Village Life, Wed., Aug. 5, 2026

Funding boost takes aim at pest

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has given El Dorado County $1 million to continue funding a glassy-winged sharpshooter surveillance program. The county contracts with Neighborly Pest Management Inc. for glassy-

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District plans to get back landscaping and lighting district assessment revenue withheld from property tax bills a few years back. Following the April conclusion of a years-long ■ See PEST, page A12 ■ See BILLS, page A8

Retroactive tax bills coming to EDH property owners

Lake — boating, swimming, hiking and biking — fun in the water and under the sun is on their minds.

HEROES ON THE WATER

But an accident can occur anytime. One slip, one moment of inattention and fun turns into an emergency. A 911 call is made and the El Dorado Hills Fire Department launches into action aboard its 23-foot, open-bow lake rescue boat with re ghting capability.

This is the rst full season EDH Fire has operated its new rescue boat housed in a Browns Ravine slip, responding to injured hikers and cyclists on trails near the shore, escaped camp res on the beach, stranded jet-skiers, injured boaters, medical emergencies in and round the water and more. Fire crews from nearby Station 84 on Francisco Drive man the oating apparatus when needed.

“We are the only boat on the entire lake that’s

WALK A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Labyrinth unveield at Faith Episcopal Church

Faith Episcopal Church invites community members to experience its new labyrinth, a traditional contemplative medium used to create a sacred time and space to pray, meditate and re ect through the act of walking.

The labyrinth is located on the patio of the church at 2200 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. The public is invited to walk the labyrinth at any time during the day or evening. Guided labyrinth walks are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

The seven-circuit design is 28 feet across and painted in elaborate swirls with rust and tan tones on at concrete, making it accessible to wheelchair users.

A helpful information card is available on site for people who wish to visit the Faith Labyrinth on their own. The guidelines explain that meandering through the labyrinth and the rhythmic turning helps to relax the body, quiet the mind and refresh the heart.

“Anyone can use a labyrinth no matter your spiritual or religious background,” said Rev. Tom Gartin, Rector of Faith Episcopal

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Aug. 6

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly Networking Mixer at Wisegal Co ee, 4241 Mother Lode Drive, Shingle Springs from 5:30-7 p.m. For more information call (530) 677-8000 or visit sscpchamber.org. El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Live on the Boulevard with Journey Unauthorized at 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Amphitheater. For more information or to register on the online waitlist visit edhtowncenter.com.

Aug. 7

The Rescue Community Center hosts Friday Night Out, 5-9 p.m. For tickets and more details visit rescuecommunitycenter.com.

Aug. 9

West Coast Performing Arts Concerts presents Motown Mania! At 3 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Aug. 11

Senior Helpers Cameron Park will host a Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group from 1-2:30 p.m. at Foothills Church, 2380 Merrychase Drive, Cameron Park. For questions contact Jillien Erdman at jerdman@seniorhelpers.com. Attendees should call (916) 461-4123 to register.

Small price to pay for spectacular event

Noel Stack Editor

More than 3,000 people, including vendors and volunteers, celebrated Independence Day at the Cameron Park Summer Spectacular on June 27.

Cameron Park Community Services District

General Manager Mark Hornstra reported the event brought in $55,406 while costing the district $65,273.

“It was a fantastic event,” Hornstra said at the July 15 CPCSD Board of Directors meeting. “Everybody came together to put on this wonderful event.”

The difference between revenue and expenditures basically came down to staff time, Hornstra explained; labor costs were $9,245 due to some overtime. When planning for next year’s event, he added, staff will explore using more volunteers to bring down that expense.

This year’s Summer Spectacular included:

• Multiple live entertainment groups

• Food vendors and community exhibitors

• Kids Zone water slides and activities

• Beer Garden and Rotaryville Margarita stand

• Military aircraft flyover and aerial performances

• Fireworks finale over Cameron Park Lake

Hornstra said the beer garden sold out and CSD staff received a lot of compliments about the fireworks from spectators at the lake and in the surrounding neighborhoods. This year the district used a new fireworks company and the colorful show was paid for by El Dorado Disposal’s sponsorship.

The general manager also told directors this year the pilots were compensated for their fuel and time. Given how much time and effort is put into the flyovers, Hornstra said, “I felt it was very appropriate we paid that bill.”

The event had no major hiccups — one child that was found before anyone realized he was lost and one minor injury, Hornstra noted as he gestured to Board Clerk Niki Garrison’s finger in a splint.

Eric

to the

He encouraged the board to

Directors complimented staff for their hard work behind the scenes that made the community event, well, spectacular.

“We’re building on something here,” Director

more partnerships and sponsorships as well as better pre- and post-event promotion that rallies residents to donate even if they don’t attend.

Sheriff’s Office to host CCW Awareness Day

K-9 teams

Gun Owners of California is proud to help promote the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce CCW Awareness Day, presented in cooperation with USCCA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville.

This free, family-friendly community event is designed to promote responsible rearm ownership, strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and the community and provide valuable concealed carry education for current and prospective CCW holders.

Whether you already have a CCW permit, are considering applying for one or simply want to learn more about responsible rearm ownership, this event o ers something for the entire family.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Meet El Dorado County sheri ’s deputies and

• Explore armored vehicles and a sheri ’s helicopter display

• Learn more about concealed carry laws, training, and responsible rearm ownership

• Visit local vendors and community resource booths

• Enjoy bounce houses and family activities for kids

• Enter ra es and sponsored giveaways, including 10 FREE CCW classes awarded during the event

This community event brings together law enforcement, rearms instructors, local businesses and responsible gun owners for a day focused on education, safety and building stronger relationships throughout El Dorado County.

No registration required; just show up with friends and family for a fun, educational day celebrating responsible concealed carry, public safety and community engagement.

Hands4Hope alumni establish humanitarian award to honor a legacy of compassion, service

Out of profound loss has come a lasting tribute to a woman whose quiet compassion transformed countless lives.

Hands4Hope – Youth

Making A Difference is proud to recognize the creation of the Yoko Kono Humanitarian Award, established by Hands4Hope alumni and sisters Megan Smith and Taylor Smith, in partnership with the Kono family. This award was created to honor the life and legacy of beloved Hands4Hope volunteer, staff member, mentor and community leader Yoko Kono.

Yoko passed away earlier this year after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

During her 15 years with Hands4Hope, she inspired countless youth through her compassion, humility and unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether mentoring young people,

supporting volunteers or leading the organization’s Outreach Program, Yoko made everyone around her feel seen, valued and encouraged.

For Megan and Taylor, creating the award was a way to ensure Yoko’s legacy lives on for generations to come. The sisters participated in Hands4Hope from elementary school through high school, contributing a combined 1,171 hours of community service before attending University of California, Davis. They credit their experiences with Hands4Hope, and the guidance of mentors like Yoko, with helping shape who they are today.

“We worked with the Kono family and the Hands4Hope staff to create the Yoko Kono Humanitarian Award to honor Yoko and ensure that the incredible legacy she left with the youth who participate in Hands4Hope is carried on for years to come,”

the sisters shared. “Yoko believed in compassion, empathy and selfless service. She always put oth-

Cub Scout Pack 700 of Rescue recently completed Scout Camp in the High Sierra of Amador County at Camp Winton on Bear River Reservoir. Cub Scouts, accompanied by their families, camped together and experienced everything the Scouting program has to offer, guided by dedicated troop leaders. Activities included hiking, fishing, geology, outdoor skills and many other adventures that encouraged curiosity and teamwork.

“Getting to see the kids experience summer camp together was really special,” said Wolf Den leader and Pack 700 camp leader Brittany Johns. “The best part was how the cubs got to know the staff who are also older scouts and on the last night, invited them back to our campfire for s’mores.

“You can tell how much the younger kids look up to the older scouts and they took pride in being able to treat the older scouts who made their stay memorable and taught them so much,” Johns said of the Cub Scouts experiencing Camp Winton for the first time.

The opportunity for children to come together in nature creates lasting connections and strengthens community. Time spent outdoors builds confidence, encourages teamwork and supports healthy child development. More than a century after the founding of Scouting, those same values continue to inspire new generations.

Cub Scout Pack 700 is honored to be part of that tradition, helping connect El Dorado County’s past, present and future while giving local youth the opportunity to experience and appreciate the beautiful place they call home.

Cub Scout Pack 700 serves youth in kindergarten through fifth grade in Rescue and surrounding communities. Part of Scouting America, the pack offers year-round activities that help Scouts build character, leadership skills and confidence through camping, hiking, community service, STEM projects and outdoor adventures. Guided by dedicated volunteers and supported by their families, Pack 700 provides a welcoming environment where youth learn new skills, make friends and have fun. For more information about Cub Scout Pack 700, visit troopwebhostcs. org/Pack700Rescue.

EDH teen shares her love of STEM during special camp

Laura C., a 16-year-old Oak Ridge High School student, recently organized a STEM summer camp for local kids at her grandparents’ home in the village of Niscani in Calarasi District, in the central part of Moldova.

It is rurally isolated and its population is only 1,478 people. It’s surrounded by the natural beauty of rolling hills and forests. It’s the kind of village where neighbors likely know each other well. The region’s rugged terrain and lack of signi cant transport infrastructure give it a feeling of being far removed from the bustle of city life.

At Laura’s initiative, the Niscani Public Library hosted a summer camp dedicated to science and experiments. Fi een curious and enthusiastic children participated in interactive activities; they conducted chemistry experiments, discovered the “magic of color” and built underwater volcanoes. It was a fun and educational experience, full of discoveries, smiles and inspiring moments for the little ones.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Visit VillageLife.com for the latest.

El Dorado County cashes in on film productions, but not permit fees

Noel Stack Editor

Ang Lee’s lm “Gold Mountain” is generating Oscar buzz and tax revenue for El Dorado County but not all decisions made since the county revised its role in show business, co-starring with the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, have paid o like a box o ce hit.

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors received a presentation at the July 28 meeting that o ered an update roughly a year a er the two entities entered into a memorandum of understanding and the county adopted an ordinance to set lming permit fees in the county. The accompanying sta report notes that during the second half of the 2025-26 scal

year, when the fees were in e ect, the county collected “$765 in permit revenue, which is much lower than anticipated.”

Per the adopted resolution, the report states, the lming permit fees “apply only to application fees for projects in the unincorporated areas of the county, while daily fees and prep/strike fees apply only to lming or still photography on county-owned property, facilities and roads. Much of the current production activity is occurring within incorporated city limits or on state-owned property — areas not subject to county permit fees — resulting in fewer county-issued permits overall.”

