SERRANO Living the Good Life in El Dorado Hills SPRING 2022
MASTER BUILDER & PARTNER
Out of the Ashes COMPASSION IN ACTION
Footloose in the Foothills 1960 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
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PAT SEIDE GROUP SPECIALIZING IN LUXURY ESTATE PROPERTIES
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#1 COLDWELL BANKER AGENT IN EL DORADO COUNTY SINCE 1998
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isually stunning spaces within this 9600 sq ft home include copper inlays in the boxed ceilings of the distinctive game room/bar, striking office, formal living and greatrooms, theater, three level elevator and panoramic views of the surrounding greenbelt. Golf course views in front, and towering oaks in back provide complete privacy and a calming reprieve from city living from which to savor the resort styled backyard featuring new pool with water & fire features and Cabo shelf, spacious circular spa, fire wall, fire pit & full kitchen.
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CA DRE# 01412951 angela@angeladameri.com www.angelaandjeff.com (916) 316-5567
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SERRANO Living the Good Life in El Dorado Hills serranoeldorado.com sacmag.com
Home Furnishings Full Service Interior Design Flooring & Handmade Area Rugs Lighting Custom Window Treatments Custom made Upholstery
Serrano—Living the Good Life in El Dorado Hills magazine is a publication of the Serrano community in El Dorado Hills. It is written and produced three times a year for Serrano Associates by Sacramento Media LLC . The magazine is distributed under the authority of Parker Development Company to all Serrano residents, property owners and country club members. Additionally, copies are distributed to businesses and outlets throughout El Dorado Hills and neighboring communities from Folsom to Placerville. Copies are available at the Serrano Visitors Center, at Serrano builders’ model home complexes and at select local businesses. Serrano is being developed by Parker Development Company, a longtime Sacramento-area creator of high-quality and award-winning master-planned communities. CONTACT:
5601 H Street Sacramento
marketing@serranoeldorado.com or call (916) 939 -3333
916.476.6190
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SERRANO Living the Good Life in El Dorado Hills
SERRANO WELCOME TO
Living the Good Life in El Dorado Hills
editor’s note: Dear Serrano Community: We hope this issue finds you happy and well in the New Year. While it is early 2022, we wanted to share some highlights from 2021 including a feelgood story about human kindness toward those in need and a heartfelt congratulations to a very special man who has spent his career advocating for students. Check out KK Roberts’ story “Out of the Ashes” on page 38 to experience compassion in action as El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini and his wife, Janine, took in dozens of displaced families during the devastating Caldor fire last year. It is a story of resilience, determination, creativity and compassion. Having served on the Child Advocates of El Dorado County with Janine for several years, I was not surprised that this effort to help others was driven by her deep care and compassion for others. Thank you, D’Agostinis, for all you do for your community.
Serrano is being developed by Parker Development Company, creator of high-quality, awardwinning master-planned communities since 1956, including Greenhaven and Riverlake in the Pocket area of Sacramento, and The Parkway in Folsom. Serrano’s amenities include miles of hiking and biking trails and more than 1,000 acres of open space. Numerous neighborhood parks are located within the gated villages. El Dorado County’s K–12 schools offer an exceptional level of education, with test scores that have ranked among the highest in California. The private, member-owned Serrano Country Club offers elegant and casual dining as well as tennis, swimming and exercise facilities. Serrano’s 18hole championship golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. For information about Serrano Country Club, call
Speaking of deep care and commitment to others, be sure to read Bill Romanelli’s story on page 30 about El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ed Manansala. In late 2021, the Sac State Alumni Association awarded him with a Distinguished Service Award in recognition for his community service and for bringing great distinction to the university. To know him is to understand his true compassion for others and his deep commitment to every student under his care in El Dorado County. We’re excited about the Olympics! I’m sure many of you have been enjoying some of the highlights these past few weeks, so we thought we’d share a fun story about the 1960 VIII Winter Olympics Games, held in what is now known as Palisades Tahoe. Be sure to read Jolaine Collins’ Footloose in the Foothills story on page 22 to explore history, meet David Antonucci, author of Snowball’s Chance: The Story of the 1960 Olympic Games, and make plans to visit some of the Olympic museums still operating today. Sounds like a perfect getaway weekend this winter! Any finally, don’t miss the profile on page 44 about longtime Serrano custom builder extraordinaire, John Sedar, who has dedicated the past four decades to building beautiful homes for families throughout Serrano and the Sacramento area. Kristin Conner Editor
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(916) 933-5005 or visit online: serranocountryclub.org.
Serrano and the Serrano logo are state-registered trademarks
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Treat Yourself To Something Extraordinary El Dorado Hills Sports Club and Asante Spa is an escape from everything ordinary. It’s a place where you can go beyond what you thought was physically possible, then restore yourself to a state of serenity. Enjoy the quintessential mind and body experience with these incredible specials.
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Membership offer expires February 28, 2022 and is a first visit joining incentive. Savings is in the form of a monthly dues credit for 3 consecutive months on a month to month membership. One-time $25 initiation fee. Cannot have been a member in the past 60 days to be eligible. Cannot be combined with other membership offers. Other restrictions may apply. Asante Spa Specials good through 2/28/2022. Cannot be combined with any other special or discount. Additional restrictions may apply. Please see Asante Spa for further details. Sports Club Members receive preferred spa pricing. Spa guests’ privileges include access to the Sports Club and the children’s Play Center (Play Center fee required).
