[ People and Places in the News ]

• The El Dorado County Association of Realtors, El Dorado County Chamber, El Dorado Hills Chamber, and the El Dorado County Republican and Democrat Central Committees have formed a collaborative group called the El Dorado County Fire Insurance Access and Affordability Stakeholder Workgroup. They plan to work together in order to find solutions for the scarcity of affordable homeowners fire insurance. This issue is non-partisan, and multiple different groups and perspectives are uniting to tackle this problem. 
• Mercy Hospital of Folsom recently refurbished its Family Birth Center. New additions like the free doula service, water labor tubs, massage services, and the flooring and paint renovation all seek to improve the facility.
• Analytics from Great Place to Work and FORTUNE Magazine recently named Eskaton as one of 2019’s Best Workplaces for Aging Services. The company is dedicated to creating a positive work environment for compassionate employees, which translates to a greater level of care for its residents. For more info, visit eskaton.org.
• The El Dorado Union High School District recently hosted a solar kickoff celebration to commemorate the installation of solar panels across its four schools.
• El Dorado County has a new performing arts space at Burke Junction in Cameron Park. The Stage at Burke Junction is currently showing its first production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in their 54-seat space through October 6. For more info visit facebook.com/The-Stage-at-Burke-Junction-381278496063044.
• Folsom was recently ranked number 24 among the 50 Safest Cities to Raise a Child in 2019 by SafeWise. Ratings were based on violent crime rate, property crime rate, graduation rate, and more.
• The Ponderosa High School Foundation has filled their board with multiple new members who bring a wealth of experience in fundraising, non-profits, community organizations, finance, education, and more. Returning board members Marcia Stumpf and Cindy Akin welcomed new members Diane Williams, Tracy Pearson, Jila Fishman, Jolynne Alger, Kris Fuchs, Andrea Sawyer, and Avis Jolly. The foundation currently offers mini-grants and awards scholarships to deserving students. For more info, visit pondofoundation.com.
• Local industrial technology teacher at Folsom High School, Andrew Bias, is a semifinalist for the countrywide 2019 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. Bias’ students complete projects in wood, sheet metal, 3D printing, AutoCAD, drafting, and welding, and his program is in the running for a share of $1,000,000 in cash awards. For more info, visit arborfreighttoolsforschools.org.

Andrew Bias

• The Rocklin Fire Department recently added two new fire engines to the department. They held a special ceremony last month that ended in the community helping to push one of the engines into the bay at Station 23.

[ HAPPENINGS ]

• Open Farm Day at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville, the site of the first Japanese colony in America, occurs on the first Saturday of every month from September through November from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore the farm through a self-guided walking tour on their 1.5-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail, ask questions to on-site interpreters, and bring a picnic and chair. Cost is $10 per vehicle. For more info, visit arconservancy.org/event/wakamatsu-open-farm-day-2.
• The Farmer’s Market at the El Dorado Hills Town Center offers farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 27.
• The Palladio at Broadstone is hosting their final Family Game Night of the year from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 12. Brings your kiddos for a fun evening of board games and lawn games alongside a DJ. Admission is free.
• The Under the Stars Farm to Fork Dinner is being held on October 12 from 5:30-10 p.m. at the Armed Forces Pavilion in Auburn. A portion of the proceeds benefits the forgotten soldier program, a non-profit organization that helps improve veterans’ mental and spiritual health. For more info, visit forgottensoldierprogram.com. 
• Hands4Hope is hosting A Night in the Vineyard at District Church in El Dorado Hills on October 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The evening includes a silent auction, wine tasting, dinner, and live music. To buy tickets and for more info, visit hands4hopeyouth.org.
• Every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. through October 30, the Cappuccino Cruisers host their weekly Cruise Night at La Rosa Blanca in Folsom. Car aficionados and general public are welcome. For more info, visit capcruz.com.
•  Comedy is on Thursday in October (3, 17, 24) from 7-9 p.m. at Nicholson’s MusiCafe in Folsom. The event is free (with a one-drink minimum per person), and an open mic is available for local comedians.
• Join Placerville Mobility Support Group for its first annual Walk & Roll walk/run on October 19. The event begins at 10 a.m. (check in is at 9 a.m.) at the El Dorado County Transit Authority Park and Ride Facility on Mosquito Road in Placerville. Older adults and wheelchair users are encouraged to attend, but everyone is welcome. The event is free, and sandwiches, fruit, and water will be provided. For more info, visit placervillemobilitysupportgroup.org.
• Jesuit High School is hosting an open house on Sunday, October 20, from noon till 3 p.m. Walk the campus, look inside classrooms, and talk to the students and teachers. For more, info visit jesuithighschool.org/open-house.
• Applications are now being accepted for El Dorado County’s Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP) which allows eligible homeowners to postpone payment of their property tax on their primary residence. Funding is limited, and applications are being accepted through February 10, 2020. For more info, visit sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html.
• THE STUDIO Martial Arts & Fitness in Roseville is conducting a life-saving workshop on October 19 from noon till 1:30 p.m. on Child Abduction Prevention and Safety. Children ages 4-12 are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian and will receive age-appropriate safety instruction along with a fingerprint kit; parents will simultaneously be taught adult-appropriate content. Call 916-258-5425 to register (space is limited).

[ ARTS & CULTURE ]

Cara Romero, Naomi, 2018. Photograph, 52x44 inches. Collection of the Artist © Cara Romero

• The Crocker Art Museum’s new exhibit titled When I Remember I See Red: American Indian Art and Activism in California runs from October 20 to January 26. It features contemporary art in diverse media forms, such as painting, video, sculpture, and photography. For more info, visit crockerart.org.
• A new art exhibit called El Arte de las Almas: Día de los Muertos 2019 (The Art of Souls: Day of the Dead 2019) at the California Museum opens on October 11 and runs through December 15. The public opening ceremony from 6-9 p.m. includes appearances by featured artists, dancers, live music, face painting, and a costume contest. For more info, visit californiamuseum.org.

[ New & Coming Soon ]

• Last month, @the Grounds in Roseville added an additional entrance to their facility. You can now enter at the intersection of Junction Boulevard and Event Center Drive. This new entrance provides easier accessibility and decreases traffic in the adjacent neighborhood.
• A new walking trail is open in Rocklin. West Trails at the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area was opened last month and offers 2.7 miles of family-friendly paths accessible by walkers and bikers. The main trail can be accessed via the parking lot at 4201 Midas Avenue.

[ FOOD & DRINK ]

• Thai Paradise is opening up a second location in El Dorado Hills. Located at 4361 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 110, Thai Paradise EDH will serve up healthy, delicious, and authentic Thai dishes featuring favorite menu items from their Folsom location as well as special dishes prepared just for the new El Dorado Hills location. Be sure to stop by on October 9 for their Grand Opening Celebration.

Thai Paradise