Latrobe Road and El Dorado Hills Boulevard from one side of Highway 50 to the other though it will take a few years for the project to wrap up. Improvements to the roadway, as well as the eastbound onramp and offramp, at the Highway 50 interchange in El Dorado Hills were recently approved by El Dorado County supervisors.
This was the fourth addendum, the final leg of a project which began in 2003. Construction is set to begin in spring 2027 with completion slated for sometime in 2028.
The project has come in four phases — in 2006, 2012, 2015 and now 2028. The last phase was reconstruction of the westbound onramps and offramp.
“This addendum is addressing the eastbound on and offramp improvements to complete the ultimate improvements at the interchange that were defined in the 2003 EIR,” county Senior Civil Engineer Dustin Harrington said.
In addition to correcting existing deficiencies to
EID welcomes new GM
El Dorado Irrigation District
News release
The El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Pravani Vandeyar as the district’s new general manager. Her selection follows a highly competitive national recruitment process that attracted more than 90 candidates.
Vandeyar brings nearly 20 years of experience in the water utility sector, with a strong record of operational leadership, regulatory compliance and customer-focused service delivery. She most recently served as the utilities director for the city of Sacramento, where she led major initiatives to modernize infrastructure and enhance water system reliability.
She began her career with the city of Sacramento in 2007 as a supervising water quality chemist and later advanced to the role of Drinking Water Division manager. In that role, she oversaw water production, maintenance, distribution, water quality and research and development. Vandeyar holds both a bachelor’s and master’s in chemistry, bringing a solid technical foundation to her leadership role.
“Pravani brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, utility management experience, and vision to EID,” said board President Pat Dwyer. “We are confident that she will provide the leadership and
WHAT A CATCH!
Village Life photos by Shelly Thorene Youth Fishing Derby winner Mia Bonezzi, 6, and her father Matteo of Folsom, top photo, pose for a photo with their catch, a 56 centimeter catfish at the sixth annual Youth Fishing Derby at Village Green Park in El Dorado Hills on Saturday, May 17. A total of 300 contestants, 150 in each time slot competed for the longest fish in the freshly stocked pond. The free event was sponsored by the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, El Dorado County Fish and Game Commission and the Serrano Home Owners Association. At left, Boaz Naler, 8, of El Dorado Hills (parents Micah and Danielle) grins as he shows off a bass he caught. Above, David Bauer, 74 of Granite Bay, left, prepares to re-load the hook on a fishing pole held by his grandson, Marco Bauer, 3 1/2, of Folsom. The duo were accompanied by Marco’s parents, Brian and Katrina, and little brother, 1-year-old Nicolas.
PRAVANI VANDEYAR
WHAT’S HAPPENING STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Now
Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” through May 25. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Waiting for Godot” through June 1. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “The Reluctant Dragon” through June 8. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Booth reservations are now available for the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase and I LOVE Film Mixer on June 27. For more information or to register your business visit eldoradocounty.org.
EDH Cars and Coffee 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 its new location in the amphitheater near Brickyard & South Fork. Stop by 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy local certified produce, fresh flowers, 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.
May 21
In celebration of Older Americans Month attend a screening of the documentary “What’s Next?” at the Cameron Park Community Center at 1 p.m. Admission and refreshments are free.
May 22
The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Luncheon with guest speaker, El Dorado County Assessor, Jon De Ville at Koto Buffet at Red Hawk Casino. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org.
May 24
Mason Entertainment presents, “You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute to the Bee Gees” at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “A Tribute to the Music of Patsy Cline” starring Joni Morris at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
May 25
Rhythm Section Entertainment presents Big Mike Hart Modern Classic Tour at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 29
Paramount Entertainment presents the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in
OBITUARY
Margaret “Kathy” Panko
April 24, 1936 – April 14, 2025
Margaret ‘Kathy’ Panko passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, just 10 days shy of her 89th birthday. She was born April 24, 1936 in Portland, OR to Bob and Helen Linkey. She grew up in Portland attending St. Mary’s Academy High School and Multnomah College. She married Stan Panko in 1959 and moved to Pullman, WA where Stan attended college. The couple moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962 and eventually settled in Pacifica, CA. They were married for 30 years and raised four children. In her early years, Kathy was a stay-at-home mom who was very involved in her family’s activities. She spent many nights and weekends at swim meets, Boy Scouts and campfire meetings, school events and church. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Pacifica. Once the kids were old enough to stay by themselves, she worked as a secretary and moved up the corporate ladder as a Stock Administrator at Genentech in South San Francisco. She worked there for 25 years before retiring and earning the respect of many employees from the CEO to the new hires. Kathy loved to travel and enjoyed traveling all over the United States as well as Europe and Asia. She loved her children and grandchildren and spent a lot of time speeding her little green Corvette between Castro Valley, Rohnert Park, El Dorado Hills, CA and Reno, NV visiting
with the family. Her family was so important to her to love and keep close and that extended to all the “in-law” families as well. She organized holiday events with the family, Christmas season ice shows, camping trips, planned annual summer reunions at Lake Tahoe welcoming the grandkids’ friends who also knew her as Grandma Panko. She was the ultimate planner and was always very generous with her time and talents. To know her was to love her. While she is now in a better place, she will be greatly missed by all those touched by her extraordinary life.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Pat. She is survived by her four children, Sherry (Janelle) Navarro, Mark (Lisa) Panko, Mike (Vickie) Panko, and Debbie (Marty) Shedd. At the time of her death, she had nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many others who called her Aunt and Grandma Kathy. The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Baywood Court, Clearwater Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities and Hired Hands Caregivers for all their care and support over the past 13 years.
Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Rohnert Park, CA on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church hall. Her final resting place will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno, NV.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Village Life photo by Noel Stack The Rotary Club of El Dorado
Danielle
THESE TEACHERS ARE TOPS
Noel
Stack Editor
Celebrated for their tireless e orts in the classroom, local teachers received special honors at a recent Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills meeting. El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala led o the presentations, noting the teachers recognized have made a positive impact in the lives of generations. Teachers provide hope and inspiration, something AI can’t duplicate, he added.
Rescue Union School District Superintendent Jim Shoemake presented the Educator of the Year award to Lynn Patton, who has been with the district for 47 years. She started as a volunteer and later became a teacher at Green Valley Elementary School in Rescue. She will retire at the end of this school year.
“Over the years, Lynn has done it all — from guiding students as a Student Leadership advisor to creating traditions that de ne the Green Valley experience,” Shoemake said. “Lynn has also worked hard to stay relevant and exciting as a teacher over the last 38 years. At her core, she is the consummate teacher and her classroom is a delight to be in.”
ORHS students take their oaths to serve in the U.S. military after graduation.
ORHS students military bound
proudly celebrated six outstanding seniors at its annual Military Send O on April 30. The heartfelt ceremony recognized students who have committed to serving in the U.S. Armed Forces a er graduation, honoring their courage, dedication and sense of duty.
The event featured opening and closing remarks from English teacher and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Hugh Corkery, while the Beale Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors and the school’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed the National Anthem. U.S. Army representatives spoke about the students’ character and achievements, a rming their readiness for military service.
Captain Saif S. Hasson administered the Oath of Enlistment, marking a milestone for:
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood flow may cause the nerves to degenerate. As you can
Each student’s path is unique, but all share a commitment to service above self.
