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GORGEOUS BLOOMS
Artist’s floral pieces impress at The Atrium. ■ INSIDE, B3
I N E L D O R A D O H I L L S ■ AUGUST 20, 2025
Two candidates emerge for vacant EDHCSD seat What inspired you to run for the EDHCSD Board of Directors? The build-up began almost two years ago when I was foreperson of the Grand Jury and was intimately involved in the investigation into Kevin Loewen and other LLAD-related issues. There were several issues exposed that remain unaddressed and continue to alienate and disenfranchise the community. I was also involved in recalling a number of current directors after some egregious decisions. The lawsuit with the county, the controversy over the QRS measures, the lack of progress at Bass Lake and Utility Corridor Bike Trail, questionable financing of the golf course purchase, the lack of transparency to
GARY KINGHORN
What inspired you to run for the EDHCSD Board of Directors? As the El Dorado Hills Community Services District general manager for 20 years and having served on the EDHCSD board from 2010-18, I not only bring a 55-year parks career to the table but offer an intimate association with the El Dorado Hills community. I consider my time with the district an investment and recent chaos and challenges faced by the board of directors inspired my desire to step up to help their efforts to stabilize their policy deliberations. How long have you lived in El Dorado Hills? My wife, Cynthia and I, plus two daughters, have lived in El Dorado Hills since 1986. Cynthia taught for Buckeye
WAYNE LOWERY
■ See KINGHORN, page A7
■ See LOWERY, page A4
MAX BENSON DEATH
Judge confirms three plea deals Chris Woodard Staff writer El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark Ralphs has formally accepted plea agreements for three former staff members of the now-closed Guiding Hands School, bringing an end to a years-long criminal case stemming from the death of 13-year-old Max Benson. Ralphs had postponed sentencing in June after hearing concerns regarding the plea deals offered by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office. Following a review of case materials, he confirmed the agreements during a hearing on Aug. 8. Under the plea agreements, former administrator Cindy Keller and principal Staranne Meyers each received four years of probation. Former teacher Kimberly Wohlwend was sentenced to two years of probation and must attend a 52-week child abuse prevention program. None of the three will serve prison time. The case drew widespread attention due to the circumstances of Benson’s death. Max, a student from Davis who had recently enrolled at Guiding Hands in El Dorado Hills, was restrained in a prone position for more than 90 minutes in 2018. Witnesses testified that he had stopped resisting long before the restraint ended, during which time he vomited and urinated on himself. Court testimony indicated the school nurse did not respond to calls for assistance for 10 minutes and paramedics were not called until 25 minutes after Max was found unconscious. He was transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where he ■ See PLEAS, page A7
Village Life photos by Noel Stack
Save the Graves President and self-professed taphophile Mike Roberts, above, demonstrates how to properly clean a headstone during a volunteer event at Greenwood Cemetery on Aug. 9.
EDH volunteers scrub the sludge from historical headstones
Noel Stack Editor
Brewfest pouring at a new location Ann-Marie Fullmore El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce Now in its seventh year, the El Dorado Hills Brewfest has become more than just a tasting event; it’s a community tradition . Designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the region, the Brewfest brings together brewers and winemakers from across Northern California, plus food trucks and music for an afternoon of shared flavor and neighborhood pride. Brewfest has grown into a premier regional event in the heart of El Dorado Hills, showcasing the finest breweries. This year’s festivities take place Saturday, Sept. 6, at its new location. This year’s event will be held in El Dorado Hills Town Center and promises another unforgettable celebration of community, music and, of course, exceptional brews. “Moving the event to Town Center aims to enhance visibility for the community and event partners, offering a more accessible and vibrant setting for attendees. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on how beautiful and inviting our community is for those who are thinking of relocating or opening a business here,” EDH Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Manning explained. 2022 pricing is back with general admission tickets available for $50 (+ $4.27 fees), 4 p.m. entry; early entry tickets are $65 (+ $5.25 fees), 3 p.m. entry and a larger glass. The party pack includes four general admissions for $180 (+ $15.80 fees), 4 p.m. entry. Tickets are available online at eldoradohillsbrewfest.org.
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crubbing history is never advised … unless you’re doing it the Save the Graves way. About two dozen people gathered Saturday morning to clean historical headstones at Greenwood Pioneer Cemetery. Led by Save the Graves President and self-professed taphophile Mike Roberts, National Charity League, Boys Team Charity and other volunteers took on the heat, the stickers on the unmowed grounds and the lack of a bathroom to ensure important pieces of El Dorado County’s colorful past survive for the next generation — at least. “We’re prolonging the life of these headstones and that’s important,” Roberts told the crowd before work began, noting that when people can read the headstones it piques their interest in learning more about the people buried there, building a connection between past and present. “This is not about doing this perfectly,” he stressed. “It’s about getting the nasty, crusty stuff off. By doing that we could extend its life by 100 years.
Above, Carrie and Tai Southerland clean up the White family marker during Saturday’s volunteer event. The Douglas family of El Dorado Hills, below, works on two headstones at the Greenwood Pioneer Cemetery. Left to right are Taylor, Ashley and Tucker. That’s pretty cool.” Greenwood Pioneer Cemetery, located off Highway 193 north of Georgetown, was established in 1852. Its headstones are mostly granite and marble — some of that rock had to “come from around the Horn,” Roberts noted — with a few wooden markers as well, which the volunteers were advised not to touch. Roberts did encourage “hands on” the stone markers. “Love it. Own ■ See CLEANING, page A7
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 32 ■ ISSUE NO. 16 FOR GUARANTEED WEEKLY DELIVERY, SUBSCRIBE BY CALLING 530 3445000
■ UPDATED AND ELEGANT IN EDH
■ READY TO LAUGH OUT LOUD
This stunning Serrano home underwent a major makeover that must bee seen.
Rita Rudner brings her signature style of comedy to the Harris Center later this month.
■ VILLAGE HOMES, B1
■ INSIDE, B2
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