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contents SERRANO Living the Good Life in El Dorado Hills SPRING 2022
13 Community Calendar SPRING 2022
19 The Good Life in El Dorado County LOCAL EVENTS
22 Footloose in the Foothills 1960 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES AT TAHOE
30 Meet El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools A CSUS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AND ADVOCATE FOR STUDENTS
34 A2 Milk From A2 Cows WHAT IS IT AND IS IT REALLY BETTER?
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38 Out of the Ashes COMPASSION IN ACTION
44 John Sedar
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MASTER BUILDER
46 Come In for a Hairdo and a Brew NECTAR AT THE VILLA
50 Dr. Ed Manansala FAITHFUL PRESENCE IN A TIME OF GREAT CRISIS
38 SPRING 2022 SERRANO
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Dine and Dream well while you discover your own adventure in Amador County
In downtown Plymouth Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2008 www.restauranttaste.com B&EHospitality_7X4.875.indd 1
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16 comfortable rooms in Sierra Foothills Wine Country www.hotelrest.net
Pub grub and four modern guest rooms at the Volcano Union Pub + Inn in downtown Volcano www.volcanounion.com 12/7/21 2:36 PM
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SPRING 2022
February/ March
HANDS4HOPE— YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOILETRIES DRIVE
This annual event benefits families in need, the homeless and veterans. Please consider donating travel-size toiletries (lotion, shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, soap), toilet paper, deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, razors and hand sanitizer. All donations can be dropped off at the Hands4Hope Office located at 5005 Windplay Drive, Suite 2 in El Dorado Hills. For more information on Hands4Hope and how to get involved in their monthly community engagement opportunities, please visit hands4 hopeyouth.org.
Feb. 26
ANTIQUES EVALUATION DAY Bring your treasured antiques to the El Dorado Hills Town Center for local expert, Brian Witherell, to view and provide complimentary appraisals. The evaluation day will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the California Welcome Center lo-
March
HANDS4HOPE-YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE SUMMER INTERNSHIP AND COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities will become available in March. To learn more, visit hands4hope youth.org
cated at 2085 Vine St., Ste. 105 in the El Dorado Hills Town Center. The event will be limited to 100 people with two items each for evaluation. Appointments are first-come, first-served, but please be prepared to wait for your viewing time. Note there will be a 30-minute break from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Current health and safety guidelines at the time of the event will be followed. Please visit facebook. com/Welcome CenterEDH or call (916) 9331335 for more information and updates.
March 19
WALK & ROLL—EL DORADO HILLS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT This community-wide fundraiser is being held to support the construction of the all-abilities playground at Bass Lake Regional Park in El Dorado Hills. The event will include music, light refreshments, giveaways, family-friendly activities, and trail safety and etiquette information. Participation is free, and donations are encouraged. Walk & Roll is being presented by Walk With Austin, in partnership with the youth-led organization Hands4Hope and the El Dorado Hills Community Services District. For more details, please call (916) 933-6624, visit edhcsd. org or hands4hopeyouth.org.
April 9
AQUA EGG HUNT The Aqua Egg Hunt is fun for ages 2–12. Pre-registration is required and all regular pool rules apply. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community pool located at 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Children under 6 years old must always be within an arm’s reach of an adult, including in the water. For more details, please call (916) 933-6624 or visit edhcsd. org. $15 per child. SPRING 2022 SERRANO
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April 16
April 30
This free event is designed for ages 0–12 and will start at 9 a.m. sharp at five CSD parks: Community Park, Promontory Park, Lake Forest Park, Bass Lake/Sellwood Field and Valley View Park. For more details, please call (916) 9336624 or visit edhcsd.org.
This free event is open to ages 7-14 to compete. Top players in each age group category will receive an award. Pitch, Hit, Run will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Promontory Park softball fields located at 2700 Alexandra Drive in El Dorado Hills. For more details, please call (916) 933-6624 or visit edhcsd.org.
EASTER EGG HUNT
PITCH, HIT, RUN
April 16
April 30
PICTURES WITH THE EASTER BUNNY Please bring your camera to take a photo with the Easter bunny. This free event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Community Park located at 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. For more details, please call (916) 933-6624 or visit edhcsd.org.
April 16
UCCE MASTER GARDENERS OF EL DORADO COUNTY PLANT SALE
All plants have been tenderly grown by Master Gardeners. Plants for sale will include all edibles, vegetable, fruits and herbs. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden located at 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville. For more details, please call (530) 621-5528 or email mgeldorado@ucanr.edu. mgeldorado@ucanr.
April 223
APRIL POOLS DAY March to the pool to kick off the summer season with a bang! Enjoy an afternoon of swimming and fun with the family. Aquatics staff will be on hand to answer questions about summer swim lessons and other programs offered in 2022, and the Resident Services office will be open to handle any registration needs you may have. This free event will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the community pool located at 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. For more details, please call (916) 933-6624 or visit edhcsd.org. 14
UCCE MASTER GARDENERS OF EL DORADO COUNTY PLANT SALE All plants have been grown by Master Gardeners. Plants for sale will include ground covers and ornamental grasses, natives, perennials, shrubs, trees and succulents. For more details, please call (530) 621-5528 or email mgel dorado@ucanr.edu.
April
HANDS4HOPE—YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE YOUTH BOARD FUNDRAISER To learn more about the fundraiser, please visit hands4hope.org.