Haase received special recognition for earning an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. “From my very rst interaction with Amanda, I could see her strength of character, academic excellence, and desire to lead,” said Teri Villanueva, U.S. Naval Academy Blue and Gold O cer. “Her appointment re ects an extraordinary level of achievement, and Oak Ridge should be incredibly proud.”
As these students take their next steps, Oak Ridge High School and all of EDCOE sends them o with pride, knowing they are prepared to serve with distinction.
treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient
Courtesy photo
Village Life photos by Noel Stack
ORHS Educator of the Year
Sayles, holding plaque, is joined by, from left, EDH Rotary Club President Axel Hannemann, Principal Aaron Palm and El Dorado Union High School District Superintendent Mike Kuhlman.
RUSD Educator of the Year Lynn Patton, holding plaque, smiles with, from left, EDH Rotary Club President Axel Hannemann, RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake, Green Valley Principal Michelle Winberg and RUSD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dustin Haley
BUSD Educator of the Year Heather Locher, holding plaque, poses for a photo with, from left, EDH Rotary Club President Axel Hannemann, Silva Valley Principal Brandon Beadle, BUSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction Rachelle Ball and Superintendent Dr. David Roth. ■ See TEACHERS page A6
Council celebrates fire mitigation success, preps for drill
Jim
Moitoza Lakehills Fire Safe Council
The annual Lakehills Fire Safe Council community barbecue brought together the public and fire officials at Forest Lake Park in El Dorado Hills on May 4.
Council President Steve Willis, introduced three speakers: retired Folsom Fire Chief Ron Philips, El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal and EDH Fire Marshal Chrishana Fields, returning for her third event. EDH Fire Engine 84 was represented by Capt. Matt Belleci, who actually orchestrated the June 2012 evacuation drill that inspired the formation of LHFSC.
Volunteers fed the community with free hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. Jim Moitoza, LHFSC treasurer, Mike Gonzales (husband of LHFSC secretary Jen) and Richard Young, LHFSC vice president and Lakeridge Oaks representative, cooked while Richard’s wife, Nancy Young, purchased and delivered the food and table centerpieces. Nancy and Freddie’s army (including Freddie Nezbeth, Eileen Hidahl, Donna Hutchison, Happi Bower and Jen’s mom) helped serve the lunch. Nancy also provided libations of wine, beer, soft drinks, iced tea, juice and water. Past VP and founding member John Hidahl, who died last year, was acknowledged for his involvement where he cheerfully provided libations and his cooking skills.
Chief Phillips spoke to the community group about the importance of being prepared to evacuate. The fire season is no longer August through November but is year around — and unpredictable. He queried the audience about how many had actually evacuated their residence due to a wildfire. Only one had.
Phillips shared he and his wife reside in Georgetown and were required to evacuate
personally due to the Mosquito Fire. They had planned for three days but were out of their home for more than a week. He emphasized that you never know when the notification will come; many times it is in the night and you may have only minutes to leave.
Phillips next asked how many of the audience had prepared a “go” bag? There were more positive responses this time. He asked what were the most important items to pack? He noted medications, clothes and food for three days, cash, phone chargers — and don’t forget to pack for kids and pets. Last, he stressed the importance of leaving first. Don’t wait until roads are clogged or blocked by equipment and fire damage. Lakehills has always been on the County’s “watchlist” because of limited egress and ingress. The community only has two viable routes to Green Valley Road. Residents need to improvise if one route is unavailable. Chief Lilienthal acknowledged the work done by the Fire Safe Council – especially Willis. He noted the upcoming evacuation drill in the community.
On May 18 residents of Lake Ridge Oaks were contacted by El Dorado County sheriff’s officials, going door to door, to evacuate to EDH Norm Rowett Pavilion. Residents within the rest of Lakehills Fire Safe Council areas were contacted by RAVE notifications and could also choose to evacuate to the CSD, where a town hall wrap-up meeting took place. Our last speaker at the May 4 event, Fire Marshal Fields, spoke about the upcoming Community of Interest defensible space inspections to be carried out by Station 84 personnel. These inspections will start in June, beginning in Southpointe and then later along Lakehills Drive. Emphasis will be on Zone 1 (5-30 feet from the home/structure) and Zone 2 (30100 feet). Zone 0 (0-5 feet, the ember zone) will be assessed. Since the state guidelines are still preliminary regarding this zone, only suggestions will be made. Fields also addressed the issue of vacant property . Any parcel larger than 1 acre has to be completely mitigated: grass cut to 4 inches or lower, trees limbed up 6 feet, etc. Parcels smaller
than 1 acre still have to comply with Zone 2 restrictions within 100 feet of any structure. Fields offered advice for everyone facing enforcement of these defensible space regulations: the 3 Rs — Reduction, Relocate or Remove. Questions from the audience were then addressed — especially frustrations with state recreational land and fire threats to the community. Willis noted the LHFSC has done a lot of good work clearing the shaded fuel break on federal land via partnerships.
MAY 18 DRILL
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire and the Lakehills Fire Safety Council held a public evacuation drill and town hall meeting on May 18. Essential public safety information was provided to community members who participated. Emergency officials encourage all residents to sign up for Emergency Alerts at ready.edso.org and familiarize themselves with Perimetermap.com.
Approximately 3,200 residential homes were sent an alert to evacuate for a simulated wildland fire in the Lakehills and Lakeridge Oaks Communities in El Dorado Hills.
However, the council is limited by national environmental restrictions and two years of work revising these laws has already been spent.
The “fun” part of the program began when Nancy and Butch Jackson provided many desirable items for the
event’s raffle; most popular were the Oakland Athletic tickets donated by the A’s, followed by a “Game of Thrones” replica knife/sword, wine gift baskets and many wonderful plants grown by Willis. Jen Gonzales and her children helped announce the winners.
El Dorado County releases draft wildfire plan for review
Carla Hass
El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office
The El Dorado County Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, in partnership with the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, has announced the release of the draft 2025 Western El Dorado County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Public comment on the draft CWPP can be submitted to wildfireready@ edcgov.us through June 9.
“A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a locally driven, collaborative plan that identifies wildfire risks, prioritizes hazardous fuel reduction projects, and outlines actions to improve wildfire preparedness and resilience.” said Tanya Harlow, El Dorado County Fire Safe Coordinator.
Once completed and approved, the CWPP will improve access to State and federal funding for projects that assist individual homeowners and communities in El Dorado County reduce their risk from wildfire. This includes defensible space around homes, structural improvements to harden homes against wildfire and
strategic vegetation treatment projects around communities to reduce the intensity of wildfires.
“This plan is the result of a coordinated and collaborative effort over the last year between fire safe councils, agencies, and individual neighborhoods and truly reflects how we are working together in El Dorado County to protect our homes and communities from wildfires” said Ken Pimlott, Chair of the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council.
El Dorado County is hosting a virtual workshop via Zoom to answer questions regarding the public comment process, 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29.
Additional information on the CWPP and El Dorado County’s wildfire preparedness activities can be found at the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience website.
Sales tax report available online
El Dorado County Auditor-
El Dorado County
Joe Harn posted the El Dorado County Sales Tax update to the county’s website last week.
The report covers the quarter ending December 2024 and indicates that the county’s cash basis sales tax revenues decreased by 4.1% compared to the comparable
time period in 2023.
