Playground open. Next phase begins construction soon
Noel Stack
Editor
Families and El Dorado Hills ocials went into play mode at the April 23 Bertelsen Park playground grand opening. Laughter, delightful squeals as kids made their way down the slides and that familiar squeak of swing chains lled the air. The new playground is just one aspect of the park’s remodel. Four years ago a re destroyed the park’s restroom and other amenities. In summer 2023 the EDH Community Services Board of Directors chose the park’s new design, which includes a picnic pavilion housing eight tables next to a
1,048-square-foot spray pad with a rinse station. Other features are a twostall restroom, open-air seating and more picnic
PARK LAKE
Stack
Starting
to take Cameron
Community Services District annual passes, credit and debit cards as well as other electronic forms of payment like Apple Pay. Cash will not be accepted.
“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for people to access the lake,” said interim CPCSD
Suzy O’Neal Financial columnist
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Be alert for caregiver nancial abuse
Do you have a parent or other elderly relative who may soon need a
caregiver? If so, be diligent when selecting the right person for the job — because choosing the wrong one could lead to big nancial problems. You might nd a close family member or friend to serve as caregiver —
someone who is honest and trustworthy, with good judgment and strong money management skills. However, in many cases, people hiring caregivers just don’t know how they’ll perform until the caregivers
have begun work. A dishonest caregiver could steal valuables or cash from the person they have been paid to assist or intercept their mail to obtain credit card numbers and other sensitive information to commit identity the . So, if you enlist a caregiver and begin having doubts about them, you’ll need to watch out for these warning signs of possible nancial abuse:
• E orts to prevent the individual receiving care from speaking to family members
• Inquiries into the location of estate-planning documents, such as a will
• Interest in brokerage and retirement accounts, possibly with the intent to change transfer-ondeath designations
• Withholding nancial or medical information from the family
• Missing jewelry or property
• Requests to be a joint holder on bank or brokerage accounts, sometimes followed by large cash withdrawals paid to the caregiver
• Request for legal authority, such as a nancial power of attorney naming only the caregiver
This last item — the request for nancial power of attorney, or POA — is particularly concerning because of the scope of duties covered by this type of authority. That’s why it’s so important that all family members understand what a nancial POA can and cannot do.
A general nancial POA provides the agent with the authority to act on behalf of an individual’s nances, while a limited nancial POA gives the agent the authority only for certain actions, such as paying bills, making withdrawals and opening or closing bank accounts.
A general nancial POA and a limited nancial POA both can be durable, which means they take e ect once executed, or springing, which is contingent on a speci c event, such as a physical illness, mental incapacity or even a hospitalization. Unfortunately, some POA agents have abused their responsibility by stealing money, making unauthorized transactions and even attempting to change the bene ciary designations on retirement accounts or insurance policies owned by the people for whom they provide care. These bene ciary designations can even supersede the instructions le in a will or living trust — and they can’t be changed by a nancial POA.
If you suspect nancial abuse by a caregiver, you can consider contacting your loved one’s nancial advisor or attorney, if you know who it is. While they can’t share information with you, they can check for red ags and contact your loved one directly. You also can get help from your state government. The National Adult Protective Services Association provides a listing of o ces in each state at napsa-now.org/ help-in-your-area. Finding a caregiver for a parent or other elderly relative can be emotionally di cult but it doesn’t have to be nancially draining. Get to know the caregiver if you can and watch for any red ags, so you can take comfort in knowing that your loved one’s nances are in good hands. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.
water polo since he was 10. He is entering his third season on the Gold Country Water Polo Club, run by Ponderosa High School water polo coaches.
A well-rounded player, James specializes as an attacker.
“James has been dedicated to this sport of water polo from a very young age,” said Reilley Waterman, head coach of the Gold Country Water Polo Club. “His level of commitment, effort, and desire to learn have led him to become the player he is today. James represents our program the right way as a leader. His level of achievement at the national level at his age group, as well as being able to compete with older more physical opponents, is indicative of how talented he is poised to become. We are very proud of the dedication from James, as well as his teammates. The future is very bright for our sport in this community.”
great attitude and is very coachable. James has a very bright future ahead of him both at the local high school level as well as the national level.”