May 7–8
ART, BEER & WINE FESTIVAL Don’t miss this annual event, held every year in the El Dorado Hills Town Center in honor of mothers everywhere! Unlimited tasting kits include beer/wine for 21+ (must show ID), wristband, and a commemorative event glass. Buy online now and save. Tickets are currently $25 online through April 15 and $35 thereafter through the event dates. Enjoy one or both days during Mother’s Day weekend! Admission is free. Visit eldora dohills artfesti val.org to check daily event times and for more information or call (916) 933-1335.
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Shaun Alston was selected as one of the TOP 40 MOST Successful Realtors in Sacramento, Top Producer for three of the most coveted categories by HomeLight.com—Top 1% of all Agents in the Region selling 76% more. #1 IN BUYER TRANSACTION VOLUME—HIGHEST NUMBER OF ALL TRANSACTIONS #1 BUYER SALES VOLUME—HIGHEST $$$ SALES OF ALL AGENTS #1 TOP DOLLAR SELLER—TOP SALES PRICE TO LIST PRICE RATIO + THE REGION’S EXPERT IN RESIDENTIAL +SINGLE FAMILY HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS + STAGING SPECIALIST Shaun is also a Masters Club Continuing Life Member.
shaunalston@landmarkeagle.com www.eaglerealty.org • (916) 698-4646 DRE# 01191824 • Agent NMLS # 331678 • Broker NMLS #382650
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Win this House Built by Woodside Homes in Bolero at Twelve Bridges, Lincoln, CA. Estimated value $660,000.
Giveaway Date: April 28, 2022
Get Tickets
dreamhome.org 800-564-8758
May 21
SAVE THE DATE! EL DORADO HILLS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY This event, celebrating the CSD’s 60th anniversary, will include live music, food, art installations and arts and craft booths. For more details, please call (916) 933-6624 or visit edhcsd.org.
June 4
Bonus Prize
YOUTH FISHING DERBY
Get your ticket by April 1 for a chance to win a two night stay for four at the private guest house at Charles Krug Winery, including a tour, tasting and dinner at Brasswood Restaurant, plus a private in-home wine tasting for up to 12 guests (within 150 miles of Sacramento). Ticket Outlets: Patelco Credit Union, Woodside Homes sales offices
National Sponsors
Local Sponsors
Giveaway is conducted by and benefits ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. St. Jude’s audited financial statement is available upon request to St. Jude by calling 1-800-822-6344 or by email at annual.report@stjude.org. Your payment may be deducted under Federal and State income tax laws only to the extent that it exceeds the cost of the tickets you purchase. ©2022 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (EXPM-8097). CA R-0061
The event will be held at the Village Green Park located at 4655 Serrano Parkway in El Dorado Hills. Pre-registration is required for participation. For more details and times, please call (916) 933-6624 or visit edhcsd.org.
June 4–5
GARDENS OF THE HILLS TOUR 2022 FUNDRAISER—ASSISTANCE LEAGUE SIERRA FOOTHILLS Tour sensational private resident gardens in El Dorado Hills and its vicinity at this popular annual event. Enjoy wine tasting, a signature raffl e, online auction and shop local artisans’ creations. Tickets will be available online and at designated outlets. Please visit assistance league.org/ sierrafoothills for more information and updates. EIN # 800220452
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FOR TICKET INFORMATION VISIT www.folsomlakesymphony.com
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Dignity Medical Aesthetics Celebrates 16 Years in El Dorado Hills!
This year marks the 16th anniversary of El Dorado Hills’ favorite medical practice for treatments to slow the appearance of aging on the face, neck and body. Dignity Medical Aesthetics (DMA) was established in 2006 by Missey McCallum, RN, and Sherellen Gerhart, MD. Dignity Medical Aesthetics has been the premier medical aesthetic practice in El Dorado Hills since 2006. They offer services such as laser and IPL treatments for permanent hair reduction, removing brown spots and redness, as well as treating lines, scars and laxity to help provide younger, smoother looking skin. They offer non-invasive treatments for lifting the neck or brow and skin tightening. They have options for Body Contouring, Radio Frequency Microneedling and Vaginal Rejuvenation. Plus Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are offered to naturally help with hair loss and skin rejuvenation. They are national leaders in injections of Botox and fillers for relaxing lines, adding volume, and for lifting facial areas to lessen the appearance of sagginess and jowls. Also they are now offering QWO injections for cellulite.
All new patients receive a complimentary 45 minute consultation to carefully review their medical history followed by a general overview of treatment options that can best meet their personal needs for enhancing their appearance. New patients receiving Botox or filler for the first time are strongly encouraged to return for a courtesy follow-up appointment They are known for excellent service with competitive pricing. All medical providers at Dignity Medical Aesthetics are thoroughly trained. DMA realizes that natural looking results are a huge priority for their patients and achieves that through their procedures By looking at their website (www.dignitymed.com), you can see examples of most of their treatments and services. Check out their amazing reviews on line too. CALL (916) 939-3889 TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION AT DIGNITY MEDICAL AESTHETICS!