Permit revenue is designated to help o set the general fund cost of the nearly $151,000 needed annually to fund the lm commissioner position. State code requires each county to have a designated person to assist with commercial lming activities. Kathleen Dodge has been El Dorado County’s lm commissioner since 1993.

El Dorado County Planning and Building Director Karen Garner had high praise for

Dodge at Tuesday’s meeting.

“One of the things I’ve learned about Kathleen as I’ve gotten to know her and work with her a little more closely is that she’s really a connector,” Garner shared. “She knows the lm industry inside and out, but she also has established great relationships with our local businesses. So anytime these productions come into our county, she’s working with them to nd out what their needs are and then going to our local businesses to ful ll those needs.”

Board action Tuesday morning included approving an amendment to the MOU for the provision of lm commissioner services, increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $150,750 for a new amount of $301,500, and extending the term by one year for a revised expiration date of Aug. 11.

Hollywood hit

While lming permit fees haven’t shot to stardom yet, El Dorado County is cashing in on its claim to fame — Gold Rush history — with the production of “Gold Mountain.”

“This particular lm has ... about a $30 million budget, and a big chunk of that has been spent in El Dorado County,” Garner reported. “They actually do hire a lot of local talent, including ... camera crews, sound engineers, caterers — as well as using local goods and services. So they rent equipment from local equipment rental shops. They buy construction materials. They stay in local hotels and Airbnbs.” Lodging remains sparse in El Dorado County, Garner told the board. “We really need to focus e orts on getting more hotels in our county so that we can retain folks that come in for lm production.”

One big “Gold Mountain” purchase Garner noted was about

$500,000 at Berco Building Materials, which has a location in El Dorado Hills. A large casting call also allowed locals to show o their acting chops as extras in the lm.

“The main production of ‘Gold Mountain’ has been at a private ranch in the south county, and they are actually leasing and paying that property owner for use of their property,” she said. “This production also rented warehouse space in El Dorado Hills Business Park, where they constructed an indoor set that they’re using for the lm .... They also rented o ce space in the El Dorado Hills Town Center for some of the administrative functions, and so they’re spending money on things like o ce supplies ... meals, lodging for the administrative sta .” Long a er the last scene is shot, El Dorado County could continue to bene t as, Garner noted, many movie lovers enjoy touring lm sites.

Board Chair Brooke Laine, who represents District 5, shared that the Amazon Prime Video show “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” has been lming at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion in Tahoma and hotels greatly bene ted as the cast and crew stayed in the basin. California State Parks, which maintains the mansion property, received a very generous contribution for use of the site.

“The bene ts ... come around, not to mention the fact that it’s just fun to say ‘The Bodyguard’ was lmed at Fallen Leaf,” Laine said. “I hope we never get those double-decker buses that take people all around town to show them all the spots, but it is a nice little bragging right.” District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin added that the permit revenue the county did receive came from a project at the Georgetown Airport.

Judge recuses herself in band teacher sex abuse case

Lance Armstrong Staff writer

El Dorado County Superior Court

Judge Jamie L. Pesce has recused herself from the criminal case of Paul Varoff, a former high school band teacher who is accused of having committed sex crimes against a minor.

With Varoff and defense attorney David Brooks appearing in a Placerville courtroom for a prepreliminary session on July 10, Pesce shared that Deputy District Attorney Kassie Cardullo had been vertically assigned to the case.

“The court refers to the presiding judge (Michael J. McLaughlin) for reassignment,” Pesce said. “Council will be notified of the new department and the date in a minute order.”

Brooks suggested to Pesce that the court could resume the case on Aug. 7.

PAUL VAROFF

“We’ll put that in there as an agreed upon date,” Pesce said in response.

While Pesce did not provide a specific reason for her recusal, she noted it was performed pursuant to the California code of civil procedure, section 170.1, which outlines multiple grounds for disqualifying a judge “for cause” in both civil and criminal cases.

The case against Varoff began last January, following his arrest on suspicion of five counts of oral copulation of a person younger than the age of 18 and five counts of sexual penetration of a person younger than the age of 18. According to the criminal complaint, Varoff’s alleged victim was “particularly vulnerable.”

“The manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication or professionalism,” the complaint notes. “The defendant took advantage

El Dorado County Grand jury activities, recommendations met with criticism

Noel Stack Editor

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and El Dorado County Grand Jury are at odds over the grand jury process itself, with the board on July 21 unanimously approving a report response that largely disagrees with findings made by the 2025-26 grand jury.

Case 26-03: “El Dorado County Civil Grand Jury Website – Bringing Clarity to the Public Process” maintains the grand jury’s website is difficult to navigate and provides incomplete information. Of the six findings in the report released in May, the Board of Supervisors “disagrees wholly” with five and partially disagrees with one.

“Regarding the content on the website, who’s responsible for that?” District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero asked.

“The grand jury itself is responsible for the actual content, and then the IT department works in collaboration with the grand jury to post the content,” replied Grant Webber with the Chief Administrative Office. “So if they create whatever material that they want to put on the website, IT will post it to the website for them.”

The county’s response notes IT staff will make time to meet with the incoming 2026-27 El Dorado County Grand Jury foreman to discuss changes to the website. “Throughout the term, the grand jury may request any updates to the website in accordance with the approved service level agreement and (memorandum of understanding),” the response states.

District 4 Supervisor Lori Parlin asserted the disagreement between the board and the grand jury goes beyond a website update.

“The grand jury, just generally speaking, not a

specific one, … has credibility problems,” she said. “Sometimes the grand jury reports are so spot on and factual, and actually informative, and then we get one that’s full of opinions and speculation … not factual.”

She questioned the report review process and asked if the county had a way to correct errors published in grand jury reports.

“There’s nothing more frustrating, in my mind, when you’re reading one of these, and they’re published as if they’re factual, and then you see something that’s actually very wrong and incorrect,” she continued. “I feel from what I’ve been hearing from folks that the grand jury, as a whole, not a specific one, has a trust problem.”

Parlin recalled an incident a few years ago in which a grand juror took home a county-owned laptop without permission and downloaded items from that laptop.

“To this day, we don’t know what was downloaded … even though I think many people have asked,” she said. “It could have been those video interviews that people do down there in the grand jury room. Nobody knows.”

Because of this incident, Parlin said she has advised some people scheduled for interviews with the grand jury to request the interaction not be video recorded “until we understand this better and what the security is.”

“This report says ‘bringing clarity to the public process.’ I really think the grand jury should put it out there, either a report or a web page, about what is the process now,” she added. “How secure is the data? What are the expectations when you’re issued a grand jury laptop? It does not belong to you.”

■ See GRAND JURY, page A8

Impact fees support Cameron Park’s fire engine purchase

Noel Stack Editor

The Cameron Park Fire Department’’s new Type III Wildland Fire Engine comes with a $393,828 price tag and on July 15, the Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors voted to split the bill — $89,399 from the Fire Impact Fee Fund and $304,429 from the re department’s reserves.

This is the rst time the district has designated impact fees to cover part of a re apparatus purchase, using standard methodology con rmed by SCI Consulting Group.

“We took every resolution, every board action, everything that had been done. We put that in chronological order; we sent everything over to (Blair Aas with SCI) and said, ‘Give us an opinion on whether or not and how we can use re impact fees … if it’s allowable,” explained Maurice Johnson, former CPCSD general man-

ager now serving the district through SPSS Consulting. “He looked back into what can be attributed to growth or the impact of growth … and came up with … roughly 22.7%, or $89,399.”

Saving that nearly $90,000 in reserves will come in handy, Johnson noted, as the re department has another apparatus purchase coming up.

Former CPCSD Director Eric Aiston, who served on the board at the time it authorized the engine purchase, commended sta for double-checking as the previous board hadn’t considered the option of using impact fees to partially fund the purchase.

The motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the use of Fire Impact Fees was unanimously passed with Directors Tim Israel, Sidney Bazett, Katie Gilchrest, J.R. Hichborn and board President Dawn Wolfson present at Wednesday’s meeting.

■ See CPCSD, page A8

of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense.”

It is alleged that during the period of Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, 2023, Varoff, on multiple occasions, engaged in unlawful sex acts with an unidentified minor at the youth’s home in Sacramento County.

Varoff is accused of having committed an act of sexual penetration against a girl – identified as J. Doe – in his office at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills sometime between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2023.

The criminal complaint refers to two other alleged offenses as having occurred after a birthday celebration for Varoff in the summer of 2023.

Varoff, who retired from his high school band teacher position at the end of the 2022-23 school year, spent 27 years working for the El Dorado Union High School District.

In a statement issued by the district last January, it is mentioned that Varoff occasionally worked for the district “in a limited support role” following his retirement.

Varoff remains in custody at the El Dorado County Jail, where he was booked and held without bail.

Wednesdays 9-11 except June -August, hours 9-11. Social activities & monthly tennis clinics. Some

ability required. Call Trisha 530-651-8121. Grief support: Green Valley Community Church provides caring support through: • Grief share classes • Suicide loss support group • Memorials year round, Visit our website: www.greenvalley.church/outreach or call 530-622-3231.

Come and enjoy a paid lunch with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), for the CalPERS retirees and spouses. The meetings are

would like to include here? Contact Elizabeth Hansen (530) 344-5028 or ehansen@mtdemocrat.net

A dentistry that aims to be a home away from home

Jessica Cyphers Staff writer

For patients of Dale Stanec, Jr., DDS, going to the dentist feels a little like going home.

“We know all of our patients. They’re our friends,” said Dr. Stanec, who works alongside his wife and office manager, Elena, in his Cameron Park office. “The experience in our office is very personal. We’re very small and greet each patient by name when they walk in. It’s a comfortable, homey place to have dental work done, and we like it that way.”

Dr. Stanec has been in dentistry in the Cameron Park area since 2002. As a kid, he was “always into science and math” and loved the idea of owning his own business.

“I ran a lawn-mowing business as a kid — always had some kind of business going — so becoming a dentist and owning my own practice just made sense,” said Dr. Stanec. Dr. Stanec did his undergraduate work at Cal Poly,

San Luis Obispo and then attended dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern in 2001 and says that, although he was born and raised in San Jose, it was a natural draw to open his practice in the foothills. “Elena and I love this area. We had a lot of family and friends here and thought it would be a great place to raise our kids.”

In his office, Dr. Stanec offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers and dental implants to crowns and bridges and more. Unlike many other dentists, Dr. Stanec doesn’t employ dental hygienists or other technicians but does all of his dental work himself.

“I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my patients. It’s fun for me to do the work myself because I get to spend more time with my patients and hang out with them and really get to know them. It makes it fun to do what I do,” said Dr. Stanec.

