Village Life, February 18, 2026

Trojans tops in Academic Decathlon

Whitney Burke

El Dorado County Office of Education

Saturday, Feb. 7, marked the culmination of the El Dorado County Academic Decathlon, which showcased the talent of local high school students across multiple disciplines. Oak Ridge High School emerged as the victor, securing a spot in the upcoming state competition scheduled for March. The regional competition featured intense matchups among El Dorado, Ponderosa, Union Mine, Oak Ridge and Mountainside Middle College high schools. Decathlon teams are made up of students from all academic levels — honors, scholastic and varsity — who, throughout the season, demonstrated their expertise across seven rigorous objective tests, as well as an essay, speech and interview.

The following organizations helped recruit volunteers: the Rotary Club of Placerville, Kiwanis Club of Placerville, El Dorado Union High School District Board of Trustees, Assistance League Sierra Foothills, American Association of University Women, El Dorado County O ce of Education, Marshall Medical, Ag in the Classroom, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra, California Highway Patrol Senior Volunteer Program and California Retired Teachers Association El Dorado Division 73.

Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County superintendent of schools, shared his appreciation.

“We are fortunate to be part of a community so committed to the success and well-being of our students,” said Manansala. “This achievement re ects the ■ See ACADEMIC DECATHLON, page A4

Olympic hopes on hold but not out of reach

Sel Richard Village Life correspondent

Oak Ridge High School alum Brandon Jetter knows what it means to be so close yet so far away. As an Olympic hopeful in bobsled, Jetter competed hard for four years but last month it was announced he was among the nal contenders to be considered for the Olympic team but not named as one of the six push athletes chosen to go to Italy.

“I haven’t decided if I’m going to try again for 2030,” Jetter told Village Life.

at both schools, but in 2022 was recruited to bobsled a er completing a combine, a series of athletic tests including sprints, jumps and throws, at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center.

“I’ll de nitely be competing in something, just not quite sure what that’s going to look like yet.”

Jetter graduated from Oak Ridge in 2015 and from Univeristy of California, Davis, in 2021 double majoring in political science and history. He ran track

Since then Jetter has split his winters between Park City, Utah, and Lake Placid, N.Y., where the only bobsled tracks in the country are housed. Since American Olympic athletes do not receive government funding, he worked remotely, doing media post production on his laptop between runs.

— ORHS alum Brandon Jetter

“I would be working and then a few minutes before my start time I would start warming up,” he said, describing his years in training. Jetter competed on the Canadian and United States circuit

■ See JETTER, page A5

UNWANTED Glassy-winged sharpshooter a threat in EDC

Noel Stack Editor

Wanting to protect El Dorado County’s multi-million-dollar grape industry, Agriculture Department sta and pest control specialists have declared war against the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Discovered in fall 2024 in El Dorado Hills’ Serrano community, the sap-sucking insect is a vector of Pierce’s Disease, which is caused by bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, according to a presentation made to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 3.

“This bacteria clogs the water-conducting vessels in grapevines,” explained Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Corrie Larsen, who leads the glassy-winged sharpshooter eradication e ort. “Grapevines that have been a ected with Pierce’s Disease will look chlorotic … leaves start to yellow. They’ll look scorched, like they’re drought stressed, ■ See PEST,

Now

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Women professionals are invited to participate as presenters at a Career Inspiration Event celebrating International Women’s Day from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Lake Forest Elementary in El Dorado Hills. The event will connect presenters with fourth- and fth-grade students through brief career discussions. To participate, email Lake Forest Librarian Debbie Shedd at dshedd@my.rescueusd.org.

Feb. 21

The Oak Ridge High School Foundation hosts its annual Blue & Gold Gala, Mardi Gras, a night lled with excitement, entertainment and opportunities to support Oak Ridge High School students at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St., Folsom. For tickets and more information visit orhsf.ejoinme. org/blueandgoldgala.

