Village Life, Wednesday, November 23, 2022

When a mentor has got your back

Sel Richard Staff writer

With a smile his face can barely contain, Vance Dokes’ e ervescence is unexpected and refreshing considering his humble beginnings in California’s foster care system.

At 2 years old, Dokes was taken by Child Protective Services, his mother deemed un t to care for him and his baby sister. A er a stint in an orphanage, he was separated from his sister and sent to live with foster parent Lula Haynes in Chula Vista, for whom he has high praise. “She is a great mother,” Dokes said of Haynes. “She taught me a

tremendous amount about respect and discipline.”

While he feels fortunate to have spent his childhood with Haynes, Dokes admits it was tough knowing he was a displaced kid. “I thought that basically if I’m going to do anything, I’m going to have to do it by myself,” he said. “Eventually you learn that the road is not as dark as it is perceived to be.”

One of those lessons arose when his third-grade teacher, Mr. Johnson, instead of sending him to the principal’s o ce where he had spent many an a ernoon, sat with Dokes making construction ■ See MENTOR page A4

A er much criticism and a touch of nger-pointing the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved retroactively amending a contract with the consultant performing environmental work for the Central El Dorado Hills Speci c Plan.

The 3-2 vote authorizes the county to pay ICF Jones and Stokes Inc. more than $63,000 for work already completed but over the original $152,637 contract amount and designates an additional $46,060 for future work; 100% of the funding comes from the project

EDH woman earns United Way post

Shahnaz Van Deventer of El Dorado Hills has been named chief of strategic partnerships at United Way California Capital Region. In her role, she will develop relationships across government, philanthropic and private sectors to position the local United Way as a lead-

The Village Life Readers’ Choice voting begins now. Select the best local businesses. And, kids, don’t forget to enter our holiday coloring contest!

Village Life photo by Sel Richard

Vance Dokes and mentor Dr. Ron Simms are now coworkers. Dokes joined Simms’ El Dorado Hills chiropractic team after completing a three-year program funded by Fostering Success and Significance, a local organization that provides scholarships and mentors for foster youth.

SHAHNAZ VAN DEVENTER

Kristin Thébaud United Way

Noel Stack Managing Editor

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Now

Community Gift Trees are set up through Dec. 9 at El Dorado Hills Raley’s, El Dorado Hills Safeway, El Dorado Hills Library, Cameron Park Library, Placerville Raley’s, Placerville Library and Pollock Pines Safeway. For more information contact Dana Schmalz at (530) 676-0707, Dschmalz@ catalystcomm.org or Patricia Gordon at (530) 295-2305, Pgordon@ edcoe.org.

Nov. 25

Elf on the Boulevard Scavenger Hunt runs Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. Pick up a passport at any participating El Dorado Hills Town Center business and go looking for Elves hiding around. Once all the Elves have been located, return the passport to Face in a Book to be entered into a drawing to receive a Town Center gift card stocking. The first 100 completed passports will receive a gift. The winner of the grand prize will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 28. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Dec. 1

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District will collect Letters to Santa, Dec. 1-5. Santa would love to hear from all his friends in El Dorado Hills and promises to return letters. Letters can be mailed or deposited in the holiday mailbox at the El Dorado Hills CSD pavilion. Send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to: SANTA, North Pole c/o El Dorado Hills CSD 1021 Harvard Way El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Get photos with Santa Claus at the California Welcome Center in El Dorado Hills in December. Charm Photography will capture a magical holiday moment. The welcome center is located at 2085 Vine St., Suite 105, in El Dorado Hills Town Center. For photo times and more information call (916) 358-3700.

Dec. 2

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Cookies with Santa, 4-6 p.m. in the EDHCSD gym, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Registration required. Visit eldoradohillscsd. org.

Dec. 3

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Breakfast with Santa, 8-9:15 a.m. or 10-11:5 a.m. in the EDHCSD gym, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Registration required. Visit eldoradohillscsd. org.

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts the community Christmas tree lighting event, 4-8 p.m. Enjoy holiday festivities, including a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Cantare Chorale of the Sierra Foothills performs holiday music at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1001 Olsen Drive, El Dorado Hills. Tickets are available from Cantare members, online at cantarechorale.com, by phone at (530) 957-4600 or in cash at the door prior to the concert. This con-

What are you thankful for?

STUDENT OF THE YEAR

OBITUARY

Dragan Arsic´

1955 - Oct. 6, 2022

Dragan Arsic´ was born in 1955 in Zemun, Yugoslavia to Vlada and Marijana Arsic´ and died on Oct. 6 in Carmichael. at 67 years of age due to complications of multiple sclerosis. Dragan was married to Ellen Arsic´ for 38 years and they had three children: Kit Marcuse, Anna Arsic´ and John Arsic´.

Dragan attended the electrical technician school in Nis, Yugoslavia, where he became a journeyman electrician. He then worked for Telefuncen in Steyr, Austria as an industrial maintenance electrician. In Austria he loved to ride a ski bike he called the bob on the ski slopes. He returned to Yugoslavia to serve in the military. A er his military service he worked for Teleoptic in Zemun, Yugoslavia.

He then came to Chicago and worked as an electrician in Waukegan, Wisc.

