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Village Life photo by Noel Stack

El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinksi will retire Oct. 20 after serving El Dorado County for 18 years and a 40-year animal welfare career.

Village Life photos by Noel Stack

Second-grader Taylor Lehr, third-grader Ronin Schott and visiting sixth-grader Regan Schott work together to put new cauliflower plants into the garden bed during a fall planting day event.

Henry Brzezinski Growing plants, growing minds lets go of the leash Moms revive school garden, outdoor education Noel Stack Managing editor

Noel Stack Managing editor

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unshine and laughter, combined with just the right amount of dirt flinging, made for a fun fall planting event at William Brooks Elementary School. Little fingers dug holes for the new plants, making sure to properly space them and not damage the roots.

Behind all the organized chaos, school moms Shelley Joyer and Christy Calderon watched with joy and pitched in where needed. The pair revived the school garden last year and have since watched their program bloom.

During the 2022-23 school year students enjoyed fresh treats from the garden during lunch, from salsa ■ See GARDEN, page A3

uster, a 15-year-old Pomeranian, sniffs around El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinski’s office and eagerly takes a few treats. The black-and-white fuzzball goes this way and that, tongue hanging out sideways.

He’s the rescue dog and constant companion of Brzezinski and soon, the latter’s partner in retirement.

After 18 years on the job, the community’s top animal advocate is ready to enjoy a quieter life and read all the books he has amassed over the years — with Buster on his lap, of course. Brzezinski’s last day is Oct. 20.

“I feel the program will continue to run well with the staff we have and the support from the community,” Brzezinski said.

Parent volunteer Kristen Devereaux and fourth-grader Nora Bellamy plant leeks at the school garden.

■ See BRZEZINSKI, page A3

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What’s Happening Oct. 19 UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host an informational, virtual meeting/orientation about becoming a Master Gardener at 5 p.m. Visit surveys. ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber =35604%20.

October 19, 2023

Student of the Year Noel Stack Managing editor The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and Rescue Union School District officials and educators honored Romina Gonzalez as the Lake Forest Elementary School Student of the Year.

“She is such a hard-working kid,” Principal Dr. Renee Mallott shared at the Oct. 11 EDH Rotary breakfast meeting.

Fifth-grade teacher Kelly Brancoli called Romina, 10, “a bright light in our classroom.”

“She’s going on to do great things,” Brancoli predicted.

“Watch out for her.”

RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake commended Romina for her love of social studies, as he was a social studies major in college. He also shared that Romina loves to read and enjoys art.

For all her efforts, Romina received a plaque, illustrated dictionary and $50 from the EDH Rotary Club.

Oct. 20 The El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “The Wizard of Oz,” Oct. 20-29 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom.

For more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

Oct. 21 The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Punt, Pass and Kick, 3-6 p.m. at Promontory Park. Preregistration is required.

Visit eldoradohillscsd. org.

Oct. 22

Village Life photo by Noel Stack

Multiple local Scouts BSA troops, with support from El Dorado County, host AdventureFEST, 1-5 p.m. at Brown’s Ravine, where kids ages 10 and older can experience the fun (no batteries required), while parents can chill in the adult lounge area. Register for this free event by visiting adventurefest2023. ticketleap.com/adventurefest-2023. Parking is free.

Lake Forest Student of the Year Romina Gonzalez, holding plaque, poses with, from left, EDH Rotary Club President Scott Draper, Lake Forest Principal Renee Mallott, teacher Kelly Brancoli, sisters Rebeca, 6, and Roberta, 8, proud parents Gerardo and Ana Cristina Gonzalez and RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake.

A fine day for fine art

Oct. 25 The free Senior Resource Fair takes place 10 a.m. to noon in the EDHCSD gym.

Vendors will provide great information to n See Events, page A3

Village Life photos by Noel Stack

The inaugural El Dorado Hills Fine Arts Festival took over the EDH Library Oct. 14, bringing together local artists and craftsmen who showcased their talents to an excited crowd. Above left, artist Gail Brooks, right, talks with Carol Kendrick of Cameron Park, center, and Deena Akins of Livermore. Kendrick collects art and shared she’s a big fan of Brooks’ work. Above right, Brielle, 5, gets some help with her leaf art from mom Carrie and grandma Jacqui at the children’s art area outside the library. The event was jointly sponsored by the Friends of the EDH Library, El Dorado Hills Arts Association and the El Dorado Hills Library.

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A3

October 19, 2023

Events

Continued from A2

seniors. There will also be raffle prizes and snacks.

call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Oct. 27

Oct. 28

The Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts free Trick or Treating at Burke Junction in Cameron Park, 4-7 p.m. For more information visit scpchamber.org/ chamber-calendar.

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Trunk or Treat and the annual Scarecrow contest, 4:30-7 p.m. in the Community Park parking lot. Pre-registration is required to submit a scarecrow and host a trunk. Visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts tarot readings with Erin Burrell, 5-8 p.m. For more information

The Rescue Community Center hosts the Fall Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop more than 30 vendors and find great fall gifts, jewelry and more. Admission is free.

