Village Life, August 17, 2023

Fired up!

EDH Fire Training Center ready to go

Noel Stack

Managing editor

At the corner of Bertelsen Parkway and Chief Fry Boulevard two beautiful houses sit on a hillside. But these homes aren’t part of the latest El Dorado Hills housing development; they’re designs to be breached, vented and filled with smoke and water.

After years of planning the El Dorado Hills Fire Department Training Center is ready to help firefighters get real–world experience in a variety of scenarios — whether it’s searching for a fire victim in a back closet or rescuing a fellow firefighter who has fallen while venting an attic. The department’s first major exercise planned Aug. 11 had firefighters teaming up with PG&E crews to go through scenarios involving the utility company’s mock infrastructure built at the site.

“It’s pretty awesome,” said EDH Deputy Fire Chief Dustin Hall as he stood in the training center’s cul-de-sac. “A lot of hard work went into this by a lot of people.”

Hall, who has been a point person on the project since he joined the department in 2019, headed to one of the building’s fire-proof rooms where an accelerant known as Excelsior will be lit to fill the space with smoke. “The room is 100% protected,” he said, assuring no flames will escape. “The panels (on the walls and ceiling) … are designed to last 30 years.”

Excelsior is a special product designed to burn clean and produce little smoke once it reaches open air. At times, Hall said, training will include burning pallet furniture, which could produce darker El Dorado

Oak Ridge football team misconduct investigated

Oak Ridge High School’s football team is facing allegations of misconduct leading to the involvement of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, according to Principal Aaron Palm.

“As some of you may be hearing, there was an incident involving members of our football team that has resulted in the involvement of local law enforcement,” reads a statement Palm issued to Oak Ridge families last week. “Please be assured that we are aware of the incident, are taking appropriate steps to investigate the facts and will take appropriate disciplinary action where warranted. Conduct of the type alleged to have incurred has no place in our school community and we are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Due to the privacy rights

60-acre Bass Lake Hills project going into EIR phase

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

Residents have until Aug. 17 to provide written comments before El Dorado County drafts an environmental impact report for the proposed Town and Country Village development project in El Dorado Hills.

The EIR will evaluate impacts of the proposed development such as air quality, biological resources, water quality, noise and wildfire potential.

The county issued a notice of preparation for drafting the EIR in mid-July. Located north of Highway 50 east of Bass Lake Road on 60.5 acres, the property consists of a project development area and a program study area.

Proposed structures inside the project development area, which are the northernmost and southernmost parts of the land consisting of just over 30 acres, include two five-story hotels, a three-story event center with two restaurants and a 7.9-acre portion of land

n See BASS LAkE hILLS, page A4 n

Hills Deputy Fire Chief Dustin Hall is all smiles at the entrance to one of the department’s burn buildings at the brand-new training center.

Now

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting for the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees volunteers. The potential opportunities include but are not limited to patrol, clerical office work, community outreach, special events and more. They support various functions of law enforcement and the community. The next STAR Academy will be held Oct. 9-19. Requirements to be a STAR are to have no criminal history and a clean driving record. For more information contact the STAR office at (530) 621-7545 or email EDSOStars@edso.org.

Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out the first and second Saturday mornings of each month, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the rightside 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.”

Aug. 17

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Live on the Boulevard free concerts every Thursday. The schedule features Petty Theft (Aug. 17) Stevie Ray Visited (Aug. 24), Folsom Lake Symphony (Aug. 31) and Uptown Funk (Sept. 7). Set up begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

Aug. 18

The Stage at Burke Junction presents Home Grown Comedy with Saul Trujillo, Hormoz Rashidi, Colby Lawson

Bertelsen Park getting spray pad and more

Stack Managing editor

Two years after a fire destroyed Bertelsen Park’s restroom pavilion, which was once used as a community space, the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors has selected a new design that gives nod to the past and provides modern amenities.

CSD directors were give three options from which to choose and ultimately picked option

2. The plan includes a picnic pavilion housing eight tables next to a 1,048-square-foot spray pad with a rinse station. Other features are a two-stall restroom, open-air seating and more picnic tables, two barbecues and an ADA drinking foundation with a jug filler and dog bowl.

Consultant Helix Environmental Planning construction estimates list the expected cost at $1.662 million. That estimate includes a more than $277,000 contingency.

