The El Dorado Hills Community Services District has joined the latest e ort to make EDH a city. At the March 13 EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting, directors unanimously supported El Dorado Hills Citizens for Cityhood’s e orts and directed sta to come back to the board with a dra resolution and application, which, when approved, will be submitted to the El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission to o cially start the incorporation process.
Once an application is submitted, a comprehensive scal analysis and environmental review will begin with the EDHCSD and EDHCC splitting the estimated $300,000-$600,000 cost. The community group has independently raised about $200,000 to cover its half.
More local control of land use and planning as well as the ability to put more tax revenue into public safety, parks and roads are the main reasons cityhood advocates have come together to restart
■ See CITYHOOD, page A5
Residents air concerns about Costco project
Noel Stack Editor
El Dorado Hills residents voiced concerns earlier this month during a scoping meeting for the recently pared down Costco project proposed on Silva Valley Parkway.
The speaking majority opposed the commercial project split between the two parcels Costco purchased last summer, encompassing 52 acres between Highway 50 and the Serrano residential community — with many vehemently objecting to the proposed gas station near Oak Meadow Elementary School.
El Dorado County Senior Planner Cameron Welch, Discretionary Planning Manager Ande Flower along with environmental consultants Pat Angell and Kaitlin Roberts with Ascent hosted the
■ See COSTCO, page A5
connects to the Clarksville
Lincoln Highway in El Dorado
Shelly Thorene Staff writer
Community members took a trip to the past and got a glimpse into a possible future during the Celebrating the Mother Road event March 15 presented by Save the Graves.
The event held at Mohanna Ranch in El Dorado Hills featured a historical presentation ■ See HIGHWAY, page A5
WHAT’S HAPPENING
March 26
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host a Park Party at Oak Knoll Park from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy food, music, and family friendly activities and games at your local park. Be sure to bring your picnic blanket. This is a free event. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Buckeye Union School District hosts its 12th Heritage Festival, 5-7p.m. at Valley View Charter Montessori in El Dorado Hills. More than a dozen booths will showcase di erent countries, sharing information about their culture. The event will also feature performing groups, including the Aloha Dancers, the Buckeye Union Mandarin Immersion program choir and students from the district doing dances to represent their home country.
Folsom Lake College Music Department presents a Student Showcase at 6 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
March 27
Caregiver Support Group meets 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane in El Dorado Hills. This is a free caregiver support group to provide caregivers of people with dementia opportunities to share and engage with each other for resources, understanding and support.
Ponderosa High School Theater presents “Beetlejuice Jr. the Musical,” March 27 through April 5. For tickets and more information visit pondodrama.com.
Join the Women’s Fund El Dorado for its 2025 Ballot Showcase. Guests can meet one-on-one with each of the 17 local nonpro ts that will be highlighted to learn about their mission and the project they are submitting for funding. This is a free event and registration is requested. To sign up visit https://womensfundeldorado.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/womensfundeldorado/eventRegistration.jsp?event=3171&.
March 28
The Oak Ridge High School’s Trojan Pride Sports Marketing
OBITUARY
Penelope (Penny)
Ann Hocking
March 22, 1953 –March 8, 2025
Penny was born in Modesto, CA to Phylis Swi Fox and Jack Burton Williams. She passed away peacefully in Bozeman, MT a er many years of su ering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Penny grew up on her family’s cattle ranch in Shingle Springs, CA. and was the fourth generation in Eldorado County a er her great grandparents arrived in 1912. She was a member of 4H and FFA and won many awards showing her steers and heifers in local fairs, CA State Fair, and the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Penny attended Buckeye Elementary School, Ponderosa High School, and Sacramento State College. She married her high school sweetheart Rex and they had just celebrated their 54th year of marriage. Penny was a teacher in the Rescue School District where she taught for 26
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
years, most of them at the Lake Forest School. She was a dedicated teacher and was sometimes known as “Queen Picky” to her 4th grade students. Penny played soccer in a women’s league into her 50s. She loved to spend her summer time at the family property in the Crystal Basin area of El Dorado County o. Penny also loved to get together with her beloved twin sister Paula whenever the chance arose for a fun day of shopping, cooking, or just hanging out. She hosted many large family dinners at her home in Shingle Springs. Penny spent almost 60 years in Shingle Springs before moving to Ennis, MT 11 years ago to enjoy her retirement surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. She was predeceased by her son Je . She is survived by her loving husband Rex, daughter Carrie Foster (Kevin), grandchildren Kendra, Jackson, and Madisyn, sister Paula Hustead, and brother Gary Williams. Penny was a very special person and will be missed dearly as she was taken way too soon. No services are planned and Penny’s ashes will be spread in the Crystal Basin overlooking the area where her family summer ranged their cattle herds and she spent so many enjoyable summers. Her family would like to give special thanks to Highgate at Bozeman Memory Care and Stillwater Hospice of Bozeman.
dad Daniel.
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and local educators celebrates Oak Meadow Elementary School student Tye Jaime as Student of the Year. New to Oak Meadow this year, the third-grader has impressed the school’s sta with his enthusiasm and kindness. “He includes and plays with everyone,” said Principal Amy Pirkl. “Tye is an amazing student,” added teacher Lauren Bernardoni. “He’s an amazing friend.” Tye received a plaque,
left
BUSD Superintendent Dr. David
Hannemann, teacher Bernardoni, Principal Pirkl, Student of the Year Tye, dad Corey, sister Angela
MAKING HERSTORY
EDH resident Gay Willyard honored as Woman of the Year
Jo Carrerow Village Life correspondent
Gatha “Gay” Willyard of El Dorado Hills accepted the State Senate District
4 El Dorado County Woman of the Year award March 11 at the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting with a “thank you” and a smile.
She was aptly awarded as a woman who has devoted much of her life to the betterment of El Dorado County, according to Todd White, representative for Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, who presented Willyard with a large framed resolution from the state Senate.
“She’s dedicated her life to the community, most notably on the County Fair Board of Directors, and she’s also very active in the El Dorado Rose Program,” White said, noting Willyard has lived in the community over 40 years.
