El Dorado Hills, CA February 2026

Heart & Community

While February 14 is often called the day of love, here in our community, love extends far beyond a single day. After all, at its heart, love is about connection—and that’s something our community does beautifully! It’s found in the small businesses we support, the care and admiration we have for our friends and neighbors, and the little everyday acts of kindness that add up to something truly remarkable. In this Love Local issue, we’re highlighting some of the ways our community shares that spirit.

In this town known for its involvement and generosity, Feeding the Foothills stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when neighbors come together to care for one another. This nonprofit organization addresses food insecurity with dignity and purpose, providing vital resources to individuals and families throughout the foothills. We’re honored to share their story with you.

Many couples are surrounded by so much affection and support during the holidays, it’s no wonder that it’s the perfect (and most popular!) time to pop the question. After the “yes” comes choosing the ideal place to celebrate. From vineyard views to elegant estates, venues close to home offer the perfect backdrop— each reflecting its own charm, character, and sense of community. We’re happy to highlight a few of these options.

And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, El Dorado Hills’ Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers is the perfect place to find something meaningful for a special someone. Owners Brett and Adriana Sargent bring experience, passion, and exceptional personal service to every piece they sell or create, helping you discover a gift that’s timeless, memorable, and full of heart.

Thank you for reading and for being such an important part of our community, supporting the local businesses, and sharing in the stories that make this a wonderful place to call home. As El Dorado Hills City Lifestyle celebrates our second anniversary this February, we’re thrilled to continue sharing that connection with you—month after month, all year long!

KRISTY MURDOCH, PUBLISHER @ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Krista Minard

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Cadence Murdoch

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krista Minard, Bailey Hall

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Charlene Taylor of Charm Photography and SmackDab Studio, Gabriel Teague

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Food on Every Plate

Food on Every Plate

At Feeding the Foothills, a small but mighty team uses local and national connections to help ensure El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer county residents don’t go hungry

ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FEEDING THE FOOTHILLS

“Hungry can look like you and me,” says Laurie Rinker, Regional Philanthropy Officer at Feeding the Foothills (FTF), an organization dedicated to keeping area residents fed. FTF’s mission: to nourish families experiencing food insecurity, educate foothills communities about hunger, and advocate for long-term hunger-relief solutions. FTF facilitates food collection and distribution within the communities it serves, working with farms, grocery stores, government programs, and more than 60 hunger-relief partners to get food to people who need it. “It means so much to me that I can live and work in a community like El Dorado Hills, where people are thoughtful and supportive of their less fortunate and hungry neighbors,” says Rinker. Here, she shares more about Feeding the Foothills and its important work in El Dorado County and beyond.

WHAT’S THE HISTORY BEHIND FEEDING THE FOOTHILLS?

In 1970, a small effort called Community Resources Council opened in Roseville to coordinate food and basic resources for struggling families. That grew into Placer Food Bank (PFB). In 1990, PFB became a member of the Feeding America network, serving El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada counties as the region's primary hunger-relief hub. We moved into our current Roseville facility in 2009 and ultimately grew it to about 77,000 square feet. In 2024, we reintroduced ourselves as Feeding the Foothills, which reflects who we have long been in practice: a regional food bank that serves and stands with communities throughout the Sierra foothills.

HOW DOES FEEDING THE FOOTHILLS DISTRIBUTE FOOD IN THE COMMUNITY?

We distribute food through our direct-service programs and our network of hunger-relief partners. In El Dorado County, this includes PantryToGo mobile distributions in Cameron Park, Placerville, Pollock Pines, and Georgetown—free, drive-through distributions where households receive fresh produce, pantry staples, baked goods, Starbucks prepared items, and household essentials. Through our Student Snack Program, we provide nonperishable items and snack packs to Title I schools. Also,

we distribute through senior programs and partner pantries and faith-based organizations that receive truckloads of food from us and operate weekly or monthly distributions in their neighborhoods.

CAN YOU QUANTIFY FEEDING THE FOOTHILLS’ IMPACT IN EL DORADO COUNTY?