Bertelsen Park is named after El Dorado Hills Fire Lt. Peter Bertelsen, who in 1965 lost his life in the line of duty. The nearly 11-acre park on Redwood Lane is one of the EDHCSD’s oldest,

n See BerteLsen parK page A6

Courtesy rendering

The chosen design for Bertelsen Park includes a spray pad, barbecues and a covered picnic pavilion.

Barbie’s better side

Until I turned double digits, my main pastime was playing Barbies. My older sister Jennifer and I got lost in hourslong plots of self-created intrigue, in uenced by another core memory: watching “Days of Our Lives.” Our Barbie episodes were so proli c we once set out to make it into the “Guinness Book of World Records” for “longest time playing Barbies.” Set in a pink, utopian Barbieland, the new “Barbie” lm’s director Greta Gerwig of “Lady Bird” fame, gets an A for the lm’s visuals. When I saw the life-size Barbie Dream House on the big screen, I remembered the joy and wonder I felt when I nally saw my 8-year-old version of the Red Ryder bb gun from “A Christmas Story” under the Christmas tree — a Barbie motorhome. A Dream Home was still a few years away and too much to even fathom yet. Gerwig also remembered a pink slide for Barbie to use in her house instead of stairs. Embellished but empty, food and drink containers accented the kitchen. Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, oats literally in air because that’s how real-world handlers maneuver Barbie and her friends. Barbie also oats guratively through life at the start of the lm, worry-free as can be until she’s struck with an existential crisis and must travel to earth to nd the child who is playing with her. This is when things get interesting.

I thought I knew everything there is to know about Barbie but we get to witness a never-before-seen depth to her just as we are served with the movie’s freshest theme: women win when they support one another. There are parts of the lm that fall at, or

that go on too long, but the best parts are when the di erent variations of the Barbie character work together, showing a girl power that’s unstoppable.

Since adulthood I’ve realized that women, not men, are the ones holding themselves back. It’s everywhere, from who gets the blame when an in delity occurs to our biggest, most visible arenas. I’ve been watching “American Idol” since its beginning. For 20 years I’ve noticed a pattern that only seems to have gotten more obvious. Voters, who tend to be women and girls, are more likely to vote for guys instead of female singing contestants. The more con dent the woman, the less likely she’ll get the votes. I’ve seen this cross over to other aspects of the entertainment business. What’s seen as con dent in a man is seen as threatening from a girl. It’s given me pause that all four of my kids, both boys and girls, have stated over the years during school class election season something as fact: a boy has a better chance of winning an election because the boys will all vote for him and girls … mostly vote for the boys too.

The reasons are deep-rooted for this, yet women and girls need only remember Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Just like she discovers by the end that she held the power to get home to Kansas anytime she wanted, women and girls have the power to make their dreams come true, too. They need to stick together like boys do.

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

BACK TO SCHOOL

CRIB NOTES by Julie Samrick

Photos by Jana Rossi

Lake Forest Elementary School students Alaina, Ava, Emery, Cormac and Wilson are excited to see their teachers and classmates and begin their first lesson of the school year. Lake Forest was back in session Wednesday, Aug. 9, as were other El Dorado Hills elementary and middle schools; Oak Ridge High School students returned to campus Monday, Aug. 7.

New Principal Renee Mallot, Librarian Debbie Shedd, mom Emily O’Sullivan and fourth-grader Emily O’Sullivan, left photo, are ready for the start of the new school year. Three-year old Jace, left, sees his siblings off at they arrive for class. Sister Aurora, 5, center, is beginning first grade and brother Gian, 9, heading into fourth grade, right photo.

smoke, but the businesses and homes shouldn’t notice much. “As much as we can, we’re trying to burn clean,” Hall said. “We’re definitely conscientious of our neighbors. We want to make sure we don’t smoke anyone out.”

Construction began in March 2022 at the $12.5 million facility in the EDH Business Park next to Station 87. Phase 1 includes a streetscape with twostory and three-story residential Class “A” live fire training structures totaling approximately 10,000 square feet and a 1,600-square-foot outdoor classroom with storage and bathrooms as well as a water reclamation area plus grading, paving and utilities groundwork for this and future phases.

The residential structures emulate the architecture/ layout of homes in El Dorado Hills with multiple levels and balconies and parts built into the hillside. Rooms have deep closets, living spaces have high ceilings and each house comes with its own twists and turns as well as a few dead ends.

“We designed this to be as real as possible,” Hall said. “I think we hit the nail on the head.”

El Dorado Hills firefighters got their first look at the completed training center last month and some have even begun training there. “We’ve already opened the facility to our firefighters,” Hall shared. “They’re just not lighting fires yet.”

That is expected to begin by the end of this month

of the individuals involved, we are unable to go into further detail at this time.”

Palm confirmed all students involved in the incident were minors.

Hazing has widely been suspected, although details remain unclear at this time.

Sgt. Kyle Parker of EDSO told

Bertelsen Park

established in 1962.

EDH Fire Director Tim White, while joking he probably won’t use the spray pad much, said he looks forward to the park’s new look.

“I think this is wonderful representation of what this park can be,” White told EDHCSD directors at the July 13 meeting.

Neighborhood resident Rebecca Eno also praised the chosen design.

Events

and host Roman Gusman at 8 p.m. For tickets and more details visit stageatburke.com/homegrowncomedy.

Aug. 19

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host Fall and Winter Vegetables, 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how to grow a successful winter vegetable garden from Master Gardener Zack Dowell. This is being taught via Zoom. Register at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey. cfm?surveynumber=41102.

Aug. 20

Pies

Brickyard Counter & Bar at El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts a corn hole tournament, 1-4 p.m. at the Steven Young Amphitheater.

Jen Oliver presents the Real Conversations, a candid afternoon

once a few final details are finished, he added.

EDH Fire has already had several agencies, including the Folsom Fire Department and El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, inquire about using the facility for joint exercises, Hall said, adding that EDH Fire officials are grateful for local agencies’ and the public’s support of this project — the largest the department has undertaken.

“I’m happy we have come to this point and we can move on to something new,” Hall said.

As for his “something new,” the deputy chief said Johnson already has some ideas since most coordination for the training center project has wrapped up. “No rest for the wicked,” Hall joked.

Continued from A1

Village Life the incident occurred at a preseason football camp. The initial investigation was carried out by school resource officers who determined the event was outside the jurisdiction of EDSO. The investigation was then turned over to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Douglas County, Nevada.

“We absolutely love option No. 2,” she said. “This design has so much character and gives nod to the old gazebo.”

Board Chair/Director Noelle Mattock said she received feedback from the community supporting option 2 as well. A motion was made by Director Steve Ferry and seconded by Director Mike Martinelli to select the design.

with Folsom local Julia Nicholson, whose personal journey marks the coexistence of terrible loss and incredible joy, 2 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Aug. 21

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills blood drive noon to 4 p.m. The Bloodmobile will be parked in the parking lot near the baseball fields at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. Make an appointment at donors. vitalant.org and use blood drive code SMFM019 or call (877) 258-4825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. Donors will be entered into a Vitalant drawing for a chance to win one out

A spokesperson for DCSO was unable to provide further information regarding the incident or investigation.

Other news media has released reports alleging “multiple” students had been suspended or expelled from school, but this information has not been confirmed to Village Life.

It passed 3-0. Directors Heidi Hannaman and Ben Paulsen were not present at the meeting.

The CSD will solicit construction proposals once more detailed plans are complete in the near future. District staff also plan to work with EDH Fire staff to develop signage and plaques paying respect to fallen firefighter Bertelsen.

of five $5,000 prepaid gift cards.

Aug. 23

The Dementia Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at 2020 Town Center West in El Dorado Hills. For more information and to RSVP call (916) 467-8330.

Aug. 25

Musician Ed Wilson will perform at The Vine in El Dorado Hills, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Starbright Entertainment presents One of These Nights — songs of The Eagles, 7:30 p.m. at Harris Center for the Artsat Folsom Lake College in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

V illage H omes

Patricia Seide

CalDRE #00892540

(916) 712-1617

Patricia.Seide@ cbnorcal.com

2,082 square

3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

5.25-acre property

Listed at $1,209,000 MLS #223066766

Cameron Park property a rural gem

Discover the perfect family retreat on 5-plus acres where cherished memories and endless fun await. This exceptional Cameron Estates property combines country living with modern conveniences just minutes away.