Willyard, originally from Little Rock, Ark., relocated to the Bay Area and found her way to Northern California in the early 1980s, “where she and her husband Ed put down deep roots,” White continued.
As a member of the El Dorado County Fair Board, Willyard took her skills in gardening and managed the fairgrounds AdoptA-Spot program to beautify the property. Willyard also volunteered to work in the El Dorado County Fair office for more than nine years.
She and her husband, who died in 2017, coordinated with the community to start a petting zoo, which ran from 1986-2002.
“The petting zoo was the El Dorado County Fair Petting Barn,” Willyard told Village Life. “My husband and I volunteered it to the residents of El Dorado County during the fair for 16 years.” Board of Supervisors Chair George Turnboo said in Willyard’s biography he had submitted along with her application to AlvaradoGil, “She organized and rallied community members to bring animals together, creating a hands-on educational experience for countless children and families.”
Willyard has served with a multitude of civic organizations such as the El Dorado Hills Chamber
of Commerce, El Dorado Hills Rotary Club, El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club, El Dorado County Taxpayers Association, Placerville Shakespeare Club and El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team. She has participated in numerous community events, including programs for Save the Graves and the Boys and Girls Club El Dorado County Western Slope. She has been involved in the El Dorado County Republican Assembly and Republican Central Committee, and was president of the El Dorado County Republican Women’s Federation. She was a 4-H leader and served as a 4-H resource leader, president, vice
president and secretary of the 4-H Steering Committee. She volunteered to be a member of the El Dorado County Grand Jury for four and a half years.
“She has never hesitated to step up and give back,” White said. “Her dedication steps beyond community service and is deeply personal.”
White commended how Willyard had taken care of her mother and mother-in-law during their battles with Alzheimer’s, which he said was a “testament to her strength, kindness and unwavering commitment to family.”
In closing, White said, “Gay
Fire damages Latrobe property
Noel Stack Editor
Firefighters saved a Latrobe home after dousing a fire found in a crawl space underneath the structure. At 3:24 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, firefighters with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and surrounding agencies responded to the residential struc-
ture fire near Dragon Point Road.
“Firefighters used chainsaws to cut through the exterior of the home to access the fire,” EDH Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal shared with Village Life. “The fire was extinguished quickly once access was accomplished.”
The home sustained about $10,000 in damage and the cause of the fire was determined to be electrical, he added.
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Call Elizabeth Hansen for more information 530-344-5028
Photo by Todd White
El Dorado County Women of the Year Gay Willyard, center, was celebrated at the March 11 Board of Supervisors meeting. She’s all smiles here with, from left, daughter Wednesday McCarthy, Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, son Ed Willyard and daughter-in-law Jennifer Willyard.
n See WILLYARD, page A4
Photo courtesy of the EDH Fire Department
A Latrobe home sustained about $10,000 in damage from a fire that broke out on March 19.
El Dorado Hills Business Park apartment proposal vetted
Carrerow
Jo
Village Life correspondent
A plan is in the works to build out almost 100 additional acres in the El Dorado Hills Business Park, which could add up to 495 apartments.
The Gateway El Dorado Specific Plan project proposal includes residential units, businesses and warehouses.
“The project would have the potential to generate between 140 and 495 dwelling units,” Deputy Director of Planning Rob Peters said during the March 4 El Dorado County Board of Supervisors meeting. Peters said the hearing was to provide for early public knowledge and involvement. A preapplication hearing is required when 50 units or more are proposed. California Environmental Quality Act reviews will have to be conducted and additional public hearings held before the project gets off the ground.
“This is prior to a formal submittal to the Planning Department,” Peters clarified.
The project will be constructed on property located in the middle of the business park, at the southerly point of connection for Golden Foothill Parkway and Latrobe Road. It includes El Dorado County General Plan amendments since currently the business park is solely zoned Research and Development, which supports only industrial, office and limited commercial uses.
The pre-application proposes 13.15 acres of commercial property, 30.84 acres for research and development, 5.82 acres of multifamily property, 14.75 acres of multifamily/commercial flex property, 1.45 acres of park land and 22.6 acres of open space.
“The concept for this particular parcel was to create a hub in the business park that had mixed uses,” said Scott Hodson, vice-president of Pac Trust, the Portland-based property development company which owns the acreage.
Hodson said single zoning has become “somewhat antiquated.”
“The way things have progressed here, the business park has not been very successful,” he said. “It still is less than 50% built out in my estimations. It doesn’t really have good connectivity to the rest of the community.”
In regard to the multifamily/commercial flex property, Hodson said, “The idea is to be able to have some flexibility to be able to respond to what the demand is. The total (currently proposed) build out of apartment units would be about 120, and if every bit of that flexible area were to be built out as apartments about 490 units would be the maximum.”
As part of the project,
MEET
the developer is producing a roadway and a stoplight at the company’s expense.
“The county and Department of Transportation has reserved the right to take it in as a public road,” he said. “But up to this point it’s still going to be privately constructed and operated.”
Also included are a trail and sidewalks, which are mostly non-existent at the business park.
“It’s kind of a tricky place to walk and get around,” Hodson said. “We want to create a destination to walk to.”
A little over one quarter of the land has been devoted to open space, he said, and in 2007, Pac Trust planted about 500 oak trees there.
“The goal was to create greenery and shade,” Hodson said.
Retail food stores, restaurants and limited multi-family housing are all elements included following comments from public outreach, he said.
“We believe that the projects we’re proposing
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work well together and that they would essentially create an opportunity for this piece of land and hopefully the other pieces that are adjacent to it in the business park to pick up the pace … on absorbing and attracting new businesses,” Hodson said.
Residents who could be affected by the project live immediately adjacent to the business park in the Blackstone and Heritage communities.
Heritage resident George Steed said he objected to industrial buildings located in the middle of residential areas, but liked the concept of adding housing and retail businesses.
“The neighboring communities could benefit from convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and reasonably priced housing could allow younger generations to live near area families,” Steed said.