“My favorite aspect of water polo is the challenge,” James said. “Most people don’t understand how hard the game is. The fact that you have to make passes on the dot, have to see every angle and fight off your opponent all while working your legs to keep yourself above the water provides for a certain rush that you don’t get from simpler or easier sports.”
“My favorite aspect of water polo is the challenge.”
— James Stowe
“Water polo is a growing sport,” James’ mother Joy Stowe said of the opportunity to have a competitive water polo club in the region, something El Dorado County families have been requesting for years. Joy’s older son, Josh, a senior at Ponderosa High School, is also a stand-out water polo player. “It’s exciting to have such a great opportunity for all these kids,” she added.
of a boundary map for the proposed city that follows the existing EDHCSD boundary, excluding the Marble Valley Specific Plan area and including the Rolling Hills Community Services District, as well as a plan for services that outlines what the new city government will provide and what services will remain with the county should EDH voters approve the incorporation ballot measure.
Speaking first after hearing many public comments both for and against cityhood, Director Heidi Hannaman acknowledged the huge decision before the board and said she respected those on both sides of the issue.
‘But this, really to me, is about local control and citizen involvement,” Hannaman shared.
She outlined several instances in which the county was not responsive, unhelpful and inflexible, noting that if El Dorado Hills became a city issues like those would be immediately addressed and resolved by the new city’s staff.
“James has been one of the hardest working young men that I have coached in the last 15 years,” added Adam Donovan, director of Gold Country Water Polo Club. “He is a true student of his craft and looks for any opportunity to get better and train. He has a
work orders and coordinating field responses more seamlessly than ever before. That means fewer delays, more accountability and better service for you. Still, we know that no technology can replace the value of a real conversation or the power of a strong relationship with our customers. So, we’re continuing to show up in person where we can because we believe service and accountability are personal. And public trust, once earned, must be nurtured over time.
As we look to the next 100 years, we remain grounded in this dual commitment: people and progress. We will keep engaging, educating and listening to our community because that’s the heart of public service. And we will keep embracing innovation because the challenges of tomorrow demand nothing less.
Thank you for your partnership during this centennial year. It’s a powerful reminder that while pipes carry water, people carry the mission.
Jim Abercrombie is general manager of the El Dorado Irrigation District.
Then Silva wrote one special song about Seven, a dog adopted from a shelter by a friend who had driven through multiple counties to meet the black Labrador mix. Because he planned to name the dog Seven, the shelter was suspicious that he was referencing the crime thriller movie “Se7en.” He quickly reassured them Mickey Mantle was his favorite player and seven is his retired number.
“What about if a dog wanted to play ball and they got this one shot to get on the field and play ball,” Silva mused. “This would be the way Seven would walk into the stadium.”
“Seven” ended up on her first EP, “Moody Boots: A Dog’s Life.” It occurred to her one afternoon at a San Francisco Giants Dog Days event that the song could be playing during the dog parade. Silva queried several venues and although she received no response
“After this camp, there is a lot of work to be done,” James continued. “I look forward to the Junior Olympics where my club team will hopefully place high and have fun.”
Glickman
Swimclusion.
But without more pool space, those dreams are on hold.
It’s time for our community to act. El Dorado Hills needs a second aquatics facility — not someday, not “down the line,” but now. Our children deserve it. Our seniors deserve it. Our entire community deserves access to safe, high-quality aquatic programming that supports wellness, connection and growth.
Taz is ready. We’re celebrating 60 years of history, launching exciting new programs and welcoming every child who wants to jump in and be part of something bigger. But we can’t do it alone.
Let’s make this the year we stop treading water and start building. Let’s turn vision into action and plans into pools. Let’s give the next generation of El Dorado Hills residents even more than we had ourselves.
Let’s dive in. Together.
Ben Glickman is president of the El Dorado Hills Tasmanian Devils Swim Team (Taz), a volunteer-run nonprofit swim team serving El Dorado Hills since 1965 (edhtaz.org). He can be reached at president@edhtaz.org.
from the Giants, the Sacramento River Cats welcomed Silva for their inaugural Bark in the Park day. “I never thought in a million years that it would end up in any ballpark anywhere” said Silva.
