LATEST HEADLINES
Avis is First in El Dorado Hills
By Roberta Long/Village Life September 16,2011
Sitting in his office on Post Street in Town Center, Avis agency operator Scott Williams says that since he opened in January, customers have been telling him they are thankful to have the convenience of an automobile rental service in El Dorado Hills.
Even though this may not be the most favorable time to open a new business, Williams took the risk. “I wanted to get in first, before anyone else had the bright idea to put a rental agency here,” he said.
The office is in the corner of Foreign Autohaus of El Dorado Hills, where customers can pick up a rental vehicle when they leave their cars for repair.
“It’s a great location,” said Williams. “The visibility is high, across the street from the post office and the sports club, and next to Jiffy Lube, Big O Tires and Suds Car Wash.”
Williams has an inventory of automobiles, trucks, vans and SUVs to suit customers’ preferences. He will arrange to pickup Avis renters in El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park and Folsom. Avis can directly bill all major insurance companies.
Williams wanted to manage a business since he was young, and he had experience working for Avis at the San Francisco Airport. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from UC Santa Barbara, then joined Avis and worked at the airport office for seven years.
For the next 15 years, he worked at an auto auction, where he became the Northern California regional manager. The chances of an airplane crashing into your business are statistically slim, but that’s what happened. The auto auction in Rancho Cordova was destroyed when an airplane taking off from Mather had engine trouble and had to turn back. The plane missed the runway and went straight into the business.
Contemplating his next move, Williams came across an ad for an independent operator at Folsom Lake Dodge. All of the AVIS’s offices outside airports are owned by independent operators. They own the businesses, and subscribe to AVIS’ policies and procedures. Williams said qualifying to become an independent operator requires meeting the company’s stringent standards. He had an advantage, having worked for the company previously with a good record. He discussed whether to make the move with his wife, Kelli, and they decided he should go for it.
That was two years ago. At first, he worked seven days a week with no employees. He now has three employees.
Williams developed a relationship with Rafael Cedeno, owner of Foreign Autohaus. Cedeno would call him to bring cars up once in a while, then Williams started leaving a few cars at the Autohaus. One day last year Cedeno mentioned that his lease permitted him to have a car rental business at the Autohaus. Williams said, “Even though the economy was in a downturn I had a good feeling about opening a satellite office there.”
He has been welcomed into the community. Williams is a member of both El Dorado Hills and Folsom Chambers of Commerce, and volunteers with both. He supports the Twin Lakes Food Bank and El Dorado Arts Council’s Art and Wine Affair.
Williams and his family have lived in the area for 15 years. Kelli is director of Housekeeping at Marshall Medical Center. Daughter Lauren is a student at Ponderosa High School and son Daniel is at Camerado Middle School.
As the owner of the rental offices, Williams is hands-on. He is on the job at either the Folsom or El Dorado Hills location.
The El Dorado Hills AVIS office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, similar to the hours of Foreign Autohaus. The address is 4630 Post St., El Dorado Hills. Telephone is (916) 941-7662.
If customers need a rental car on the weekend they can call the Folsom agency at (916) 294-9810.
Trojans, community fired up for season
By Brett Ransford/Telegraph Correspondent August 10, 2011
Hundreds of high school football fans crowded into the El Dorado Hills Town Center on Saturday for the second Meet the Trojans event.
The varsity football squad entered the event promptly at 4 p.m. through the large inflatable Trojans football helmet, which was set up next to the lake at the Steven Young Amphitheater. Head Coach Eric Cavaliere, the Oak Ridge cheerleaders and the Jr. Trojans football program joined the celebration alongside the 54 varsity players.
Last year’s inaugural event welcomed a few hundred fans from the El Dorado Hills community and a year later didn’t disappoint in its growth.
After a trip to the postseason and a 7-4 record last season, the Trojans have steadily elevated their section rank to No. 12 and continued building a fan base eager to meet this year’s Trojans.