In El Dorado County, we estimate approximately 10% of our neighbors are food insecure, which includes more than 2,600 children; last year, we served 162,000 individuals each month. Across El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada counties, more than 55,000 neighbors, including more than 13,000 children, are food insecure. Last year, FTF distributed about 11 million pounds of food and approximately 9 million meals for neighbors who otherwise may not know where their next meal is coming from.

WHAT SETS FEEDING THE FOOTHILLS APART FROM OTHER HUNGER-RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS?

We are a Feeding America food bank, which connects us to a national network and enables largescale food sourcing and disaster response. We operate as the central hub for local partner agencies, so one gift or pallet of food can ripple out through

CONTINUED >

churches, senior programs, youth organizations, and independent pantries. We are local, with staff, volunteers, and agency partners serving our own communities. We focus not only on emergency food, but also on longer-term solutions, including CalFresh (SNAP) outreach, nutrition education, and advocacy for policies that reduce hunger.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THE ORGANIZATION FACES?

Food, fuel, and warehousing are all more expensive. Inflation, housing costs, natural disasters, and federal benefit disruptions continue to drive demand for food assistance. Awareness gaps mean people are surprised to learn how many of their neighbors “quietly” rely on food banks or CalFresh. Others may not know that they themselves qualify for help.

ARE THERE ANY LOCAL DONORS OR PARTNERS YOU’D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE?

We are deeply grateful for all the generosity that flows out of El Dorado Hills. A few examples of local county sponsors and groups: Bayside Church El Dorado Hills, Caliber Collision, Chris

Wolf Real Estate Group, Doug Veerkamp - General Engineering, El Dorado Community Foundation/Peek Family Fund, El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado Hills CSD, El Dorado Hills Town Center, Kiwanis of Placerville, Marshall Hospital, Mohanna Development Co., Nugget Markets, Old Town Grill, Pioneer Community Energy, Raley’s Food for Families, Safeway, Serrano Women’s Book Club, and Starbucks.

FINALLY,

CAN YOU SHARE A SUCCESS STORY?

During a recent PantryToGo distribution near El Dorado Hills, a mom had driven over from her job. Her family had always “gotten by” until the recent SNAP delay, and a sudden car repair hit the same month. She tried to cut back on groceries, and it just wasn't enough. She shared that sitting in the distribution line was hard. She was embarrassed and worried about who might see her. By the time she left—with fresh produce, protein, and staples in her trunk—she said, “I can breathe a little again. This means my kids can eat this week.” Stories like hers are not rare. They are daily reminders that one car in a distribution line is not just a number. It is a family trying to stay afloat, and our community showing up to help them.

Three Ways to Help

1. Your gift has extraordinary impact. One $1 donation provides food for six meals because of FTF’s national, regional, and local retail partnerships, and partnerships with California farmers. Monetary gifts allow FTF to purchase healthy food in bulk, keep trucks on the road, and respond quickly to food-need crises. feedingthefoothills.org

2. Volunteers are truly the heartbeat of FTF. Each year, thousands of volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours to keep FTF’s operations moving. Individuals, families, and corporate teams can help sort and pack food at the warehouse, support mobile distributions like PantryToGo, or lend professional skills. feedingthefoothills.galaxydigital.com

3. Talk about hunger in our region, share Feeding the Foothills’ Facebook and Instagram posts, and invite friends or colleagues to give or volunteer.

Local Love

Area wedding venues provide beautiful backdrops for celebrating the big day

After “yes!” comes “I do!”—and the time between can be a whirlwind of decision-making. One of the first wedding decisions to make involves choosing a venue. For El Dorado Hills couples who would like to stay close to home, lots of spots could fit the bill. With the wine country right next door, the American River and Folsom Lake right here, and Lake Tahoe just up the highway—not to mention a slew of dedicated and talented wedding professionals (planners, photographers, cakemakers, and florists)—this community provides everything couples need to plan their perfect day in a gorgeous location. Here are just a few possibilities.

ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

Wedgewood Sequoia Mansion

This historic 1800s mansion sits within half a mile of downtown Placerville and combines vintage charm with contemporary sensibility, putting “Victorian” in the same sentence as “chic.” With dramatic wood rafters, an original grand staircase, a hard-carved 19th-century fireplace and stained glass windows, Sequoia Mansion has plenty of picturesque options for vow-taking, including the lush front lawn, the patio beneath a skyscraping sequoia,

or a sun-splashed veranda. Couples can curate their experience to take advantage of the unique mix of features: the private bar, the front porch with adjoining parlor, the manicured grounds, and many period details sprinkled throughout the property. As a Wedgewood venue, the Sequoia Mansion comes with all-inclusive, customizable packages and seasoned professionals to help. wedgewoodweddings.com/ sequoiamansion

Serrano Country Club

With a ceremony site beneath a stately oak that’s more than 130 years old, overlooking the hillsides and Folsom Lake, Serrano Country Club provides a wedding experience that is just about as local as a couple can get. Country club membership is not required! Highly trained staff—including an event planner—will work with couples to plan the event, and then they’ll see to the details, including the menu, the wine,

the day-of schedule, and more. The elegant clubhouse, designed in the Prairie School style of architecture pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright, is an exquisite reception site, with views of the lake, the golf course, and the surrounding grounds. When the Serrano community was masterplanned, preservation of the natural foothills topography was a priority, and it creates a splendid backdrop for the big day. serranocountryclub.org

“For El Dorado Hills couples who would like to stay close to home, lots of spots could fit the bill.” CONTINUED >

Lake Natoma Inn Saluti Cellars

This venue near the banks of the American River in Historic Folsom has more than 10,000 square feet of flexible space, including two outdoor ceremony sites, a fireside patio, a gazebo, a pavilion, and several ballrooms. Lake Natoma Inn’s wedding pavilion has draped ceilings and chandeliers and window views to the serene, tree-lined patios. Couples also can choose to say their vows in the gazebo or on the patio beside plush green grass and floral hedges, beneath a wedding arch or simply the natural tree canopy. The venue’s close proximity to the American River bike trail provides opportunities for stunning photographs beside the water, with beautiful bridge arches in the background. Knowledgeable staff can help couples plan their perfect event. lakenatomainn.com

At Saluti Cellars, which is nestled in a 600-acre private valley in the heart of the El Dorado County wine country, couples can exchange vows beneath a rose-laced arbor overlooking a serene pond, beneath a timber pavilion beside an antique windmill, or in a wine cave. Packages include two nights of lodging, tables and chairs and stemware, exclusive use of the facility, a classic antique wagon (pulled by an antique tractor) to deliver the bride and groom to the reception, and much more. Saluti staff can help with arrangements for transportation and accommodations beyond the property, and work with couples to craft their most extraordinary event possible among the beautifully tended vineyards. saluticellars.com

Edgewood Tahoe Resort

One of Lake Tahoe’s most spectacular lakefront wedding venues, Edgewood provides an idyllic alpine stage regardless of season or size of event. The lake and Sierra dazzle, only to be outdone by the bride. At Edgewood, an experienced team, including a dedicated wedding specialist, will make sure all goes smoothly from planning stages through the big party. Reception spaces include the North Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows showing panoramic views of the lake, and the 17th Green, an expansive outdoor space mere steps from the water’s edge. (The South Room, under construction, will be available in January 2027.) Wedding packages include lodging for the newlyweds, and brides may choose to rent salon space in Edgewood Spa for getting ready with their best friends. edgewoodtahoe.com

David Girard Vineyards

David Girard Vineyards in Placerville has breathtaking views and an unforgettable setting for both ceremonies and receptions. Nestled in the heart of wine country, the vineyard combines elegance with a relaxed atmosphere. Couples can choose from a variety of sites, including The Colonnade, an Ancient Greece-inspired spot with Corinthian columns, perched on a vineyard hilltop overlooking a pond; The Galleria, with a spacious veranda showing off sunset views; The Waterfall Terrace, with brilliant flowers and natural shade from towering oaks with, of course, a waterfall; and The Vineyard Overlook, which has a meandering path among the oaks—perfect for the bride’s grand entrance—and expansive vineyard views. davidgirardvineyards.com

ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLENE TAYLOR OF CHARM/SMACKDAB STUDIO

ALL THAT SPARKLES

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP, TALISMAN COLLECTION FINE JEWELERS, LOCATED IN TOWN CENTER, CONTINUES ITS TRADITION AS EDH’S FULL-SERVICE JEWELRY SHOP

Valentine’s Day is coming. What better reason for a new jewelry piece—or to spruce up a beloved one? At Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers, owners Brett and Adriana Sargent, who took over in 2024, bring their knowledge as well as their passion for service and connection to a shop that has a longtime reputation for excellence.