Oct. 31 El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts the Halloween Spooktacular, 3-6 p.m. Participating Town Center businesses open their doors for delightful trick-or-treating. Join the excitement with a thrilling costume contest commencing at 5 p.m. in the Steven Young Amphitheater. For further details visit edhtowncenter.com.

Garden

Continued from A1

to smoothies — a tradition that continues this year during special lunch pop-ups. Each month the Garden Club meets twice to tend the plants and plan the garden’s next phase; 15 classes come once a month to get lessons on plant propagation, composting, pollinators and more.

“We wanted this to be more than pulling weeds,” Joyer said.

“The whole goal of it is when they leave, they’re capable of it all,” she continued. “They can go out and grow their own.”

That’s exactly what fourth-grader Eric Rudkin has done. This is his second year with the Garden Club.

“I like to farm plants and have fun,” Eric told Village Life. “At my house I have my own garden. I’m growing carrots, radishes (because it’s radish season), onions and grapes.”

The garden also gives students

a new appreciation for fruits and vegetables — not to mention all the work that goes into growing them.

Owen Joyer confessed his love for cucumbers. The first-grader said he and his mom Shelley picked more than 20 from the school garden to make pickles.

First-grader Grant Lovelace said his favorite treat is a fresh strawberry. When asked what he liked about working in the school garden he simply responded, “I like to plant.”

That sentiment is also true for Rolling Hills Middle School sixthgrader London Meyer, who came back to her old school to help during the planting event. With patience and clear directions, she helped a group of students carefully plant veggies in one of the raised garden beds.

“I think it’s really fun and I like

to watch the plants grow,” London said.

Now a thriving garden with raised beds, fencing to (mostly) keep the critters out, decomposed granite pathways, a sweet pea tipi and a shed full of tools, the William Brooks school garden has come a long way. When Calderon and Joyer took over in August 2022, Calderon said the space had 6-foot-tall weeds.

“I said, ‘We need to fix this,’” she recalled. The pair, who live down the street from one another but actually met at the garden gate, rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They received some funds from the school’s parent-teacher association but mostly rely on donations and volunteers.

Why take on the project?

“We love gardening,” Joyer said.

“It’s relaxing too,” Calderon added.

Brzezinksi The animal welfare veteran began leading Animal Services in January 2003. He served as chief until June 2008, when he took a job as the general manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority. But less than two years later Brzezinski returned to the foothills, saying in April 2010 he “greatly missed the community here and the relationships I had established with the local animal welfare groups, the county staff and the residents.”

Prior to his work in El Dorado and Santa Cruz counties, Brzezinski served in lead positions on the East Coast, including the role of executive director for the Humane Society of the Midlands of South Carolina and field investigator for the Humane Society of the United States. In 2001 he received the Silver Crescent award from South Carolina’s governor in recognition of his commitment to animal welfare.

For his work in California Brzezinski was named the 2019 National Animal Care and Control Association Employee of the Year. He has also spent years lobbying for better animal protection laws and professional changes to better serve communities and the animals.

During his tenure in El Dorado County, Brzezinski and his team facilitated the adoption of approximately 27,000 dogs and cats through their shelters in Diamond Springs and South Lake Tahoe.

Brzezinski said he has seen a lot of changes in animal services since he began his career about 40 years ago. On the positive side, he shared, more people see animal services in a positive light — a vital service to enhance public safety. EDC Animal Services has seen an 18.1% increase in calls for service in the last 20 years.

“That’s good,” Brzezinski maintained.

“People are calling us because animal care and animal welfare are in the forefront of people’s minds.”

He also noted the success of spay/neuter programs over the past two decades, sharing that on El Dorado County’s West Slope, “We have reduced our intake of dogs by 36.7% … but with the caveat that we had a smaller shelter then and now we are able to house animals longer until they find their forever homes.”

Continued from A1 At the South Lake Tahoe shelter the number of dog intakes has decreased by 65.7% and 69.3% for cats. However, the feline figure goes up on the West Slope.

“We have increased our intake of cats by 21.9%,” Brzezinski shared. “The trend is more people have gone to having cats as pets but … spay/neuter is still not occurring with kittens and cats like it should be.”

Another trend that has Brzezinski worried — animal surrender.

“More people are walking away from their animals,” he said, citing the economy, among other challenges, as the reason.

The shelter also has more animals in protective custody. “That is due to more animal crime seizures and more animals impounded due to arrests by law enforcement when we are called out, mostly after hours,” according to Brzezinski.

Animal Services recently adopted out the final dog from an El Dorado Hills animal cruelty case involving 25 German shepherd and husky breed dogs — 15 adult dogs and 10 puppies — kept in inhumane conditions. The defendant in that case pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to jail time, ordered to pay nearly $80,000 in restitution and prohibited from owning an animal for the next 10 years.

Brzezinski said he’s extremely grateful for Animal Services’ partnership with local law enforcement.

“The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office here are No. 1 in my book,” he commented. “I’ve worked in a lot of jurisdictions and here they really take (animal welfare) seriously.

“It makes our job easier and it makes it rewarding,” he continued, adding that support from Health and Human Services and the Board of Supervisors is also greatly appreciated.

That appreciation came right back to Brzezinski from county leaders.