The freshly painted ranchstyle home boasts beautiful custom glass front doors that open into an updated, open floor plan with decorative concrete flooring and recessed lighting.

A charming chandelier and arched entry with columns add style to the formal dining room, which is bathed in natural light coming in from the front doors as well as a large window. Relax after dinner in the great room with a cozy fireplace built into a decorative rock wall. Large sliding glass doors provide natural light and open to the backyard.

Resident chefs will love creating their culinary masterpieces in the adjoining kitchen which features suede-finish granite countertops, an island with bar seating, a Dacor sixburner stove with stainless steel hood and double built-in ovens plus a new refrigerator, dishwasher and counter backsplash. There’s ample counter and cabinet space for prep as storage.

The spacious primary suite has a large walk-in closet and backyard access with a sliding glass door opening just steps away from the hot tub. The suite’s bathroom has double sinks with delicate chandeliers overhead, a tiled sunken tub and roomy shower with a rock wall.

The home has two additional bedrooms sharing a full bathroom as well as a laundry room with an attached powder room and an attached, three-car garage. After a busy day, savor a quiet evening and take a dip in the sparkling pool with a diving board or soothe your muscles in the personal spa under the pergola. The private backyard has plenty of space for entertaining and when the party’s over, visitors can retreat to the detached guest quarters. The comfortable space is freshly painted with a lighted ceiling fan, a sky tube, window shutters and a full bathroom with an updated vanity and instant hot water tank.

This property is designed with equestrians in mind, featuring a 37,600-square-foot arena with Atwood Eurotex Footing plus an arena wet base with classic mats and watering system. The barn has a covered concrete porch, six stalls with a new concrete barn aisle and 3/4-inch mats, four walkouts and a tack room. Additional outbuildings include an oversized equipment shed and a large hay barn. The property also has RV hookups, a chicken coop and two dog kennels. Vinyl fencing surrounds the acreage, which also has new exterior lighting, gutters and garden boxes with a drip system.

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

3197 Lariat Drive, Cameron Park

feet

Sel Richard Village Life correspondent

El Dorado Hills mom and devout Christian Sherry

Bliss Haase bares her soul in “Women of the Bible,” a devotional study which encourages the spiritual journey of the modern woman.

“I was doing a Bible study with one of my friends,” recounted Haase, who explained that although most studies include author notes

and journal questions with each scripture verse, that day she was disappointed to find that a particular scripture discussed different women of the Bible but had no corresponding commentary.

“I heard God say maybe you should write the commentary,” she said. “That’s really what prompted me to start the project.”

“Women of the Bible” comprises 19 lessons, each featuring a scripture verse, Haase’s commentary and several prompting questions. Through the exploration of various biblical women, Haase tackles themes of female relationships, influential women and redemption, offering a helping hand to women in need of a rejuvenation of faith while navigating challenges of the modern world.

One passage in particular resonated with a painful period in Haase’s life.

“When I read the story of Hannah, who experienced many years of devastation because she was not able to have children, I easily related as I suffered several years of infertility,” she admitted.

“In Hannah’s lesson I talk about the importance of trusting God. Like Hannah, I was able to experience the blessing of mother-

hood, even if the timing was different than what I expected,” she continued. “I know many women have gone through or are going through similar struggles. I want them to know they are not alone.”

Haase also incorporates a section on Peninnah, who taunted Hannah about her inability to bear children. “In the Peninnah story, I share how painful it was to go through infertility,”

Homes for Sale in El Dorado Hills Area

El Dorado Hills Area Homes Sold Recently

Meet the Trojans

Substitute Cafeteria Assistant, Cook, and Maintenance Custodian Positions at Sly Park

Set your own schedule and enjoy the flexibility of a substitute at the beautiful Sly Park Conservation and Environmental Education Center near Pollock Pines.

Starting Hourly Rates: Cafeteria Assistant -$16.40 hr., Cook- $19.01 hr., Maintenance Custodian - $19.49 hr. Click here to apply today: http://www.edjo.in/1807592

For more information, contact Sacramento County Office of Education Personnel Dept. 916-228-2332

Get ready for a thrilling 2023 high school football season that begins with a nonconference game vs. Spanish Springs (Sparks, Nev.) at home — 7 p.m. kickoff Friday, Aug 18. The ORHS Trojans will face Grant at home the following Friday, Aug. 25.