“We’re here to create a little excitement for our season, to introduce our teams to the community and to get everyone together and say, “This is who we are, come out and check us out this year,” said Cavaliere. “We’re right where we should be and we’ve gotten a lot accomplished this summer.”
Quarterbacks Jason Samuels (junior) and Frank Trifeletti (senior) were among their teammates at the event. Cavaliere said the potential starting quarterback position will likely fall to one of the two.
On Wednesday the Trojans will put on the pads for the first time in the new season and both shared their excitement.
“This is a great event for us to be able to meet the fans and get to know the community,” said Samuels. “We’ve really progressed and made tremendous strides as a team this summer. We’ve got three weeks until our first game. We’ll be ready.”
“There are a lot more people here this year,” said Trifeletti, whose mother Dara Trifeletti, and other team mothers were instrumental in the organization of this year’s event.
“It’s a good event to come to,” added Trifeletti. “Our team is a lot closer than we were last year. We went down to Fresno is June so our team is more than ready to throw on the pads at this point.”
The Trojans travelled to Fresno State University in June as one of 24 high school teams to participate in an annual summer camp program.
While running through the tunnel is fun for Xavier Lopez, a three-year varsity tight end and defensive tackle, he said this Trojan team is not about individuals.
“It’s nice to be a part of and give back to the community,” said Lopez. “We’re here to show that the team is part of the community and that El Dorado Hills is our town too. We do have a lot of strong players, but we are not based on individual play. We’ve all been playing together since we were little kids.”
In its second year, the Meet the Trojans event welcomed all five Jr. Trojan teams.
Tim Rowen, Jr. Trojans vice president of football, and 200 young football players were scattered around the amphitheater.
“We hope to gain community support and recognition for these kids,” said Rowen. “A lot of these young kids play football from age 6 up to 14 and then get ready for high school. Getting to hang out with these high school athletes is the equivalent of me getting to spend a day with the professionals. The kids have a great time with it and it lets them see what they’re working toward.”
Matt Murphy, 10, plays on the Jr. Peewee team and walked in with his father Tom, mother, Cathy, and older sister Lizzy, 11. Matt just found out last night he made the team and his mother said this was a chance to celebrate.
“This is his first year of tackle football, but he has played flag for three years. We’re here to just check out the Trojans and have some fun,” said Cathy. “Hopefully Matt will be playing when he gets to high school and he’ll warm up to it this way.”
Booths were set up alongside the lake for participants to stroll through the event area, which was set up on both sides of Town Center Boulevard.
Summer is nearly over for Oak Ridge athletes and Cavaliere said his team has enjoyed a productive summer.
“You can do all kinds of things in T-shirts and shorts in the summer, but until you throw on those pads it’s tough to tell what’s going to happen,” said Cavaliere. “We’re looking at next week to answer a lot of questions.”
Concert Series in Step with Locals
By Penne Usher, Telegraph Correspondent July 13, 2011
It was a night for getting your groove on regardless of your age Thursday at the El Dorado Hills Town Center’s Live on the Boulevard concert.
With barely room to walk, hundreds turned out to share wine, food and good times dancing to Beach Boys tunes courtesy of Mike Amarals’ California Beach Boys Tribute Band.
The Santa Cruz-based group had the crowd, from toddlers and teens to seniors, moving and shaking to classic beach tunes.
Laurie and Pat Leeds of Orangevale have been coming to the weekly summer concert, held at the Steven Young Amphitheater, for three years.
“The bands are great and we like meeting the people,” Laurie Leeds said. “It’s just wonderful.”
Ken and Hilary McGee, residents of El Dorado Hills for 34 years, who hardly left the dance area, said they enjoy the community atmosphere.
“It’s a great way of meeting people in the area,” Hilary McGee said.
For Ken McGee it was all about having a good time.
“We like to rock,” he said.