“As sheriff of El Dorado County, working alongside Henry Brzezinski was an honor that exemplified our commitment to serving our community with unwavering dedication and compassion,” Sheriff Jeff Leikauff shared with Village Life.

“Henry has been a steadfast advocate for the welfare of animals and a part of our Animal Services team

for nearly 20 years.

His passion, dedication and deep knowledge of the field has been demonstrated through his work, including a number of high-profile animal welfare cases along with his team’s response to disasters in El Dorado County,” said newly appointed HHSA Director Olivia ByronCooper. “Henry will be missed and the entire HHSA team wishes him the best in his next adventure.”

Brzezinski also praised volunteers and nonprofit organizations like Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras and South County Large Animal Rescue that assist Animal Services in its mission.

“We have such an enthusiastic volunteer base,” he said. “The dogs here are so socialized and probably walked more than any others.”

And volunteers take good care of the cats and other animals living at the shelter as well, he continued, ensuring no animals get kennel stress.

At no time were all these community partners and his caring staff more vital than during the 2021 Caldor Fire.

Brzezinski recalled opening the shelter at midnight so those displaced could safely house their animals. He spent 18-plus hours in the Office of Emergency Services command center, often checking in with staff who assured him everything was going well.

“Every nook and cranny of this facility had animals in it,” he said of the West Slope shelter that opened in 2014 — another career highlight.

“I was so impressed with how the animal welfare groups stepped up at the highest level.”

Staff worked long hours to help everyone and coordinate care.

Brzezinski praised their commitment during this emergency — and at all times on the job.

“They’ve made this program what it is and I couldn’t do it without them.”

He also expressed deep appreciation for this partner, Terri Friedl, who worked for the ECD Sheriff’s Office for 28 years. The couple met when Brzezinski went in for his live-scan appointment.

“I couldn’t have done this work all these years if I didn’t have the support of my partner in many ways,” he shared. “Terri took care of our adopted animals many days and

nights, especially during disaster response events, always made sure I had lunch and helped me get through this journey.”

County officials have not yet announced Brzezinski’s replacement.

Brzezinski said he and Friedl, along with Buster, plan to do some traveling.

El Dorado County will remain the family’s home — the best move he said he has made. “I love it up here. It’s a good community.”

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

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Serving the El Dorado County area since 1999, Jack Borba’s commitment to quality and hard work has helped Straight Line Construction grow tremendously in a relatively short time.

Phone: (916) 985-9995 Website: straightlineconstruction.com

The company now offers residential services for roof replacement and repairs, windows, skylights, gutter systems, decks and siding. Straight Line also offers great customer service, a friendly team and high-quality craftsmanship. The new location offers customers the ability to view product samples, textures and colors in easing their remodeling process. Borba and his team also give back to the community in hosting fundraisers and supporting the food bank.

A resident of El Dorado Hills since 1976, Shari Merle builds relationships that span generations. “I still work with some of my original clients and now I’m working with their kids,” she said, a testament to her ethics, honesty and integrity.

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

A former tax preparer, Shari offers a unique perspective. “I understand taxes and how they affect your finances,” she explained. She and her son Steve are both Certified Financial Planners and are fully licensed for stocks, bonds and life insurance products. You can rest assured that she will be true to her personal motto, “No matter what, I do what’s right for the client, not for me.”

A6

OCTOBER 19, 2023

2020

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Pet Supply Store: Ben’s Barketplace

For Kristine Lacy and business partner Mark Delgado, getting into the pet food industry was a no-brainer, especially when it came to choosing a franchise like Ben’s Barketplace. “We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information to our customers,” Lacy said.

Address: 2280 E. Bidwell St, Suite J200, Folsom Phone: (916) 597-0220 Website: bensbarketplace.com

2021

Best BestSandwich Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting

Ernie Durst started E. Durst Painting in 2011, bringing 35-plus years of experience to customers.

Phone: (916) 712-7856 Website: edurstpainting.com

Ernie said he feels blessed to serve the wonderful residents of El Dorado County and hires locally in hopes of becoming a desired employer organization. What he likes most are residential repaints and the relationships he builds with homeowners.

Ben’s Barketplace carries only high-quality dog and cat food. Lacy and her crew are able to create a meal plan to help pet owners deal with their cat’s and dog’s individual issues, such as itching, scratching, vomiting, diarrhea and other discomforts. They also take on picky eaters.

“As an organization, we have committed from the start to providing the best possible coatings, quality of workmanship and service at a competitive price,” he said. “We keep our overhead costs low and pass those savings onto the customer.

Thank you for your choice in our company as the best of El Dorado Hills. We are so honored and look forward to continuing to serve you.”

Best Sandwich Best Private School: Golden Hills School

Big Apple Bagels

Address: 1060 Suncast Lane The Golden Hills School team believes that to become El Dorado Hills the best version of themselves children require the Phone: broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by (916) 933-0100 Website: fully accredited teaching professionals in small-group goldenhillsschool.ne settings. Students participate in academic endeavors, athletics and the arts. Daily physical education, art, music, computer science and Spanish language instruction are integrated into the curriculum. GHS is the only International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Candidate Private School in the area.

