Countdown to the 4th—What’s Poppin’ Around Town

New Life Coming to Former Purple Place
The iconic Purple Place Bar & Grill on 363 Green Valley Road—closed since 2022—is getting a fresh start under local restaurateurs Eric Rushing and Thomas Holzmann. They’re transforming the iconic purple venue into a new American bar & restaurant concept slated to open within six months, breathing new energy into downtown El Dorado Hills. Read more →

EDH Chef to Lead at Sacramento’s Tower Bridge Dinner
Devin Dedier, executive chef at Vacanza Romana in El Dorado Hills Town Center, has been named one of four lead chefs for this year’s prestigious 2025 Tower Bridge Dinner in Sacramento. Read more →

EDH Firefighter Honored as Firefighter of the Year
El Dorado Hills Fire Department and EDH Rotary proudly recognized Firefighter Richie Edelman as Firefighter of the Year for his exceptional dedication and service to the community. Read more →

EDHCSD Extends Deadline for Executive Golf Course Land Purchase
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District has secured a two-week extension—moving the purchase deadline from July 14 to July 28—for acquiring the remaining 41.5 acres of the former Executive Golf Course. Read more →

Kids & Mentors Sail into Summer Fun at Folsom Lake
On June 21, Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted its annual sailing event at Browns Ravine, Folsom Lake, bringing together 13 mentor-mentee pairs for a day of boating and bonding. These shared experiences can have a lasting impact—children with mentors are nearly twice as likely to pursue leadership roles and higher education. Read more →

New Exhibit ‘High Side: Whitewater El Dorado’ Opens at Switchboard Gallery
Switchboard Gallery will debut "High Side: Whitewater El Dorado" from June 26 to August 3, showcasing the history and culture of the local whitewater community. The exhibit features vintage and contemporary photos, films, and memorabilia highlighting El Dorado County’s rafting and kayaking heritage. Read more →

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— by Leo C.

So I was scrolling (like always), and I saw this thing online about a college student who graduated high school but literally can't read or write. Like, at all. How is that even possible? Seriously? She got into college, but words are just a jumble to her. That’s not just messed up, it’s terrifying. It makes me look sideways at my own report card, you know? What if stuff slipped through for me too?

The scary part? She knew she was struggling for years. Like in her early education, she needed help. But instead of getting real support, it sounds like she just got…passed along. Teachers might’ve been overwhelmed, resources stretched thin, or maybe nobody noticed. She used speech apps and recordings just to survive assignments–she earned her grades with insane hustle, but never learned the most basic skill.

This isn’t just about her. It’s a warning siren for all of us. What happens to kids like her when they’re adults? How do they get a job, read a contract, or even vote? If schools can graduate someone who can’t read, what does that say about what they actually value? Are we just widgets on an assembly line getting stamped "Graduated," or are we actually learning what we need to build a future? It feels like the whole machine might be broken–underfunded, overcrowded, focused more on numbers than actual humans.

So yeah, this freaks me out. It’s not just one person falling through cracks; it’s proof the cracks might be swallowing whole generations. If someone can play the game well enough to get a diploma without reading…what hope is there for the rest of us? What’s the point of school if the foundation can crumble like this? It makes you question everything. Is the system really this broken? And if it is…who’s gonna step up and fix it before more futures get wrecked? We’re not just statistics–we’re the future, and we deserve better than this.

Handpicked properties you won’t want to miss 🛣️

1589 Francisco Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 – $849,000
A beautifully preserved 1962 mid-century home in Lakehills, offering timeless design and direct access to Folsom Lake trails.

5020 Tesoro Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 – $1,450,000
A spacious 5 bed/4 bath, 3,705 sq ft residence featuring quality finishes and a great layout for family living.

4722 Village Green Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 – $1,235,000
Gated Serrano community estate boasting 5 beds/5 baths, 4,235 sq ft of elegant living space ideal for hosting and comfortable daily life.

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