The Painted Rocks of El Dorado Hills, California

The Painted Rocks of El Dorado Hills
Along the main road in El Dorado Hills, California there are two large rocks that have gained celebrity status. Their picture is featured each week in the local newspaper. People talk about them as they stand in line for coffee. They are known by everyone in the community as simply "The Rocks."

These rocks are less known for what they are, rather than what they say. These rocks have become a form of expression. They are a combination of creativity, free speech, and spray paint. These rocks express love. They recognize anniversaries, birthdays and team victories. They help mourn the loss of another.

There is no higher form of flattery than to have your friends brave the elements, and risk ruining their clothes to dedicate one of the rocks to you. Some messages only survive a few hours until they are replaced by another. The most recent record for message longevity is six days.

The passing carloads stare as the painters go about their task. Some smile and wave. A few honk their horns. Most wonder, "Who is Andrew?" But, they all take some comfort in knowing that his 9th birthday has been properly acknowledged by the community.