El Dorado Hills, CA July 2024

The Explore Issue

To explore often brings to mind the thrill of traveling to unknown places for discovery or adventure. It can also involve immersing oneself in the thorough research of new ideas and fresh perspectives. However you define it, discovering new places and concepts can be so exhilarating.

Throughout my life, I’ve done my fair share of exploring, journeying to distant countries, and living in various parts of America. Yet, the allure of my birthplace of Northern California always beckoned me back. Once my husband and I chose to settle in El Dorado Hills 15 years ago, we were overjoyed to find such a beautifully unique place to raise our family.  I believe many who choose to start a life here share that sentiment.  While this charming, quiet suburb may lack the hustle and bustle of an exciting big city, life here is anything but dull. For all of us El Dorado Hills residents, adventure awaits around every corner.

In this July edition of our magazine, we encourage you to make room for exploration, whether near or far. We highlight some of the amazing local businesses and destinations worth discovering. Join us as we delve into the world of an EDH media company that elevates exploration to an artistic level with their journey of filming a surfing documentary in beautiful Portugal.  Additionally, we explore a local farm practicing regenerative farming, working harmoniously with nature in remarkable ways.  We also present intriguing 'glamping' options for your next local getaway, transforming camping into a luxurious experience.

This summer, whether your vacations involve embarking on a trip to a tropical paradise, traveling through Europe, or just staying close to home to enjoy California’s diverse offerings, I wish you safe travels and good times. Let's all make amazing summer memories that will last a lifetime. Adventure awaits you, intrepid explorers!

KRISTY MURDOCH, PUBLISHER

@ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kristal Johnson | kristal.johnson@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Scott Hallmeyer | scott@thecreativhaus.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krista Minard, Kristal Johnson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristy Weldon, Charlene Taylor, Kimberlee Brooke & Co

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

inside the issue

Capturing Big Waves

SmackDab Studios’ owners create a dramatic

about extreme surfers in Nazaré, Portugal.

Nourishing the Land

Sonny’s Farm embarks on a journey of regenerative and sustainable farming practices to raise livestock.

Experience Nature in Style

Discover some of Northern California’s premier glamping destinations.

From hit TV show “Deadliest Catch,” Doug Stanley and his film crew capture amazing footage on the shores of Nazaré, Portugal for their surfing documentary “North Point.”

Charlene Taylor of SmackDab Studios

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: FOX40 and Gary Gelfand covering EDH CSD Youth Fishing Derby 2: Volunteers join the District to help with vegetation management for Power Line Bike Park! 3: Engineer/Paramedic Brian Leduc selected as EDH Firefighter of the Year by Rotary and Fire Department 4: The Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Annual ‘Golf for Kid’s Sake’ Tournament at Serrano Country Club 5: Marshall Hospital’s amazing team at the Kid’s Expo 6: Shoppers help celebrate Renaissance Fine Consignment’s 1 year anniversary in Town Center 7: El Dorado Dance Academy encourages kids to show their dance moves at the Kid’s Expo

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business monthly

Miraflores Invites You To The Highly Anticipated "Pairings" Lunch Events

For nearly a decade, Miraflores has hosted an array of accomplished guest chefs to prepare creatively executed four-course menus, exquisitely paired with Miraflores wine chosen by their on-site Sommelier. These summer weekend events will be held outdoors under their beautiful shaded covered patio, overlooking Miraflores estate vineyards July through September at 2120 Four Springs Trail in Placerville. Reservations are required.  For more information on menus, dates, and times visit miraflores.com or call 530.647.8505.