Ultimately, the team believes their eighth-graders graduate with a set of competencies that far exceed their typically excellent performance in standardized tests.

Best Asian Food: Thai Paradise

Address: 4361 Town Center Blvd., Ste 110 El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 939-0389 Website: thaiparadiseedh.com

Coming from a long line of chefs trained at international hotels in Bangkok, Chef Jarunee Fleming brings a special touch to her authentic Thai recipes. With locally sourced produce and fresh meat and seafood brought in daily, Jarunee prepares her farm-to-fork dishes with rice bran oil, making them healthy and flavorful.

“I like to make people happy with my food,” said Jarunee, and happiness abounds at the family-run eatery.

The El Dorado Hills location opened in 2019 and locals already swear by favorites such as the traditional Pad Thai, spicy Drunken Noodles and curries. Round out a meal with some Thai fried rice and iced tea and your taste buds will know they’re in paradise.

Best BestSandwich Assisted Living Facility: EDH Senior Care

2920 Tam O’Shanter Drive

El Dorado Hills The El Dorado Hills Senior Care Village has been a staple in El Dorado Hills since 1996. Offering 24-hour (916) 939-0962 care for the elderly in a quaint, homelike environment, eldoradoseniorcare.com the facility has six beautiful, comfortable homes that have been designed and built specifically for care of the elderly in need of assistance. Each home houses up to six residents and private backyards connect each home to another.

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

Address: 2209 Francisco Drive,

Sandwich lovers know they’re getting the best at Suite 160, El Dorado Hills Phone: Big Apple Bagels, a restaurant known for fresh bagels (916) 936-4343 made from scratch daily. Whether ordering sensaWebsite: tional, hot breakfast bagel sandwiches (Southern bigapplebagels.com Tradition is a local favorite) or biting into a delicious choice from the lunch sandwich menu (try the turkey and havarti), customers delight in the satisfying taste of quality — all the time, every time.

“All our ingredients are fresh,” said owner Scott Walters, who opened Big Apple Bagels in June 2015.

In addition to great sandwiches, the eatery offers delicious pastries, coffee and more.

Best Sandwich Best Mexican Food: La Cascada

Address: 2222 Francisco Drive, El Dorado Hills Phone: (916) 618-4369 Website: lacascadaedh.com

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

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

BestBest Sandwich Travel Agency: El Dorado Hills Travel

3941 Park Drive, Suite 90,

The philosophy of El Dorado Hills Travel is simple: El Dorado Hills Provide a unique vacation experience that will keep (916) 933-0476 customers coming back year after year. With so many edhtravel.com COVID restrictions let the experts at El Dorado Hills Travel help with all your travel needs. Some requirements of COVID-19 testing might be needed before you go and on return. El Dorado Hills Travel is a premier, full-service agency, specializing in cruises and leisure travel for families, corporations, groups and more. When you’re ready for a getaway or a family cruise, take a short trip to El Dorado Hills Travel and let Genny Arietta and her team help you plan your dream vacation.

VH Village HOMES OCTOBER 19, 2023

Patricia Seide CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617 Patricia.Seide@ cbnorcal.com

1272 Van Gogh Drive, El Dorado Hills 4,382 square feet 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths 0.2-acre property Price available upon request MLS #223078609

Gorgeous living with golf course view

I

mmerse yourself in the epitome of luxury living on the Serrano Country Club Golf Course. This extraordinary El Dorado Hills home offers unparalleled views of the 14th, 15th and 16th holes.

The allure of Italy is seamlessly infused into the design, with imported Italian marble floors greeting residents and guests as they walk through the front door.

The bright and spacious great room boasts a cathedral ceiling and large sliding glass doors that lead to the patio. A double-sided fireplace connects the great room to the formal dining room, which also has outdoor access.

The great room also flows seamlessly into the gourmet kitchen. This inviting space offers everything the resident chefs will need, including an extended seating space, a wall oven, built-in microwave and warming drawer, a six-burner gas stove with griddle and pasta filler, dual ovens, a tiled backsplash, glass display cabinets, dual dishwashers, granite slab countertops and a farm-style sink.

The home has five spacious, ensuite bedrooms. The main floor primary suite has gorgeous European wood flooring and backyard views and access. Relax in the suite’s luxury soaking tub or rinse away stress in the impressive walk-in shower with multiple shower heads. Other bathroom ameni-

ties include dual counters with mosaic tile backsplash.

The main floor also features a second bedroom suite and an office.

Ascend the hand-cut staircase to the open loft that has covered balcony access from which you can admire the sparkling pool below and the golf course beyond. The second floor has three bedroom suites.

The backyard oasis has as its centerpiece a stunning saltwater pool and spa with multicolored lighting plus fire and water features. Entertain guests on the travertine stone patio or the covered Serrano room near the built-in barbecue and gas fireplace, which also has a surrounding seating area.

The front yard features a small lawn, well-maintained shrubs and trees and a gated courtyard. A wide driveway leads to the home’s attached, three-car garage with epoxy floors and built-in storage.

In addition to the award winning golf course and country club amenities, the Serrano community offers miles of walking trails and pristine parks as well as access to shopping, fine dining and great schools.