Many staked out space on the lawn area surrounding the fountain area behind Bistro 33 with umbrellas. Others lined the walkways with chairs and coolers filled with snacks and adult libations.
The night wasn’t all about dancing. For some it was a time to hang out with friends and enjoy a glass of wine and good company.
“It’s a way to spend time with friends,” said Cameron Park resident Tim Clausen. “If you haven’t been here, well get out and be a part of your community.”
Mary Robinson, of Oregon, and her daughter Keri Robinson, who is relocating to the area, had front row seats for the outdoor concert.
Robinson sported an ear-to-ear grin as she danced with Steve “happy legs” Rutkowski.
“I love this,” she said.
The weekly concerts begin at 6 p.m. each Thursday through Sept. 22 and are free to the public.
Assembly member Huber Honors The Sell and Group as Small Business of the Year
by: Tim Reardon
(Sacramento) Assemblymember Alyson Huber (D- El Dorado Hills) has named The Selland Group, led by owners Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer, as the 10th Assembly District 2011Small Business of the Year.
The Selland Group was honored at a luncheon, along with other businesses from throughout California as part of California Small Business Day, sponsored by the California Small Business Association. The Selland Group owns and operates three of the Sacramento region’s most notable restaurants – The Kitchen, Ella Dining Room and Selland’s Market and Café – and in late November a new Selland’s Market will be opening in El Dorado Hills Town Center.
Assemblymember Huber honored Randall Selland for being a talented, one-of-a-kind food innovator and called him “a visionary who has been at the forefront of a great food awakening in the Capital city region, with wonderful food, wine and a unique sense of personal service.”
Citing statistics that show a large number of restaurants failing in the down economy, Huber complimented The Selland Group’s success as a job creator and for their vision and business acumen.
“The Selland Group has taken the steps necessary to remain in business and grow without compromising their quality or diminishing their brand,” Huber said. “They have taken the risks, made the adjustments and smartly adapted to the needs of the market and their customers,” she added.
“I commend The Selland Group as my Small Business of the Year and look forward to welcoming them at their new location in El Dorado Hills,” she concluded.
Read Original Press Release
Star Service By Noel Stack| Village Live | June 9, 2011
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees has taken over the El Dorado Hills sheriff’s substation to assist the public with crime reporting, offer crime prevention tips and answer questions.
“Deputies would use (the office) from time to time but it was never a point of contact for the community,” Sheriff’s John D’Agostini said of the substation that opened about a year ago in Town Center. “That’s what it should be. That’s what it will be.”
A STAR will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office, located at 4354 Town Center Blvd., Suite 112, will be closed on weekends and major holidays.
D’Agostini said he’s grateful for these volunteers, who last year contributed 37,000 volunteer hours to the Sheriff’s Department, assisting in everything from deputy training to special events. Budget cuts have forced the Sheriff’s Department to shrink from more than 400 paid employees a few years ago to now less than 350, according to D’Agostini, who said he sees “no light at the end of the tunnel” when it comes to budget matters. The STARs pick up some of the work, like staffing the El Dorado Hills substation.
“If it wasn’t for the STARs we couldn’t do it,” D’Agostini said.
Short URL: http://www.villagelife.com/?p=8474
EDHTC Announces a Palo Alto based Consulting Firm
Press Release: Jamie McDaniels June 3, 2011
El Dorado Hills Town Center is excited to announce Apercen Partners LLC, as a new office tenant to the downtown destination.
Apercen Partners LLC is a tax compliance and consulting firm established in March 2008, with its headquarters located in Palo Alto, California. Apercen assists high net-worth individual clients in maintaining their wealth and property through a full spectrum of responsive and insightful tax and planning services. With a specialty focus toward the planning needs of venture capital, hedge fund, and private equity partners, as well as entrepreneurs and corporate executives, firm services are customized for each client and include pre-liquidity and acquisition planning for private company founders, tax efficiency planning for general partners of investment funds, and concentrated stock planning for substantial shareholders of public market companies. Apercen also works with wealthy family groups to implement multi-generational gift and estate planning techniques, and domestic and international entity and investment structures. The word Apercen originates from the English and Latin roots of “apercu,” an act of insight, and “census,” an applied study of wealth and property.