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New Shop Alchemy Opens in EDH Town Center

After being vendors for many years creating beautiful refinished furniture, owners of Alchemy, Corie and Cristina, decided to branch out and chase their dreams, creating this amazing brand and store for our community to enjoy.  Alchemy offers a wide range of furniture and housewares, each carefully selected to ensure quality and style. From refinished antiques to newly modern furniture and décor, they have everything you need to create the perfect home!  alchemyedh.com

The All-New 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, Coming Soon To Placerville

Tracing back to its roots as a humble conqueror of any terrain, the redesigned Land Cruiser brings back a classic design for more adventure. Available this summer from Thompsons Toyota in Placerville, the Land Cruiser perhaps best encapsulates the spirit of adventure and durability.  It is the perfect vehicle for El Dorado County offering style, off-road capability, and comfort; together in one package. Visit thompsonstoyota.com or call 530.622.6232 to reserve your new Land Cruiser today!

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ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SMACKDAB STUDIOS

Big Waves Capturing

SMACKDAB STUDIOS’ OWNERS CREATE A DRAMATIC NON-FICTION SERIES ABOUT EXTREME SURFERS IN NAZARÉ, PORTUGAL.

Doug Stanley knows how to create smash-hit television. Perhaps best known for his work as producer and director of photography on the Emmy-winning non-fiction show “Deadliest Catch,” he and his team have a new series they’re currently marketing to networks. “North Point” tells compelling stories of surfers in the cobblestoned seaport town of Nazaré, Portugal, on the eastern North Atlantic coast and home to the biggest waves in the world. Equally large: the characters, whose stories are as individual as they are universal.

“‘North Point’ is not about surfing,” says Stanley, pointing out that, similarly, “Deadliest Catch” isn’t about crab fishing, but rather the men and women who fish the vast Bering Sea. Both projects are about the people—their struggles and dreams, and their interactions among extreme elements in the world’s most challenging environments.

This has been a successful approach for Stanley and his partners. “Deadliest Catch” is now in its 20th season on Discovery Channel (and streaming), and broadcast in nearly 200 countries and 45 languages. It has garnered 56 Emmy nominations and 16 Primetime Emmy awards. Stanley himself has won two Primetime Emmys. For “North Point,” the team includes Stanley’s brother, Todd (producer); surf filmographer Kicko Rocha (producer); and Stanley’s partner, line producer Charlene Taylor, who’s the renowned El Dorado Hills photographer behind the successful Charm Photography Studio.

Stanley and Taylor met online like many do. “We had this odd moment where I said, ‘I have a studio,'" recalls Stanley, “and she laughed and said, ‘I have a studio.’ My love for Charlene inspired me to create SmackDab Studios with her.”

SmackDab Studios is a gem in El Dorado Hills. It aims to help locals produce their own photo and video projects through education, such as video production classes, and by providing access to high-end equipment—including cameras, sound, and lighting. The studio includes Charm Photography, through which Taylor has a long history of making people look good, whether they’re sitting for senior pictures or professional headshots, posing with Santa or the Easter Bunny, or at a local event. Stanley handles the film/video side of the business. “We have such interesting conversations about light and beauty and design,” says Stanley. “For two creatives … we are simply in heaven.”

In Portugal, Stanley and Taylor taught a “Speed Cinema” class to their Portuguese and Brazilian teams, then spent six weeks shooting. The people whose stories “North Point” tells are a community of surfers—and affiliates—from dozens of countries around the world. Competition is fierce, cooperation vital. “I am inspired to elevate stories about people who are like us in many ways,” says Stanley, “but [they] live life at the edge of the world, challenged by things beyond our imagination.”

The surf culture of Portugal, he says, went beyond his wildest dreams, and even beyond that was the specific big-wave status of Nazaré. “Nazaré has a submarine canyon that is like a giant underground river that shoots upward to increase the size of waves tremendously,” says Stanley. With waves reaching 50 to 80 feet high, Nazaré wasn’t part of Portugal’s surf scene until personal watercraft were implemented. They deliver surfers into position (faster than is possible paddling by hand), a practice known as tow-in surfing. Sizzle-reel footage for “North Point” shows Jet Skis and board surfers darting among massive walls of greenish-blue water tipped with the salty white frenzy of surf break—and wiping out. “Nazaré is unforgiving,” says big-wave surfer David Langer in the video. “The impact zone is liquid chaos. What’s going through your head? Survive, survive, survive.”