Another advantage of keeping his practice small is that, because he sees every patient one at a time, Dr. Stanec can be very thorough and immediately answer any questions that come up. He is also able to really respect his patients’ time. “I am almost always early or on time,” said Dr. Stanec. “My patients know that, so they’re usually early or on time for their appointments, too. It’s a win win for everyone.”

Dr. Stanec is located at 3955 Cameron Park Drive — in Cameron Park. His office is right near the Goldorado Shopping Center, directly across from the new Walgreens on Palmer Drive, and is very conveniently located for all of his patients. The move is just one more way Dr. Stanec shows his commitment to providing the best possible care for his patients.

“I look forward to going to work and getting to see who’s on the schedule every day,” said Dr. Stanec.

Former Trojans assistant takes over Bruins’ baseball program

Wes Clanton, a familiar name at Ponderosa High School, was recently named the Bruins’s baseball teams head coach, PHS Athletic Director Alex LaBass con rmed. Clanton takes over for Tony Vargas, who retired from coaching high school baseball a er more than 30 years.

The Bruins program in Shingle Springs posted a 5-13 record in the Capital Valley Conference and 14-14 overall in the spring. Ponderosa also earned a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Baseball Playo s – Division III, grabbing the No. 6 seed. The Bruins beat No. 11 Pacheco of Los Banos in the rst round, then No. 3 Manteca eliminated them in the second round.

“I plan to be heavily involved with our student athletes, families and the Ponderosa community,” said Clanton of his new role.

Clanton was an assistant coach for the Oak Ridge High School baseball

team in the spring — a role he served in the last three seasons. The Trojans also earned an SJS playo berth in D-I. Prior to that role, he was an assistant coach for the Oak Ridge junior varsity baseball team.

Clanton’s rst high school baseball coaching gig came in 2019, when he was an assistant coach at Ponderosa. He was also part of the 2020 team that had a short-lived season due to the pandemic.

For the last 20 years, Clanton notes he has “been fortunate to work with players at multiple levels throughout the community.”

Now he is putting into motion returning Bruin players, plus those moving up from the JV team, in preparation for the 2027 season.

“Our fall program will focus on building complete baseball players,” Clanton said. “We’ll begin with speed and agility training, arm care and a structured throwing program, hitting

Aug. 12

SIR

membership chairman at SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details.

Aug. 13

El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts the Live on the Boulevard Stars Talent Competition at 7 p.m. with gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Amphitheater. For more information or to register on the online waitlist visit edhtowncenter. com.

Aug. 15

UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County host a Growing Fall & Winter Vegetables class, 9 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center. Register online at ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-el-dorado-county/event/central-sierragrowing-fall-winter-vegetables-el.

“Way to go, Georgetown! That’s impressive,” Parlin cheered. “I saw some social media about it ... and people were saying how cool they thought that the shooting went so hopefully we’ll see that somewhere. I’m not familiar with ‘Adventure Garage,’ but it sounded fun.”

Future of film

While board action ensures Dodge’s work continues for another year, Garner and supervisors agreed that the film commissioner needs a permanent home and the county must rethink its fee schedule.

“We’re taking a look at ... the scale of the fees and making sure they match with the level of effort,” Garner

Bills

lawsuit filed against El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn, the EDHCSD Board of Directors voted 3-1 on July 9 to reconfirm engineer reports for fiscal years 2022-23 and

Face Foundrie, in conjunction with the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, hosts a grand opening / ribbon cutting party, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 113, in El Dorado Hills Town Center. The event is free and open to the community.

Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents The Crystal Affair: 15th Anniversary Party and Concert at 5:30 p.m. with the best movie scores of John Williams performed by the Folsom Lake Symphony at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Aug. 16

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts Yoga in the Park at 9 a.m. at Saratoga Park. For more information and preregistration visit eldoradohillscsd.org.

Spanish Guitar Entertainment presents Benise, 25 Years of Passion at 3 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

explained. “As you can imagine, a big production like ‘Gold Mountain’ requires a lot of Kathleen’s time and energy. Yet, because that was on private property, you know, there weren’t a lot of fees collected for that production. So we’re considering, is there a different model out there that can more closely align those efforts?

“For example, is there a way that we can perhaps collect fees, even if it’s not on county owned property, if it’s on private property within the county ... because they’re certainly still using Kathleen’s time,” she added.

Garner said she’s exploring in-house and partnership options for the film office, noting it could work in the Planning & Building’s Economic Development Division or perhaps an

2023-24 and authorize the board president to execute the annual certification of LLAD assessments as required by the auditor-controller for each fiscal year. Harn declined to put LLAD assess-

Aug. 17

Senior Helpers Cameron Park will host Moments for the Mind: Brain Fitness for Seniors from 1-2:15 p.m. at Gilmore Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills. For questions contact Jillien Erdman at jerdman@seniorhelpers.com.

Aug. 19

Senior Helpers Cameron Park will host Caregiver Support and Activity Enrichment Group from 1-2:30 p.m. at Town Square of Folsom 9580 Oak Avenue Pkwy, Suite 4B, Folsom. For questions contact Jillien Erdman at jerdman@seniorhelpers. com. Attendees should call (916) 461-4123 to register.

Now

The El Dorado Hills Arts Association hosts its membership show Perspectives at The Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom through Aug. 20. For more information visit eldoradohillsarts.com.

Placerville Arts Association is holding an open call to artists for its 60th National Mother Lode Art Exhibition to take place Nov. 5-21 at Mills Station

outside group could take over the function.

“One year — it doesn’t give people a lot of security that what they’re doing is going to last,” Laine said of the MOU amendment. “I would like to see them land somewhere ... where it makes sense; $150,000 is just pennies compared to the benefits, and I’d like to see this move into a more secure position for everybody.”

Data collection on how much tax revenue is generated from filming projects is “bumpy,” Garner noted, with the county continuing to refine its process to get a more precise number. A report notes productions directly resulted in nearly $9 million spent in the county last year.

The Board of Supervisors also dis-

ments on the 2022-23 and 2023-24 tax bills after he said he noticed discrepancies between what CSD consultants submitted and what the board of directors approved. He then asked CSD officials for a letter “indicating that the CSD board was responsible for the accuracy and lawfulness of the assessments,” as it had done in previous years.

Arts & Culture Center. Call open through Sept. 16. For more information visit placervillearts.com.

Atrium Gallery EDH at El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts Hot August Days through Sept. 20. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

The Mom Walk, Sip and Stroll meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Town Center amphitheater.

EDH Cars and Coffee invites car people to meet up and hang out Saturdays, 7-9:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the right-side parking lot of the Regal movie theater in El Dorado Hills Town Center.

The El Dorado County Certified Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays in the amphitheater near Brickyard & South Fork. Stop by 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The El Dorado County Certified Farmers Market takes place on Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the EDH Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills.

cussed Dodge’s successor — not that she has announced plans to take a bow anytime soon. “You’re a one-man show, pretty much, and who’s coming in behind you?” Parlin asked Dodge, who attended Tuesday’s meeting but didn’t speak. “Someday you will retire .... I haven’t heard that that’s been looked at but it definitely needs to be part of it, because nobody works forever.”

“Kathleen and I have had some pretty detailed discussions about what that might look like,” Garner responded. “I think the first step is getting my economic development staff on board and ... understand(ing) what she does and how she does it, but there are some other models that we have talked about and looked at as well.”

EDH resident Steve Gutierrez echoed concerns about the accuracy of DTA’s reports and also advised directors to prepare for a barrage of questions, especially from residents who purchased homes within the affected LLADs after the two-year gap.

“They’re gonna get all these assessments with no explanation other than, hey, you know what ... the board and the auditor were at odds for two years over a signature,” Gutierrez said. “I just caution you folks, go ahead and do it but there’s gonna be some ... repercussions for it.”

Then EDHCSD General Manager Kevin Loewen declined to sign the letters for those two fiscal years. It was later revealed Loewen had an outside relationship with the consultant performing the assessment studies.

The cost to the district was approximately $1.4 million in 2022-23 and $1.9 million in 2023-24.

Loewen resigned from his position in December 2023. He faces criminal charges of perjury and conflict of interest related to an investigation into his professional activities while serving as general manager. A trial setting conference is set for July 31.

During public comment, EDH resident Bob Williams told the directors because of the conflict of interest — Loewen doing side work for consultant DTA, a violation of his EDHCSD employment contract — the district should re-evaluate those assessments.

“You’re asking thousands ... of residents to pay for assessments that need to be vetted,” Williams said. “You’re creating additional legal issues that you don’t need to.”

Noting the district covered LLAD expenses during this two-year period, EDH Resident Chris Nicholson acknowledged the CSD is in a tight spot and faces a difficult budget situation.

“We can’t retroactively take back the care and service and maintenance to the amenities of our community,” Nicholson said.

“I do agree that people getting those makeup assessments will frown upon the CSD and ... you’ll take some arrows, and people won’t understand it. They won’t understand that these are monies that they didn’t have to pay before and now they have to pay,” he continued. “But that money was raised and spent, and we enjoyed it.”

“It seems like there’s a bit of a divide, especially on this one with regards to the civil grand jury website,” District 5 Supervisor and board Chair Brooke Laine said. “I don’t know how to really go forward with that except to respond to the process, which is what we’re being asked to do, and we reserve the right to not agree or partially agree. No one from the public or the 202526 grand jury spoke on the item. In addition to unanimously approving the response to Case 26-03, the 5-0

Other board actions

Directors voted 5-0 to approve the format for the comprehensive CPCSD Five-Year Capital Improvement Program and Long-Range Capital Replacement Plan.

Directors voted 5-0 to approve the final engineer’s report for the continua-

Board members made no comments on the issue though Director Stephen Ferry did ask that the agenda item be pulled from the meeting’s consent calendar for discussion. A motion had already been made and seconded to adopt the consent calendar as is with the item reconfirming engineer reports and authorizing board President Noelle Mattock to execute the annual certification of assessments. The motion passed 3-1 with Mattock and Directors Heidi Hannaman and Gary Kinghorn voting yes and Ferry voting no. Director Mike Martinelli was absent.

As a part of the court order issued at the lawsuit’s conclusion, the two years of LLAD assessments previously withheld are to be placed retroactively on upcoming assessment rolls. Assessments for 2022-23 are to be collected in 202627 and 2023-24 assessments are to be collected in 2027-28.

“The county will comply with the order of the Superior Court judge and place the retroactive LLAD assessments on the tax bills,” Harn confirmed. “This action will cause a great deal of confusion when many EDH residents receive their property tax bills. It will also be a hardship for some homeowners. This mess — the costly litigation and the retroactive assessments — all could have been avoided if the same EDHCSD board president, who was willing to sign the contractually required attestation letter last week, would have signed the same letter five years ago.”

