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Contract snafu troubles supes Noel Stack Managing Editor After much criticism and a touch of finger-pointing the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved retroactively amending a contract with the consultant performing environmental work for the Central El Dorado Hills Specific Plan. The 3-2 vote authorizes the county to pay ICF Jones and Stokes Inc. more than $63,000 for work already completed but over the original $152,637 contract amount and designates an additional $46,060 for future work; 100% of the funding comes from the project ■
See CONTRACT, page A4
Village Life photo by Sel Richard
EDH woman earns When a mentor has got your back United Way post Vance Dokes and mentor Dr. Ron Simms are now coworkers. Dokes joined Simms’ El Dorado Hills chiropractic team after completing a three-year program funded by Fostering Success and Significance, a local organization that provides scholarships and mentors for foster youth.
Sel Richard Staff writer
W
ith a smile his face can barely contain, Vance Dokes’ effervescence is unexpected and refreshing considering his humble beginnings in California’s foster care system. At 2 years old, Dokes was taken by Child Protective Services, his mother deemed unfit to care for him and his baby sister. After a stint in an orphanage, he was separated from his sister and sent to live with foster parent Lula Haynes in Chula Vista, for whom he has high praise. “She is a great mother,” Dokes said of Haynes. “She taught me a
Kristin Thébaud United Way
tremendous amount about respect and discipline.” While he feels fortunate to have spent his childhood with Haynes, Dokes admits it was tough knowing he was a displaced kid. “I thought that basically if I’m going to do anything, I’m going to have to do it by myself,” he said. “Eventually you learn that the road is not as dark as it is perceived to be.” One of those lessons arose when his third-grade teacher, Mr. Johnson, instead of sending him to the principal’s office where he had spent many an afternoon, sat with Dokes making construction ■
Shahnaz Van Deventer of El Dorado Hills has been named chief of strategic partnerships at United Way California Capital Region. In her role, she will develop relationships across government, philanthropic and private sectors to position the local United Way as a lead-
See MENTOR, page A4
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SHAHNAZ VAN DEVENTER
See UNITED WAY, page A2
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 29
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ISSUE NO. 39
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SERRANO HOME A RETREAT
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IT’S TIME TO VOTE & COLOR
With a gorgeous pool, beautiful view and ample living space, this El Dorado Hills home has it all.
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
E OAKS SENIOR CARE VILLAG
The Village Life Readers’ Choice voting begins now. Select the best local businesses. And, kids, don’t forget to enter our holiday coloring contest!
VILLAGE HOMES, B1
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Brand New!
INSIDE, A8 & B3
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