Village Life, Thursday, March 23, 2023

Residents wary about warehouse behemoth

Sel Richard Staff writer

More than 200 residents made clear their alarm regarding the recently filed conditional use permit application for two warehouses that would rival some of the largest in the nation.

The project, located just south of the El Dorado Hills Business Park on the west side of Latrobe Road and southeast of the Investment Boulevard intersection, proposes two buildings with a total footprint of roughly 1.7 million square feet, accommodating approximately 2,000 employees.

Building 1 is a 3,410,399-square-foot, five-story warehouse with 57 loading docks. Plans for parking include 417 stalls for trailers and 1,750 stalls for cars. Building 2 is a 1,366,046-square-foot, singlestory with 98 loading docks. Outside parking would accommodate 475 trailers and 1,160 cars.

Guard houses, pump enclosures and other accessory structures bring the combined square footage total to just under 4.8 million.

Plans for the 208-acre property, owned by Winn Ridge Investments LLC of Winn Communities, were presented at last week’s El Dorado Hills Area Planning Advisory Committee meeting. Referred to as Project Frontier, the tenant has signed NDAs requiring that its anonymity remain intact for the time being, though residents speculate an Amazon facility is planned for the site.

El Dorado County General Plan codes allow “wholesale storage and distribution” use within the parcel’s Research and Development Industrial zoning but puts a 50-foot cap on building heights. At 110 feet, Building 1 exceeds this limit and is the main subject of the project’s application.

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The

above his previous annual salary of $193,252.80, bringing his current salary to $199,050.38. The 5% one-time incentive and retention payment totaled to $9,952.52. The staff report cited the 2023 Western Region Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers at 6.3% inflation across 2022.

Loewen has completed more than nine years of service with the CSD, serving first as interim general manager and then as general manager since January 2017. His compensation bump was contingent on a performance review metric conducted with feedback from direct reports, community partners and the board of directors. Board Director Steve Ferry said as a member of the Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County Board of Directors, he could not agree to the proposed adjustment. “We live in a county that has an average income of around $86,000 so they would chop my head off if I voted for any salary increase.”

Ferry proceeded to abstain from voting on the increase due to lack of knowledge. “I didn’t participate in the evaluation process in the beginning because I was brand new and I had no idea what was going on.”

“The average income in El Dorado Hills specifically

keVin loewen

March 23

Oak Ridge Theatre Arts presents “Clue: On Stage” March 23-25 at the ORHS theater in El Dorado Hills. For tickets and more information visit ortab.org.

March 24

Oak Ridge High School hosts TrojanJam, 5-7 p.m. in the ORHS large gym. Staff (old school) with face off against students (new legacy) in a basketball game and 50% of proceeds will go to MJ’s Project, which supports local, at-risk teens. Admission is $5.

Theatre at the Mine presents “Be More Chill” at Union Mine High School in El Dorado March 24 & 25. For more information visit facebook.com/ TheatreUMHS.

March 25

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a free Nature Walk at Bass Lake, 9-11 a.m. Meet in the Sellwood Field parking lot. All ages welcome; wear comfortable shoes.

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County and Master Food Preservers host Tomatoes: from Seed to Table, 9 a.m. to noon at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Teen Center, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Master Gardeners will show you how to choose the right varieties, deal with insects and diseases, care for and harvest your tomatoes. Master Food Preservers will talk about what you can do

March

Which March Madness team are you rooting for?

El Dorado Hills

“I would love to see Purdue win. I have toured the campus with my daughter. It’s a great school.”

OBituaRy

Diane L. Stroncak

Jan. 14, 1948 –Jan. 20, 2023

anthony Ricci

Cameron Park

“San Diego State. We’re from San Diego.”

Diane Lu Stroncak, 75, of El Dorado Hills, passed away peacefully at her home Jan. 20, 2023. Her final days were spent surrounded by the family and friends she loved so much.

Diane was born in San Jose, Calif., Jan. 14, 1948 to Naoma and Lyell Darton and grew up in Los Gatos. She graduated from Los Gatos High School and West Valley Community College. Diane and David were wed in 1970. Along with this union came two children, Cindy and Daniel. In the years following, Hollie and Amie joined our family through cherished adoptions.