The court order also required the EDHCSD to pay $320,000 to cover the county’s attorney fees.

vote approved responses to Case 26-02: “El Dorado County Owned Airports” and Case 26-01: “Placerville and South Lake Tahoe Jails and the South Lake Tahoe Youth Treatment Center Inspections.” The reports can be read online at eldoradocounty.ca.gov/grandjury. Select the Reports and Responses tab. The responses are included in the July 21 Board of Supervisors’ agenda packet. Visit eldorado.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx and select 2026 Board of Supervisors to download the packet. Continued from

tion of 20 landscaping and lighting district assessments for fiscal year 2026-27.

Directors voted 5-0 to approve a permanent easement across a portion of CSD-owned property as part of PG&E’s Royal Drive infrastructure project. PG&E has offered the district compensation in the amount of $5,000 for the 375-square-foot easement.

Backpack kits support The Center’s Pando Home

Lori Mortensen

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Lee and Cheryl Trapani of Cameron Park delivered 30 Pando Home Welcome Backpack Kits to staff members at The Center, an organization that provides comprehensive services and programs for families impacted by violence and abuse. The Center’s Pando Home is a safe transitional housing facility where residents may stay until they are able to move out on their own.

The July 6 donation was the culmination of the efforts of many volunteers who assembled the backpack kits during a Watch Party held June 26 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cameron Park. Watch Parties, held at LDS church buildings throughout the United States, streamed a performance celebrating the Tabernacle Choir’s 100th anniversary of its first performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The 120-minute program featured special performances by guest artists and beloved choir favorites. In keeping with the choir’s global mission, all revenue from ticket sales, along with audience contributions, was matched by the church and donated to charities supporting the well-being of women and children.

In concert with that mission, local

volunteers filled the backpacks with items including hoodies, flip-flops, journals, pens, coloring books, toothbrushes, toothpaste, markers, socks and more to make life just a bit easier for Pando Home residents escaping domestic violence.

“The backpacks have been incredibly well-received,” staff member Morgen Earle said. “In fact, last week we had 10 backpacks distributed. The clients were so incredibly grateful and thrilled with the contents as they make their lives a little more comfortable and ‘normal’ as they continue working toward selfsufficiency.”

“We came to The Center as a shattered family,” one family shared. “The staff helped pick up the pieces, then gave us the tools we needed to put our family back together.”

The Center has been helping families for nearly 40 years. Its mission is to provide structure, support and guided discussion with a focus on accountability, skill-building and practical strategies participants can use immediately in their relationships and daily lives. By helping families overcome challenges, The Center aims to keep families together so they can grow and thrive.

To learn more about The Center, its programs, services, volunteer opportunities and donation options call (530) 626-1450 or visit thecenternow.org.

El Dorado Hills business owner joins nonprofit board

News release

Sierra Cancer Wellness Foundation recently announced the appointment of Sanjay Varshney, Ph.D., CFA, principal and founder of Goldenstone Wealth Management in El Dorado Hills, to its board of directors, where he will serve as treasurer.

Varshney brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in investment management, finance, higher education and economic research. His extensive financial expertise will help strengthen the Foundation’s mission of providing education, support, and wellness programs for cancer survivors.

Prior to founding Goldenstone Wealth Management, Varshney served as senior vice president and senior investment strategist for California and Nevada at Wells Fargo Private Bank, where he provided investment leadership and strategy for more than $200 billion in client assets. His distinguished career also includes serving as

ers before herself, served simply to make a difference and never sought recognition. If you ever heard her phone ring, it played Humble & Kind, two words that perfectly describe who she was. This award celebrates youth who carry those same values forward.”

The award recognizes Hands4Hope participants entering their junior or senior year of high school who demonstrate compassion, humility, selfless service and leadership through action. Recipients are selected by a panel of Hands4Hope alumni and receive a $1,000 scholarship, generously provided by Yoko’s husband, Danton Kono.

The inaugural award was presented to Lily Hinkle, a 2026 graduate of Ponderosa High School and outgoing Hands4Hope Youth Board president, at Hands4Hope’s Youth Recognition Event in June. Megan and Taylor shared that Lily was “the perfect recipient” after

reviewing the nominations, and expressed their excitement to continue growing the award in the years ahead.

“Receiving the inaugural Yoko Kono Humanitarian Award is truly an honor,” Lily saod. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Yoko through Hands4Hope over the years and it is so meaningful to be recognized in her name. Yoko was kind, compassionate and had a passion for helping others. She inspired everyone around her, including me, and I hope to continue to honor her by using these values in my everyday life.”

“The Yoko Kono Humanitarian Award is more than a scholarship,” said Nicole Craine, Hands4Hope deputy/ program director. “It is a celebration of a life lived with extraordinary kindness, as well as a commitment to ensuring Yoko’s legacy continues to inspire young people to serve others with

Continued from A6 Coach

mechanics and strength and conditioning.

“As we move further into the fall, we’ll shift our focus toward defensive fundamentals, bullpen sessions, situational baseball and evaluating players to determine where they best fit within the program,” he continued. “The goal is to maximize player development while establishing the culture and expectations of Ponderosa baseball.”

The Bruins will also play games this fall. One notable contest will be at Oak Ridge on Thursday, Sept. 10. High school baseball teams in the section are allowed to play a limited fall schedule for about a month in preparation for the following spring season.

All the work, Clanton shared, should benefit the Bruins entering CVC action next spring.

“The CVC has become one of the strongest and most competitive leagues in the area,” he said. “Every team is well coached, disciplined and plays the game the right way, so there won’t be an easy game on the schedule.”

The new head coach predicted Rio Americano, which won the section’s D-III title over El Capitan of Merced in May, will set the standard that Ponderosa and the rest of the CVC need to match.

“Several other programs return talented core groups that will make the league extremely competitive again,” Clanton said. “Our focus won’t be on chasing one particular team; it will be on preparing Ponderosa to compete at a championship level every single day.”

vice president for economic and regional partnerships and dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Sacramento for 10 years. He has also served as professor of finance at the University of San Francisco, dean of the School of Business at the State University of New York in Utica, founder of a registered investment advisory firm in Syracuse and consultant with organizations, including Arthur Andersen.

Currently, Varshney is a professor of finance at Sacramento State, where he continually develops economic forecasts for the Greater Sacramento region and conducts business and economic impact studies.

He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting and financial management from Bombay University, a master’s degree in economics from the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in finance from Louisiana State University. He also holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

compassion, humility and heart.”

About Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference is a nonprofit youth driven organization with the mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service.

Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference offers hands-on education and outreach opportunities to youth in middle and high school through on-campus and after-school programs and community outreaches in Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. For more information about Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference visit hands4hopeyouth.org or call (916) 294-7426.

Throughout his career, Varshney has been a soughtafter expert on economic and financial issues, appearing in numerous media interviews and publishing articles in respected publications, including the Financial Analysts Journal.

“We are honored to welcome Sanjay to our board of directors,” said Vasantha Eswara, founder and board chair, Sierra Cancer Wellness Foundation.

“His exceptional financial leadership, strategic vision and commitment to serving our community will be invaluable as we continue expanding programs that help cancer survivors thrive after treatment.”

About Sierra Cancer Wellness Foundation

Sierra Cancer Wellness Foundation is a California nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to evidence-based cancer survivorship programs including education, wellness and support. Through philanthropic partnerships, grants and community collaboration, the foundation ensures that cancer survivors, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to programs that improve quality of life, build resilience and support long-term health beyond treatment.

Expertise That Is Never Equaled!

Pete r Vlautin has over 45 years of Litigation Experience and a Masters (LL.M.) Degree in Taxation.

Member of California, Nevada, and U. S. Supreme Court Bar Associations

• Estates • Trusts • Probate

• Conservatorships

• Financial Elder Abuse

Peter P. Vlautin, III, J.D. LL.M. 1020 Suncast Lane #101, El Dorado Hills (916) 365-9734 • petervlautin.com

California State Bar #54733

Nevada State Bar #1475

At Ponté Palmero, your family becomes part

Nestled in the heart of Cameron Park, our private villas and cottages o er more than just comfort — they o er peace of mind. With personalized care that not only meets your loved one where they are today but thoughtfully anticipates their future needs, we graciously treat every resident like family.

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design’s

pretty much sta ed 24/7,” said EDH Fire Capt. Clint Vogan. “Everybody who is assigned to this station is qualied to be out on the boat.”

From the station to the launching o the dock, it takes the crew about 8 minutes — a vast improvement from its previous set up.

“Prior to that, we were responding to Folsom Lake in a 14-foot in atable boat with a 30-horsepower motor,” Vogan said. “If we had a major boating accident with multiple boats, multiple people, they just weren’t going to be able to t on that boat. So the department really looked at that and saw the need … for a larger lake boat with much more capacity, faster to get around.”

The old boat, in service since 2018, travels 15-18 mph on the water. The new boat zips along at about 40 mph, “depending on the load,” he explained, adding that the capacity is up to 20 people.

Thus far, Vogan shared, the majority of emergencies handled by the re boat crew have taken place on land around the lake.

“We have these for training right now only,” Vogan said, pointing to a pair of jet skis on a trailer. “We just got these and so all the training and the taskbooks haven’t been completed, but this could be a backup to the boat if it is out of service.

“Also, as lake levels drop, they can be a secondary resource,” he continued. “If we were doing a search anytime at night, the primary crew from Station 84 would take the lake boat and then, what we’d like, is for the backup crew, say Station 85, to come by and grab these to have more apparatus out in the water.”

The jet skis are faster and more maneuverable, Ramsey noted, and each is out tted with a rescue board, throw ropes and in atable sponsons that both protect the equipment from rocks in the river and provide grab-holds during rescues.

“It’s a great resource, actually, for everybody in the region.”

— EDH Fire Capt. Clint Vogan

“We get multiple calls a year for just a simple thing such as heat exhaustion, could be heat stroke. The mountain bikers are out there so the past few calls have been mountain bike incidents,” he said “It’s much easier for us to access from the lake, because we can get right there to them, rather than … hiking in miles and miles”

The new boat can go right up to shore, where crews drop down a gate to deploy equipment or load an injured person. It also has re ghting capabilities with a 200-foot hose and a pump that pulls water directly from the lake.

“We have all the water in the world,” EDH Fire Engineer Thrace Ramsey said. “The likelihood of a re starting by the shore is very high and without access like this, it makes ( ghting the re) very challenging.”

On the water, crews have handled everything from a tipped catamaran with its captain in the very cold water to a recreationist’s leg stuck in a pontoon boat. They’ve also towed in abandoned boats and given exhausted kayakers and paddleboarders a li to shore.