Feb. 26

Join the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, local law enforce-

STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Warm and Fuzzy Drive supports neighbors in need

News release

The 16th annual Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence Winter Boutique brought warmth to local families in need through a community-wide donation e ort. In October and November, 22 businesses and schools hosted drives to collect new winter essentials, individuals handcra ed blankets and hats, and volunteers sorted gently used clothing. In December, these donations became a festive pop-up boutique, providing a free shopping experience for more than 360 people across two weekends and supporting hundreds more through partner agency distributions.

“I love seeing everyone’s faces when they are able to pick out clothes and being able to make their holiday season just a little bit better,” said

co-chair.

The Hands4Hope Winter Boutique Committee, consisting of 19 middle and high school youth with the support of adult mentor volunteers and a Hands4Hope sta advisor, began by working with local schools and businesses across the western slope to host collection bins. Generous shoppers, school leaders, organizations, neighborhoods and church groups donated piles of cozy essentials. Individual cash donations, community partners including Julie’s Purse Project and AspireKids, and a generous sponsorship from the Sierra Paci c Foundation lled gaps in inventory.

This community generosity lled the boutique with nearly 6,000 donated items that had an equivalent thri store value of nearly $48,000.

“We are grateful to the communities, schools, and businesses who supported our collection e orts. We couldn’t have made the impact we did without you!” said Kate Barba, Hands4Hope special events program coordinator. “I am especially thankful to Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park. The congregation and administration generously donated the space, security, and comfort of their building and we are immensely grateful for the support.”

The Hands4Hope Winter Boutique Committee served more than 178 hours to plan, raise awareness, coordinate collections, set up the boutique and lead this project. It took the contributions of 54 additional youth and adult volunteers to execute the e ort, sorting and transporting clothes, organizing and decorating the room and assisting guests

with their selections. Altogether, the Winter Boutique a er-school committee and outreach volunteers totaled 76 people and 575 service hours.

“Helping people genuinely makes me so happy and brings so much fulllment into my life,” said Alexa Schaudel, a junior at Oak Ridge High School who served as Winter Boutique Committee Clothing logistics chair.

Most of the guests served at the Winter Boutique were invited by First 5 El Dorado, the Placerville Union School District and the El Dorado O ce of Education. Additional referrals came through Folsom’s Hope, Way nder Family Services, Catalyst Community, The Boys and Girls Club, El Dorado Community Health Centers and eight other groups.

When the 21 shopping sessions at Winter Boutique came to an end, the remaining items were distributed to Victory Outreach of Rancho Cordova, AspireKids and Green Valley Community Church, bringing the total individuals served through the e ort to well over 750.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Di erence is a nonpro t, youthdriven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. It o ers hands-on education and community outreach opportunities to youth from sixth through 12th grades through school-based and a er-school programs in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. For more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call (916) 294-7426.

partners worked together to improve what had been a forgettable

of Salisbury Drive and Portsmouth Drive in El Dorado

with the approval of and in partnership with the

List reveals highest county salaries

El Dorado County AuditorController Joe Harn has updated the list of the county’s highest compensated employees for the calendar year 2025. The list of the top 100 compensated employees based on the cost of total salaries and bene ts is available at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/CountyGovernment/County-Departments/ Auditor-Controller/Payroll/TopPaying-Positions.

“Posting the list to the county’s website is part of the ongoing e ort to increase transparency in our county government,” Harn said. “The best government transparency involves placing all nancial information online in a readily understandable manner. Government transparency allows tax-

Happenings

ment, federal, state and local elected o cials for a free town hall about fentanyl in the community from 6-8 p.m at Marble Valley Academy, 5005 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills. For more information about the public event contact kelleynale@ outlook.com.

payers to see how our county is spending tax money and gives El Dorado County residents the ability to hold us accountable.

As always, the county’s mental health medical director was the county’s highest compensated employee with salaries and bene ts totaling $513,889. A psychiatrist, the sheri , undersheri , district attorney and chief administrative o cer are also in the top 10.

“The cost of each employee’s CalPERS bene t is included on the list, but the reported retirement cost should be reviewed with some skepticism,” Harn shared. “CalPERS has intentionally understated the actual cost of its retirement programs statewide. Undoubtedly, higher costs for the county’s retirement program and retirees’ health stipend will need to be paid in the future.”