“People write about love and loss but not a lot write about their pets. They’re such a huge part of our lives,” explained Silva. Her own dog Mushu Poo, nicknamed Moody Boots, had been surrendered for euthanasia at four months due to multiple health problems. Reluctant at first, Silva took her on, despite the prognosis that she would not make it much past two years. Nine years later she is healthy, vibrant and accompanies Silva to work daily.
“She has a whole personality that you would never guess because she looks so docile and she’s always napping,” Silva said with a laugh.
Silva’s song themes range from her
The end result is that the total cost for the required improvement projects in the TIF program was spread amongst fewer new housing units, which resulted in higher fees across all zones.”
The county has continued to collect the Traffic Impact Fees as is, Martinez told Village Life, so as not to hold up any projects. Once the new fees are calculated, county staff will reach out to those who paid “and let them know if they have to pay more ... or if they will get a refund.”
So far, about 20 applicants have moved forward with projects and paid the fees since Feb. 1, Martinez shared. A notice in Building C advises applicants that there could be changes. The revised fees will go into effect Aug. 9, at the earliest, he added, so in the meantime all applicants will pay using the current schedule.
Consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates prepared the analysis for the county and confirmed the discrepancy. Consultant and county staff are now reanalyzing baseline numbers for residential and nonresidential uses to reallocate development in the community regions. That data will then be used in a revised nexus study needed to produce an updated fee schedule, according to Martinez.
“Tonight I am actually excited to move this along to the ... next phase,” she concluded.
Director Michael Martinelli said he echoed Hannaman’s comments and wants to keep an open mind during this process. Understanding some have concerns about of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that will potentially be spent during the process, Martinelli said, “I don’t see it as a cost. I do see it as an investment, an investment in our community ... to see if, in fact, it’s the right thing for us to do. It’s getting the information out there so that we all can evaluate it and see if, in fact, it does make sense to to really pursue this before we run the risk of it being maybe too late.”
Martinelli made the motion to move forward with the incorporation process with a second coming from Hannaman.
Before the vote, Director Noelle Mattock reiterated that this action “is about getting the information to make a decision down the road. We have a long way to go. This is just the first step.”
Board President Stephen Ferry, who ran for the CSD board on the cityhood issue, noted he was glad the board had reached this point. He joined the three other directors in the unanimous vote.
View the full meeting at eldoradohillscsd.org; select Board of Directors under the About header and then click on Board of Directors’ Meetings - Agenda Packets and choose the May 1 meeting video.
own grief over losing a dog, to a champion dock jumper who contracted Wobbler’s disease, to a border collie who dreams of all the things he doesn’t actually do. “It’s really random. I’ve tried to force it, but for the most part I don’t know what will strike me,” she said.
Silva has lived in El Dorado Hills for the last 16 years while working at several hospitals before her current position as co-medical director of Grant Line Veterinary Hospital in Elk Grove along with Dr. Erin Catching. She and Catching have recently opened a home euthanasia and hospice business called A Rainbow Road.
“The biggest thing in my life is helping people with their pets at home to pass and celebrate their life,” Silva said.
“I’ve euthanized thousands of animals in a hospital setting and it’s traumatic for people,” she shared. “They don’t
DOT staff plans to bring the matter back to the Board of Supervisors on May 20 to make revisions to the major update based on new numbers and on June 10 they will have the opportunity to adopt the revised fee schedule, which takes effect 60 days after adoption.
“Staff anticipates that fees in Zone C will come down from their current levels and that fees in Zones A and B may see a slight adjustment,” the DOT director notes in his memo.
Zone C covers El Dorado Hills. Zone B follows the Highway 50 corridor from Cameron Park to Placerville and Zone A encompasses the rest of El Dorado County’s western slope.
News of the error, sparked some harsh responses from county officials and the public.
Auditor-Controller Joe Harn, in correspondence shared with Village Life, calls the fees “not legally defendable” and worried the county was inviting another lawsuit. He also suggested the high fees as presented could scare away economic opportunities.