“The county lost approximately 9% of its sales tax revenue because of significant retroactive adjustments that have again hurt us,” Harn said.
“For the three last quarters our sales tax revenue has decreased because rural counties continue to be hammered by retroactive changes in the apportionment method for online shopping.”
Revenues from online sales continued to drop steadily because one of the world’s leading online retailers began changing the method it uses to apportion tax revenues to California local governments, according to the auditor. Prior to Oct. 1, 2020, the retailer apportioned tax revenues to the county that goods were deliv-
Buses
ered to. Beginning on Oct. 1, 2020, this online seller changed its method for apportioning sales tax collections, shifting the tax revenue to the jurisdiction where the shipping warehouse is located.
“The long-term adverse trend in sales tax revenue is creating a major problem for the Board of Supervisors as they work towards adopting a balanced budget,” Harn said. “Supervisors will be forced to make several tough choices that will not be popular with the public or the county staff.”
The report can be found at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/CountyGovernment/CountyDepartments/AuditorController/Sales-TaxQuarterly-Reports.
Courtesy photo
El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Mike Lilienthal, center, listens to residents and answers questions at the recent Lakehills Fire Safe Council community barbecue.
County addresses concerns about road work and jail safety
Jo Carrerow Village Life correspondent
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors recently approved responses to Grand Jury regarding road maintenance and jail conditions in South Lake Tahoe.
Where rubber meets the road
The Department of Transportation portion of the Grand Jury Report is mainly with regard to the reporting system for road maintenance issues.
It cites that the Board of Supervisors had identified road maintenance as a necessary priority in 2024-25 but the road maintenance/projects division of DOT currently does not track or update public road complaints, identification of work to be done, repair times and costs.
“They cannot report these details to the BOS or any other public agency, which is shocking for a previously identified priority,” the report states.
The current procedure for complaints requires physical printing of documents received via emails, on the DOT website, phone calls or in-person complaints, then distributing them to the correct departments, the report continues.
Software has been outdated since a July 2024 update was installed.
“Many residents are unaware of how or where to report issues, leading to an underreporting of hazards. Resulting delays in addressing road safety concerns increase accident risks and road deterioration,” the report states.
The Grand Jury recommended DOT correct issues with software and implement a formal written procedure for receiving, processing and responding to public requests for road repairs, and that the board of supervisors develop a system for reporting the public complaints. Also recommended is DOT Maintenance Division staff raise public awareness about how to submit concerns about road issues.
accommodate future traffic demands and improve traffic flow and safety, “the current phase will include multi-modal facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians,” Harrington said during a slide presentation on May 13.
“That was one of the primary comments and concerns that were brought forward to us as we discussed this project with local groups here, specifically the El Dorado Hills APAC (Area Planning Advisory Committee),” he added.
The multi-modal path will be 12 feet wide. For safety along the route there will be a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (flashing yellow lights installed below a pedestrian warning sign) at the interchange eastbound offramp crossing, as well as modified signal lights at the interchange, at the corner of Latrobe Road and Town Center Boulevard and at the intersection with El Dorado Hills Boulevard and Saratoga Way.
Decorative fencing will be added along the outside of the pathway above the existing rock wall, with a concrete barrier along the inside. A more aesthetic Type 85 concrete barrier with a timber-like finish was chosen, the same as in some areas of Placerville, according to Harrington.
“We certainly feel the barrier rail will greatly reduce user stress,” Harrington said. Other improvements planned include reconstruction and widening of the eastbound loop offramp.
Recommendations include: Adopt and deploy a software package that will assist staff in fully electronic processing of roadway complaints by Jan. 1, 2026; and adopt a formal, written procedure to receive, track and respond to residents’ requests for road repairs by July 31, 2025. The second recommendation had already been implemented, according to board documents.
Three additional recommendations for tracking and reporting, as well as direction on increasing public input, will not be implemented because they are no longer warranted, according to the board’s response.
The agenda item was met with criticism by residents unhappy with the paving material used in their neighborhoods, in one case causing potholes.
Tara McCann of El Dorado Hills said paving used in the Governors Village subdivision rapidly deteriorated and the work was below par. As a former civil engineer, she said she would have had the paving ripped out as “it did not meet standard geometric standards for paving.”
She told the board she sent pictures to DOT “when slurry went out over the concrete curb and gutter.”
McCann noted new development approved in the county. “But you can’t support the maintenance for the community regions or the development you’ve already got in place,” she added.
El Dorado County Director of Transportation Rafael Martinez said on May 20 there will be discussions regarding the paving program.
“We are going to be presenting to the board our annual surface treatment SB1 projects, maintenance projects, for the entire county,” he said, adding that these are projects that utilize the gas tax.
He said that would be the appropriate time to discuss neighborhood projects.
“I think the primary outcome of the Grand Jury report is that they want to know when the Board of Supervisors and or the Department of Transportation is informing the public of when these projects are coming
about,” he clarified, explaining that projects come before the board three times and are discussed at subcommittee meetings as well. Information is also publicized, he added.
“Details on specific projects will be at a May 20 meeting, and an update of completed projects before the board of supervisors at the end of the year,” he said.
Information is also available on the DOT website, Facebook page, hot line and maintenance email, according to Martinez.
“But there’s always room for improvements,” he admitted, adding that they’re looking into a new automated system.
Doing time
The jail inspections, in reference to the sheriff’s response to the Grand Jury, were given a thumbs up for cleanliness, maintenance and daily operations, with the only issues being a lack of fire/ emergency drills and staff shortages.
The Grand Jury recommended staterequired fire safety drills be scheduled as soon as practical.
The South Lake Tahoe Jail, built in 1973 and modified in the 1980s, has had no fire/emergency drills held since 2021, according to the report, and there had been no emergency fire drills held at the Placerville Jail in 2024.
The Board of Supervisors’ response is to “develop and implement a plan to resume annual multi-hazard practice drills, including fire drills at each jail by Sept. 1, 2025.”
Another problem cited was lack of staff.
The South Lake Tahoe Jail has a maximum capacity of 158 inmates, and on the date of inspection, Oct. 9, 2024, it housed 96 inmates, 95 males and one female. Daily staffing includes one commander, five sergeants and 27 officers on the floor, about 50% of allocated staff positions.
“Existing staff work significant overtime to meet schedule demands,” the
Grand Jury report states.
The primary reason for the staffing shortage, according to the report “is because jails in surrounding counties pay higher wages.”
Female inmates are frequently transferred to the Placerville Jail because of lack of the required female correctional officers 24/7.
The Placerville Jail, built in 1988, on the date of inspection, Oct. 2, 2024, had shown signs of aging but was clean and well maintained.
The maximum capacity is 303 inmates. At the time of inspection it housed 157 males and 42 females. With a total of 85 staff positions, only 64 position were filled, also requiring overtime for current staff. Most of the staff shortages are related to in-house health and mental health services.
“Again the main reason given is lower pay than in surrounding counties,” the report states. Addressing the aging building, the report states, “A $25 million grant provided under California Senate Bill 844 has allocated funds for the jail’s expansion. The expansion includes a separate housing unit for female inmates, a new medical wing increasing bed capacity and providing more mental health services, construction of several ADAcompliant cells, and a computer lab. There will not be an increase in the number of inmates the facility will be able to house. The site is adjacent to the current facility, and the land has been cleared. The construction project is pending various approvals.”
