r i s t m a s c o l o r i n g contest winners C h r i s t m a s c o l o r i n g
7 and younger category
First place, Julia Perez, 7, Cameron Park (above left)
Second place, Jaxon Perez, 5, Cameron Park (above right)
8 and older category
First place, Alayna Rider, 10, El Dorado Hills (left)
Second place (tie), Holland Patrick, 10, El Dorado Hills (right)
Second placeEthan(tie), Martinez, 9, El Dorado Hills
Third place, Liam Rider, 8, El Dorado Hills
Andrew Vonderschmitt
Staff writer
Upward of 250 refurbished bikes for kids and adults have been donated to be distributed to families in need over the holiday season. For nearly 40 years Folsom State Prison inmates, in collaboration with the Cameron Park Rotary Club, have refurbished bicycles for donation to local children who might not otherwise have a bike.
Having and riding a bike is practically obligatory for kids all over the world. Learning to ride without training wheels, how to jump a curb or skid to a halt are all rights of passage. Owning a bike represents adventure, belonging and freedom. This program has assured that many kids in the surrounding area have Hidahl’s fire board
Noel Stack Editor
Acknowledging how much everyone missed John Hidahl, El Dorado Hills Fire Board President Tim White and the other three directors got back to the business at hand during a special Dec. 9 board meeting.
The final agenda item: filling the seat Hidahl never got to take. The District 1 supervisor, who had previously served on the fire board for 33 years and then eight years as a county supervisor, died Nov. 2 — three days before he was reelected to the fire board. Hidahl won one of two full-term seats, taking the top spot in that race.
The EDH Fire Board — including newly sworn-in Directors Dan Donelli and Kevin Gotro — unanimously decided to appoint a replacement to serve the first two years of what would have been Hidahl’s term. On the 2026 general election ballot, candidates will face off for the chance to serve the remaining two
years. Applications for the two-year appointment to the board are available on edhfire.com. The district is accepting letters of qualification or résumés from any individual interested in being selected for this vacancy. These documents must be submitted to the El Dorado Hills Fire Department at 1050 Wilson Blvd., El Dorado Hills, CA, 95762, or emailed to clerkoftheboard@ edhfire.com prior to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, to be considered for appointment.
To be eligible, applicants must reside within the El Dorado Hills County Water District (EDH Fire) boundaries, be at least 18 years of age and be registered to vote within the district. The appointee will serve through December 2026. Applicants selected to move forward in the interview process will be notified no later than Monday, Dec. 30, and interviews will take place at a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2025. For more information call (916) 933-6623 or email clerkoftheboard@edhfire.com.
JOHN HIDAHL
Village Life photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt
Bike shop employees William Wilson and Robert Farmer hand off a bike to Cameron Park Rotary’s Joe Ryan. The refurbished bicycles will go to children in El Dorado County.
n See BIKES page A6
EID welcomes new directors, plans more improvements
Dawn Hodson Village Life correspondent
New members of the El Dorado Irrigation District Board of Directors were officially sworn in on Dec. 9 as El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf administered the oath of office to Paul Penn, Alan Day and Chuck Mansfield. New board officers were also chosen with Pat Dwyer elected president and Lori Anzini as vice-president. Sitting in the audience to wish them well were family members and outgoing Directors George Osborne and Brian Veerkamp.
A meeting full of hellos and goodbyes, the agency also took time to recognize several employees who were retiring, all of whom have had long and productive careers with EID and were acknowledged for their many contributions to the water agency and the community over several decades of service.
On hand to discuss a different issue were members of the Strawberry Fire Safe Council. Angel Ball, president of the Council, noted that over several years the community has invested considerable time and money in infrastructure improvements and residents appreciate the help they received both from EID and local fire agencies in making the community more fire safe.
However, she noted, she had recently received an email and letter from EID staff that questioned who was respon-
sible for infrastructure upgrades and the nature of the relationship between the council and EID. Other members of the council suggested some kind of written agreement was needed to formalize the partnership between the two organizations. In response to their con-
Toys and turkeys loaded up
Andrew Vonderschmitt Staff writer
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce joined forces with Shingle Springs Rancheria Tribal Police and the Food Bank of El Dorado County for the second annual Toys from the Bearcat community toy drive and dinner. The Dec. 6 event was a way to bring the community together while collecting toys and turkeys to be distributed throughout El Dorado County by the two law enforcement agencies.
While this is the second year hosting the community event at the Food Bank, Toys from the Bearcat is actually in its fourth year.