“We are essentially a one stop shop for all your jewelry needs,” says Brett Sargent, who answered a few questions about Talisman for us.

WHAT MAKES YOUR SHOP UNIQUE COMPARED TO OTHER JEWELERS IN THE AREA?

We are a full-service fine jeweler with a complete bench jeweler shop inside the store. We do all repairs and adjustments, and we offer anything related to jewelry—couture designers, custom jewelry design, engagement and wedding rings, anniversary gifts, appraisals, and consignment items.

WHAT TYPES OF JEWELRY OR SERVICES DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?

Our specialty is anything bridal/engagement/anniversary related, along with custom jewelry design. We have designers on staff that can turn your imagination into reality and also repurpose

older pieces into something newer and more fashionable. Another specialty/service is full repair on-site. You can even watch our master goldsmith of 40 years work on timeless fine jewelry pieces live!

WHAT STYLES OR PIECES ARE POPULAR FOR VALENTINE’S DAY?

Popular jewelry centers on symbols of love such as hearts, diamonds (especially studs, which are always classic, and tennis bracelets), and pearls; also personalized items such as initial necklaces, birthstones, stackable rings, and gold and platinum being favored metals for timeless pieces.

IF SOMEONE IS UNSURE OF THEIR PARTNER’S STYLE, WHAT WILL HELP THEM PICK THE RIGHT PIECE?

Clues may be what they “like” on social media, styles of jewelry they currently wear, or what is trending in market.

WHAT ARE SOME TIMELESS JEWELRY CHOICES THAT ALWAYS MAKE GREAT GIFTS?

Necklaces and earrings tend to be great choices, as they typically do not result in resizing and usually are not “heavy wear”

“WE HAVE DESIGNERS THAT CAN TURN YOUR IMAGINATION INTO REALITY. ANOTHER SPECIALTY/SERVICE IS FULL REPAIR ON-SITE. YOU CAN EVEN WATCH OUR MASTER GOLDSMITH OF 40 YEARS WORK ON TIMELESS FINE JEWELRY PIECES LIVE!”

pieces. Gold, silver, platinum along with diamonds and precious gems always seem to go up in price, and diamonds and precious metals are classic, constantly in fashion. Many people are drawn toward lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, but they do not hold their value as well as natural diamonds and gemstones, which are mined and come from the earth in the form they are created.

ARE THERE ANY MISTAKES PEOPLE COMMONLY MAKE WHEN BUYING JEWELRY FOR A PARTNER?

Getting jewelry not constructed to the lifestyle of the individual wearing it is one of the biggest. How active are they? The second part is understanding what the jewelry is intended for. Is it designed to be worn every day, or for special occasions? Many times, jewelry is meant to have meaning—many precious gems have meanings surrounding birthdays, anniversaries, etc. What importance will it have to the individual receiving it?

HOW HAS THE VALUE OF GOLD CHANGED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS?

One year ago gold was about $2,500 (per ounce); today it is almost $4,250, a 70% increase! Silver is up almost 100%. In the jewelry business, retailers purchase jewelry or have jewelry made that is costbased on the price of gold, silver, and platinum at the time it is made. Jewelry that was purchased a few years ago is at a cost level much less than purchasing it today. Some jewelers have repriced their jewelry to reflect current market values. At Talisman Collection, we price our jewelry at the cost we have paid for it, so jewelry we purchased last year is a considerable deal compared to something of similar style that is sourced today. Our store is full of such treasures and deals. Not only is purchasing jewelry a few years old a beautiful heirloom to acquire, but also an investment because you are getting it at a cost from when it was made much less expensively.