Interested in a private tour of this beautiful Van Gogh Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Realtor Pat Seide at (916) 712-1617, patricia.seide@cbnorcal.com.

REALTORS: INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR HOME FEATURED IN VILLAGE HOMES? Contact Wes Edwards at (530) 344-5059 or wesley@mtdemocrat.com

B2

October 19, 2023

The Arts: Regional 5Ks a fun way to make a positive impact

B

ad things happen.

Good people choose to do something about

them.

Members of our community do amazing things to help those in need throughout the year — especially in autumn.

The days are cooler, the trees are putting on their autumn splendor, and many folks are lacing up their sneakers to make a significant impact in the lives of others in regional 5K fun walks/runs.

Here are a few of my favorites that do real work for real humans in our region.

Tunnel to Towers The third annual Sacramento Tunnel to Towers 5K is Saturday, Nov. 4, in Sacramento’s beautiful William Land Park. It is growing in popularity as more people learn about it. It started with just 100 participants in 2021. This year more than 300 are anticipated. Run or walk, it’s for a tremendous national cause that impacts people right here at home.

“We are excited for this year’s event. It will be our biggest yet,” said Mary Parra, who coordinates the local event. “We will have a ladder truck with bunker gear for kids to try on and take photos, a DJ and a band, bagpipes and drums and more.”

Peet’s Coffee is pouring hot and iced coffee for all runners and volunteers. Look in the swag bag for a little something from Jelly Belly.

T2T continues to make its mark in the Sacramento region. Here is a list of how the organization has helped our community: Smart Home Program: Builds adaptive homes for our military’s most catastrophi-

Susan Laird The Arts cally injured service members.

T2T is building a home for wounded Army Specialist Dez Del Barba from Stockton.

Gold Star Family Home Program: Provides mortgagefree homes to Gold Star Families with small children.

T2T paid off the mortgage of Placer County Marine Capt.

John Sax, who died in a military helicopter crash near San Diego in June 2022.

Fallen First Responder Program: Provides mortgage payoffs for fallen first responders who leave behind young families. T2T paid off the mortgages of El Dorado County Sheriff Deputy Brian Ishmael in October 2019, Newman Police Officer Corporal Ronil Singh in January 2019, Sacramento County Sheriff Deputy Adam Gibson in February 2021, Stockton Police Officer Jimmy Inn in August 2021 and Cal Fire Capt. Matt Brabo in September 2022.

Homeless Veterans Program: Provides help to homeless veterans who meet the program’s requirements for rehabilitation. This new program, not yet two years old, got 500 vets off the streets last year and has

Courtesy photo

“While there is time, let us do good” is the motto of T2T, which supports catastrophically wounded veterans, Gold Star families and the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. Hundreds are expected to run and walk at the third annual Tunnel to Towers 5K event in Sacramento’s William Land Park on Saturday, Nov. 4. gotten more than 2,000 off the streets this year.

There is still time to sign up. Visit t2t.org to learn more. Click the “Get Involved” tab on the menu to sign up for the Nov. 4 Sacramento event.

Folsom Turkey Trot This 5K walk/10K run benefits the Twin Lakes Food Bank that serves El Dorado Hills as part of its mission.

More than 4,000 people will gather on Thanksgiving morning (Nov. 23) for this family friendly event.

This year’s race starts and ends at Lion’s Park/Rodeo Park in Folsom. The 5K course takes you on streets

and the trails of Folsom including the beautiful bridges of Folsom. The 10K course uses the Johnny Cash Trail (including the beautiful bridges) as well as the new section that recently opened.

Visit folsomturkeytrot.com to sign up before registration closes.

time – and help to provide the majority of the funding that will feed hungry families in the Sacramento region for the next year.

Visit runtofeedthehungry. com to participate.

Run to Feed the Hungry

Getting outdoors in the crisp air and among smiling, positive people isn’t just good for the body. It’s good for the soul.

It’s a double blessing. When you help others, you help yourself, too.

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

This is the granddaddy of them all. Also held every year on Thanksgiving morning, some 30,000 friends, families, and neighbors will walk (5K) or run (10K) through the “Fabulous Forties” neighborhood in East Sacramento on Nov. 23. Burn calories before your feast and football

Move more, worry less

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B3

OCTOBER 19, 2023

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’ve been thinking about something my mom used to say all the time when my three sisters and I were kids.

Whether she was talking about physical health (use it or lose it), confidence (nothing is worse than seeing a tall girl slouch; hold your head high and stand up straight) or kindness (if a boy asks you to dance, say yes!), she would inevitably say to really drive home her point, “If I knew at your age what I know now …” We would just giggle and guffaw good-naturedly when she’d say that just as my kids do to me when I say the same thing now.

Mom was right and only time and patience will one day reveal to today’s kids that their parents have learned some wisdom during their time on earth too. Among one of the most important points, having the courage to be friendly first to other kids is something today’s teens don’t do because they think it makes them look desperate or weird.

What a life preserver reaching out a hand is to people of all ages, though.

In fact, despite our modern comforts and technological advances, people are reportedly lonelier than ever. In a recent study about what’s causing a 21st-century “Friendship Recession,” Brookings Institute scholar Richard Reeves states that loneliness is up 400% since the 1990s with 12% of adults now saying they don’t have one close friend. In the 1990s that number was 3%. Human beings aren’t meant to be socially isolated and the symptoms of loneliness are even found to decrease a life span.