Heritage resident Corde Wagner said his greatest concern is traffic, citing the line up of traffic from Golden Foothill Parkway, down Robert J Mathews Parkway to the John Adams Academy.
Linda Campbell of El Dorado Hills agreed traffic studies are needed, and was concerned about lighting impacts as well as the cost to live in the
Willyard is the very definition of service, perseverance and leadership. She embodies the spirit of El Dorado County and her impact will be felt for generations to come.”
He asked Willyard and family members, her son Eddie Willyard and his wife Jennifer Willyard, and daughter Wednesday McCarthy to come up to the podium. He handed Gay the resolution and said, “This is recorded in the state record.”
“Wow,” Willyard exclaimed, as everyone in the three-quarters filled
apartments. Cameron Park resident Kim Beal said, “We need so much more housing for the very low-, lowand middle class.”
El Dorado County DOT Director Rafael Martinez explained Pac Trust had reached out to the department early on, noting traffic concerns “will get thoroughly vetted and analyzed when the environmental document gets introduced, and we get to look at the traffic analysis that they bring forward.”
Referring to the privately funded road and traffic signal at Carson Crossing and Golden Foothill Parkway, he said it provides “added circulation benefits to what we have right now.”
The project has to pass Level of Service and Vehicle Miles Traveled standards, he added.
DOT staff is currently working separately on existing issues revolving around the John Adams Academy traffic, as well as truck traffic through Heritage on Carson Crossing due to construction, which should end soon, Martinez added.
Supervisor Lori Parlin had questions regarding housing affordability, sales tax, water allocation and changes to the general plan.
“Pretty soon it could
chamber applauded.
Turnboo then presented Willyard with a certificate of recognition signed by all five supervisors.
“With congratulations for community engagement, supporting residents of El Dorado County,” Turnboo said, giving her a hug.
“It was an honor and privilege to win this prestigious award,” Willyard shared with Village Life. “I feel so honored to have been nominated to become a permanent part of California’s history. A
become a hodge podge,” she said.
Planning and Building Director Karen Garner said the environmental review will address those concerns.
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero asked if there had been an analysis on the jobs to housing balance.
“We are well behind in terms of where we thought we would be with the number of jobs,” Garner said. “You build that walkable community and you are going to attract more businesses that you otherwise might not have been able to.” Ferrero said he would like to see businesses there, rather than housing, because development surrounding it had caused problems already. But if residential units were added, he said, “It would be nice to have some entry level homes, condos, townhouses, as opposed to apartments.” El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Manning said the housing would provide places for employees of the business park to live, which could reduce traffic.
“Pac Trust has been listening and having community meetings for the last 15 years,” she said. “It is really time, in our opinion, that we say ‘Go for it!’”
El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce CEO Laurel BrentBumb agreed.
“We have a budget issue,” she said. “We aren’t going to solve the budget issue unless we grow, and if we’re not growing, we’re dying.”
Chair George Turnboo said Hodson will return with a plan to address concerns of people who live in that area.
“People that work in the business park could live there too, plus housing for our kids,” he said.
“I don’t think this project’s too far off,” District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp said, adding that he thought the apartments would be upscale. “I think we’re going down the right road here.”
heartfelt thank you to everyone that supported me to receive this award. I feel so blessed.”
Willyard’s application had been among 20 from counties within California’s District 4 submitted to AlvaradoGil “featuring extraordinary women from eight counties,” a Feb. 28 official California State Senate letter to Turnbooread. The letter states that although Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak was selected for Senate District 4 Woman of the Year, this year it was decided to honor other outstanding women as well.
“Due to the overwhelming acknowledgement of local women, we have decided to highlight additional awardees,” the letter reads. “We will be recognizing your nominee Gatha “Gay” Willyard as the El Dorado County Woman of the Year.”
According to the Women’s Caucus website, womenscaucus. legislature.ca.gov, “The Woman of the Year event was founded in 1987 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D), who noticed that the California Legislature had no events planned for the month of March, Women’s History Month. In celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California, Hansen and Tanner arranged to invite one woman from each Senate and Assembly district to come to the Capitol and be honored for their accomplishments.”
Village Life photo by Shelly Thorene
The Gateway El Dorado Specific Plan project’s next phase proposes apartment buildings on vacant property along Latrobe Road in El Dorado Hills.
standing-room-only meeting at EDH Fire Station 85 on March 10.
The most-recent proposal, if approved, would include an approximately 165,000-square-foot Costco warehouse retail center with a tire center and customer parking (above and below ground) on the south side of Silva Valley Parkway on approximately 17.63 acres. The Costco gas station with 32 fueling positions and employee parking would be constructed on the north side of Silva Valley Parkway on approximately 3.29 acres. The remaining Costco-owned property on the north side of Silva Valley Parkway — once slated for an apartment complex and commercial/retail project — will remain vacant. A traffic light will be installed on Silva Valley Parkway at the main entrance to both the store and gas station.
Citing health studies and sharing concerns about safety and the wellbeing of Oak Meadow students and staff, speaker after speaker implored the developer to take out plans for the gas station … or find a new spot for the entire project.
“There’s no mitigation plan that’s going to work except exclusion of the gas station,” declared EDH resident Amy Frith.
Noting how much children love to spend time
on the Lincoln Highway as well as a public meeting with developer Moe Mohanna on his proposal for the Town and Country Village project.
The presentation on the first transcontinental highway created in 1913 was a collaboration between the El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves. Local historian and El Dorado County Museum board member Don Ulemen gave a fascinating and well-researched slide show presentation and lecture, which included period photographs of the historical road and current photos and locations where the public can view intact sections located in El Dorado County. Ulemen’s personal anecdotes added a unique flavor to the event where a packed house was eager to learn more about this piece of history.
The Mohanna Ranch is adjacent to the longest section of preserved highway, which is also part of Old Bass Lake Road. It is located about 1 mile east of present day Bass Lake Road and segments of the highway are also located across Highway 50 near Marble Mountain Road.
After Uelmen’s slide show, Save the Graves President Mike
outdoors during recess and during physical education classes, concerned mom Karen Liang said, “That’s a lot of time spent in an environment next to a lot of cars and a lot of gas.”
