations, high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data sharing” for many departments, divisions and programs within the county.
“The loss of this role would significantly disrupt, if not cease, all current GIS projects and minimize potential return on investment,” Hill said.
County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn said department heads are trying to save so they don’t have to have layoffs but
Bridge dinner
For the last two years Dedier has “worked the bridge,” leading a pod where a team prepares the main chefs’ inspired dishes. In May he received an email many local chefs dream about and, as a special point of pride, Dedier said this is the first time organizers set their sights on chefs working on the outskirts of the capital city.
“Normally it always stays in Sacramento,” Dedier explained of the lead chef selection. “Finally getting that spotlight is really great.”
This is the first time the executive chef has taken the lead on an event of this scale and he acknowledged the pressure. Working in El Dorado County, Dedier said he has met some incredible chefs in the foothills — “many are better than me” — and he recognizes that his participation in the Tower Bridge Dinner could impact all those local creatives who wear the apron.
“If I do everything perfectly, the spotlight will be on El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County as a whole,” he said. “I don’t want to let anybody down.”
He encourages up-and-coming and experienced local chefs to work the bridge as he did and get a taste of the Sacramento area’s passion for food. “It would be refreshing to see all those chefs who are so talented really lean into that culture,” he remarked To what extent it can, Dedier’s family
This resulted in the then 62-year-old to undergo a successful double lung transplant.
“I wasn’t going to let this disease dictate my life,” Abercrombie said.
The procedure knocked him out of action for about six months. He said he’s grateful to the University of California, San Francisco medical system and its doctors for his successful outcome and encourages people to donate their organs for transplant.
“I found out first hand how important it is,” Abercrombie shared. “I’m very thankful and am reminded of it every day.”
Asked about his proudest accomplishment while with EID, Abercrombie credited the employees he oversaw for the past 16 years.
“I have a ton of respect for all the people who work here,” he said. “Their philosophy ... is to not look away from a problem, but like Green Bay Packer great Vince Lombardi stated, you run and tackle it.”
During his tenure Abercrombie stressed he has tried to foster a culture of respect for the individuals, making sure the work environment is safe and that everyone remains productive.
Although he and his family — three kids and six grandchildren — will remain El Dorado County residents and he will be available to the district in a consulting capacity, Abercrombie has another goal in mind. “There are around 63 national parks in this country and I’ve visited 20. That leaves me about 43.”
Abercrombie’s also looking forward to EID’s centennial celebration.
“The district was formed 100 years ago to benefit agriculture and now it benefits everyone,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll go on for another 100 years.”
Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake, 5-10 p.m., featuring vendor booths, food, live music, a kids’ carnival, fireworks over the lake and more. For more information visit cameronpark.org. Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents “Cinderella” at 2 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888. Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Frozen Jr.” June 28 through July 20. For tickets and more information call (916) 3531001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
some of those leaders have been less forthcoming than others.
“So, we need your help,” Harn told the supervisors. “In that, how are department heads doing with their budget? How frugal? How much money?
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. Send event listings to editor@villagelife.com.
“We have a lot of work to do,” he continued. “ We need the board’s help to send the message they expect everybody to be (frugal) … and if they’re not on board, the board will take whatever action needed to get them on board.
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has brought food to the forefront of El Dorado Hills. They own four restaurants in Town Center, and a total of 12 in the Sacramento region. Vacanza Romana, translated to Roman holiday, opened about two years ago and serves fresh Italian cuisine. Because of his upbringing, Dedier has had a place in the kitchen since he was old enough to lift a wooden spoon.
“It’s ingrained in our blood,” Dedier said of cooking, adding that the Tower Bridge Dinner invitation does give him bragging rights at family gatherings.
“Oh, 100%,” he joked.
As for what’s on the menu at the Sept. 7 Tower Bridge Dinner, Dedier’s lips are sealed but he did share that the cuisine will focus on the cultures that made California what it is today.
Diners could expect a meal with Native American, Latin and Japanese influences. In years past each chef had been tasked with creating a course but the chosen four this year plan to shake up that model.