Sheriff Jeff Leikauf said the program has grown every year, adding this event is about showing another side of the sheriff’s office to the community.
“More than just law and order — that’s obviously our priority — but this is getting out into the community,” said Leikauf, “making sure everybody’s needs get met.
“No kid goes without,” the sheriff added. “No families out there go it alone.”
cerns, Director Dwyer asked General Manager Jim Abercrombie to bring the issue back before the board with some recommended actions.
Approved by the board was spending $59,000 for the Reservoir 1 and Pollock Pines Reservoir Replacement
Project. Previously the Bridlewood Reservoir 4 and Reservoir 7A tanks were identified as the next tanks to be rehabilitated and recoated per EID’s 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan.
The funding request is for additional capitalized labor to move the work along to completion.
The board also approved accepting grant funding of $240,187 for the Sly Park Boat Launching Facilities Upgrade Project. The purpose of the project is to update and expand both the Doolittle and Stonebraker boat launching facilities within the Sly Park Recreation Area to better serve the boating and angling communities as use of the facilities continues to grow.
The Doolittle Boat Launch Facility improvements include widening the boat ramp so there are three launch lanes when the water level is low, replacing the vault restroom with an ADA-compliant restroom, adding an ADA-compliant vehicle-trailer parking stall, installing a fish cleaning station and adding animal resistant garbage enclosures along with other improvements. The Stonebraker Boat Launch Facility improvements include widening the boat ramp upper turnaround, replacing the vault restroom with an ADA-compliant restroom, installing a fish cleaning station, adding animal resistant garbage enclosures and other improvements.
Photo by Jesse Saich
EID Directors Paul Penn, Alan Day and Charles Mansfield take the oath of office Monday, Dec. 9. They were sworn in by El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf.
Village Life photo by Andrew Vonderschmitt Santa was on hand cutting up the dance floor with some very enthusiastic local children at the second annual Toys from the Bearcat event in Cameron Park earlier this month.
Bus service takes a holiday WHAT’S
Now Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “Miracle on 34th Street” through Dec. 22. For tickets and more information go to itplacerville.org.
Holiday Carriage Rides, hosted by Hands4Hope and Young Life, will take place at El Dorado Hills Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 22.
Sutter Street Theatre presents “Holiday in the Hills,” an original script and SST’s love letter to the holiday season, through Dec. 23. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
The Elf on the Boulevard scavenger hunt at El Dorado Hills Town Center runs through Dec. 24. The elf might be hiding around any participating businesses, so make sure to stop in and see if you can spot it.
Freedom Church, 4414 Commodity Way in Cameron Park hosts a drive-thru Nativity open nightly, 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 27 (closed Christmas Eve).
Sutter Street Theatre presents “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” as part of its family series of shows. Performances will through run Dec. 29. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
EDH Cars and Co ee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Everyone and every type of vehicle is welcome. The motto is “If it rolls, it goes.” El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a year-round farmers market Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind Nibblers.
Dec. 20
Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 p.m.
The Cameron Park Santa Parade will be making a series of stops around the area, weather permitting, Dec. 20-22. For more information visit cameronpark.org.
Enjoy an evening of Homegrown Comedy the Stage at Burke Junction from 8-10:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Harris Center for multiple showtimes Dec. 20-22. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Dec. 21
RiverBells Sacramento presents It’s the Time of Ringing, a performance of seasonal and not-soseasonal handbell music at the Harris Center. The show begins at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Dec. 23
The Sacramento Master Singers present a Master Singers Christmas at the Harris Center at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
Dec. 26
Experience Hanukkah! Join the El Dorado Hills Town Center community and Rabbi Yosef 6:30-8 p.m. in the Steven Young Amphitheater for this beautiful, cultural celebration. Enjoy the enchanting melodies of Hanukkah songs, savor delicious traditional foods, and warm your spirits with a variety of hot beverages. The menorah display will be on display through Jan. 3.
Dec. 27
Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive noon to 2:30 p.m. at 2101 Vine St. The Bloodmobile will be parked near the movie theater on the north side. Donors will receive one in-hand Fandango movie voucher. Donors will also receive a T-shirt and $15 gift card from Vitalant, and donors must be opted into the Vitalant donor rewards program to receive these items. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM486 or call(877) 2584825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.
Dec. 31
Get your dancing shoes ready, as local 10-piece
■ See HAPPENINGS, page A7
he’s committed to promoting re ghter safety and advocating for the re service and plans to join a consultancy rm focused on those goals.
