By Steve Gutierrez
May 13, 2025 | El Dorado Hills, CA
A citizen-led campaign to recall three members of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District (CSD) Board is gaining momentum following a public kickoff event on May 12, where residents gathered to express frustration over what organizers describe as “years of wasteful spending, unchecked litigation, and disregard for public input.”
Hundreds of residents from neighborhoods including Serrano, Promontory, Heritage, and Kalithea turned out in support of the recall petition, signaling what organizers call a “turning point” in local governance.
“Our ability to get several hundred folks out on the first formal day of signature collection shows there are thousands of people who are tired of the waste of funds, the nonstop litigation, and lack of response to citizen concerns,” said Gary Kinghorn, a recall organizer. “This is not a debate of political differences but the result of years of abuse of the public trust.”
The campaign is targeting Board Members Stephen Ferry, Michael Martinelli, and Noelle Mattock, each accused of specific violations of fiduciary responsibility and misuse of authority:
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Stephen Ferry is alleged to have violated California’s Brown Act by failing to call legally required public meetings and neglecting fiscal oversight, which organizers say led to reduced parks and recreation services.
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Michael Martinelli is criticized for awarding bonuses to a general manager despite an alleged conflict of interest and for leaving a board seat unfilled, necessitating a costly special election.
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Noelle Mattock reportedly approved the release of a developer from a $13 million park obligation at Bass Lake and presided over meetings described as “hostile and abusive.”
The OpenSpace Coalition, a local watchdog group, supports the effort. Leader Bina Mcconville criticized the current board’s direction, stating, “A balance between the desire of El Dorado Hills to maintain a rural environment against intense residential development has been disregarded by the CSD Board. Unfortunately, self-interests and pet projects dominate Board actions … costing significant financial waste.”
Supporters have mobilized a full schedule of public signature-gathering events at parks and public spaces through the end of May, with more locations expected to be announced. Organizers are encouraging residents to sign petitions and spread awareness throughout the community.
“This is what democracy in action looks like,” said Steve Gutierrez, campaign coordinator. “Neighbors are coming together not just to raise their voices, but to make real change happen for the good of the entire community.”
The campaign is spearheaded by the Community Action Group and is being coordinated through the website www.RecallEDH.com, where residents can learn more, find petition locations, and get involved.
Upcoming Petition Signing Locations:
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El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Pkwy
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Saturday, May 17: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Thursday, May 22: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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Promontory Community Park, 2700 Alexandra Drive
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Thursday, May 15: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday, May 17: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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Kalithea Park, 4980 Gillette Drive
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May 17, 18, 24, 25, 31: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Heritage Park, 4016 Palmdale Drive
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May 14 & 16: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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May 21 & 24: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Background and Context:
The El Dorado Hills CSD is responsible for managing local parks, recreation programs, and certain infrastructure within the community. In recent years, board meetings have grown increasingly contentious, with growing dissatisfaction over project expenditures, land development negotiations, and perceived conflicts of interest. California law allows local communities to pursue recall elections if sufficient valid signatures are gathered from registered voters within a set timeframe.
This recall campaign adds to a growing list of civic efforts around the state aimed at holding local officials accountable through direct democratic engagement.
Contact:
Steve Gutierrez
Community Action Group
???? RecallEDH@gmail.com
???? www.RecallEDH.com