1200 Suncast Lane, Suite 5, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 | (916) 939-3889 | dignitymed.com
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the good life
in el dorado hills PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARM PHOTOGRAPHY
17TH ANNUAL NIELLO CONCOURS
It was another successful Niello Concours at Serrano as community members and visitors throughout California turned out for this popular event. Guests toured the display of beautiful motor cars from the classics to the exotics, enjoyed a beer garden and were treated to a fashion show. Be sure to mark your calendar for the 18th annual event, currently scheduled for Oct. 2, 2022! SPRING 2021 SERRANO
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EL DORADO HILLS BREWFEST
At El Dorado Hills Brewfest, presented by title sponsor RCP Construction Inc., 1,800 attendees came to the Serrano Visitors Center on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. A special tribute led by Fire Chef Maurice Johnson and the fi re department’s Pipes and Drums marked the day, which also included Art on the Green (new this year), plenty of music, and unlimited tastings from 45 breweries, cideries and wineries. The VIP Lounge was back, along with unlimited games under the oak trees. Five regional food trucks also joined the party.
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1960 FOOTLOOSE IN THE FOOTHILLS
OLYMPIC
WINTER
GAMES at TAHOE Explore the History and Discover the Trails
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by JOLAINE FREITAS COLLINS photography courtesy of DAVID ANTONUCCI
I
f you weren’t around to witness the 1960 Winter Olympics at Lake Tahoe, you can still experience the sites where the games were held and see collections of Olympic
memorabilia that capture the pageantry that elevated the region to a world-class resort. I’ve had a lifelong fascination with the 1960 Winter Games. My older brother skied the Olympic torch over Donner Summit, which made him a legend in my family, at least. He was part of a 500-mile relay team of high school students who brought the torch from Los Angeles, through the Central Valley and into Olympic Valley for the ceremonial lighting that marked the opening of the games. As torch bearers, these teens didn’t wear official uniforms of the Olympics, nor were they followed by television cameras or cheered on by throngs of people. My brother just laced up his leather boots and pushed down the cable bindings on a pair of long wooden skis, and then accepted the torch from another skier before traversing his way over the summit and passing it off to the next torch bearer who headed down to the Tahoe Basin. Many aspects of the VIII Olympic Winter Games were intimate and informal like that, quite unlike the modern-day Olympics.
Tower of Nations and Olympic fl ame cauldron
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Palisades Tahoe, known as Squaw Valley until the resort changed its name last year, was a magnificent mountain in the mid-1950s, with nothing more than a double chairlift, two rope tows and a small lodge. So it was a surprising international victory when the little-known destination was selected over renowned European resorts including Innsbruck, Austria, to host the 1960 VIII Olympic Winter Games on the western shore of Lake Tahoe. In February 1960, nearly 700 athletes from 30 countries competed in 27 Olympic events, including alpine skiing, ski jumping, ice hockey, speed skating, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing, and the inaugural medal competition of the men’s biathlon. The cost of admission: $7.50 a day. These were the first live, nationally televised Olympic games, and the pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies—orchestrated by Walt Disney—was especially designed for the lens of television cameras. There were many important firsts introduced at the 1960 winter games, including electronic timing, mechanical grooming, instant replay and computer-tallied results, according to David Antonucci, author of Snowball’s Chance: The Story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, and resident of Tahoe’s west shore. Antonucci has worked for years to preserve the history of the 1960 Winter Olympics by gathering facts for his book, collecting memorabilia and mustering support as president of the board for The SNOW (Sierra Nevada Olympic Winter) Sports Museum, which is targeted to break ground in 2025 at the Olympic Valley entrance on Highway 89.
1960 Winter Olympics Museums While The SNOW Sports Museum is still on paper, there are two museums on Lake Tahoe’s west shore where
This page: Walt Disney (right) confers as Pageantry Chairman; a cross-country skier passes through the time check at McKinney Creek stadium. Opposite page: The jumping hill from the landing area. Olympic photos by Bill Briner. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Palisades Tahoe, known as Squaw Valley until the resort changed its name last year, was a magnificent mountain in the mid-1950s, with nothing more than a double chairlift, two rope tows and a small lodge.
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The star-shaped A-frame building near the resort’s parking lot was built as the Olympic visitors center, and the current Olympic Village Lodge was formerly athlete housing.
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you can learn about the region’s ski history and appreciate its Olympic spirit. One is The Gatekeeper’s Museum, located in Tahoe City near Fanny Bridge. An exhibit there features some of Antonucci’s collection, including 1960 Winter Olympics clothing, flags and souvenirs, as well as the history of skiing in the Northern Sierra. “It’s an eclectic collection,” says Antonucci. “Most artifacts and memorabilia from the games ended up in the hands of private collectors. We’re always on the lookout and adding items to the museum.” He keeps a keen eye open for an Olympic torch from that year, designed by a Disney artist. The Olympic Museum, located at High Camp at Palisades Tahoe, features memorabilia from local athletes, news highlights and a hockey stick and puck from the 1960 Winter Games. Antonucci anticipates that both the High Camp and Gatekeeper’s collections will be housed at The SNOW Sports Museum. Many of the Olympic artifacts, including 30 huge, Disneydesigned statues of athletes built from wire mesh, Papier mâché and stucco, were created as temporary structures, and were then removed, or they simply deteriorated following the games. If you’re looking for lasting signs of the games in Olympic Valley, the most predominant reminder is the Tower of Nations structure which greets visitors at the entrance to Olympic Valley. It honors the 1960 competitors with emblems of their 30 countries and an eternal flame cauldron. Names of ski runs and Olympic rings throughout the resort are reminders of its storied history. The star-shaped A-frame building near the resort’s parking lot was built as the Olympic visitors center, and the current Olympic Village Lodge was formerly athlete housing. Just west of the village is a small church with a sweeping “potato chip” roofline and glass walls that was built for Olympic guests. Blyth Arena, the iconic centerpiece of the games where the opening and closing ceremonies and ice skating events took place, unfortunately collapsed during the heavy snows of 1982-83.