“We are delighted to have a tenant of their caliber to be part of the Town Center family,” said Tony Mansour, owner and developer of El Dorado Hills Town Center.
Jennifer Bush, General Counsel of Apercen said “Apercen chose Town Center because of its location in the heart of El Dorado Hills, combining Class A office space with accessibility to nearby businesses, restaurants, and retail.” Apercen Partners LLC is scheduled to open their offices in July 2011.
Town Center plans summer concert series
By Art Garcia | EDH Telegraph | June 1, 2011
This year’s Town Center Live on the Boulevard series of free outdoor concerts will feature 14 shows every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 23 through Sept. 22, spotlighting a mix of musical genres at the Steven Young Amphitheater on Town Center Boulevard.
The 2010 series drew audiences of 1,500 to 2,000 to each event.
“Last year we had about 30 percent from outside El Dorado County. This year, our goal is to draw about 50 percent from outside the area to Town Center,” said Jamie McDaniels, senior marketing director for El Dorado Hills Town Center Management Inc.
“We’re looking to draw traffic and some new visitors to the Center who haven’t been here before so we can start expanding our brand across the region,” she said. “I believe this year’s concert series will grow even more, just because of the big names we’re going to have.”
McDaniels is “really excited about our lineup this year because we’re bringing in a lot of bands from outside the area to draw new people to Town Center,” she said. Included are some repeat acts that were among the most popular in the 2010 series.
Steelin’ Dan, Shana Morrison and Stompy Jones are among last year’s favorites who will be back this summer.
The full schedule:
June 23, Sun Kings (Beatles tribute band); June 30, Shana Morrison (singer/songwriter, daughter of Van Morrison);
July 7, California Beach Boys (tribute); July 14, Stompy Jones (swing band); July 21, Super Huey (tribute to Huey Lewis and the News); July 28, Solsa (Latin);
Aug. 4, Unauthorized Rolling Stones (tribute); Aug. 11, Chris Cain (blues); Aug. 18, Dave Russell (country); Aug. 25, The Rising (tribute);
Sept. 1, Steelin’ Dan (tribute); Sept. 8, Petty Theft (tribute); Sept. 15, Leno Mosley & the Badd Blues Band; Sept. 22, Pure Ecstasy (Motown).
New pool shop splashes into Town Center
By Art Garcia | EDH Telegraph | May 25, 2011
California’s recession has been hard on small businesses but Gregg Sample said he’s had “no second thoughts” about opening his Gregg’s Pool Works and The Backyard Place in El Dorado Hills in the face of the extended economic slump.
The 1,500-square-foot shop in Town Center across from the Target store opened in mid-April, with a Grand Opening held May 14, an event that included a barbecue.
Despite the soft economy, “people are still building pools,” said Sample, 48, who started in the pool business at 16 and has been in service and repair since 1996. “I’m confident in what we’re doing because we’re in an area of aging pools. Pumps and filters are going out.”
He noted that in a less than 5-mile radius of zip code 95762 there are more than 3,500 pools.
“That’s encouraging, right there,” he said.
Sample also pointed out that in El Dorado Hills a pool is as much for aesthetics as recreation.
“There are people here who have had a pool for 10 years and never been it,” he said.
Last week the company dropped its first mailer, a 32-page pool and spa sale catalog and “fun guide” sent to 10,000 residences in El Dorado County and Folsom. Sample said he has a database of 2,500 pools he has worked on in the county.
The store has seven employees for both sides of its business, plus two service trucks, with plans to add another pair by year-end.
Besides selling pool supplies and equipment, the company provides pool and spa services. The store also has a full canine line that includes life jackets and pool toys for dogs.
