Village Life, Wednesday, August 21, 2024

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■ AN IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTE

Local Eagle Scout’s project honors the fallen.

■ INSIDE, A3

IN EL DORADO HILLS

■

AUGUST 21, 2024

Investigation to probe two EDHCSD directors’ conduct Noel Stack Editor Responding to a complaint alleging a conflict of interest for El Dorado Hills Community Services District Directors Noelle Mattock and Ben Paulsen, three EDHCSD directors voted at this month’s meeting to initiate a formal investigation.

Dean Getz, a frequent EDHCSD board meeting attendee and oftentimes critic, requested the investigation in early July. In his letter he claims both Mattock and Paulsen were aware that former EDHCSD General Manager Kevin Loewen, who resigned in

December 2023, was working for district consultant DTA while also employed with the CSD. A report released earlier this year confirmed his outside employment and noted it was a clear conflict of interest and violation of CSD policy.

That relationship, Getz alleges, led to district leadership’s refusal to sign a document attesting to the accuracy of LLAD assessments as prepared by DTA. El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn requested the letter after he expressed concerns about discrepancies in DTA’s work. Assessments were left off the property tax rolls for two years, amounting to an approximately $2.8 million loss for the CSD. The

CSD Board of Directors later sued the auditor. “... as documented in the Loewen investigation, President Noelle Mattock admitted knowing that Loewen worked for DTA,” Getz’ letter notes.

“Despite this knowledge, she chose to initiate costly litigation with the county’s auditor-controller rather than risk exposing Loewen DTA, or her awareness of Loewen’s conflict of interest with DTA, etc.”

“I assert that district records support the fact that ...

Paulsen actively participated in the district’s deliberate evasion of signing the attestations for DTA’s work ■ See INVESTIGATION, page A7

DECISION EDH church enjoys its own revival 2024 ■ Celebration

November ballot set

planned Aug. 25

Sel Richard Village Life correspondent

Village Life staff

On the brink of closure, a small church breathes new life as it transitions into a fresh format. After having endured declining membership from pandemic shutdowns, the resignation of its head pastor and ongoing financial struggles, SunHills Church of El Dorado Hills is officially reopening as a North Coast campus, a Bible teaching church that spans multiple locations in Southern California as well as Ohio, Hawaii, Arizona and even Los Barriles, Mexico.

Six months earlier, as SunHills pastor Erich Grunder and his staff considered the prospect of putting the building on the market, the idea of a merger with another

Photo by Sel Richard

■ See CHURCH, page A5

North Coast Church staff are ready to serve the community as part of a reinvigorated church. From left are TJ Lind, Stacey Rogers, pastor Erich Grunder, Mark Lewis, Stefanie Kennedy and Jake Lara.

The filing period has closed for those seeking a public office. El Dorado Hills residents will have many decisions to make when it’s time to vote.

El Dorado Hills Community Services District Vote for 2 Chuck King Steven Gutierrez Noelle Mattock (incumbent)

El Dorado Hills Fire Board Vote for 2 – full term Bobbi Bennett (incumbent) John Hidahl Esther Beckman ■ See BALLOT, page A5

INSIDE NEWS

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■ VILLAGE HOMES, B1

■ INSIDE, B2

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A2

AUGUST 21, 2024

Rescue USD receives impactful donation

WHAT’S HAPPENING Now

News release

El Dorado County Certified Farmers Markets offer fresh fruit and vegetables and much more: Burke Junction in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; Placerville Cinema, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; and El Dorado Hills Town Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. For more information visit eldoradofarmersmarket.com.

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. Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”

The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Proof,” a play

by David Auburn. The show will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 1. Shows start at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

Registration is open for the Gold Country Run 5k/10k presented by Marshall in El Dorado Hills Town Center on Sept.

7. Register online at goldcountryrun.com.

Sutter Street Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” through Sept. 8. Shows run Saturday and Sundays at 1 p.m., with a 4 p.m. showing Saturday, Aug. 24. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

Aug. 22 Snowline Health Dementia Connection hosts the Gilmore Senior Center Caregiver Support Group, 10:30 a.m. to noon, 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills. This free, in person and online group offers support to caregivers and family members who are caring for or have a loved one with dementia. The group’s goals are to provide inspirational caregiving strategies and sharing in a welcoming, non-judgmental space and promote emotional and physical health, awareness of resources, problem-solving, stress reduction and personal growth. Call the Dementia Connection at (530) 621-6820 if respite care is needed for a caregiver to attend this group.

The Shingle Springs and Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce will hold a Networking Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Hawk Casino’s Koto Buffet. The event is sponsored by the El Dorado County Republican Party and will feature El Dorado County Auditor/Controller Joe Harn as guest speaker.

El Dorado Hills Town Center will be rockin’ with a free concert, 7-9 p.m., featuring Peace Frog. Visit EDHTownCenter. com for all the details.

Aug. 23 The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a free concert at Community Park, 7-9:30 p.m., featuring Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads – a celebration of Jimmy Buffet.

For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

■ See HAPPENINGS, page A5

Jeff Trexler

2023

DRE #01372803

The Rescue Union School District received a donation from the Flaherty IMPACT Foundation — $5,000 in much-needed gift cards to support families in need within the district.

This contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of many students and their families who are identified by staff as requiring high priority basic needs, from food and clothing to fuel to drive their children to and from school.

The Flaherty IMPACT Foundation is dedicated to providing assistance to youth in need. The foundation’s mission focuses on supporting displaced and homeless children, youth and families dealing with pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and providing college scholarships for at-risk foster youth.

“This generous gift from the Flaherty IMPACT Foundation will have a profound impact on our community,” said RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake. “It provides much-needed support to our families, ensuring that our students have the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. We are deeply thankful for their

Courtesy photo

RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake, left, accepts a generous gift on behalf of district students and families from Michael Flaherty. commitment to our children’s well-being.”

“At the Flaherty IMPACT Foundation, our sole focus is to provide assistance to youth in need. Kids — foremost and always,” shared founder Michael Flaherty. “We are so honored to support the Rescue Union School

District and join them in their efforts to assist and impact the lives of children and families facing significant challenges.

Together, we can make a difference.”

Dr. Jennifer Lawson, Rescue USD’s coordinator of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Special Programs, added,

PG&E expands energy bill assistance programs Paul Moreno PG&E OAKLAND — To provide additional financial assistance to more households with past-due energy bills, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is modifying guidelines mid-year for the Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help program.

REACH and REACH Triple Match help qualifying low- to moderate-income customers pay their pastdue energy bill and help prevent service disconnections.

“We want to ensure more customers have the support they need to get their energy bills back on track,”

said Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president, Customer Experience. “With a more robust bill credit and broader income eligibility, we can provide greater financial relief to the households that need it most.”

Based on recent customer data, PG&E anticipates approximately 65,000 more customers can qualify for REACH and REACH Triple Match assistance under the new guidelines.

PG&E has provided more than $17.2 million in financial assistance to more than 25,000 income-eligible customers through REACH and REACH Triple Match since January.

■ See PG&E, page A5

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“This donation is a testament to the power of community and the positive impact that generosity can have on the lives of our students.”

For more information about the Flaherty IMPACT Foundation visit flahertyimpactfoundation.com.

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AUGUST 21, 2024

Village Life photo by Eric Jaramishian

Matthew Woodin of Rescue Boy Scout Troop 700 measures a board while constructing the now completed EDC Afghanistan and Iraq war cenotaph in the parking lot of the El Dorado Veterans Services Office.

Scout’s cenotaph honors the fallen

Find out how much your home is really worth in today’s market!

Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer

A

cenotaph honoring fallen local military service members has been constructed in their memory, memorializing the 12 who served in both the Afghanistan and Iraq in the parking lot of the El Dorado Veterans Services Office in Placerville.