Dragan moved to Vallejo, where he worked as an electrician, a long haul truck driver/owner and had his own ower shop, Roses Plus, in San Ramon. The family moved to El Dorado Hills in 1996.

Dragan loved football, tennis, chess, horses, music, movies, the ocean and Mendocino, where he spent many vacations with family — usually bringing along one of his children’s friends. He was a very patriotic man with a strong loyalty to and love of his native country. He was a gi ed athlete at soccer as well as tennis. He was a voracious reader. He had a heavy accent and a great laugh. He was very outgoing and never shy.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen, children, Kit, Anna and John; his granddaughters Charlotte and Maggie Seput, his mother Marijana and his niece Sladjana Arsic´ and nephew Aleksander Arsic´. He is preceded in death by his father Vlada Arsic´ and his dear brother Slobodan Arsic´.

A private gathering was held on Oct. 11 in El Dorado Hills.

United Way

ing hub for resources, knowledge, data and equity-centered decision-making for ending family poverty in the region.

Prior to joining United Way, Van Deventer was director of marketing and development for the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, spearheading the last half of a capital campaign that raised $83 million to build the center.

“We witnessed Shahnaz’s deep commitment to our region, as well as her creativity and collaboration, as we watched the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity grow,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO,

United Way California Capital Region. “We are proud to bring Shahnaz onto our team as we use our Square One approach to end poverty for local families through school.” Born in Guyana, South America, Van Deventer and her family immigrated to New York when she was 6 years old. A er earning her master’s degree, she moved to Asia for an entrepreneurial venture and became a director of sales and marketing in the aviation industry with a portfolio of clients in 17 countries. When she returned to the United States, she moved to California and accepted the position with the SMUD Museum of

Science and Curiosity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Colgate University in New York and an MBA in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

United Way California Capital Region has been working to ght poverty for nearly 100 years by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities, now serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To learn more and make a donation visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

PEOPLE TALK Photos and question by Sel Richard

Lee Ribolin

El Dorado Hills

“For the health and happiness of my family.”

Blake Coffin

El Dorado Hills

“My family.”

Jordan

Love Placerville “My mom. She’s my biggest supporter.”

Chris Rickon

Pilot Hill

“I’m thankful for everything our family has become and our health.”

Tony Splendorio Sacramento

“Our family and the baby on the way.”

Courtesy photo

Rotarians and educators celebrated Marina Village Middle School student Parker Hitt as Student of the Year. Noted for her kindness and service-minded attitude, Parker was honored at the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills breakfast meeting Nov. 16. She received a plaque, illustrated dictionary and $50 for her efforts in and out of the classroom.

Above, Rescue Union School District Superintendent Jim Shoemake, Rotarian and Oak Ridge High School Principal Aaron Palm, Student of the Year Parker Hitt and Marina Village Middle School Principal Levi Cambridge, left to right, are all smiles after Parker received her award.

information about the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills visit edhrotary.org

club’s Facebook page.

Assistance League Sierra Foothills hosts its second annual Jingle! Mingle! fundraiser, 10-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

The event features a splendid tasting of local wines, cra beer and fresh lemonade as well as delectable lite bites including baked sweets from wellknown local restaurants and a local baker. Guests will not want to miss the signature ra e of holiday baskets, auction of decorated trees and exquisite holiday decorations, the Christmas boutique or unique wares made by local artisans.

Funds raised via ticket sales support Assistance League Sierra Foothills signature programs, Operation School Bell and Sports Locker, which help homeless and disadvantaged children with new school clothes and the opportunity to play organized youth sports. Additionally, the nonpro t’s four other philanthropic programs aid youth with reading skills, seniors with social interactions, young adults with post-secondary tuition scholarships and children who are being relocated to new homes

because of abuse or neglect with du el bags in which to carry their belongings.

Tickets are available online at assistanceleague.org/sierra-foothills.

Continued from A2 Events

cert has an added bonus of including the Folsom Lake College Concert Choir.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference offers evening carriage rides through El Dorado Hills Town Center Dec. 3, 9-10, 16-17.

Dec. 6

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department hosts its annual Santa Run, Dec. 6-9, bringing cheer to the community while Santa and his elves collect food and toys for the needy. For more information visit edhfire. com.

Dec. 9

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts the Senior Christmas Luncheon, 10:30

a.m. in the EDHCSD gym, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Registration required. Visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Dream Catchers EDH presents “A Charlie

Brown Christmas” and “A Christmas Miracle” via Zoom and at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in El Dorado Hills Town Center. For more information call (916) 202-6416.

Courtesy photo

Find beautifully decorated trees and other holiday inspiration at ALSF’s Jingle! Mingle! fundraiser Dec. 4.

applicant, Parker Development Co.

At issue and much debated were the apparent pro cess and communication breakdowns that led to a retroactive contract amendment coming before the board and the fact that county staff and board mem bers weren’t alerted to the problem when it was dis covered months earlier.

“The fact that we weren’t notified is very con cerning and ... it feels like it was intentional,” board Chair/District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin said.

“It doesn’t make any sense to me,” District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo said to Planning and Building Director Karen Garner. “We should have had more clarity and more communication from your department.”