Diane was a preschool teacher and

Brian speaker

El Dorado Hills

“Blue Devils because my nephew loves Duke.”

had a preschool in her home for many years. Diane enjoyed participating in her Birthday Luncheon groups and short trips with her many girlfriends throughout the years. Left to cherish her memory is spouse David Stroncak, children Cindy Muller of Tracy, Calif; Dan Sawyer of Winter Haven Fla; Hollie (Tom) Allan of Granite Bay, Calif; and Amie (Kris) Mickelson of Earling, IA. Grandchildren Skyler Muller, Austin Muller, Daniel Sawyer, Gabrielle McLay, Alexandra McLay, Cassidy McLay, Gracie Allan, Karrisa Mickelson and Lauren Mickelson. Great-grandchildren Rosemary Maire Sawyer and Nilani Ann Muller. She also leaves one brother, Lynn Darton, and his wife Jan of Aptos Hills Calif., and sister-in-law Judy DeLong and her husband Bob of San Jose, Calif. A celebration of life will be held at Lew Howard Community Park, 7100 Baldwin Dam Road, Folsom, March 25 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate.

Maverick Domes

El Dorado Hills

“Duke. I just really like the name.”

Jake pimpkin

El Dorado Hills

“Alabama. My dream is to go to the University of Alabama.”

Grants available for student technology

News release

The El Dorado Community Foundation announces the Hearts & Minds Education Technology Fund grant opportunity for student technology programs. The mission of the fund: “To provide students in El Dorado County with technology and tools necessary for success in the 21st century with an emphasis on vocational education and hands-on experiences for youth on the Western Slope.”

Since its inception, this fund has provided grant awards totaling more than $140,000 to 85-plus programs.

Grant proposals of up to $2,500 from schools and nonprofits that provide “student-used” technology education are now being accepted through an online application at app.smarterselect.com/ programs/87194-El-Dorado-Community-Foundation. The deadline for submission is midnight April 3. More detailed information is available on the website or contact foundation program officer Kathy Haven at kathy@eldoradocf.org.

Care, Dignity,

Respect

In your time of need, we promise honest, upfront pricing and will never overcharge or mislead you. We encourage you to compare our services, facilities, and fees with others and we offer preplanning services. We have proudly served the families of Northern California for over 35 years.

peOpLe taLK Photos and question by Sel Richard

Michael Foley

Festival celebrates students’ diversity

Sel Richard

Staff writer

In celebration of the diverse cultures within the El Dorado Hills community, the 10th anniversary Buckeye Union’s Heritage Festival will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 29 at Oak Meadow Elementary School.

“This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures and languages represented in the Buckeye Union School District,” said Anne Muse-Fisher, the district’s English language coordinator. Muse-Fisher supports students and families who speak languages other than English at home.

This year community volunteers will host booths representing Türkiye, Italy, Israel, Germany, France, Mexico, Greece, Iran, China, India, Ireland and more. Students from the Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion program open the event with Mandarin songs and the Buckeye Foundation will host an International Space Station Booth to show how countries work together in space. Performances throughout the evening include Irish step dancing, hip hop artists, Bollywood dancers as well as other exhibitions. Kids will be able to create art projects highlighting di erent global perspectives.

Visitors to the Heritage Festival can collect a passport upon entry and visit booths, which will o er a mix of visual displays, ags, music, clothes and other memorabilia representing their countries. A er learning a few facts about an area, visitors can earn a stamp in their passports. Prizes are available for those who collect enough passport stamps.

Many families hosting these booths have been doing so from the early days of the Heritage Festival and

Loewen

would put a median income at over $100,000,” pointed out board President Noelle Mattock. “The evaluation process is a comprehensive evaluation which the board of the directors takes seriously. It is a di cult position. He has to represent the board of directors, not his own position.”

Mattock went on to address Loewen directly. “We push and pull you in so many di erent directions and for that you deserve so much more than what you

Project Frontier

George Condon of Dermody

Properties indicated that the excess height is mitigated by existing topography, signi cant setbacks, sound walls and landscaping that includes more than 1,500 trees.

“We’ve tried to position the buildings so that the trucks’ courts are shielded from the school nearby and from the residents as well,” he said, describing setbacks of more than 500 feet, despite zoning ordinances of only 20 feet. The topography of the site slopes down from Latrobe Road, putting the base of the taller building at 33 feet below Latrobe Road.

