One Year of Stories, Connection, and Community
This issue marks an incredible milestone for us: the one-year anniversary of El Dorado Hills City Lifestyle. What a ride it has been!
Reflecting on the journey of creating these monthly issues, I’m reminded of how it has deepened my connection to the town I love and the people within it. The process of discovering new places, stories, and perspectives has been both humbling and immensely rewarding, revealing differ ent facets of a community I thought I knew so well.
Our February issue is no exception as we highlight a couple more of the faces and places that make our little slice of Northern California so special. We share the inspiring story of a local artist, as told in her own words, detailing her journey from teaching to painting, influenced by nature and her community. Then we take a walk on the wild side, emphasizing the vital role of an animal rescue sanctuary in El Dorado County, from rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife to educating the community on how to coexist with and support native species. And since February is the month of love, we’ve included a special DIY feature to help you show your loved ones how much they mean to you, along with a fun piece on pairing two of my favorite loves: chocolate and wine!
At El Dorado Hills City Lifestyle, we’ve always believed that what we achieve together is far greater than what we can accomplish alone. Month after month, the stories shared in these pages continue to affirm that belief. Thank you for letting us be part of the life you’re building—whatever that may look like. Our hope is to inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.
KRISTY
MURDOCH, PUBLISHER
@ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Matt Clark | matt.clark@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Krista Minard
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cadence Murdoch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Krista Minard, Matt Clark, Haley Williams, Mel Boban
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Kimberlee Brooke & Co, Noël Russell, Cassandra Castaneda
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
JENNIFER PEART: PAINTING THE NATURAL WORLD
Artist
Spotlight
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOËL RUSSELL
From a tiny studio in her backyard—a space she describes as her sanctuary—Jennifer Peart creates visionary landscape paintings that capture the beauty and tranquility of nature while reimagining reality and the future. She takes inspiration from the region’s mountains and waterways, her community, and the larger planet—and shares a simple truth about success as an artist: You’ve got to put yourself out there.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST?
My family knew I wanted to be an artist from a young age, and they did not pressure me to choose more practical career paths. I took art classes at Folsom Lake College and American River College, where I built a foundation in creative techniques and art history. I eventually completed my art degree at Mills College in Oakland, a time that shaped much of my approach to painting. After completing multiple college degrees, I transitioned into education and spent more than a decade teaching, which was both fulfilling and transformative. A few years ago, I took a leap of faith, left the classroom, and committed myself fully to my art. I also became a self-taught businesswoman, learning how to share and sustain my work in the world. This journey has been about building not just art, but a life around creativity and community.
CONTINUED >
"Earth and Ore"
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
Nature is the soul of my work and my greatest inspiration. Growing up surrounded by the forests and rivers of the Sierra Nevada foothills, I developed a deep reverence for the natural world that continues to inspire me every day. Beyond nature, I also draw inspiration from visionary science fiction, architecture, and design. These elements allow me to explore themes that are both grounded and otherworldly, offering glimpses of alternative futures and reimagined realities.
I see my work as a dialogue with the rich history of landscape painting while simultaneously pushing it forward. Each piece is a chance to envision new ways for humanity to connect with the planet, blending the natural with the imagined.
"Glass and Greenery"
"Glacier Point Gateway”
HOW HAS THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCED YOUR ART?
I grew up in Pleasant Valley, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. My family spent most of our free time fishing, hiking, and camping. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite were practically in our backyard. Now, as a Sacramento-based artist, I feel deeply connected to this region—its forests, rivers, and unique sense of place. Whether it’s the American River Parkway, a state park, the rolling foothills, or the nearby mountains, my access to nature continues to inspire me to honor these landscapes in my paintings.
WHAT MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES DO YOU PREFER TO USE AND WHY?
Sustainability is a guiding principle in my practice, so I build my own wood panels and frames using sustainably harvested maple. I work with a variety of paints—oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, and ink. I also experiment with natural pigments that I make from plants in my garden and collect during my travels. I enjoy blending traditional techniques with experimental processes.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR PIECE OF ART YOU’VE CREATED THAT HOLDS SPECIAL MEANING FOR YOU?