Garner told supervisors the problem stemmed from two changes. Late last year the county’s planning manager handling the CEDHSP left and no imme diate replacement stepped in so staff suffered some “information loss,” the director shared. Around the

invoices were being mailed,” Harn said at the Nov. 15 board meeting. “If we don’t get a PG&E bill for four months we’re aware.”

The auditor maintained that Planning and Building staff should have given his office, the Chief Administrative Office and supervisors a heads up as soon as the invoices were tallied in May, if not ear lier. The lack of communication appears to favor the developer, Harn asserted. “Planning and Building’s memo said this wasn’t done right; they were con scious it wasn’t being done right because they didn’t want to delay the processing of this application.”

“In May ... that’s when you guys discovered it. That would have been the appropriate time to just send a memo to the CAO and the board,” echoed Parlin. “Without that proactiveness the public per ception (is affected) ... especially on a project like this. This is a very controversial, very public project in El Dorado County as a whole and we just need to be mindful of that.”

The CEDHSP was heard by the El Dorado County Planning Commission in May and then continued to June, when commissioners voted to recommend denial of the project. Parker Development continues to pursue its proposal, which requires a rezone and General Plan amendment, Garner said; however, the board won’t see it on the agenda this year.

“I would say the earliest would probably be late January (2023) but there are still some documents that we’re waiting on so it may be even longer,”

After staff’s report, supervisors mulled their options, including refusing to approve the con tract amendment or decreasing the overall contract amount to only cover work yet to be done.

“I don’t believe you’re obligated to (approve the amendment) but I think it’s important for you to weigh what the consequences of the failure to approve can then be,” County Counsel Dave

Staff explained to the supervisors that the developer does not need to go through the county to contract for consulting services, such as the preparation of California Environmental Quality Act documents. Doing so allows the county to be part of the review process earlier in the project’s development.

If the board decides not to pay (though it would be reimbursed if it did so), firms could be reluctant to contract with the county, Livingston explained. When consultants work exclusively with a developer in document preparation, it requires more county review when those documents are turned in, he

“I don’t think our county would be well-served ... to be left out of the CEQA process,” District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas said.

“Absolutely agree,” Parlin chimed in. Though Garner noted the contract amendment doesn’t affect El Dorado County’s bottom line, Parlin disagreed.

“There is a cost to the county as far as our staff time,” she noted, adding that residents and other professionals seeking permits and project approval pay a price as well. “(Staff is) so consumed on one big, massive project and we can’t serve everybody else. Our customer service does suffer and that, to me, is a cost.”

The Planning and Building director assured the board and CAO changes have been made in the tracking process to ensure a communication/contract error like this does not happen again.

“Previously it was up to the planner assigned to a project to manage and oversee the contract and keep track of that. We have now created an administrative division where that staff is responsible for manag ing and overseeing the contracts,” Garner explained. “They meet with planners on a monthly basis to go over where they’re at with the contract, how much money is left, what work has yet to be done so that we know way in advance if we’re going to start get ting close to bottoming out on that contract.”

“We need to operate as a group of professionals — all working together, all communicating,” stressed District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, adding that the consultant shares the blame as its staff, too, dropped the ball. “From my experience, when you contract do to something and there’s a ‘not-to-exceed’ on it you better track it yourself and if you’re doing more work than that, you send in an official notification that ‘we are approaching our limit.’”

District 5 Supervisor Sue Novasel called it a “very uncomfortable situation.” She and Hidahl supported Building and Planning’s new contract tracking plan as promised by Garner.

“I propose we stick to staff recommendations here because otherwise, as our county counsel said, we’re going to be going in some very uncharted waters and we could really harm ourselves ... for something we didn’t cause,” Novasel said, making the motion to approve the contract amendment with Hidahl sec onding.

Thomas joined them with her yes vote. Turnboo and Parlin voted no.

“We never want this again, never,” Parlin said, “and maybe if it does happen again — forewarning to consultants out there: we may have to say no.”

paper space ships and playing space wars. Mr. Johnson subsequently discovered that Dokes was an advanced reader and encouraged him to test into the gifted pro

But it wasn’t until 10th grade that his English teacher, Cynthia Larkin, told him he could go to col lege. “If it weren’t for those teachers and other caring people around me, I definitely wouldn’t be here today and I definitely wouldn’t be filled with all the love that I have,” said Dokes, the first to attend college in both his foster and biological family. He still talks

Ultimately, Dokes succeeded in getting admit ted to University of California, Davis. Through the Guardian Scholars Program there he learned about Fostering Success and Significance, an organization

need to be fixed or corrected,” Doug insisted. “They need people in their life who care about them, who are successful and can walk alongside of them and offer some wisdom. More often than not, the mentors in our program are the first people that are in these young men and women’s lives who are not paid to be in their life.”

Dokes’ first mentor was Barry Shafer who, upon hearing that Dokes was interested in health care, introduced him to Dr. Ron Simms of Back to Health Chiropractic in El Dorado Hills. Having studied exer cise biology at UC Davis, Dokes was already familiar with the human anatomy and nervous system. “It all made sense to me,” he said, noting that he was look ing to help people with their bodies without the use of opiates.

