■ FOLSOM GEM FOR SALE
















This single-story home in a lovely 55+ community has many great features.




This single-story home in a lovely 55+ community has many great features.
Village Life correspondent
Three friends who rose through the Scouting ranks together — from Cubs to Eagle Scouts — have made a commitment to be of further service to their country as commissioned o cers in the U.S. Army.
Caden Lowder, Joseph Pyle and Mitchell Scott met as Cub Scouts in 2010 and have remained friends throughout the years. Each of the high school graduates were recently awarded highly sought-a er Army ROTC scholarships to attend their chosen colleges.
Army Reserve O cer Training Corps is a program designed to develop college students into ocers in the U.S. Army. The program provides students with various
■ See OFFICERS, page A5
“As a parent and small business owner in District 1, and as a former peace o cer who has engaged with residents, schools and government leaders here, I appreciate the values we share as a community and recognize the issues we need to tackle moving forward,” said Ferrero.
“Among my priorities are preserving the safety and security of our community, promoting a balanced approach to development, making wise scal decisions and being a strong voice for El Dorado Hills at the county level,” he continued. “I look forward to bringing a common-sense approach and transparency to the role. El Dorado Hills is my chosen home and I would be honored to serve the residents of El Dorado Hills; I am ready and excited to serve.”
Ferrero has been active in commerce, public safety and civic matters on the county’s Western Slope for
July 6
The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a grand opening and ribbon cutting at DNA Golf Academy, 5:30 p.m. at 4100 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 108, Cameron Park.
July 7
Rescue Community Center presents Friday Night Out BBQ, 5-9 p.m. with live music, BBQ hamburger dinner, drinks and a raffle. Everyone is welcome. For tickets and more information call (530) 677-9345 or visit rescuecommunitycenter. com.
The Pops Chorale chamber series presents The Instrumental Voice, a concert of flute music, July 7 & 9 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
July 8
Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out the first and second Saturday mornings of each month, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the rightside parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.”
L.A.vation – World’s Best Tribute to U2 will perform at Saureel Summer Nights hosted by Kilt and Cork at Saureel Vineyards in Placerville, 5-9:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit kiltandcork.com/ saureel-summer-nights.
Enjoy live music and good food for a great cause benefitting American River Conservancy’s Resilience Reserve.
In partnership with Marco’s Cafe, ARC hosts an outdoor concert featuring Matt Rainey at the quaint farmhouse of Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. Find more information and purchase tickets at bit. ly/Concerts4CauseARC.
El Dorado Musical Theatre presents Disney’s “The Descendants: The Musical,” July 8-16 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
Musician Ed Wilson and percussionist Kevin Mooney will perform 6-9 p.m. at Back Bistro in Folsom.
n See events, page A4
Cameron
“My dream vacation would probably be the Bahamas, either traveling there or going on a cruise. I really like their beaches.”
“I’d love to have a summer music festival vacation. I’d stay in an area close to as many venues as possible to enjoy the music!”
“I think a trip to one of the remaining walled cities in Europe would be neat.”
Rescue
Cameron Park
“I really want to go to the mall and hang out with my friends!”
“My dream summer vacation is going on a cryptid road trip, visiting places where famous cryptids are from.”
Photo courtesy of the EDHCSD
It’s a musical summer in El Dorado Hills. Join the EDH Community Services District at Community Park for a free concert featuring Grooveline Friday, July 14. Bring family and friends for a perfect summer night of food, music and dancing. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Other upcoming EDHCSD activities include National Night Out on Aug. 4 and another free concert featuring Island of Black and White on Aug. 11, both at Community Park.
News release
After nine years of service to students in the community, El Dorado County Board of Education Trustee Georgianne Knight will step down from her role after representing Area 1 for nearly a decade. The El Dorado County Board of Education is accepting applications to fill this vacancy by appointment. The term of the provisional appointment runs through Dec. 13, 2024. The appointed incumbent would be eligible to run for election in the November 2024 election.
GEOrGIANNE KNIGHT
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside within the boundaries of Area 1, which can be viewed at tinyurl.com/EDCArea1. All interested parties are encouraged to review the qualifications and submit a candidate information sheet, available at tinyurl.com/47vkze7b or by contacting Kim Stewart at kstewart@edcoe.org. Completed candidate information sheets may be emailed to kstewart@edcoe.org or mailed to: EDCOE, Attn: Kim Stewart, 6767 Green Valley Road, Placerville 95667.
Applications must be received by 3 p.m. Friday, July 21. All interested parties are encouraged to attend the candidate introduction forum to learn more about the El Dorado County Office of Education and the roles and responsibilities of a county board member. This optional forum will be held during the regular meeting of the County Board of Education at 12:30 p.m. on July 11 at EDCOE, Room B-2. Visit tinyurl.com/ bdtfvtuc for more information. Interviews will be conducted in August. Applicants will be notified of the date and time of their interview.
For additional information contact the El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Office by calling (530) 295-2235.
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Whether you are going away for the weekend, an extended vacation, or it’s just another day at the of ce, Bark to Barn Pet & Farm Sitting will be there to feed, walk, play and scratch on your pets - both the inside kids & the barn critters! The bonus for you is the absolute peace of mind knowing that your pet family is receiving plenty of love, care & attention while you’re away.
Noel Stack Managing editor
Cameron Park will keep both its re stations open.