Continued from A2

Feb. 27

Hands4Hope presents Nashville Songwriters Live, 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Academic Decathlon

time, energy and support of so many dedicated individuals. I am truly grateful to the EDCOE and EDUHSD team members, coaches and the many volunteers who made this possible. These students understand the value of education, and their hard work and determination are helping them reach their goals and pursue their dreams.”

Amid the heated competition, Oak Ridge High School’s team, led by coach Jeff Hassian, claimed victory in the overall school standings.

and the fruit clusters will shrivel and die.

“There’s no known cure for Pierce’s Disease; there’s no treatment for Pierce’s disease,” Larsen added. “Once vines are infected, they can die within two to five years.”

The county received $4 million in emergency grant funding to address the problem; approximately $2.1 million has already been spent and the eradication team will spend the rest likely by June of this year.

Public participation

In early 2025, Ag Department staff began reaching out to residents to educate them about the threat and gain consent to treat properties in the affected area.

California Department of Food and Agriculture officials outlined the quarantine area as west to the county line, north to Green Valley Road, east to Cameron Park Drive and south to Deer Creek Road. The treatment area is much smaller and includes a section of Serrano, El Dorado Hills Town Center and small portions of the El Dorado Hills Business Park and Blackstone.

In 2025 more than 800 properties were treated.

“‘Every time we find a glassy-wing sharpshooter, our goal is to treat every host plant within 150 meters of that find — so within about 500 feet,” Larsen said. Traps are checked on a weekly basis to ensure nothing is missed.

“One of the challenges we have with the glassywing sharpshooter Is the vast amount of host material that they feed

“After having graduated so many seniors last year off a team that went to state and took second place, I was definitely concerned as to how we would do. The underclassmen excelled and led us to an El Dorado County championship. I am looking forward to seeing how they do this year at the state competition,” Hassian said, expressing pride in the team’s accomplishments.

This year’s competition marked Hassian’s 25th year of coaching. The theme of this year’s Academic

on,” explained Larsen “There’s over 300 species of plants that they will actively feed on and lay their eggs on. With a glassy-wing sharpshooter, they love everything. They love landscaping material. In addition to grapes and citrus, crepe myrtles seem to be a real favorite. Almost anything you could buy at the Home Depot garden center or an HOA is gonna plant in their residential lots is on the glassy-wing sharpshooter host list.”

Ag Department staff have reached out to more than 3,500 residents, about 2,000 of which have yet to respond.

“Treatments are voluntary,” Larsen said. “We have been knocking on doors. We are sending things in the mail. We’re reaching out to landscapers. Consent forms can be submitted to us in any form that makes it easy for people.

“Every residence that goes untreated is a potential reservoir for repopulation,” she warned.

Residents who want to learn more about the eradication program can find the information online at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Land-Use/ Agriculture-Weightsand-Measures.

Treatment process

The treatment itself takes about 10 minutes per property with a pest control professional and Ag Department staff on site. The eradication effort is a three-pronged approach.

Systemic treatments use an ingredient commonly found in flea treatments for dogs and cats.

“This treatment is injected directly into the soil, so 2 to 3 inches underground,” Larsen explained. “There’s no risk of drift with these treatments, and it offers

Decathlon, Roaring Twenties, has been a focal point of study for decathletes since the summer. Coaches, including David Conrad for El Dorado, Joseph Beatty for Ponderosa, Stephanie Luther for Union Mine, Tanya Jefferson for Mountainside Middle College High School and Hassian for Oak Ridge, navigated the challenge of preparing students alongside their regular teaching duties.

On competition day, the community came together, with many volunteers,

long-term control. Once the plant absorbs the active ingredient, every time a sap-sucking insect feeds on the plants, they will die.”

Foliar treatments require spraying the plants directly, providing instant control of adults and nymphs.

“Using both products together allows us the best chance of knocking the populations down,” Larsen noted.

She also pointed out that the eradication team follows strict safety protocols.

“If it becomes windy, if we realize, oh, it’s a school holiday, and there’s kids running around everywhere, we stop treatments immediately,” she told the supervisors and the public. “We will never put anybody at risk with our treatments.”

The third method involves help from a very little friend.