“The impact zone is liquid chaos. What’s going through your head? Survive, survive, survive.”

Survival is a theme within Stanley’s work. “We all struggle, we are all challenged,” he says, “yet somehow we tend to survive. Not all of us—this stuff is really dangerous!—but [we can survive] if we stay focused, work together.” Surfing, he adds, has historically been a solo sport, but tow-in surfing in deadly situations requires dedicated teamwork. “Even the fiercest of competitors must constantly be guarding their fellow competitors. Life and death are only a millimeter apart. Even enemies must rely on each other to survive.”

It makes for a truly captivating story.

SmackDab Studios

For more information about “North Point,” go to northpointtheseries.com . For more about SmackDab Studios, visit smackdab.com

NOURISHING THE LAND

Sonny’s Farm embarks on a journey of regenerative and sustainable farming practices to raise livestock

ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTY WELDON

Inspiration came in the form of a weed-choked abandoned golf course, a bounding buff-colored Labrador Retriever named Sonny, and a desire to share local, healthy food with the surrounding community. With that, Sonny’s Farm was born in 2019.

“With the global challenge of access to healthy food, Sonny’s Farm provides a sustainable solution in our local community.”

It’s a sweet story. The farm’s founding family wanted to give Sonny what every dog deserves: wind in his ears, rich soil beneath his paws, and nourishing energy straight from nature. Not only for Sonny but for all the animals in their herds and flocks. Their overall mission was to improve the practices—and products—of conventional farming and to raise highly nutritious meat, poultry, and eggs through environmentally responsible and sustainable methods. So, they brought in goats to eat down the weedscape, got to work planting native mixed-cover crops, and began adding livestock.

Spanning 140 acres of nutrient-dense land off Alexandrite Road in Rescue, on the site of the former Bass Lake Golf Course, Sonny’s Farm raises animals using regenerative methods. With approximately 75 head of cattle, 35 pigs (a mix of Berkshire, Hampshire, and Red Wattle), some sheep, and about 900 chickens (including layers and broilers), Sonny’s spreads across carefully managed foothill land that overlooks the Sacramento Valley.

Through the use of holistic farming techniques such as cover cropping, no-till planting, and rotational grazing—the animals are moved daily—the people at

Sonny’s Farm take soil integrity seriously. After all, nutrients in the soil grow strong plants that feed healthy animals.

Sonny’s uses an individualized approach to its farm management in both its locations. (A second location in Crestview, Florida opened in 2021.) What works best in dry-climate Northern California foothills might not work as well in humid Florida, where every day at 4:30 p.m., it rains, according to one farm manager. It also depends on the animals’ activities, which the farm depends on for soil stimulation and fertilization. For example, the soil in Rescue is very compact, and pigs are natural tillers. With their snouts and hooves, and in constant grunting competition with each other at their troughs, they push and shove and root around. This promotes soil aeration and disturbs ancient seed beds. Their natural fertilizer adds to the mix. A paddock where pigs rummaged a few weeks ago—after it’s left to rest and been reseeded (with a diverse blend of perennial grasses such as fescue, rye, brome, and clover)—will grow thick tangles of deep green grasses perfect for nourishing the animals who follow.

Then there’s the “egg mobile,” an on-the-move enclosure for the chickens—they can pop out through an opening, similar to a doggy door, to peck and scratch and nibble in the sunshine. In the rotation, the chickens follow the cows. It’s a symbiotic relationship that helps with pest control. From the cow pies, the chickens eat the eggs and larvae of worms and flies. Their claws and beaks also help distribute the cow manure. After the “egg mobile” comes through, this land, too, sprouts brilliant green grass, vibrant and nutrient-dense food for the next rotation. Also, pigs and chickens are fed no corn, soy, or anything genetically modified, and the cattle and sheep eat exclusively grass and organic hay. None of them receive artificial hormones or antibiotics.