Condon noted bene ts the project would o er such as employment and sales and property tax revenue for El Dorado Hills and the surrounding community, forecasting 1,500-2,000 local jobs. Residents, however, were less sanguine. Noise and light pollution, public health, environmental impacts of diesel exhaust, falling property values, wildlife safety, preservation of Native American artifacts and tra c were all concerns voiced by those primarily from the neighboring communities of Blackstone and Heritage Village.

As to tra c, Condon maintains that the project would not only incur 80% fewer total daily trips than the General Plan models, but create less morning and evening tra c due to o -peak start times. The General Plan predicts 23,540 daily automobile and truck trips for this site whereas Condon claims their tra c study shows the warehouses generate a mere 5,058 daily trips — 1,250 truck trips and 3,808 employee trips. A widening of Latrobe Road, signalization of Latrobe Road at Royal Oaks Drive, as well as restriping and extra lanes on Highway 50 are also planned.

He was unable to specify hours of operation but pointed out that no zoning restriction exists, allowing for 24/7 operations.

“They schedule the bulk of their deliveries outside of peak trafc hours,” Condon explained. “Rather than clogging up the road-

look forward to coming back each year, including parent Jaleh Naasz.

“We have the symbolic elements of Persian New Year on display; my girls wear traditional handmade clothing from Iran and we serve a vegetable soup for those interested in trying,” Naasz said. “Persian New Year lines up with the spring equinox, which will be just a few days before the Heritage Festival so all Persians everywhere will be in the midst of celebrating this holiday. It’s an important one considering all that is happening in Iran and the people’s battle for freedom right now.”

The France and Germany booths will be hosted by French and Spanish 1 Ponderosa High School teacher Eva Johnson, who is a native of Germany.

“We are intending to have some crêpes for the students and maybe pieces of a French type chocolate cake,” she said, enticing those who may be interested in experiencing the culinary aspects of di erent cultures. Johnson also assured that small items will be available for a ra e; check the booth for the requirements.

Heritage Festival founder Cigdem Askin is delighted to be hosting the Türkiye booth again. “I will always help as much as I can,” she insisted. “It is my lifetime commitment.” Initially run by parent volunteers headed up by Askin, the festival is now an annual district event.

The festival is returning a er a two-year hiatus since pandemic-induced shutdowns. “Just being able to have the event seems so special to us,” said Muse-Fisher. “I am super excited that the Heritage Festival is coming back a er COVID and grateful that the Buckeye Union School District keeps such an educational event on the school calendar.”

Continued from A1

get. We know a lot more than what the public knows. Thank you for all that you do in your commitment to this community and what we want for it.”

Board Director Ben Paulsen also chimed in his gratitude. “You’ve done so much and you’ve gained so much for this district, so much revenue for this district. What you’ve done is outstanding.”

The salary increase was approved 3-1 with Ferry abstaining and Director Heidi Hannaman dissenting.

Continued from A1

to 3 minutes.

ways when everybody is trying to get kids to school, the user’s peak is scheduled o the community’s peak hours.”

In a letter addressing a lengthy list of questions from the APAC subcommittee, Dermody representatives stated acoustical analyses concluded that worst-case sound emissions would comply with county standards.

“The addition of tra c from the project is not expected to have a negative impact on the area given the existing noise levels from tra c along Latrobe Road and Highway 50,” reads the letter.

Speaking on environmental issues, resident Marty Abell urged more oversight.

“I nd it preposterous that this project move forward without an EIR,” he said, calling for o cial certi cation ensuring the adequacy of prior reports. An environmental consultant is currently preparing a California Environmental Quality Act consistency analysis as per CEQA guidelines, which will be reviewed by county sta and made available to the public.

Condon noted lights from the project’s parking lot areas should measure no greater than 1-foot candle nor spread beyond the property line more than about 10 feet.

“There are no light xtures that are shining light outward or upward,” he said. “It’s all down at the fringes of the property for safety only.”

Blackstone resident Richard Perrin remained skeptical.

“We live in a very dimly lit community and we love it for that,” he commented. “When you start talking about bringing in a ve-story building, you’ll block our views; you’re adding light pollution.”

Others warned of truck headlights shining into their homes.

“When the cars leave our site, we can’t speak to that,” responded Condon.

Responding to worries of diesel fumes, Condon asserted that although California law limits idling to 5 minutes, a number of his projects have reduced the limit

Blackstone resident Matt Taliaferro echoed many in his unease with the magnitude of the structures. “To put this mass in perspective, the Amazon facility constructed adjacent to the Sacramento International Airport is only 855,000 square feet, not footprint but total.”