Glacier Point Gateway. Everything just clicked: the colors, the composition, and the flow of the paint. It reflects my love for Yosemite Valley, one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Parts remind me of the Japanese historical paintings I’ve been studying, and it captures the spirit of tradition and innovation. When I look at Glacier Point Gateway, I see a culmination of my influences, my technique, and my vision.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE ART AS A CAREER?
Embrace your creative side and your business side. There are endless resources to help you with technical skills, but don’t overlook business skills. Read books about creative entrepreneurship, learn how to market yourself, and use technology to connect with your audience—your collectors and fellow artists. Gone are the days of the artist as a recluse, locked away in their studio. If you want to succeed, you need to network and share your work. Submit work to local shows, attend events like First Friday and Second Saturday, and regularly post your work on social media. Treat your art career like a small business—because that’s exactly what it is. The balance of creativity and strategy is where the magic happens.
"Luminaquatic Yuba"
WHAT
UPCOMING
PROJECTS
OR GOALS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT, AND HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT YOU?
In 2025, I’ve been invited to participate in the Superfine Art Fair in San Francisco (March 6–9) and the Reno Tahoe International Art Fair (Sept. 11–14). I’m also in the process of securing a larger studio space and investing in a van to make transporting my artwork easier. On the creative side, I’m designing new products featuring my artwork. The
best way to support me is to attend these events, share my work with others, and follow along on my journey. Every word of encouragement, purchase, or shared post helps fuel this dream and allows me to keep creating.
jenniferpeart.com
IG @jennifer.peart.art
Some of Jennifer's paintings will be on display at EDH Town Center's Atrium Art Gallery (Building 102) until Feb. 9. Closing reception for exhibit is from 4 - 8 p.m.
"Hat Creek Haven"
SIERRA WILDLIFE RESCUE: Protecting Native Species
How they support our community through education, and the rehabilitation and release of native wildlife
ARTICLE BY MATT CLARK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIERRA WILDLIFE RESCUE
After catching a movie in Town Center, you head back to your car, chatting with friends and family about the film you just watched. Conversation comes to a halt, however, when the shrill scream of a wild animal cuts through the night air in El Dorado Hills. You look up to see a magnificent creature dive off the top of the theater, its massive wingspan radiating with the moonlight. This is one of your neighbors, one of two mating barn owls who have taken on the duty of keeping the pests of Town Center at bay.
This past spring, this pair blessed our community with a clutch of three babies. Unfortunately, as is common for birds that nest in residential areas, all three fell out of the nest prior to fledging. Thanks to the team at Sierra Wildlife Rescue (SWR) and the citizens who rescued them, all three of these young owls have returned to their home in the wild, with the ability to stop by and visit Mom and Dad whenever they choose.
Sierra Wildlife Rescue is a regional wildlife rehabilitation group serving El Dorado County as the main contact for its wildlife rescues. Located in Diamond Springs, this organization, established in 1992 and permitted by federal and state fish and wildlife departments, helps our community through education, as well as the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned native species.
Sierra Wildlife Rescue president Debbie Buckles says the organization keeps an animal’s best interest in mind, first and foremost. For example, while release is always the primary goal, if it’s not possible due to an animal’s inability to thrive in the wild, ambassadorship is another route that can be taken. This provides a rescued creature an excellent life teaching people about habitat protection and native species. Currently, six ambassadors lead the education team, including Raspberry the Ringtail and Whisper the California Spotted Owl.
While the majority of the intakes to the center are birds, many other species come through the doors as well. Raccoons, opossum, foxes, bobcats, and the elusive ringtails are admitted and treated by the specialized teams of SWR. Currently, the only species not accepted are bears, adult deer, bald eagles, and mountain lions, due to permit requirements. These animals can still be cared for through the help of sister organizations; the team at SWR can provide contacts and connections.
