El Dorado Union High School District is hosting their annual Career Expo on March 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Union Mine High School. The interactive event will have various careers represented (including seasonal employment), as well as local volunteer opportunities.

Wakamatsu Farm is seeking help, as the massive blue oak trees near Okei-san’s grave, which have been preserved since the first Japanese colonists in America settled at the farm, desperately need care. To assist the American River Conservancy with funding, visit crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/help-save-okiesans-oak-trees.

On March 7 from 6-8 p.m., Heartland Vintage Market in Cameron Park is hosting a Patina Effects workshop. Using the Dixie Belle patina product, participants can create green, blue, and rusted patina looks on wood, metal, and glass surfaces. All materials are provided with ticket purchase. For more info, visit heartlandvintagemarket.com/paint-and-classes.

Karen Carter

The El Dorado Community Foundation—a charitable organization that brings together people who care with causes that matter—has announced Karen Carter as their new board president. Carter joined the Foundation’s board of directors in 2012 and has previously served as their grants committee chair, as well as vice president. For more info, visit eldoradocf.org.

Travel with All West Transportation on the El Dorado Community Services’ Senior Trip to Napa Valley on May 8. Take a guided tour of Castello di Amorosa and enjoy a private tasting of premium wines in the great hall, followed by lunch at Calistoga Inn Restaurant, and a visit to the Sharpsteen Museum  of Calistoga History. To register, call Star at 530-621-6255.

Celebrate the beginning of spring at Amador Flower Farm’s Spring Fling on March 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy demonstrations, free tram rides (weather permitting), a stroll through the gardens, shopping and more.

Outbreak Brewing Co., sited at 640 Main Street in Placerville, is celebrating their official grand opening on March 17. Beginning at 11 a.m., enjoy live music, food trucks, crowlers for sale, and more.

Chateau Davell Boutique Winery has moved! Visit their new and improved tasting room at 3020 Vista Tierra Drive in Camino from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Jada Lang, Chris Archibald, Zach Perez, Jenna Love, and Maggie Hammock

Congrats to Ponderosa High School Future Farmers of America Chapter students Jada Lang, Chris Archibald, Zach Perez, Jenna Love, and Maggie Hammock for placing in this year’s Sacramento Section Speaking Competition at Elk Grove High School. The group will compete later this month at the Regional Speaking Contest.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is hosting this year’s STAR Volunteer Academy from April 9-20. To sign up and for more info, call 530-621-7545.

The Community of Writers at Squaw Valley has opened enrollment for its 2018 summer writing workshops, including a Poetry Workshop from June 23-30, and Writers Workshops from July 8-15. Applications are due by March 28. For more info, visit communityofwriters.org.

There are new spring hours at Fairytale Town! Beginning March 1, they’re open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Weekday admission is $4.75 for adults and children ages two and over (weekend is $5.75); children ages one and under are free.

By Ashleigh Gruenwald

photos by DANTE FONTANA