“Our response here at (Station) 84 is pretty dynamic,” Vogan said. Being ready for any type of call on land and water requires extensive training.

“We have a pretty extensive training program and taskbook that we go through,” the captain said, noting that training requires hours in the water and doesn’t end with certi cation. “Here we’re out … every other tour, even if it’s not an emergency. We try to get out for at least an hour on the boat.”

Up next, re ghters on jet skis.

“These things are amazing in dynamic water,” Ramsey said of the jet skis.

”Anything probably Surprise Rapid down to the Salmon Falls Bridge, I would choose to probably take that as opposed to this (gesturing to the old boat).”

EDH Fire will keep its older boat as its size does have some advantage.

“We still respond to the bottom part of the South Fork of the American River … anywhere from the Salmon Falls Bridge east,” Vogan said. “So this boat is more capable of getting up the river when the water levels drop and the ows pick up, just because it’s smaller; it’s easy to get through the rocks.”

El Dorado Hills Fire Department Water Rescue program launched under the leadership of former EDH Fire Chief Dave Roberts. During its development in early 2012, the training brought together re crews from El Dorado County and Stockton Fire — where current EDH Fire Chief Michael Lilienthal worked at the time. Lilienthal joined the EDH team that September. In addition to expanding its water program, the EDH Fire Department continues to collaborate with other agencies that bene t from its equipment and expertise.

“It’s a great resource, actually, for everybody in the region,” Vogan said, noting the department has already partnered with California State Parks and the El Dorado County Sheri ’s O ce, both of which have their own boats in the water plus EDSO’s Echo 1 helicopter in the sky. “We are working on doing a mutual aid agreement now with the Placer County side, just being the only re boat available with a re pump and then able to (continuously) sta it. So even if there was an incident on the Placer side, we’re still gonna be the fastest resource available.”

Church. “You simply put one foot in front of the other until you find the center of the labyrinth. There is no false choice and no false path — only one way to go and wisdom in each step.”

Gartin recommends bringing a concern or asking God a question as you enter the labyrinth. The design is a modern reinterpretation of the medieval Chartres Cathedral in France, which has hosted countless practitioners for over 800 years.

Church members Kathleen and Tom Smith commissioned renowned labyrinth artist Lars Howlett to create the Faith Labyrinth.

“I walked the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco,” Smith said. “It was my first labyrinth walk, and it calmed my mind and brought an inner peace. I immediately wanted to see if we could help bring a labyrinth to Faith Church for the community to enjoy and Rev. Tom was very receptive.”

Each labyrinth experience is different, Gartin said. What is important is to take your time and listen to the thoughts, feelings and messages that surface.

“It is amazing that you can create so many emotions in such a small place,” said Faith parishioner Jim Borup. “While it looks simple, it takes patience to get to the center and you have to have faith, knowing that you are on the right path.”

For more information visit faithec.org/ labyrinth.

winged sharpshooter delimitation services. The additional money bumps the contract amount up to $5,522,000.

The CDFA confirmed the presence of the glassy-winged sharpshooter in El Dorado Hills in fall 2024. This pest is an invasive vector of the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease in grapes — a multi-million-dollar industry in El Dorado County.

“This pest presents a significant, clear and imminent threat to the natural environment, agriculture, economy and private and public property,” a county staff report notes.

“(Pierce’s disease) is considered one of the most devastating diseases of grapevines in the world. The bacterium that causes the disease, Xylella fastidiosa, kills grapevines within two to five years of infection,” the report continues.

“There is no cure for Pierce’s disease. There are currently 274 properties of grape production within the county at risk from the recent GWSS detections.”

“Ongoing treatment in the area remains crucial because glassywinged sharpshooters are still being found in monitoring traps.

New infestation areas have also been identified within El Dorado Hills,” the staff report adds.

“These results indicate that the pest has not been fully eliminated and continues to pose a risk of spreading Pierce’s disease to vineyards and other vulnerable crops within our county. Continuing treatment efforts is vital to prevent population growth, limit the spread and ultimately achieve complete eradication before the pest becomes established and impacts the county’s grape industry.”

The total crop value for grapes in El Dorado County was $8,102,754 in 2024 with 82 distinct varietals planted, according to the most recent El Dorado County Wine Grape Survey available.

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors accepted the state funding at its July 27 meeting. The agenda item was part of the consent calendar, approved 4-0. Board President Brooke Laine and Supervisors Greg Ferrero, George Turnboo and Lori Parlin were present. Supervisor Brian Veerkamp was absent from the meeting.

V illage H OMES

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3271 Stonehurst Drive, El Dorado Hills

1,981 square feet

3 bedrooms,2 bathrooms

0.2-acre property

Listed at $749,000 MLS #226081368

El Dorado Hills home is move-in ready

Nestled within the gates of a highly coveted El Dorado Hills community, this home o ers an unparalleled blend of convenience, charm and modern comfort.

This exceptional threebedroom, plus a home o ce, true single-story residence boasts an enviable location as it is situated within short walking distance to the top-rated trio of Silva Valley Elementary School, Rolling Hills Middle School and Oak Ridge High School, making daily routines e ortlessly seamless. Beyond its premier academic proximity, the home is just steps away from the beautifully maintained EDH Community Park, perfect for peaceful a ernoon strolls.

From the moment you step inside, the pride of ownership shines through an array of sophisticated updates, including fresh interior paint, brand-new plush carpeting and contemporary light xtures that illuminate the spacious, thoughtful layout. Designed for both productivity and relaxation, the oor plan features three generously sized bedrooms, two bathrooms plus a dedicated home o ce or den, ideal for remote work or a quiet reading retreat.

The heart of the home centers around a beautifully

appointed kitchen equipped with sleek stainless steel appliances, seamlessly opening to a warm and inviting great room anchored by a cozy replace. For more elegant gatherings, a separate living room and formal dining room provide the ultimate backdrop for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet family evenings. The luxurious primary suite serves as a private sanctuary, featuring a refreshed bathroom complete with stunning quartz countertops, chic tile ooring and updated vanity lighting. Step outside to nd a remarkably spacious backyard that serves as your own private oasis, boasting a large patio area alongside a lush expanse of green grass, shrubs and mature trees, creating the ultimate setting for vibrant outdoor gatherings, relaxation and dining alfresco under the stars. Enjoy the unparalleled lifestyle Serrano Country Club o ers, with access to hiking and biking trails, parks and a private membership golf course all within the security of a prestigious gated community. The El Dorado Hills neighborhood is close to shopping, restaurants and Highway 50. Interested in this beautiful Stonehurst Drive property in El Dorado Hills? Contact Lisa Paragary at (916) 247-1303 or lisa@paragarymillerteam.com.

Making room for the artist

On Oct. 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited Amherst College for a gathering that honored poet Robert Frost. The ceremony also marked the groundbreaking for a library that would bear Frost’s name.

Frost had died earlier that year, but his voice filled the occasion. Kennedy praised him as an artist who had strengthened the nation’s spirit. Then he spoke about the importance of all artists in American life.

“I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist,” Kennedy said.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum keeps the full speech in its online archive.

More than 60 years later, Kennedy’s words lead us naturally to the places that welcome artists close to home.

This August, one of our region’s major arts centers celebrates a milestone. A newer outdoor venue brings theater into the heart of historical Folsom.

In Placerville, musicians will perform beneath the evening sky.

Each setting makes room for the artist.

A hall becomes a home

The Folsom Lake Symphony, the first group to perform on the Harris Center stage when it opened, returns for the anniversary. The symphony will present The Best Movie Scores of John Williams. Williams gave sound to some of our most vivid movie memories. A few notes can bring back a shark fin cutting through dark water, a bicycle crossing the moon or a young wizard entering a world of wonder.

The preconcert celebration runs 5:30-7 p.m., with food, wine and other beverages. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets include both events.

The Harris Center is located on the Folsom Lake College campus at 10 College Parkway in Folsom. Tickets are available at harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.

An outdoor stage shares its voice

The Zittel Family Amphitheater offers a different experience. The outdoor venue opened in 2012 in the heart of Folsom’s Historic District.

Sutter Street Theatre brings its local production of Disney’s “Newsies,” a Broadway musical, to the amphitheater Aug. 7.

The Harris Center for the Arts celebrates its 15th anniversary Aug. 15 with The Crystal Affair.

A 15-year milestone deserves a little sparkle.

Since opening in 2011, the Harris Center has welcomed touring performers, local arts groups, students, dancers, actors and musicians. It has also welcomed the people who complete every performance: the audience.

Inspired by the newsboys’ strike of 1899, the musical follows young newspaper sellers who find strength when they stand together. Its soaring songs, lively dancing, and youthful courage should feel right at home under the stars.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, available at sutterstreettheatre.com. Bring a low-back chair or blanket.

The amphitheater is at 200 Wool St.

Music beneath the foothill sky

A theater begins as walls, seats, light, and a stage. Over time, something changes. Memories settle into the building.

In Placerville, the land helps create the stage.

We remember the first notes of a concert, the hush before a curtain rises and the laughter that rolls across a full house. We remember a child’s first musical or a performance that reached us when we needed it most.

Once a mere vision for decades, the Harris Center is now a regional home for the arts.

The American River Conservancy welcomes Red Dirt Ruckus to Wakamatsu Farm, 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Aug. 15.

The Placerville band calls its blend of bluegrass, rock, reggae and funk “Foothill Rudegrass.” Picture friends

Studio invites community to kick up their heels at open house

News release

West Coast Dance Arts invites the community to its sixth annual open house, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, as the studio kicks off another exciting season of dance, creativity and connection.

Founded in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, West Coast Dance Arts was built on one simple but powerful mission: to bring the joy of dance back to the community when it was needed most. What began as a hopeful vision has grown into a thriving dance family. As the studio enters its sixth season in Cameron Park, it continues to inspire dancers of all ages and experience levels.

This season, West Coast Dance Arts is proud to offer classes in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, hip hop and combo classes, providing opportunities for every dancer — from beginners discovering their first plié to experienced performers looking to refine their skills.

The open house is an opportunity for families to tour the studio, meet the teaching staff, learn about classes and discover what makes West Coast Dance Arts a welcoming place for every dancer. Whether you’re looking for a

recreational class, a creative outlet or a path toward competitive dance, there’s something for everyone.

West Coast Dance Arts is also home to its award-winning competition companies, open to dancers ages 10 and older. These dedicated teams proudly represent the studio throughout the region, performing at beloved community events including the Folsom Veterans Day Parade, Placerville Christmas Parade, Kids Expo and the El Dorado County Fair, while also earning recognition at competitions throughout the Sacramento and Lake Tahoe areas. This December, studio dancers will perform down Disneyland’s Main Street, USA, as part of Disney’s Dance the Magic Merry Holiday Parade, marking another exciting milestone for the studio.