The Military Family Support Group of El Dorado County unanimously approved construction of the cenotaph

by Rescue Boy Scout Troop 700 member Matthew Woodin as his Eagle Scout project.

MFSG board Chairman Herve Leconte, an ultra runner known for his fundraiser runs and proud father of serviceman, said the organization wanted to construct something to remember these fallen service members, most of whom died in combat.

“Whatever the circumstance, we wanted to honor our service members who fought in Afghanistan or Iraq,” Leconte said.

Military Family Support Group plans to host a public unveiling of the cenotaph on Sept. 11 at the office, 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville.

Woodin, 17, said he was eager to take on the

Herve Leconte observes the work done by Matthew Woodin, who is constructing a cenotaph in honor of El Dorado County deceased veterans who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. assignment when the task was presented to his troop by his Scoutmaster.

“I’m glad to build something that is going to last a long time,” he told Village Life. “I think it will be good to show the people of this county who fought for us and who we should be thanking for being able to live in a free America.”

The ambitions teen could be seen measuring posts and making the signs on a warm July afternoon. Leconte, who researched the individuals listed, said he was pleased with the finished wooden cenotaph.

“It is beautiful and we cannot wait to show everyone so they can see who sacrificed themselves for us in the entire nation,” Leconte said.

The 12 names included are Staff Sgt. Sky Mote, Sgt. Austin Ramsey, Sgt. Kyle Dayton, Sgt. Joshua Hardt, Sgt. Timothy Smith, SPC. Mathew Taylor, Staff Sgt. Eric Schenck, Lance Cpl. Brad Shuder, Staff Sgt. Michael Elledge, SPC. Garrett Font, SPC. Randall Landstedt and PFC. Phillip Williams.

Those with questions can contact Leconte at (530) 647-6035.

A DEVELOPMENTBY

Injured hiker rescued Saturday Noel Stack Editor

Photo courtesy of EDH Fire

Emergency crews arrive at the scene of a rescue near Browns Ravine in El Dorado Hills. cell phone so you can call for help if needed,” Lilienthal noted.

The woman’s name was not released but

a person who identified themself as a friend posted on social media she was “doing alright” as of Aug. 18.

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El Dorado Hills Fire Department, Folsom Fire Department and Cal Fire crews rescued an unidentified woman who suffered minor injuries after falling on a trail near Browns Ravine on Saturday, Aug. 17.

The woman fell on the trail approximately 1 mile from the Hobie Cove boat ramp and called 911 at about 10 a.m., prompting quick action from rescue crews specially trained to handle such incidents, according to EDH Fire Deputy Chief Michael Lilienthal.

“Firefighters carry specialty equipment on the fire engines and in separate vehicles that are used to help rescue victims in remote locations,” Lilienthal shared with Village Life. “After approximately 30 minutes, firefighters were able to locate the victim and assist her back to a waiting ambulance with only minor injuries.”

This rescue serves as a reminder for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

“Please remember to use caution while hiking on remote trails, carry extra water and carry your

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AUGUST 21, 2024

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Planning Commission vets Marble Valley, Lime Rock Eric Jaramishian Senior staff writer The proposed Village of Marble Valley and Lime Rock Valley specific plans proposed development had its debut county hearing at the El Dorado County Planning Commission meeting Aug. 8 where staff and residents had a new opportunity to share their views on the large development projects.

County staff presented the two projects, which would be located south of Highway 50 between El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park, covering more than 4,000 acres with mixed-density housing as well as multiple commercial projects and amenities; the property used to be ripe with limestone mining operations (an old quarry and kiln are still present on the land).

No action was taken, but some of the county’s planning commissioners shared their preliminary thoughts on the specific plans.

District 2 Planning Commissioner Bob Williams, who represents the district where the projects are located, wondered what the cost of the projects would ultimately be for local taxpayers.

“I’d really like to understand, in reviewing this project, what kind of additional community finance district requirements are being proposed and, in terms of infrastructure situations, what the developers are going to be requesting in terms of public finance, maybe offloads, in financing,” Williams said. “We do need to have a better understanding of what the impact is going to be financially to the taxpayers — not just current taxpayers but future ones as well.”

Some residents who shared their opinions last week questioned whether the projects would address the need for affordable housing and how the development would benefit the community, a prospect District 3 Planning Commissioner Lexi Boeger entertained.

“These are the things we really need to see — projects that have a benefit to the community that outweigh the negative impacts,” Boeger said. “And, for me, housing of multiple levels that shows a robust community within a project is important.

“The other thing is walkability, (if the project is) self-sustaining; is there going to be grocery there,” Boeger continued.

“These are sort of the modern ways we want to see these projects go, that have a lot of benefits that the communities need. So, just in general, we get some of these things that were entitled a long time ago when we built differently and we had different community needs, and I’d really like to see a little more modern inclusion of some of this stuff.”

Marble Valley proposals are ambitious. In addition to around 3,236 housing units proposed, with emphasis on replicating Sonoma/Napa Valley and Tuscany wine regions, several amenities including office and retail space, public parks, a concert venue, a vineyard, potential public schools, a fire station and more are proposed for the specific plan.

Lime Rock Valley, which would be developed next to Marble Valley, would feature approximately 800 mixeddensity housing units on 740 acres and have public and private open space with a multi-use trail system.

The projects are available for review at engageeldorado.us.engagementhq. com/edc-projects-in-your-area.

Though the chance for public comment for the draft environmental reviews for both projects have ended, some residents who live near the projects said the documents leave a lot to be desired. Traffic, wildfire danger, sudden increases in population and funding the large proposals were a few of the concerns expressed during the meeting, similar to those who attended at the projects’ open house June 11.

“There are a number of inconsistencies throughout the draft EIR that are either inaccurate or largely missing, so that is concerning, and also for the significant unavoidable impacts the draft fails to analyze and discuss potential mitigation measures that would reduce the impact,” said Beth Thompson, a resident of neighboring Cameron Estates. “They are also deficient in that they fail to disclose and analyze the growth reduction impacts of the project.”

Residents, like Thompson, said the draft EIR for both projects did not “adequately” address several issues, including how roads and the current existing roadway systems would operate, water supply and treatment, wildlife habitat, fire hazards, circulation and air quality.

Cameron Park Community Services District board members and some residents they represent questioned the benefits of building such projects. “(The draft EIRs) fail to adequately address impacts on our parks and recreation services within the Cameron Park CSD and the impacts on our fire service,” CPCSD Director Tim Israel said. “The county operates under a mutual aid system and the first closest fire department that’s available ... is the Cameron Park Fire Department for all of Lime Rock and a large portion of Marble Valley. When would the fire station be built … 10, 15, 20 years?

We need protection from fire, not just evacuation routes.”

Auditor-Controller Joe Harn also addressed the board with his concern about funding and traffic mitigation; due to the county potentially having to refund tens of millions of dollars due to a lack of following the Mitigation Fee Act from 2013 to 2016 and George Sheetz vs. El Dorado County case, Harn said he believes the county “cannot count on our Traffic Impact Fee program to mitigate traffic caused by new development.”

“I recommend that these proposed specific plans be conditioned to require precise road improvements be funded and constructed by these two applicants based on certain milestones and in some cases prior to the issuance of the first building permit,” Harn states in an email to Village Life. “Further, I recommend that serious consideration be given to a joint traffic circulation study that includes these two projects, along with the proposed Town and Country Village project.”

Officials with G3 Enterprises (Lime Rock) and Parker Development (Marble Valley) will have opportunities to address these concerns at future hearings, as of yet unscheduled.

“It’s a really big project, two big projects, and our role is to make sure that it pencils out for the broader public, and I would just encourage (developers) to continue having discussions with the community, because that’s going to be really important going forward,” said commission Chair Andy Nevis.