Opposite page: The church with a sweeping “potato chip” roofline and glass walls was built for Olympic guests; pier near trails at Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. This page: The A-frame building at Palisades Tahoe was built as the Olympic visitors center (photo by Todd Lappin); a snowstorm abates during opening ceremonies; a rendering of the SNOW Sports Museum. Rendering courtesy of SNOW Sports Museum Foundation
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West Shore Olympic Trails Today you can enjoy the Olympic crosscountry ski trails year-round in Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoma. “Many people don’t realize it, but there were actually more Olympic ski events on the west shore than there were in Olympic Valley,” says Antonucci. “Cross country was more predominant than downhill skiing.” There were six cross-country ski races at the 1960 Olympics—four for men and two for women—staged on 57 kilometers of trails that “Many people fanned out between Homewood and what’s don’t realize it, but now the state park. At the time, the park there were actually more land was privately owned by the Ehrman Olympic ski events family, which joined other landowners on the west shore to grant the use of their property for the cross-country events. than there were in Temporary structures and biathlon Olympic Valley.” shooting ranges along the course were removed after the games, leaving no trace of the site’s history. Look for an interpretive display located at the park’s barn/coach house, on the lake side. You can cross-country ski, snowshoe, bike, run or hike along five trails. The longest trail, General Creek, is a nearly 3.5-mile loop featured in the men’s events, including the biathlon. All trails are beginner to intermediate levels and there’s signage along the way. Before you visit in the wintertime, it’s good to note that the trails are not groomed after storms, so you may need to break your own track. Walk and snowshoe on the side of the trail. Trails also lead into the woods a couple of miles from the highway, where cell phone coverage can be spotty. So come prepared with a buddy, along with proper gear, water and food. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. A restroom is located on-site. Park rangers and volunteers have led ski and snowshoe tours during past winters. Visit parks.ca.gov for maps and current activities at the park.
This page: Trails at Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoma. Park photos and map courtesy of California State Parks
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sip and Stroll April 9 Eggcellent Adventure Passport Event March 25 - April 16 Spring Arts & Crafts Fair April 24 Here Comes the SUN-day Spring Concerts April 3,10, May 1,8, 15,22,29 1-3PM Zittle Family Amphitheater DISTRICT association
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Meet El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools A CSUS Distinguished Alumnus and Advocate for Students
Dr. Ed Manansala
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by BILL ROMANELLI photography by CHARM PHOTOGRAPHY/ CHARLENE LANE
All his life, Dr. Ed Manansala has had a heart for serving others. That passion was instilled in him by his parents who moved to the United States from the Philippines to give their children a better life. Throughout this youth, Dr. Manansala worked as a volunteer, mentor and coach in Sacramento and as far away as Guatemala. It was after seeing a young teen shot on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Sacramento, however, and hearing another say, “that’s just how it is here,” that he set out on a new path. “I was troubled by what I’d seen, and heard, and I shared my concerns with a Sac State professor,” Dr. Manansala says. “She told me, ‘Ed, if you want to make true, systemic, long-term community change, you have two choices—the juvenile justice system or education.’ I chose education because I saw it as the more preventive option, where I could impact kids
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“Education really is the fabric of our community, and it needs everyone’s involvement—the kids, the teachers and the parents.”
Dr. Ed Manansala pictured in 2020 with students of Oak Ridge High School, St. Francis High School, Union Mine High School, Ponderosa High School, Vista del Lago High School and Jesuit High School
and families upstream,
before they’re in the system. Ultimately, a quality education is the bridge for children to reach their potential.” Now, 25 years later, Dr. Manansala holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and serves as El Dorado County’s superintendent of schools. He earned his doctorate from UC Davis, but it was his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Sac State, including three credentials in social work, counseling and administration, that got him there. Last October, in recognition of all his work and community service and the impact he’s had on the lives of many students throughout California, the Sac State Alumni Association recognized him with a Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes graduates for professional achievements and community service, achieving prominence in their field, and bringing distinction to the university and/ or their community through their accomplishments. Serrano’s Principal Planner for Parker Development Company, Andrea Howard, has worked with Dr. Manansala for years and says the recognition is well deserved. “Dr. Manansala (Ed) has set the gold standard for our schools in El Dorado County. He has a vision of academic excellence, and his commitment to our community extends beyond the walls of his professional career,” Howard says. “He devotes his free time to serve on several nonprofit boards, including the Boys & Girls Club, Marshall Medical Center, Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises (MORE), the UC Davis School of Education and the El
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Dorado Community Foundation. His achievements, both professional and personal, are remarkable.” For his part, Dr. Manansala says he’s honored by the award, adding that it’s a privilege to be an educational leader in our community, and that his desire toward community service is deeply intertwined with his work. He sees firsthand what kids in our community are experiencing, and he encourages everyone with a heart for serving kids to put that desire into action. “This is a difficult time for our kids. They’ve been impacted by 22 months of very challenging circumstances, on top of living in a time when kids are already dealing with greater levels of anxiety, depression and isolation,” he says. “There are numerous opportunities for anyone looking to have a positive impact, from service organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys & Girls Clubs to advocacy groups like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).” Dr. Manansala also says it’s important to remember the teachers who’ve been in the trenches right alongside their kids through this challenging time. Simply offering a few words of thanks to a teacher, principal or any staff member to let them know they’re appreciated can be immensely helpful. “We want to create a high-quality educational system that helps our students succeed. Our goal is creating an environment where kids, no matter what kind of background they come from, can fulfill their dreams,” he says. “Education really is the fabric of our community, and it needs everyone’s involvement—the kids, the teachers and the parents.”