“I’m super excited about continuing that work,” Johnson shared with Village Life. “I’ve still got energy le .” Energy is what Johnson has been known for since taking the chief’s position in March 2019.
“He’s one of the hardest working re chiefs I have worked with in my entire career,” said deputy chief Michael Lilienthal, who was named interim re chief by the EDH Fire Board during a special Dec. 9 meeting. “I would say a job well done.” Lilienthal said he most appreciated Johnson’s enthusiasm and long-range thinking and planning to ensure the EDH Fire Department provides the best service to the community for years to come.
“He has made a lot of positive changes in our department,” shared Deputy Chief Dave Brady, adding he looks forward to the EDH Fire Department’s next chapter.
Chief Johnson, a resident of Rescue, has been in the re service for more than three decades. He began his career in 1989 when he was hired as a parts runner for the Sacramento County Fire Protection District and soon a er became a re ghter for the Fair Oaks Fire Department, which eventually merged and became the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, according to information provided by EDH Fire. He successfully served through the ranks with Sac Metro, leaving there a er 28 years as assistant chief, Special Operations/Governmental A airs. He joined the El Dorado Hills Fire Department as chief in March 2019. During his tenure, he said he’s most proud of completing the long-planned training center — a facility known around the country — and working
News release
El Dorado Transit’s business o ce and dispatch center will be closed and the following services will not operate on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays: • Local Fixed Route (No service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
• Commuter Routes (No service Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
• Dial-A-Ride Services (No service Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1) Normal service will resume on Thursday, Dec. 26, and Thursday, Jan. 2. For more information call El Dorado Transit at (530) 642-5383 or visit the website at eldoradotransit.com.
side by side with the nest re ghters and sta .
“Our re ghters are among the best in the nation,” Johnson said. “I’m going to miss these people.”
Shedding the “incredible responsibility” of chief duties has Johnson excited for the future. “This is an incredible organization and an incredible community but it’s nice to refresh the leadership.” That doesn’t mean you won’t see Johnson at a re station from time to time. He might take a break but said he de nitely plans to stop in to catch up with his re family, “laughing and talking about everything and nothing.”
The following is a letter to the community Chief Johnson shared with Village Life:
A er much thought and re ection, I have made the decision to retire from the El Dorado Hills Fire Department. It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this community and lead this outstanding organization for the past six years.
The men and women of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department are among the nest I have had the privilege to work with in my 34-year career. Their unwavering dedication to serving and protecting this community inspires me every day. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, always with the goal of improving the safety, resilience, and quality of life in El Dorado Hills.
The timing feels right, and I am excited to focus on the next chapter. While this is my retirement from the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, I will continue to remain involved at the state, local, and national levels as an advocate for the advancement of the re service and re ghter safety.
To the citizens of El Dorado Hills, thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. It has been a privilege to serve you, and I will forever cherish the opportunity I’ve had to be part of this incredible community. With deepest gratitude and respect, Chief Maurice Johnson
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
El Dorado Hills Fire Department Director of Finance Jessica Braddock, left, swears in new re board Directors Kevin Gotro, center, and Dan Donelli at the Dec. 9 meeting, during which directors also named Michael Lilienthal interim re chief.
debate, red won. Nettie noted it would look great with the leggings the pair had already put in their shopping cart. Reagan agreed with a big smile. In the boys’ clothing section El Dorado County Sheri ’s STAR volunteer Bob Ash and Anthony, 8, checked out the jeans selection. They were a must-have on Anthony’s shopping list. He opted for black and then picked out a few warm tops. His big smile came when he found a cozy winter coat in a camou age pattern — just his size with some room to grow.
Joyous moments like these took place all over Target in El Dorado Hills on a brisk Dec. 7 morning as more than 200 children and even more volunteers participated in the 16th annual Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping Event bene ting at-risk children in El Dorado County.
In addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, volunteers from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation,
California Highway Patrol, El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Police and Fire, Deputy Sheri ’s Association
had that all important asset for all their exploration needs.
In partnership with the Cameron Park Rotary, Folsom State Prison’s annual Christmas bike donation program has gi ed upward of 200 bikes annually to disadvantaged children throughout El Dorado and Sacramento counties since 1986. Bicycles are donated throughout the year and delivered to Folsom where inmates work year round refurbishing and repairing each bike with careful detail and personal commitment.