County leaders address local elections transparency Eric Jaramishian

3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas, board chair.

Senior staff writer The report also states the new Elections Department building, located Before approving a response to the El at 3883 Ponderosa Road in Shingle Dorado County Grand Jury 2023-24 Springs, is “well-designed and efficient investigation on “Election Integrity: operation for managing high-volume Separating Fact from Fiction,” supervielections while providing transparency sors were pleased to note the Grand to the public.”

Jury found recent election results were “The Registrar of Voters and staff are not “materially altered or rigged” to be commended for the design of the thanks to the Election Department’s headquarters, integration of the systems voting eligibility and voting tabulation and the oversight capability provided,” procedures. the report reads.

The June 5 report states despite the The report also gave its own insight current voting system in California not on how the Elections Department can requiring identiensure its ongoing fication to verify integrity. voter eligibilThe Elections Department will election It notes ity and identity, California certified host a town hall on election which could crevoting equipment ate “opportunity security at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, and procedures for individuals to “may introduce introduce illeAug. 28, at 3883 Ponderosa vulnerabilities and gitimate votes,” Road in Shingle Springs. a lack of transthe Elections parency into the Department is election process,” “doing a good job at minimizing this to which the board responded that all issue given constraints placed on it by technology has potential to be vulnerthe state.” able and that certain processes are in During discussion of the Grand place to make sure problems are mitiJury’s report Aug. 13, the board lauded gated.

Registrar of Voters Bill O’Neill and his The board also disagreed with the department’s efforts to ensure a clean, report’s finding that the Elections untampered voting and eligibility proDepartment could do more to alleviate cess.

“We’ve long known that our Election public concerns about election integrity through increased communication, statDepartment has the utmost integrity ing the department does extensive outand brings that to our local election process, but I think it is really gratifying reach through town halls, hosts tours to understand that the grand jury also n See ELECTIONS, page A6 finds and celebrates that,” said District

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AUGUST 21, 2024

Happenings Aug. 29 El Dorado Hills Town Center will be rockin’ with a free concert, 7-9 p.m., featuring the Folsom Lake Symphony. Visit EDHTownCenter.com for all the details.

Aug. 24 Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians presents Big Time 2024 on Aug. 24 & 25 with California traditional dancers, jewelry, crafts, food eveners, a walnut dice tournament and more at the Shingle Springs Rancheria, 5281 Honpie Road in Placerville. For more information call (916) 4682730.

Fleetwood Mask, the only tribute in America with Mick Fleetwood’s endorsement, will perform at the Harris Center at 7:30 p.m. Fleetwood Mask brings audiences the very best of Fleetwood Mac’s 50-year history with a focus on the 1975 forward five-piece version of their lineup that catapulted the band to super stardom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Aug. 25 El Dorado Western Railroad offers excursion rides with trains running on the hour, 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., weather permitting, at the Shingle Springs Station. For more information visit facebook.com/ElDoradoWesternRailroad.

Continued from A2 Prepare for an electrifying musical spectacle with “PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS,” performing at the Harris Center at 7:30 p.m. This extraordinary event celebrates the iconic Billy Joel and Elton John, featuring the remarkable father-son duo Terry and Nick Davies and their exceptional band.

The pair will guide you through the timeless hits that have captured music lovers’ hearts for decades. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Aug. 27 Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive noon to 3 p.m. at EDH Stadium 14 Theater & IMAX Theater, 2101 Vine St. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Sept. 7 The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts El Dorado Hills Brewfest at Serrano Visitor Center Village Green, 4-7 p.m. The event will include unlimited tastings, food trucks, a game area and other entertainment. For tickets and more information visit eldoradohillsbrewfest.org.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts James L’Etoile to celebrate his new thriller, “Served Cold,” 3-5 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401.

Ballot Kevin Gotro Vote for 1 – short term Dan Donell Michael Hillhouse (incumbent)

Continued from A1 The following local candidates will retain their positions as they are running unopposed:

Los Rios Community College Rescue Union School District Board District Governing Board, Area 3 Vote for 2 Michael Gordon (incumbent) Kitty Czarnecki Michael Flaherty (incumbent) Jenney Robles

Buckeye Union School District Board Vote for 2 Melissa Keyzer Kirk Seal (incumbent) Joelen Vakulich Ryan Meier Jennifer Euler Thomas Fox

El Dorado County Board of Education, Area 1 Vote for 1 Charles Ware (incumbent) Rachel Librach

Church church was broached.

“I remember we had a meeting between the elders and the board of directors,” shared Rich Iacovetta, former SunHills elder who now leads one of the North Coast Life Groups.

“There was a lot of hope but not a lot of promise necessarily.”

Later that day, Grunder received a call from a couple who previously attended SunHills and now lived in Folsom.

They had been watching North Coast church services in their home, but their group had grown to almost 100 people watching in multiple homes. They were looking for a building and a pastor.

“Wow, this could be a godsend,” Iacovetta remembered thinking. The staff decided to explore the possibility. North Coast Church not only sent Chris Brown, North Coast’s main teaching pastor, and his staff to meet SunHills church members, but also donated funds to remodel the SunHills building.

During a trial period, SunHills operated as a North Coast campus in which SunHills held its own live worship services. The only segment that is live-streamed virtually from Vista, California, is the teaching sermon.

The church ultimately voted unanimously to become North Coast Church. “It’s just amazing how God brought it all together,” marveled Iacovetta.

“The really cool thing is that everyone has merged so perfectly,” Iacovetta continued. “Right off the bat, the Folsom people started volunteering and everyone got along. This church went from the brink of closing its doors for good to not just getting a second life, but starting to thrive again in the com-

PG&E Expanded benefits & how to apply • Bill credit doubled: The maximum customer bill credit that can be applied to a past-due balance has increased from $1,000 to $2,000 for REACH and REACH Triple Match (total not higher than customer’s past due amount).

• Increased income limit: A larger pool of income-eligible customers now qualifies for REACH Triple Match, which provides a 3-to-1 match on customer payments of $50 or more to further reduce an unpaid balance. For example, a family of four making up to $156,000/year could qualify for assistance. Income limits for REACH and REACH Triple Match are set at different thresholds and both use federal income guidelines.

• Past-due balance amount:

John Knight

El Dorado Union High School District Board

DUI checkpoint coming to EDH California Highway Patrol News release The California Highway Patrol – Placerville area will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint on Aug. 31 somewhere within El Dorado Hills.

“All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on our local roadways by intoxicated drivers,” said Lt. Rick Hatfield, CHP Placerville area commander.

The goal of the CHP is to ensure the safe passage every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated drivers. A sobriety check-

point is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.

“Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Hatfield emphasized. “Our objective is to send a clear message to those individuals that consider driving and mixing alcohol or drugs, you will be caught and your vehicle will be towed away.”

Funding is provided from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Continued from A1 munity.”

Along with his wife of 18 years and three kids in middle school, Grunder said it has been his privilege serving as pastor for SunHills since 2012. “It has been such a treat to be part of everything that we see God doing through this church and community,” he said.

“Over the years, a lot of the kids who grew up here are now serving on staff and leading ministries of their own.”

Grunder points out that the smaller building gives the congregation a small church feel but North Coast brings big church resources and experience.

“We are centered on scriptural teachings, Bible-centered teaching, building a loving community and then changing the world,” Grunder said, mentioning a pet project which will have the entire church outside in local areas for a weekend. “There’s a huge emphasis on outreach and serving our community.”

The current congregation hails from El Dorado Hills, Folsom and as far out as Granite Bay, Rocklin, Placerville and Orangevale.