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A2 Milk
Kazoo, the A2 Jersey/Normandy cow
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From
A2 Cows What Is It and Is It Really Better?
In spite of its name, A2 milk was actually here first. A2, which is a name copyrighted by the a2 Milk Company out of New Zealand, is a beta-casein protein that was discovered in the 1990s, leading to the pronouncement that not all milk is the same. Nearly all milk from sheep, goats, yaks, camels, buffalo and even humans contains mostly the A2 protein, and the belief is that throughout most of human history, cow’s milk was also predominantly A2. As a result of genetic mutation 10,000 years ago as cows were moved into Europe, one single protein in the amino acid chain was replaced, creating the A1 milk, which represents about 90 percent of the cow’s milk sold in the United States today. What makes this important is that about one-third of all Americans have problems digesting dairy. This is commonly attributed to lactose intolerance. Lactose is basically a kind of sugar in milk, and if you’re lactose intolerant, you don’t have enough of the lactase enzyme to break the lactose down into glucose so you can digest it, leading to cramping and indigestion. However, proponents of A2 milk argue that it’s the presence of the A1 protein that causes people discomfort with dairy products. There’s also been speculation (mostly from A2 advocates) that the A1 protein could be linked to a variety of diseases. That has given rise to an entire cottage industry devoted to producing, selling and using A2 milk. The global A2 milk market was valued at $8.5 billion in 2020 (slightly more than a 10 percent share of the global milk market), and it is expected to top $25 billion by 2027 according to ResearchCFME. Whole dairy farms, including two in Placerville and Shingle Springs, are devoted to raising only A2 cows, and the milk’s use in products from ice cream and baked goods to infant formula and powdered milk has been growing steadily. So, the question is, is A2 milk really better and healthier for us? It depends on who you ask. The European Food Safety Authority issued a report in 2009 based on a review of the science available at the time and found no relationship between any disease and drinking milk with the A1 protein. A pair of research papers published in 2020 by Purdue University and the University of Auckland “suggested” that people with lactose
by BILL ROMANELLI photography by CHARM PHOTOGRAPHY/ CHARLENE LANE
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Kazoo gets milked at My Sisters’ Farm in Shingle Springs
intolerance experienced fewer symptoms when consuming A2 milk instead of regular cow’s milk. Even as far back as 2003, the New Zealand Commerce Commission tested milk produced by the a2 Milk Company—which invented the genetic testing system to identify A2 cows—and found it had some A1 protein in it. It its “I talk to thousands of consumers, and ruling, the Commission wrote that the company “acknowledged those who drink A2 milk all swear by it. I that it could not be certain there was no A1 in A2 milk.” haven’t met one who said it did not resolve Some in the industry have even gone as far as to attribute the their intolerance issue,” Haymaker says. health benefits of A2 to a placebo effect, but don’t tell that to George Haymaker. “A2 is the same protein human mothers The Serrano resident is the founder of ReTh ink Ice Cream. carry in their breast milk, which shows just In his words, the company was born out of a previous addiction how in tune it is with our systems.” to alcohol and pain pills that gave way to an ice cream addiction when he stopped drinking alcohol and needed to replace the sugars. Of course, too much sugar and fat from the ice cream wasn’t doing his health any favors, but the so-called “healthier” ice creams on the market were simply unacceptable in terms of taste and texture. He set out to create an alternative that was also “tummy-friendly,” and subsequently launched ReThink Ice Cream in 2018. He uses A2 dairy exclusively in all his products. “I talk to thousands of consumers, and those who drink A2 milk all swear by it. I haven’t met one who said it did not resolve their intolerance issue,” Haymaker says. “A2 is the same protein human mothers carry in their breast milk, which shows just how in tune it is with our systems.” There seems to be universal agreement that there are no negative health concerns associated with A2 milk, and it tastes the same as regular milk. If you want to try it for yourself, you can find it and ReTh ink Ice Cream on grocery store shelves throughout El Dorado Hills. 36
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out of the ashes Compassion in Action
by KK ROBERTS
photography courtesy of JANINE D’AGOSTINI
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In the heat of the dog days of August 2021, a raging wildfire enveloped Amador and El Dorado counties, threatening the lives and homes of area residents with destruction. The Caldor fire, the 15th largest in recorded California history, would go on to burn more than 200,000 acres (347 square miles). Situated directly in the path of the inferno, thousands of residents were subject to evacuation orders that were urgent and immediate. Shelters overflowed, leaving displaced locals unsure of where to go. Resilience. Determination. Creativity. Compassion. Love. These are all traits that can empower those who suffer unimaginable loss, devastation, and tragedy to create a resourceful and collaborative community focused on support and healing. A very wise man, Mr. Fred Rogers, once said, “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Following the evacuation of hundreds of residents, help was to be found in the open arms of Janine D’Agostini, her husband, El Dorado County Sheriff, John D’Agostini, and their extended family. Together they decided to offer their farmland to evacuees desperate for refuge.
