Paula Bondi Springer, Entertainment Coordinator

Paula Bondi Springer – Entertainment Coordinator El Dorado County Gold Week Committee

When Paula is asked how she became involved with El Dorado County Gold Week she says, “Janine D’Agostini and I were friends.  I recall it was about two years ago when Janine talked to me about the event.  She knew about my background with event planning, as well as my connection with the Beach Boys.  She thought I could bring some energy and ideas to the entertainment for El Dorado County Gold Week.   My involvement increased over the last two years, and I have had the opportunity to take on a greater role with entertainment, and I am now handling the VIP event.”

Paula grew up in Hawthorne, California, across the street from the Wilson brothers.  The Wilson brothers were the originators of the Beach Boys, along with their cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine.   David Marks, an early member of the Beach Boys, was also a neighbor of Paula’s.   “I knew them in a neighborhood setting.   My family kept in touch with them and their families.”    In 2005 the Beach Boys were awarded a California State historical landmark, which now stands where they grew up.   Paula was asked by a family member to act as a liaison with the Landmark committee.   She also coordinated the VIP ceremony and VIP party that followed.

Paula states “For me, growing up across the street from the Wilson family as a child, later working with their publicity company, working with them when California granted them a State Historical Landmark and remaining friends with many in the Wilson family and other members of the band throughout the years have made the Beach Boys a special part of my own world from as long as I can remember. Coordinating the music for El Dorado Gold 2016 and having members of California Surf, Incorporated be a part of our musical line up, makes it just “as it should be.” We are so fortunate to have such a talented group of musicians especially performing such classics as Beach Boy music.”

When Paula is asked how she got into the field of public relations she recalls having a job with the publicity company that handled the Beach Boys, and the public relations work seemed to come naturally.  She is able to coordinate large events and she can easily handle VIPs.   People like her and enjoy working with her.

Mike Love now owns the rights to the “Beach Boys” name.   Brian Wilson and Al Jardine tour under the “Brian Wilson” name.    There is a group of musicians who are the backup musicians for these two acts, and those musicians have dubbed themselves “California Surf.”    When the California Surf musicians aren’t touring with their groups, they enjoy performing together.   Because of Paula’s background with the Beach Boys it was almost natural to approach them to perform during ED Gold Week.     El Dorado County Gold Week is excited that California Surf is the group that will be performing at the Friday night concert.

Asked how Paula came to live in El Dorado County she remembers visiting her aunt and uncle many years ago.    During her visit she met her future husband, and decided this was the place she wanted to live and raise her family.