Her daughter Annabell Wong, an Oak Meadow fourth-grader, said she wondered where all the wild turkeys she loves to watch on that property will go if the Costco project goes through. The 10-year-old also told presenters, “I don’t want the gas station built because of air quality.”
Traffic congestion on Silva Valley Parkway was another major concern. Oak Meadow parents invited planners and developer representatives to come out to the area when school starts or ends to see the traffic jam that backs up, arguing that a commercial project as large as Costco will make it much worse.
EDH resident Tim White suggested making the developer widen Clarksville Crossing, currently one lane in each direction, to alleviate some of the impact. “One lane is not going to work,” White maintained. “It’s going to be a disaster.”
Other concerns included environmental impacts to the nearby wetland area and water quality, loss of revenue for local businesses as well as the sheer size of the project. There were some positive comments about
Roberts led the group down to the section of the Lincoln Highway off Old Bass Lake Road. Members of the Hangtown A’s Model A car club and others walked or drove to the area and parked along the narrow pavement.
Roberts described the road’s construction as “concrete mixed with large and small stones” which was later widened at the edges with the application of asphalt. He brought to the crowd’s attention an old wagon trail along Carson Creek adjacent to the paved roadway which was used in the early days for hauling freight.
According to Roberts, the trail was the main means of transportation during the 1860s when the Comstock Lode was being mined in Virginia City, Nev. At that time, he added, the wagon trail was so busy that if one had an issue with one’s wagon and had to pull to the side, it could take hours to get back in line again.
Later, the arrival of the Transcontinental Railway and the Central Pacific Railway in Placer County made it cheaper to transport goods to Reno and Virginia City and the trail fell into disuse, Roberts shared. A retaining wall alongside the grass covered wagon trail near a stream is still intact.
this effort. Voters rejected a cityhood measure on the 2005 ballot. At the time, EDH had a population of about 30,000. The community currently has a population of nearly 51,000, the largest in El Dorado County and, according to cityhood proponents, the largest unincorporated community in the state only served by a CSD.
“The current model of county and CSD government no longer meets our local needs and it will become more mismatched as we continue to grow in the future,” said EDHCC member/ presenter Joe Chinn, an EDH resident since 1992.
EDH provides the county the largest percentage of property tax revenue and “a disproportionate amount of sales tax per capita,” Chinn noted during the presentation. “At the same time, we use less services than the average county user does.”
If EDH incorporates, Chinn added, “We keep more of our existing taxes in El Dorado Hills under our local control which will help us provide a higher level service with more resources.”
The new city leadership — a fivemember council of all EDH residents — would have control of law enforcement, zoning, planning, building, roads as well as parks and recreation. The EDH Fire Department, Buckeye and Rescue union school districts and El Dorado Irrigation District would continue to serve the community and the county would continue to provide its regional services (public health, veterans services, etc.).
“The incorporation effort will not move forward unless (there are no) new taxes,” Chinn added, referring to the fiscal analysis yet to be done. “If any taxes are needed for incorporation, the effort would be dropped. It would never get to the ballot.”
EDHCC presenter Chris Nicholson followed with the message that EDH residents and leaders need to be more proactive, especially regarding how and where the community will grow.
“Things are great. It’s a wonderful community. We’re blessed and privileged to have that,” Nicholson said. “But we’ve got to get in the driver’s seat. We can’t be a passenger. We can’t be a passive observer on the side of the road. Things come down the line. We need to be prepared to handle them the next time there’s an Amazon open space rezone …. We want them to be coming to us to ask for permission and working out a deal that’s beneficial to our community, not just overall beneficial for the county.”
The goal, should all studies come back confirming that EDH would be a viable city, is to have the cityhood question on the November 2026 ballot.
Speakers at last week’s meeting overwhelmingly supported the idea, while also acknowledging that many questions must be answered — what would
getting sales tax revenue that currently goes to the city of Folsom when El Dorado County residents shop at that Costco, but many didn’t see that as enough of a positive to support the project.
Noting the project includes underground parking to accommodate all the spaces necessary for a megawharehouse store like Costco, EDH resident Jons van Dooren said it’s clear the site is too small, “akin to putting 10 pounds of potatoes in a 5-pound bag. It just does not work.”
Those who want to make a comment on the project before preparation of the draft environmental impact report begins have until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31. Comments can be submitted via email to EDHCostco@edcgov.us or via regular mail: Cameron Welch, senior planner County of El Dorado Planning Division 2850 Fairlane Court, Building C Placerville, CA 95667
Once the draft EIR is complete in roughly three to four months, according to Welch, residents will have 45-60 days to comment before the final EIR process begins. Once that document is done, the Costco project goes to the El Dorado County Planning Commission for approval.
The paved portion nearby is popular with area bicyclists but the old wagon trail is on private property. For more information about the Lincoln Highway visit lincolnhighwayassoc.org.
Robert’s said he became interested in the historical road in 2007-08 when he accompanied members of the Lincoln Road Association on a tour of the bits and pieces of the road that still exist. He said he’s pleased with Mohanna’s efforts to preserve the space for the public, noting the developer’s keen interest in local history. “It’s pretty unusual in a developer,” Roberts said, adding, “He probably knows more about the history than I do.”
The Town and Country Village project proposes two 150room hotels, 112 residential cottages, retail uses, restaurants, an event center/museum, recreational amenities and parking lots. The developer wants to incorporate the historical section of road into a bike trail, eventually with a link to Folsom. For information regarding the proposed bike trail and surrounding development project in El Dorado Hills off Bass Lake Road visit engageeldorado. us.engagementhq.com/town-andcountry-village.
the city’s affordable housing allocation look like, how does incorporation affect the relationship with the county, etc. — before a ballot measure goes out to voters.
Looking at it from a parks and recreation perspective, Wayne Lowery implored the EDHCSD directors to get involved as, he said, increased revenue and local oversight and planning from a city council could dramatically improve the recreational facilities in EDH.