The El Dorado Hills location is North Coast Church’s 10th campus and the only one in Northern California. A grand reopening will be held on Aug. 25. A standard 10 a.m. Sunday service will be held followed by a luncheon where prospective members can meet staff and volunteers while enjoying family friendly games.

“It’s a place to make long-time friends, to grow deep in our relationship with God and be challenged to go into the world and make a difference,” said Grunder.

North Coast Church is located in the El Dorado Hills Business Park at 1001 Suncast Lane.

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Continued from A2 Qualifying customers can now participate in the program regardless of their past due balance, which was previously capped at $2,000, and customers on a payment plan are also now eligible.

• Additional benefits available for 2024 recipients: Qualifying customers who already participated in REACH or REACH Triple Match will be offered the opportunity to participate a second time under the new guidelines, with up to a $2,000 total benefit available for 2024.

The revised criteria are aimed at helping more customers address high past-due amounts, especially over the hot summer months when energy usage typically peaks. Information on how to apply is online at pge.com/en/account/ billing-and-assistance.html.

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A6

AUGUST 21, 2024

Elections

Continued from A4

of its department, sends email updates and uses social media frequently.

The Elections Department will host a town hall on election security at its Ponderosa Road location Aug. 28 at 6 p.m., which will go until there are no questions left, according to O’Neill.

The board did concur that video surveillance does not cover all ballot drop boxes, which will be addressed prior to the November 2024 election, according to the written response.

In responding to the Grand Jury’s recommendations, the board said voting tabulation systems could not be electronically isolated to improve security due to that being a “costly solution which will not provide additional security outside of mitigating procedures currently approved by election security and

the Secretary of State’s Office.”

The report also recommended the department look into the feasibility of streaming drop box video surveillance cameras online for ad hoc public monitoring, which the board and Election’s staff found unreasonable due to “hostility toward the use of ballot drop boxes.”

Streaming video could also erode the constitutionally protected privacy of voting, leaders challenged.

Additionally, the report recommended the department change its security procedures to “require a minimum of two people present when accessing the vote tabulation rooms and systems.”

The board found that to be “unreasonable” due to the Elections staff being “trusted employees” performing their work with high integrity, which the Grand Jury

noted in its report.

“The three staff members with access to the tabulation room are the registrar, assistant registrar and the department systems analyst,” reads the response. “Their requiring two people at all times would limit their ability to perform their work in a room already monitored by cameras, which are livestreamed during the election.”

The board did agree that a periodic newsletter to acknowledge and address public concerns should be published.

O’Neill said his department would follow up on the recommendation.

Also discussed during the Tuesday meeting was the Elections Department’s role in addressing a candidate’s eligibility through residency and professional certifications. Both County Counsel David

Livingston and O’Neill described this role as “ministerial” in that while elections officials ensure documents supporting a candidate’s claims for eligibility are checked to ensure they meet the requirements, no further investigations are conducted by the department. A writ can be requested to the courts if a candidate’s eligibility comes into question.

“All we can really do is educate,” O’Neill said. “(We say) ‘Here is what the law says and here is what we try to follow,’ but we do not turn around and do any investigations into it.

“It’s a great position for us to be in because we have to stay nonpartisan in everything and we cannot get invested or involved in the outcome of any measure or contest, so the court gives us that freedom,”

he continued. “If we are investigative or punitive and we can go after stuff, it makes us invested in one side or the other and we don’t want to be in that position.”

The supervisors unanimously approved the response.

The entirety of the 2023-24 Grand Jury report and all responses can be found online at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/ Public-Safety-Justice/ Safety-Justice/GrandJury/Reports-andResponses.

Statewide voter symposium El Dorado County isn’t the only municipality hoping to ease voters’ minds and educate the public. The California Secretary of State’s Office recently announced its inaugural research symposium on the topic of voting and elections in

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The symposium will feature keynote insights from Weber, along with multiple data research presentations from leading experts in the field of elections and voting rights.

“This symposium represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to transparent, secure, and accessible elections in California,” said Weber. “By bringing together diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research, we aim to foster innovative solutions to the challenges facing our democratic processes.”

Topics to be covered include trends in voter participation and engagement.

The event is open to researchers, policymakers, election officials and members of the public interested in the future of California’s electoral system.

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A7

AUGUST 21, 2024

Meet the

Village Life photos by Malachi Parker

Oak Ridge High School and the community celebrated the ORHS football squad at the annual Meet the Trojans event in El Dorado Hills Town Center on Aug. 10. Players had a great time chatting with and entertaining the fans. Above left, players Jack Spero, Marcus Mathenge, Kaleb Edwards, Gage Varella and Ayden Staricco pose for a photo. At right, the flag bearer proudly waves the Trojans’ colors in the air.

Investigation

Continued from A1

products mandated by the county,” the letter continues.

Mattock spoke at the Aug. 8 board meeting after Directors Mike Martinelli, Heidi Hannaman and Steve Ferry voted to hire Shaw Law Group for investigative services. Paulsen was absent.

Reading from a prepared statement, board President Mattock claimed the auditor “tried to force me to violate my role as an elected official” by demanding she sign the attestation letter in 2021.

Loewen signed the document in 2021 but refused in 2022 and 2023, going as far as publicly calling Harn “a bully on the playground” after the CSD filed its lawsuit.

The auditor has maintained that the county’s contract to collect LLAD assessments on behalf of the district “requires the CSD provide any certification of the accuracy and lawfulness of the assessments that the county requires.”

At the Aug. 8 meeting Mattock called Harn’s actions “a political attack against the two board members who are up for reelection this year.”

Mattock did file paperwork to retain her seat; Paulsen did not. The board president also signed Harn’s requested letter this year, submitting it on

Aug. 9 to ensure all assessments will be on the upcoming tax roll.

Mattock also had pointed words for fellow director Hannaman, whom she claims warned Mattock that those Hannaman is “aligned with” are “coming after you, and they are coming for your livelihoods and your reputations.”

“That is something that was a closed session discussion, and that is a complete violation of our privacy of closed session,” Hannaman interjected.

The board president continued by adding that complainant Getz had gone so far as to email allegations of wrongdoing against Mattock to city staff and elected officials where she works.

“Now to address the issue,” Mattock continued.

“Did I know if the former general manager worked for DTA? To my recollection, the answer is no.”

Mattock told meeting attendees she was not aware of the professional relationship until it was brought to the board’s attention in the summer of 2023. However, during her interview related to the Loewen investigation, it’s noted in the confidential report, “Mattock did not know if Loewen indeed began conducting outside business, nor did she recall any conversations about him working with DTA.

However, she also recalled, prior to the public allegations, knowing Loewen was working for DTA. She stated she ‘thought (she) knew’ he was working for them based on a conversation they had, ‘but it was so long ago’ she did not recall how or when it happened.

“Mattock did not have concerns about Loewen working for DTA ‘as long as it has nothing to do with what (the district) is doing,’” the report continues, noting she had no concerns about a conflict of interest.

In response to Mattock’s public accusations, Harn sent a response to Village Life, stating, in part, “Noelle has been sneaky and has been willing to break the law in order to prevent the public from finding out what the district is doing. In August 2023, Loewen and Noelle refused to certify the accuracy and lawfulness of the assessments prepared

by DTA. Although, in their defense, they were busy and in crisis mode trying to cover up Loewen’s employment with DTA and trying to develop ... messaging to indicate (1) everybody makes mistakes on the financial disclosure forms required by state law and (2) even if Loewen worked for DTA, it is irrelevant.”

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T Patricia Seide

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4711 Jenkinson Circle, Pollock Pines 2,905 square feet 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms 3.19-acre property Listed at $950,000 MLS #224055574

his stunning home, nestled in a private gated community adjacent to Jenkinson Lake, just 4 miles from Highway 50, offers an exceptional combination of luxury, comfort and natural beauty.