“So there’s two (inmates) that are working on it currently that have produced all these bikes,” said Acting Warden Joseph Tuggle. “They’ve worked for several months on these bikes; there’s, I think, about 250 here.”
One is Robert Farmer, an inmate working on the program seven days a week for the last four months. “I love it,” he exclaimed. “It’s like, it’s not even like being in prison.”
His time in the bike shop has a orded him not only a feeling of freedom, but
of El Dorado County, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Placerville Police Department, El Dorado County Probation, El Dorado Hills Fire
he has acquired a new set of skills.
“My co-worker knows everything about bikes and he’s taught me everything I know,” Farmer shared. “It’s been amazing.” Farmer said he can empathize with the recipients of the program.
“Well, it’s amazing,” he mused. “I was born and raised in the projects in Richmond, California, and I identify with all those poor kids, you know.”
He said there’s nothing like getting a new bike under the tree on Christmas. “That’s why I do as much as I can for every single bike that comes in here.”
Farmer’s cohort, William Wilson, said he has a fervor for this work. He too has been in the shop for around four months.
“I’ve been just putting in my blood, sweat and tears on this,” he said. “It’s a passion for me.”
Wilson has an extensive background in two-wheeled transportation, going back all the way to his teen years.
Department and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s O ce participated. Children were greeted by DA dog Oda and handler Jim Applegate at the store’s entrance and also had the opportunity to explore re trucks and police cars as part of the event.
“Unfortunately, many at-risk children’s exposure to rst responders comes about during stressful, negative life events,” said District Attorney Vern Pierson. “Cyndee and I started the Snowball event with the help of Ken and Lani Steers to provide these children with an opportunity to interact with law enforcement and re personnel in a positive, safe environment. This interaction serves to help change the course of a child’s life and helps provide these children with some needed items for their home, a meaningful moment with law enforcement and a Christmas gi .” The event is also lled with meaningful moments for all the volunteers.
Dustin Murray, tribal administrator for the
Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians expressed, “The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians is honored to join Snowball once again. These community gatherings align with our Tribe’s fundamental values and our ongoing dedication to enhancing life in El Dorado County.”
“Especially in today’s environment, this event is a wonderful opportunity for o cers to build meaningful relationships with area children. The hope is that the children will learn to trust the o cers in their community and know they are there to help in times of need,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra CEO Brenda Frachiseur, who explained the idea for the program originated with the knowledge that some of the most vulnerable youth view police o cers as a “threat” more than a “friend.” 2024 Snowball sponsors are the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, the El Dorado County Deputy Sheri ’s Association, El Dorado County Sheri ’s Posse,
“I do bikes on the outside, but I do Harleys,” said Wilson. “Actually back in ‘84 I raced BMX for Skyway and worked in the bike shop growing up as a teenager.”
Wilson said he believes in the mission of this program.
“It’s a good program and I think we knocked it out of the ballpark,” he said.
“It feels good to give back; there’s going to be a lot of happy kids.”
The Cameron Park Rotarians are on the donation side of things. They collect donations of old bikes to be refurbished or repurposed and then deliver nished bikes to various individuals during the holiday season and to multiple charities throughout the year.
Joe Ryan has been the point person for that work for more than 20 years.
“We started out with kids bikes,” he said. “We would bring them to various schools.”
Over the years the program has grown to serve numerous recipients from individuals to other service organizations
the El Dorado County Criminal Attorney’s Association, Waste Connections, Parker Development, El Dorado County AuditorController Joe Harn and the Jensen Family. This event is one of the largest and longest running holiday charity outreach programs in Northern California, raising more than $500,000 and bene ting more than 2,000 local children.
Children participating include those enrolled in programs o ered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, CASA and New Morning. Each child received a $200 gi card to purchase necessities, gi s and special treats. At Hills Church down the road the kids, their families and volunteers enjoyed a tasty pancake and sausage breakfast cooked by El Dorado Hills Fire Department sta and explorers and served by El Dorado Hills Rotarians. Santa Claus also made an appearance, taking note of what good boys and girls hoped to nd in their Christmas stockings
that host bike giveaways.
“Hope U nited is an out t in Elk Grove” Ryan shared. “They’re doing a big giveaway this weekend at three or four high schools so they’re going to take 40.”
This program is satisfying on many levels to Ryan, which is why he said he has been doing this work for so long.
“I love it,” he remarked. “It’s a winwin on every level.”
From the inmates who do the work to the various charities partnered with the Rotary to the kids and adults who receive the bikes, every part of the work is enriching.