“Anyone thinking of starting a business who goes to the website will see the higher, unlawful fee,” the auditor states. “The county maybe scaring away potential employers and tax generators. This is a self-
want to be in a white room with bright lights, walk through the lobby after their pets are gone and see other people with their pets or go out the back door and drive home with an empty carrier. There’s a special process that happens when you come into someone’s home and you help them with a peaceful goodbye. It’s magical.”
In addition, Silva has several projects in the works, including a possible animation of one of her songs and a new EP, soon to be released on Spotify. She is looking forward to the River Cats event where she will be introduced as the singer/songwriter of “Moody Boots” and featured music.
Describing herself as shy and introverted, she is working with a high school student to help her with her pitch. “It’s been an adventure,” she shared. “I like to think it was my dog who inspired me.”
inflicted wound to the county’s economic development goals and should be corrected immediately.”
Kevin Nagle, El Dorado Hills resident and president of The Nagle Company, which owns EDH Town Center, said the county has got to do a better job at sharing information with the public.
“Transparency is a hallmark of sound governance,” he said. “Errors occur at times but delaying or avoiding and not restating the actual facts is a slap in the face to our taxpayers and to those of us who are trying to expand our business community in order to compete with surrounding regions. It is totally unacceptable.”
Martinez said he understands the frustrations. The error, he noted came about due to one error in a 50-plus-page spreadsheet.
“One cell has a plus instead of a minus,” he told Village Life. “It was that simple of a mistake.” He said the consultant is “doing good by the county” — admitting to the error and working to provide the correct information at no additional cost. Steps to prevent a mistake like this moving forward include additional contract language setting up meetings between DOT staff and the consultant to review data earlier in the update process.
A dentistry that aims to be a home away from home
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,
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 forward to going to work and getting to see who’s on the schedule every day,” said Dr. Stanec.
“I love the work that I do and am proud to do really quality work. Originally I’d planned to be a
Homebuyers won’t want to miss checking out this gorgeous Serrano Country Club home with a resortstyle backyard. Built in a quiet court, this ideal five bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home has an exceptional floor plan, gleaming wood and tile flooring and soaring ceilings.
The downstairs level includes a large home office with built-ins and a spacious ensuite bedroom, perfect for guests or those who prefer/require singlestory living. Catch up with guests in the luxurious front living room with a crackling fireplace and when it’s time for dinner, walk the few steps to the adjacent formal dining room with a chic chandelier. The dining room also has outdoor access, great for entertaining.
The chef’s kitchen features new stainless appliances, a built-in refrigerator, ample cabinet and counter space, a large island with bar seating and a dining nook. The open family room with a fireplace and built-in entertainment center provides seamless indoor/outdoor access to the incredible rear yard oasis.
The yard features a sparkling pool, huge turf area, raised garden beds, fountains, a freestanding stainless barbecue island and multiple patio areas perfect for dining al fresco
— all surrounded by greenery, mature trees and a privacy fence. Upstairs in the home, residents and guests will enjoy hanging out in the loft area. Also on the second level is the impressive primary suite featuring a balcony, two walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bathroom with a central soaking tub and large walk-in shower. The home has three additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms also located upstairs near the laundry room. A wide driveway leads to the attached, oversized three-car garage with extensive cabinetry and epoxy floors. Other property amenities include a whole house fan ideal for energy efficiency, a stunning green lawn with mature trees in the front yard and a fantastic cul-de-sac location providing the ultimate in privacy and serenity.
Serrano is one of El Dorado Hills’ prestigious luxury neighborhoods with an award-winning golf course, country club and immaculate landscaping. The gated community is close to shopping, restaurants, great schools and Highway 50. Interested in this beautiful Aragon Court property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Lisa Paragary at (916) 247-1303 or lisa@paragarymillerteam.com.
5
$3,298,000 Just
2444
4
$1,949,000
$875,000
Odin Rasco
Village Life correspondent
At first, before the play begins, there is just the tree — a lonely, leafless thing, occupying space in what is otherwise a void; a scene waiting for a story. After the house lights have dimmed and the stage lights up, the story, pulled hither and thither by the conversation of the shabbily-dressed Vladimir and Estragon, begins as the pair await Godot.