Condon noted there are several signi cantly larger centers in development, citing a 14-million-square foot warehouse in Arizona and one in Southern California that totals 30 million square feet.

“The Sacramento metropolitan area was the focus of the client’s search,” he said. “This was the only site that t the parameters of their building requirements. It’s the zoning of the property, the size of the property and the surrounding labor pool.”

No other sites were considered.

District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl has long been aware of and sought to change the proximity of industrial and residential land parcels in zoning.

“The 2004 county General Plan and subsequent incremental annual updates have failed to address a major land use de ciency related to bu ering,” said Hidahl. “This is the root cause of some of the issues we face across the entire county, including the incompatibility of primarily residential use property being adjacent to agricultural lands.”

Meanwhile, Roger Bailey is one Heritage Village resident now second-guessing his decision to relocate.

“If it had been disclosed to us that a mega-distribution center was going to be built, we would have had serious reservations on buying our retirement home there,” he admitted.

The project’s CUP application is anticipated to be completed in spring/summer 2023. No construction start date has been determined. If the CUP is approved by county zoning administrators, opponents may le an appeal to the Board of Supervisors.

Need to replace your

Pet

with your tomato harvest: canning, dehydrating and freezing.

March 27

Vitalant will host an El Dorado Hills community blood drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be located in the parking lot near the baseball fields at the EDH Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Donors will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $10,000 prepaid gift cards from Vitalant, which can be redeemed by email. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

March 28

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a Dog Man Party, 3:30-4:30 p.m. to celebrate the release on “Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea.” Enjoy treats, games and more. For more information call (916) 941-9401.

March 30

LunaFest, a program of short films all by, for and about women, will be held both virtually and in person. Virtually it will be available for 48 hours beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, through Saturday, April 1, and in-person March 30 at the Cameron Park Community Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and films start at 7 p.m. Small plates and beverages are available for sale but complimentary desserts are an event signature. A raffle is also featured. Funds support education, especially for women and girls, as well as local agencies working to stop human trafficking. For more information go to lunafest.org/ screenings and for ticket information go to: lunafest.org/screenings/hybrid-soroptimistcameron-park-el-dorado-hills-033023.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hosts the 2023 Installation & Business Awards Dinner, 6-9 p.m. at the Serrano Country Club. RSVP online at eldoradohillschamber.org or call (916) 933-1335.

April 1

El Dorado Hills Town Center presents Baskets & Bunnies, 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy an Easter Egg Business Hunt, Easter Bunny visits, face painting and more.

Democrats of El Dorado County host the Fred Winn Democratic Party Essay Contest awards luncheon at noon in the board room at the El Dorado County Office of Education, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville. Distinguished speaker will be El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala. For reservations, send check payable to “United Democrats Essay Contest” to Mel Chapman, 5041 Pathfinder Trail, Placerville, CA 95667. For more information call (530) 621-0409. Seating is limited.

April 2

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a book signing, 1:30-3 p.m., for Karen A. Phillips, author of the new mystery “A Deadly Combo,” the first book in the Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery series. Set against the rural backdrop of the Sierra foothills, it’s the story of retired twin sisters who find a dead body at a vintage trailerfest. Boxing, vintage trailers and murder — it’s a perfect read for lovers of smalltown mysteries with a cozy-noir feel. Karen lives locally and is a member of the Capitol Crimes, the Sacramento chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Now

The Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills is seeking volunteer art teachers to teach seniors two-day art lessons. The lesson can be in any art medium and will take place between May 1 and Sept. 30. Duration can be as long as needed: a week, month or quarterly. The center is open all week days and the lesson time slot is 2-4 p.m. For more information or to volunteer contact Chelsie Harrison at (916) 292-193 or charrison@edhcsd.org.

The El Dorado Roses are searching for candidates to run for the 2023 El Dorado Rose. Candidates must be at least 60 years old, have lived in the county for 10 years and have many hours of volunteer service to her community. The El Dorado Rose dresses in period clothing from 1849-1910 and then becomes the official hostess of El Dorado County for one year. For more information call Carole Burnley at (530) 626-4949.

Feed El Dorado and the Placer Food Bank host food distribution events in Cameron Park, Pollock Pines, Placerville and Georgetown. For a complete schedule visit placerfoodbank.org/pantrytogo.