Cosmocomoidea ashmeadi, a tiny, stingless wasp, is on the job. About 6,500 have been released into the affected area. They lay their eggs inside glassy-winged sharpshooter egg masses, which kills the invasive insect.

“We have found parasitized egg masses since we’ve done the release, so they are out there and they are working,” Larsen said. “They are a help. They won’t be able to completely eliminate the glassy-wing sharpshooter, but it’s one more thing in our arsenal.”

An unwelcome visitor

The glassy-winged sharpshooter came to California in late 1980s, hitting the Temecula Valley and devastating its wine region. It’s now prevalent throughout Southern California— something officials here want to avoid.

A trap that’s part of the county’s Pest Detection Program caught the first insect in October 2024.

“The goal of this program is the early detection and prompt

presenters and school leaders in attendance. The competition is administered annually by the El Dorado County Office of Education and promotes academic excellence and social-emotional benefits for team members. The Kiwanis Club of Placerville provided lunch, and attendees were impressed by the dedication and knowledge displayed by the decathletes. Find the 2026 El Dorado County Academic Decathlon individual results online at VillageLife.com.

eradication of invasive agricultural pests in El Dorado County,” Larsen said. “We deploy over 1,000 traps each detection season, which generally runs from May to October. These traps are specifically designed to find invasive fruit flies, like the Mediterranean fruit fly, the spongy moth, which used to be known as the gypsy moth, Japanese beetle and, of course, the glassywing sharpshooter.

“When we initially found the sharpshooter on the first trap, we switched into delimitation mode … putting out a very high … amount of traps in a small area, trying to find the limit of where this infestation occurs,” she continued.

Glassy-wing sharpshooters are leaf hoppers that feed on plant juices and lay egg masses on the underside of the leaf, under the leaf cuticle.

The process from egg to adult takes about two months.

“They’re about a half inch in length when they’re fully grown adults,” Larsen said. “Which is small, but in the world of leaf hoppers it’s one of the larger species of leaf hopper.

“There’s generally two generations per year,” she added. “Every egg mass will generally have, on average, 10 to 20 eggs and every female… can lay multiple egg masses.”

What’s next

At stake is El Dorado County’s wine grape crop, valued at $8 million in 2024. “And that’s just the grapes themselves,” Larsen pointed out. “It doesn’t include any of the impacts the wine industry has on our county, fiscally, as far as the wine itself, tourism — all those things that go along with wine grapes.

“Our biggest issue and challenge is the 2,000 residents who haven’t responded to us,” she told the board. “So, we are constantly knocking on doors, sending out mailers.”

Larsen has also partnered with HOAs, Master Gardeners and the CDFA to spread the word. District1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero and District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo, whose districts are impacted, have also assisted staff.

“I want to thank you all, because you’ve been very vigilant,” Ferrero told Larsen and Agriculture Commissioner LeeAnne Mila. “I’ve been out there in the field with you (and have) seen how tedious this job is.” Mila warned that an abatement procedure could come next should the infestation worsen.

“As we get into this next season with our traps, and … we start to really warm up, I think that’ll give us an idea of where we’re at and how successful our treatments have been,” she shared. “And then we’ll be able to plan: where do we need to go?”

Noting the El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s successful weed abatement program — by which the department will, using a contractor, abate weeds on vacant parcels and if the property owners do not take care of the hazard themselves (they are then billed for the service) — District 3 Supervisor Brian Veerkamp said the county could look into a similar program for treatment of properties infested by the glassywinged sharpshooter.

“This item seems to be serious enough that maybe something like that needs to be implemented,” Veerkamp proposed. Because you’re not getting the compliance. That’s how we got compliance, and they still do today.”

“The challenge is the consent to treat,” Ferrero agreed. “At what point do we, as a county, consider, like Brian mentioned, mandatory treatments?”

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin noted the importance of the agricultural industry to El Dorado County, as it impacts so many different aspects.

Mila agreed, pointing to the drop in grape value in the county just in one year — $9.7 million in 2023 to $8 million in 2024.

“I anticipate we’re going to see further decline. So, our grape industry is hurting,” she said. “This is just so important to protect them.”