Salary: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually

Description: Are you an innovative, forward-thinking professional in the field of finance and administration? Are you a self-starter with exceptional communication skills who excels at working with members of the community and public officials in helping provide a community excellent service? Do you enjoy the feel of a small town with access to regional amenities? If so, Cameron Park Community Services District (District) welcomes your application for General Manager.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 28, 2023, at 11:59 PM PST. Apply at: https://bit.ly/CPCSDGMApply

noted Haase. “I can’t imagine having someone rubbing that in my face all the time. It’s a lesson in how to support each other as women and li each other up rather than let petty jealousy and other issues cause us to put up walls and turn against each other. Let’s be a community that reaches out. You never know what other people are going through.”

“My hope for this book was to create a devotional that women would find relevant, relatable, encouraging and that would inspire them to spend more time in the Bible ...”

As a mother of two teenagers with a full-time position as a relationship manager in the retirement planning industry, Haase took four years to complete her debut book, squeezing writing sessions in the car or at co ee shops between kids’ games and competitions. And even a er its release, Haase contended with months of technical issues before her online presence was ironed out.

“So far I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses,” said Haase, grateful for the many who helped her along the way, including Joe Muzzi, pastor of Crossroads Church in Michigan, as well as a group of friends who served as impromptu editors. She has since been busy promoting her book at women’s events, church conferences and Bible studies.

“It felt like this was something that God placed on my heart,” Haase insisted. “I went into it very green. It’s a very vulnerable experience. I’ve been truly overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from friends, family and the community.”

And it is support that she in turn wishes to extend to her readers.

“My hope for this book was to create a devotional that women would nd relevant, relatable, encouraging and that would inspire them to spend more time in the Bible and deepen their walk with Jesus,” Haase said.

As summer days continue, Haase looks forward to hiking or paddleboarding with her family. And she still has plenty of kids’ activities lling her weekends. “I would not have it any other way,” Haase assured.

“Women of the Bible”

available

Center.

is

through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes as well as locally at Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town

Photo by Laurie Edwards ORHS varsity head coach Casey Taylor expresses gratitude to all the supporters of the ORHS football program during the Meet the Trojans event held earlier this month at El Dorado Hills Town Center. Residents and football fans came out despite the heat to meet the team and share their excitement for the upcoming season.

Oak Ridge High School football players show off their athleticism, above, when they take on the cheerleaders in a spirited push-up contest. Below, Trojan cheerleaders astonished the packed crowd with their high-flying performance.

— Author Sherry Haase

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Sandwich Best Pet Groomer: Dog’s Delight

Best SandwichGift of Kids Daycare and Preschool

As you pass the Purple Place on Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills, you have likely noticed a small building at the edge of the road — home of Dog’s Delight owned by Jamie McNally.

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

McNally and her staff offer one-stop grooming services for dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Her shop is very easily accessed with ample parking to drop off and pick up your pet. So, stop by and see why Dog’s Delight is voted No. 1. Get your furry friend’s nails trimmed or treat them to a beautiful makeover. Walk-ins are always welcomed.

Best Sandwich Best Massage: Massage Envy

Massage is a great way to keep your body moving and keep doing the things you love. For a massage that will leave you relaxed and feeling your best long after getting off the table, head to Massage Envy in El Dorado Hills Town Center. Since 2007, clients have enjoyed the therapeutic and soothing techniques of knowledgeable and skilled professionals.

“They not only understand the benefits of massage, they genuinely care about people,” owner Laurie Vaqueiro said of her staff. Massage Envy El Dorado Hills has 29 service providers ready to help you take care of yourself. Ask about their Total Body Stretch and Advanced Skin Care services while scheduling your next appointment.

Best Flooring: Sacramento Area Wood Specialists

We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, homework tutor club and transportation for school agers. The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certified, and make it a priority to continue their education. Over the years, not only have we focused on love and education here at the school, but we have also been involved in sponsoring many local non-profit groups

Best Bakery & Cakes: Yellow Button Bakery

When you’re searching for delicious, gluten-free treats, look no further than Yellow Button Bakery. Owner and baker Brenda McDavid saw a need and decided to fill it. She launched her new bakery business out of her own kitchen. Customers can enjoy Brenda’s delicious gluten-free treats in several local haunts: Foxwood Coffee and Tea in Shingle Springs, Caffé Santoro in Diamond Springs and Sweet Pairings in Placerville. You can also meet her at the farmers market in front of the Bell Tower in Placerville, June through October. Brenda also offers dairy-free and vegan choices. “My favorite things to bake are your favorite things to eat.”