Best Sandwich Best Pet Groomer: Dog’s Delight

As you pass the Purple Place on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills, you have likely noticed a small building at the edge of the road — home of Dog’s Delight owned by Jamie McNally.

She adds a touch of whimsy to her establishment with the display of several types of life-sized stuffed dog breeds that are decorated for the seasons.

McNally and her staff offer one-stop grooming services for dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Her shop is very easily accessed with ample parking to drop off and pick up your pet. So, stop by and see why Dog’s Delight is voted No. 1. Get your furry friend’s nails trimmed or treat them to a beautiful makeover. Walk-ins are always welcomed.

Best SandwichGift of Kids Daycare and Preschool

359 Green Valley Road El Dorado Hills (916) 939-3647

We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, homework tutor club and transportation for school agers. The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and 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.

5130 Golden Foothill Parkway El Dorado Hills (916) 521-1835 thegiftofkids.net

Best Bakery & Cakes: Yellow Button Bakery

(530) 676-1598

you take care of yourself. Ask about their Total Body Stretch and Advanced Skin Care services while scheduling your next appointment.

Best Flooring: 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.

4510 Post St., Suite 340, El Dorado Hills (916) 941-6850 massageenvy.com

Best Sandwich Best Roofing: Nail It Roofing

2714 Mercantile Drive, Rancho Cordova (916) 879-1798 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.

Best SandwichBest Contractor: Straight Line Construction

2021 2020 Address: 981 Governor Drive, Suite 101, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 933-2117 Website: sharimerle.com

6188 Enterprise Drive, Suit A Diamond Springs (530) 677-5032 nail-it-roofing.com

Brothers Aaron and Christopher Meyer entered the roofing trade by working in all capacities — from laborer to superintendent, project manager and estimator. 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 Sandwich Best Financial Planner: Shari Merle, LPL Financial

builds relationships that span generations. “I still work with some of my original clients and now I’m working with their kids,” she said, a testament to her ethics, honesty and integrity.

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Mail & Shipping Services: The UPS Store

Best SandwichBest Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting

35-plus years of experience to customers.

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.”

Best SandwichBest Private School: Golden Hills School

Big Apple Bagels

1060 Suncast Lane El Dorado Hills (916) 933-0100 goldenhillsschool.net

the best version of themselves children require the broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by fully accredited teaching professionals in small-group 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. Ultimately, the team believes their eighth-graders graduate with a set of competencies that far exceed their typically excellent performance in standardized tests.

Best Asian Food: Thai Paradise

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.

4361 Town Center Blvd., Suite 110, El Dorado Hills (916) 939-0389 thaiparadiseedh.com

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.

Best SandwichBest Assisted Living Facility: EDH Senior Care

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 Mexican Food: La Cascada

dining in or taking out. Offering everything from seafood — try their delicious grilled Fish Tacos or Mariscos Mojo de Ajo with sautéed shrimp or scallops — to vegetarian bites (like the Vegi Macho Burrito), this restaurant is sure to fill you up. The Tacos Alambre, with three grilled corn tortillas, choice of meat plus bacon, cheese, onion and jalapeños, are a local favorite if you’re craving more traditional Mexican cuisine.

La Cascada is open seven days a week for dinner and for lunch on weekdays with breakfast items available on weekends. Catering is also offered as well as playing host for special events.

Best Sandwich

2920 Tam O’Shanter Drive El Dorado Hills (916) 939-0962 eldoradoseniorcare.com

staple in El Dorado Hills since 1996. Offering 24-hour care for the elderly in a quaint, homelike environment, the facility has six beautiful, comfortable homes that have been designed and built specifically for care of the elderly in need of assistance. Each home houses up to six residents and private backyards connect each home to another.

A nursing support program is offered in the care facility’s list of services that also include everything from daily exercise to hospice care. Staff also keeps residents busy with activities suited for their needs, including bingo, arts and crafts, dog therapy and outings.

customers coming back year after year. With so many 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.

V illage H omes

Patricia Seide CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617

Patricia.Seide@ cbnorcal.com

Nicolette Wichert CalBRE #02041470 (916) 458-1342

nicolette.wichert@ cbnorcal.com

543 Dali Court, El Dorado Hills

4,045 square feet

4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths

0.2-acre property

Price available upon request

MLS #222150543

Custom EDH home an elegant retreat

This spectacular semi-custom home is nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac behind the guarded gates of the prestigious Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills. The four-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom house features an open floor plan perfect for entertaining throughout as well as gorgeous wood floors, lush carpet and skillfully designed accents.