Supervisors received and filed the county Ag Department’s report but took no further action. Staff will update the board and public as eradication efforts continue.

Continued from A1

and spent his summers training in San Diego, weightlifting and sprinting under elite coaches Les Spellman and John Bolton.

“For push athletes, we have to be as explosive as possible,” Jetter said. At 5 feet, 11 inches and 200 pounds, Jetter can run a 10.55 second 100 meter, a 1.47 second 10-yard split, jump over 41.5 inches in a vertical jump and bench press 370 pounds. “Bobsled requires us to push a 400-pound sled (two man) or a 460-pound sled (four man) as fast as possible down start ramps which differ in incline and length at each track,” he explained.

Jetter is a brakeman, the athlete in the back who pushes and also pulls the brakes at the end of the track. While he raced in two-man and four-man competitions, most of his races were with Kris Horn, a former Olympic brakeman who became a pilot around the time Jetter joined the sport.

“I helped him become competitive and he ultimately qualified for the Olympics,” Jetter said proudly. “He is a legitimate potential top five threat. Playing a part in helping the two pilots who did qualify even if they ended up with a different crew was also a very satisfying thing.”

As to the transition from track to bobsled, Jetter revealed it is not uncommon for the winter sport to recruit from sprinters. “I love the style of training,” Jetter said. “I love the combination of lifting heavy and running fast. There’s nothing like being in the bobsled. Some people don’t like it but I actually really enjoy it. You’re pulling

anywhere from 4 to 6 Gs, getting up to 85 kph.”

Those he has met along the way that have made the deepest impact on Jetter. “The relationships that I formed over the last four years is just incredible. Seeing some of my closest friends make it; it was very emotional. I was so happy for them. It’s hard to describe,” Jetter shared. “I always wondered how I would react if I didn’t make it and I thought I would feel resentment and be depressed. But honestly I’m excited to cheer on my teammates and friends. They’re just really solid guys.”

Jetter now resides in San Diego with his former teammate, Shane Fisher, a bobsled pilot who also missed qualifying for this year’s team. Fisher is launching the American Paragons Foundation, a nonprofit which helps former Olympic athletes and current Olympic hopefuls find funding and support opportunities — an effort Jetter is now involved with, along with a personal training side gig.

“I certainly flirt with the idea of going back to track. I’ll definitely be competing in something, just not quite sure what that’s going to look like yet.” Jetter said, admitting that for now, he is focused on a mental reset.

“I like to read. I like to write. And I’ve spent so much time in the winter cold that I really like to just go to the beach and jump into the ocean,” Jetter laughed. “I don’t care how cold it is. I promise that it feels a lot better than being in negative 10 degrees.”

Businesses and donors interested in the American Paragons Foundation can visit americanparagons.org.

VH V illage H OMES

Chris Wolfe CalBRE #01894853 (559) 289-8218 chris@chriswolferealestate.com eldoradohillsliving.com

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5,084 square feet

5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms

0.52-acre property

Listed at $2,950,000 MLS #226008543

Beautiful home shines on Bordeaux

This striking, custom Mediterranean estate showcases timeless architecture, re ned nishes and sweeping sunset views. The masterfully built home spans more than 5,000 square feet and features thoughtfully designed living spaces spanning three levels and enhanced by multiple covered terraces, balconies and seamless indoor-outdoor ow.

The main living level features a show-stopping chef’s kitchen with a stunning, oversized island, custom cabinetry, premium appliances and a statement range hood. And pairing culinary masterpieces created in the kitchen with the perfect vintage is easy; just head to the impressive wine cellar nearby and grab a bottle or two.

The kitchen opens into expansive dining and living areas with soaring ceilings, arched windows, rich wood ooring and a dramatic architectural replace. Designed for both entertaining and everyday luxury, the home includes multiple sitting areas, a recreation level with a wet bar and e ortless access to resort-style outdoor living.

The backyard retreat showcases a sparkling pool and spa, covered patios, an outdoor replace and multiple lounge spaces ideal for sunset gatherings and taking in the lake view.

The primary suite is a private sanctuary with serene views, spa-inspired bathroom, soaking tub, walk-in shower and generous closet space.