“It’s going to be so different from every other year,” Dedier promised.
“All of us are collaborating on every single dish … to create a more cohesive menu.”
The random drawing for the chance to purchase two tickets to the Tower Bridge Dinner will open mid-summer. For more information visit visitsacramento.com/towerbridgedinner.
Obituary ~ You
“This is a distasteful budget,” Harn added. “Nobody wants to eliminate — nobody on this board and nobody in the CAO’s office. And certainly I don’t like it. But I’m telling you next year, maybe by September, it’s going to be much more distasteful.”
The board approved the recommended budget for FY 2025-26 in a 5-0 vote.
“I’m having a real hard problem … laying people off,” shared District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero. “In a few months, we might discover that we have enough money to go for them. But after hearing what our auditor testified to, I am unfortunately willing to accept that.”
The approval of the county’s FY 2025-26 final budget will take place on Sept. 23, when the board will consider proposed amendments submitted by county staff.
write the tribute in your own words or if
Courtesy photo
EID General Manager Jim Abercrombie retires this month after 16 years on the job.
EL DORADO DISPOSAL NEWSLETTER
TRASH TALK:
RECYCLING REALITY
CHECK
– Everyone is Confused!
In a world where convenience and urgency reign supreme, consumption continues to rise. Unfortunately, so does the amount of waste produced. For most people, how and where they dispose of their trash is not a top priority. People are confused about what is recyclable, whether California’s new SB-1383 applies to them, and essentially, “What goes in which cart?” The end result is a contaminated waste stream.
At El Dorado Disposal, our Sustainability Team is here to guide customers through the confusion. With a focus on outreach and education, our goal is to help reshape old habits in an effort to clean up the waste stream. If your school, civic organization, multifamily complex, or other group would like to learn more, our team is available to teach a refresher course. Additionally, we work together with our frontline employees through our “Oops Tag” program. Our drivers are not only able to inform customers of materials placed in the wrong carts, but are also able to show them the solution. It is our priority to continue educating the public as we unravel the confusion and adapt to California’s ever changing eco-friendly initiatives.
BUT IT’S PAPER
As El Dorado County residential customers adjust to organics recycling, we’ve noticed a worrisome trend: Clean, recyclable paper is ending up in the greenlidded organics containers.
The only paper that should be mixed with food scraps and yard waste is “food-soiled,” which includes fast food bags, paper towels, paper napkins, paper plates, coffee filters, greasy pizza boxes, and waxed cartons from milk, juice, ice cream. Clean paper, such as magazines, printer paper, and cardboard, should be placed into your blue lid recycling cart/bin (freely and loosely, not in plastic bags).
Instead of using clean paper to avoid the ‘ick’ in the organics cart/bin, use paper bags or BPI-certified compostable bags.
BEST PRACTICES
BATTERIES ARE PROBLEMATIC
Did you know that batteries can start fires inside your carts and our trucks? Did you know that they leach harmful chemicals into the local environment and our waterways if not disposed of properly?
For the health and safety of our community, make sure to recycle your batteries properly instead of putting them in your curbside carts. We offer several options for recycling batteries safely:
• Residential customers can request a battery bag delivery. Once it’s full, contact us for collection before your next service day. To schedule a delivery or a pick-up, contact Customer Service at (530) 626-4141 or schedule through our APP. (Limitations may apply.)
• The Material Recovery Facility, located at 4100 Throwita Way, accepts batteries. Open Friday to Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Our Recycling Centers in El Dorado Hills at 4421 Latrobe Road and Cameron Park at 3500 Palmer Drive accept batteries. Open Tuesday –Saturday from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
PACKAGING CAUSES PROBLEMS
El Dorado County residents are great at recycling, but we still see a great deal of packaging contaminants in curbside recycling.
Common packaging contaminants include:
• Plastic Amazon bags
• Plastic film packaging
• Packing peanuts
• Packaging insulation
• Styrofoam
• Deflated plastic packing pillows
• Bubble wrap
• Plastic bags
• Plastic films
All of these items must be put in your trash cart.
