Clean. Free. Unlimited.
Your #1 Locally Owned Solar Installer Mountain Democrat
(530) 344-3237 • solarsavingsdirect.com
Call for a FREE quote! Solar & Battery Backup Zero down financing! Start saving today.
2010
3867 Dividend Dr., #A, Shingle Springs
CSL# 1065773
ONE MONTH
FREE! I N E L D O R A D O H I L L S ■ NOVEMBER 16, 2023
HHHHH 4.9 Stars from 1,000+ Reviews
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
Former EDH Fire Chief Larry Fry speaks at the podium while Chief Maurice Johnson, left, and the audience listen to the origin story for the EDHFD’s long-awaited training facility.
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
Artist Lora Watts sits in front of the latest mural she designed for Lake Forest Elementary School in El Dorado Hills. She has several more projects in the works at other area schools.
Splashes of color go a long way in local schools
Noel Stack Managing editor
C
old, gray walls and black asphalt don’t stand a chance when Lora Watts takes notice. The graphic designer and artist has made it her mission to brighten local schools by designing beautiful murals meant to inspire the children and staff who pass by them every school day. “I was just struck by how the schools felt institution-like,” Watts explained. Project Luma was born and thus far the El Dorado Hills resident has brought colorful cheer to nearly a dozen El Dorado County schools — some completed
SPARK TO REALITY
EDH Fire Training Center now open Noel Stack Managing editor
and some in process. “I want to be able to do as many schools as possible,” she said while sitting in the courtyard at Lake Forest Elementary School where several impressive murals have been completed. The project begins when Watts identifies her newest canvas. She then reaches out to school leaders and parent-teacher groups with a proposal. From there, fundraising begins while Watts perfects her design and works with local artists and volunteers who will complete the mural. Watts said she designs art that’s both easy to paint and economical. “Having good … things on the walls makes people
With appreciation to those who sparked the idea to build a firefighters training center in El Dorado Hills, the EDH Fire Department officially “uncoupled the hose” on the new facility. More than 100 people gathered Oct. 28 for the grand opening celebration that included words from dignitaries, games for the kids and tours of the longawaited $12.5 million campus next to Fire Station 87 in the El Dorado Hills Business Park. “We gather here to celebrate the grand opening of the El Dorado Hills Fire Training Center — a beacon of innovation, collaboration and dedication to the safety and well-being of our community,” EDH Fire Chief Maurice Johnson said. “This state-of-the-art facility is not just a training center; it is a testament
■ See MURALS, page A7
■ See TRAINING CENTER, page A7
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 30 ■ ISSUE NO. 22
■ STUNNING SERRANO PROPERTY
FOR GUARANTEED WEEKLY DELIVERY, SUBSCRIBE BY CALLING (530) 344-5000
■ SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
This custom home offers unparalleled comfort and elegance in El Dorado Hills.
The Village Life Readers’ Choice ballot is here. Vote for your favorite local businesses.
■ VILLAGE HOMES, B1
■ INSIDE, A5
PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 215 FOLSOM, CA 95630 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
E OAKS SENIOR CARE VILLAG
Brand New!
Our There’s No Place Like Home
Choose Marshall THIS OPEN ENROLLMENT SEASON Cameron Park | El Dorado Hills Georgetown | Placerville Visit marshallmedical.org/physicians
Where Seniors Are Family. • 24/7 Assisted living that keeps residents engaged and active. • 15 Private rooms with outdoor living space. • Our smaller facility allows for personalized care for each resident. • Our on-site chef can easily accommodate any special diet needs.
(916) 294-7685 1011 St. Andrews Dr., El Dorado Hills (2.5 miles off Hwy. 50 on El Dorado Hills Blvd.) eldoradovillageseniorcare.com
Board Certified Physicians Primary and Specialty Care