With the global challenge of access to healthy food, Sonny’s Farm provides a sustainable solution in our local community. Beyond sustainability,

“Their overall mission was to improve the practices—and products—of conventional farming and to raise highly nutritious meat, poultry, and eggs through environmentally responsible and sustainable methods.”

regenerative farming is about restoring ecosystems and soil health. With an approach that begins with asking, “What’s the best outcome and how can we get there?” The owners and managers of Sonny’s Farm have been inspired by leaders in the regenerative farm industry— including renowned farmer Joel Salatin.

pond the size of a small lake ripples beneath a swan whose two babies paddle behind her. The tours have ended for the season, but interested people should check Sonny’s Farm’s social media for announcements about future tours and events.

sonnysfarm.com @sonnys.farm

This past spring, time and weather permitting, the Rescue location of Sonny’s Farm has run public tours ($15 per adult) to introduce the farm and its practices to neighbors and customers. Wandering the meandering path that once carried golf carts, tour-goers ooh and ah at the oak-studded landscape, where mama cows and just-born calves lounge in deep shade, where baby piglets run and squeal in grass higher than their heads, where a pretty

Customers can visit the farm shop, open 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., five days a week (Monday–Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) for pastured eggs and chicken, a multitude of sausages, grass-fed beef and lamb, and possibly some organ meats, bones and fat. Products also can be ordered online at sonnyfarm.com, for pickup or shipping. Patrons who visit might be greeted by Xyla, the friendly white shepherd, or perhaps, by Sonny himself.

Sonny’s Farm is located at 3000 Alexandrite Road, Rescue.

Experience Nature in Style

Northern California’s premier glamping destinations await

Northern California boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts. 'Glamping' – a delightful blend of "glamorous" and "camping” – offers a luxurious twist on traditional camping experiences. It combines the best of both worlds, allowing outdoor lovers to immerse themselves in nature's beauty without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Unlike traditional camping which often involves roughing it in tents and sleeping bags, glamping provides upscale accommodations such as spacious safari tents, cozy yurts, or even fully equipped cabins, complete with plush bedding, tantalizing gourmet meals, stylish furnishings, and modern amenities that redefine opulence.

Moreover, glamping destinations often boast stunning natural surroundings, from secluded forest retreats to picturesque coastal escapes. Guests can unwind in style amidst breathtaking landscapes, enjoying amenities like private decks, outdoor fire pits, and even gourmet dining options. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, family adventure, or solo retreat, these beautiful destinations offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature while indulging in the comforts of luxury accommodations. In this exclusive feature, you'll discover our handpicked selection of glamping destinations spanning Northern California.

ARTICLE BY KRISTAL JOHNSON

“Glamping – a delightful blend of “glamorous” and “camping” – offers a luxurious twist on traditional camping experiences. It combines the best of both worlds, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty without sacrificing comfort or convenience.”

At Mendocino Grove, immerse in coastal woods tranquility with deluxe tents and stunning vistas. Drift off to the waves' soothing rhythm in serene surroundings. Each cozy bed includes electric blankets for cooler nights, while pristine bathrooms offer outdoor spaces for stargazing during your shower. Enjoy on-site yoga, bocce ball, canoeing, and hiking, along with scattered hammocks for ultimate relaxation. Perfect for dog-friendly glamping in Northern California.

mendocinogrove.com | 707-880-7710

Perched along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline lies the extraordinary Treebones Resort. The pinnacle of luxury awaits in the Autonomous Tent, featuring elegant curved frames boasting 600 square feet of living space, complete with an ensuite bathroom, bamboo floors, and solar-powered amenities. A private deck with Adirondack chairs invites guests to soak in the sunset views. The resort offers two dining options, ensuring a memorable stay.

Explore the hidden gem of Mill Creek Resort, your off-the-beaten-path mountain retreat. Just 20 minutes from the southwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park, they offer the perfect jumping-off point for your next mountain adventure, including unique glamping options. Their vintage cabin rentals, spacious wooded campsites, and cozy glamping accommodations welcome adventurers to experience the magic of Lassen in comfort and style.