A er several public meetings and months of negotiations, the Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors unanimously approved a two-year re service agreement with Cal Fire that will keep Stations 88 and 89 fully sta ed at an amount not to exceed $10,601,450.
The agreement includes adding an additional re ghter position in 2023-34 followed by another in 2024-25. To o set some of that cost, a battalion chief position will be eliminated in 2024-25. CPCSD acting General Manager
Jill Ritzman noted the contract comes with a termination/amendment clause “if our nancial hardships continue or worsen,” which could result in the eventual closure of Station 88.
Preliminary budget gures estimate the district will have to use fund balance to cover an expected revenue shortfall of more than $860,000 in its 2023-24 budget, which all directors agreed is not sustainable.
“We have to protect that account,” Director Monique Scobey said, stressing it is critical now to get the community involved in developing solutions that will keep the district in good nancial standing over the long term. Among the ideas sta and directors are exploring are a property tax assessment to help fund re service, annexation/consolidation with another re district and issuing a request for proposals for re service.
The CSD’s main source of revenue is property
taxes, which directors noted are not growing at the same rate as neighboring communities like El Dorado Hills.
Sta is expected to comeback to the board at its July meeting with budget cutting options to make that shortfall “a lot more manageable,” Ritzman said. She and sta will also have more information about steps the board must take to pursue the options listed above.
Director Eric Aiston said the district has grant applications pending, which could relieve some of the immediate budget pressure if awarded. He also pointed out that in the last few years the CPCSD has generously supported the community, both with its re service through the West Slope mutual aid agreement and by opening the Cameron Park Community Center during major wild res, for which, he said, the district was only partially reimbursed. He encouraged sta to meet with
El Dorado County leaders to see if they could allocate funds. “We need some help,” Aiston said.
Fire Chief Dusty Martin said the CSD will see some savings this coming scal year as Cal Fire has open positions within the Cameron Park Fire Department and it’s likely they won’t be lled for several months. He also stressed that whatever happens with regards to the CSD’s budget, “We’re not going to walk out and leave the community without re service.”
Members of the public encouraged the board to support the contract while acknowledging the district’s tough nancial position.
Cameron Park resident Barbara Rodgers said once again directors are kicking the can down the road rather than making necessary budget cuts. She encouraged directors to look at the “other side” of the CSD budget (recreation).
“If you do the right thing you’re going to
shine in the eyes of the citizens,” Rogers said. “But you’re not.” Former El Dorado Hills re chief Larry Fry doesn’t live within CSD boundaries but said Station 88 is the closest station to his home and has responded to family emergencies. He told the board keeping both stations open is “critical” to not only Cameron Park but the surrounding communities — a thought echoed by other re o cials at previous meetings.
CSD Director Dawn Wolfson said approving the two-year Cal Fire contract is not a di cult decision. The di cult decisions will come over the next few months as the board considers how to best serve the community and get its nances in order.
The next CPCSD Board of Directors meeting is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at the Cameron Park Community Center. The agenda will be posted on cameronpark.org.
News release
El Dorado Hills resident
Marisa Bricca was chosen by JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research, to join a delegation of her peers and celebrity advocates in Washington, D.C., this summer at JDRF 2023 Children’s Congress, July 9-11.
The 16-year-old will join more than 160 other youth from across the country to meet with their members of Congress and other key decisionmakers to inform them of the critical role they can play in supporting the T1D community.
These kids, all of whom have T1D, will engage in a number of activities on Capitol Hill including attending a Senate hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the challenges of living with the disease.
These young delegates will call on Congress to renew the Special Diabetes Program, which provides $150 million annually for type 1 diabetes research at the National Institute of Health. The last renewal was in 2020 for three
years. It runs out in September 2023 and the kids will ask Congress to support a multi-
year renewal. This funding has helped accelerate research like the development of artificial
pancreas systems which link an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitor for better management of T1D.
Delegates will also advocate for insulin affordability for all Americans. People with T1D need insulin to live. Unfortunately, the cost of insulin is out of reach for many people with T1D. Advocates will call on Congress to ensure that everyone has access to insulin at a low, predictable out-of-pocket cost, regardless of insurance status.
Marisa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 7. If you ask Marisa what she wants to do when she’s older, her answer is simple: she wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Since being diagnosed with T1D at age 7, Marisa has been working to make a difference.
Marisa and her family have been involved in the JDRF One Walk, TypeOneNation Summits and local community outreach events. Her siblings and parents were also screened for diabetes autoantibodies through TrialNet.
“I felt it was important for them to participate in screening because the more information
researchers have about what causes T1D will allow them to figure out how to prevent and cure the disease,” Marisa shared.
Marisa enjoys anything creative, particularly sewing and sketching. She loves working out at the gym, going on runs with her dog, Wing, and is proud to be active in the visually impaired community by helping to raise puppies that will go on to become service animals for the blind.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults, and its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. People with T1D depend on external insulin, via injection or infusion with an insulin pump, to survive. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have T1D and there currently is no cure.
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. For more information about the organization visit jdrf.org.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors appointed Tiffany Schmid as the new county chief administrative officer June 27.
Schmid, who is replacing former CAO Don Ashton, filled the role as interim CAO in March after becoming assistant CAO in November 2021. As CAO Schmid has the responsibility of setting the county’s budget and overseeing all county operations. The
July 9
appointment went into effect July 1.