Though Godot never arrives — spoiler alert, in case you haven’t seen or read or heard about Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece since its 1953 premiere — the play still finds its ending. Now, what the cast and crew of The Stage at Burke Junction’s production of “Waiting for Godot” truly await is opening day.
Subtitled “a tragicomedy in two acts,” “Godot” is a one-of-akind play with the action (if you choose to call it that) of the story nearly divorced from typical conventions such as clear answers to fundamental questions like “where” and “when.” The impact the play has had since its first staging is hard to overstate; since its debut, the play has led to the spilling of untold lakefulls of ink in the creation of reviews, thought pieces, examinations and ruminations. Its reputation and acclaim has grown to the point that Beckett’s work is now fixed firmly into theatrical canon.
Now, the storied play makes its way to El Dorado County, providing many in the region their first opportunity to experience the magic of the work for themselves.
“It feels like filling big shoes, especially the reactions I get when I tell people what I’m directing,” explained Rona
Bernadette “Berney” Arrogancia, who is making her directorial debut.
“I know the weight of it, knowing how the play changed theater and how it’s still relevant. I think there’s a lot of what’s going on in this world that is so relevant and so timeless and relatable to what is happening now. Those thoughts factored into this process and are reflected in why the play is going on now, and with these actors.”
The play follows a meandering back-andforth dialogue between Estragon and Vladimir, who await the never-seen Godot. While they wait, they encounter a pair of walking contradictions — the near-mute Lucky, who, when he does speak spouts brilliance and nonsense in equal measure,
and Pozzo, a man wholly concerned with himself and yet concerned always with what others may think.
The show’s small cast — just four men and a boy — bring significant talent to the table, with all of them acknowledging their excitement to be involved in putting on such an adored story.
“To be honest, it’s super exciting,” remarked Ryan Mason, who plays Lucky. “I just got back into theater a couple of years ago and I didn’t think I would be getting to do something so meaningful to me and other people. I’m beyond excited, even though doing this monologue I have might be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.”
Devin Machado,
who takes on the role of Lucky’s tormentor, Pozzo, agreed he was excited to be involved; though the realization of what he had gotten into didn’t initially set in.
“I will admit, I wasn’t fully thinking about what I signed up for at first,” Machado said. “It didn’t dawn on me until midway through the first rehearsal when it was like, ‘oh, right, this is touted as one of the most influential pieces of theater ever.’ Once I realized that, it made me realize I had a daunting task ahead of me, but that it is an
incredible opportunity to have that task.”
The play’s story and themes, though presented in an absurd package, touch on fundamental facets of the human condition, according to the cast and crew.
“A phrase that kept coming up is stripping away,” Arrogancia explained. “There is a lot about this play that is minimalistic, and it came out soon after World War II. It asks, what happens when you strip away all those things that give us purpose — when the jobs that tell us what and who
we are or our homes are destroyed, or the books we love to read aren’t there and all that is left is you and the people around you, what then? How do we find meaning and create purpose?”
Matthew Fairall and Andrew Fridae, who play Estragon and Vladimir, respectively, reflected on the way the play will likely resonate in its own way with every audience member.
“I will talk about this play forever; the play is life,” Fairall stated. “When talking about why we’re doing this show now, I don’t think it changes between each and every day; that’s the point of the play. We come in, we go out, we share, we stay and we see who we spend our time with. Moments don’t change. There’s a comfort, a sadness and a love to that. It resonates with everyone because we all share the same space and the same time.” Fridae agreed, slipping in a joke about the play’s less-than-clear relationship with linear time.
“This is literally a timeless play,” Fridae said. “People will come in and make their own connection to the modern day and their lives on their own. There’s always value in putting a play like this on.”
The Stage at Burke Junction’s presentation of “Waiting for Godot” opens May 10 and closes June 1 with matinée and evening shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $28, with discounts for students and seniors. Purchase at thestage.ticketspice.com/ waiting-for-godot.