Experience a thrilling overnight treehouse stay combined with an eco-tour featuring fourteen zip lines spanning over a mile, two spiral staircases, eight sky bridges, and a rappel descent. Your adventure includes a guided hike, gourmet meals, and a spacious treehouse with queen-size beds, bunk beds, a table with chairs, a compost toilet, and a kitchenette. Ideal for couples, small groups, or families with older kids. Age and weight restrictions apply.

KOOB S T O TAKEYOU AWAY

I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF SHAFAIT

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

The Corfu Trilogy

BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise -  My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The

Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence

BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

events

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

Live on the Boulevard

Steven Young Amphitheater | 5:30 PM

Thursdays come alive in El Dorado Hills with the award-winning Thursday Night Concert Series. Enjoy a fantastic lineup that will have you dancing in your seats!  Entertainment for the whole family awaits, with festival-style seating starting at 5:30 pm. Remember to bring low-back chairs - no blankets or tables, please. edhtowncenter.com

JULY 3RD

Fireworks and Freedom Concert in Town Center

Steven Young Amphitheater | 6:00 PM

Award-winning Fireworks & Freedom Concert will be celebrating 13 spectacular years on July 3rd. Stroll the Boulevard, enjoy live music, great food and drinks, and special vendors. Entertain the kids in the Kids Zone complete with bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, and a DJ playing games and giving away prizes benefitting Hands4Hope Youth Making a Difference. edhtowncenter.com

JULY 4TH

Annual Fourth of July Family Blast in Placerville

El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive | 3:00 PM

Get ready for a Fourth of July day of fun!  Bring your BBQs, games, and coolers (no outside alcohol). There will be hay mazes, free contests, and carnival rides for the kids. Enjoy live music from 6-10 pm and the stunning fireworks show after dark. Admission: $10 parking, $5 per person (walk-in), kids 6 and under enter free. eldoradocountyfair.org

JULY 19TH

El Dorado Hills Community Services District Presents Summer Concert Series

1021 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills | 7:00 PM

Join your neighbors for a FREE concert presented by the CSD at the community park, featuring the soul-funk sounds of 'Joy And Madness.' Bring your family, friends, and dancing shoes for a perfect summer night filled with fantastic music and delicious food from local vendors!  eldoradohillscsd.org

JULY 19TH - 20TH

Pollock Pines Logging Days

2675 Sander Drive in Pollock Pines

After a 30-year hiatus, Logging Days are back in Pollock Pines! This year’s event is a two-day celebration beginning on July 19 with dinner and live music. On Saturday July 20, loggers from around the area will compete in axe throwing, log bucking, pole climbing, and choker setting along with craft shows, face painting, and a kids play area. eldorado.com/event/pollock-pines-logging-days/

JULY 27TH - 28TH AND AUGUST 3RD - 4TH

Apple Hill Growers Present Summer Harvest Days

Various farms in Apple Hill

Apple Hill Growers present Summer Harvest Days, 10am – 5pm at participating ranches. This event will celebrate summer with activities and offerings that feature berries, plums, peaches, vegetables, wine, hard cider, baked goods, jams, treats, wine, and more! Consider starting your day with the wide variety of activities at Harris Family Farm or any of the participating farms. applehill.com

vacation VIBES

THIS EXOTIC COCKTAIL WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO PARADISE

Vacation time is just around the corner. We are dreaming of sitting on a secluded beach, sipping exotic cocktails with umbrellas in them. But why wait till vacation to enjoy a fun cocktail? This easy and refreshing classic will instantly transport you to paradise.

Piña Colada

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 oz cream of coconut

• 2 oz light rum

• 3 oz pineapple juice

• Juice of ½ lime

• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple

• 1/2 cup ice

• Pineapple wedge for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend frozen pineapple and ice for a couple of seconds. Add in the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth. (To make thicker, add ice. Add pineapple juice if too thick.) Garnish with a pineapple wedge.