“I am honored and delighted to take on this challenge,” Schmid states in a press release. “My professional background of public service and my years with the county in so many different roles provides me with unique experience to successfully work with the board and all employees to do the business of the county on behalf of its residents.”
Schmid began her career with the county in 2014 as a principal plan-
Entertainment Events presents “Late Nite Catechism,”
3 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.
July 12
Find out what you have wanted to know about growing succulents through an interactive presentation with hands-
Publisher Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 resposito@mtdemocrat.net
Managing Editor Noel Stack (530) 344-5073 nstack@villagelife.com
Advertising/Distribution
Ian Balentine (530) 344-5048 ibalentine@mtdemocrat.net
Multi-Media Sales Representatives:
Wes Edwards (530) 344-5059 wesley@mtdemocrat.com
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2889 Ray Lawyer Drive • Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-1255
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8am-4pm; Friday 8am-3pm
ner for the Community Development Agency before becoming a principal management analyst for the Chief Administrative Office in 2016. She would go on to serve as the director of the Planning and Building Department in 2018 before returning to the Chief Administrative Office.
Before her time at the county Schmid worked 10 years as a California Department of Water Resources and Department of General Services planner. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Sacramento, where she also earned a master’s degree in anthropology.
The county has been looking to
on activities hosted by Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive.
The Sons in Retirement – Gold Country branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Cameron Park Country Club. Check out the club and be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact Branch 95’s membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and Charm Photography host a business blender, 5:30 p.m. at 4364 Town Center Blvd., Suite 215. RSVP by calling (916) 9331335 or visit eldoradohillschamber.org.
July 13
El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live on the Boulevard free concerts every Thursday. The schedule features Forejour (July 13), Joy & Madness (July 20), Maroon Vibes (July 27), Island of Black and White (Aug. 3), Kalimba (Aug. 10), Petty Theft (Aug. 17) Stevie Ray Visited (Aug. 24), Folsom Lake Symphony (Aug. 31) and Uptown Funk (Sept. 7). Set up begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.
July 15
The Cameron Park Community Center presents a Dive-In Movie. Bring your floaties to the CPCSD pool and watch “Grown Ups” at 8:45 p.m. Entry fee is $6 and free to annual pass holders.
July 16
El Dorado Western Railroad offers train rides at the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St., beginning at 10 a.m. the first and third Sundays of each month. Trains leave on the hour 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Call ahead to
replace Ashton since July 2022 after he announced his retirement. The board appointed Schmid unanimously.
In the press release Board Chair Wendy Thomas praises Schmid, an El Dorado County resident almost her entire life and touts her experience and commitment to serving residents of El Dorado County.
“This was an appointment that we took with the upmost solemn responsibility and we had a lot of good people to choose from, yet in digging into it, Tiffany has surfaced as the right person for the job at this time,” Thomas added during the board meeting. Schmid’s annual salary is $279,406.44.
Continued from A2
ensure trains are running at (530) 663-3581.
The Shingle Springs Community Center hosts Ranch Days, 4-8 p.m., featuring a T-bone steak dinner, live country music by Colton Mountain, a raffle and more. For tickets and more information visit shinglespringscommunitycenter. org.
July 21
The Sierra Renaissance Society invites members and the public to a free Ice Cream Social, 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mother Lode Lions Club, 4701 Missouri Flat Road. Board members will serve at least two flavors of ice cream with toppings for sundaes and answer questions about the organization and members’ commitment to lifelong learning. Music will also be provided.
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Seussical Kids” through July 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento presents A Gathering, sculptural and functional ceramics from 35 Black American emerging and established artists living and working in the United States, through Aug. 20; Breaking the Rules, art of Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, through Aug. 27; and Estamans de la Raza, contemporary screenprints and lithographs by by Chicanx and Latinx artists living and working in the United States, through Oct. 1. For tickets and more information visit crocker.org.
El Dorado County Certified Farmers Markets have begun Saturdays at Placerville Cinema on Placerville Drive, 8 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays at Burke Junction on Coach Lane in Cameron Park, 8 a.m. to noon; and Sundays at El Dorado Hills Town Center, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
News release
The Rescue Fire Department announces the addition of two cutting-edge apparatus to its fleet, further reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of the community. This Type 2, 2023 Pierce Freightliner fire engine and a 2023 Fouts Bros. Western Star water tender significantly bolster the department’s capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.
The 2023 Pierce Freightliner fire engine stands as a powerful asset in the face of challenging fire incidents.
Equipped with a 1,000 GPM Darley pump and a tank capacity of 500 gallons of water,
this engine is a force to be reckoned with.
Additionally, powered by a reliable Cummins ISL9 motor, the fire engine ensures swift and efficient deployment, allowing the department’s highly skilled Advanced Life Support personnel to reach the scene with unprecedented speed. Complementing the fire engine is the 2023 Fouts Bros. Western Star water tender, representing an indispensable resource for situations where a substantial water supply is paramount. With an impressive capacity of 3,000 gallons of water and a 1,000 GPM Darley pump, this water tender ensures a reliable source of water during emergencies,
The Rescue Fire Department has a new engine, left, and water tender on the job, helping firefighters
ensuring firefighters have the necessary resources to combat fires effectively. Powered by the same dependable Cummins ISL9 motor, this apparatus guarantees a formidable response capability.