The property spans over 3 acres and includes a spacious 2,905-square-foot main house, a 430-squarefoot garage and a versatile 780-square foot boathouse.

A welcoming entrance gate across the extensive paved driveway greets residents and guests as they drive along and admire the manicured lawn and well-maintained trees. There’s plenty of parking space on this property — a good thing since everyone will want to visit.

The main house features four bedrooms and three-and-ahalf bathrooms. Step onto the covered front porch and enjoy the scenery before heading into the spacious living room illuminated by natural sunlight pouring into large windows and warmed by a cozy propane gas fireplace.

The adjacent kitchen showcases classic oak cabinetry, tile backsplash, wall oven, built-in microwave, large refrigerator/ freezer and a center island with a dining bar and gas range.

Off the living room and kitchen is a formal dining room with gorgeous built-in cabinetry and a large mirror plus big windows and a glass patio door, allowing all dining guests to savor the amazing views and providing easy indoor to outdoor dining access.

The well-appointed office/library has built-in cabinetry and scenic front-yard views. Also on the home’s main level is a second space that could be used as an office or sitting room. It opens into a spacious bonus room with great views

and outdoor access to a private deck. Should the new homeowner choose, this room could be easily converted into a first-floor bedroom suite.

Additionally, there is a main floor full bathroom and a laundry room with a sink and storage space.

Upstairs, the primary suite boasts a large sitting room and a bedroom space with a vaulted ceiling, propane gas fireplace and private balcony.

The suite’s bathroom has dual vanities, a walk-in shower and a spacious closet.

Also upstairs are two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom that features a soothing spa tub.

The home’s infrastructure is updated with a new roof and a new water heater, ensuring reliability and efficiency. A whole-house generator adds an extra layer of security. One of the standout features of this home is its outdoor space with a back deck extending the entire length of the home.

From this vantage point, enjoy unbelievable, panoramic views of Jenkinson Lake, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or entertaining guests.

This property offers not just a home, but a lifestyle. With its breathtaking lake views, modern amenities and ample space, it is perfect for those who appreciate both comfort and nature. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence or a vacation getaway, this home in the Sly Park Recreation Area is a true gem.

Interested in a private tour of this beautiful Jenkinson Circle property in Pollock Pines? Contact Realtors Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com or Mary Lagomarsino at (916) 337-6000, marylagomarsino@gmail. com.

B2

AUGUST 21, 2024

BACKTRACK VOCALS

TOM RIGNEY

TRICK & ALDERIGHI

Join music lovers at upcoming

El Dorado Community Concerts Jeannette Maynard El Dorado County Community Concert Association

T

TAKE3

he El Dorado County Community Concert Association, the oldest performing arts organization in El Dorado County, is thrilled to return with an exceptional line up of quality live entertainment at Union Mine High School Theatre.

The Back by Popular Demand 2024-25 concert series brings back some of the membership’s favorite artists.

The association relies on memberships to present the concerts and now is the time to renew your membership or join for the very first time.

The first concert of the upcoming 202425 season opens with TAKE3 on Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. With a flair for the wild and unexpected, the genre-defying trio brings the refinement of a rigorous classical music background and infuses it with rock-star charisma.

The second concert of the season on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., will feature Street Corner Renaissance. With infectious energy, humor and delightful harmony, Street Corner Renaissance sings a cappella versions of doo-wop and R&B music from days gone by.

The third concert in the series is Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. Pioneers in four-hands piano in jazz, Trick & Alderighi are also acclaimed for their arrangements of classics from stride piano, ragtime and boogie woogie traditions as well as from the Swing Era. The fourth concert in the series, on

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at 7 p.m., will be Backtrack Vocals — a five-person a cappella singing group that transforms familiar pop, funk, Motown, standards and Broadway songs with all-new vocal (and beatbox) arrangements.

The fifth concert of the season on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3 p.m., brings Tom Rigney and Flambeau specializing in fiery Cajun and zydeco two-steps, low-down blues, funky New Orleans grooves and heartbreakingly beautiful ballads and waltzes.

The sixth and last concert of the season is Acoustic Eidolon on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. The show features Hannah Alkire on cello and Joe Scott on double-neck guitjo, an instrument of his own design praised by USA Today as a “beautiful harp-like sounding instrument … like nothing we’ve ever heard before.”

The 2024-25 season’s prices remain at $80 per adult membership and $20 per student membership for the six-concert series. A family membership option is also available for $180, including two adults and two K-12 students. For those who cannot attend every concert, subscription prices still make the concert series very affordable.

All El Dorado County Community Concerts will be performed at Union Mine High School, Theatre at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado — a perfect venue for the intimate performances the membership enjoys.

Learn more about the upcoming season n See CONCERTS, page B6

B3

AUGUST 21, 2024

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Courtesy photo

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group confirm a 2025 tour stop at Folsom’s Harris Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Lovett returns to Folsom Ed Sengstack Harris Center for the Arts

F

OLSOM — Back by popular demand. If you missed Lyle Lovett’s sold-out concert last March or would like to see him again, Harris Center for the Arts announces an evening with Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group on at Feb. 26, 2025.

Four-time Grammy Award-winning singer, composer and actor Lovett will embark on an extensive tour with his Acoustic Group next year. The 2025 dates follow Lovett’s current tour with his Large Band/

Whether touring with his Acoustic Group, Large Band or in conversation and song format, Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of the Texas legend’s talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating artists in popular music.

The upcoming performances will feature songs from across Lovett’s extensive catalog, including his latest album, “12th of June,” which was produced

by Lovett and Chuck Ainlay. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the record n See LOVETT, page B6

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Anthony DePage, Lonnie Smith, Katherine Folsom, Jay Evans, Mark Androvich and Zane Begley portray the outrageous characters in “The Producers.”

It’s showtime on Sutter Street Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre

F

OLSOM — Sutter Street Theatre produces, “The Producers,” a show that takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender!”

A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a

truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks, “The Producers” skewers Broadway traditions.

This production is directed by Kenny Brian Gagni with assistant director Dena Jimena, music direction by Connie Mockenhaupt and choreography by Devin LePage and Thomas LePage “The Producers” runs through Sept.

15 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. the show is appropriate for mature audiences for language and subject matter. Make reservations at SutterStreetTheatre.com or call (916) 353-1001.

Perform with Cantaré Chorale News release Join Cantaré Chorale of the Sierra Foothills as the group prepares for its holiday concert series. This season, Cantaré Chorale will perform a delightfully diverse set of works by composers from all over the world, including “A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten featuring local harpist Ruth Rubio, “The Christmas Song” arranged

by Mark Hayes, “The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy” arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs and more.

Led by local director Mariia Pechenova, the group shares its evocative music and high standards of excellence with the community by performing beautiful choral music. Cantaré Chorale concerts engage and delight

audiences with classics, madrigals, folk, popular, jazz, seasonal and modern arrangements.

Cantaré is currently welcoming singers of all voice parts, particularly looking for basses and tenors. At open auditions, interested singers will have an opportunity to participate in a rehearsal, meet other local singers and enjoy some holiday classics.

An audition is scheduled at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 26, at Foothills United Methodist Church, 3301 Green Valley Road in Rescue.

Audition information is available online at Cantarechorale.com/audition. Ticket information for the holiday concert series will be available soon at Cantarechorale.com. Cantaré Chorale is a nonprofit organization.

B4

AUGUST 21, 2024

BUTTERED AND SALTY ‘Alien: Romulus’ HHH

R, 1 hour, 59 minutes Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller Now playing

“I

n space no one can hear you scream.”

There are few taglines in film history that perfectly encapsulate the tone of a film like that one did from 1979.