Step inside the impressive foyer with a 20-foot ceiling, a dazzling chandelier, powder room and 300-plus bottle wine room behind a beautiful wrought-iron door. Nearby is the large home office with French doors.

Entertain guests with aperitifs on the adjoining patio before dining in the spacious formal dining room with custom lighting.

The home’s great room ties together a comfortable living room and the chef’s kitchen. Cozy up by the gas fireplace surrounded by built-in cabinetry in the living room, which also has access to the back patio. Those who love to cook will find everything they need in the adjacent kitchen featuring floor-to-ceiling cabinets, high-end appliances and an oversized solid-slab granite island with bar seating.

Also downstairs are a private ensuite guest room and a second office near the kitchen — the perfect place to take care of household bills and correspondence.

Enjoy panoramic views from the upstairs loft, which could be a family room, game/hobby room. The second

floor houses the laundry room and two additional bedrooms — each with walk-in closets and full bathrooms — as well as the magnificent primary retreat with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains off the private balcony. The suite’s spa-inspired bathroom boasts custom lighting, a sumptuous bathtub, large walk-in shower, dual sinks and extraordinary dual custom closets.

Large sliders throughout provide indoor-outdoor living with access to the covered outdoor kitchen/bar area and sitting/dining areas (covered and open air). Catch up with family and friends while roasting s’mores around the builtin fire pit and enjoy the low-maintenance artificial turf, beautiful flowers and shrubs throughout the backyard. The front yard has a small lawn with mature shrubs and trees.

Other home amenities include Control 4 and Sonos

Smart Home systems that control all audio and video (courtyard, patio, great room and loft) and an attached, three-car garage.

The property is close to parks, trails, Folsom Lake, shopping and top-rated schools.

Interested in a private tour of this lovely Dali Court property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617 or patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com or Realtor Nicolette Wichert (916) 458-1342 or nicolette.wichert@ cbnorcal.com.

Behind the Cellar Door wines rival those of Europe

If you are among the blessed ones who trod the roads of Tuscany to visit some of Italy’s famous vineyards, you may remember shedding a tear or two at the beauty of the countryside. And you might have felt strangely homesick. For a moment.

Because that region of northern Italy is very like our own Northern California. It’s California … but it’s not. Likewise, our wine country in the Sierra foothills could be Italy … but it’s not. Still, the similarities are striking and worth taking a look at. March 25 & 26 the

Amador County Vintners Association will host its annual wine tour event, Behind the Cellar Door. Some 40 wineries will open their doors so guests can taste and see the wonders of viticulture in

the Sierra foothills. Similar to many wineries you might visit in Italy, our local wineries are primarily small, family-owned operations. You have the opportunity to meet members of the family, as well as those who blend the grapes. Guests can expect an intimate weekend filled

with world-class Amador wine, delectable small bites, barrel samples, hard-to-find vintages and wine education. You will learn about terroir — the earthy term that involves climate, topography and even the contents of the soil where vines are cultivated — and how it impacts the taste of the grape. And you are sure to hear the stories of how the wineries came to be. Some are fairly new

in the grand scheme of things. Others boast estate vines with deep roots in the granite soil dating back to the Gold Rush era of the 1850s.

The vintners association is composed of more than 40 wineries and these are clustered geographically into seven groupings: Plymouth City, Shenandoah School Road, Shenandoah Road, Steiner Road, Fiddletown, West End and Amador City/Sutter

Creek. It is a good idea to take a look at a map of the region (available online at the vintner website) when planning your visits.

Amador County once was identified almost exclusively with zinfandel. However, for the last two decades Amador vintners have been producing a diverse array of varieties, especially those of Italian (thank you, Darrell Corti!) and southern French origin.

Today there are a number of varietals grown in Amador County. These include aglianico, barbera, grenache, marsanne, mourvèdre, petite sirah, pinot grigio, sangiovese, sauvignon blanc, syrah, tempranillo, viognier and zinfandel. Amador County is classified as a Region 3 in the University of California, Davis heat summation scale for viticulture. This scale takes into account the number of hightemperature days, as well as the number of cool nights. Cool evening breezes cascade down from the Sierra during the summer. This rapid

Is it Tuscany or Amador County? Amador County is growing an impressive number of Italian varietals in the terroir of the Sierra foothills. These barbera grapes were grown in the vineyards of Tenuta Torciano winery in Tuscany. Their American cousins are flourishing in Amador County. Taste some world-class wines at the annual Behind the Cellar Door wine tour March 25 & 26 and get a little taste of Europe right here in Northern California.

cooling helps the grapes retain the acidity essential to balanced wines.