The addition of these cutting-edge apparatus represents a significant milestone for the Rescue Fire Department. With the new fire engine and the water tender, the Rescue firefighters are better equipped than ever to safeguard the commu-
nity. These state-of-theart vehicles exemplify the department’s commitment to providing the highest level of emergency services.
The Rescue Fire Department acknowledges the generous support of the com-
munity and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, whose unwavering dedication and contributions have made the acquisition of these apparatus possible.
News release
The El Dorado County Community Action Council has vacancies, including within the Low-Income and Community Sector categories. The deadline to submit a member application is July 14.
The Community Action Council acts in an advisory capacity to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors
(916) 712-7856
durstesa@comcast.net
edurstpainting.com
Lic. #970063
and the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency about the needs of the community relating to human services for low-income residents of the county. These are volunteer, unpaid positions. Meetings are held in Placerville.
To receive an application for the Community Action Council contact Star Walker at (530) 621-6255 or send an email to star.walker@edcgov.us.
“Come for the food, stay for the mimosas!”
, how could you not have a great time at the Dedier family restaurant, The Mimosa House? If you think choosing from more than 100 different varieties of mimosas is hard, try deciding which delicious item to order from the vast menu! Try a delicious breakfast or lunch starter of Toasties (French donuts covered in powdered sugar) before indulging in another decadent treat, the Island Crepe, filled with flambéed bananas, shredded coconut,
macadamia nuts and caramel.
The breakfast menu also includes more than 20 omelets, 9 eggs Benedict options, plus tasty south-of-the-border food. For a more traditional lunch, check out the updated menu featuring an array of burgers, go to handhelds like their Club Sandwich and the Taco
Truck section with a good variety of tacos, including tons of meat options. family.
We invite you to come on down, get lost in our endless options, treat yourself to THE Mimosa House Experience, and let us celebrate you becoming a part of our
Hooshie Broomand
Special to Village Life
The El Dorado Hills Soccer Club’s 2006 Boys Gold team has fought against the odds to be placed in one of the top leagues in the United States, Elite National Club Level-Regional League, a er a hard-fought season.
The ’06 Boys team and the ’09 Boys Gold Team were the rst ever teams from EDHSC to achieve National Premiere League status. A er placing in the top of their fall league, the ’06 boys were promoted to the Champions League, which consists of the top three teams from each division within Nor Cal Premiere Soccer. A er a long and competitive spring league the boys triumphed through major injuries and missed qualifying for the United States National NPL Championships in Colorado by only one game. Although just a little short of this impressive feat, the team’s play and consistency caught the attention of the decisions makers at NorCal Premier Soccer and the team received word that it has been promoted to ECNL-RL.
“We were de nitely disappointed that we could not make the trip to Denver for the national championships, but these boys de ed the odds all year,” said head coach Tony Guzman. “To think of the adversity and injuries this team faced throughout the season, it was
great to see them get the acknowledgment they deserve by being promoted to ECNL-RL.”
The ECNL-RL is the top division of competition in NorCal Premiere Soccer and features the best teams in state. The league also features 11 regional leagues, including the Carolinas, Florida, Heartland, Northeast, Northwest, Ohio Valley, Southern California, Southeast, Texas and Virginia. Each league allows for coordination and collaboration between the teams of di erent levels within ECNL clubs or opportunity for teams and players in other clubs to develop through regular high-level competition. The ’06 Boys team will have opportunities to not only play the best teams in the state, but will also play in college showcases and will have the opportunity to travel throughout the United States to play other regional showcases.
“This is truly unprecedented for our club,” said Adam Mo at, formerly of the Sacramento Republic and MLS and now director of coaching for El Dorado Hills Soccer Club. “This just goes to show that when you are dedicated to your cra and receive the support of those around you including the club, coaches and families, you can accomplish anything. We are proud that these boys are paving the way for future teams within our club.”
For moreinformation visit edhsc.org.
Kendall Lafontaine
Special to Village Life
Capital Crew U16 rowers came in 6th in the nation at the U.S. Rowing Youth Nationals held last month in Sarasota, Fla.
Two Oak Ridge High School students — Ava Lafontaine and Avary McBrayer — are on the Sacramentobased team, which practiced six days a week for 10 months (sometimes
twice a day) to reach this skill level. To qualify for youth nationals the team had to place in the top four at Southwest Regional Championships (all teams from California, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona, Utah). The Capital Crew came in third in that race.
Capital Crew is a no cut sport and open to anyone in the Sacramento area. For more information visit sacstateaquaticcenter.com/capital-crew-youthrowing.
1,673 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
0.1289-acre property
Listed at $637,000 MLS #223058849
This beautiful, singlestory home awaits in the desirable Diamond Glen Active Adult (55+) gated community in Folsom.
The front yard features a gorgeous shade tree and nice lawn with owers and bushes lining one side of the driveway. Manicured shrubs follow the path to the home’s covered front porch.
The front door opens into the welcoming great room encompassing the kitchen, living room and dining space. Large windows and a glass door bring in natural light. During the colder months, a gas log replace will keep residents and guests cozy.
Gather around the long bar in the kitchen, where chefs have plenty of space to prepare meals. Kitchen amenities include a large refrigerator, deep sink, dishwasher, quartz countertops, party cabinet, stove and built-in microwave. Serve meals at the bar or the open dining space nearby.
The home has two bedrooms and a ex room that could serve as a third bedroom, o ce, cra room, etc. The ex room has ample built-in cabinetry and a glass sliding door opening onto the back patio.