“With local control of normal city services, vision and hard work, El Dorado Hills can grow from a great place to raise a family to a fabulous place,” added Lowery, who has lived in EDH since the mid-1980s and previously served as the EDHCSD general manager and a board member.
Serrano Fire Safe Council Chair Bill Osgood noted cityhood could have a positive impact on the community’s wildfire preparedness and prevention, noting city leaders could develop ordinances to “address the most serious wildfire vulnerabilities in El Dorado Hills.”
“I strongly believe that cityhood offers a more effective path to significantly reducing wildfire risk and expanding access to affordable insurance … for all El Dorado Hills residents,” Osgood added.
EDH Chamber of Commerce
President/CEO Debbie Manning encouraged the EDHCSD to initiate the process and said incorporation will have a positive impact on economic growth and the community’s future.
“Given the county of El Dorado has experienced budget cuts over the years that have adversely affected El Dorado Hills, now is the time to explore cityhood,” Manning maintained. “El Dorado Hills should be developing its own residential community and lead its own economic development programs as the county’s largest economic region. We need to have a stronger and more defined voice.”
Eileen Hidahl, widow of former District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, who was a longtime cityhood advocate, also asked the EDHCSD board to take the lead, sharing, “I think that the residents here of El Dorado Hills deserve a look at what the feasibility is of this going forth.”
Director Michael Martinelli made the motion to have staff prepare the draft resolution and application and, on the advice of EDHCC, asked that a public meeting take place to review those documents before the April 10 EDHCSD board meeting at which they could be adopted. His motion, should all necessary documents be approved, also included submitting the LAFCO application along with an initial $10,000 deposit. Board President Stephen Ferry seconded the motion, which also received yes votes from Directors Noelle Mattock and Heidi Hannaman.
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DJSAY: Family Not A Group @ The Independent @ 8:30pm The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco
Geoffrey Asmus @ 9:15pm Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Colum‐bus Ave, San Francisco
The Funky Brunch – Live at Music City SF @ 11am / $25-$35 Food / Dancing / DJ - Eric Schwartz / Comedy 1355 Bush St, 1355 Bush Street, San Francisco
Nite Sprites @ 1pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco
Napa Center for Thought & Culture @ 2pm / $30 Jarvis Conservatory, 1711 Main Street, Napa
Cartoon Hearts, Lemon Generation, and Ockham play the Knockout @ 6pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco
Crowd Control @ 6:30pm Punch Line Comedy Club, 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento
Under Ego @ 7:30pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento
Suburbans @ 8pm The Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 4th St, San Francisco
Nat Lefkoff: Golden Bear @ 8pm The Golden Bear, 2326 K St, Sacra‐mento
Dance Fitness Classes at Woodland Senior Center @ 10:15am Dance �tness Classes for Seniors Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Wood‐land. tina�tness68@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Davis Weekly Lunch & Program @ 12pm See website for details. ro‐taryclubofdavis.com Davis Com‐munity Church, 421 D Street, Davis. teainsworth@gmail.com
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 1pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 1:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 2pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 3:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 5:30pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 5:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
@ 6pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
LOVESLAUGHTER @ 7pm Tequila Mockingbird, 86 2nd St, San Francisco
Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi @ 10am Tai chi classes for beginning and intermediate practitioners at the Davis Arts Center Davis Arts Cen‐ter, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�t ness68@gmail.com
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel @ 1pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Air - Art you can feel
Balloon Museum | Emotion
Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com
Intermediate
tina�tness68@ gmail.com
Children's Gymnastics Classes at the Davis Arts Center @ 2pm Two gymnastics classes for chil‐dren offered on Wednesdays after school at the Davis Arts Center. Davis Arts Center, 1919 F Street, Davis. tina�tness68@gmail.com Balloon Museum | Emotion Air - Art you can feel @ 3:45pm Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Carly Thomas: Songbird series @ 6:30pm Lucca Bar & Grill, 439 1st St, Benicia The BAD Parenting Comedy Tour @ 7pm / $18 The BAD Parenting Comedy Tour presents father and son duo Jimmy Earll and Calen G as they tell their stories through comedy. We'll let you be the judge on what kind of parenting got them here! Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacra‐mento. laughsunlimited@ gmail.com, 916-446-8128
Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Pateka @ 8pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco
Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums featuring Miss Carmen Getit: Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums @ Lo‐cal Edition San Francisco @ 8:30pm Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco
Nick Guerra - LIVE COMEDY @ 9:30pm / $29 Apr 4th - Apr 5th Nick Guerra is definitely a come‐dian that will catch you off guard BUT in a good way. Laughs Unlim‐ited Comedy Club and Lounge, 1207 Front Street, Sacramento. laughsunlimited@gmail.com, 916446-8128
JAKE D @ 9:30pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco
dylan brady @ 10pm 1015 Folsom, 1015
Happenings
event for all those attending
but to also fundraise for Aspire Kids, a nonprofit organization. For more information visit face
book.com/trojanpride80.
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will host a Game Show Night for Teens at the TEENZ Center. $5 per teen. For more information visit eldoradohillscsd.org.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Guys and Dolls,”March 28 through April 27. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
March 29
UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Container Magic, 9 a.m. to noon at the Blackstone Community Center, 1461 Blackstone Parkway, El Dorado Hills. Dive into the world of container gardening with Master Gardeners Mary Wool and Donna Marshall. You will learn everything you need to know to create a thriving container garden in any space – from choosing the right container, to plant selection and planting techniques and the how-to of
container plant care. We will also explore how to use plant colors and growing characteristics to create containers that will add beauty and interest to your home.
March 30
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts two baseball writers, Vince Wetzel and Zak Ford, noon to 1:30 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9401.
Now Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom presents Art Movement in Fiber — a juried exhibition of quilts by the members of SAQA Northern California and Northern Nevada Region — through March 27. For more information call (916) 461-6601 or visit folsom.ca.us.