A motion was made by Supervisor Brian Veerkamp, seconded by Supervisor Lori Parlin to approve the reports as the final reports and authorize the chief administrative officer to submit them to the presiding judge. All five supervisors, Veerkamp, Parlin, George Turnboo, Greg Ferrero and Brook Laine voted yes. Full copies of the Grand Jury reports and Board of Supervisors’ responses can be viewed online at eldoradocounty. ca.gov and search Grand Jury.
received feedback and was able to make changes after negotiations with Caltrans.
“There were some questions and some back and forth about the multi-modal facilities, so we were able to take in those comments initially at our first visit to the APAC and bring it back recently in March,” Harrington said.
with existing sidewalks and will continue on south on Latrobe Road down toward White Rock Road.
“So there’s complete continuity and consistency there,” he said. North of the project boundary at Saratoga at the driveway to the Raley’s center the path will tie in with an existing sidewalk, he continued, adding that just beyond that, heading north on El Dorado Hills Boulevard, there is an existing bike path. “This is the best configuration we could come up with that ties both those existing segments together,” Harrington said.
“Currently it’s the only portion that was never touched and we’ll be widening that to two lanes and providing metering at Caltrans’ request,” the engineer explained.
Other improvements on the list include adding a fourth northbound lane on Latrobe to Town Center, adding a rightturn pocket onto Saratoga south which goes into the Raley’s shopping center and additional drainage, water quality treatment, retaining walls and modifications to the Carson Creek culvert.
“The realignment and work will occur just after the bridge that goes over Latrobe Road there, so there will be no structural work on that bridge but we will be pushing the loop out just slightly to accommodate the improvements,” Harrington said. Reconstruction and widening of the eastbound diagonal onramp is planned as well.
Since the changes are considered minor,
Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 30
Broadway At Music Circus presents “Million Dollar Quartet” at 7:30 p.m. and running through June 5 at the UC Davis Health pavilion in Sacramento. For tickets and more information call (916) 557-1999 or visit broadwaysacramento.com.
Entertainment Events presents “Girls Night! The Musical” at 8 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
May 31
The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera presents Celebrating a Decade: Mahler’s “Titan” at 7:30 pm at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information call (916) 476-5975 or visit sacphilopera.org.
Harrington said no new environmental impact report is needed; however, environmental study updates will be completed this fall. By this winter the design will be 95% completed, the right-of-way acquisition will be done by the summer of 2026, regulatory permits will be acquired by fall 2026, and the design completed by winter 2026. By spring 2027, the project will be advertised and a construction contract awarded, with construction to begin shortly after.
Funding for the project comes from Traffic Impact Fees – Zone C Local Roads (31%), Coronavirus Response and Relief Funds (4%) and State Transportation Improvement Program Funds (65%).
Harrington said the addendum posted on the county website did not receive any comments. He presented the same slide show at an APAC meeting on March 12.
“We received positive comments from them,” he said.
At a previous APAC meeting he said he
strategic direction needed to guide the district into its next chapter.”
This leadership transition follows the retirement of General Manager Jim Abercrombie, who concludes a distinguished public service career spanning nearly 48 years. Abercrombie has served as EID’s general manager since 2009, during which time he led major infrastructure investments, reduced costs, improved operational efficiencies, expanded customer outreach and strengthened the District’s long-term water reliability. He will remain available through September, if needed, to support a smooth transition.
Resident Kris Payne asked whether this will be the final phase since the rest of the intersection is aging, and if there would be continuity where the new path meets the existing walkways. Harrington said that although 20 to 30 years from now improvements may be warranted, the eastbound on and offramps were the final phase of the project.
He confirmed the connection at Town Center Boulevard will conform
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero motioned to approve the addendum and District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp seconded it. The motion passed 5-0.
Courtesy graphic
The final phase of improvements to El Dorado Hills Bouelvard/Latrobe Road at the intersection with Highway 50 is in the works.
New EDH fire equipment rises to the challenge
Returning to Harris Center on May 31!
Noel Stack Editor
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department has added new equipment designed to do the heavy lifting ... literally.
EDH Fire Board Directors and staff got their first look at the new apparatus lift column — a system that can raise fire apparatus more than 6 feet off the ground, giving fire mechanic David Dixon a better look at what’s happening on the underside of an engine, ladder truck, etc.
Using Engine 85, which weighs about 42,000 pounds, Dixon positioned four lifts under the tires for a demonstration at the May 15 fire board meeting. Soon the engine was far enough above ground for everyone to walk underneath it, if they dared.
“You could leave this up here for days,” Dixon assured. “it wouldn’t move. It wouldn’t go anywhere.”
The department purchased six lifts, which allows personnel to lift even the heaviest ladder truck in the fleet.
More equipment coming
Nearly three years after the board approved the purchase of a fire & rescue lake boat, staff is expected to bring the long-awaited watercraft home this week.
Directors approved the final purchase document. The complete cost of the boat and trailer is $217,590.77 with El Dorado County Transient Occupancy Tax previously allocated by the Board of Supervisors covering $203,875. EDH Fire will pick up the rest of the tab.
The boat and trailer will be housed at Station 84 on Francisco Drive — the closest station to Folsom Lake.
A new engine will also soon join the EDH Fire fleet. The finishing touches are being put on a brandnew Engine 91, which will be stationed at Fire Station 91 in Latrobe when it is delivered.
Moving day
Work continues to progress on the Fire Station 86 repair project with most of the interior completed. Staff could move back into the Bass Lake Road facility as early as Memorial Day week while contractors wrap up the exterior. The total cost of repairs thus far due to the mold discovered late last fall is about $630,000. The Station 86 crews have been operating out of a residential home near the station since its closure in January. Other stations are being inspected to ensure any mold problems are caught early and mitigated.
SAFE RIDE
Buckeye Union School District Superintendent Dr. David Roth named Heather Locher the district’s Educator of the Year. Locher is a longtime teacher at Silva Valley Elementary School who will retire at the end of the school year.
Roth commended Locher for her commitment to the whole child. She not only develops engaging lessons, but also teaches children about the importance of social and emotional health.
“She holds really high standards for her Students ... and really works hard to build a sense of community in her classroom,” Roth shared.
Oak Ridge High School Principal Aaron Palm named English teacher Danielle Sayles the school’s Educator of the year, noting her compassion and ability to really connect with students.
Calling her a “fierce educator” and a “master of her craft,” Palm said Sayles has become a resource for students and her fellow teachers. She knows how to craft engaging lessons, he continued, and her genuine kindness has led to a mutual respect between her and the students.
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
EDH Fire personnel and board members explore the underside of Engine 85 after it is lifted off the ground with a new system recently acquired. Each lift can hold up to 18,000 pounds.
Courtesy photos
In conjunction with the California Highway Patrol – Placerville, Valley View Charter Montessori students learned about bike safety and were guided back to school by CHP for National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 7. Above, Principal Paul Stewart takes a selfie with students ready to ride. Below, CHP officers and students go in for a huddle.
CRIB NOTES
by Julie Samrick
Straight to Rome
The last time I went to Europe was the summer after my first year of teaching. My best friend, Katie, had just completed her first year as a flight attendant and together, with all the time in the world and her pre9/11, impossibly cheap companion passes, we set off to make new memories. We traveled on a budget, staying in youth hostels in London, Paris and Munich, though we never made it to Rome — one place I’ve always wanted to visit, especially as a Catholic.
A month after returning home, I met my future husband. We married in 2000. Even then, our shared dream was to one day go to Italy together. “For our 10-year anniversary,” we’d say. But as the years went by, it always became a distant goal. “How about 15?” we’d wonder. We both knew that raising four kids would mean putting that dream on hold, as our busy life with them kept us planted stateside.
We continued to say “one day” and even before the pandemic, we knew we couldn’t swing a trip for our 20th anniversary either. It wasn’t until last year that my husband, finally sensing the weight of our unfulfilled dream, said, “If we don’t take that trip, we’ll regret it.” It was the push we needed to start planning. So, after years of postponing, we finally made plans for Italy.
And then, in the middle of our preparations, Pope Francis passed away. His death hit me hard. Since he became pope in 2013, he had been a guiding light to me — a model of everything we’re taught about love, kindness and treating others with respect. In a world that often elevates athletic prowess and financial success, Pope Francis led with humility, championing the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable, especially children. His acts of kindness, from washing prisoners’ feet to passing out cakes to the homeless on his birthday, touched me deeply.
It wasn’t lost on me that Pope Francis
GUEST
died on Easter Monday, a day when priests, exhausted after the demanding Holy Week services, are most susceptible to illness. That symbolic timing added another layer of significance to his passing for me. Then, the white smoke. The election of a new pope. At that moment, I wondered who could possibly fill the shoes of such a remarkable man. But I had faith in the process. When Cardinal Robert Prevost, born near Chicago, was announced, it felt like another historical moment — a moment that made me reflect on the declaration I’d heard all my life: “We will never have an American pope.” I thought about my mother and grandmother, both from Detroit, who would be so proud to witness this.
Earlier this month, as I was chatting with Katie on the phone, she shared some exciting news. Despite traveling the world for 28 years — visiting places like Tokyo, Beijing, Fiji, and Australia — she has never made it to Rome. But now, after years of waiting, someone asked her to swap a trip and she is about to go to Rome!
Then she asked, “Wait, are you going on this day, at this time, from this airport?” And, to my astonishment, we realized that we will be on the exact same flight to Rome. My best friend, the one who first traveled with me all those years ago, and I would finally be making our first flights to Rome together.
It’s moments like these — both the small and the big serendipities — that remind us how beautifully connected we all are. Whether we’re strangers or lifelong friends, the connections we share with others are the most profound experiences we can have. The bonds we form, whether by chance or fate, are what make life so meaningful.
Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, teacher and writer. She is the author of “Murphy’s Miracle: One Dog’s Wild Journey” and “How People Get Their Politics.”
Stop borrowing
If your family took a break from paying into retirement, used up federal relief and scraped together spare change from the couch just to pay monthly bills — would you call that stable? That’s what El Dorado County is doing with its soon-to-be-adopted budget, and it’s not sustainable. To close the gap in a structurally unbalanced budget, the county is relying on $12.6 million in one-time funds. This patchwork includes:
• A retiree health rate holiday that suspends contributions to retiree health benefits for six months of FY 2023–24 and all of FY 2024–25.
• Use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for short-term community investments, such as park improvements and a navigation center.
•Other temporary financial sources with no long-term replacement.
While these maneuvers free up money now, they also defer obligations to future budgets. These are not savings; they’re IOUs. And with core revenues like property tax growth slowing, the road ahead only gets bumpier.
In the case of the retiree health rate holiday, departments are not required to repay the suspended contributions. The county is instead drawing from the Retiree Health Fund balance to cover the costs. While this avoids creating a new repayment obligation, it also drains reserves set aside for future retiree healthcare needs. That may mean higher costs down the road to keep the program solvent.
At the same time, costs keep rising, especially from obligations created by County Charter Section 504. Section 504 was originally passed by voters in 1995 to ensure deputy sheriffs received competitive salaries. Over time, however, it expanded to include other high-ranking positions — such as the
chief administrative officer, county counsel and public defender — resulting in automatic salary increases tied to external agency averages, regardless of the county’s financial condition.
What began as a policy to attract and retain law enforcement officers has become a runaway cost escalator. These increases are locked in by ordinance and can’t be stopped without voter action.
And it’s not just salaries. County staff have acknowledged that rising costs in insurance premiums, retirement contributions, utilities and other operating expenses are also driving the budget higher. These pressures are real — but so are the questions taxpayers deserve to have answered. Have alternative benefit providers been explored? Have health insurance and liability coverage plans been competitively shopped to ensure taxpayers are getting the best value? Are departmental budgets being reviewed for outdated or redundant expenditures?
This strategy may balance a spreadsheet today, but it sets the stage for a deeper hole tomorrow. It’s classic “kicking the can down the road” — delaying hard choices while fiscal risks grow.
The El Dorado County Taxpayers Association believes residents deserve better. That starts with a public, fiveyear fiscal recovery plan — a real roadmap to reduce dependency on one-time fixes and rebuild long-term sustainability. This should include cost containment, smarter labor policy and a realistic view of service levels.
El Dorado County can’t afford to wait until the IOUs come due. A sustainable budget isn’t built on skipping obligations; it’s built on discipline and forward-thinking leadership.
Let’s stop borrowing from tomorrow to pay for today. It’s time to plan ahead. Lee Tannenbaum is president of the El Dorado County Taxpayers Association.
This gorgeous, custom Serrano Country Club home sits on a spacious and private corner lot in the prestigious El Dorado Hills neighborhood. The single-story home features owned solar, luxurious pool and spa plus a modern, open-concept floor plan with high ceilings and plentiful windows and doors that invite in the sunlight.
Adjacent to the entry is the home office with wood plank walls as well as a formal dining room or second office, game room or living room — owners’ choice.
A striking charcoal stacked-stone wall encloses the fireplace in the spacious great room, which opens to the outdoors for seamless entertaining. The family room includes built-in cabinetry and an adjacent, open dining area that seamlessly flows into the gourmet kitchen.
The resident chef will enjoy this custom-designed kitchen with high-end appliances, granite counters and a spacious dining bar that invites dinner prep conversations. The impressive, double-door refrigerator and large walk-in pantry, plus ample cabinet space, ensure the homeowners will have everything they need to host filling dinner parties and family gatherings.
The inviting owners’ suite with lush carpet boasts a sitting area and outdoor access. Wash the day’s stress away in the suite’s soaking tub or walk-in shower. The bathroom also has dual sinks and a generous closet with built-in cabinets. The home has three additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms plus a halfbath and a well-appointed laundry room that includes a 110-bottle wine storage. Savor evenings beneath the covered patio, barbecuing, relaxing in the pool and spa, playing on the artificial turf or sitting around the fire pit. The patio is surrounded by lush landscaping.
The property’s front yard is also beautifully landscaped, showcasing mature trees, manicured shrubs and an elegant walkway leading to the covered front porch.
Need boat or RV storage? This home has the space in the impressive, attached five-car garage that includes an oversized bay next to a pair of two-car bays with an HVAC split control system. Interested in a private tour of this lovely Mondrian Court home in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com, DRE #00892540.