Whether you are a fan of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic “Alien” or not, you probably know that tagline. It was synonymous with science fiction, monster horror.

The film became such a classic that it was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. Pretty good for a $10 million budget by a young director only helming his second feature-length film and a leading actress in Sigourney Weaver who was in the beginning of what would become an illustrious and colorful career.

Seven years later leg-

Joshua B. Porter Special correspondent endary director James Cameron (“Terminator 1 & 2,” “Avatar”) — himself in the early throes of his career at 30 years old — took the momentum he gained directing the financially and critically successful “The Terminator” (1984) and wrote and directed arguably one of the best sequels ever made in “Aliens” (1986).

The film upped the action quota by including Colonial Marines and expanded the universe quite a bit.

Since then the franchise has been chasing the success and quality of those first two classic films to varying degrees.

A young David Fincher (“Seven,” “Zodiac,” “The Social Network”) took a swing at “Alien 3” (1992) and while it

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was a financial and critical failure, in the years since it has found a newfound respect from audiences. Fincher may not want to ever discuss the film due to 20th Century Fox meddling to the point where the experience was horrible for the director, but I’ll die on the hill that the film is quite underrated.

Its problem is that it follows two classics.

1997’s “Alien Resurrection” is an expensive mess, despite being directed by the visually imaginative Jean-Pierre Jeunet (who directed one of my favorites, “Amélie”).

From there the studio

gave us two “Alien vs Predator” films. I like both “Alien” and “Predator” but dislike both of those awful films.

A few years back the original “Alien” director, Sir Ridley Scott, returned to the franchise after more than 30 years and gave us 2012’s “Prometheus.” A prequel film that’s intention was to tell us the origin of the aliens and the crashed ship from the original film mixed in with a bit of unique world building. It was quite philosophical in nature and incredibly ambitious. It also split the fandom right down

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the middle. Some love it and others despise it. I personally love it.

He followed that up with its sequel “Alien: Covenant” in 2017 that tried to continue the mythology of “Prometheus” while feeling more like an actual Alien film. It was successful in that regard in the first half but falls on its face in a convoluted, messy third act.

Clearly the box office agreed. It made half of what “Prometheus” did and killed any chance Scott had of a third film in that trilogy that apparently would have connected directly to the original “Alien.”

When Disney purchased 20th Century Fox in early 2019 many wondered what would happen to the Alien franchise. Would they let it stay dormant or would they dust off the old IP? Rated R horror films aren’t exactly the cup of tea of the House of Mouse. Luckily for us, Disney not only let Alien be Alien but returned it to the thriller/horror roots of the original 1979 film.

The first smart move was to hire director Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) to not only helm the film, but pen the script as well.

Fede is a massive fan of this franchise and it shows. He’s also very effective at thrills and chills. There’s a few sequences here that will creep you out (face huggers!). Horror fans will also be pleased that he didn’t skimp out on the gore.

One thing I was pleased about was the pacing of the film, which is superb. A lot happens in these two hours and the film starts moving at a breakneck pace the moment the opening credits are finished.

That’s a change from the hour-long exposition of the last couple of Scott films.

The look and feel of the film is fantastic as well. The production design by Naaman Marshall is top shelf, harkening back to the 1970’s futuristic look of the original and giving it a very used, lived-in feel. I know Alvarez and Marshall used practical sets and props as much as possible and it shows. It’s a beautiful looking film which is only enhanced by the lighting and cin-

ematography of Galo Olivares.

The cast is small but effective with only seven main characters when the film starts. Cailee Spaeny leads the charge as Rain. I wrote about her a few months back when I reviewed “Civil War.” Her relationship with her brother Andy, played by David Jonsson, is the strongest in the film. I didn’t know much about Jonsson (he’s done mostly TV since he started in 2017) but he gives a strong performance here and their connection and chemistry is easily the best in the film.

As much as I enjoyed the look, style and horror of this film it’s not without imperfections.

The film is at its best when it blazes its own trail and takes big swings with new ideas (see the third act) but loses its momentum when it feels it has to anchor itself to other films. The biggest (non-spoiler) example of this is when an aspect of the original film shows itself. It’s not really required and feels forced. It also is not very effective in its execution.

Yes, I’m being vague.

If you know the original film (watch it again before you see “Alien: Romulus”) you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Some other easter eggs and lines of dialog pulled from previous films also got a few eyerolls from me. Luckily, the film mostly charts its own course. Some may not like the bold choice it takes in the final 15 minutes but, personally, I’m all for it.

Alien films are always best when they are self contained and remember that they are part of a horror franchise.

Even James Cameron’s “Aliens,” for all its bravado and action, had some genuine moments of dread. Something much bigger and scarier is out in the universe and it’s the intimate moments of it being discovered and uncovered that are the most frightening. Once that happens there’s always a government or corporation ready to weaponize and monetize it.

Now that’s scary!

Joshua B. Porter is a writer/director/producer. He can be reached at @joshuabporter or joshuabporter@ mtdemocrat.net.

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B5

AUGUST 21, 2024

Legendary blues entertainer brings soul to Folsom pub Alligator Records News release

F

OLSOM — Guitar virtuoso, vocalist and songwriter Chris Cain will celebrate the July 19 release of his new Alligator Records album, “Good Intentions Gone Bad,” with a live performance at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom on Sept. 8.

“Chris Cain,” the great B.B. King declared years ago, “now that boy can play the guitar.”

With more than three decades of touring and 15 previous albums under his belt, Cain, once known as “one of the greatest guitarists you’ve never heard,” is now celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike as being among the blues’ most talented and exciting players.

His performance begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

8, at Powerhouse Pub, 614 Sutter St. in Folsom.

For tickets and more information call (916) 355-8586 or visit powerhousepub.com.

“Good Intentions Gone Bad” is another giant leap forward for the man Living Blues says is “turning out the best work of his career.” His original songs overflow

Photo by Jim Mills

Chris Cain has cemented his place in music and continues to thrill audiences all over the world. See him live at Powerhouse Pub on Sept. 8. with surprising hooks and feature razor-sharp lyrics that are moving and humorously insightful. With his powerful, soul man’s voice and his inventive guitar work — inspired by Grant Green and Wes Montgomery as much as by B.B.

King and Albert King — Cain’s talents are unparalleled in the blues world.

On “Good Intentions Gone Bad,” Cain delivers 13 lyrically fresh original songs, seven of which add a swinging horn section to the mix.

Produced by Christoffer “Kid” Andersen (of Rick Estrin & The Nightcats) at his famous Greaseland USA studio in San Jose, “Good Intentions Gone Bad is,” Cain said, “the

best album I’ve ever made, thanks to Kid.” With Cain leading the charge on guitar, the band delivers top-shelf performances on every track. From the humorous, true-to-life title track to the epic, slowburning “Waiting For The Sun To Rise” to the to the Memphis soulinspired “Thankful” (featuring a shared vocal with Cain’s labelmate, Tommy Castro), the new album finds Cain

operating at the absolute peak of his powers, with Andersen pushing him to new heights every step of the way.

Mega blues guitar hero Joe Bonamassa proclaimed, “Hands down Chris Cain is my favorite blues player on the scene today. He’s an absolute blinder of a guitarist, with the voice of B.B. King and the chops of Albert King.”

Guitar icon Robben Ford added, “Chris Cain

is for real. He has the intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what he’s going to do next. Plus, he knows how to write songs you haven’t heard before.”

With his 2021 Alligator Records debut album, “Raisin’ Cain,” Cain’s star began to rise even higher. Press, radio and the public all agreed Cain was, as Blues Rock Review stated, “a classic, sophisticated, soulful virtuoso...He seamlessly combines blues, jazz, funk and soul.” Cain received four 2022 Blues Music Award nominations, including for Album of the Year and Best Guitarist.