Best Sandwich Best Roofing: Nail It Roofing

Sacramento Area Wood Specialists specializes in the installation of pre-finished hardwood, laminate, carpet and vinyl flooring in both the residential and commercial environment.

Installing flooring since 1993 has given the company’s staff many years of experience in both remodels and new construction.

Sacramento Area Wood Specialists has built many great relationships over the years and continues to work with many of the area’s investors, Realtors, property managers, retail shops, large area production builders as well as countless homeowners and numerous custom builders — no job is too big or too small.

Best SandwichBest Contractor: Straight Line Construction

Serving the El Dorado County area since 1999, Jack Borba’s commitment to quality and hard work has helped Straight Line Construction grow tremendously in a relatively short time. The company now offers residential services for roof replacement and repairs, windows, skylights, gutter systems, decks and siding. Straight

also offers great

friendly team and high-quality craftsmanship. The new location

ability

view

samples, textures and colors in easing their remodeling process. Borba and his team also give back to the community in hosting fundraisers and supporting the food bank.

Brothers Aaron and Christopher Meyer entered the roofing trade by working in all capacities — from laborer to superintendent, project manager and estimator.

This gives Nail It Roofing customer the advantage of accurate bids and expert management over all aspects of their projects. Nail It Roofing is committed to providing the best possible service with seasoned professionals using the highest-quality products to ensure customers are satisfied with the quality of service. Considering much of their business is obtained through word of mouth, that says a lot.

Best Sandwich Best Financial Planner: Shari Merle, LPL Financial

builds relationships that span generations. “I still work with some of my original clients and now I’m working with their kids,” she said, a testament to her ethics, honesty and integrity. A former tax preparer, Shari offers a unique perspective. “I understand taxes and how they affect your finances,” she explained. She and her son Steve are both Certified Financial Planners and are fully licensed for stocks, bonds and life insurance products. You can rest assured that she will be true to her personal motto, “No matter what, I do what’s right for the client, not for me.”

Celebrating Your Winners!

Best Pet Supply Store: Ben’s Barketplace

Best SandwichBest Painting Contractor: E. Durst Painting

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

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

Best SandwichBest Private School: Golden Hills School

the best version of themselves children require the broadest possible set of opportunities delivered by fully accredited teaching professionals in small-group settings. Students participate in academic endeavors, athletics and the arts. Daily physical education, art, music, computer science and Spanish language instruction are integrated into the curriculum. GHS is the only International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Candidate Private School in the area.

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

Best Asian Food: Thai Paradise

Coming from a long line of chefs trained at international hotels in Bangkok, Chef Jarunee Fleming brings a special touch to her authentic Thai recipes. With locally sourced produce and fresh meat and seafood brought in daily, Jarunee prepares her farm-to-fork dishes with rice bran oil, making them healthy and flavorful. “I like to make people happy with my food,” said Jarunee, and happiness abounds at the family-run eatery.

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

Best SandwichBest Assisted Living Facility: EDH Senior Care

35-plus years of experience to customers.

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

“As an organization, we have committed from the start to providing the best possible coatings, quality of workmanship and service at a competitive price,” he said. “We keep our overhead costs low and pass those savings onto the customer. Thank you for your choice in our company as the best of El Dorado Hills. We are so honored and look forward to continuing to serve you.”

Big Apple Bagels

Sandwich lovers know they’re getting the best at Big Apple Bagels, a restaurant known for fresh bagels made from scratch daily. Whether ordering sensational, hot breakfast bagel sandwiches (Southern Tradition is a local favorite) or biting into a delicious choice from the lunch sandwich menu (try the turkey and havarti), customers delight in the satisfying taste of quality — all the time, every time.

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

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

Best Sandwich Best Mexican Food: La Cascada

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

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

Best Sandwich

2920 Tam O’Shanter Drive El Dorado Hills (916) 939-0962 eldoradoseniorcare.com

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

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

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