Fresh Off the Press: Headlines to Hit Play On

Discover Unique Finds at Salmon Falls Trading Post
Salmon Falls Trading Post—a family-run experimental farm in El Dorado Hills—offers a delightful mix of exotic and tropical plants, garden-grown produce, local honey, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods, plus workshops on gardening and organic food. Read more →

EDH Retired Sergeant Wins Silver at World Police & Fire Games
Gary Hirata, a retired El Dorado Hills police sergeant, took home silver in the 70–74 age group bench-press competition at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, AL. At 70 years old and weighing 160 pounds, he impressively lifted 260 pounds during the July 1 event. Read more →

House Fire in Serrano Community Contained by EDHFire
A two-story home on Da Vinci Drive in the Serrano neighborhood caught fire in the attic, and El Dorado Hills Fire crews responded swiftly to contain the blaze. Thanks to crews and mutual aid teams, the fire was controlled with no injuries reported. Read more →

Local Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest of School Psychologist in EDH
A 29-year-old school psychologist from West Sacramento was arrested in El Dorado Hills after attempting to meet who he believed was an underage girl—actually an undercover law enforcement profile. Authorities say he tried arranging multiple meetings and now faces serious charges including attempted kidnapping. Read more →

EDHCSD Honors Legacy of William “Billy V” Vandegrift
The EDH CSD honored William “Billy V” Vandegrift—a two-term Board President and cherished community leader—recognizing his tireless efforts in park development and vibrant connection with residents. His legacy of laughter, leadership, and dedication will forever shape El Dorado Hills. Read more →

EDH Student Attends Prestigious Medical Congress
Yasash Palem, a Ponderosa High 11th grader, represented his school at the National Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Massachusetts. Selected for his academic excellence and passion for medicine, he joined top students nationwide to learn from Nobel Laureates, Ivy League leaders, and renowned physicians. Read more →

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— by Leo C.

Ever heard about Hands4Hope? A super inspiring group where local youth actually lead the projects. These kids run everything from school clubs to big community events, learning how to own projects, invent solutions, and use their voices to help others. They don’t just talk about making a difference—they actually do it by planning, organizing, and executing on things that matter to our community.

One of the projects they do is the annual school supply drive. This year, they’re hosting the “Stuff The Bus Donation Drive” on Friday, July 18, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the El Dorado Hills Town Center, right next to Target. It’s wild knowing that kids just like us are behind that big yellow bus, collecting backpacks, notebooks, calculators—everything kids need for the school year. In past years, they’ve pulled together thousands of supplies and helped over 700 students in need.

One thing I really admire is how Hands4Hope gives us real leadership chances. They’ve got after-school committees where we pick a cause—like essentials, empty bowls, senior support—and then actually shape the project from A to Z under mentorship. That’s huge because it means youth like us are showing up in meetings, organizing events, managing budgets, and doing real community outreach. It’s not just volunteering—it’s learning how to lead.

So what does that mean for EDH? It shows that we aren’t stuck waiting for adults to fix everything. We can be the ones organizing big events, running eco-projects, or helping neighbors. And when we step up, other community members notice. That kind of youth energy can really shape how our community grows, where students graduate not just with grades, but with experience, confidence, and a genuine urge to help others.

If more students get involved, whether it’s Stuff The Bus or river cleanups or tutoring, I feel like future EDH kids won’t just graduate knowing math and English. They’ll graduate knowing how to lead, care, and create change. And that? That could make our town, and our generation really unstoppable. 💖

Saving Lives One Wag at a Time
Foothill Dog Rescue, an all-volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Since opening in 2013, this Shingle Springs-based rescue has helped over 5,000 dogs find safe, loving homes. But it’s more than just adoption—they’re creating a powerful ripple effect through programs like Paws on the Block, which pairs rescue dogs with inmates for training and connection, helping both grow and heal.

Whether you’re looking to adopt, foster, or just support the cause, Foothill Dog Rescue shows how much impact one dedicated group can make—one pup at a time. Learn more →

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Catch up on our last issue: Weekend events guide, Indian & hot chicken eats & generational tech debate. Read it here 👉

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