El Dorado Hills’ Face in a Book (getyourfaceinabook.com) is the recipient of Mystery Writers of America’s Raven Award—which recognizes outstanding achievements by non-writers and institutions deemed to have made a significant contribution to the mystery genre. Tina Ferguson, owner of Face in a Book, will receive the esteemed award at the 79th annual Edgar Awards Ceremony in New York on May 1.

Congrats to the Vista Jr. Eagles Comp Cheer Squad for winning the Division 15-Level 2 Jamz National Championship in Las Vegas. In addition, they were the grand champion out of all 42 teams in Division 15, receiving the highest overall score. The team of 17 was led by Rachael Rendon (head coach), Bonnie Napton (assistant coach), Sarah Canahuati (stunt coach), and Kailey Rohrer, Caitlin Cunningham, and Liliana Claveau (instructors).  

The Spa at Thunder Valley (thundervalleyresort.com/spa) was recognized by Spas of America (spasofamerica.com) as one of the Top Spas in 2024, thanks to their extensive menu of treatments—including massages, facials, body wraps, and salon services, plus “touchless wellness experiences”—and state-of-the-art facilities (steam rooms and tranquil treatment spaces). Congrats!

The Sacramento Tree Foundation offers SMUD customers (including homeowners, renters, and businesses) who have space on their property the opportunity to receive up to 10, five-gallon trees, for free. Availability varies but currently includes pomegranate trees, various maples, sweet bay laurels, and willow oaks. To learn more about the Free Shade Tree program and process, visit sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees.

 Cheers to Eric Aafedt, vice president of winemaking at Bogle Family Vineyards (boglewinery.com), for being honored as the “2024 Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast. A part of the Bogle family for over 30 years, Aafedt is dedicated to crafting approachable wines of amazing flavor, complexity, and balance. The winery was also recently recognized at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; Bogle Essential Red and Blanc De Blancs both earned gold medals.  

Selland's Market-Cafe (sellands.com) is in the process of revamping all three of its locations—including the one at the El Dorado Hills Town Center—and rebranding to Sellands Neighborhood Cafe & Bar. Once complete, expect new menu categories, updated décor (furniture, lighting, booths, banquettes, etc.), and a full-service bar with craft cocktails at both Sacramento locales.

Kudos to Savannah Mathew, an eighth grader at Valley View Charter Montessori School, for winning the second annual Youth Design a Bus Wrap Contest. Her colorful, hand-drawn artwork was selected out of more than 100 submissions and will adorn an El Dorado Transit (eldoradotransit.com) bus for one year.

Face in a Book photo by Ray Burgess. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.