“I need a friend,” Reeves continues, “is maybe one of the hardest sentences that any human being can utter.”

Therein lies the dilemma. If a person doesn’t say they need a friend, how is one supposed to know? And if no one

reaches out first, then we only spin in solitary circles.

Young people in 2023 seem to have more empathy than generations before them, but they’re not getting as much unstructured in-person face time with peers, which is the surest way to bond with another person, regardless of age. It’s the ordinary, regular interactions that forge connections at work, for instance, or between kids at recess or when we sit outside and chat about anything and everything with neighbors.

Young people today seem to be doing it backward. They have a lot of online “friends” they interact with virtually, but if they happen to see each other in person, things get “awkward” quickly.

They might see a kid they were good friends with back in elementary school, but if they haven’t had a class together since sixth grade they’re mere strangers now as they pass each other. Kids today can walk right past kids they used to know with eye contact averted at all costs. Neither has the courage to say hello, because many kids today think if they say hi first they’ll look like something akin to “a stalker.”

My daughter and I were talking before the Homecoming Dance last week about seeing everyone dressed up and I said how thrilled people would be if they heard, “So good to see you!

You look great!” I got the same polite smile and side to side nod I used to give my mom. Once again, I found myself standing in my mom’s shoes, replaying the same record in my mind that she used to play: If I knew then what I know now …

Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, teacher and writer. She is the author of “Murphy’s Miracle: One Dog’s Wild Journey” and “How People Get Their Politics.”

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Insurance crisis

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Thank you to everyone who made the EDH Fine Art Festival a BIG Success!

El Dorado Hills

Fine Art Festival

a playful joining of fine art and your community library

We look forward to seeing you next October 2024.

But why wait?

Visit our artists now! www.eldoradohillsarts.com www.friendsoftheedhlibrary.org • www.eldoradolibrary.org

■ DO YOU HAVE A GREAT STORY IDEA FOR VILLAGE LIFE? E-mail your suggestion to Managing Editor Noel Stack at editor@villagelife.com

an Francisco might not be the only California colossus in a socalled “doom loop.”

The property and casualty insurance market is experiencing a crisis of its own and the consequences are dire for the entire state economy.

Here’s one recent example. In August California-based Farmers Insurance laid off 2,400 people, about 11% of its workforce. Not coincidentally, Farmers announced in July that it would limit its exposure to the California homeowner’s insurance market, shortly after State Farm and Allstate announced they would no longer be writing new homeowner’s policies in the state.

These companies don’t see California’s regulatory environment, forest management and wildfire risks and sky-high building costs as a winning formula for their businesses right now. They are acting accordingly.

The California government is certainly a hardy plant. It grows in all conditions and climates, through recessions, booms, busts, month after month, year after year, but the private sector isn’t immune to economic circumstances. If Farmers, Allstate and State Farm are writing fewer policies, they will need fewer staff. A California slow to recover from its own COVID policies needs more jobs, not fewer.

These layoffs are only part of the story. Expect to see real estate deals fall apart over fire insurance costs. Expect to see businesses closing when they can’t get or can’t afford insurance in our state. Expect to see homeowners, especially seniors with paid-off homes but modest incomes, “going bare” on their homes and carrying no property insurance, exposing themselves and their heirs to massive financial risk.

Insurance lubricates the economy and when it stops working the economy stops working.

There are some solutions, if the Legislature or even the current Department of Insurance will act on them. They will involve some shortterm pain to consumers, but they offer

a path back to a robust market where companies are entering the market, not leaving it, and hiring employees, not laying them off.

It starts with repealing Proposition 103, the 1988 initiative governing property insurance in California.

Its rules are strangling the market.

We don’t need insurance companies begging for rate increases from the insurance commissioner, which can take years. We need agile companies that can price risk in the best and timeliest manner to meet consumer needs.

A repeal would also free up insurance companies to use whatever information they can to set their rates. They can’t be tethered exclusively to the past. Past data is important but future catastrophe modeling is critical for companies to comfortably price what they consider the real, current cost of doing business in California.

If insurers set their own rates, it would free the Department of Insurance to go after bad actors and enforce penalties for unlawful and unfair practices and it could do an even better job in its important work examining insurers for financial health, but it shouldn’t act as a rate gatekeeper any longer. It’s contributing to the exodus of insurers in the state and hurting, not helping, consumers as Prop. 103 intended.

Just as the first pullbacks in insurance coverage were indicators of the future, additional pullbacks like the Farmers job cuts will not be the last. They indicate an unhealthy insurance market in California, fewer premium dollars, less profit, and more layoffs in the entire industry.

Everyone and everything are fleeing California as it becomes more unlivable, unaffordable and now uninsurable.

But it’s within our power to reform our insurance markets. We can’t be afraid to pivot when laws prove failures and we shouldn’t be defeated by rules of our own making. More insurers equal more competition and more choice for ■ See GAINES, page B4

B4

October 19, 2023

Learn more about Medicare options News release A free, one-hour virtual workshop to help Medicare recipients understand drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans that will be available in El Dorado County in 2024 is scheduled 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. The workshop is open to the public and will be held via Zoom. A one-hour question and answer period will follow the workshop. The workshop is presented by the nonprofit El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program.

The workshop will help Medicare enrollees prepare for Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The enrollment period is one of the few times Medicare beneficiaries can change, enroll into or dis-enroll from a Medicare Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO). If switching plans, enrollment in the new plan will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

“In 2024, there will be 23 Medicare Part D drug plans and 14 Medicare Advantage Part C plans available in El Dorado County,” said Rhoda Slagle, county HICAP regional coordinator. “The workshop will focus on Medicare options available to El Dorado County residents in 2024.”

No registration is required. Individuals may access the online workshop at HICAPservices.net/events.

The workshop will be offered as a webinar with slides, as well as audio-only by telephone (long distance rates might apply). To access via telephone, call (669) 9006833 and enter meeting code 861-2526-8130 and passcode 551690. After the workshop, a recording of it will be available at HICAPservices.net/events.

According to Slagle, El Dorado County HICAP can help Medicare beneficiaries review either their Part D drug plan choices or their Medicare Advantage Plan choices for 2024. To receive HICAP assistance, residents of El Dorado County can pick up and return to the Placerville Senior Center a completed “HICAP/ Medicare Worksheet for 2024.” During Medicare Open Enrollment, the HICAP Medicare Worksheets are available at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, the Placerville Senior Center and the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center. Worksheets are also available by request at each of the county’s six public libraries. In addition, worksheets can be requested by calling El Dorado HICAP at (530) 621-6169.

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Continued from B3

We ’ve

M ov ed !

consumers. That is how to end the doom loop and is the ultimate solution to the California insurance crisis.

Sen. Ted Gaines (ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District, providing representation for nearly 10 million constituents in 34 counties of northern, eastern and southern California.

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LOAN TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE LOAN TERMS SUBJECT CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE LOANTO TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

www.eldoradosavingsbank.com Se Habla Espanol 800-874-9779 www.eldoradosavingsbank.com www.eldoradosavingsbank.com Se Habla Espanol Se Habla 800-874-9779 Espanol 800-874-9779

NMLSR ID 479256

Village LIfe 3.1806” wide by 3” high

Service Directory Mountain Democrat 3.1806” wide by 6” wide high by 6” high Mountain Democrat 3.1806”

Serving El Dorado Hills

Construction

Gutters

Hauling And Cleaning

Aasen Construction

ROOFING & GUTTER SERVICES

Hauling & Clean ups

And Remodeling Company

✔ Gutter Installation, guards, repair, cleaning ✔ Roof — Tile and shingle repair, cleaning ✔ Consulting and roof inspections

• New Homes • Remodels • Additions • Decks

Steven Aasen www.aasenconst.com General Contractor • Lic# 626760

• Complete Construction • Kitchen & Bath • Concrete

(530)

672-9776

Free estimates

916-317-2237

J. Tyler Wiese, Owner, Contractor’s Lic #956824

— All Areas —

Large & Small jobs!

Mobilehome Removal Experts!

Clean, polite service

7 dayS: 8aM-9pM

(530) 409-5455

(916) 806-9741

B5

October 19, 2023

El Dorado Savings Bank

65 65 65

El Dorado Savings Bank El Dorado Savings Bank Celebrating Years Strong Celebrating Celebrating

YearsStrong Strong Years

Expertise That Is Never Equaled!

Peter Vlautin has over 45 years of Litigation

Experience and a Masters (LL.M.) Degree in Taxation.

El Dorado Savings Bank

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65

Member of California, Nevada, and U. S. Supreme Court Bar Associations

Celebrating Years Strong ElElDorado Bank Dorado Savings Savings Bank

El Dorado Savings Bank

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• • • • •

Celebrating Years Strong BAUER FINANCIAL, INC. BAUER FINANCIAL, INC. BAUER FINANCIAL, INC. say about See what the experts ElElDorado Savings Bank has Earnedthe the El Dorado Savings Bank Dorado Savings Bankhas hasEarned Earnedthe ElRating Dorado Savings Bank Highest Ratingfor for119 119 Consecutive Consecutive Highest Highest Rating for 119 Consecutive See what the experts say about www.bauerfinancial.com Quarters.www.bauerfinancial.com Quarters. www.bauerfinancial.com Quarters.

El Dorado Savings Bank

Estates Trusts Probate Conservatorships Financial Elder Abuse

Peter P. Vlautin, III, J.D. LL.M.

BAUER FINANCIAL, INC. The FINDLEY REPORT El DoradoREPORT Savings Bank has Earned the The TheFINDLEY FINDLEY REPORT El Dorado Savings Bank Awarded the BAUER INC.Consecutive HighestFINANCIAL, Rating forBank 119 ElElDorado Savings Awarded the Dorado Savings Bank Awarded the Classification of Premier Performance El Doradowww.bauerfinancial.com Savings Bank has Earned the Quarters.

Classification ofofPremier Performance Classification Premier Performance during theRating year 2022.