Dokes shadowed Simms and ended up attend ing Life Chiropractic College in San Leandro, completing a three-year pro gram funded by FSS. He graduated this past June and is now practicing under Simms, hoping to pass his final licensing exam this December.

“It’s a service business and he’s got the perfect talent to do it,” Simms said of Dokes. “He’s got empathy, scien tific knowledge, great hands; he’s an athlete and he’s coachable. This guy is really special.”

youth,” he continued, with even more dire statistics. “Roughly 70% of the prison population (are) former foster youth. About 70% of all the young women who are pregnant by 21 have been foster youth. So there’s this financial and socio-economic tsunami tak

Doug said he soon recognized there was a need for the combination of financial and relationship support. “We focus on the private sector and jobs,” he said of FSS. “The kids don’t have that network. It’s really about helping them not just survive but thrive.”

Along with scholarships, FSS provides free mental health counseling and career planning. Students must also commit to community service as well as reading a set book list.

Doug and Robin began by mentoring 20 kids, but have now grown the program to include 15 mentors and around 30 students. FSS mentors are primar ily from El Dorado Hills and the greater Sacramento area, connecting with students attending UC Davis, California State University, Sacramento, William Jessup University, Sacramento City College and Folsom Lake College.

“These young men and women who have overcome all odds through incredible focus and determination and perseverance to make it to college, they don’t

Simms grew up in El Dorado Hills and has run his local chiropractic practice for 31 years. He began mentoring for FSS seven years ago and meets with his kids at least once a month. “I just like it,” he said. “I like to hear stories. I like life change. It fires me up. I get to develop this relationship and talk about everything from what’s next, what are you going to do for your career to what are you going to wear to your job interview and what are you going to say.”

Despite his childhood struggles, Dokes said one of his toughest challenges to date has been deciding what direction to take with his career, crediting both of his mentors with helping him solidify his goals. He also misses his family who remain in the San Diego area, especially his aging mother.

But Dokes has plenty to occupy his time, studying up for his upcoming exam. While hitting the books, he enjoys listening to an eclectic playlist that ranges from rap, hip hop, R&B and even some heavy metal. And if he’s not listening to Broadway or Too Close to Touch, you might find Dokes with his nose in a John C. Maxwell book. And rest assured, Dokes’ infectious smile is here to stay.

For more information on Fostering Success and Significance visit fosteringss.org.

“He’s got empathy, scientific knowledge, great hands; he’s an athlete and he’s coachable. This guy is really special.”

— Dr. Ron Simms

NOTEs by Julie Samrick

Isn’t it ironic?

Ishared Alanis Morissette’s 1996 hit “Ironic” with eighth-graders to kick off our suspense unit recently.

Once an anthem sung ‘round the world, only a handful of students had heard it before. When they listened to “it’s like rain on your wedding day” and “it’s a free ride when you’ve already paid” as they read the lyrics, I saw the lightbulbs of understanding brighten as they grasped the concept of irony — when the unexpected occurs.

It’s a device writers use to make their storytelling more suspenseful, and therefore more interesting. We went on to read “A Night to Remember,” American writer Walter Lord’s 1955 account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The Titanic was a modern marvel in 1912, which many of the richest people in the world clamored to be first in line to experience. Deemed “unsinkable,” the ship sank in two hours after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage. The tragedy changed global public perception about not believing everything we hear as true.

Just as reading good books should make us think about the world around us, studying irony in its various forms got me thinking about the unexpected turn of events in my own life. I was worried about returning to teaching because I thought the technology in schools seemed overwhelming, only to learn technology makes my job as a teacher easier and makes an even richer experience for my students, just as a repair person is better equipped with more tools in a toolbox.

Irony is also when a younger sibling is taller than an older one. It is also when a sun-loving child chooses college in a colder state.

In the great, unwritten script called life there are ironies all around us. It’s our new state of politics — when celeb rities become politicians and politicians become celebrities. It’s when people flock to Florida from out of state, only to be devastated by Hurricane Ian mere months, even weeks, later. It’s finally quitting the gym only to then shed extra pounds on your own.

It’s when the natural order of life is derailed and a child dies before his or her parents. It’s also when a healthierseeming parent dies before the one who has had a lifetime of ailments and/ or more serious health conditions. It’s guiding our children for 18 years to hopefully be considerate, grateful and to take care of themselves, often to the point of worrying, only to have it all come to fruition once they leave home.

These unexpected plot twists in life are there to keep us humble, remind ing us we are not the ones ultimately in charge. My daughter is reading “Of Mice and Men” in her English class right now. The title is taken from a line in an 18th century Scottish poem by Robert Burns, “To a Mouse.” The line translates to “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” We can do our best to ride the wave called life, to fight or even control it, but all we can really do is our best to prepare. We can show up, suit up and muster our strength to hold on when the wave surges, but often we can only surren der, hold our breath and hang on for the ride with faith that we’ll soon be breathing air again.

Julie Samrick is an El Dorado Hills mother, teacher and writer. Email her at julieswrites@gmail.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

EDHCSD threatens grand jury integrity

EDITOR:

To understand the detrimental impacts of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District’s astonishing actions begin with the grand jury role. The state of California Courts Judicial Branch confirms the grand jury acts as a representative of county residents in promoting govern ment accountability.