Gregg’s also does warranty work for all pool equipment manufacturers. Customers who take care of their own pools and spas themselves can bring in water samples for a free chemical analysis.
Sample plans to offer free Saturday water chemical classes, probably beginning in mid-June. “Bring in a water sample, use a test kit to test your own water and get a feel for what’s going on,” he said.
The shop emphasizes energy savings. “A pool pump averages $100 a month to run,” said Sample. “They’re an investment, but we’re able to bring the monthly cost down to $20. A new variable-speed pump we install will cut pool energy costs by 80 percent.
“What most people don’t realize is that a pool pump, in most cases, is the second biggest energy user in the home, averaging 2,000 watts an hour. It’s second only to an air-conditioner,” he said.
Sample advises pool owners that any pool repair be done only by a licensed pool contractor, not just someone who has a business license. He also recommends carefully checking the manufacturer’s warranty on any new equipment purchased. Gregg’s is a warranty representative for all major pool and spa equipment manufacturers.
Another tip is being certain your pool service person has liability insurance. “Homeowners let us into their backyard. That’s a huge potential liability,” he cautioned. “This should be the very first question a homeowner asks, ‘Do you have proof of liability insurance?’”
Sample has preliminary plans to open a second store, this in Folsom, in time for next year’s swim season that begins in May. The local store has an additional 800 square feet of side space that will be used for future outdoor displays. Gregg’s also is leasing 1,200 square feet of warehouse space in the El Dorado Hills Business Park.
* * *
SHOP TALK
What: Gregg’s Pool Works and The Backyard Place
Where: 4380 Town Center Boulevard, No. 130, El Dorado Hills 95762
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.
Owner: Gregg Sample
Phone: (916) 933-7799
EL DORADO HILLS TOWN CENTER A SECOND LOCATION FOR SELLAND’S MARKET-CAFE
Press Release: Jamie McDaniels May 15, 2011
El Dorado Hills Town Center is proud to announce the addition of Selland’s Market Café, a neighborhood institution that features high quality in-house prepared foods as well as pizzas, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, beer and wine.
Selland’s Market-Café is brought to you by the owners and operators of The Kitchen Restaurant & Ella Dining Room and Bar. As with all the Selland Family restaurants, they shop the local Farmers Markets and work with local and regional purveyors for much of their ingredients to provide high quality hand-crafted food and wine. Selland’s Market Café is a neighborhood gathering place serving handcrafted foods made with love by the Selland Family. Many tried and true, home-style family recipes grace the menu with its wide array of hot and cold prepared foods, a full service bakery, a wine shop, dine in or take out, and catering for any number of people – from 2 to 2000.
Selland’s chose to open their next location in Town Center based on the diverse clientele. “El Dorado Hills serves a broad spectrum of the region and we like the Town Center because of the boutique feel, and as a family business, we appreciate the family feel” said Josh Nelson of The Selland Family Restaurants, “Selland’s requires an area with a density of population and with the suburban spread, El Dorado Hills Town Center creates a central density in itself.” Selland’s is an integral part of its community, offering wine tastings and events monthly as well as raffles and drawings to benefit local schools and non-profits. Selland’s is a neighborhood gem that is perfect for all your casual dining.
“Selland’s is a great addition to our all-star cast,” said Tony Mansour, owner and developer of El Dorado Hills Town Center, “I have great admiration for Randall Selland and his entire team. We are delighted to have them as part of the Town Center Family.” Selland’s Market-Café is scheduled to open November 2011.
Community Celebrates Little League
By Special to Village Life | Village Live | May 16, 2011
Photo by William A. Scale • Village Life
El Dorado Hills Town Center hosted Little League Day Saturday and the community came out in force to support young players.
More than 800 kids from 66 Little League teams participated in the event, which included a parade and a visit from Dinger, the Sacramento RiverCats mascot.