Joy blooms at upcoming Gardens of the Hills event
News release
The Assistance League Sierra Foothills Gardens of the Hills tour is set for the first weekend in June and while the gardens are the stars, there is so much more to this event.
Each ticket will grant entry to six private gardens plus a special garden this year — the Brooks Bears School Garden.
Visit them all on one day or spread visits over both Saturday and Sunday, June 7 & 8.
At the Brooks Bears Garden, elementary school students have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of what it takes to grow and maintain a vegetable garden. Including this garden aligns with Assistance League Sierra Foothills’ vision to enhance the lives of youth through community programs. Visitors
will have the opportunity to meet some of the young gardeners and will be impressed with their new-found passion for gardening and sharing the bounty of their garden with the community. Those who visit this garden will be given two free tickets for the Gardens of the Hills raffle and enjoy lemonade enhanced with garden herbs grown by the students.
In addition to the beautiful flowers and vegetables, garden tourists will find many other features to make the day enjoyable. ALSF’s always-popular raffle will be in one of the gardens as will the Heartfelt and Handcrafted boutique featuring items designed and made by members. For even more shopping pleasure there will be artisan vendors with a selection of gardenrelated items.
Stop in the gardens and listen to music, listen to a mini-seminar, talk with a UC Davis master gardener and watch local artists paint. Additionally, purchase lunch, shave ice, homemade toffee or frozen yogurt. Find Nutmeg the squirrel in each garden and be entered in a drawing for a special prize. There are two new additions to the tour this year. Enjoy a 15-minute neck and shoulder massage in a quiet casita in one of the gardens ($15 for 15 minutes). And select a free, previouslyloved book from the Second Blooms Library. Purchase tickets online at assistanceleague.org/ sierra-foothills, from ALSF members or at the El Dorado Hills California Welcome Center.
Garden of the Hills is a fundraiser for ALSF, which sponsors several philanthropic programs that benefit El Dorado County residents. Two signature programs, Operation School Bell and Sports Locker, help homeless and disadvantaged children with new school clothes and the opportunity to play organized youth sports. Other programs aid youth with reading skills, seniors with social interactions, young adults with college scholarships and children relocated because of abuse or neglect.
Handcar, quadripede racers pumped for derby
The 32nd running of the Folsom Handcar Derby is back and set to take place May 24 & 25 on the tracks in front of Broadstone Marketplace on East Bidwell Street in Folsom.
Sunday, May 25, the day starts at 9 a.m. with the pusher’s contest where anyone wanting to push the 850-pound handcar for distance is welcome to compete. Competitors are separated by various weight classes in each of the men’s and women’s categories. Competition picks up immediately after with the handcar races as each team of five has one shot to be
the best in their division and set the fastest time. A handcar team consists of one pusher to get the handcar started from a dead stop and four pumpers to propel it down the tracks. Multiple divisions including men, women, co-ed and masters will face off and pump the handcar down the 800-foot track with times separated electronically by 1/1000th of a second.
The final event is two contestants piloting the world’s only racing quadripede down the course. This is the 10th year for this event, with the past nine years resulting in a huge success for participants
n See DERBY, page B7
Courtesy photo
Beautiful gardens are once again on display at the Gardens of the Hills tour,
OUR CURRENT LISTINGS IN EL DORADO HILLS
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Exceptional Kalithea estate with sweeping Sierra and foothill views; 9,400+ square feet, includes a gorgeous inlaw suite with full kitchen and private entrance.
200 Powers Drive 5 beds | 6
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Beautiful Serrano Country Club residence showcasing elevated design and luxury upgrades throughout; culde-sac setting with gorgeous Sierra views.
El Dorado County school leaders earn accolades
Whitney Burke El Dorado County Office of Education
Exceptional school leaders from across El Dorado County were celebrated at the ACSA El Dorado Charter Distinguished Service Awards Banquet on May 9. The annual event recognizes educational leaders for their outstanding dedication, excellence and achievements in public education. Honorees included administrators and staff members who have made significant contributions to student success, fostered innovative educational practices and demonstrated unwavering commitment to their school communities. The awards ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the impact that passionate, dedicated educators have on shaping the future of students throughout the county.
Awardees
EDUHSD — Amanda Petersen, administration, director of Educational Options and Innovations, Pacific Crest Academy
Rescue USD — Michele Williamson, administration, principal, Jackson Elementary Buckeye USD — Nicole Schraeder, administration, director Student Services
Buckeye/Rescue (joint award) — Kim Andreasen, classified management, director of Food and Nutrition Services
Latrobe School District — Tara Vanderpool, classified management, district nurse EDCOE — Lisa Tuchsen, administration, program administrator, Special Services, Infant Development Program Gold Trail USD — Kristi Webber, confidential, executive coordinator Lake Tahoe USD — Marimar Perez Banuet, administration, Financial Services director
Mother Lode USD — Marti Zizek, confidential, chief financial officer Gold Oak USD — Stanley Duran, classified management, Food Services director/supervisor Placerville USD — Kim Kahn, classified management, Family Resources/ After School director
Black Oak Mine USD — Bridget Isham, administration, Community Schools coordinator Pioneer School District — Kaitlyn Adsitt, classified management, director of Food Service
EDCOE honors outstanding team members with special awards
Whitney Burke
El
Dorado County Office of Education
In an inspiring celebration of dedication and service, the El Dorado County Office of Education recognized the exceptional efforts and achievements of its team members at the annual EDCOE Team Member Recognition event on May 6. El Dorado County Superintendent of School Dr. Ed Manansala, joined by cabinet members Wendy Frederickson, Amy Andersen, Tamara Clay, Ginese Quann and Michael Gillespie, presented the prestigious Values in Action awards to outstanding EDCOE team members. These awards honor individuals whose exemplary service reflects EDCOE’s core values: Integrity, Service, Relationships, Equity and Innovation.
“These honorees go above and beyond, reinforcing our foundational values while pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations,” said Manansala. “Their unwavering commitment to service, equity, integrity and innovation not only drives our mission forward but sets a standard of excellence for all.”
Each recipient was celebrated for
embodying the spirit and culture of EDCOE in their daily work. The Values in Action awards are more than
recognition; they represent the heart of the organization and its commitment to creating a better future for all learners.
PRESERVE IT!
Freezing eggs
Laurie Lewis
UCCE Master Food Preserver
Eggs: Such a perfect source of nutrition, a complete protein in a small oval shell. If you have fresh eggs from your own chickens or a local source, that’s wonderful. If you are purchasing them in a store at a high market price, remember that’s nutritional value you’re investing in.
If you are tempted by the better pricing of a 24-pack of eggs but are worried that you can’t consume them before they go bad, or if you raise chickens and are finding that you’re having a hard time keeping up with their egg output, then fear not. Freeze them! It’s a great way to keep stock on hand and avoid waste. Here’s how: Break each egg into a bowl, then with a fork or whisk gently mix the yolk and white together, taking care not to whip
Award recipients
• Integrity: Crystal Keith, program specialist, Systems Improvement Lead Grant and Charter SELPA programs
• Service: Jeff Illingworth, systems administrator, SELPA Business Department
• Relationships: Stefany Gower, IT professional development coordinator, Information Technology Department
• Equity: Jennifer Dreyer, coordinator, Disabilities and Mental Health, Child Development Programs
• Innovation: Maria de Jesus Romero, program assistant, Special Services
As EDCOE continues to serve the educational community of El Dorado County and beyond, events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary people who make this work possible.