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Lobby Hero” through March 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. The show runs through March 30. For tickets and more details visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888. Continued from A2
Courtesy photo
Congratulations to El Dorado Hills resident Chris Hillman, who is on the curling team that won the national championship in Wausau, Wisc. Left to right are Brian Feldman Sr., Brian Feldman Jr., Hillman and Camren Spangler. “The win was surreal. We finally achieved what we, as a team, have been working toward for the last few years but left us wondering, ‘What’s next?’” Hillman shared. Read more about his story online at VillageLife.com.
VH
V illage H OMES
Patricia Seide
CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617
patricia.seide@ cbnorcal.com
1589 Francisco Drive, El Dorado Hills
2,416 square feet
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
0.62-acre property
$898,000
MLS #225028896
Enjoy stunning sunsets and lake views in this mid-centurystyle home once featured in 1962 as the “home of the month” in a home builder’s publication — a testament to its cra smanship and timeless design. Proudly standing as the rst-built residence in the sought-a er Lakehills community in El Dorado Hills, this home has been lovingly maintained by its original owner and builder.
Revel in the unique features of this home, including two primary suites with an easy option to convert to a third and/or fourth bedroom, if desired. The expansive living area o ers breathtaking views of Folsom Lake, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Cozy up by the re in the living room, which features brick accents back in style as well as a centerpiece tiled wall around the pellet stove.
A step up adjacent space could be used as a formal dining room, second seating area, home library or converted into a bedroom.
The charming kitchen has a cooktop and sink on the center island, double ovens, a dishwasher, ample countertop and cabinet space as well as an eating nook and a standalone
smaller island that’s the ideal space to catch up on household bills or create next week’s shopping list.
Next to the kitchen is another ex space that could be used as a dining room or home o ce. This room features a lovely chandelier and beautiful French doors that open into the covered patio. A separate private area with exterior access is perfect for a hobby room, home gym or o ce.
The backyard features open space around the sparkling pool and a tranquil fountain, creating a private oasis for residents and their guests. There’s also a greenhouse for those who want to test their green thumb. Well maintained greenery and mature trees ll in the property.
The home has an attached two-car garage and is situated on an oversized corner lot with access to Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, where horse and walking trails abound. It’s less than 10 minutes from Highway 50 and close to topnotch schools, parks, vibrant shopping areas and delectable restaurants. Interested in a private tour of this beautiful Francisco Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com.
‘It’s showtime’ Beetlejuice brings mischief to Ponderosa High School stage
Odin Rasco Village Life correspondent
It’s hard to think of a more relatable prem-
ise: who hasn’t been a recently deceased ghost haunting their own home who contracts the services of a mischievous spirit to scare away the house’s new (and mostly obnoxious) occupants?
That story — as familiar as an average trip to the grocery store — has rocked both screen and stage in different incarnations and is now headed to Ponderosa High School at the end of this month as the theater department’s schoolyear-ending spectacular “Beetlejuice Jr.” Before you get too
scared by the idea of a little B — (you almost thought it would be said a third time, didn’t you?) — running around with his devilish daddy, the “Jr.” in the title just means the Broadway show based on the hit film has been toned down for a wider audience.
“This version cut out a lot of the swear words,” joked senior David Seeley, who plays the titular troublemaker.
Seeley has been involved with Pondo’s drama department since his freshman year, though he didn’t expect it to become the passion it is now when he first started.
“I was doing football
my freshman year, but later that year I was part of the crew for ‘Wizard of Oz.’ We used my dog for Toto, so I was in charge of that,” Seeley recalled. “I got pulled in to do crew for ‘Mama Mia’ later, and that’s when I thought, ‘hey, acting looks pretty fun.’ Since then, I’ve been acting and this is my fifth show. I’ve had a lot of fun doing it, a lot more than I did in football, and I’m happy to have had the chance to learn and get better at it.”
When tackling established characters (ones well-known for a specific actors’ portrayal) anyone taking on the role afterwards has the challenge of threading the needle by making their performance feel familiar while still bringing their own interpretations to life. Ponderosa’s actors face this challenge twofold, as the primary characters in the story have wellknown screen and stage interpretations. The kids have taken that challenge in stride, though, with leads Seeley and Dylan Neves (who plays Lydia Deetz) both working to find a synthesis of the established interpretations.
“Obviously, Winona Ryder is such an icon for the role of Lydia; she is incredible,” Neves, who is a junior, said. “So, I wanted to take a lot of personality from her and stuff - the way that lines get delivered, the way she stands, the way she poses, I wanted to take a lot from her. But Sophia Anne Caruso, who is the original Lydia on Broadway, has just this iconic voice. It’s just so incredible and I absolutely wanted to put my own spin on that as best
as I possibly could. So, I wanted to try and do as best of a blend of the two as I could.”
For many of the kids involved, the show is a bittersweet occasion, marking the end of their time at Ponderosa and as part of the drama class. Though there’s excitement, as there often is for seniors on their way to the world beyond high school, a persistent theme in what the kids
said about the show was how they were sad to be leaving a supportive community behind.
“Maybe it’s just this group of seniors, but we’re really close knit and it’s like a family, totally,” said Senior Sidney Klick, assistant director for the musical. “We just do everything together. We’re each other’s best friends and we do stuff outside of school. It’s really awesome to be so
close with people who have the same mindset as you because even in the modern day, there’s still judgment for theater kids, or queer kids or whatever, and being in a place like this theater, you get to just be who you are. And we really feel that at Pondo.” Klick is another example of a student who unexpectedly fell in love
Photo by Odin Rasco
Lydia Deetz (Dylan Neves) is none too thrilled with Beetlejuice’s (David Seeley) high jinks. See what he’s up to on the PHS stage, opening March 27.
rhubarb
lowly the days are lengthening. Certainly, there are cold snaps still to come, but gardeners and home cooks can feel that change — that urge to plant seedlings and to take assessment of canning supplies. You may find yourself walking your perennial garden area, checking for that first push of growth with the promise of a new season of fresh food to harvest, prepare and perhaps (if you are lucky enough to have an excess) preserve. If you have planned well, you may have a rather large rhizome forcing
the rhubarb, whose leaves are lovely but the leafstalks are the only edible part of the plant. This is a vegetable but because of its tartness it’s treated like a fruit, typically used in a pie, a tart or a buckle. What to do with that bounty? Make that pie for dessert, make a unique jam or (if your spring is busy) freeze the stalks. County fair season will soon be upon us. How about making some jam with rhubarb and entering it in the fair? Here’s a recipe from the new “Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving,” 38th edition, copyright 2024.