Additional bedrooms are well-appointed and thoughtfully positioned, including a private guest casita ideal for extended stays or multigenerational living.

A home o ce, laundry room, ample storage, home theater, sauna, basketball court and expansive garage space complete this exceptional o ering in The Promontory gated subdivision, which features a spacious park and is close to shopping and great restaurants as well as many recreational opportunities around the lake.

Interested in learning more about this beautiful Bordeaux Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact real estate agent Chris Wolfe at (559) 289-8218 or chris@chriswolferealestate.com.

Magical vacation experiences await you in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Cook Islands and the other South Paci c Islands.

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Embrace Stars showcases neurodiverse talents

Andrew Vonderschmitt Mountain Democrat features editor

An inclusive celebration of talent, creativity and community will take center stage

Saturday, Feb. 28, when the Embrace Stars Talent Show lights up the multipurpose room at Folsom High School.

An Evening to Remember will run 3-6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. at the campus, 1655 Iron Point Road. Featuring music, dance, drama, instrumental performances and a fashion show, the annual showcase highlights the abilities of more than 100 neurodiverse performers from across the Sacramento region. Organizers describe Embrace Stars as both a performance and a cultural celebration, designed to entertain audiences of all ages while shining a spotlight on inclusion. About 20 participants will take part in the fashion segment, o ering performers of all abilities a chance to step

onto the stage, if only for a moment, and be celebrated.

The show is produced by WeEMBRACE, a nonpro t founded by Somasundaram

“Som” Sundararajan and his wife, Meena Kalyanasundaram, a er the lessons learn through the birth of their son Athish 28 years ago.

Doctors told the couple

their son might not survive and, if he did, he would likely live in a vegetative state. Today, Athish is alive, loved and at the heart of a growing organization that sup-

ports hundreds of families navigating life with disabilities.

“We wanted to be mentor parents to help other people going through this, because

we have been through it,” Som said. “We want to share what we went through and how we can help them out.”

Athish, who has cerebral palsy, multiple special needs, cortical visual impairment and developmental delays, functions cognitively like a 2- to 3-year-old, Som said. His di cult birth — with low APGAR scores and days on a ventilator at Stanford Hospital — shaped his parents’ understanding and expectations of what many families later discover only a er a long and painful diagnostic journey.

An APGAR score is a rapid, standardized assessment of a newborn’s health, calculated at 1 and 5 minutes a er birth by evaluating ve criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration.

“For a lot of the people who have kids with autism, it’s a shock for them,” Som said. “Everyone goes through a denial phase. We knew

Easton Corbin to croon country hits at Harris Center

Stacy Hanson Harris Center for the Arts

FOLSOM — Harris Center for The Arts presents Easton Corbin live on Feb. 25. Corbin has been gracing stages with his memorable baritone and unique blend of traditional and modern country music for more than a decade — and his latest album release, “Let’s Do Country Right,” is no exception.

Known for No. 1 singles like “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It,” along with recent releases, “Easygoing” and “Fun Number” (Billboard) “I Can’t Decide,” “Love Anthem” (People) “Marry That Girl” and newest focus track and upcoming tour title, “Lonesome Drinkers” (all included on “Let’s Do Country Right”), the Florida native continues to deliver that same neotraditional sound fans know and love today.

Working with longtime producer Carson Chamberlain, as well as cowriting collaborators like Wade Kirby, Shane Minor, Adam Craig, and Wyatt McCubbin, Corbin said the past three years have allowed him to focus more seriously on writing music and nding the message he wants to convey to listeners on his forthcoming project.

“It’s about being authentic and that’s what I always focus on when I write or record,” he explained. “I keep one foot

in traditional and one foot in the modern and marry those two. That’s really been my motto through the years.”

And he’s had a successful time doing so. Throughout his career, Corbin has amassed seven top 10 singles and three American Country Awards. Named Billboard’s 2010 Top New Country Artist, Corbin has never shied away

Artists invited to participate

in Placerville’s Banners on Parade

Images of Hope

News release

Artists and creative groups are invited to participate in Images of Hope’s 20th annual Banners on Parade, the longtime outdoor art exhibit that transforms Placerville’s Main Street into a free, open-air gallery each summer and fall. Celebrating two decades in the community, Banners on Parade has lled downtown Placerville with color and creativity, showcasing banner art by artists of all ages and experience levels. The works o en re ect themes of beauty, memory, creativity and connection, with each banner telling its own story.