The owners’ suite has so carpet and backyard access via a glass door. The suite’s bathroom accessed through an arched doorway includes double sinks, a stall shower and a walk-in closet.
The second bedroom is carpeted and spacious. Nearby is the second bathroom with a stall shower and double sinks.
Other home features sure to catch potential buyers’ attention include the high ceilings and new tile ooring. There’s also a half bathroom, separate laundry room with storage and even more storage in the attached, two-car garage.
A charming pergola provides shade in the lush backyard with manicured shrubs and growing trees. Enjoy summer nights cooled by a ceiling fan while dinner cooks on the built-in barbecue.
The Diamond Glen community boasts a neighborhood pool and spa as well as tennis courts, exercise room and a community facility.
Interested in a tour of this beautiful Diamond Glen Circle property in Folsom?
Contact Realtor Marilyn Go at (530) 672-4530 or visit marilyngo .com.
Summer means sunshine, hot weather and time outdoors for family. Ergo, it’s time to go to a fair!
Northern California boasts many ne fairs at this time of year. You could plan part of your summer just traveling to all of the county fairs.
The biggest and best of all of these are the Stanislaus County Fair and the California State Fair & Food Festival. Both are worth attending.
This year the Stan Co Fair (as it refers to itself) runs July 7-16. The State Fair (as I will refer to it here) runs July 14-30. That’s nearly an entire month of rides, exhibits and concerts. More than you can shake food-on-a-stick at. Let’s take a closer look.
This fair is over an hour from El Dorado County, but I highly recommend it to those who enjoy a large, old-fashioned fair with an emphasis on fun and agriculture. Every day is Animal Day at this fair. Last year’s attendance was 270,447. That’s a lot of funnel cakes, turkey legs and frosty beverages.
The Stan Co Fair has cooling sta-
tions and abundant shade beneath heritage trees. The campus, while clearly older, is walkable. You can get to everything fairly quickly. The concert schedule includes: Parmalee, Ginuwine, El Dasa, Plain White T’s, Revisiting Creedence, Lit, The All-American Rejects, Blue Öyster Cult, Ashley McBryde and Los Nuevos Rebeldes. Check online for performance dates.
In addition to the fair exhibits and free concerts, this year’s event schedule includes tractor pulls, bloodless bull ghting, destruction derbies, monster trucks, PRCA Rodeo, jaripeo (a form of Mexican bullriding), and AMP MotorsportsMotocross. These events require an additional admission purchase, which can be done online for convenience. Check online for dates.
I highly recommend the Bloodless Bull ghting, which is done in the Portuguese tradition. The bull lives! That Sunday, July 9, event will sell out. Good to know: This is an evening fair on weekdays. Gates open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and at noon on weekends. Buildings close at 11 p.m. and the car-
■ See LAIRD, page B5
We all know what’s coming: hotter days, higher water bills and less water to go around. What can a gardener do?
Well, actually, quite a lot — and this is the perfect time to start.
There are three main elements to any landscape: hardscape, plants and irrigation. The hardscape includes your house, garage, driveway, pathways, pool, patio, dry stream beds — anything permanent that has nothing planted on it. Hardscape is o en overlooked when considering a landscape plan, but it’s important. On the plus side, hardscape elements reduce your planted area and subsequent irrigation water use, but they also re ect heat into the garden, increase temperatures and can cause runo and erosion during the rainy season.
There are many good ways to handle the cons.
Impermeable surfaces can be graded and slotted to drain water and to slow and direct runo ; walkways can be constructed from decomposed granite, stepping stones or bark so more water is absorbed into your soil for use by plants. During the rainy season the water that falls onto the roof of your house and garage can be directed from downspouts into a collection barrel or a drain that spreads it across your property or into a planted area. Make sure the plants located there can handle some extra water — it takes only three days of sitting in water for roots to rot.
Determine your soil type (clay, sand, silt, loam or a combination) so you know how quickly water moves through that soil and what nutrients it might need. If necessary, amend your soil with good compost so your plants will ourish. A bit of research and the application of what you learn can produce surprising
results. Reduce the amount of turf on your property and replace it with smart, sustainable choices. Select your plants carefully based on your climate zone (USDA Cold Hardiness Zone or Sunset Western Garden Zone); intended use, (shelter, privacy, decoration, bird or butter y habitats, good owers); sun exposure, (shade, morning light, full sun between noon and 6.p.m., or a combination); and water needs, (drought tolerant or low water use, if possible). Do a little research on plants you like. Before buying, make sure they are truly “water-wise” and suited to the spot you intend for them. Don’t purchase anything that harbors insects or has diseased or damaged leaves. Place plants with similar water needs in the same area. Plants at the bottom of a slope get more water, and those at the top get less. Plants of all sizes need less water once they are established. Mulch keeps plants cool and conserves water. Do not apply water faster than the soil can absorb it. Consider watering a little less; you probably can. During the heat of the summer it’s a good time to stay indoors and research plants and determine which plants will thrive in your home garden. Cooler temperatures in the fall are the perfect time to plant perennials that will have time to establish a healthy root system before winter.
Master Gardener classes are o ered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Public_Education_Classes/?calendar=yes&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado. ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.
Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardeners will o er tours, answer questions or guests can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.
Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado.ucanr.edu, or leave a message on the o ce telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/master_gardener_e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
News release
How do you really know if your dog likes you? Do you have any idea what they think or feel about you? Those questions and more are the subject of the world premiere of “For the Love of Dog,” a new comedy show penned by Bill Glasser opening July 15 at The Stage At Burke Junction.
This “people-powered, dogloving story show” is inspired by a real dog (who will be present at select performances) and is directed by Elisabeth Nunziato of B Street Theatre fame. The show will delight audi-
ences of all ages as they accompany Bags, a 169-pound therapy masti , played by the hilarious Nestor Campos, through his journey with three di erent owners in California.
The lecturer and host for the evening is Scientist Joe, who will share his groundbreaking research on the real thoughts and opinions dogs have shared with him.
Along the way the audience will also meet Eva, Bags’ best friend, a German shorthaired pointer, played by the incomparable Fatemeh Mehraban, who dreams of life and freedom beyond her backyard fence.
Ralphy, a pug mix, played by
Braeden Harris, is Bags’ nemesis and arthritic roommate who teaches Bags how to avoid trouble by sleeping and eating. And no therapy dog could go without their own therapist, Dr. Lov, a Rottweiler mix, whose excellent counseling and prescriptions are a godsend for San Diego’s hardest working therapy dogs.
It’s dancing, music, a day at the dog park, mealtime and endless drool. “For the Love of Dog” runs July 15 through Aug. 13 at The Stage at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane, Suite E1, Cameron Park. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com or call (916) 947-1010.
When you’re retired, you’ll likely have some nancial concerns — just like all retirees. However, if you’ve invested regularly and followed a long-term
nancial strategy you should be able to address most issues that come your way. But there’s one important action that’s sometimes overlooked by retirees: sharing their nancial situation with their grown children. And this knowledge can bene t everyone in your family.
You might be surprised by the concern your children have for your nan-
cial well-being. Consider these ndings from a 2023 study by Age Wave and Edward Jones:
• 66% of millennials (generally de ned as ranging from 27 to 42) worry that their parents or in-laws may not have enough money to live comfortably in retirement.
• 83% of millennials would rather know their parents are nancially secure in their retirement, even if it means their parents pass on less money to them.
If you have children in this age range or older, or who soon will be, how can you address their concerns and potentially improve your nancial outlook? Communication is the key. By openly communicating with your family about your nancial status you can reduce anxieties and misperceptions. If you’re in good nancial shape, your adult children may be reassured that you won’t be needing their assistance. And if you are feeling some nancial pressures, you can inform your children of the steps you are taking to improve your situation. One such step may be to reduce your cost of liv-
ing — the less you spend day to day, the better your ability to preserve your investment and retirement accounts. You may be able to reduce costs in many small ways, such as ending streaming services you no longer use, but you could make an even bigger impact by downsizing your living arrangements. In fact, 72% of today’s retirees have downsized or are willing to downsize to reduce their housing costs, according to the Age Wave/Edward Jones survey. Downsizing isn’t for everyone but if it’s a possibility for you, it may be worth considering because the savings could be signi cant.
You may also be able to reduce or consolidate your debts. Start by understanding how much and what kinds of debt you have. Then, consider ways to lower your payments, such as renancing. For example, if you’re carrying a balance on multiple credit cards you might be able to transfer the amounts you owe onto a single card with a more favorable interest rate.
Here’s another move to consider: Adjust your investment mix to pos-
sibly provide you with more income in retirement. During your working years you may have invested primarily for growth — a er all, you could be retired for two or more decades so you’ll need to draw on as many nancial assets as possible. But once you’re retired, your investment focus may need to shi somewhat toward income-producing opportunities. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll still need some growth potential to help keep ahead of in ation.
One nal suggestion: Let your children know if you already have a strategy in place to meet the potentially high costs of long-term care, such as a nursing home stay. This burden is certainly something you won’t want your children to take on. By informing your children about your nancial picture, and how you’re trying to improve it, you can ease everyone’s minds — so keep the lines of communication open.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.
News release
The El Dorado Hills Arts Association has awarded its annual scholarship to Ylse Gonzalez, a recent graduate of Union Mine High School in El Dorado.
“I have a very mixed style of art mediums,” Ylse explained. “It varies from graphite to watercolor and I’ve experimented with print making, oils and pastels.”
Ylse’s work impressed the members of the El Dorado Arts Association who reviewed the scholarship submissions.
“Her work demonstrated talent and maturity,” commented Rita Giannini,
nival is open until midnight.
Gang colors are not permitted within the Stan Co Fair, and there is a quiet — but rm — law enforcement presence so everyone can enjoy the fair in safety.
Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for kids (ages 7 to 12) and seniors (65 and better). Kids
younger than 6 are free. Unlimited ride wristbands for the carnival are $35 weekdays/$40 weekends. Smart cards for rides can be purchased at kiosks on site. Parking is $10. The Stan Co Fair is located at 900 North Broadway Ave. in Turlock. Visit stancofair. com for more information and promotions (free stu ).
The State Fair is geared toward food, agriculture and fun. It has an expansive hardscape campus. Comfortable walking shoes, water and sunscreen are highly recommended.
This year’s State Fair o ers an expanded o ering of events and tastes. The focus is on the progress of agriculture throughout the state. The county exhibits are always interesting. Hopefully, more counties will participate this year.