Highest for 119www.findley-reports.com Consecutive

1020 Suncast Lane #101, El Dorado Hills (916) 365-9734 • petervlautin.com 20 20

California State Bar #54733

10 Time WINNER

Nevada State Bar #1475

www.findley-reports.com during theyear year 2022. www.findley-reports.com during the 2022. www.bauerfinancial.com TheQuarters.

FINDLEY REPORT

El Dorado Savings Bank Awarded the

“Quality Makes A Difference”

The FINDLEY REPORT Classification of Premier Performance El Dorado Savings Bank Awarded the www.findley-reports.com during the year 2022.

Classification of Premier Performance during the year 2022. www.findley-reports.com

Compassion, Care, Dignity, and Respect

“Quality Makes AA Difference” Difference” “Quality Makes SAFE—STRONG—SECURE SAFE—STRONG—SECURE SAFE—STRONG—SECURE “Quality Makes A Difference” “Quality Makes A Difference” SAFE—STRONG—SECURE

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

SAFE—STRONG—SECURE

Serving our local communities for 65 years

Immediate Graveside Burial Service Service starting starting at at $ $2,080 1,560

We thank our valued customers for your continued support.

Direct Serving our local communities for 65 years Cremation Come experience superior customer service at any of Cremation Serving our local communities for 65 years starting at Serving our local communities for 65 years our 35 convenient branch offices or visit us on-linesupport. at: starting at We thank our valued customers for your continued $ Serving our local communities for 65 years $1,300 www.eldoradosavingsbank.com 1,225 We Member thank our valued customers for yourcontinued continued We thank our valued customers for your Come experience superior customer service atsupport. anysupport. of thank our valued customers for your continued support.

800-874-9779 Come experience superior customer aton-line any of at: ourWe 35 convenient branch offices orservice visit us Come experience superior customer service at any of NMLSR ID 479256Come experience superior customer service at any of our 35 convenient branch offices or visit us on-line at: our 35 our convenient branch offices or visit us on-line at: www.eldoradosavingsbank.com 35 convenient branch offices or visit us on-line at: Member www.eldoradosavingsbank.com

530-748-3715 • Call 24 Hours 1004 Marshall Way, Placerville, CA 95667

800-874-9779

PlacervilleFuneralandCremation.com

Member

www.eldoradosavingsbank.com www.eldoradosavingsbank.com 800-874-9779

NMLSR ID 479256

800-874-9779 800-874-9779 800-874-9779

Member

Member NMLSR ID 479256

NMLSR ID 479256

FD-2299

Prearrange now with Guaranteed Prices

LSR ID 479256

We will remain open full-time to service and maintain our clients heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality needs 5 days a week. Our technicians are avoiding typical contact with our clients, like shaking hands and staying 6 or more feet away.

Local Family Owned & Operated for Over 30 Years!

Full Service Heating & Air Company Call for

CURRENT FINANCING

and rebate offers.

• Air Conditioners • Heating & Heat Pumps • Furnaces • Top Industry Warranties • We Service All Makes & Models • Maintenance Contracts • New Construction • Remodels • 100% Financing O.A.C.

916-988-6137 • 530-677-1918 www.goldenaire.net

• License #423363 • EPA Refrigerant Handling Cert.

• Qualified Duct Testing & Sealing • CF-6R Compliance

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Angies List Super Service Award Winner!

B6

OCTOBER 19, 2023

LPL Financial

CONCOURS CELEBRATION

2022 Best finan cial advis or

Having a destination for retirement can be so refreshing.

• Recognized for Excellence in Financial Planning • Always Free Consultation Providing investment advice and financial services to individuals and businesses in the Sacramento/El Dorado Hills area since 1988.

Our Team Includes: Stephen Merle, CFP® Investment Planner Lic#0F85243 Shari Merle, CFP® Branch Manager Lic#0761226 Securities Offered Through LPL Financial • Member FINRA/SIPC

(916) 933-2117 • www.sharimerle.com 981 Governor Drive, Ste. #101, El Dorado Hills

Yellow Button Bakery I bake what you like!

GLUTEN FREE PASTRIES

Pies - Breads - Cakes - Scones Muffins - Cookies

Delivery Available!

2200 1202

CALL

676-1598

530

EMAIL: yellowbuttonbakery@gmail.com

■ DO YOU HAVE A GREAT STORY IDEA FOR VILLAGE LIFE? E-mail your suggestion to Managing Editor Noel Stack at editor@villagelife.com

Photos by Mitchell Weitzman

The Niello Concours at Serrano brought all sorts of classic and collectable cars to the Serrano Visitor Center in El Dorado Hills Sunday, Oct. 1. The car show showcased models of Porsches (celebrating 75 years) and Lamborghinis (celebrating 60 years), however the 2023 Best of Show was awarded to a 1937 Packard 150, not pictured, owned by Lorenzo Nannini of Pine Grove. Above, Porsche 356s are lined up for the concours. The model was the first road car from Porsche that cemented the brand’s success.

Center photo, car show judges Chris Oldag, Skip Quain and Morris Lum, from left, inspect a 1965 Corvette. Two of the world’s fastest cars ever were on display, bottom photo, a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, far right, and Rimac Nevera Time Attack Edition, second from right.