“From our very first day, our goal has been to create a place where dancers feel inspired, supported, and part of a family,” said the West Coast Dance Arts Executive Director Anelysse Keenan. “As we begin our sixth season, we’re excited to welcome new faces into our studio and continue sharing our love of dance with the community.” For more information visit westcoastdancearts.com.

GROW FOR IT!

Oh no, rotten tomatoes?

Have you waited anxiously for weeks to harvest tomatoes from your garden, only to discover a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of a ripe tomato?

Yes, it looks ugly, but don’t despair! This condition is called blossom end rot. It’s not uncommon, it’s not caused by a pest, nor does it mean your whole crop is ruined. Here’s a quick look at causes and cures of blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is a dark spot on the end of a tomato and is usually caused by inconsistent watering when the fruit is forming. Think of our spring dry spells and intermittent rains — or perhaps you applied too much and then too little water a few times. When this occurs, the first few

PRESERVE IT!

Kate Halvorson

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

tomatoes may show blossom end rot, but the condition often disappears later with more consistent watering during summer.

Calcium deficiency affects blossom end rot. However, most of the soils in California have enough calcium. Don’t fall for garden myths or quick fixes for blossom end rot. Adding eggshells to the soil, or calcium

Fresh strawberries grown locally can still be purchased at stands in many areas. Of course,

we all enjoy those just straight-up, with ice cream, in a galette or tarte or in a salad.

How about preserving some of that summer feeling in a strawberry lemonade concentrate? This is a canned product, which is perfect because you can pull it out as a special drink for an autumn or winter festivity, bringing those summer flavors to a winter evening. Bottled lemon juice is used to ensure the acidity level is safe for canning. This is from “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving,” 2024. To use, mix one part concentrate with one part water (sparkling or still), tonic water, or ginger ale.

Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate

Makes about 7 pint jars

6 cups hulled strawberries

4 cups bottled lemon juice (5% acidity)

6 cups sugar

Prepare boiling-water canner or atmospheric steam canner. Heat cleaned jars in canner until ready to use, do not boil (simmering water at 180 degrees F). Wash lids in warm soapy water and set aside with bands.

In a blender or food processor, working in

batches, puree strawberries until smooth. Transfer to a large stainless-steel saucepan as completed. Add bottled lemon juice and sugar; stir to combine. Heat to 190 degrees F over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Do not boil. Remove from heat; skim off foam. Ladle hot concentrate into a hot jar, leaving onequarter-inch headspace. Clean jar rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band and adjust to fingertip tight. Place jar in canner. Repeat until all jars are filled. Water must cover jars by at least one inch in boiling water canner or come to the base of the rack in a steam canner. Adjust heat to medium-high, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil in a boiling-water canner or until there’s a steady stream of steam coming from the steam canner for 1 minute. Start timing and process pint jars: 15 minutes at 0-1,000 feet elevation, 20 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 25 minutes at 3,001-6,000 feet, 30 minutes 6,001-8,000 feet. Turn off heat. For boiling water canner, remove lid and let jars stand five minutes. For atmospheric steam canner, let canner sit undisturbed for five minutes, then remove lid. Remove jars and cool on a toweled surface 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal. Label, date and store in a cool dark place.

The UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County are a great resource for answers to food safety and preserving questions. Email edmfp@ucanr.edu. For more information about programs, events and recipes visit ucanr.edu/sites/ mfp_of_cs. Find the group on Facebook and Instagram.

sum or lime amendment can be added. But keep in mind, calcium breaks down very slowly and the plants won’t absorb it fast enough to help this season’s

California Museum explores a century of U.S. mass deportations

SACRAMENTO — Following the 72nd anniversary of one of the largest mass deportation efforts in American history, the California

Museum will open Help Wanted / Leave Now: “Operation Wetback” & the Revolving Door of Mass Deportation. Opening to the public on Aug. 13, the exhibition uncovers a century-long history of U.S. enforcement campaigns that targeted Mexican

immigrants and American citizens alike, revealing a pattern foundational to the nation’s labor system yet rarely taught in classrooms.

Centered around the coerced emigration of the 1930s and the Eisenhowerera “Operation Wetback” deportation campaign, Help Wanted / Leave Now will examine how Mexicans — historically the largest Latino immigrant group — have repeatedly been recruited to sustain American industry (without access to citizenship), only to be expelled in the hundreds of thousands during times of economic anxiety and political scapegoating.

need or crisis and then deporting and maligning them in times of political convenience. It’s a constant cycle of hypocrisy, and the story needs to be told: immigrants built the economy in the United States and people must not forget that.”

Developed with guidance from an advisory committee including Huerta, academics and other subject matter experts, the first-of-its-kind exhibition will explore how labor and deportation policies shaped the lives of immigrant farm workers, miners, railroad laborers and their families across generations. Themes of belonging, memory and resistance will run throughout, connecting past injustices to the ongoing cycle of recruitment and removal that continues today. Through firsthand

Help Wanted / Leave Now” tells the story of repeated mass recruitment and betrayal,” said Dolores Huerta, labor and civil rights leader and member of the exhibit’s advisory council. “The United States has a history of recruiting people to come here in times of

Obituary

Fritter, how much have you saved so far for your big Six Wags Amusement Park visit?

$12 this month!

Knowing the di erence between WANTS and NEEDS is the best way to make sure your saving plan SUCCEEDS!

But it hasn’t been easy, Thrifty! There are so many things I just NEED to buy!

A NEED is something you must have in order to survive or function. You need shelter, clothing, food, water and sometimes things like medicine or school supplies.

I think you mean WANT to buy! You NEED to learn the difference!

A WANT is something you would like to have, but can live without. A music player, computer, television and bike are wants not needs

Look around your room. Make a list of all the things you can see from your doorway. Then, write W next to each thing that can be considered a WANT. Write an N next to each item that can be considered a NEED. Do you have more WANTS or NEEDS in your room?

Look at these stores. Check the box above each store to show if it contains more things that you would WANT, NEED or BOTH. Below each store, list a few things it might sell that you would NEED.

WANTS NEEDS BOTH WANTS NEEDS BOTH WANTS NEEDS BOTH WANTS NEEDS BOTH WANTS NEEDS BOTH

I’ve

If

AMUSEMENT SUCCEEDS SURVIVE SHELTER SAVING HEALTH WANTS NEEDS WATER ITEMS THINK CAKE BIKE BEST

Quantity

Find an ad in the newspaper. Rewrite the ad and substitute the words “many,” “few,” “several,” etc. for the numbers used in the ad. Are the numbers necessary? Why or why not?

Can you find the three identical piggy banks? Time yourself. Then have a family member try it. Who found them the fastest?

ritter needs some help sticking to his saving plan. Write NEED next to each of the items below he must buy for his health or safety. Then write WANT by things that might be fun to have, but that he could do without.

THINK ABOUT IT: Cake is a food, but is it a WANT or a NEED?

Look through today’s newspaper for five examples of things you need to survive. Then find five things you want Wants and Needs in the Newspaper

This week’s word:

The verb survive means to be able to remain alive. SURVIVE

The food delivery helped the family to survive the flood.

Try to use the word survive in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family.

Needs & Wants

List three things you NEED in your life and three things you WANT. Write a paragraph explaining your choices.

The Gift of Kids, Inc.

Jennifer Tommasini

5130 Golden Foothill Parkway

El Dorado Hills 916-521-1835 • www.thegiftofkids.net 2nd Location

5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy., Suite 200 El Dorado Hills

I would like to thank everyone entrusting us with your precious children since 1999. I love being part of this community and helping children learn and grow. With 4 children of my own (now 27, 24, 15 and 14), my own journey began in the daycare preschool field because I was unhappy with the care and education I was receiving.

I have been blessed to have a large facility in El Dorado Hills where I employ 50 loving teachers and care for 300 children. We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, and private Kindergarten, before and after school. Don’t be fooled by our large size, our teachers make each classroom homey and warm. The kids have lots of outdoor space

to play, we are on over an acre and have 4 large playgrounds, a soccer field, and an organic garden.

The Gift of Kids outdoor area gives the kids space to explore, garden, and play on age appropriate playgrounds.

The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. We have been working with soccer shots for over 7 years and have a very structured and advanced curriculum! Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certified, and make it a priority to continue their education.

The Gift of Kids Inc. is celebrating 26 years in

business, with 16 years in our same location, Business Park 1. We could not have done it without the many wonderful families here in the community that I have called home for over 20 years! Again...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me live out my dream in a business that I love and families that continue to bless us with their children. We have newly renovated the inside of our school, so come by to check it out and say hello anytime!

1531 Zapata Drive, El Dorado Hills

There are homes that simply check the boxes. And then there are homes that quietly change the way you imagine living.

Places where mornings begin a little slower, where conversations linger long after dinner, and where the view outside your window gently reminds you that some of life’s greatest luxuries aren’t measured in square feet, but in moments. When we first stepped into 1531 Zapata Drive in El Dorado Hills’ coveted Lakehills neighborhood, we knew it wasn’t simply another listing. It was the kind of home that deserved to be experienced before it could ever be understood. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the ever-changing beauty of Folsom Lake. Sunlight poured through soaring vaulted ceilings. A detached studio promised endless possibilities, from a creative retreat to a welcoming guest house. Every room invited people to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and imagine a different pace of life. Our role wasn’t simply to market the property. It was to tell its story.

Through thoughtful preparation, cinematic photography and film, intentional copywriting, and a carefully orchestrated launch, that story found its audience. Within the first two days on the market, more than 40 private showings were scheduled. The home received 11 offers and became the most-viewed property on Zillow in El Dorado Hills, with more than 8,000 views. Those numbers are exciting, but they aren’t the point. The point is that extraordinary homes deserve extraordinary storytelling.

As the only Sotheby’s International Realty office located in El Dorado Hills, we believe exceptional marketing begins with something even more valuable than global reach, it begins with local understanding. We know the neighborhoods, the people, the hidden streets, the lifestyle, and the subtle details that make one property unlike any other. That local expertise is then amplified through the worldwide reach of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, connecting remarkable homes with qualified buyers. Because remarkable homes aren’t just sold. They’re introduced to the world in a way that makes people feel something long before they ever walk through the front door.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

The hidden danger of investing too cautiously

One of the most signi cant risks investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip; it’s failing to reach their long-term nancial goals.