The civil grand jury exists to assure honest and efficient government. As an independent watchdog, a grand jury operates separately from the enti ties and officials it investigates. These reviews are conducted under the aus pices of a Superior Court judge.

The El Dorado County Grand Jury followed these guidelines in its 202122 report (edcgov.us).

EDHCSD is engaging in a toxic campaign designed to demean, dis credit and intimidate the grand jury, El Dorado County officials and EDH residents.

EDHCSD directors and staff lower the public discourse with inflamma tory language about the grand jury as “slipshod,” “egregious,” “ignorant, “false,” “unsupported,” “troubling,” “irresponsible,” “suspect,” “calcu lated,” “speculation,” “embarrass,” “narrow-minded,” “deliberate,” “inaccurate” and “a work of fiction.”

The cost of their response to taxpay ers is estimated more than $30,000. The board members should look up the meaning of “accountability” as

applied to their conduct.

The EDC Grand Jury process encourages citizens to safely and con fidentially submit concerns. Its delib erations are closed to the public and held secret. GM Kevin Loewen falsely twisted the mandated protection of privileged information into a bizarre conspiracy theory of wrongdoing, suggesting, “Grand jury investigations have been destroyed.”

Director Sean Hansen called the grand jury report “obnoxious and egregiously wrong … a work of fic tion” without providing evidence sup porting his bluster. Board VP Noelle Mattock insisted they “are doing what 99% of the rest do,” presumably to follow like lemmings off the cliff.

The EDHCSD board and manage ment crossed the line in its defamation of hundreds of the engaged seniors of Heritage Village seeking accountabil ity. On one occasion, GM Loewen aggressively ripped away a banner peacefully displayed by the seniors. The grand jury documented other board abuses. EDHCSD absurdly characterizes Heritage residents as a selfish, narrow-minded, small minor ity who “do not wish to be gracious members of the EDH community.”

EDH residents must stand firm in support of the integrity of the grand jury. The board of directors should carefully reconsider their actions and response.

ROBERT WILLIAMS Concerned Residents of El Dorado Hills Heritage Village

Thai Paradise

V illage H OMES

4701 Gresham Drive, El Dorado Hills 5,288 square feet 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths 0.73-acre property Price available upon request MLS #222140314

Single-story Serrano home o ers elegant living

This elegantly modern, single-story estate in El Dorado Hills boasts views of the prestigious Serrano Country Club.

Venture through lush, mature landscaping up the stamped concrete steps and across the circular driveway into the private front courtyard.

Entertain guests in the gorgeous, glass-mosaic tiled living room with a tile-surround replace anked by built-in cabinetry and shelving, a tray ceiling and designer lighting. An abundance of natural light illuminates this and other gathering spaces throughout the home. Double glass doors in the living room open onto the covered terrace that leads to spacious back patio spaces that soak in beautiful views.

The newly remodeled chef’s kitchen features quartz countertops with a mosaic-tiled backsplash, a Wolf eight-burner gas range with double ovens, Sub-Zero refrigerator, built-in microwave, stylish custom cabinetry and a large granite island with a sink and pendant lighting. The nearby butler’s pantry has showcase cabinetry and a quartz countertop.

Enjoy meals in the adjacent family dining area with exquisite designer lighting and then relax in the family room with a cozy gas replace and built-in cabinetry topped with a quartz countertop, not to mention golf course views. This space opens to an enclosed sun room with a wood-burning replace and travertine stone oors. Also accessible from the family room is a spacious

bonus/media room, which could also be a separate living space as it has an adjacent bedroom suite with built-in storage.

The home also has a separate o ce with French doors that lead to the front courtyard.

The primary suite is a quiet retreat with a tray ceiling, tilesurround gas replace, a walk-in closet and an attached sitting room with lovely views and outdoor access. The suite’s bathroom boasts a free-standing soaking tub, shower with glass-tile surround, dual sinks and a vanity.

Panoramic golf course views set the scene from the expansive loggia and shaded outdoor kitchen with a stone-tiled bar built-in barbecue, refrigerator and kegerator. Relax in the soothing spa or enjoy a refreshing swim in the sparkling, solar-heated pool with water features. A bathroom with a steam shower opens to the backyard pool area, making it easy to rinse o a er a dip.

The resort-style backyard also features pergola shaded lounging areas, generous patio space for gathering family and friends, a sports court and lush grass area.

The front yard has well-manicured shrubs and trees with the circular driveway leading to the home’s attached, four-car garage and weaving through the welcoming property.

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

Almighty Food

Sel Richard Staff writer

Restauranteur Nick Dedier III brings a fresh concept to El Dorado Hills, his latest venture an about face from the short-lived Mom & Pop Chicken Shop he opened amid pandemic shutdowns two years ago.

“We realized that we are about service,” Dedier said about the decision to close his chicken-centric eatery that served via a modi ed counter service. “We tried really hard to do a quick casual restaurant to o er some good news during the pandemic — that you don’t have to stay in your homes and be afraid of the world.”