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The D’Agostinis’ inspiration for laying out the welcome mat? “I was driving into town and saw all the people lined up on the road with nowhere to go, and I thought about the farm,” says Janine D’Agostini. “I called my husband and said, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about jumping in here,’ and knowing me, he just said, ‘how high?’” The couple called family members who were not only completely supportive but very ready to volunteer. The D’Agostini family farm became a haven for those in need. “We started on social media,” she says. “We let folks know we were opening up the land for campers and cars and for those without anything but tents.” Fifty, then up to 200 people responded, bringing their displaced animals as well. “In addition to domestic animals, we had horses, cows, chickens and ducks. Volunteers donated panels and pens to house them, and we ended up with basically a petting zoo.” Feed stores provided food, and veterinarians offered their expertise in taking physical care of the animals.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
The common thread sewing together the rescue effort was the embrace of the community. “We virtually became a functioning town,” D’Agostini notes, “all through donations and volunteers.” Fully prepared meals were served three times a day, with service and supplies donated by local restaurants. Marshall Hospital offered vaccines and conducted daily rounds for medical aid. “We had showers, restrooms and laundry,” she says. “Every need was met.” Handwashing stations were a staple, thanks to concerns about COVID. “We were all outdoors and had regular testing, and we [the family] had all tested clear right before the fire started,” she continues. Cal Fire posted progress reports and map updates daily during dinner. Teachers set up temporary schools; church groups planned activities, and the farm had voluntary security 24/7. According to D’Agostini, “We had amazing people who worked other fires come and set up hot spots to make sure everyone could access the internet. The techies were incredible.” Members of the community joined forces to supply unexpected amenities, including dozens and
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dozens of gift cards to help purchase muchneeded necessities. Some locals donated several brand-new bicycles for kids, and two area residents brought an ice cream truck in to offer free treats. Says D’Agostini, “This took an incredible amount of work. The real heroes are the people of the entire county, and the volunteers from Sacramento and surrounding areas as well. The cooperation, love and kindness of everyone kept our efforts running very organically.” “God provided,” she adds. “I look back with fondness on the experience because we could witness the strength of the human spirit. It was people coming together, evacuees chipping in themselves, all to help and serve.” The mini metropolis was in action for three weeks and one day. “We had to wait for the evac orders to be lifted, and then we still kept the animals for an extra week,” D’Agostini says. Many of the evacuees were able to return home once the danger passed to try and regroup, while others who lost homes and property continue to struggle.
According to Cal Fire, the devastation wrought by the Caldor fire, only the second wildfire to cross the Sierra, was substantial with 81 structures damaged and 1,003 structures destroyed. The emotional stress and material losses were made just that tiny bit more bearable by the generosity of spirit and support from the D’Agostini family and the shared strength and support of area volunteers who donated their time and resources so selflessly. “This was not about us,” she insists. “It was this incredible community that came together to help.” Such compassion and concern for others in a harrowing time of need is truly a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity.
“We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome.” —Isabel Allende SPRING 2022 SERRANO
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ohn Sedar is a master builder of custom homes and a general contractor with a specific set of high-demand skills. Sedar, 77, started building homes in 1976 and was renting office space from Serrano developer Bill Parker when the two met. It was an encounter that ultimately launched a decadeslong partnership. The Parker Development Company (PDC) team was initially drawn to Sedar because he was an experienced home builder who shared their vision to bring new home communities to life in the Sacramento area. So, they hired Sedar to put together the “A” team and, for the next decade, he and his team helped build hundreds of homes throughout the Greenhaven, Riverlake, The Parkway and Serrano development projects (known as the Destinations series). Having Sedar on the PDC team also helped them earn numerous awards not only at the local level, but at the state level as well. Having Sedar on the Serrano team was an easy decision, Parker says. “John is a problem solver and always does things that are above and beyond,” he says. “He’s a quality guy who does quality work.” When PDC stopped building new home communities, Sedar turned his love of building toward build to-suit custom homes in Serrano and elsewhere. Sedar has constructed numerous custom homes in Serrano, including what is generally regarded as one of the top 10 finest homes, not only in Serrano but in the Sacramento region—the French-and Italianinspired estate located on Greenview Drive in El Dorado Hills. The home combines the best of French and Italian design elements on two acres. The main home is 9,560 square feet with an adjacent pavilion. There are four-bedroom suites, each with a separate bathroom on a little more than two acres. In total, the home has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. The home, named Balancia, sold earlier in 2021 for $4.3 million. It is now valued at $4.82 million. Dick Bregard is Balancia’s first owner. Bregard is a retired senior executive with Aerojet (now Aerojet Rocketdyne) as the company was merging with Rocketdyne in 2013. He already owned a home in Serrano, but when he retired after the merger, he decided to stay in Serrano, but he wanted to design and build a house just the way he wanted. “When consulting with the architect, (Kevin O’Brien), John Sedar’s name kept coming up, and he soon went to the top of the list,” Bregard says. “I looked at some of his work around Serrano and
elsewhere without him knowing it, and when we met him, we knew he was the one to build it.” With a long career in aerospace engineering, Bregard is very familiar with one-offs, exact specifications and the extreme level of detail and craftsmanship required to pull the plan off. Launching the plan was hard work for all parties involved, he says, but there was only one formal change notice. “John was on the site every day, and he runs one of the best work sites I’ve ever seen,” says Bregard, who downsized three years ago to a Serrano condo a couple of blocks away. “It was clean, had plenty of erosion control, safety plans and managed entry and exit points. Just incredible.” Sedar says he doesn’t swing a hammer anymore, but he stays actively involved in his custom projects. He lives in Gold River with his wife of 53 years, Karen, and stays focused on one home at a time now, rather than dozens. He says he doesn’t want to retire, but he just wants to avoid being over-committed. He’s survived the roller coaster of the housing and building markets for the better part of six decades by staying true to the designs, his clients and his own exacting standards. Quality withstands upheaval, market swings be darned. “We’ve had our Ruth Chris days, and we’ve had our McDonald’s days,” he says. “But I’ve always been fortunate to work with great people.” His imprint is on more than 425 homes developed by the Parker Development Company, but the stunning home on Greenview Drive remains his favorite. “No one walked away after we finished that project,” Sedar says, “without puffing out their chests.” “John keeps threatening to retire, but his love of the profession and the public’s demand for his expertise keeps him doing ‘just one more home,’”says Jim Parker, Parker Development Company Vice President. “We’re hoping he’ll continue to work his magic in Serrano just a little while longer.”