Cain has toured all over North America and made repeated trips around the world. Now, with “Good Intentions Gone Bad,” Cain will find his largest audience yet, as his good musical intentions continue to pay off.

According to Andersen, there’s no better blues player working today. “Chris Cain is the rarity whose blues prowess is so undeniable that he has gained everyone’s approval,” he shared.

“Ask any of your favorite guitar players who they think are the greatest living masters of the instrument, chances are they will all have Chris Cain at the very top of their list.”

Elder Options, Inc. Courtesy photo

Chókim bètana wéeye focuses on sound, visual, multi-instrumentalist and performance artistry, the exhibit demonstrates how water moves through the landscape and connects.

Railroad museum exhibits showcase local artistry Traci Rockefeller Cusack

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News release

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ACRAMENTO — The California State Railroad Museum and Foundation are proud to partner with the Sacramento Public Library to host two special exhibits that showcase local artistry created by Parks and Tranquility Grant Awardees.

The overarching concepts of the two exhibits, titled Chókim bètana wéeye (It Comes from the Stars) and Fieldnotes, were presented by the artists then selected by joint committee with the Sacramento Public Library and California State Railroad Museum, and curated with help provided by the California State Railroad Museum and Foundation.

“Public art is a powerful way to help connect people to each other and to our shared history,” said Dr. Ty Smith, museum director of the California State Railroad Museum. “We are very pleased to offer a platform to demonstrate how we’re all connected — through land, water and the riverfront — and multidimensional art helps reflect on the past, but it also can show us a path forward.”

Chókim bètana wéeye (It Comes from the Stars): The new sound and multi-media installation was created by Amy Melissa Reed, descendent of people Indigenous to the Sonoran Desert. Reed is also cofounder of Gold Lion Arts in Sacramento and Ma Series Arts, an arts organization to support and fund underfunded BIPOC Femme and Queer artists and culture bearers.

With a focus on sound, visual, multi-instrumentalist and performance artistry, the exhibit demonstrates how water moves through the landscape and connects us all. The soothing, trickling and sometimes dramatic sounds were recorded in rivers, the ocean and inside Summit Tunnel, which played a key role in the building and completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

The multi-sensory new exhibit is now on display inside the Fruit Growers Express refrigerator car in the Roundhouse at the California State Railroad Museum.

Fieldnotes: California State Railroad Museum: After extensive research conducted at the California State Railroad Museum Library & Archives, a thoughtprovoking video installation art piece was created by local artists and curators Chris Christion and Jessica Wimbley.

Fieldnotes: California State Railroad Museum centers on the history of Black laborers and riders within railroad history, including representations of Black Pullman porters, performances as Black female riders and workers, migration and archival materials from the CSRM Archives, Prelinger Archives, and a repository of images produced and collected by the artists. Chris and Jessica’s interdisciplinary practice includes ambitious video and digital installations, with past works featured in the California Natural Resources Agency building in Sacramento and the Library of Congress. The new Fieldnotes installation is on display on the concrete pillars outside the Fruit n See EXHIBITS, page B6

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B6

AUGUST 21, 2024

Exhibits

Continued from B5

Growers Express refrigerator car in the Roundhouse at the California State Railroad Museum.

“Parks and Tranquility uses the power of art as a tool for community engagement and wellness,” said Ricardo Ramirez, system supervisor of Community Engagement for Sacramento Public Library. “This community collaboration is bringing arts and educational experiences to life at multiple park sites with support from

the California State Library’s Parks Pass Grant. The new exhibits by Amy Melissa Reed, Chris Christion and Jessica Wimbley illustrate how nature can inspire and bring us together.”

For more information about the Sacramento Public Library’s Parks and Tranquility program visit saclibrary.org/ tranquility. For more information about the California State Railroad Museum or Foundation visit californiarailroad. museum.

Lovett

Continued from B3

further highlights Lovett’s ability to fuse elements of jazz, country, western swing, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.

Of the album, The Wall Street Journal hails, “Few artists can bring all of these moods and sounds into one place and put a personal stamp on them all; Lyle Lovett does that.”

Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, he has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic

2022

performers. Among his many accolades, besides four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, was named Texas State Musician and is a member of both the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

See Lyle Lovett at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

STREET CORNER RENAISSANCE

Concerts at eldoradocommunityconcerts.com, where guests can join online and hear a sampling of the music.

The El Dorado County Community Concert Association is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. The association’s vision is to keep quality music

Continued from B2 alive for future generations in El Dorado County, accomplished through community and student outreach programs. Donations are gratefully accepted and tax-deductible.

For more details call (530) 556-9498.

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Heating/AC: Gilmore Heating, Air & Plumbing

2023

Best Solar Company: Solar Savings Direct

Address: 3867 Dividend Dr., #C Address: 8636 Antelope North Rd., Bldg. D Antelope Phone: (866) 394-1870

Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing has been serving the greater Sacramento and El Dorado County area since 1979. In that time, the business has grown to more than 100 employees, all dedicated to the “Get Website: More with Gilmore” motto that promises outstanding gilmoreair.com customer service. Gilmore provides more than just heating and air conditioning services, in 2016 the business expanded to include complete residential plumbing and drain services.

Best Private School: Golden Hills School Best Sandwich

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in El Dorado County, Solar Savings Direct offers its services as far as the Bay Area, Chico and Lake Tahoe, specializing in residential, commercial and municipal solar and battery projects.

Ultimately, the team believes their eighth-graders graduate with a set of competencies that far exceed their typically excellent performance in standardized tests.

Best Health Food Café: Blend

Website: solarsavingsdirect.com

The team at Solar Savings Direct, including COO Jeremy Read, CEO Grant Gluck and CFO Jessica Gluck, helps homeowners cut out the middle man. “You can eliminate all those headaches and hassles by working with an installer directly,” said Grant. Give Solar Savings Direct a call today for a solar power system designed to suit your needs.

Best Roofing: Nail It Roofing

Address: 6188 Enterprise Drive, Suit A Diamond Springs

Address: 1060 Suncast Lane The Golden Hills School team believes that to become El Dorado Hills the best version of themselves children require the Phone: broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by (916) 933-0100 Website: fully accredited teaching professionals in small-group goldenhillsschool.net settings. Students participate in academic endeavors, athletics and the arts. Daily physical education, art, music, computer science and Spanish language instruction are integrated into the curriculum. GHS is the only International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Candidate Private School in the area.

Phone: (530) 344-3237

Brothers Aaron and Christopher Meyer entered the roofing trade by working in all capacities — from laborer to superintendent, project manager and estimator.

Phone: (530) 677-5032 Website: nail-it-roofing.com

This gives Nail It Roofing customer the advantage of accurate bids and expert management over all aspects of their projects. Nail It Roofing is committed to providing the best possible service with seasoned professionals using the highest-quality products to ensure customers are satisfied with the quality of service. Considering much of their business is obtained through word of mouth, that says a lot.

Best Bakery & Cakes: Yellow Button Bakery

Address: 4357 Town Center Blvd, Suite 112, El Dorado Hills Phone: (530) 558-9222

Blend is a family owned and operated premier protein shake, acai bowl and kava bar in El Dorado Website: Hills Town Center, serving up delicious and healthy blendeldoradohills.com treats. Owners Michelle Loftus-Gold and Jeremy Gold and their son Dylan opened the café in November 2023. “We focus on clean ingredients,” Michelle said. Blend’s menu features a selection of grass-fed whey isolate protein with limited ingredients and preservatives. All shakes are keto and diabetic friendly, featuring monk fruit and stevia as the sweeteners. The chocolate peanut butter protein shake has become the local favorite, according to Michelle.