However, skyrocketing organic chicken prices contributed to his growing dissatisfaction with the less formal restaurant style. “When you’re doing something like a quick casual but your organic chicken triples in price and you’re on a 10% margin, you can’t make money,” Dedier admitted. Mom & Pop Chicken Shop in Cameron Park has also closed, though Dedier mentioned a tavern as a future possibility. No stranger to change, Dedier decided to take the plunge and build a cozy spot with a focus on hospitality that leans more city than suburbia. “I’ve always wanted to have a little bistro,” he said, contrasting Almighty Food Co. against behemoths with menus engi-

brings big avors in small bites

Bakery. Although Dedier said he doesn’t suffer from any issues that would require a gluten-free lifestyle, he does acknowledge feeling healthier when eschewing gluten. In particular, he loves giving those with gluten restrictions a place to enjoy a meal without worry.

“It’s been startlingly emotional,” mused Dedier, recounting one evening when a little girl who su ered from an unusually serious form of celiac disease was crying happy tears because it was her rst dinner out. “The guests that are so used to going to a restaurant and apologizing for being gluten free, they come here and they feel this incredible level of culinary freedom that they don’t enjoy anywhere else. I wasn’t prepared for people to be as emotionally connected to it as they are.

“You can order anything you want on the menu and not feel like you’re putting someone out or that you’re a pain in the ass or you’re a pariah,” Dedier continued. “And for those who are not gluten free, it’s ridiculously delicious.”

neered to please all, cheerfully lumping in with them Milestone, his other popular restaurant down the street.

Open since August, Almighty Food Co. sports an entirely gluten-free menu and o ers primarily small plates with a few large dinner entrées for patrons looking for a more traditional meal.

Most of the fare is locally sourced from vendors such as Sonny’s Farm in Cameron Park, which supplies regenerative, sustainable, organic and grass-fed protein. Cheese is provided by Sierra Nevada Farms and Dedier raves about the gluten-free bread baked by Richard Moore from Placerville’s Flourless

Dedier insists that Almighty Food Co. is de nitely not a health food restaurant. What patrons will enjoy is a menu that changes every three weeks, based on availability of goods. In addition, he explains that the evolving menu keeps not only his guests engaged, but

Wellness Homemade offers education for healthy lifestyle

Samantha DeLeon Special to Village Life

El Dorado Hills resident Tasha Rosales, a board-certi ed holistic health practitioner and nutrition counselor and owner of Wellness Homemade and creator of Informed Eating Academy, has o ered nutrition counseling and programs empowering people in the community (as well as many online) since 2017.

Rosales’ mission for Wellness Homemade is driven by her desire to empower others to make health-guided decisions to create sustainable habits and informed diet changes. Through her counseling and online programs, Rosales guides individuals through the educational process that will help them improve digestion, gain more energy and decrease cravings without restriction. No more eating “diet food” in the corner while everyone else enjoys a di erent meal.

Through Wellness Homemade, clients learn about real food and real ingredients to make informed choices for better health. In addition, Rosales helps her clients navigate the food industry’s marketing tactics along with hidden toxic

ingredients most likely impeding on the person’s health goals, driving their weight gain and causing painful symptoms.

“Working with Tasha has been the best decision of my life because she changed and saved my life,” notes Anna in her client testimony on Wellness Homemade’s website. “I was 168 at my highest weight, had chest pain, high cholesterol and started having trouble walking before working with her. Tasha helped me realize my blind spots that were holding me back to release all of that weight.

“She is truly amazing and inspiring,” Anna continues. “I have tried so many times to lose the weight with not much success and kept failing until Tasha. With her, I reached my health weight goal, learned to implement lifelong strategies to stay on track and, when I fall, Tasha has taught me what to do to get back up.”

For more information about Wellness Homemade and the programs Rosales o ers visit wellnesshomemade.org. Wellness Homemade o ers free advice and tips to more than 73,000 followers on Instagram, @wellness.homemade.

Courtesy photo

El Dorado Hills resident Tasha Rosales uses her knolwedge gained as aboard-certified holistic health practitioner and nutrition counselor to help clients live and eat better.

Village Life photo by Sel Richard

Nick Dedier III brings a new dining experience to El Dorado Hills Town Center with the Almighty Food Co., a gluten-free eatery with a fresh-focused menu regularly updated.

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Harris Center announces exciting, new shows in 2023

FOLSOM — Folsom’s Harris Center for the Arts is back and thrilled to announce new upcom ing shows set for 2023. More detailed information on each event can be found at HarrisCenter.net. Tickets are on sale now for all shows. Additional events will be added and announced soon.

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19: The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared

by the iconic folk-rock duo. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ’60s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance. Using huge projec tion photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many

more.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel, Musical Valentines, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20: A preValentine’s Day special featuring the love-inspired music of Chopin. Jeffrey Siegel’s celebrated Keyboard Conversations combine lively insights with spellbinding performances of iconic piano masterpieces. Concert con cludes with a Q & A — all questions welcome.

The Marshall Tucker Band, 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27: Doug Gray, who’s been fronting MTB since the very beginning, sees no end to the road that lies ahead for this Southern rock legend. The band’s mighty music cata log, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over. A typically rich MTB setlist is bubbling over with a healthy dose of hits like the heartfelt singalong “Heard It in a Love Song,” the insistent

pleading of “Can’t You See,” the testi fying “Fire on the Mountain,” the wan derlust gallop of “Long Hard Ride” and the explosive testimony of “Ramblin,’” to name but a few.