Concerts are “free” at the State Fair … BUT … If you want a better seat, reserved seating is $25/ ticket. This year’s schedule includes Fitz and the Tantrums, Confunkshun, Ashley McBryde, Boyz II Men, Ginuwine, LeAnn Rimes, Scotty McCreery, Revisiting Creedence, The Isley Brothers, Third Eye Blind, SantanaWays, 38 Special, Ashanti, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Gin Blossoms, Kool & The Gang and Trace Adkins. Check online for performance dates.
Some fairgoers will not be happy with what I am about to share. In order to keep everyone safe at the State Fair, there are two new policies.
First: Minors younger than 18 cannot enter the fairgrounds without an adult. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California
Driver License or Identi cation Card or other Government issued
scholarship chairperson. “Our panel reviewed the student applications, their submitted artwork, their college and career aspirations and conducted in person interviews. She was the obvious choice.”
Ylse got interested in art when she was “around 10” and started watching YouTube videos to learn and practice drawing. When her dad came home with a huge pallet of art supplies, her passion for art really began.
Now she enjoys drawing and painting pictures of people that “represent internal happiness.”
“I have no certain style because I
Continued from B2
ID. Each adult can only chaperone ve minors at a time. Groups larger than ve minors require an additional chaperone for every ve minors. The chaperone (parent/adult) is required to remain on the property while the minors are on the property.
The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/ adult to a California Exposition & State Fair Grounds representative upon request. Grab a Sharpie pen before you leave home, folks.
Any and all misbehaving minors will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult).
Any minors younger than 18 not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
Organized and ticketed group outings, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports and other pre-scheduled group visits are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place.
Second: No one is allowed onto the fairgrounds with a purse or fanny pack that is made of anything other than clear vinyl. Bags must be see-through and cannot be larger than 12 inches high by 12 inches wide by 2 inches thick. You are welcome to purchase a bag or purse inside the fair to carry your items if you wish.
I’m not a fan of all this, but that’s the world we live in.
Good to know: Check online at calexpostatefair. com/info/hours for hours, as these vary depending on the day of the week.
Admission to the State Fair is $16 for adults, $12 for seniors (ages 62 and better), $10 for kids (ages 5 to 12) and seniors (65 and better). Kids younger than 4 are free. Unlimited ride wristbands for the midway range from $37 to $42. Parking is $15.
The State Fair is located at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento. Visit calexpostatefair.com for premiums, discounts and additional info.
For all the hassle I’ve gone through attending these fairs (money, sunscreen, wrangling the kids, etc.) for the last four decades, I’ve never regret-
ting attending either one with my family. Those memories are priceless. And so worth it. Make it a joyful summer with the ones you love!
Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.
love to create pieces that make me feel a certain way,” Ylse shared.
She said she wants the viewer of her work to “feel like their eyes have been painted with color. Even though I have a mixed art style, from my art works you can feel a variety of emotions from sad to happy.”
“The annual scholarship we award is given to artistically talented high school seniors pursuing a college education in the arts,” explained Judy Arrigotti, association president. “We’ve proudly award 17 scholarships to art students from local high schools.”
Students from schools in the El Dorado Union High School District are eligible. The students must be pursuing a degree in ne art, including sculpture, drawing, painting and digital,
computer-based photography.
Ylse plans to attend Folsom Lake College this fall to get her AA degree with a focus on art, then transfer to a four-year school. She aspires to be an art director and follow an educational path to achieve that goal.
The recent graduate said one of her proudest moments as an artist was presenting her artwork at the Bank of America art Gallery at Folsom Lake College’s Harris Center for the Arts. “It was one the coolest experiences to see my art displayed for other people to look at,” she said.
EDHAA strives to enrich the community with the visual arts for and from artists of all ages and in all mediums and at all skill levels. For more information visit eldoradohillsarts.com.
Anniversary
News release
F
OLSOM — Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” Monty Python’s “Spamalot” retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, featuring a bevy of beautiful showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people.
Did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls?
See them live at Sutter Street Theatre when “Spamalot” opens July 8 on the Folsom stage.
The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was followed by two successful West End runs. With such classic songs as “He Is Not Dead Yet,” “The
Song That Goes Like This,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and the ever popular “Fisch Schlapping Song,” the outrageous, uproarious and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight the audience as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”
With book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle, this production is directed by Connie Mockenhaupt. The show is rated PG-13.
“Spamalot” runs July 8 through Aug. 13 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. For reservations and more information visit SutterStreetTheatre. com or call (916) 353-1001.
a Book
Jessica Cyphers
Staff writer
For patients of Dale Stanec, Jr.,
DDS, going to the dentist feels a little like going home.
“We know all of our patients.
They’re our friends,” said Dr. Stanec, who works alongside his wife and office manager, Elena, in his Cameron Park office. “The experience in our office is very personal. We’re very small and greet each patient by name when they walk in. It’s a comfortable, homey place to have dental work done, and we like it that way.”
Dr. Stanec has been in dentistry in the Cameron Park area since 2002. As a kid, he was “always into science and math” and loved the idea of owning his own business. “I ran a lawn-mowing business as a kid — always had some kind of business going — so becoming a dentist and owning my own practice just made sense,” said Dr. Stanec. Dr. Stanec did his undergraduate work at Cal Poly,
San Luis Obispo and then attended dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern in 2001 and says that, although he was born and raised in San Jose, it was a natural draw to open his practice in the foothills.