“Well, it’s the inmates,” Ryan said. “They just thank me today, for example, for you know, them participating in the program because it gives them a sense of satisfaction and maybe something positive.” The bikes will be distributed to families throughout December. To donate your old bicycles contact the Cameron Park Rotary at cameronparkrotary.org.
According to entomologist Arnold van Huis of Wageningen University in the
According to the United Nations, the planet’s will reach 9 billion before 2050. The demand for meat will double. Raising cattle, pigs and other livestock takes a lot of land, a lot of and a lot of money to feed them.
Insects are much and cheaper to raise than livestock. They like to live together in spaces, so they need less land. They can also eat food . According to entomologist Arnold van Huis, we throw away one-third of our food. Insects could eat the we throw out, turning it back into food for people to eat. In Thailand, poor rice who often lose their crops to bad weather, are finding that raising mounds of crickets is helping them to survive and keep their farms. There are more than 20,000 cricket farms in Thailand, 7,500 tons of crickets each year. Thailand leads the world in raising insects for food.
Living Things
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
EDC Sheri ’s O ce STAR volunteer Bob Ash helps Anthony try on a warm winter coat. This one was a little too big for the 8-year-old but he did later nd one that worked.
Trojans run one final race
Special to Village Life
Oak Ridge High School senior Addie Clinton, junior Oscar Carrillo, freshman Giuliana Martino, and freshman Lauren
Tiedeman competed in the Foot Locker West Regionals on Dec. 7 at Mt. San Antonio College in Los Angeles. Athletes from 12 western states competed at this meet.
The historical course has three significant hills (switchbacks, poop out and reservoir). This course is the section course for the southern section. Addie competed in the girls’ championship race at 10:20 and Oscar competed in the boys’ championship race at 10:50. These races were very competitive. The top 10 finishers in the championship races qualified for the Foot Locker Nationals held on Dec. 14 at Balboa Park in San Diego.
Addie ran a very strong race, placing 20th out of 107 athletes with an excellent time of 18:53.8 over the challenging 5K course. She received a medal for placing in the top 24. Oscar put in a good effort in the highly competitive boys’ championship race. He placed 215th out of 254 with a time of 18:26.2.
Giuliana and Lauren raced in the freshman girls race at 7:20. There were 128 athletes in this race.
“Giuliana and Lauren put in outstanding efforts in this competitive race,”
Happenings
noted coach Rob Fairley.
“Strategically, they ran a very smart race. They went out with the lead pack during the first mile and got in a really nice rhythm with their pace and breathing.”
Giuliana took the lead after the first mile and would not relinquish it. She showed a lot of determination the last quarter mile by kicking it in with a fast pace all the way through the finish line to place first. She finished 18 seconds ahead of the secondplace finisher with a time
horn band HipNosis is giving two chances to usher in the New Year. The band’s first stop is an afternoon show from 3-6 p.m. at the Power House Pub in Folsom; later in the evening, the party will go ‘til the calendar switches over at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma. For tickets and more information go to hypnosis.band/nye24.
of 19:14.8.
Lauren finished the last mile of the race strong to place 13th with a time of 20:32.6. Both girls received medals for their outstanding efforts.
“The Foot Locker West Regionals was a great experience for Addie, Oscar, Giuliana and Lauren,” Fairley said. “They will take a break from their training and then start training again to build an aerobic base for the track season. The first official practice for track is Monday, Feb. 10.”
Continued from A5
Jan. 8
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce and The Vine Wine & Tapas Bar hosts a mixer and ribbon cutting, 5-7 p.m. at 3907 Park Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills. For more information call (916) 933-1335.
Courtesy photo
Giuliana Martino, coach Rob Fairley and Addie Clinton, left to right, celebrate the girls’ success at the Foot Locker West Regionals.
DINING
JUST FOR ME
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
PETS
AUTOMOTIVE
RETAIL STORES
Book
V illage H OMES
Patricia Seide CalDRE #00892540 (916) 712-1617
patricia.seide@ cbnorcal.com
1272 Van Gogh Drive, El Dorado Hills
4,382 square feet
5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
0.2-acre property
$1,789,999
MLS #224010522
Golf course property a luxurious nd
Celebrate the upcoming new year by moving into your new luxury home on the Serrano Country Club Golf Course. This extraordinary El Dorado Hills property o ers unparalleled views of the 14th, 15th and 16th holes.