National Geographic Live, Keith Ladzinski – Force of Nature, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9: From the towering mountains of the Himalaya to the slot canyons and stone arches of the desert, Earth is shaped by the raw power of Mother Nature. Capturing this might and majesty takes a special skill set — and a willingness to sign up for the seemingly impossible. Ladzinski, adventure photographer and filmmaker, is renowned for his ability to get the shot in some of the world’s most inac cessible and inhospitable environments. Whether chasing storms, getting up close and personal with wildlife, or documenting extreme feats of adven ture, his fearless spirit leads him to the

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Photo by Mariah Gray

See the Marshall Tucker Band at Folsom Lake College’s Harris Center for the Arts Jan. 27.

FLC to build new science building

FOLSOM — Folsom Lake College invites stu dents, faculty and staff and members of the com munity to a celebratory groundbreaking event for the college’s new sci ence building, 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the main campus located at 10 College Parkway (off E. Bidwell St.) in Folsom.

Upon completion, the 75,000-gross-square-foot instructional building will be the largest sci ence facility within the Los Rios Community College District and will house six biology labs, six chemistry labs and a 4,000-square-foot science center.

“Careers in the science, technology, engineer ing and math fields are in high demand,” said Interim College President Rachel Rosenthal. “The increased physical space will allow Folsom Lake College to significantly expand its science pro grams to support the needs of our growing student body who are seeking degrees and cer tificates in these lucrative fields.”

The state-of-the-art building is also repre sentative of the college’s continued commitment to smart and sustain able construction as it is on track to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification from the United States Green Building Council, will feature eight electrical vehicle charging stations and will also minimize gas loads to reduce green house gas porduction.

The estimated con struction cost of $64.9 million is funded by local bond Measure M, which voters approved in 2008 to support the construc tion of new facilities and the modernization of

Harris Center

farthest reaches of all seven continents.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel, American Pianistic Treasures, 8 p.m. Friday, March 24: Jeffrey Siegel returns with his spellbinding performances of iconic piano masterpieces featuring the rarely heard solo piano version Gershwin made of his ever popular “Rhapsody in Blue,” the “Maple Leaf Rag” of Scott Joplin and music of Leonard Bernstein. Voctave, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 25: This cap pella sensation brings spirited vocals to the stage hav ing had more than 150 million social media views of videos. The group’s latest album, “The Spirit of the Season, Deluxe Edition,” reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts and the previous album, “The Corner of Broadway & Main Street Vol. 2,” debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes charts. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring arrange ments to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences.

National Geographic Live, Rae Wynn-Grant – The Secret Life of Bears, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30: Wynn-Grant has dedicated her life to ecological research and conservation. As a scientist with National Geographic Society’s Last Wild Places Initiative, she works to protect and restore iconic wild life populations, including North American black and grizzly bears. But when the wild lands of their habitat are crisscrossed by roads, fences and ranches, how can bears and humans coexist peacefully? Dr. Wynn-Grant intends to find the answer. Join this committed car

Continued from B2 Almighty

“They learn new things. They are curious about ingredients and flavor profiles and texture combina tions and temperature differences and cooking styles. And the clientele, they end up developing a level of trust. They know that whatever we’re doing will make them happy,” Dedier said, warning that for those who find a favorite dish, it probably won’t stay on the menu for long.

“The next thing we do, you’re going to love,” he assured, crediting Almighty’s head chef Josh Kihm, formerly from Milestone, with much of the creativ ity behind the scenes. “I would love a daily menu but that would never fly up here. So we just try to go monthly.”

Along with the imaginative cuisine, Almighty offers small-batch sangria made from seasonal fruits and a wine list that Dedier calls small but powerful. “It’s been really cool to bring a unique, small, cute restau rant with outrageously good food to a little suburb. If you took the gluten-free moniker out of it, I still believe it’s the best restaurant for 30 miles,” boasted Dedier. “I’m so proud of it. This is special.”

existing facilities within the Los Rios Community College District, along with additional fund ing from the state of California. The building was designed by HMC Architects and Otto Construction is serving as the lead contractor. Both businesses have been serving the Sacramento region for more than 75 years.

The instructional build ing is projected to be completed in November 2024, with classes being offered in the new build ing for the Spring 2025 semester.

Since 2004 Folsom Lake College has pro vided exceptional edu cational opportunities

to the communities of eastern Sacramento and western El Dorado coun ties. The college serves approximately 9,000 stu dents at the main Folsom campus, the El Dorado Center in Placerville, the Rancho Cordova Center and online. FLC is com mitted to enriching and empowering students by bridging knowledge, experience and innova tion. FLC offers edu cational opportunities and support for students to transfer to four-year institutions, to improve foundational skills, to achieve career goals and to earn associate degrees or certificates. For more information go to flc.los rios.edu.

nivore ecologist for a fascinating look inside the secret lives of bears and a report from the front lines of the mission to help humans and carnivores coexist peace fully.