Photo by Odin Rasco
Estragon (Matthew Fairall), left of tree, and Vladimir (Andrew Fridae), right of tree, don’t
make of the arrival of Lucky (Ryan Mason) being led on a rope by Pozzo (Devin Machado).
Courtesy photo
Island of Black and White comes to
Buckeye Union schools foster empathy and awareness
Buckeye Union School District
News release
This school year, every elementary school in the Buckeye Union School District welcomed back A Touch of Understanding, an impactful on-site program that fosters empathy, acceptance and awareness around disabilities.
Through interactive stations, student conversations and firsthand storytelling, ATOU encourages young learners to develop compassion and insight. Typically offered to third- or fourth-grade students, the program creates an environment where understanding differences is celebrated and kindness is cultivated. ATOU’s engaging, three-hour workshops are divided into two key components:
1) Interactive stations: Students rotate through activities that simulate real-life experiences of people
with disabilities:
• Mobility: Using wheelchairs, walkers and braces.
• Visual impairment: Navigating with white canes and reading and writing in Braille.
•Learning differences: Completing tasks like mirror writing to simulate dyslexia.
•Neurodiversity & sensory differences: Listening to filtered audio to better understand the experience of someone with autism.
2) Personal connections: Students hear from guest speakers with disabilities who share their lived experiences, challenges and triumphs. These heartfelt conversations challenge stereotypes and encourage genuine empathy.
The ATOU experience consistently leaves a lasting impression. Students gain new perspectives and often express a deeper appreciation for differences. Teachers report more inclusive peer interaction and parents
share stories of their children’s enthusiasm to discuss and apply what they’ve learned at home, indicating the program’s profound influence on students’ perspectives and behaviors.
“ATOU helps our students understand the important concept of empathy and integrity,” shared Valley View Principal Paul Stewart. “This is a foundation that we can build on throughout the school year and beyond.”
Oak Meadow Principal Amy Pirkl added “ATOU reminds students that the daily challenges faced by others are not always visually apparent and helps build empathy around this.”
Buckeye Elementary student Jordan Cox called the program “one of the best experiences of taking a walk in someone else’s shoes,” adding she realized that oth-
Green Valley Elementary integrates foothill history through field trip
Jessica Trumble-Pitel News release
escue Union School District
Rthird-graders at Green Valley Elementary School recently took an enriching field trip to the Maidu Historic Site in Roseville. Students, teachers and parents came together to explore, learn and connect with the land and history of the Sierra Foothills dating back hundreds of years.
Guided by highly trained docents, groups of third graders toured the Maidu Historic Site and Museum, navigating through exhibits of artifacts, nature trails, creeks and encounters with local wildlife.
As they entered the trail, students observed petroglyphs carved into large granite boulders offering a powerful, firsthand look into the ancient artistry of the Maidu people. From there, the experience deepened into lessons about life in Maidu territory — how respect guided their relationship with plants, animals and each other, how they coexisted with the California grizzly bear and how pine trees were used for both baby food and wound care.
“This field trip allowed our students the opportunity to interact with the
Maidu culture and learn about its history, all while having so much fun,” said third-grade teacher Rebecca Wood. “My students loved being able to walk amongst the sacred rocks, peer over the petroglyphs and play the stick game. As we continue our classroom lessons on California tribes, we will refer back to our experience at Maidu over and over again.”
This experience reflects Green Valley’s continued dedication to expanding educational boundaries by blending real-world experiences with in-class instruction. Following the trip, Green Valley third graders brought their learning back into the classroom, connecting their experiences to California History through literacy lessons, experimenting with static electricity by rubbing quartz on sandstone and even designing math-based probability games inspired by traditional Maidu games using popsicle sticks.
El Dorado County and the surrounding foothills region offer so much for young learners to discover. Green Valley and RUSD remain committed to serving as a bridge between past and present, empowering students to build a future grounded in knowledge and connection.
It’s sensible to join this book club
News release
The El Dorado Hills Library announces Austen-tatious, a new book club for teens 16 and older and adults to celebrate the works of Jane Austen.
The first meeting will take place 3:30-4:50 p.m. on Monday, May 19, in the EDH Library Community Room. Meetings will be held on the third Monday of each month from this May through April 2026.