The allure of Italy is seamlessly infused into the design, with imported Italian marble oors 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 replace connects the great room to the formal dining room, which also has outdoor access.
The great room also ows seamlessly into the gourmet kitchen. This inviting space o ers 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 ller, dual ovens, a tiled backsplash, glass display cabinets, dual dishwashers, granite slab countertops and a farm-style sink.
The home has ve spacious, ensuite bedrooms. The main oor primary suite has gorgeous European wood ooring 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 amenities include dual counters with mosaic tile backsplash. The main oor also features a second bedroom suite and an o ce.
Ascend the hand-cut staircase to the open lo that has covered balcony access from which you can admire the sparkling pool below and the golf course beyond. The second oor has three bedroom suites.
The backyard oasis has as its centerpiece a stunning saltwater pool and spa with multicolored lighting plus re and water features. Entertain guests on the travertine stone patio or the covered Serrano room near the built-in barbecue and gas replace, 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 oors and built-in storage.
In addition to the award winning golf course and country club amenities, the Serrano community o ers miles of walking trails and pristine parks as well as access to shopping, ne 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.
Tibetan monks returning to bring goodwill to the region
Wendy Wood Placerville Friends of Tibet
The Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery will return to Placerville and Folsom, Jan. 2-18. The tour begins in Placerville with Wheel of Life Mandala, Jan. 2-12 at the historical Federated Church, 1031 Thompson Way in Placerville The tour moves to Folsom with Medicine Buddha
Mandala, supported by Mercy Folsom and Dignity Health, Jan. 14-18 at 1580 Creekside Drive, Community Education Room 1, Folsom.
Since 2003, Placerville Friends of Tibet has hosted this tour. The Tibetan monks, located (in exile) in Southern India, know and love the Sierra foothills and surrounding communities. The tour participants are deeply grateful to the founders, organizers, community, and partners that have made this possible over the years.
During the tour, the monks will share their arts and culture as well as Tibetan perspectives on the Buddha’s teachings and o er empowerments, astrology readings, healings and blessings for individuals, families, businesses, pets and the community at large. Check out the full schedule of events at placervillefriendso ibet.org.
This event helps support Gaden Shartse Monastic
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and local educates recently
the Year. Principal Levi Cambridge commended Tucker for his
goes out of his way to help others,” Cambridge said at the
and
a natural leader who asks good questions and willingly gives up his time to
certi cate to Face in a Book and $50 from the Rotary Club.
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
celebrated Tucker Maddox as the Marina Village Middle School Student of
kindness
caring attitude toward fellow students and teachers. “He
Dec. 11 Rotary breakfast meeting. The principal called the eighth-grader
ll needs as he sees them. Tucker received a plaque, gift
photo by Cecilia Clark
Shartse Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour takes place next month in Folsom and El Dorado County. Monks will share their culture and o er blessings during several community events.
County Board of Education trustees
Whitney Burke El Dorado County Office of Education
At the Dec. 13 regular meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Education, Rachel Librach and Ken Futernick took the oath of office to become the new trustees for Area 1 and Area 3. Kathi Jensen took the oath of office as a returning trustee for Area 5. Librach will represent Area 1, which includes portions of Buckeye, Latrobe, El Dorado Union High and Rescue school district.
“I am very much looking forward to giving
nity and working with parents, students, and faculty to maintain our high-quality schools and learning environments,” said Librach.
Born and raised in California, Librach has lived in El Dorado Hills since 2009, graduating from Rolling Hills Middle School and Oak Ridge High School. With a bachelor’s of innovation degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Librach is coowner of El Dorado Hills Realty and Housing Centric Property Management. As an entrepreneur and business owner, Librach said she recognizes the value of El Dorado County’s education system and the special role it plays in the community.
Futernick will represent Area 3, which includes portions of Buckeye, Camino, Gold Oak, Gold Trail, El Dorado Union High, Mother Lode, Placerville and Pollock Pines school districts.
“I’m honored to serve in this capacity and to collaborate with educators and parents on behalf of all students in El Dorado County,” Futernick expressed.
and has since dedicated his career to the profession. Futernick currently leads Bridging Divides – El Dorado, a project designed to unite the El Dorado County community. Futernick hosts “Teacher Stories,” a podcast he launched in 2018 that celebrates the profound and lasting impact many teachers have on their students and communities. In 2021 he launched and now hosts “Courageous Conversations About Our Schools,” a podcast that invites education stakeholders to engage in respectful conversations about current challenges in education.