Pixabay image
Rhubarb is technically a vegetable but is more commonly used for sweet treats like pies and jams.
Jackson principal earns prestigious admin award
Rescue Union School District
News release
The Rescue Union School District recently announced that Michele Williamson has been named the Association of California School Administrators Region 2 Sam LaCara Administrator of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Williamson’s exceptional leadership, dedication to student success and outstanding contributions to education.
“Michele is an extraordinary leader who truly embodies the values of collaboration, communication, and possesses an unwavering commitment to student learning,” said Superintendent Jim Shoemake. “Her ability to build authentic relationships, guide others with clarity and kindness, and continually push for excellence has made a lasting impact on our district and the entire educational community.”
Williamson has served as the principal of Jackson Elementary School for 24 years, making her the most veteran administrator in the district. Under her leadership, Jackson Elementary has twice been named a California Distinguished School (2002 and 2014) and most recently earned the 2024 CA Honor Roll School designation by the Educational Results Partnership. Williamson also spearheaded the development of the region’s first all abilities playground, ensuring an inclusive space for all students. Her outstanding communication skills set her apart, allowing her to connect meaningfully with staff, students and families alike.
“Michele is a role model for educators at every level,” Shoemake explained. “Her leadership goes beyond her school site - she continuously challenges and supports her colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.”
Reflecting on this recognition, Williamson shared, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is a privilege to serve the students, staff, and families at Jackson Elementary. The success of our students is a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication of our entire school community.”
Shoemake emphasized what truly distinguishes Williamson as a leader. “Michele’s deep empathy and support for those she leads is what sets her apart. She understands the unique culture of Jackson Elementary, values its traditions and fosters a collaborative, positive environment where teachers, staff and students thrive,” he shared. “Michele’s leadership is built on respect, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed. She not only promotes a strong sense of community but also maintains a laser focus on student well-being and academic success.”
“Without hesitation, we can say that Michele Williamson is one of the finest leaders we have ever worked with,” stated district leadership in their recommendation to ACSA.
The Rescue Union School District congratulates Williamson on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her unwavering commitment to students, staff and the entire educational community.
Green and Gray Gathering raises funds, helps PHS prosper
Ponderosa High School Foundation News
The 20th in-person Green and Gray Gathering in support of the Ponderosa High School Foundation is coming on April 5. This foundation has continued to work diligently to “Enrich the Education of Every Bruin” by supporting the school through twice a year mini grants, twice a year Teacher Amazon Wish Lists, senior scholarships and collaboration for larger scale projects at the Shingle Springs high school campus.
“As there is no PTO/PTA at the high school level, the foundation fills this role. And in this role we work collaboratively with Bruin faculty and staff to improve education, which is one of the cornerstones of our community,” said PHSF President Valerie Engelmann.
During 2024, the foundation provided 22 grants and included the following programs/departments: Science, Special Education, Agriculture, Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts, Mathematics, Associated Student Body, Culinary, English, World Language and more. In addition the foundation facilitated the May Teacher Appreciation
and December Holiday Amazon Wish List where the community supported classrooms with 152 purchases worth over $3,000. Visitors are also now greeted entering Bruin Stadium by a new lit sign designed and fabricated by Ponderosa alum and local artisan Evan Chavez of Chavez Designs, a collaborative project led by the foundation. These efforts are only possible through the generosity of the community with the annual Green and Gray Gathering fundraiser being a critical component.
This year’s event will return to the beautiful Cameron Park Country Club,
5:30-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. the event includes a buffet dinner, performances by the Ponderosa Jazz Music and Speech and Debate programs, raffle baskets, a silent auction for studentproduced creations from Art, Floral, and Ag Mechanics, as well as other amazing items, the Dessert Dash supplied by Bruin bakers from Advanced Culinary Arts, and photo ops with the beloved Ponderosa Bruin. Tickets for the Green and Gray Gathering are on sale now. Visit pondofoundation.com for all the details. Unable to attend? Please consider a donation.
El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club event highlights women’s health
El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club
The El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club invites local women to Wine, Women, Wellness — a gathering aimed at encouraging women to rethink and celebrate their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Open to Newcomers Club members and non-members alike, this special event will be held at the Serrano Country Club, 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. The highlight of the event is the panel led by Sutter Roseville Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vanessa Walker, who will moderate a panel of local health experts shar-
“All
ing tips and resources on women’s wellness on topics including nutrition, exercise, advocating for health care, alternative tools and more. After the panel discussion, the speakers will be available to meet one on one and discuss resources and specific needs.
Event organizer and Newcomer Board Member Ellen Pensky McGraw said she is delighted that so many local women’s health experts will be sharing their knowledge and resources because she knows that wellness is on the mind of many of their members and women in general.
The cost is $55 per person and includes small bites and wine or healthy beverages. Registration and pay-
ment for the event is required by April 2. Email to EDHWellness25@gmail.com for registration and payment details. For other information contact Ellen Pensky McGraw at epensky@comcast.net.
About EDH Newcomers
The El Dorado Hills Newcomers Club is a women’s organization with 325 members founded in 1968 with a mission of gathering residents who have a common interest in socializing and pursuing activities while exploring and supporting EDH and surrounding communities. To learn more go to edhnewcomers.com.
— Walter Elias Disney
MICHELE WILLIAMSON
BIG welcome to Dina Gentry, new director of development
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is proud to announce the appointment of Dina Gentry as the organization’s new Director of Development. With an extensive background in communications, community engagement, and fundraising, Gentry brings a dynamic skill set and a deep-rooted passion for supporting local youth through mentorship. She o cially began on March 3.
Executive Director Brenda Frachiseur expressed her enthusiasm for Gentry’s addition to the team.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is excited to have Dina join our team. Her long-term commitment to this community and her passion for the children we serve make her an excellent advocate as we work to move our mission forward,” said Frachiseur. “We feel lucky to have her.”