To dispose of packaging materials properly, first remove any plastic or Styrofoam packaging materials and put them in the trash, then break down and flatten the cardboard box and place it in the recycling.
If you are not sure what goes in your recycling cart or bin, visit eldoradodisposal.com, download our APP and use our Waste Wizard - Sorting Tool, or call us at (530) 626-4141 to speak with one of our recycling experts.
WHAT’S NEW? Come Get Some Compost
If you weren’t already aware, El Dorado Disposal provides free compost for selfpick up at 580 Truck Street in Placerville. EDD has contracted yearly procurement goals for our compost pile, meaning, we want the public to take it! EDD utilizes all the organic material that is collected from residential and commercial customers, and circles it back by providing the compost cultivated from the organics obtained.
Organic Bear Carts
Struggling with pesky bears? We recently launched our Bear-Resistant Organics Carts for El Dorado County residents. Please contact customer service at 530-626-4141 for more information. (Area restrictions apply.)
Angela Dameri CalDRE #01412951 (916) 316-5567 angela@angeladameri. com
5443 Sur Mer Drive, El Dorado Hills
4,345 square feet
4 bedrooms, 4 baths
0.48-acre property
$2,295,000 • MLS #225075005
Serrano home o ers re ned living
This spectacular and timeless Serrano Golf and Country Club residence tucked away on a private parcel has been fully renovated and redesigned for modern, luxurious living.
Step across a silver travertine walkway and through the front door into a stunning living space. Highend amenities include Restoration Hardware lighting, Waterstone and Watermark plumbing xtures and Provenza hardwood ooring.
The home’s great room boasts a oor-to-ceiling stone replace and Anderson French doors that open to the mature-oak-studded backyard with foothill views. The nearby library/den is the perfect space for entertaining with built-in cabinetry and bar with a polished nickel sink and Sub-Zero built-in wine refrigerator.
Resident chefs will enjoy creating culinary treats in the incredible gourmet kitchen with Cambria and limestone slab countertops, Wolf and Sub Zero restaurant-grade appliances, a custom made range hood, furniture grade so close cabinetry with designer hardware and a sunny breakfast nook with outdoor access.
For more formal dining, enjoy a meal in the elegant for-
mal dining room with views and plenty of room for entertaining.
The two story home o ers a main level primary suite with a replace and lavish bathroom with high-end plumbing xtures, a Victoria Albert freestanding tub, marble tile surrounds, beveled glass windows, heated oors and a custom built-in closet system. Completing this estate are three additional bedrooms, an upstairs theater or billiard room plus an attached, three-car garage with epoxy oors and storage.
The nearly half-acre lot is meticulously landscaped. A lush lawn, manicured shrubs and a courtyard with a repit and views send the curb appeal of this home o the charts. The backyard features plenty of space for dining and entertaining on the two-tiered patio, which is surrounded by grass, greenery and mature trees. Serrano is one of El Dorado Hills’ most prestigious luxury neighborhoods with an award-winning golf course, country club and immaculate landscaping. The gated community is close to shopping, restaurants, great schools and Highway 50. Interested in a private tour of this Sur Mer Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 7121617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com, or Angela Dameri at (916) 316-5567, angela@angeladameri.com.
DOES
Andrew
Vonderschmitt & Shelly Thorene Staff writers
The Stage at Burke Junction is taking its original production “For the Love of Dog” for a second run at the theater. The work from the mind of Bill Glasser, owner of Burke Junction, premiered in 2023 to an appreciative audience and now has been brought back by “pup-ular” demand.
The production asks, and pledges to answer, those age old questions: “How do you really know if your dog likes you? Do you have any idea what they think or feel about you?”
Lecturer and host Scientist Joe shares groundbreaking research that reveals the real thoughts and opinions of man’s best friend.