“Thank you for your hard work, resilience, and for being an integral part of our continued success,” said Manansala. “Your contributions have a lasting impact on our students, families and the broader educational community.”
For more information about EDCOE visit edcoe.org.
the egg; you don’t want to incorporate air. If desired, strain the eggs through a sieve for a more uniform consistency. Once blended, pour the eggs into a freezer-safe container. If using a jar, allow a half-inch headspace between the top of the eggs and the lid to allow for expansion. Eggs can also be frozen in ice cube trays. Standard wells will hold three tablespoons of egg mixture (the equivalent of about one whole egg); jumbo trays can hold two eggs in each well. Pour the blended eggs into the wells and freeze, then remove them from the tray and put the egg cubes into a vacuum seal bag or a Ziplock bag (removing as much air as possible). Return the bag to the freezer for storage. When needed, remove however many cubes you need for baking and cooking.
To help prevent graininess and gelatinized yolks, you can add 1.5 tablespoons of sugar or 1.5 tablespoons of corn syrup or one-half teaspoon of salt n See PRESERVE IT, page B7
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will publish on the day requested, subject to publication deadline.
Courtesy photo
Latrobe School District nurse Tara Vanderpool, at left, celebrates her award with Superintendent Dave Scroggins.
Courtesy photo
Values in Action awardees are all smiles. Left to right are Crystal Keith, Jeff Illingworth, Maria de Jesus Romero and Stefany Gower.
told him so. Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Grand Opening @ 10am / $10 Grand Opening: 18th An‐nual California Hall of Fame Artifact Exhibition Saturday, May 24, 2025 | California Museum Cali‐fornia Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento. muse uminfo@californiamu seum.org, 916-653-7524
Performance Tribute to Jazz Legend Mark Izu @ 2pm / Free A powerful afternoon of Japanese/ Japanese American Jazz, evoca‐tive storytelling, puppetry, and dance Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. bluescott260@hotmail.com
Matthew Balling @ The Sacramento County Fair @ 2pm Sacramento County Fair, 1600 Ex‐position Blvd, Sacramento
Crys Matthews: Sacramento, CA @ 7pm Bootleg Music Cafe & Tiki Lounge, Sacramento
VITAL POWERS: SoFar Sounds In The Bay @ 7:30pm 16th & Mission, 16th St, San Fran‐cisco
Meredith Edgar: 12 STRING ROULETTE @ THE RITE SPOT
@ 8:30pm Rite Spot Cafe, 2099 Folsom St, San Francisco
The Emo Night Tour @ 9pm The Independent, San Francisco
1 to 1 @ 9pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco
ALMAS @ 9pm Public Works, 161 Erie St, San Francisco
Make Up & Mimosas: Disney Drag Brunch at Good Luck Lounge @ 10am Ace of Spades, Sacramento
Make Up & Mimosas: Disney Drag Brunch at Good Luck Lounge @ 1pm Ace of Spades, Sacramento
Red Wood @ 1pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
ELeNAH Reggae: Carnaval SF 2025 @ 1:30pm 22 st & Harrison, San Francisco
Gaucho at Brenda's @ 5pm Brenda's French Soul Food, 652 Polk St, San Francisco
Candlelight: Rings and Dragons @ 6:45pm / $33 California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacramento. fever@ eventvesta.com
Guajirón: Cuban Jam Session & Salsa Dance Party w/ Guajiron @ 7pm Bissap Baobab, 3372 19th St, San Francisco
Alex Jor‐dan: Bot‐tleRock Napa Val‐ley 2025 @ 7pm Napa Valley Expo, 575 3rd St, Napa awakebutstillinbed @ 8pm Great American Music Hall, 850 O'‐Farrell St., San Francisco
Maggie Gently @ 8pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Audio1 @ 10pm Rick & Roxy's, 2131 Lombard St, San Francisco
Memorial Day Program @ 9:30am This year's Memorial Day Pro‐gram is brought to you by the Davis Cemetery Dis‐trict and the Davis Odd Fellows. Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum, 820 Pole Line Road, Davis. jess@daviscemetery.org, 530-756-7807
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 11am Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion Air - Art you can feel @ 11:45am Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
The Saloon - Peter Lindman Duo with Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes)
@ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco
Rich Ruth
@ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Madeline Edwards
@ 8pm The Chapel, 777 Valencia St, San Francisco
Jack White
@ 8pm Channel 24, 1800 24th Street, Sacramento
Tue 5/27
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
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 12:15pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 12:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
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
Parade (Touring) @ 7:30pm Orpheum Theatre-San Francisco, San Francisco
Friday May 30th
Crescent Moon at Hooby's Brewing @ 5:30pm Hooby's Brewing, 9 East Main Street, Winters. mzintvio lin@gmail.com Crescent Moon is rocking out on the patio at Hooby's Brewing on Main Street in downtown Winters! Come out to hear the duo playing your favorites from rock, folk, and country. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/ $25.50 Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco. info@black catsf.com
Dave Ricketts Music: Dave Ricketts at Arbor SF @ 6pm Arbor, 384 Hayes St, San Francisco By All Means Comedy Competi‐tion @ 7pm / $13
Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Justin Farren: With Kora Feder! @ 7pm The Side Door, 2900 4th Ave, Sacramento Gaucho at Comstock Saloon @ 8pm Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
Lupi @ 9pm Monarch, 101 6th St, San Fran‐cisco Authenticity: Kanpai Lounge Residency Opening Weekend @ 9:30pm Kanpai Sushi Lounge, 222 Mason St, San Francisco
44th Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon @ 7am
What a blast — blues style!
PATRIOT PROFILE
JOSEPH WHEELER
Service: He was a Private in the Continental Army. He answered the call on April 19, 1775
Residence: Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Born: 1734/5 in Concord Massachusetts
Died: 1791 in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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Joseph Wheeler marched to Lexington with the Revolutionary Army - April 19 - 21, 1775. He was a member of the committees of Correspondence In Worcester 1774 and Watertown 1775. Tradition says he was chaplain to Washington and that he helped lay out the fortifications at Bunker Hill.
Proud Descendant: Mary Alice Ambrose
The
Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution is committed to historic preservation, education and patriotism Your local Daughters of The 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 reflect 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
You are invited to learn more about your local El Dorado DAR Chapter please contact regent@eldorado.californiadar.org
Village Life photos by Shelly Thorene
Music lovers danced the afternoon away at the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce Heart of the Hills Blues Blast on Saturday, May 10, at District Church’s outdoor space above El Dorado Hills Town Center. Three acts rocked the grounds while attendees twirled, tapped their toes and enjoyed the sunshine. Above left, the crowd dances to the music of the legendary blues, rock and R&B sounds of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Above right, EDH Chamber Director of Event Operations Mary Carerra thanks the crowd for coming to celebrate her retirement while on stage to introduce event headliner. Other acts were self-taught Massachusetts based-artist Albert Cummings and Blues Foundation Award winner Lori Morvan and her band.
El Dorado Hills Fire Capt. Ryan Bennett, left photo, surrenders to being squirted with water by Zachary and Miles while they sit in a stroller next to their father, Isaiah Ford, who was selling water at the Blues Blast to raise money for Younglife Kids Camp. Above, The Fabulous Thunderbirds play one of their many hits.