During your visit, check out some of the delicious dessert wines and some of the novel ways they can be served. You may never again look at slushies quite the same way.

Be sure to bring your smartphone or SLR camera with you, because the beauty of the countryside is the other star of this tour. Rain or shine, there is always inspiration to be found.

Guests sign up for Behind the Cellar Door online at amadorwine. com/bcd and can choose a single day passport (visiting five wineries) or a weekend passport (visiting 10 wineries) when purchasing their tickets. Each passport includes a complimentary wine glass. Tickets are also available at a reduced price for designated drivers. Visit amadorwine. com for more information.

Benjamin Franklin is famously quoted as saying, “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and wants to see us happy.” May all your wine journeys (near and far) be happy ones. Cin cin!

Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.

Photo by David Endsley

CRIB NOTES by Julie Samrick

Yearning for tradition

“Can we get pizza?

It’s National Pizza Day,” my daughter asked me recently.

I was confused. How did she know that? I had to look it up and, indeed, National Pizza Day is on Feb. 9.

I was oblivious to National Sons Day, too, which was apparently on March 8. Only when I saw other moms posting tributes to their sons online, which gave me a mild pang of guilt, did I realize it. Single ladies, and married ones too, can celebrate female friendship on Galentine’s Day, Feb. 13. I remember my own rendition when my college roommate and I saw “Babe” in a theater on Shattuck Avenue one Valentine’s Day, joking that we were each other’s valentine. Zero Discrimination Day was on March 1. I’m curious if it caused a one-day decline in people behaving badly? Pi Day, a newish annual celebration that celebrates the mathematical sign pi, is celebrated March 14, as in pi’s rst three digits, 3.14. That would’ve been fun when I was a kid if my math teachers brought pie to school to share as many do now. A er a few years getting used to it, I am now aware Star Wars Day, “May the ‘fourth’ be with you,” is just around the bend. I have been curious about this new wave of holidays and discovered they’re all a big marketing ploy. With people fast-forwarding through recorded television shows, and less regular television watching in general, the ability to reach consumers has been plummeting for decades so these social media holidays are a savvy opportunity to pair products with the perfect occasion. It’s further evidence that as we live

in an increasingly more casual world, from the way we dress to the way we communicate with one another, people still want traditions and decorum.

For at least the past decade high school boys have been asking girls to formal dances with sort of over-the-top gestures that rival grown men proposing marriage, including owers and signs, visible declarations of what was once a simple ask. It’s nice to see chivalry isn’t dead, but what about those kids who just want to go with that guy they think is cute from history class? Or for that shy guy who just wants to call up and quietly ask the girl he sits next to in geometry? “You don’t get asked unless you’re in a relationship,” I’ve been told by teens in the know.

Adding to evidence of our more casual society, less Americans attend houses of worship today as well. United States church membership was 73% when Gallup rst started measuring in 1937 and remained near 70% for the next six decades, before beginning a steady decline around the turn of the 21st century. In 2019, 34% of Americans said they were regular churchgoers. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent months-long church closures only sped up the freefall, with 28% of Americans saying they were regular churchgoers by 2021. Meanwhile holiday preparations and decorating have become grander and ashier. When I was a kid in the 1980s the house with Christmas lights out front was the exception, now when you drive through neighborhoods in

■ See SAMRICK, page B5

Oak Ridge graduate now an Olympic hopeful

Jana Rossi

Staff writer

You can almost say Oak Ridge High School track and field athlete Brandon Jetter fell into his current Olympic journey. On the track he set records while competing in the 100-meter dash and 110-meter high hurdles. At University of California, Davis he was a team walk-on and by his second year was offered a full-ride scholarship.

In 2019 another sport — one he had never considered — entered the picture.

Due to his size and speed, friends encouraged him to try out for the Bobsleigh Combine in Chula Vista. Living in San Diego, he made a spontaneous decision that changed the trajectory of his life.