MEET BRETT AND ADRIANA

Brett and Adriana Sargent purchased the Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers in 2024, bringing their background in fine and period jewelry to the EDH community. “I was involved in jewelry at a young age with my parents being antique dealers,” says Brett. “I was exposed to Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Retro Era styles.” Adriana enjoys all aspects of fine jewelry and brings her eye for design to the business. Together, they’re continuing Talisman’s tradition as a full-service jewelry shop with a reputation for maintaining personal connections and the highest-quality inventory.

EVERY SATURDAY

Cars and Coffee

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

EDH Town Center, Vine Street lot | 7:00 AM

Everyone and every type of car is welcome at this Saturday morning community event. Motto: “If it rolls, it goes.” Come on out to admire the cars and enjoy free coffee and pastries (while they last—early birds get the goods). Dogs are welcome, too! edhtowncenter.com

FEBRUARY 6TH, 7TH, & 13TH

CSD Valentine’s Dances

CSD Pavilion - 1021 Harvard Way | 6:00 PM

These are magical nights full of dancing, activities, and tasty snacks! Professional portraits are available for an additional fee. All participants should be registered in advance as these dances are expected to sell out. Daddy & Me dances: Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, 6–8 p.m. Mommy & Me dance: Feb. 13, 6–8 p.m. Ages 3 and up. $20. eldoradohillscsd.org

FEBRUARY 11TH

Songwriters Collective Open Mic

36 Handles Public House – 1010 White Rock Road | 5:30 PM

All genres are welcome at this originals-only open mic, which runs 6:30–8:30 p.m. for songwriters to share their work solo, as a duo, trio, or accompanied by musicians from the 36 Handles house band. They promise great sound and stage; also, a Yamaha S90 keyboard. No covers, loopers, beat boxes, stand-up, or spoken word—just songs. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m., with drawing to determine order at 6 p.m. 36handles.com

STARTING FEBRUARY 13TH

Imagination Theater Presents “The Quest for Don Quixote”

Imagination Theater - 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville

In this fast-paced comedy about writer’s block and procrastination, a playwright sits in a coffeehouse trying to create an adaptation of the original 1,000-page adventures of Don Quixote for a performance that is due to begin rehearsals the next day. The coffeehouse becomes part of the active retelling—and lunacy follows. Dates and times vary, through March 8. itplacerville.org

FEBRUARY 21ST

Oak Ridge High School Foundation Mardi Gras Blue & Gold Gala

Folsom Community Center – 52 Natoma St., Folsom | 5:00 PM

Get dressed up in your Mardi Gras best and enjoy this glitzy evening of dinner, dancing, raffles, and silent/live auctions to support a great cause. For nearly 25 years, the ORHS Foundation has fostered student success by raising funds to support interscholastic, academic, and cultural initiatives. The foundation has donated more than $2.3 million to help create opportunities for students to excel. orhsfoundation.com

FEBRUARY 28TH

The Salmon Falls 50K Endurance Run

Race begins at the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead near Coloma | 7:30 AM

The 50K is a point-to-point ultra-distance trail race that runs the majority of the trails in the Cronan Ranch area before winding down to finish at Folsom Lake. Race proceeds support Breakthrough T1D to help cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes. New this year: a half-marathon distance route, starting at Sweetwater Trail parking lot at 8:45 a.m. salmonfalls50k.com

Date Night

AT HOME

THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.

ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS

Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.

Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries. Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting starts. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.

BREAKFAST IN BED

Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.

PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER

Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!

• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.

• Work on a collaborative painting - each person adds their own touch to a single canvas.

• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.

Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at paintingit’s all about enjoying the process together.

A beacon for our community

As the region’s only academic medical center, we’re proud to expand access to high-quality personalized care for Folsom, El Dorado Hills and beyond with our new Folsom Medical Care Clinic, near Highway 50 and East Bidwell inside our Folsom Center for Health development.

The new three-story building includes primary care and some specialty care — such as OB/GYN, neurology and orthopedics — in one convenient location, with added services such as expanded imaging scans, cancer infusions, and more.

And we’re remodeling our Folsom Turnpike Specialty Care Clinic to provide even more access to our dermatology, gastroenterology/GI, pulmonology services, and more.