“Elena and I love this area. We had a lot of family and friends here and thought it would be a great place to raise our kids.”
In his office, Dr. Stanec offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers and dental implants to crowns and bridges and more. Unlike many other dentists, Dr. Stanec doesn’t employ dental hygienists or other technicians but does all of his dental work himself.
“I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my patients. It’s fun for me to do the work myself because I get to spend more time with my patients and hang out with them and really get to know them. It makes it fun to do what I do,” said Dr. Stanec.
Another advantage of keeping his practice small is that, because he sees every patient one at a time, Dr. Stanec can be very thorough and immediately answer any questions that come up. He is also able to really respect his patients’ time. “I am almost always early or on time,” said Dr. Stanec. “My patients know that, so they’re usually early or on time for their appointments, too. It’s a win win for everyone.”
Dr. Stanec is located at 3955 Cameron Park Drive — in Cameron Park. His office is right near the Goldorado Shopping Center, directly across from the new Walgreens on Palmer Drive, and is very conveniently located for all of his patients. The move is just one more way Dr. Stanec shows his commitment to providing the best possible care for his patients.
“I look forward to going to work and getting to see who’s on the schedule every day,” said Dr. Stanec.
“I love the work that I do and am proud to do really quality work. Originally I’d planned to be a little bigger, but then I realized I liked it this way. I really enjoy my patients and
Colette Thiel
As we begin the 2nd half of 2023, I have to say that I am so proud of our Board of Directors and Ambassador Committee for their hard work in building our membership! In just the last week in June, we’ve had several new members join! Exciting things are happening.
July is going to be a busy month for us starting with a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting/ Mixer on July 6 at DNA Golf Academy. This is going to be a fun event so show your support of this new business by attending.
We have BIG news! Our monthly Chamber luncheons are on the move to Moonraker Brewing Company in Cameron Park beginning this month. As usual, our luncheons are on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 11:30am. Come check it out! We know you are going to love it!
Our Thunder in the Park on June
10th was a HUGE success! We had 138 vehicles and surpassed our fundraising goal. Thank you to our event sponsors, Kniesel’s Collision, Geneva MortgageAmber Jaurequi, Marshall Medical, Cal. Net, EXP Realty – McKinney Group, Solis Collision. And a huge shoutout to all of the local businesses that donated to our raffle!
If you know a local business looking
to be a part of the Chamber, tell them to reach out on our website at www. sscpchamber.org , call us at 530-6778000 or just stop in the office! We have an amazing, supportive member community that welcomes all our Chamber family!
Colette Thiel, President SSCP Chamber of Commerce
The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to spend a few hours a month helping the chamber with its events and management. The payback is helping your local business advocates support the community in which
they live and serve, while striving to make Shingle Springs and Cameron Park wonderful places in which to live! We have several key positions opening right now. Get involved today! Please contact Colette Thiel@ ThielHomes.com for more information.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
July (Fridays to Sundays)
CP Rotary Club Observatory
From 8:30pm to 10:30 pm, weather permitting, the observatory is open to the public on weekend evenings. Trained docents show the many celestial wonders of the universe through two 14-inch telescopes. Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, Campus Drive (continue through the back parking lots to the left of the observatory gate). For info and closure updates, call (530) 642-5621, Ext. 9.
July
Support Small Businesses To Keep It Local!
Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!
June 6th
SS/CP Chamber Mixer
Come mix and mingle at the monthly Chamber Mixer, taking place at DNAgolfacademy. Time is 5:307:30pm. The address is 4100 Cameron Park Dr., Suite 108, Cameron Park. Contact the Chamber for more information at (530) 677-8000. sscpchamber.org
July 9
Farmer’s Market
EDH Town Center, through October 29. From 8am to 1pm every Sunday.
July 13
Live On the Boulevard EDH Town Center, featuring Fourjour, from 7-9pm. edhtowncenter.com
June 17
Third Saturday, Placerville Art Walk Historic Downtown Placerville. Main Street galleries and merchants host changing art shows and late night shopping every third Saturday of the month. Demonstrations, refreshments, music and more. Placerville Downtown Association, 376 Main St., Placerville. Read more on EventCrazy.com.
Inc. in December 1967. It works
community.
The Chamber’s mission statement re ects this
July 26
SS/CP Chamber Networking Luncheon
Please join us at Moonraker Millhouse, 3501 Robin Lane, Cameron Park from 11:30am to 1:00pm for our monthly networking luncheon! Contact the Chamber for more details at (530) 677-8000.
July 27
71st Jeepers’ Jamboree
Jeepers and Jeep® Jamboree offer fully supported off road trips through the famous Rubicon Trail in Northern, California. This year marks the 71st year of offering these epic adventures. Geared for families, this trip also has the Jeep Jamboree Camp Rubicon educational program for our participants aged 6 – 16yrs. Registrations can also be faxed over at 530-333-0245 or taken over the phone at 530-333-4771. https://jeepersjamboree.com/jeepers. html
July 29
Summer Harvest Days At Apple Hill
Enjoy the bounty of summer at the Apple Hill Growers Summer Harvest Days Trail July 29-30 and August 5-6 starting at 10am. Wineries, ranches, and farms will feature stone fruits, berries, baked goods, wines, and other delicious ways to celebrate the season. For speci c information, email info@applehill. com or call 644-7692.
Community, by means of a strong, healthy and diverse business community.”