If you are looking for a way to show your love of local wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved with Sierra Wildlife Rescue. Help is always needed, whether it be by making a donation, feeding baby birds, building habitats or flight cages, becoming part of a rescue team, or providing a portion of your property for rehab and release. Head to the website (sierrawildliferescue.org ) or Facebook page to get information on becoming a volunteer. The new volunteer orientation recruitment event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shingle Springs Community Center, with educational classes beginning shortly thereafter.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU THINK AN ANIMAL NEEDS HELP:
Observe
Not every baby animal found on the ground is abandoned or injured. Some animals spend a lot of their time on the ground, and their mother may be nearby. Wait and watch the animal at a comfortable distance for 15 minutes to see if the mother returns before disturbing. Exceptions to this would be if there are obvious injuries, their eyes have yet to open up, or they are in immediate danger such as being on a road.
PRESIDENT: DEBBIE BUCKLES
SIERRAWILDLIFERESCUE.ORG/VOLUNTEER FACEBOOK.COM/SIERRAWILDLIFERESCUE
Baby Bird Nursery: 777 Pleasant Valley Rd, Diamond Springs, CA 95619
24/7 Wildlife Helpline: 530-621-4661
SWR Center / Baby Bird Nursery (May through early August) 530-621-2020
Contact us with any questions regarding local wildlife, or if you want to get involved as a member of Sierra Wildlife Rescue!
“Preserving the wildlife of El Dorado County through public education & the rescue, rehabilitation & release of injured & orphaned wild animals.”
Contact
Call SWR to speak to a technician. A team of trained professionals will ask you questions regarding the species, injuries, and any other details that will help them guide you through what to do. Make sure to keep in mind any details about the location, as releases are coordinated to try and get each individual back where they came from.
Capture
A sick or injured baby animal will normally be quite docile and easy to corral, while adults can be a lot more difficult. If instructions have been given by the technician, follow those, but for general practice a cardboard box and a blanket work very well as a capture and transport method.
Transport
Never try to take care of an animal on your own as there are many medicine-requiring ailments that can be spotted and treated by the team. If you do have to keep them overnight, make sure that they are in a warm, dark, and quiet space. Do not give any food or water to the animal, unless specifically instructed by a technician. When you can transport the animal safely to SWR, continue to keep it warm by turning on your seat warmer or keeping air-conditioning to a minimum.
Love your furry and feathered neighbors, and get involved today!
JANIE JONES
Sealed with Love
There is a lost art in letter writing that deserves to be preserved. In a world where anything can be done with a click of a button, a handwritten letter takes time and shows true thoughtfulness. Much like a fingerprint, a person's handwriting—whether elegant or clumsy—is as much a part of them as the color of their eyes or the sound of their voice. The handwriting of a loved one who has passed, or the writing of a child who has aged, will forever be treasured, not for its beauty, but for the person behind it.
This month offers a perfect opportunity to handwrite a letter to someone you care about. It could be as short as a sentence, as practical as a favorite recipe, or as lighthearted as a joke. Whatever you write, do so in your own handwriting as a gift to be cherished by the recipient.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Wax SEALS
Since a handwritten letter is a gift, the envelope should be treated like wrapping one. Sealing a letter with a wax stamp is a beautiful way to turn a standard paper letter into the gift that it is.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Wax sealing stick
- Sealing stamp
- Match or lighter
*Wax seals can be sent through the mail but you may consider an additional outer envelope to protect it from potential damage.
STEP 1
Light the wick of the wax sealing stick and begin turning the stick parallel to the work surface.
STEP 2
Let wax slowly drip into a coin-sized circle onto the paper. It’s tempting to angle the stick down to increase the speed of drips but avoid this as pieces of soot will fall into the wax and discolor it. Blow out the flame and set the stick aside.
STEP 3
Press the sealing stamp onto the melted wax, holding it in place for a few seconds before lifting it away. If the stamp sticks, gently rock it back and forth to release. To incorporate flowers, press them into the wax first, then apply the sealing stamp.