“Wherever

The combine consisted of sprints, broad jump and shot toss, where his impressive numbers won him an invitation to train and to possibly win a spot on the USA bobsleigh team. The timing though, for Jetter, was not right, due to work obligations and then COVID-19.

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Assistant Hydrographer/ Hydrographer

Salary: $39.26-$47.71; $43.40-$52.75 per hour

FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on March 13, 2023.

El

Seasonal

Groundskeeper/Park Aide

The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Hydrographer/Hydrographer in the Operations Department, Hydro/Watershed Management Division. This position will be filled at the level commensurate with work experience and education.

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

El Dorado Irrigation District is seeking:

Limited Term Information Technology Technician I

Salary: $32.22 per hour

FFD: Open until filled. First review of applications on March 20, 2023.

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

For a complete job description and the REQUIRED application, please visit our website at www.eid.org or call 530-642-4074.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

2890 Mosquito Road Placerville, CA 95667 Fax: (530) 622-1134

—

In 2022 he decided to give it a try, traveling to Lake Placid, N.Y. to learn the basics, go through rookie camp and then participate in his first competition held in Whistler, Canada. It was there he learned firsthand what a truly violent sport bobsleighing can be when he and his crew had a scary crash. Jetter described it as “a minute long car accident.”

But the crash didn’t deter his goal to make Team USA.

Since then, his time has been spent between Park City, Utah and Lake Placid — competing and training. His position is the brakeman for Olympian Kris Horn, who was the previous brakeman in the 2022 Olympics and is currently transitioning into the pilot seat on the two-man bobsled. The job of brakeman consists of controlling and steering the sled around the course, which can take on speeds upward of 84 mph.

Dad Rick Jetter told Village Life, “I’m extremely

EDH TAZ welcomes new coaching staff

Jana Rossi Staff writer

The EDH Tasmanian Devils announced two new head coaches to kick off its 2023 swimming season.

Kim Ross from Union Mine high School and Brian Heise both bring years of swimming and coaching experience to the pool deck. Ross’ journey with TAZ started in 2008 when both her children swam for the Devils. At the time, Jacob (JT) Ross was just 6 years old and his little sister Kace was 4. Today, the duo serves as lead age group, making it a family affair. Prior to joining TAZ as a coach, Kim served on the organization’s board of directors, the coaching committee and held several other volunteer positions.

Heise has nearly 25 years of coaching experience that began with the Sierra Marlins where he was a distance freestyler before becoming a coach. He currently coaches on the Aquasol swim team under Daren Mai.

TAZ is specifically looking for swimmers age 15 and older, offering a $100 promo fee to register and these swimmers may even be able to qualify for college scholarship money. Registration is open for all age groups (some are already full). Visit edhtaz.org.

weekly, bi-weekly,

Photo by Viesturs Lacis/IBSF

Brakeman Brandon Jetter and pilot Kris Horn shoot down the track. The duo hopes to make it to the next Winter Olympics.

Top Team

Courtesy photo

The Oak Meadow Elementary School’s fifth-grade boys basketball team took home the 2023 Buckeye District Championship trophy, going undefeated this season. Head coach Robert Alexander and assistant coach Tyler Morley guided the school’s first-ever fifth-grade basketball team. The Raptors won 11 games and defeated Silva Valley Elementary School’s Golden Eagles, 36-33, in the championship. “I’m extremely proud of all 12 of the boys,” Alexander said.

Jetter

Continued from B4

proud of his accomplishments both in athletics and in life. I’ve always told Brandon to chase his dreams. Anything is possible with hard work and desire.” Brandon said he is enjoying the experience and is honored to represent the United States. His journey to the Olympics is still three years away and the athlete said he still has a lot of competitions and training to get through.

“Wherever it ends up, I feel very blessed,” he shared.

Samrick

December it’s the rule. Christmas decorations are bigger and better than ever and, thanks to marketers jumping on our need for special occasions, they’re in stores earlier each year.

Easter egg leggings and glittery candy cane shirts are now staples of nearly every little girl’s seasonal wardrobe and mega-hits like the Elf on the Shelf

Continued from B3

promise more special memories with our little ones.

In the end, our yearning for tradition, meaning and more extraordinary experiences just might be because we’ve relinquished those things in other areas of our lives.

Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, teacher and writer.

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Photo by A.T. Cummins

Kris Horn, front, and Brandon Jetter hop into their bobsled during a competition.