This year’s theme, “A Walk in the Woods,” o ers broad opportunities for imaginative and personal interpretation. Selected designs will be painted on 30

canvas banners provided by the organization and displayed on Main Street light poles from June through October 2026. Following the exhibit, the banners will be sold through an online auction to support future Banners on Parade projects and Images of Hope’s mission to provide healing arts to support all people on the western slope of El Dorado County a ected by cancer and other trauma.

The banners will debut at an Images of Hope fundraising event in June, and a downtown walking tour brochure highlighting each artist and their work will be available throughout the exhibit.

Artists, designers, organizations and students — working individually or in teams — are encouraged to submit banner designs by Feb. 28. Applications and additional details are available at imagesofhopeeldorado.com.

Applications open for youth exchange to Japan

The El Dorado County chapter of People to People International is now accepting applications from local students to participate in a cultural youth exchange with sister city Warabi, Japan.

The opportunity is open to students ages 13 to 15 who are currently enrolled in grades eight through 10 and reside in El Dorado County. Fi een students will be selected to represent the county as youth delegates and will travel to Warabi from July 30 through Aug. 8. During the exchange, El Dorado County delegates will join 15 Japanese youth participants in an immersive cultural experience that includes homestays with local families, educational programs and cultural activities. Students will build global friendships, gain rsthand exposure to Japanese culture and develop a deeper understanding of international cooperation and

mutual respect.

“This exchange is a truly lifechanging experience for our youth,” said Myrna Hanses, founder of the El Dorado County People to People International chapter. “Participants return home with new perspectives, lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.”

Applicants must be between 13 and 15 years old, currently enrolled in grades eight through 10, reside in El Dorado County, demonstrate respect and open-mindedness with a willingness to participate and be able to attend mandatory training sessions. Learn more by contacting eldoradop2pi@gmail.com. The application deadline is Feb. 22.

The El Dorado County chapter of People to People International promotes global understanding and friendship through cultural exchange programs, international partnerships and youth leadership opportunities.

from his traditional roots with “Your Big Sky” complimenting his “unapologetic and unwavering traditional country sound.” His self-titled debut album was named Country Breakthrough Album of the Year by iTunes Rewind Best of 2010 while American Songwriter has complimented the singer’s “warm, smooth-as-gravy-southern drawl.”

Along the way, Corbin hasn’t forgotten his roots. The young boy who grew up listening to Merle Haggard and George Jones with his grandparents remembers where he came from.

“I do love traditional country music,” he said. “That sound is what drew me to country music as a genre. One of my very rst records was a Merle Haggard album when I was a kid. The way he delivered a song. Tthe emotion in his songwriting and in his voice, he was just the whole package.”

The 14-song “Let’s Do Country Right” ushered in a collection of new, yet-to-be-heard tunes, as well as previously released songs like “Marry That

Girl.” Since releasing with DSPs, the “tenderhearted love story” (Whiskey Ri ) has organically amassed an impressive 60 million+ streams collectively, and was featured on hit FOX reboot “Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer.”

The song was also featured in a live performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, as well as fan-favorite syndicated iHeart radio show The Bobby Bones Show. Laced with Corbin’s warmly familiar baritone vocals, and layered with the true-to-his-roots production fans and radio love, the record o ers something for everyone.

“The record is a good mixture of that up-tempo and midtempo songs along with a few ballads here and there,” he said.

Easton Corbin takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. Interested persons can buy tickets online at harriscenter. net/easton-corbin.

Let us help you pay tribute to a loved one. When you experience the loss of a loved one, our Village Life team can help you convey information in several ways!

Obituary ~ You may write the tribute in your own words or if needed we can provide assistance. Obituaries will publish on the day requested, subject to publication deadline.