MONTHLY PACKAGES INCLUDE:
SMART BODY SCALE (YOURS TO KEEP)
WEEKLY INJECTIONS (SHIPPED TO YOU)
MONTHLY CHECK-INS (OFFICE/TELEMED)
STARTING AT $395/MO.
events
FEBRUARY 1ST, 7TH, AND 8TH
Daddy & Me / Mommy & Me Dances
El Dorado Hills CSD Gym, 1021 Harvard Way
A magical night full of dancing, activities, and snacks! Masquerade masks will be provided. Register all participants in advance as it is expected to sell out. Professional portraits are available for an additional fee. Daddy & Me Dances: Feb. 1 and Feb. 7, 6–8 p.m. Mommy & Me Dance: Feb. 8, 6–8 p.m. Visit eldoradohillscsd.org for more information.
FEBRUARY 7TH - 9TH, 14TH - 16TH & 21ST - 22ND
Placerville Imagination Theater Presents Stuart Little the Musical Imagination Theater, 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville
Based on the book by E.B. White, watch Stuart Little’s adventures unfold on stage as an extraordinary mouse from an ordinary human family in New York City! The musical is directed by Becca Kaldunski; adapted by Joseph Robinette; music and lyrics by Joseph Robinette and Ronna Franke. For more information and tickets visit itplacerville.org
FEBRUARY 14TH
Seniors Valentine’s Day Luncheon
El Dorado Hills CSD Gym, 1021 Harvard Way | 11:00 AM
Hosted by the Gilmore Senior Center, this event includes lunch, dessert, and entertainment. Seating is limited and registration ends Feb. 11 or when the event is full. eldoradohillscsd.org
FEBRUARY 14TH
Town Center Atrium Art Gallery Opening Reception: Presenting Hidden Kiss
El Dorado Hills Town Center, Building 102 Atrium | 4:00 PM
Located in the heart of Town Center, the Atrium Art Gallery celebrates the artistry and extraordinary local talent in their upcoming exhibit. This captivating showcase explores the diverse series of lips and beyond as reflected through the eyes of their featured artist this month, Lin Fei Fei. Opening Reception is from 4 - 8 p.m. edhtowncenter.com
FEBRUARY 14TH
Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides at Town Center
Theatre Plaza, 2101 Vine Street, EDH | 4:00 PM
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic carriage ride through EDH Town Center from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Top Hand Ranch brings the magic with its beautiful horse-drawn carriages. Whether planning a special evening with your sweetheart or creating lasting memories with family and friends, this enchanting experience is the perfect way to celebrate love! edhtowncenter.com
FEBRUARY 22ND
The Salmon Falls 50k Endurance Run
Race begins at the Magnolia Ranch trailhead near Coloma
This 50k is a point-to-point ultra-distance trail race. The race begins at the Magnolia Ranch trailhead near Coloma and runs the majority of the trails in the Cronan Ranch area before winding down to finish at Folsom Lake. Race proceeds support Breakthrough T1D to help cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes. To register, visit salmonfalls50k.com
CHOCOLATE and WINE
The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.
Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.
Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.
For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.
While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.
Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.
We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.
ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA
TIP 1: MATCH SUGAR WITH SUGAR
When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar. Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines. Think of it as matching sugar with sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.
TIP 2: MATCH INTENSITY WITH INTENSITY
If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water. Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.
TIP 3: PAIR FLAVORS WITH FLAVORS
Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If the chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.
A NOTE ON SERVING WINE AND CHOCOLATE FLIGHTS:
Just as you would with any other tasting, it’s best to start with light chocolates and wines, increasing the intensity as you go along. Start with white chocolates and light wines and save the richest, dark chocolates and wines for last. By doing this, you will keep your palate from starting out too strong and missing out on the subtle sensations found in more delicate chocolate and wine selections.
CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR
DARK CHOCOLATE
Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.
Pairs well with:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo
MILK CHOCOLATE
Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.
Pairs well with:
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine
WHITE CHOCOLATE
White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.
Pairs well with: Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
smart SWEETS
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
Combine:
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts
The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup raisins
• Optional: chocolate chips as desired
• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.
Add this mixture slowly to combine:
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