Bags, a 169-pound therapy Mastiff, goes through three owners while Eva, his best friend, a German shorthaired pointer, dreams of life and freedom beyond her backyard fence. Then there’s Ralphy, a pug mix, who is Bags’ nemesis and arthritic roommate who teaches Bags how to avoid trouble by sleeping and eating. Enter Dr. Lov, a Rottweiler mix, whose excellent counseling and prescriptions are a godsend for
San Diego’s hardest working therapy dogs. Glasser penned the play during the pandemic.
“Like everyone else, I spent an inordinate amount of time at home
with my dog, Geno, who was a 126-pound French Mastiff,” he said.
“The thought crossed my mind, while I was blabbing away at him, if he understood anything I
was saying.” Glasser said the idea that humans think that dogs understand them was something he felt hadn’t been explored.
“It seems that every-
thing we think about dogs is pretty much exclusively from a human perspective,” he said.
“In fact, what if our dogs didn’t really like us or the living situation they
found themselves in?”
From that point he wrote the first scene as a thought experiment, considering the idea of “our therapy animals needing a therapist to cope with their needy humans,” he recalled.
“Of course the therapist is also a dog.” He said the play centers around a real dog named Baghera that he fostered for a few months.
Audience response wasn’t the only reason Glasser chose to revive the production this year. “I like the show,” he said. “Especially now, I think we need to come together and laugh about something we can all agree on and love — our dogs.”
He did admit, however, that audience response definitely played its part in the decision.
“It has been our best seller since we opened the theater in 2019,” he said. “A little financial boost certainly helps.” Glasser said the cast is terrific, noting, “They have jumped in and embodied their characters effortlessly.
“Nestor Campos is back,” he added. “There is simply no other human being I have met that so embodies the life and times of a 168-pound Cane Corso Mastiff.
Community revs up its art scene at The Atrium
Village Life staff
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 five incred-
ible 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. Explore unique perspectives on the world of cars, engines and design, and discover how these artists bring precision and passion to every stroke. Pinstripes
EDH
and Pistons graces the gallery at 4364 Town Center Blvd., Building 102 atrium lobby, El Dorado Hills. Exhibit sponsors are Boring Rose Brewing Co. and the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce.
The Atrium Gallery EDH is open to the public during regular Town Center hours. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events/theatrium-gallery-edh.
PATRIOT PROFILE
Ephraim Nichols
Born: 8 Dec. 1727 in Booths Hill, Fair eld, Conn. Died: 22 Nov. 1805 in Pawling, Dutchess, New York
Married Ester Peet in Conn. Had 8 children, the eldest was Ephraim a Lt. in the Continental Army, murdered by Tories as he rode home--making newspaper (and later history book stories) in 1777. Ephraim senior, Judy’s patrio, was a farmer and inn owner who had his money stolen by Tories and then his house burned by them, as well as the proven murder of his son. As a Quaker he enlisted as a minuteman against church rules. He did not go to battle, but he served in the Safety Committee and as its leader and served on the grand Jury (a treasonable o ence to the King). His main function was as the leader of the Underground Railroad in NY before the Rev. War, rescuing escaped slaves and conducting them into Canada. e next 3 generations of his family continued this work--never getting caught and never losing a “passenger”. His youngest son Reuben continued this in Sycamore, Ill. His Great grandson John Wesley Nichols was Aide de Camp to General Grant during the Civil War — continuing the family traditions.
Proud Descendant: Judy Muetz
I have degrees from San Jose State University and a graduate degree from UC Davis, I was a Recreation director for the City of Oakland and a teacher and High School Principal in several California communities. I was an o cer of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than ten years and also in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as a District Commander, Ship Master and Instructor for ten years. I am a leader in a Sea Scout Ship in the Bay Area, teaching sailing. — Judy Muetz
e National Society of e Daughters of the American Revolution is committed to historic preservation, education and patriotism
Your local Daughters of e American Revolution Chapter is excited to be a part of the America250!
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial.
We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to re ect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.
You are invited to learn more about your local El Dorado DAR Chapter please contact regent@eldorado.californiadar.org
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
Eva (Jill Wilson), a German short-haired pointer, right, tells Bags (Nestor Campos Jr.), a Cane Corso Mastiff mix, left, that she plans to run away from home in the play.
