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SURVEY SAYS ... Find out what the EDH business community thinks of this interesting climate. INSIDE, PAGE 3
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IN EL DORADO HILLS
JULY 21, 2022
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LOVE & KINDNESS – ALWAYS
Courtesy photo
Mike and Denise Hountalas and their sons stand outside The Purple Place after the couple bought the El Dorado Hills mainstay in 2006. The couple says they will have to close the business if they can’t get a new lease agreement.
The Purple Place might Family, friends pay tribute to Wally lose its place Village Life photo by Noel Stack
Smiles and “k-nuckles” here — Wally Richardson’s family demonstrates his classic greeting (and his sense of humor) following a memorial service Saturday.
Noel Stack Managing Editor
P
roving it’s possible to cry and smile at the same time, about 200 people gathered at Hills Church in El Dorado Hills Saturday to fondly remember local legend Wally Richardson, hearing heroic tales about his time in the Navy as well as about a hilariously won talent competition during which he wore wife Jenny’s bathing suit. Known for his words of wisdom (aka “Wallyisms”), infectious smile, enthusiastic wave and nonstop opti-
mism, Wally touched many during his time in the community, including the countless elementary and middle school students he greeted and gave “k-nuckles” (fist bumps) during his morning walks. His actions were so appreciated a plaque and bench were installed on Francisco Drive for him in 2018, gifted by Marina Village Middle School and the Lake Forest Owners Association. Wally died May 21 at 98 years old, leaving behind his wife of 64 years, four children, five grandchildren ■
Sel Richard Staff writer Dubbed El Dorado Hills’ original roadhouse, this little slice of history is embroiled in lease negotiations — negotiations that became public when patrons noticed the restaurant’s lighted sign missing — which threaten to force The Purple Place owners Mike and Denise Hountalas to close their doors. It would be a blow to the likes of Bill Collinge,
See WALLY, page 4
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See PURPLE PLACE, page 5
EDH Fire donates reserve engine Noel Stack Managing Editor Call it the beginning of a beautiful friendship. El Dorado Hills Fire Department and Pioneer Fire Protection District staff met Thursday afternoon at Pioneer’s Mount Aukum station to share stories, shake hands and celebrate a new role for an older engine. EDH Fire donated a Type 1 wildland/urban engine to its southeastern neighbor. The engine had been used as a reserve engine in El Dorado Hills and now takes on that same role in Pioneer. “The timing couldn’t be better,” said Pioneer Fire Chief David Whitt, explaining that some of the district’s vehicles have of late been plagued with mechanical issues. EDH Fire bought the engine new in 2000, according to EDH Fire Chief Maurice Johnson, and has meticulously maintained
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Maurice Johnson and Pioneer Fire Protection District Chief David Whitt share a laugh during a special event at which EDH Fire presented Pioneer FPD with an engine at no cost.
the apparatus to ensure its longevity. “It has bounced around, covering for engines that have been down,” he said. The district could have sold the engine for about $50,000, the chief estimated, but said EDH Fire would rather donate it to a neighbor in need. “The fact that we’re getting this engine with their board’s blessing and our board’s blessing is unbelievable,” noted Whitt, who credits the smooth process to the relationship he and Johnson have — the two have known each other a number of years as they both served in Sacramento region fire districts prior to making the move to El Dorado County. Pioneer Fire Protection District covers about 300 square miles of rural terrain with one engine, shared Capt. Scott Ramsey, and the district’s backup is in the shop. Motioning to ■
See ENGINE, page 4
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 29
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ISSUE NO. 29
A GREAT PLACE IN PLACERVILLE
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LET’S GO RIDE A BIKE
This two-story home has a gorgeous pool with waterfalls and great living spaces.
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A local nonprofit group is helping little ones feel comfortable on bicycles.
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