Creedence Clearwater tribute coming to Harris Center
Starbright Entertainment News release
F
OLSOM — Starbright Entertainment presents Creedence Revelation featuring Randy Linder at Harris Center for the Arts on May 31. The presentation by Linder and his band as a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival is second to none. They have entertained audiences from California to New York with the beloved hits that came from CCR between 1968 and 1972 and a few of John Fogertys’ solo hits.
Linder has attained national and international status since developing this salute to Fogerty and CCR in 2000. Past performances include several Las Vegas engagements, shows in Guam and a show in Mexico with an audience of 14,000 CCR fans. Linder’s authenticity shines through with the visual resemblance, the voice, the lead guitar style and even the rockin’ blues harp played by Fogerty in some of those early CCR hits. Audience members will walk away from this show having absorbed the energy of a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll concert and with a renewed interest in a singer/songwriter who played a huge roll in shaping American music culture.
“It is always our goal to offer only top talent entertainment for the concerts we produce,” according to John Zurflueh, owner of Starbright Entertainment. “A few years ago I had worked with Mark Allen of Nor Cal Productions in Redding, California, who introduced me to Randy Linders’ tribute to Creedence. He told me that Randy Linder was always his top selling show, so subsequently I produced a few shows for him and was so impressed with his performance. It was simply so much fun and the songs were spot on. I am extremely confident that you will really enjoy this tribute to the great music of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival and would encourage everyone to see it.”
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
no other. The group comes to Folsom on May 31.
Benefit to celebrate local women with strong community ties
Jordan Hyatt-Miller
Arts and Culture El Dorado
On Thursday, June 5, Arts and Culture
El Dorado will host its annual benefit at Rainbow Orchards in Camino. The event will celebrate the achievements of Christa Campbell, Wendy Thomas, Terrie Bennett and Krista Potter. These four women were the driving force behind the Roundabout Sculpture project, which was conceived and completed on time and on budget, and now stands majestically to welcome visitors to the Camino-Fruitridge Ag District. Each of them have also contributed individually, throughout their careers, to the El Dorado County community through public service, education, philanthropy and tireless support of culture and the arts.
Thomas is well-known throughout the county for
her dedicated public service as well as for her career as an artist and arts supporter. Campbell has been the mainstay and Donut Queen at the iconic Rainbow Orchards. She is also admired for her community service on many boards and committees so essential to the quality of life in the region. Bennett is a member of the acclaimed Bennett Sculpture family and is responsible for, among other works, the glorious apple sculpture gracing the Camino Roundabout. Potter is the director of the El Dorado High School Natural Resources Program and works with her students on a four-year course of study that promotes critical thinking and problem solving, environmental stewardship and community development, all on a 40-acre “wild laboratory” campus in Camino.
Guests at the event will enjoy exquisite locally sourced hors d’oeuvres by Blue Barn Provisions, outstanding local wines and the mellow eclectic vibe of
musical group The Smokin’ Violets. The benefit will raise funds to support Arts and Culture El Dorado’s mission to promote, connect and empower arts and culture throughout the county.
“We are so happy that our annual benefit is back in the month of June — it will be a lovely time of year at Rainbow Orchards, and we invite the community to join us as we celebrate these four remarkable women,” said Arts and Culture El Dorado Executive Director Terry LeMoncheck. “We will gather for an afternoon of great food and wine, fantastic music, good friends and arts supporters and best of all our guests will be helping to sustain the vital work of Arts and Culture El Dorado — support that is more important than ever this year.”
For more information, to purchase tickets or become a patron of the event visit arts-andcultureeldorado.org.
Lavender Day celebration to bloom at historical Folsom home and garden
Betty Albert News release
All things lavender will be celebrated on June 7, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the historic Murer House and Gardens, 1125 Joe Murer Court in Folsom.
This colorful, fragrant and free event, sponsored by
per cup of whole eggs. Yolks and whites can be frozen separately; simply follow the same process (whites alone do not need added sugar or salt). Be sure to label and date the eggs (noting if you added sweetener or salt, as well as noting the number of eggs) on whatever container type you use, before storing in the freezer. For best quality, use frozen eggs within 12 months. When you are ready to use frozen eggs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Use as soon
From lazy days by the pool to weekend road trips and everything in between, summer is packed with adventures. To keep your energy high for all those warm-weather activities, you’ll need to keep sweet, delicious snacks on the family menu. Make sure versatile, flavorful watermelon is always on your grocery list so you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, drinks and beyond. It easily fits your existing routines for morning smoothies and snacking on the go, or in make-ahead dishes you can serve when hunger strikes.
It’s easy to cool off quickly on hot summer days with Watermelon Ice Pops, a simple, kid-friendly favorite made with watermelon and chunks of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavor, these frozen treats make snack time a cinch while tackling cravings, boosting hydration and supporting wellness in place of added-sugar treats. For a light afternoon bite before the dinner bell rings, try this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint that offers sweet summer flavor without the hassle. Pairing long-time favorites in feta cheese and mint, it’s a classic for a reason with delicious watermelon adding nutritional content.
Of course, as a kitchen staple to keep on hand throughout the year, watermelon is also perfect for
Green Acres Nursery & Supply, features their representative Greg Gayton and Christine Eschen of Tres Jolie Lavender Farm, Grass Valley, speaking about growing and using lavender. Returning this year, the Murer House culinary instructors will be talking about cooking with lavender and handing out samples they have prepared.
Beekeepers Roger Steel and Tim Dick will be on hand to answer all your questions about bees.
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as they are thawed. Thawed egg whites will beat to better volume if you allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Use thawed frozen eggs only in dishes that are thoroughly cooked.
The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to your food safety and preserving questions. Email edmfp@ucanr. edu. For more information about programs, events and recipes visit ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook too.
enjoying all on its own at home or on the go. Whether it’s diced, sliced, balled or blended, you can toss it in a jar for a healthy, hydrating snack. Cutting watermelon into convenient chunks is fast and easy so you can eat at home or toss in a to-go container to take to the office, beach or soccer practice. Just cut a grid pattern on the fruit and cubes will tumble out, ready to eat. Don’t forget to wash and dry the rind on the watermelon before cutting.
1. Cut the whole watermelon lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its rind with the interior facing up.
2. Place the knife about 3/4 inch down from the peak of the wedge. Holding the knife parallel to the far side of the fruit and starting at the edge of the rind, cut a horizontal line across the fruit all the way down to the rind.
3. Place the knife blade about
Lavender plants, lemonade and gift items will be available to purchase or, better yet, win something with bees and lavender in the drawing. The Murer House and museum will be open for tours.
The Murer House and Gardens is across Folsom Boulevard near historical Sutter Street. The home was built by Guiseppe Murer of Italy who purchased the site in 1921 and constructed the home in 1925. For more information call (916) 413-9231.
and fans alike. The day ends with the medal awards ceremony for all of the competing divisions. Saturday, May 24, is a practice day where each team is required to attend a safety orientation and make one full timed run down the course. Throughout the day there is fun for all that come to watch or race. Admission is free. All proceeds from the event benefit the Folsom, El Dorado, Sacramento Historical Railroad Association. For more information visit HandcarDerby.com or call (916) 496-5032.
Courtesy photo
Randy Linder and his band present a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute like