Discover the ultimate blend of luxury living and winemaking at 3961 Seven Ridges Road, Camino, CA! This exceptional property offers a prestigious winery with 2000 sqft of refrigerated cold storage, a 1200 sqft underground building for wine aging, a charming tasting room, and a 160-gallon pot still for crafting spirits. Situated near Apple Hill, Lake Tahoe, and boutique wineries/ breweries, this location is a winemaker’s paradise.The sale includes a stunning 5000 sq ft home featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and upscale amenities throughout. Enjoy a 45 ft inground pool, a spacious game room, panoramic views of the southern canyons, a cozy library, a loft area, Tudor-style architecture in the front, and California redwood accents in the back. Relax on the Trex decking surrounded by lush forests in this private luxury estate. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this exquisite property that seamlessly combines a luxurious residential lifestyle with a thriving winery operation. Experience the best of both worlds at 3961 Seven Ridges Road - where elegance meets winemaking sophistication.
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Park, June 20th 8pm. The Stage at Burke Junction @ 8pm / $28
Grown Comedy is
Friday June 20th 8pm at The Stage at Burke Junction with head‐liner, Wyatt Cote, Cameron Park CA. The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park. stageat burke@gmail.com
Woodland Pride Parade and Party @ 10am Parade and Party to celebrate Woodland Pride. Free to attend. All are welcome. Woodland, Main and Elm Streets, Downtown Woodland Scout Gillett @ 1pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
JJKØ: Golden Hour Rooftop presents Summertime @ 3pm TBA - SECRET ROOFTOP SF, San Francisco
An Evening of Dance @ 5pm / $20 Join us for an Evening of Dance with the stu‐dents of Appelgate Dance Studio as we perform a variety of classical and contemporary ballet se‐lections, including selec‐tions from Hansel and Gretel ballet. Richard Brunelle Performance Hall, 315 West 14th Street, Davis. adc@apple gatedance.com, 530-7673777
A G E N T @ 6pm O'Reilly’s Pub, 1840 Haight St, San Francisco
Grooblen: Make Music Day - Golden Gate Park
Bandshell @ 6pm Golden Gate Park Bandshell, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Fran‐cisco
Slake: Let’s Get Marriedalbum release show and afterparty @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Arcade 9: Queer Emo Nite @ 9pm El Rio, 3158 Mission St, San Fran‐cisco
Tsunami.wav: 1TakeJay with Tsunami @ Origin SF (18+) @ 10pm Origin, 1538 Fillmore St, San Fran‐cisco
Drew Harrison: The Sun Kings / Acoustic Duo @ WISEGIRL @ 11am WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill
The Sun Kings / Acoustic Duo: @ WISEGIRL @ 11am WiseGirl Ristorante Italiano & Cocktails, 1932 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill
Eric Ripper @ 12pm
Pete Kronowitt: Whale's Tail Garden gig @ 12pm Whale’s Tail Garden, John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco
Patrick Garr: Hello, Dolly! @ 1:30pm Broadway At Music Circus, 1419 H St, Sacramento Better By the End @ 2pm / $25 A community workshop to create a safe shared space and grow to‐gether 1738 Pomona Dr, 1738 Pomona Drive, Davis. wildish.hap penings@gmail.com, 415-2253075
Taylor Hunnicutt: The Mid‐night Bar @ 5:30pm Kitchen428 Restaurant & Mojo’s Lounge, 428 1st St, Wood‐land dont fear the end @ 7pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco
RexKwondo @ 7pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco
Tai Chi Classes for Beginners @ 8:50am Beginning tai chi classes offered at eh Woodland Community & Senior Center Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
Dance Fitness Classes at Woodland Senior Center @ 10:15am Low-impact aerobic exercise choreographed to contemporary music. Super fun! Woodland Com‐munity & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland. tina�tness68@ gmail.com
The Saloon - Peter Lindman Duo with Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes)
@ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
MARÉ @ 6pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
The Asteroid No.4
@ 8pm Harlow's, 2708 J St, Sacramento Cryogeyser @ 8pm Great American Music Hall, 859 O'‐farrell St, San Francisco
Donovan Woods @ 8pm The Chapel, San Francisco
Emily James @ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco
The Red Pears @ 8:30pm Bottom Of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco
Bobby McFerrin & MOTION: Circle Central @ 9:30am St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, 500 De Haro St, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate
Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Paul Steward @ 6:30pm Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St, San Francisco
Dave Ricketts Music: Dave Ricketts & Friends at The Sea Star @ 7pm The Sea Star, 2289 3rd St, San Francisco
PhearNone: Wu-Tang For‐ever: The Final Chamber @ 8pm Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco
Lara Louise Quintet at the Dawn Club
@ 8pm Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Fran‐cisco
Zopa @ 8pm The Chapel, San Francisco
Karaoke Tuesday @ 9pm Neck of the Woods, San Francisco
Surplus 1980 @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Thu 6/26
Bobby McFerrin: Circle Central (by MOTION)
@ 9:30am St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, 500 De Haro St, San Francisco
Bobby McFerrin & MOTION: Circle Central @ 9:30am St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco, 500 De Haro St, San Francisco
Brett Dennen @ 3:30pm Archer Hotel Napa, 1230 1st St, Napa VINES, VIEWS & VIBES: Bene�t for V Foundation @ 4pm / $170 Join us on the rooftop at Archer Hotel Napa for a beautiful evening with Michelin-starred cuisine,
Anthony Arya at Belle Cora, SF @ 6pm Belle Cora, 565 Green St, San Francisco
The Happys @ 7:30pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco
informal.: HOUSE ARREST @ 8pm The Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stock‐ton Blvd, Sacramento
GamperDrums Live @ Local Edition @ 8:30pm Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco
Cumbiaton (18+ Event) @ 9pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Pete
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats performing at Powerhouse Pub
Alligator Records News release
Award-winning, modern blues legends, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats — three-time winners of the prestigious Blues Music Award for Band of the Year — will entertain at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom on June 22.
“The Hits Keep Coming,” the band’s sixth Alligator Records album, packs a powerful punch with phenomenal musicianship and streetwise lyrics — both serious and humorous. Vocalist, harmonica master and songwriter Estrin, along with multiinstrumentalist/musical mastermind/producer Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, keyboardist/organ wizard/bass player Lorenzo Farrell and endlessly creative drummer Derrick “D’Mar” Martin, have created what Estrin calls, “the best music we’ve ever made together.”
“This band is killer. I’m enjoying this all more than ever,” said the man who has been performing and recording professionally since the early 1970s. “It’s a blessing; there’s so much energy, so much collaboration. The band is just so good right now. And the live show is off the charts.”
Produced by Andersen at his legendary Greaseland USA studio in San Jose, the album captures the band’s chemistry and magic in what is certainly
among their strongest and most urgent releases so far.
“The Hits Keep Coming” is modern blues at its most potent, intense and fun in all the right places as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats deliver 12 groove-heavy, hard-hitting songs, including 10 written or co-written by Estrin and two
surprising covers (one obscurity from Muddy Waters, one from Leonard Cohen that Estrin would have liked to have written).
From the foot-stomping opener “Somewhere Else,” to the harsh reality of the title track (with backing vocals by The Sons of The Soul
Cal Museum exhibit showcases tradition of activist printmaking
Wood
SACRAMENTO — The California Museum presents Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print, a stunning exhibition featuring dozens of screenprints from Mission Gráfica, a community print center and an incubator of cultural ferment in San Francisco. Founded in 1982 as part of the Mission Cultural Center, Mission Gráfica became the most sought-after political poster center in the Bay Area in the 1980s. Mission Gráfica will be on view through Sept. 14.
Featuring 42 vibrant screenprints, Mission Gráfica explores themes of cultural celebration, political resistance and social justice — from gentrification and gender equality to international solidarity. The exhibit will be presented in both English and Spanish, honoring the multilingual roots of the Mission District and ensuring accessibility for California’s diverse communities.
reformulated under the direction of Juan R. Fuentes, who emphasized community projects and classes. He created a more open workshop that served artists exploring personal visions as well as activists involved in local struggles, from gentrification to homelessness.