Anniversary Remembrances ~ You may place an ad in memory of a deceased loved one on the anniversary of a significant date such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of their death.

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Camellias to bloom at upcoming Folsom show

Betty

Albert News release

Historical Murer House and Gardens will host the annual Camellia Show and Competition, 10 am. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 28 at 1125 Joe Murer Court, Folsom. Greg Gayton of Green Acres Nursery will be featured, speaking at 11 a.m. on growing tips. The entire event is free to the public. The Camellia Society of Sacramento will be on hand to help identify varieties and answer questions. The public is invited to enter up to ve blooms and/ or arrangements of camellias. Ribbons will be awarded for People’s Choice and other prize divisions. Entries will be accepted starting at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event. A drawing for camellia plants will be held at 1:30 p.m. Free tours of Murer House and Gardens is also o ered that day.

ing, EDHAF aims to cultivate a sense of community and upli nonpro ts who o er services to the residents of El Dorado Hills.

Since its inception in 2013 the foundation has awarded $913,000-plus in grants to 70-plus nonpro t organizations and engaged more that 300 donors with 190 as active Giving Circle members. More than 50 local businesses contribute to the e ort at over 96% of all donations directly support the community. This signi cant investment demonstrates the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting vital programs that improve the quality of life for residents across El Dorado Hills and surrounding communities.

For a listing of 2026 grant recipients visit edhaf.org/grantrecipients. For more information about the El Dorado Hills Area Foundation visit edhaf.org.

The Murer House and Gardens is across Folsom Boulevard near historical Sutter Street. The home was built by Guiseppe Murer of Italy, who purchased the site in 1921 and constructed the home in 1925. For more information contact Rhonda DesVoignes at bdesvoignes@comcast.net or call the Murer House at (916) 413-9231.

from day one what was expected, but we saw how hard it is for others to accept it.

“That acceptance process is hard,” he added. “Families need to know they are not alone.”

What began about eight years ago as informal parent support has grown into a full-service nonpro t o ering a 360-degree model of care. WeEMBRACE now provides weekend social and recreational programs including arts and cra s, yoga, Zumba, adaptive basketball, soccer and gym activities at sites in Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove. The organization also leases its own space to provide consistent pro-

gramming.

Parent education is a cornerstone of the group’s mission. WeEMBRACE helps families navigate complex systems such as regional center services, o ers guidance through seminars and webinars and shares resources online. Just as important, Som said, is breaking the isolation many families feel a er a diagnosis.

“They close the door emotionally and socially,” he said. “We want them to reach acceptance and community.”

That sense of community and inclusivity is on full display at Embrace Stars, the nonpro t’s agship annual event. Performers are encouraged to share whatever brings them joy.

“Anything is a talent for us,” Som said. Past performances have included biking across the stage, conversations about favorite hobbies and traditional music and dance. “It’s their stage, their evening.”

The fashion show portion is designed for participants who may only be comfortable on stage brie y. Models choose their own out ts, walk a red carpet and enjoy their favorite music as they are introduced to the crowd.

Beyond Embrace Stars, WeEMBRACE hosts a sports day each spring and a disability resource fair in May that connects families with service providers and highlights microenterprises run by individuals with disabilities.

Now, many families who once received mentorship have become mentors themselves.

“That’s the beauty of it,” Som said. “The next set of parents helps the next family coming in.”

This year’s performers include 12-year-old Shannon, who will play drums and sing “Shout,” and 14-year-old Sahana, who will perform “Believer” a er four years of singing. Helen, a longtime participant, will appear in the drum circle, Zumba, dance and fashion portions of the show. Amara, 20, will sing an Indian song in Hindi along with Imagine Dragons’ “Believer” as part of a vocal group that has practiced together each weekend.

For Som and Meena, the goal remains clear: create a place where neurodiverse individuals and their families belong and where their talents are not only accepted but celebrated.

“There’s a lot of talk about inclusion,” Som said. “What we do is make it real.”

their network of trusted professionals • COORDINATE the Refresh & Refurbish process • COMPLETE the staging and final decorating touches UPDATES AND RENOVATIONS increase your home’s market value and your NET proceeds. MONEY for improvements before you sell your home on the

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