“I am pleased to welcome Rachel Librach and Ken Futernick as newly elected trustees to the El Dorado County Board of Education,” El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala shared. “Their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership in community-based initiatives will benefit our county’s students and families. Their extensive experience and dedication to our community make them invaluable additions to our board.” The oath of office was administered to Librach, whose term expires Dec. 11, 2026, and Futernick and Jensen, whose terms expire Dec. 8, 2028. For more information about the El Dorado County Office of Education visit edcoe. org.
A career-long educator, Futernick brings a wealth of experience to Area 3 as an elementary teacher, professor, researcher, podcast host and educational consultant. Futernick began his career in education as a teacher for RUSD
Courtesy photos
El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Ed Manansala swears in Area 1 Trustee Rachel Librach, above left, Area 3 Trustee Ken Futernick, above right, and Area 5 Trustee Kathi Jensen, below left, during the recent the
GROW FOR IT!
Identifying trees in your neighborhood
The most common pine trees in the El Dorado Hills area are the pine, r, spruce and Douglas Fir. And the most familiar species of pine are the ponderosa, scotch and gray pines, and white and Douglas rs. Pine trees, Pinacaea, are one family in the Coniferophyta order. Conifers bear seeds on cones or conelike structures and their leaves are narrow and needle-like, or tiny and scale-like. The sequoia, which is also popular, is in the Taxodiaceae, or Yew family. The best way to tell members of the Pinacaea family apart are by the shape of the tree, growth pattern, bark, fragrance, whether cones hang down or are upright and whether the needles are clustered or scattered.
Kit Smith
UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County
Most distinctly, pinecones are woody and hang from the branches. The cones fall whole to the ground. Pine needles grow two to ve to a bundle out of the same place on the twig.
The ponderosa pine is the most common pine tree in California. It has a single trunk about 4 feet in diameter. The red-brown bark is scaly and looks like puzzle pieces. Its needles grow in tu s of three near the branch ends and are ve to ten inches long. Its seeds grow in green and shiny, sti and sharp-tipped. Ponderosa pinecone spines point outward, are prickly and grow 3-5 inches long.
The scotch pine is a bushy tree with sturdy branches and prickly needles. Cones can weight 2 pounds and hold 3,300 seeds.
The gray pine’s needles grow in bundles of three, are pale gray-green, sparse and drooping, and can grow to almost 1 foot in length. Its trunk divides at a height of from 15 to 25 feet into several upward growing slender branches in an unbalanced, somewhat round form.
The r, Abies, is erect, proportioned and pyramid shaped. The branches are uniformly spaced whorls. Fir
cones are upright and eshy and hard to nd on the ground, because they shatter and leave spiky stalks on the tree. The r tree needles are at sprays and shorter than pine needles. They are individually attached to the stem.
The white r has needles that appear frosted or waxy and are a blue-grapey color. They are at and twisted at the base and have a woodsy fragrance. The needles are one-half to one inch long. One distinct way to identify the white r is by its bark. Young trees have thin and grayish bark with resin blisters, whereas older bark has bacon-like furrows.
The most obvious way to spot a spruce, Picea, is by its needles which attach individually by a peg to the stem. The peg stays on the tree a er the needle drops. The needle has four sides and rolls easily between ngers. They are sti er than r needles. Another clear differentiation is that spruce cones are narrow and have exible scales. They hang and fall whole.
Douglas r, Pseudotsuga menziesii, has deeply furrowed, scaly, gray bark and an intense aroma, and its limbs beautifully droop. Its needles are dark green, so and at and are arranged around the twig like a bottle brush. The scales on the cone are thin and protrude with three pronged bracts.
This winter, as you’re walking in your neighborhood, see if you can’t identify some of these beautiful evergreen trees!
Master Gardener classes are o ered monthly throughout the county. You can nd our schedule at: mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Calendar/ and recorded classes on many gardening topics here: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Public_Education/Classes.
The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open, weather permitting, on the rst Saturday of the month, from November through February 9 a.m. to noon. First Saturday tour starts promptly at 9 a.m. Please check our website for further information about activities at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at: ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_ Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.
Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are work-
ing hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on our website: mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ Ask_a_Master_Gardener or leave a message on our o ce telephone: 530-621-5512. We’ll get back to you! Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For more information on the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, see our website at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu.
Region engages in cultural tolerance at Chanukah Wonderland Festival
News release
FOLSOM — Sacramento embraces the true spirit of freedom and the holiday season with the 18th annual Chanukah Wonderland Festival. Everyone is welcome to celebrate community and freedom at the Folsom Community Center.