“Mission Gráfica has always stood at the intersection of art and activism, giving voice to people and movements often pushed to the margins,” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “The exhibit captures a vital history of communitydriven art and activism that is as relevant and important today as it was decades ago.”
“The exhibit captures a vital history of community-driven art and activism that is as relevant and important today as it was decades ago.”
— California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker
The Mission Gráfica printmaking studio was created through the joint efforts of René Castro, a political refugee from Pinochet’s coup in Chile, and Jos Sances, a Sicilian American Vietnam War draft resister with a base in commercial printing. Castro’s brilliant graphic design melded with Sances’ technical mastery to create the backbone of this renowned print center. During the 1990s, Mission Gráfica was
Campos Jr., who plays Bags, said he doesn’t do theater for the love of money, “but for the love of theater.”
“As an actor, I am no different from a carpenter,” he shared. “But my tools are the triggers for human emotion.
“This play is like a Ted talk inside the mind of Dr. Lov, the scientist,” Campos added. Jill Wilson plays Eva, sharing that her owner “loves me too much.”
“I relate to Eva in her quest for freedom on a deep level,” said Wilson, who also appeared in “Proof” and “Almost,
This temporary exhibition reflects an enormous variety of styles, approaches and sensibilities. The artists range from non-professional and emerging artists to well-known figures such as Carmen Lomas Garza, Nancy Hom, Rupert Garcia, Mildred Howard, Jean La Marr, Ester Hernandez, Michael Roman and the San Francisco Print Collective. Visitors will explore themes of U.S. imperialism, gender inequality and women’s empowerment, cultural celebrations, Indigenous America and more.
Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print is a touring exhibition developed in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library, artists from Mission Gráfica and Exhibit Envoy. For more information visit CaliforniaMuseum.org/MissionGrafica.
Maine” at The Stage. Glasser said he is grateful for the theater lovers who keep coming back to the shows.
“The fact that we have built an audience in our little neck of the woods makes me very proud and happy,” he said, “and (grateful) for all the wonderful artists, our board of directors, and designers and technicians that have made The Stage a cool little spot to watch quality theater.”
Glasser promised a few surprises for this new iteration of the show but said audiences will have to come to a performance
to see for themselves.
“Be prepared to be dazzled,” he hinted.
“For the Love of Dog” runs June 14 through July 6 with Saturday and Sunday showings at 1 and 5 p.m. at The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E1, Cameron Park. For tickets and more information call (916) 947-1010 or visit stageatburke.com.
Revivers), to the musically infectious, lyrically harrowing song about addiction, “The Circus Is Still In Town (The Monkey Song)”, “The Hits Keep Coming” is a lyrical and musical tour-de-force.
In addition to Estrin’s celebrated songwriting and peerless blues harmonica playing,
he and the band are among the most entertaining and colorful showmen around. Estrin’s signature streetwise vocals and hipster-cool look, Andersen’s eye-popping, off-the-cuff guitar pyrotechnics, Farrell’s mighty organ, piano and bass work and D’Mar’s dynamic, acrobatic drumming make every one of their live performances a must-see event.
“People don’t go out to see people who look like themselves,” said Estrin. “They want to see something special. I was schooled in this business to be a showman and that’s what you get when you come to see us perform. We know how to put on a show. I feel sorry for anyone who has to follow us.”
Over the years, Estrin has won a total of seven Blues Music Awards, including awards for Song of the Year, Traditional Male Blues Artist, Instrumentalist – Harmonica and twice the prestigious Band of the Year (for Rick Estrin & The Nightcats). The band has performed at festivals and concert stages from San Francisco to Chicago to New York, and everywhere in between. They’ve toured extensively in almost every country in Europe, as well as in Australia, Turkey, Russia and South America.
The show begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at Powerhouse Pub, 614 Sutter St. in Folsom. For more information call (916) 355-8586 or visit powerhousepub.com.