Many people focus heavily on shortterm losses in the stock market and try to protect their savings by investing conservatively or avoiding stocks altogether. But that runs the risk that their savings won’t grow enough to keep up with in ation or support future needs. Understanding what investment risk really means helps you make smarter nancial decisions, considering these three key aspects.

Suzy O’Neal Financial columnist

• Risk tolerance describes your emotional comfort with risk. If you’d want to pull your money out of the market during a downturn, that reveals something about your tolerance. Many nancial advisors use questionnaires to help clients understand how they might react in di erent market conditions.

• Risk capacity refers to how much risk you can a ord to take. Your timeline matters. A 35-year-old saving for retirement has decades to ride out market swings. A retiree drawing income from their portfolio doesn’t have that same cushion.

• Required risk describes how much risk you

What is really happening inside your trees?

Guardian offers:

• ISA certified Arborist Chris Cunnings

• Endoscopic internal imaging

• Sonic decay detection

• Soil analysis

• Canopy structure evaluation

Science-based diagnostics for El Dorado County homeowners, HOA’s, and property managers.

Investing well isn’t about eliminating risk; it’s about taking the right amount of it. Too little risk can be just as damaging as too much.

may need to take to reach your nancial goals. Higher returns generally come with higher risk, though higher risk does not guarantee higher returns. If you need strong growth to retire comfortably, you may need to accept more short-term volatility.

Sometimes these elements don’t line up. You might be uncomfortable with risk but need strong growth to meet your goals.

Balance and diversi cation matter: Finding the right balance matters more than you might think. A small di erence in your annual rate of return, from 5% to 7% for instance, doesn’t just add up a little. It multiplies. That’s the power of compounding — returns earning their own returns, year a er year, building on an ever-growing base. Over 30 or 35 years, that can become signi cant.

You needn’t choose between playing it so safe your money barely keeps up with in ation and taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with. Instead, a balanced mix can t your comfort level and still help grow your money over time.

The age factor: You’ll want to adjust your approach to risk as you get older. If retirement is

ASK A CARE MANAGER

Women who are living longer and in poverty

Carol S. Heape Elder Options

The following editorial is based on “From Surviving to Thriving: Ensuring the Golden Years Remain Golden for Older Women,” published by Justice in Aging and the Asset Funders Network (Copyright 2020).

A er reading this publication, I felt compelled to share its ndings because I believe many people, particularly women who are aging and living alone, can bene t from understanding the realities facing older women today.

The statistics are sobering

Women are 80% more likely than men to experience poverty in retirement. More than 27 million women in the United States are over age 65, and far too many struggle to meet their basic needs. Many depend on government programs such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps), Medi-Cal and Medicare to help pay for food, health care and supportive services. These programs provide essential assistance during what should be the rewarding years of retirement.

Understanding poverty

You may wonder how poverty is measured.

The federal poverty measure, developed in the 1960s, estimates how many people struggle nancially. Although it is adjusted annually for

in ation, it does not account for regional di erences in the cost of living or the realities faced by many older adults. It also fails to adequately re ect disparities experienced by people based on race, ethnicity, marital status or sexual orientation. Women of color, unmarried women and many LGBTQ+ older adults experience poverty at signi cantly higher rates.

Why are older women more nancially vulnerable?

Historically, women have earned less than men. During World War II, women entered the workforce in large numbers while men served in the military. When the war ended, many women were expected to leave their jobs and return home. Those who remained employed o en earned substantially less than men performing the same work because of outdated assumptions about experience and capability.

Although progress has been made, the wage gap continues today. As a result, many women enter retirement with lower lifetime earnings, fewer retirement savings and smaller Social Security bene ts. Increasingly, women are working well into their 70s and even 80s simply because they cannot a ord to retire.

Women are also far more likely to serve as unpaid caregivers for children, spouses, aging parents and other family members. Time spent away from the workforce o en means lower lifetime earnings and fewer years contributing to Social Security, reducing retirement income later in life.

As the report states:

Women o en “ nd themselves with signicantly less wealth to rely on as they age.” (p. 7)

Women who spent years raising children frequently experience even greater nancial disadvantages.

The report also highlights signi cant racial disparities:

“In 2016, White families had median wealth of $171,000, while Black and Latinx families had median wealth of $17,409 and $20,920, respectively.” (p. 8)

Financial exploitation

Older women, particularly those over age 80, are twice as likely as older men to become victims of nancial abuse.

Older adults o en lose

years away, your portfolio may lean toward growth investments like stocks and stock mutual funds; you have time to absorb short-term losses and bene t from long-term gains. Lower risk investments like bonds still play a role because they can help smooth out changes in your portfolio’s value.

As you near retirement, your portfolio may shi toward a more even mix of stocks and bonds to limit exposure to large market swings. The goal is to protect what you’ve built while still generating enough growth to fund a retirement that could last decades.

Investing well isn’t about eliminating risk; it’s about taking the right amount of it. Too little risk can be just as damaging as too much. A nancial advisor can help you nd the balance that matches your comfort level, your nancial situation and your long-term goals.

Investors should understand the risks involved with owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments uctuates and investors can lose some or all of their principal.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.

substantial amounts of money through scams involving fraudulent loans, mortgage renancing, home repair schemes, home modications, payday loans, identity the and other nancial crimes.

Recovering from these losses is o en impossible for someone living on a xed income.

Where does retirement income come from?

Among the more than 45 million Social Security bene ciaries, women represent more than half of all recipients.

For many older women, Social Security provides approximately 80% of their retirement income, while men rely on Social Security for approximately 34% of their income.

The report notes: “In 2016, the annual Social Security income received by women age 65 and older was $13,891.” (p. 10)

For women who did not work enough quarters to qualify for adequate Social Security bene ts, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may provide additional nancial support.

Women comprise nearly two-thirds of SSI recipients who qualify based on age. However, recipients must maintain countable resources below $2,000 to remain eligible, a limit that has remained unchanged since 1984 despite decades of in ation.

Food assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh, helps older adults purchase food. Unfortunately, only about 42% of eligible older adults participate. Many mistakenly believe they do not qualify or feel uncomfortable applying for assistance.

Retirement savings

Traditional pensions have become increasingly rare.

The report states: “Since 1980, pensions as a retirement source have become scarcer, with fewer and fewer workers nding de ned bene t plans available at all.” (p. 13) Even more concerning: “Half of all families have no retirement account savings at all.” (p. 13)

Without pensions or retirement savings, many women depend almost entirely on Social Security.

Housing, widowhood and debt

Economic downturns have disproportionately a ected women, many of whom lost homes and signi cant nancial assets during periods of recession. Women of color experienced even greater losses.

The death of a spouse can create additional nancial hardship.

Household income o en decreases substantially as Social Security bene ts are reduced from two recipients to one. At the same time, surviving spouses may inherit signi cant medical expenses and debt.

Financial insecurity has contributed to a growing number of bankruptcies among older adults. Today, one in seven individuals ling for bankruptcy is over age 65, and that number continues to rise.

Conclusion

Current measures of poverty do not adequately capture what it truly costs to age with dignity and nancial security.

Simply living above the federal poverty level does not necessarily mean an older adult can comfortably a ord housing, food, transportation, health care and other necessities. There is, however, reason for optimism. The Elder Economic Security Standard Index (Elder Index), supported by the Retirement Research Foundation, seeks to determine the actual income older adults need to live with economic security rather than merely survive.

The report concludes:

“When older women enter retirement age with insu cient liquid savings and little to no other assets, they are more vulnerable to economic insecurity or even poverty.” (p. 21)

It further recommends:

“As more older women continue to work into their 60s, 70s and beyond, they need a safe and simple way to set aside some of their income as savings.” (p. 21)

The challenges facing older women are signi cant, but they are not insurmountable.

By recognizing these disparities, strengthening retirement security, supporting caregivers and advocating for policies that re ect today’s economic realities, we can help ensure that women who have spent their lives caring for others can age with dignity, independence and nancial security.

Hattie Craven Live @ The Melon Ball @ 7:30pm / $20 Hattie Craven is a genre-blending singer, multi-instrumentalist, and magnetic performer who has been onstage since early childhood. The Melon Ball @ Watermelon Music, 1970 Lake Boulevard, Davis. receiv ing@watermelonmusic.com, 530758-4010

DJ Sep: Grass Lands at Outside Lands 2026 @ 12pm Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Live On Larkin: Back to School Edition @ 12pm Check out live music, perfor‐mances, free activities and games, vendors, and more! No homework. No pop quizzes. Just good vibes. ฀ We’re putting a Live on Larkin spin on Back to School with live m Live on Larkin, San Francisco. maro@in tothestreetssf.com, 415-226-9289

GamperDrums: Ghost Town Messengers 2nd Sat‐urdays at Casements Bar @ 4pm Casements Bar, 2351 Mission St, San Francisco

Ghost Town Messengers 2nd Saturdays at Casement's Bar @ 4pm Casements Bar, 2351 Mission St, San Francisco

Watercolor: Intermediate @ 6pm / $120 Take your watercolor skills to the next level! Discovery Campus, 503 3rd Street, Napa. programs@ nvef.org, 707-200-1224

Kristen Ford @ 6:30pm Teneral Cellars Tasting Room & Wine Lounge, 1050 20th St #110, Sacramento

Antsy McClain and The Trailer Park

Trouba‐dours @ 7pm The So�a, 2700 Capitol Ave, Sacramento Away With Words @ 7pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco

Modern Magic Live!

@ 7:30pm / $25 Experience an unforgettable evening of mystery, laughter, and seemingly impossible thrills as Modern Magic Live! brings to‐gether three contemporary magi‐cians for one spectacular event. The Melon Ball @ Watermelon Mu‐sic, 1970 Lake Boulevard, Davis. re ceiving@watermelonmusic.com, 530-758-4010

Lizzy & The Triggermen @ 7:30pm Good Luck Lounge, Sacramento

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet @ 7:30pm / $21.05-$23.18 Winters Theatre Company pre‐sents Shakespeare’s classic tragic tale of two young star-crossed lovers caught in the seemingly in‐evitable cycle of hate and revenge between their families. Winters Opera House home of the Winters Theatre Company, 13 Main Street, Winters. winterstheatre@ gmail.com

DJ Eddie Edul: Mix Downtown Saturday On The Rooftop @ 9:30pm Mix Downtown, 1525 L St, Sacra‐mento

Les Play House Sacramento @ 10pm LowBrau, 1050 20th St, Sacra‐mento

Pete Kronowitt: Inner Sunset Farmers Market @ 12pm Inner Sunset Farmers' Market, 1315 8th Ave, San Francisco

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet @ 2pm / $21.05-$23.18 Winters Theatre Company pre‐sents Shakespeare’s classic tragic tale of two young star-crossed lovers caught in the seemingly in‐evitable cycle of hate and revenge between their families. Winters Opera House home of the Winters Theatre Company, 13 Main Street, Winters. winterstheatre@ gmail.com

Gaucho at Brenda's @ 5pm Brenda's French Soul Food, 652 Polk St, San Francisco

India Jai @ 3pm Noble Cin‐ema Stu‐dios, 1509 Solano Ave, Vallejo

Careless Whisper: Napa Town and Country Fair @ 6pm Napa Town and Country Fair, 575 3rd St, Napa

Blunt Force Karma, The Hajj, and E.S.C. at the Kilowatt @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco

Circa 40 @ 8pm Great American Music Hall, 859

farrell St, San Francisco

Sindustry Sundays: DJ EXPO, JEFF STRAW @ 9pm Butter, 354 11th St, San Francisco

9Y: Whisk it Up! @ 9am / Free Aug 10th - Aug 14th Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento. 916-808-8884

4th-7th Volleyball Camp (all genders) @ 9am / $545 Aug 10th - Aug 14th Broadway Campus, 2222 Broad‐way, San Francisco. 415-292-3157

1st-4th Soccer Skills & More (all genders) @ 9am / $545 Aug 10th - Aug 14th Broadway Campus, 2222 Broad‐way, San Francisco. 415-292-3157

The Saloon - Peter Lindman and Roger Rocha (4 Non Blondes) @ 4pm The Saloon, 1232 Grant ave, San Francisco

Jesse Brewster Music

@ 5pm Private event, Saint Helena

Zingg�ower Mondays: Live at the MAB GamperDrums featuring an all-star band!

@ 6:30pm Mabuhay Gardens, 443 Broadway, San Francisco

Free the Witness: The Torch ClubSacra‐mento, CA

@ 7pm Torch Club, 904 15th St, Sacramento

Good Mourning America Tour: Free The Witness w/ subtitles.

@ 7pm Torch Club, 904 15th St, Sacra‐mento Videodrome @ 7pm Crest Theater, Sacramento

Solano Transportation to Speak @ Black Bear Diner on 8/11/26-The Public is Invited

@ 11am Brunch meeting at Suisun's Black Bear Diner with guest speaker from Solano Transportation (Solano Mo‐bility) Black Bear Diner Suisun City, 111 Sunset Avenue, Suisun City. jasga9@aol.com

Burke Junction Farmers Market @ 4pm Farmers Market at Burke Junction Shopping Center. Tuesdays in the Summer from 4-7:30pm 3300 Coach Ln, 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park. stageatburke@ gmail.com

Dave Ricketts Music: Dave Ricketts at The Sea Star @ 6:30pm The Sea Star, 2289 3rd St, San Francisco Pre�x @ 7pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco

Mykey

Friday Aug 7th

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet @ 7:30pm / $21.05-$23.18 Winters Opera House home of the Winters Theatre Com‐pany, 13 Main Street, Winters. winterstheatre@gmail.com Winters Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s classic tragic tale of two young star-crossed lovers caught in the seemingly inevitable cycle of hate and revenge between their families.

@ 7pm 4 Star Theater, 2200 Clement St, San Francisco

Cry-Baby @ 7pm Crest Theater, Sacramento Cry-Baby @ 7pm Crest Theater, 1013 K Street, Sacramento Porcelain @ 7pm Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

William Hinson @ 8pm The Starlet Room, 2708 J St, Sacramento Popscene

@ 8:30pm El Rio, 3158 Mission St, San Fran‐cisco

Parting Gift/ Starzdust/ Street Play/ Bombshell @ 8:30pm Neck of the Woods, San Francisco

Parting Gift @ 8:30pm Neck Of the Woods, 406 Clement St, San Francisco

Live@DCC 2nd Friday Free Noon Concerts - August 14: Christine Choi, violin, Shinae Kim, piano @ 12pm Christine Choi, violin, and Shinae Kim, piano, will perform works of Bach, Schumann, and Ravel at the Live@DCC Second Friday Free Concert series at the Davis Com‐munity Church, Aug, 14, noon1pm. Davis Community Church, Davis. luannhiggs@gmail.com, 916-600-8872

Vices To Virtues LIVE at Red Bus Brewing Co @ 6pm Red Bus Brewing Company, 802 Reading St UNIT A, Folsom

An Evening with a Mentalist: Jay Alexander's Mind Tricks Live @ 6:30pm / $55 Aug 14th - Aug 16th Escape the ordinary and step into the San Francisco Magic Theater, where Mentalist Jay Alexander guides you through an evening of wonder. You’ll laugh, gasp, and leave with a story you’ll tell forever San Francisco Magic Theater (w/ Jay Alexander) at the Marrakech, 419 O'Farrell Street, San Fran‐cisco. mar@jayalexander.com, 415-305-6893

Strange Culprits: Live at Indie After Dark @ 7pm 4th Corner Speakeasy, 431 Georgia St, Vallejo PRXZM @ 7pm Kilowatt Bar, 3160 16th St, San Francisco Operating systems* Presents: pinponpanpon SUMMER BREAK @ 9pm DNA Lounge, 375 11th St, San Francisco

Anthony Boccaleoni @ 10am Cafe Paso Coffee, 1901 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento Maggie Gently @ 4pm Knockout, 3223 Mission St, San Francisco

Speed Dating Beyond Small Talk | SF

Musical Theatre, the region’s premier nonpro t theatre organization, invites audiences to experience the excitement, glamour and unforgettable music of the beloved Broadway classic “42nd Street,” playing through Aug. 8 at Harris Center for the Arts.

Presented as EDMT’s annual summer theater production, “42nd Street” features talented cast members who are incoming high school sophomores and older. Participation is by audition only, with casting based on artistic excellence. This production is rated PG. Set during the height of the Great Depression, “42nd Street” follows Peggy Sawyer, a talented young dancer from Allentown, Penn., who arrives in New York City hoping to make it on Broadway. A er earning a place in the chorus of a spectacular new musical, an unexpected turn of events gives Peggy the opportunity of a lifetime. Filled with dazzling tap dancing, unforgettable songs and timeless storytelling, “42nd Street” is a joyous tribute to resilience, ambition and the enduring spirit of Broadway.

Packed lavish production numbers, colorful costumes and timeless songs including”Lullaby of Broadway,” “We’re in the Money,” “Shu e O to Bu alo,” “Dames,” “You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me” and the legendary title song, “42nd Street.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan of classic Broadway musicals, looking for an enjoyable evening with friends, planning a memorable date night, or searching for a fun outing, “42nd Street” delivers an upli ing experience lled with laughter, energy, nostalgia and show-stopping performances. Remaining performance dates are Aug. 6-8 at Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter. net//42ndstreet.

Courtesy photo

Maggie Jones (Teresa Eggers), Ann Reilly (Madelyn Rummel), Julian Marsh (Jared Sing), as Peggy Sawyer (Mackenzie Haar), Dorothy Brock (Tracey Freeman-Shaw), Billy Lawlor (Jason Harmon) and Bert Barry (Lonnie Smith), from left, are ready for their big moment in EDMT’s production of “42nd Street at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom.

‘Newsies’ delivers high-energy in Sutter Street production

Allen Schmeltz Sutter Street Theatre

FOLSOM — A beloved musical inspired by a true story will come to life this summer with a production of Disney’s “Newsies” running through Aug. 9 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717

Sutter St. in Folsom.

Set in turn-of-the-

century New York City, “Newsies” follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who leads a group of teenage “newsies” in a ght against unfair working conditions. When powerful publishing owners raise distribution prices at the expense of the young newspaper sellers, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike and stand up for what is

right.

Based on the 1992 motion picture, “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, with a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. The musical includes the popular songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.”

The production is directed and choreographed by Devin Lepage, with musical direction by Christine Irish and assistant direction by Dena Jimena.

Performances will be held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. The show is rated PG and includes mild language and thematic violence.

With its high-energy dance numbers, memorable music and message of perseverance, “Newsies” o ers entertainment for audiences of all ages. For tickets and more information visit sutterstreettheatre.com.

accounts, rare photographs, historical artifacts and interactive elements, the show will not only confront di cult truths but honor the resilience and cultural legacy of Latinos whose labor has underpinned much of the country’s economic growth.

Following its debut in Sacramento, the exhibition will be made available as a traveling installation for museums, libraries and other institutions nationwide. Designed with language accessibility in mind, Help Wanted / Leave Now will be a fully bilingual display, presented in both English and Spanish.

“The California Museum’s mission is to re ect the full story of our communities: past, present and future — the good and the dark chapters,” said Pablo Espinoza, member of both the California Museum board and the exhibit’s advisory council. “We recognize current realities and are committed to providing historical context, understanding and perspective through our exhibits and programs. Our ‘Operation Wetback’ exhibit encourages visitors to re ect on the impact some episodes of history continue to have on our immigrant community, and to recognize the positive value that immigrants have brought and still bring to our state and country.”

hoses. To improve water retention, amend soil with organic matter or compost and add mulch around the planting area. Some tomato varieties seem less susceptible to blossom end rot. The varieties include Celebrity, Early Girl and

About the California Museum

The California Museum — home of the California Hall of Fame — focuses on the state’s rich history, its diversity and its unique in uence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history. Located at 1020 O St. in the March Fong Eu Secretary of State complex, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Plan a visit at californiamuseum.org.

cherry-type tomatoes. Long-shaped tomatoes like Roma or San Marzano may be more susceptible. There’s a huge and ever-expanding world of tomato varieties, so try experimenting with what works best in your garden given the growing season, climate and your individual tomato tastes. Some bad news. Blossom end rot can also hit peppers and watermelons. But there’s good news, too. Fruit with blossom end rot is still edible, just cut the dark spot o and enjoy most of your harvest. Visit Sherwood Demonstration Garden where our Master Gardener Vegetable

Garden crew will gladly show o what is growing great this year and answer questions. The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open, free to the public, every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, March through October. Parking is $2. For more information about UC Master Gardener classes, events and garden resources visit mgeldorado. ucanr.edu. Also available on the website are the hours and activity information for the Sherwood Demonstration Garden: ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/ Demonstration_Garden. Have a gardening question? Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website or call (530) 6215512.

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unfolding chairs as evening settles over the farm and music dri s through the oaks. Concert proceeds support restoration and disaster recovery on lands protected by the conservancy. Wakamatsu Farm is located at 941 Cold Springs Road in Placerville. Register through the events calendar at arconservancy.org. President Kennedy called for recognition of the artist’s place in our culture. Our region answers with a milestone concert hall, a community amphitheater, and an open eld lled with music.

The performing arts are alive and well. August has taken the stage. Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.