Phone: (530) 676-1598

When you’re searching for delicious, gluten-free Website: treats, look no further than Yellow Button Bakery. yellowbuttonbakery @gmail.com Owner and baker Brenda McDavid saw a need and decided to fill it. She launched her new bakery business out of her own kitchen. Customers can enjoy Brenda’s delicious gluten-free treats in several local haunts: Foxwood Coffee and Tea in Shingle Springs, Caffé Santoro in Diamond Springs and Sweet Pairings in Placerville. You can also meet her at the farmers market in front of the Bell Tower in Placerville, June through October. Brenda also offers dairy-free and vegan choices. “My favorite things to bake are your favorite things to eat.”

B7

AUGUST 21, 2024

2022

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Contractor: Straight Line Construction

2023

Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool

Address: 4415 Commodity Way Shingle Springs

Serving the El Dorado County area since 1999, Jack Borba’s commitment to quality and hard work has helped Straight Line Construction grow tremendously in a relatively short time.

Phone: (916) 985-9995 Website: straightlineconstruction.com

The company now offers residential services for roof replacement and repairs, windows, skylights, gutter systems, decks and siding. Straight Line also offers great customer service, a friendly team and high-quality craftsmanship. The new location offers customers the ability to view product samples, textures and colors in easing their remodeling process. Borba and his team also give back to the community in hosting fundraisers and supporting the food bank.

Best Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting

Ernie Durst started E. Durst Painting in 2011, bringing 35-plus years of experience to customers.

Phone: (916) 712-7856 Website: edurstpainting.com

Ernie said he feels blessed to serve the wonderful residents of El Dorado County and hires locally in hopes of becoming a desired employer organization. What he likes most are residential repaints and the relationships he builds with homeowners.

“As an organization, we have committed from the start to providing the best possible coatings, quality of workmanship and service at a competitive price,” he said. “We keep our overhead costs low and pass those savings onto the customer.

Thank you for your choice in our company as the best of El Dorado Hills. We are so honored and look forward to continuing to serve you.”

Address: 5130 Golden Foothill Parkway El Dorado Hills

We offer education and care for babies, Phone: Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, (916) 521-1835 homework tutor club and transportation for school Website: agers. The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and thegiftofkids.net Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certified, and make it a priority to continue their education.

Over the years, not only have we focused on love and education here at the school, but we have also been involved in sponsoring many local non-profit groups

Best Travel Agency: El Dorado Hills Travel

3941 Park Drive, Suite 90,

El Dorado Hills The philosophy of El Dorado Hills Travel is simple: Provide a unique vacation experience that will keep (916) 933-0476 customers coming back year after year. With so many edhtravel.com COVID restrictions let the experts at El Dorado Hills Travel help with all your travel needs. Some requirements of COVID-19 testing might be needed before you go and on return. El Dorado Hills Travel is a premier, full-service agency, specializing in cruises and leisure travel for families, corporations, groups and more. When you’re ready for a getaway or a family cruise, take a short trip to El Dorado Hills Travel and let Genny Arietta and her team help you plan your dream vacation.

Best Pet Supply Store: Ben’s Barketplace

Big Apple Bagels

Address: 2209 Francisco Drive, Suite 160, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 936-4343 Website: bigapplebagels.com

Sandwich lovers know they’re getting the best at Big Apple Bagels, a restaurant known for fresh bagels made from scratch daily. Whether ordering sensational, hot breakfast bagel sandwiches (Southern Tradition is a local favorite) or biting into a delicious choice from the lunch sandwich menu (try the turkey and havarti), customers delight in the satisfying taste of quality — all the time, every time.

“All our ingredients are fresh,” said owner Scott Walters, who opened Big Apple Bagels in June 2015.

In addition to great sandwiches, the eatery offers delicious pastries, coffee and more.

Best Sandwich Best Asian Food: Thai Paradise

Address: 4361 Town Center Blvd., Ste 110 El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 939-0389 Website: thaiparadiseedh.com

Coming from a long line of chefs trained at international hotels in Bangkok, Chef Jarunee Fleming brings a special touch to her authentic Thai recipes. With locally sourced produce and fresh meat and seafood brought in daily, Jarunee prepares her farm-to-fork dishes with rice bran oil, making them healthy and flavorful.

“I like to make people happy with my food,” said Jarunee, and happiness abounds at the family-run eatery.

The El Dorado Hills location opened in 2019 and locals already swear by favorites such as the traditional Pad Thai, spicy Drunken Noodles and curries. Round out a meal with some Thai fried rice and iced tea and your taste buds will know they’re in paradise.

For Kristine Lacy and business partner Mark Delgado, getting into the pet food industry was a no-brainer, especially when it came to choosing a franchise like Ben’s Barketplace. “We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information to our customers,” Lacy said.

Address: 2280 E. Bidwell St, Suite J200, Folsom Phone: (916) 597-0220 Website: bensbarketplace.com

Ben’s Barketplace carries only high-quality dog and cat food. Lacy and her crew are able to create a meal plan to help pet owners deal with their cat’s and dog’s individual issues, such as itching, scratching, vomiting, diarrhea and other discomforts. They also take on picky eaters.

BestFlooring: Sandwich Best Sacramento Area Wood Specialists

Sacramento Area Wood Specialists specializes in the installation of pre-finished hardwood, laminate, carpet and vinyl flooring in both the residential and commercial environment.

Address: 2714 Mercantile Drive Rancho Cordova Phone: (916) 879-1798 Website: sawsflooring.com

Installing flooring since 1993 has given the company’s staff many years of experience in both remodels and new construction.

Sacramento Area Wood Specialists has built many great relationships over the years and continues to work with many of the area’s investors, Realtors, property managers, retail shops, large area production builders as well as countless homeowners and numerous custom builders — no job is too big or too small.

B8

AUGUST 21, 2024

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4070 MOTHERLODE DRIVE SHINGLE SPRINGS

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• Blueprints

(530) 677-5700 (916) 933-1522 (855) 424-4481

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Your Sales & Service Center for America’s Most Popular Cars!

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415 Placerville Dr.

Call 530-626-1634 415 Placerville Dr.

Placerville Glass Inc. Looking to optimize your A/C bill? Call us for your SUNSCREENS today!

DCC License #C10-0000090-LIC

HUGE CANNABIS SELECTION • GREAT PRICES • KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF

Walk-Ins Welcome!

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NAL SALES RECREATIO Member Appreciation Day Every 20th!

Enjoy Demos, Discounts, and Giveaways!

Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm • Sun: 10am-7pm

537 Pleasant Valley Road #2, Diamond Springs 530-622-7873 21+ WITH VALID ID 2023

BEST BRUNCH IN EL DORADO COUNTY! Affordable, Good, Convenient & Something for Everyone!

2010

Check Out Our Full Menu at: PureLife.wm.store

Sunday 8:00am – 1:00pm

Come Visit Our Placerville Location!

Private Breakfast Accommodations 384 Main Street • Placerville 530-344-7757 | cascadainplacerville.com

Also Offering Recreational Cannabis Sales!

DCC License #C10-0000836-LIC

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Monday thru Saturday 8:00 – 10:00am Call for Details & Reservations

No Sunscreens

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21+ WITH VALID ID 530-344-7394 651 MAIN STREET, PLACERVILLE Menu at: SacredRoots.wm.store

• Windows • Patio Doors • Cabinet Glass • Mirrors • Commercial Storefront

With Sunscreens

• Fogged or Broken Dual Pane Units • Wood Stove & Fireplace Glass • Custom Shelves Mountain • Mirrored Democrat Wardrobe Doors 20211 0 -2 1 002

Lic #347417

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530-622-6417 • placervilleglass.com 3046 Chapel Street, Placerville