Photo by Steve Jennings
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats put on a show that audience members will remember for decades. See the group live in Folsom.
Photographer uncovers the extraordinary in the everyday
William J. Simmons
Gallery at 48 Natoma
The Gallery at 48 Natoma presents Jyotsna Bhamidipati: The Art of the Personal, a solo exhibition on view June 24 through Aug. 14. The public is invited to celebrate the exhibition at a public reception, 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 27. This exhibition marks Bhamidipati’s rst solo presentation.
Everyday moments
Bhamidipati is a visual storyteller with a love for capturing the beauty of life’s details. She uses photography as a medium to celebrate culture, savor the richness of the food we share and explore the power of travel. Her work is fueled by a passion for uncovering the extraordinary in the everyday — whether it’s the warmth of a smile, the sound of the ocean, the quiet poetry of shared meals or a collaboration across lines of di erence. She cra s narratives that shine a light on diverse perspectives and experiences, o en through the lens of being a mother. She is drawn to the human emotion that binds us all together as a community.
Bhamidipati is a sought-a er speaker and educator, and she is currently at work on her rst monograph. She is a member of Diversify Photo, American Photographic Artists and The LUUPE. As a ne art and editorial photographer her clients include NBC News, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Uber x Anyway Magazine and Travel & Leisure. She has received grants from Adobe and Shutterstock.
About the gallery
The Gallery at 48 Natoma is managed by the Folsom Parks
and Recreation Department and showcases art by regional and national artists. It o ers innovative art exhibitions to the community. The gallery is located at 48 Natoma St. in Folsom, next to Folsom City Hall and is free and open to the public. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with additional hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-8 p.m. Private tours can be arranged by appointment. For more information contact Curator William J. Simmons at wsimmons@ folsom.ca.us or call (916) 4616687.
Courtesy photos
Jyotsna Bhamidipati’s work celebrates simple moments in time. Admire her creative photos at The Gallery at 48 Natoma.
These ‘Little Women’ will warm audience hearts
Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre
FOLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre presents “Little Women the Musical” by Allan Knee, Jason Howland and Mindi Dickstein based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, “Little Women” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.
“Little Women: The Musical,” with book by Allan Knee, features music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. This local production is directed by Kenny Brian Gagni with Assistant Director Lindy Mallonee and vocal direction by Connie Mockenhaupt.
The show is recommended for the whole family. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through July 13 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
by Allen Schmeltz Jo (Rachel Dwyer), center, shares some of her writing with, left to right, Marmee (Rikki Pratt), Amy (Summer Smith), Beth (Audrey Arnold) and Meg (Emily Meyers) in Sutter Street Theatre’s production of “Little Women: The Musical,” now playing.
American River Conservancy offers delightful evening of music
American River Conservancy
American River Conservancy presents the first concert of its much-loved Concerts for a Cause series at the historical Wakamatsu Farm with Island of Black and White.
This vibrant, family-friendly outdoor event offers a delightful evening filled with live music, delicious food and community connections, all in support of preserving local rivers and lands for life. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, with the band playing 6:30-9:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit bit.ly/ARCc4c2025.
Set beneath the open sky, this concert series invites guests to enjoy performances by some of the region’s most popular bands, while savoring handcrafted food from Wani’s Tacos and a selection of refreshing beverages. Every ticket purchased supports ARC’s Resilience Reserve, which helps the Conservancy manage, restore and care for the more than 14,000 acres of land that ARC has permanently protected.
“Our Resilience Reserve makes it possible for us to respond quickly to natural disasters and climate challenges,” said ARC Executive Director Elena DeLacy. “By joining us for an evening of great music with our community, guests are also helping to safeguard the lands they love for future generations.”
For more information on Resilience Reserve visit arconservancy.org/arcrr.
The series continues with Achilles Wheel on July 26 and Red Dirt Ruckus on Aug. 16.
Courtesy photo
Island of Black and White kicks off this season’s Concerts for a Cause benefiting American River Conservancy efforts.