The festival will include games, music, shows, delicious hot latkes, an authentic Israeli food court, Chanukah gi shop and lots of Chanukah themed cra s. And. back by popular demand, light up your creativity with the Builda-Menorah and candle making workshops.
Chanukah Wonderland is an interactive and fun way to teach children and adults the important values of religious tolerance, mutual respect, cultural history, and the right for all people to worship freely, openly and with pride.
“Every extra point of light dispels a little more darkness and helps make this world a better place,” said Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum, executive director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center. “Our hope is that participants will be inspired to light the Menorah in their own home for all eight nights of the holiday.”
(Note: Chanukah Wonderland kicks-o the Chanukah festivities for the Sacramento region. Watch for the annual Menorah Lighting at the State Capitol and many locations around the county.)
Complete details of the event can be found on chanukahwonderland.info or on facebook.com/chanukahwonderland.
The Festival runs 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. in Folsom. Shows, some games and photos with Judah Macabee are free. All-inclusive game and cra passes available for $15 if purchased before Dec. 20 on the web-
College, which is situated in the remote countryside of southern India. It was founded in 1969 as an e ort to re-establish one of the great monastic traditions of Tibet — the Gelug tradition followed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. A small group of elder monks and 15 young boys, all of whom had managed to escape the destruction in Tibet, settled on land given to them by the Indian government in Mundgod, Karnataka.
Today the college is at the forefront of the revival of Tibetan Monastic education, with more than 1,600 resident students, teachers, scholars and spiritual practitioners. More than 70% of the members are between
the ages of 10 and 25 and 80% of these were born in Tibet. To this day, young monks arrive at the monastery weekly from Tibet, seeking shelter and education. Due to the success of the academic program and the quality of the teachers at the monastery, Gaden Shartse has established a reputation as being the leader in the eld of Buddhist and Tibetan studies.
Placerville Friends of Tibet is a group of dedicated volunteers who, since 2003, have committed their time, energy and resources to sharing the culture of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism with the communities of the Sierra foothills and the Sacramento region.
site ($30 at the door).
Chanukah Wonderland, sponsored by Chabad Jewish Community Center, located in Folsom, commemorates the rst battle won for religious freedom. As part of the Chanukah outreach campaign, the Chabad Jewish Community Center joins thousands of Chabad Centers across the globe that stage similar public displays of the menorah and its symbolic lights. From Australia to Africa, Columbia to Hong Kong, New York City’s Ground Zero to the White House Lawn, hundreds of thousands will experience the joy of Chanukah with Chabad.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Aaron T. Smith Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Raingelino Chiamparino from El Dorado Hills loads radiological control test equipment aboard the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), Nov. 26, 2024. Santa Fe is part of Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, home to four Los Angeles-class fastattack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including: anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
your
Monks visit
Bonds tested in holiday show
Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre
FOLSOM — “A Laura Ingalls
Wilder Christmas” brings its warmth to Sutter Street Theatre, now playing. In their poorest winter ever, when the crops have been devastated by locusts and the family must deal with the death of baby Freddie, Charles Ingalls backtracks his family to Burr Oak, Iowa, to take over the running of a hotel. And if things weren’t bad enough, Ma tells Laura she must be nice to Johnny Steadman, “the worst boy in Iowa.” When wealthy Mrs. Starr asks for Laura as a companion to read to her in the afternoons, Laura is overjoyed to be invited into such a fine house, but when she overhears Mrs. Starr offer to adopt Laura as her own daughter to ease the burden of so many children, Laura
is certain that Ma and Pa will give her up. As Christmas morning approaches, Laura is faced with a decision: Will she choose what she believes is best for the family or will she find a way to stay with Pa, Ma, Mary and Carrie?
This original play presents the poignant story of the “missing” two years in the life of the Ingalls family — the only substantial period that Laura chose not to write about in her Little House books. Told with period songs, humor and depth of character, ”A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” shares a story of healing that celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds.
The show runs through Dec. 29 with showtimes at 4 p.m. Fridays, 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 4 p.m. performances Dec. 18 & 19 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For reservations go to SutterStreetTheatre. com or call (916) 353-1001.
Photo by Allen Schmeltz
The Ingalls family, as portrayed by actors Chelsea Miller, John Hopkins, Natalie Aguiar, back row from left, and Avery Miller and Elizabeth Old, front row from left, stick together despite hardship in “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas.”
