El Dorado County_Foothills_Style Magazine - November 2018

local matters
Love Where You Live
The 10 Spot by TARA MENDANHA
It’s no secret that we live in one of the
best parts of California—dare we say all
of America…? With this land’s bounty,
beauty, and beautiful people, there’s
sooo much to be thankful for—
including you dear readers!
Our towns constantly make the best
places to raise a family list. The recent
report by WalletHub named Folsom,
El Dorado Hills, Roseville, and Rocklin
in the top 15 spots to raise a family in
California. Given that we have top-notch
schools and more than capable public
servants and offices, we’re set for a lifetime
of contented living.
Location, location, location. If you hadn’t
noticed, we’re bang in between the ocean
and the mountains, equidistant from sky
and sea. Picturesque towns, endless forest
with astounding wildlife, azure blue lakes,
and towering snow-capped mountains dot
our landscape. Whether Tahoe, Yosemite, or the
Pacific—they’re all a stone’s throw away!
Gold Country is the portion of land from Sierra Nevada to
Sacramento Valley and we’re living in the heart of it.
Named after the Gold Rush that initiated the largest
mass immigration in the U.S., said Gold Rush made our
little corner culturally diverse and rich in history. It’s
also what catapulted San Francisco into the metropolis
it is today. You’re welcome, SF.
Let’s talk small businesses. Many here live the American
dream, thanks to a market that’s open-minded and
willing to shop small. There are numerous creative and
groundbreaking businesses surrounding us, covering
industries like food, finance, fitness, and more. Whatever the
need, chances are, there’s a friendly neighborhood business
that provides it.
We grow some of the most diverse, high-quality
crops around and enjoy mild temperatures,
thanks to our Mediterranean climate. With
relatively moderate winters, sweltering
summers, fall colors, and spring flowers,
we get a taste of each distinct season
here without too many of the natural
disasters that plague the rest of the
country. Knock on wood.
With over 40 farmers’ markets in the region and
countless farms, ranches, and vineyards, it’s
no wonder we live a farm-to-fork lifestyle. The
Sacramento region produces the majority of the rice,
almonds, caviar, tomatoes, and grapes (many Napa Valley wines
use grapes grown in our region) we consume. The fall foods we’re
now devouring (pumpkins, pears, persimmons, or plums anyone?)
also add to this cornucopia.
Did you know California has the highest number of craft breweries
in the country with more than 900 operating across the state,
including 67 (and counting) here in the region? Local breweries and
wineries consistently dominate competitions like the California
State Fair. Most ingredients are locally sourced to form a selfsustaining
industry that we’re very, very grateful for.
Also noteworthy is our local arts and cultural scene. Craft, heritage,
and music festivals along with county fairs happen year-round.
Literally. Just take a look at our Calendar section each month and
you’ll see what we’re talking about. There’s no dearth of things to do,
see, and experience.
If there are two things we
love, it’s the great outdoors
and our pets. With so
many trails and parks
(thank you, parks and
rec departments!),
pets and people
alike tend to lead
remarkably active
lifestyles away from the
pollution and chaos of big
cities. Biking, hiking, roller
skating—we know how to
keep healthy and happy.
What’s the point of it all if it can’t be shared? Enter our beloved local
nonprofits and charities. We’re proud of each of them and come the
annual Big Day of Giving, our generosity knows no bounds. We’ve
already collectively donated over $30 million to our favorite causes.
Our cups runneth over in every possible way, and we’re thankful
that we get to share it with one other.
10 Spot photo © gagarych - stockadobe.com.
10 styleedc.com // NOVEMBER 2018 // /styleedc /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemagedcf