Life + Culture

Helping Children Bear It

Stuffed animals can bring comfort in ways nothing else can. Article by Krista Minard | Photography by Bears By Your Side It all started about a dozen years ago when a compassionate high school senior wanted to send some soft, fluffy solace to children on the other side of the country.  What followed resulted in Bears By Your Side, a local nonprofit organization that gives handmade teddy bears to children in crisis in El Dorado County and beyond.  We caught up with Rebecca Giles, Bears By Your...

Local Services

Harvesting Holiday Spirit

Cutting down your own Christmas tree in the Eldorado National Forest Article by Todd Murdoch If you have ever seen the movie “Christmas Vacation”, you certainly can picture the Griswold family embarking on a noble but ill-fated quest to find the “perfect” Christmas tree—only to forget a saw. While your trip to the Eldorado National Forest to cut your own tree doesn’t need to be quite so adventurous, it can still be a fun, family-friendly experience. First, you’ll need to get a permit. Visit...

Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide

Shop Local for Family and Friends in El Dorado Hills Article and Photography by Matt Clark As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect Christmas gift begins. Shopping locally is not just an opportunity to find exceptional presents—it's a chance to support our community. From vintage treasures to gourmet treats, our local artisans and small businesses are ready to share their passion with you. We’ll explore the vibrant shops, boutiques, and more that make our town a perfect...

Shopping

A Family Tradition

The story behind Emigh Ace Hardware’s Christmas shop Article by Kristy Murdoch | Photography by Charlene Taylor For over a century, Emigh Ace Hardware has been a destination for Christmas shoppers, embracing the holiday spirit since 1908. Originally part of the main hardware store, the holiday section expanded in 2000 with the opening of the Outdoor Living Store in Sacramento. Today, this cherished tradition continues in El Dorado Hills, offering an array of Christmas décor and gifts. The...

Life + Culture

Law Enforcement Love

A local wife and author started How 2 Love Our Cops, an organization which helps families in the police community. Article by Krista Minard | Photography by H2LOC The list of success stories illustrates the needs: a detective whose marriage was saved by reading a particular book; spouses who now understood their officer-spouses after attending a conference; a sergeant who learned to improve his relationships with his spouse and children; police officers receiving mental health support...

Arts + Culture

Create Lasting Fall Memories

Craft a seasonal wreath with your kids Article by Kristy Murdoch Fall is upon us and, as we embrace a season of gratitude, crafting with your family is a wonderful way to celebrate togetherness and imagination.  This craft project not only adds a personal touch to your home decor but also provides an opportunity to spend quality time together.  Enjoy the process and be creative! DIY Fall Wrapped Wreath Cardboard/foam wreath form Twine Hot glue gun Floral Wire Faux...

Life + Culture

A Beacon of Hope

The Upper Room Dining Hall in Placerville Article by Todd Murdoch | Photography by Karen Stinson Whether blessed with good fortune or rewarded for the fortitude of hard work, it’s difficult not to look around El Dorado Hills and feel thankful for what we have. This community, along with the entirety of the County, is an idyllic landscape that we are privileged to call home.  Beyond its physical beauty, El Dorado County is a community built on the values of connection, generosity, and...

Home Services

With Local Spirit

A Shingle Springs-based roofing company builds long-term relationships with its customers, employees and community. Article by Krista Minard At American Eagle Roofing, they’re building the business shingle by shingle. It’s a family operation—multifamily, really. American Eagle Roofing is co-owned by primary shareholder Sean Kennedy, plus Taylor Made Construction owner Steve Riley (and Riley’s father and brother) and Ariel Giannone. Kennedy says having several partners is a tremendous...

Food + Beverage

Creating Culinary Harmony

Miraflores Winery's on-site sommelier offers her insight into the art of food and wine pairing. Article by Kristy Murdoch | Photography by EDH City Lifestyle Pairing wine with food can transform a meal into a symphony of flavors—where tastes, textures, and aromas combine to create a harmonious dining experience, enhancing both the dish and the wine.  The right wine can elevate a meal, bringing out the best in each dish, while the wrong choice can overwhelm or even clash with the flavors on...

Food + Beverage

Apple Hill Delights

From Crisp Apples to Craft Beverages: Indulge in Seasonal Favorites Article by Kristal Johnson Delfino Farms Delfino Farms offers a complete farm experience. Visitors can enjoy Edio Vineyards wines year-round and Joan’s Apple Bakery in the fall, featuring their famous warm Walkin’ Pies, Henrietta Stich Hard Cider, and scenic nature trails. They ship wine and cider, are handicapped accessible, and allow photography. Located at 3205 North Canyon Road in Camino. Grandpa’s Cellar Grandpa’s...