Gentry, who grew up in the local community, attended Sutter’s Mill Elementary, Gold Trail Middle and Golden Sierra High School. She is an active member of the Placerville Kiwanis and serves on the board of Sierra Community Access
Television, Channel 2. Her personal connection to the region fuels her dedication to expanding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra’s reach and strengthening its mission of empowering children through one-to-one mentoring relationships.
“I am truly honored to join Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Sierra and be part of a team so dedicated to empowering local youth through mentorship,” said Gentry. “Brenda has worked tirelessly to grow this organization and make a lasting impact in our community, and I am excited to build upon that incredible foundation. I look forward to engaging with our supporters, expanding our outreach, and ensuring that even more children have access to life-changing mentorship opportunities.”
In her new role, Gentry will focus on enhancing fundraising e orts, building community partnerships, and increasing support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra life-changing programs. Her leadership will play a key role in ensuring that even more children in the Northern Sierra have access to positive mentorship opportunities.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra visit bbbsns.org.
On Saturday, April 5, community members, health experts and wellness advocates will gather at Oak Ridge High School for the rst-ever Healthy El Dorado Expo — a groundbreaking event focused on empowering individuals and families with real solutions for better health.
Thanks to Marshall Medical, which has stepped up as a major sponsor, general admission and a healthy lunch are completely free for attendees using code MARSHALL100 at registration.
The event will feature an incredible lineup of speakers, including:
• Eldra Jackson, transformational leader from InsideCircle
• Dr. Nicole Shorrock & Dr. Katie Long, founders of Ollie Health
Preserve
Rhubarb-Orange Jam
Yield about 7 half-pints
2 ½ pounds rhubarb (about 10 to 18 stalks)
2 medium oranges
6 tablespoons Ball classic pectin
6 cups sugar Prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil (simmering water at 180 degrees F). Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands. Wash rhubarb and oranges under cold running water; drain. Remove leafy tops and root ends from rhubarb. Chop rhubarb into ½-inch pieces. Cut oranges in half and remove seeds. Juice oranges; measure 1 cup orange juice. Using the peel from half of one orange, remove pith. Cut peel into thin slivers. Combine chopped rhubarb, orange juice, and orange peel in a large saucepan. Simmer rhubarb mixture, covered, about 3 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. Add pectin, stirring to blend in pectin. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Add sugar. Stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim o foam if necessary.
Ladle hot jam into a hot jar, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary. Clean jar rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to ngertip tight. Place jar in canner. Repeat until all jars are lled.
Water must cover jars by one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to medium-high, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner. Start timing and process pint jars: 10 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 15 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 20 minutes at 3,011-6,000 feet, and 25 minutes at 6,001-8,000 feet.
Turn o heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand 5 minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal (they should not ex when center is pressed). Label, date, and store in a cool dark place.
The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Leave a message at (530) 621-5506 or email edmfp@ ucanr.edu. For more information about the program, events and recipes, visit ucanr.edu/sites/mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook, too (UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County).
• Del Bigtree, CEO of Make America Healthy
Again
• Ben Hanson, founder of 24 Carrot Farm
• James Maskell, founder of Evolution of Medicine and Healthy El Dorado Expo
“This event is about more than just learning about health; it’s about coming together as a community to build a healthier future’ said James Maskell, one of the event organizers. “This county is blessed with experts who are leading the way in regenerative agriculture, functional medicine, and community wellness.”
What to expect
• Morning pre-event (8-9 a.m.)
Fitness Anywhere hosted by Rubicon Fit (CrossFit
A liate)
Vagus Nerve Workshop — Learn nervous system regulation techniques from Hannah Zackney, LMFT
Kids Track (ages 2-12) — Movement, art and adventure with local education partners
• Lunch (1-2 p.m.)
Enjoy a healthy school lunch rermagined
• A ernoon workshops (2-4 p.m.)
Choose from more than 20 workshops for deep learning with the whole family
Why attend?
• Learn from top experts in holistic and functional medicine
• Discover local wellness businesses and community resources
• Connect with like-minded families, health professionals and advocates
• Experience a reimagined school lunch program
• Take part in hands-on workshops and activities for all ages
This is a one-day-only opportunity to take control of your health, learn from experts, and build a community-driven movement for wellness in El Dorado County. How to register: Log onto healthyeldorado.com and use promo code MARSHALL100 for free registration.
with drama; she shared an anecdote about how she’d initially planned to drop the course her freshman year when she discovered she wasn’t in the same class as a close friend. She stuck with it, though, and in the following years has gotten involved with acting and directing. Last year, Klick directed a one-act play at the Lenea High School Theatre Festival, and is now bringing that experience to bear as she helps direct the spring musical.
“You put in so much blood, sweat and tears, and it always pays off,” Klick explained. “The actors take it and they create the vision and it’s an amazing feeling, watching what you had in your head be performed live, seeing it actually in front of you. And it’s amazing to work with actors like David and Dylan.”
The camaraderie displayed by Ponderosa’s students translates directly to the work they bring to the show. Led through the production process by drama teacher Renee Fritz, the students in parts both big and small are diligent in bringing their best to the play, both on and off the stage.
“There has obviously been, as with any show, so much hard work put into it,” Neves said. “Often what gets highlighted is the lead actors and stuff, and we do put a ton of work into it, but I think a lot of people forget to acknowledge the ensemble. I think that everyone just needs to pay a little bit more attention to how incredible our ensemble is. They’re working so hard. And our tech and our crew members, they’re awesome - our whole group is awesome. It’s just so important to acknowledge how great these people are and how well they’re doing.”
“Beetlejuice Jr.” — oh no, his name’s been said a third time! — opens March 27 and runs through April 5, with showtimes at 7 p.m., and matinées at 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For tickets go to pondodrama.com.
Photo by Odin Rasco
The cast of “Beetlejuice Jr.” is ready to dive into the macabre with the audience at Ponderosa High School’s theater on the Shingle Springs campus.