Ladies Night 2023 with Sheena Easton & Taylor Dayne, 8 p.m. Sunday, April 30: Between them, this dynamic duo has garnered nine Grammy Award nominations, two Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, one American Music Award, six Platinum albums, five Gold albums, 39 Billboard top 20 singles and 11 Billboard No. 1 singles.

Dayne is an American pop icon with a career span ning three decades. Her debut single “Tell It To My Heart” turned her into an overnight international star in 1987. She followed the smash hit with 17 Top 20 singles over the course of her career, including No. 1 hits “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Prove Your Love” and “I’ll Always Love You.” Dayne has sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide.

Easton, whose recording career has spanned four decades and includes Gold and Platinum albums in the United States, Europe and Asia, has sold more than

Los Rios spring class schedules now available

News release

The Spring 2023 class schedules are now available online for the four Los Rios colleges — American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College and Sacramento City College — with each college offering more in-person classes than in the past few semesters. The Spring 2023 semester officially begins Jan. 14, 2023.

The class schedules for all four Los Rios colleges are available at losrios.edu. While the spring will see an increased number of in-person offerings, the colleges will continue to offer a robust line-up of online classes. Priority spring enrollment has begun for some students, with open enrollment beginning on Dec. 20.

New students are welcome. It’s easy to get started with the free online application at losrios. edu/apply. If students need assistance in choosing classes, they can make an appointment with an academic counselor.

Public health remains a top priority for Los Rios and the colleges. Consistent with guidance from local public health experts, Los Rios continues to strongly recommend wearing masks and appro priate face coverings when indoors. The district also strongly recommends that everyone eligible continue to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccine and booster regimens, however vaccines are no longer required to enroll.

Each of the Los Rios colleges will offer a variety of resources and services during the spring to sup port student success.

20 million records worldwide. She has received two Grammys, and was the first — and still only — artist to have top five records on five major Billboard charts. Her hits range from “Morning Train: 9 to 5” to the James Bond movie title song “For Your Eyes Only.”

National Geographic Live, David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes – Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11: Explore rarely seen undersea worlds with two photographers creat ing a visual voice for the world’s oceans. Doubilet is a legend in underwater photography. Together with his wife and underwater partner, photojournalist Hayes, he has explored three unique marine environments for National Geographic. Together, they’ll go beyond the published stories to share the reality of their behindthe-camera adventures.

Individual tickets are on sale now at the box office at (916) 608-6888 or online at HarrisCenter.net. Box Office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and one hour before showtime, 10 College Parkway in Folsom.

Courtesy graphic

Folsom Lake College’s new science facility will house six biology labs, six chemistry labs and a 4,000-square-foot science center.

Brayden Rainwaters, 6 El Dorado Hills

Jewel Austin, 7 Rancho Cordova “Put it in warm water and then put it in the oven.”

Jed Austin, 10 Rancho Cordova

Brinly Rainwaters, 9 El Dorado Hills

“First you use a Traeger. You could either roast it medium, high or low. Usually people do it on normal.”

Bring a sweet surprise to the holiday table

Looking for something di erent to bring to the holiday table or make for your favorite neighbors? Try this cake recipe contributed by El Dorado Hills resident Dale Race.

Vegan Cranberry Loaf Cake with Chocolate Chips

Cake ingredients

2 cups our (all-purpose)

¾ cup granulated organic sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp Kosher salt

1 tablespoon ground ax seed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water

¾ cup almond milk (or any other milk alternative — soy, oat, rice, etc)

6 tablespoons (melted) vegan butter (cooled)

1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen) cut in half

1 cup vegan chocolate chips (any brand you prefer)

Crumble ingredients

1/3 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

2 tablespoon our (allpurpose)

1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons cold vegan butter (sliced into small cubes)

Glaze ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons almond milk (more if necessary)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: chopped toasted pecans (or any preferred nut)

Cake directions: Heat oven to 325F.

Use vegetable oil to lightly grease bottom and four sides of a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan.

Line the pan with enough parchment paper to cover the bottom and the long sides of pan, with parchment paper hanging over edges by

1-2 inches (the overhanging parchment paper will later act as handles to hoist the cake out of the pan).

In a large bowl whisk together dry ingredients — our, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a medium bowl whisk together ax/water liquid, almond milk, melted butter

Pour the wet ingredients into large bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until just barely combined; leaving a few lumps is ne. Gently fold in the cranberries and chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the loaf pan (set aside).

Crumble directions: In a small bowl whisk together our, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut the cubed butter into our mixture with a pastry cutter (or use ngers to squeeze butter cubes into the our mixture until butter resembles small peas).

Distribute the crumble

evenly over the batter and bake for an hour.

Remember to turn the pan 180 degrees a er 30 minutes to cook the cake evenly. A toothpick that’s inserted into the cake should come out clean, indicating the cake is done.

Cool for 20 minutes and then use a knife to loosen the sides of the cake from the pan. Hoist the cake out of the pan using the parchment overhang as handles.

Cool completely on a baking rack.

Glaze directions: Whisk together powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze (using the whisk in a back and forth motion) over the cake. If glaze is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time; if glaze is too thin add more powdered sugar.

(Optional: add chopped toasted nuts to wet glaze) Allow glaze to set, then eat and enjoy!