Balancia
by MARK BILLINGSLEY portrait by CHARM PHOTOGRAPHY/CHARLENE LANE SPRING 2022
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by BILL ROMANELLI photography by CHARM PHOTOGRAPHY/ CHARLENE LANE
&
a brew
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A hair salon connected to a taproom. A salon and a saloon. It’s a concept that its owner, Stacy Moenig, agrees sounds crazy when you first hear it. “When you walk in, it all makes sense,” Moenig says. “Taprooms and salons both get tons of foot traffic, each one will benefit the other. It can be a fun, welcoming experience for men, women and couples to enjoy together. I’m really excited to get our doors open!”
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Stacy and Chris Moenig, owners of Nectar at the Villa Salon The vision is a 1,700square-foot taproom with TVs and a large outdoor patio, serving up to 20 different Moenig and her husband, Chris, conceived the idea one day beers, lagers and ciders from local while they were sitting in another taproom and thinking they breweries, all available could do it so much better. They’d always dreamed of owning a saloon when Chris retired from his job with the state someday, right next to a full salon with but then decided that retirement was a time to relax, so why not 11 styling stations, four open the taproom now. salon suites, a hot tub The vision is a 1,700-square-foot taproom with TVs and a large and—possibly in the outdoor patio, serving up to 20 different beers, lagers and ciders from future—a sauna.
local breweries, all available right next to a full salon with 11 styling stations, four salon suites, a hot tub and—possibly in the future—a sauna. For her part, Moenig has owned and operated salons in and around El Dorado Hills for years, most recently Twisted Scissors, where she will continue as a partner. The Nectar at the Villa Salon opened in July and is already thriving. The taproom was supposed to open in September, but it was held up by permitting and supply chain delays. “Our hope is the taproom will be open in time for March madness,” Moenig says. “Our
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walk-in refrigerator is supposed to be delivered any day—it’s been floating in the harbor for weeks—so as soon as that’s in, we can start planning a grand The taproom under opening Super Bowl party.” construction As they were thinking about where to open the new business, Moenig saw the 5,200-square-foot space in the La Borgata retail center (near Raley’s on Park Drive) as ideal. The space had been home to a salon and spa in the past. Overall, it was too big for just a salon, so the mixed-use concept inside a retail center that she felt was underappreciated in the community was a perfect solution. “I’d really like to elevate the La Borgata Center; we’ve got three amazing restaurants here—including Sienna,” Moenig says. “Most new folks in town don’t know about this spot. I’d love to get a music series started here and help people discover this place.” SPRING 2022
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Faithful Presence in a Time of Great Crisis by DR. ED MANANSALA
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DR. ED MANANSALA
EL DORADO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
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n a beautiful Sunday August afternoon, I received a call from Grant Coffin, Indian Diggings School District superintendent, informing me that a “little fire” had started close to his school community in Omo Ranch. He shared that his school would be closed on Monday given that the fire department was using the campus as a home base. At that moment, neither of us had any idea that the “little fire” would manifest into a wildfire—the Caldor fire—which would burn more than 221,000 acres, evacuate more than 50,000 residents and close 20 schools. Reflecting on the overwhelming experience, El Dorado County residents proved to be a generous presence in a time of great crisis. Almost immediately, the Emergency Operations Center was up and running at the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s office in Placerville. Here, our county leaders worked hand in hand with first responders to help keep residents safe. At the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, the Cal Fire Basecamp was established, bringing together multiple agencies, including schools, where we discussed the next courses of action. I witnessed firsthand the high degree of professional collaboration and clear communication under intense pressure and urgency. It was truly remarkable, and I had
the opportunity to show State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, around when he visited. He also spent time meeting with the superintendents of our 15 El Dorado County school districts to hear their stories and concerns. At the same time, our communities reached out to provide urgent support to their neighbors across the county, from housing evacuees to providing food and clothing donations. The El Dorado Community Foundation jumped into action to distribute emergency funding to evacuees. And, although the fire did not reach our backyards here in El Dorado Hills, our residents and nonprofit organizations were instrumental in supporting recovery efforts. For example, the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills hosted a pasta fundraiser, and the District Church of El Dorado Hills supported the Grizzly Feast holiday banquet, where the nonprofit Hands4Hope collected and distributed more than 700 coats to those affected by the fire. The strength of these outreach efforts was crucial in supporting our neighborhoods and schools during a time of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety. Amidst the devastation, look at what we accomplished together. Thank you for your faithful presence, El Dorado County.
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