Austen-tatious will begin with “Sense & Sensibility,” Austen’s first pub-
lished novel. Discussions will alternate between analyzing a novel one month, followed by a film or TV adaptation the next month. Spoiler Alert: Mr. Darcy does not appear in a wet shirt in Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” Local resident and Janeite, Claire Purtich, will facilitate the discussions. Join the group for a fun and engaging discussion of these amazing novels and their film adaptations. Registration is open. Walk-ins are also welcome. View the full schedule and register at: tinyurl.com/ Austentatious.
Courtesy photo
Students play a duplicate of the same math probability game of the Maidu people.
Courtesy photos
Valley View Charter Montessori students, left, navigate with a cane to learn empathy for those with visual impairments as part of the BUSD’s A Touch of Understanding program. Above right, Oak Meadow students learn letters in Braille.
Shingle Springs Cameron Park
ASHINGLE SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK
Chamber of Commerce
President’s Corner
Colette Thiel
s we begin the second quarter of 2025, our Chamber is hard at work providing fresh ideas and valuable tools to help you grow your business. One exciting new resource is our weekly email, packed with tips and information. If you haven’t seen it yet, check your inbox—and if you’re not on our list, just send a quick request to membership@sscpchamber.org to get connected!
Our Chamber continues to focus on what matters most: creating networking opportunities to build trust, advocating for local businesses, and supporting the community through charitable efforts.
We're also proud to highlight the continued development of our new website, thanks to the excellent work by Savvy Ninja. Take a look at what’s new and stay up to date at sscpchamber. org.
Let’s keep the momentum going this spring—by supporting each other, we all grow stronger and remember that we have an open-door policy!
Let us know how we can help!
Sincerely,
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
MAY 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.
Shingle Springs Cameron Park
S p r i n g I n t o G r o w t h !
May (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. May – Support Small Businesses and Keep It Local
Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!
May 1 – Monthly Mixer at 5:30 PM
At 5pm Homes for Heroes El Dorado County is hosting this month’s mixer at Geneva Financial in Burke Junction. Enjoy delicious food, beverages, and a chance to win some fantastic raffle prizes—plus, it’s a great way to connect with fellow business owners and community leaders.
May 4 – Farmers Market (Now Year ‘Round)
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.
May 8 – Tri-Member Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the grand opening of The Nifty Nook, Clouds Replacement Pottery Boutique, and Manning Family Farm Candle Company—a triple treat in Cameron Park at 5pm! Don’t miss this exciting event showcasing creative local businesses.
Join the Chamber
TMay 17 –
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!
May 22 – Monthly Luncheon
Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino at 11:45am. We’re honored to welcome El Dorado County Assessor Jon De Ville as our guest speaker. He will provide important insights into property assessments and what businesses and property owners should know.
A big thank-you to our luncheon sponsor, the El Dorado County Republican Party.
June 7 – 10th Annual Thunder in the Park Car & Motorcycle Show
Save the Date for this amazing car & motorcycle show. Cameron Park Lake 8am.
Register to show you car or motorcycle athttps:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/78fa8k9
CHAMBER
The Gift of Kids, Inc.
Jennifer Tommasini
5130 Golden Foothill Parkway AND NEW SECOND LOCATION: 5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy., Suite 200 El Dorado Hills
916-521-1835 • www.thegiftofkids.net
I would like to thank everyone for their vote for #1 Favorite Daycare and continuing to trust us with your precious children. I love being part of this community and helping children learn and grow. With 4 children of my own (now 27, 24, 14 and 13), my own journey began in the daycare preschool eld 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 45 loving teachers and care for 200 children, and we are now expanding! We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, and school-agers, where we transport to 9 local schools. 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 7 large playgrounds, a soccer eld, and a 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 10 years and
have a very creative curriculum! Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certi ed, and make it a priority to continue their education.
The Gift of Kids Inc. is celebrating 25 years in business, with 15 years in our original location, Business Park 1, and I just purchased my new building at 5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy. We could not have done it without the many wonderful families here in the community that I have called home for 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.
Daycare and Presch l Where Learning and Love go Hand in Hand!