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life
■ GORGEOUS GARDENS Get tickets now for ™ the Gardens of the Hills fundraiser. ■ INSIDE, A3
SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF EL DORADO HILLS AND CAMERON PARK
VOL. 33 ■ ISSUE NO. 9 ■ MAY 6, 2026
AN HONOR
for deserving veterans Chris Woodard Staff writer
A
Courtesy photo
Jim Cahill, a Vietnam veteran, left, will accompany Cameron Park resident Norm Wheeler, a Korean War veteran, to Washington, D.C., where they will participate in the Honor Flight program.
Cameron Park veteran will soon take part in a trip designed to honor his service and create a lasting memory. On May 14, Honor Flight Bay Area will embark on its 42nd mission, flying a group of veterans from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., for an all-expenses-paid, three-day visit to the nation’s military memorials. Among those selected is Norm Wheeler, a 92-year-old Army veteran and El Dorado County resident who served during the Korean War as a radio operator stationed along the border between North Korea and South Korea, a position he referred to as
“peacekeeper.” Wheeler said he was both surprised and grateful when he learned he would be part of the trip. “Well, I thought it was great,” Wheeler said. “It’s my birthday. I’ll be 93 while I’m gone, and I was just honored to be included.” Wheeler will turn 93 on May 20. The Honor Flight program pairs each veteran with a “guardian” who assists them throughout the journey. Wheeler will travel alongside fellow veteran James Cahill, an El Dorado County resident who served in Guam with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. The two had not met prior to being paired for the trip. ■ See HONOR FLIGHT, page A5
Former Cameron District 4 candidates get candid Park GM back in a different role Noel Stack Editor
Noel Stack Editor The Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors said goodbye to former General Manager Maurice Johnson in March. Last month, they welcomed him back — this time as a consultant. At the recommendation of GM Mark Hornstra, the board unanimously approved a professional services agreement with Strategic Public Safety Solutions, of which Johnson is an owner/managing partner. The contract will not exceed $35,000. “The district is currently addressing a number of complex operational, organizational, and strategic priorities, including annexation efforts, fire service planning, labor relations, policy development and broader organizational coordination,” Hornstra wrote in a staff report. “To support these ■ See AGREEMENT, page A5
Three candidates vying for the El Dorado County District 4 supervisor seat answered questions and shared their visions in front of a nearly full house at the Gold Trail Grange in Coloma on April 30. Gina Posey, Greg Clark and Robert Deitz talked topics ranging from budget deficits to fire safety and vacation home rentals to senior services during the event hosted by the League of Women Voters of El Dorado County and moderated by chapter President Elizabeth LeslieGassaway. Candidate Ted ■ See FORUM, page A7
Village Life photo by Noel Stack
League of Women Voters of El Dorado County President Elizabeth Leslie-Gassaway leads the candidate forum featuring Greg Clark, Robert Detiz and Gina Posey, left to right. The three are running to replace District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin, who terms out at the end of the year. Candidate Ted Gaines declined the invitation to the forum. Read more about each candidate on page A6.
DECISION 2026
Two candidates vying to be county’s treasurer-tax collector Noel Stack
Noel Stack
Editor
Editor
El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector Sean Coppola calls his job “the perfect role.” The appointed department head is on the ballot this June to keep his elected seat. “The fiscal success of the county is so important to the wellbeing of the community and I know that firsthand from being in the office for the past couple of years and seeing how intertwined everything is,” Coppola shared. “And I see (running) as a great
Corey Leikauf isn’t looking for a glamorous job; the El Dorado County treasurer-tax collector candidate said he prefers positions that offer a challenge without the attention. “I like doing things behind the scenes. I’ve always been that type of person,” Leikauf said. “I get joy from working through complex problems and trying to make things run smoother and more efficiently.” Leikauf, an El Dorado County native who
■ See COPPOLA, page A5
SEAN COPPOLA
■ See LEIKAUF, page A5
COREY LEIKAUF
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 33 ■ ISSUE NO. 9 FOR GUARANTEED WEEKLY DELIVERY, SUBSCRIBE BY CALLING 530 3445000
■ SPRAWLING AND SPLENDID
■ THIS COOL SHOW HAS HEART
This El Dorado Hills estate has room to roam, great style and many amenities.
Ponderosa High School actors celebrate sisterly love and friendship in their production of “Frozen.”
■ VILLAGE HOMES, B1
■ INSIDE, B3
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