The Week Unwrapped: Inside the Latest Buzz

EDH 10-11 All-Stars Win Section 4 Title, Undefeated 10–0
El Dorado Hills capped off a flawless weekend by defeating Fair Oaks Orangevale 10–0 on July 14, securing the Section 4 championship and a perfect 4–0 record. Read more →

ORHS Students & Volunteer Crew Break Ground on New Garden
Oak Ridge High students, led by graduate Samantha Liu and parent volunteers, cleared a 35×40-ft space on campus to start a new school garden. Read more →

Support Local Youth at This Year’s BIG Autumn Auction
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra has opened registration for its 21st annual BIG Autumn Auction, set for Friday, Sept 12, at the Folsom Community Center. Read more →

Library Parks Pass Lets Locals Visit State Parks for Free
El Dorado County Library card holders can now check out the California State Library Parks Pass, granting free vehicle day-use access to over 200 state parks. Read more →

Free Monthly Support for Senior Caregivers
Senior Helpers of Folsom and Cameron Park now offers free monthly workshops to support family caregivers of seniors with health needs. Read more →

Mussel Invasion Threatens Local Lakes
California has established inspection and decontamination checkpoints at Folsom, Tahoe, Oroville, and other water bodies after discovering invasive golden mussels in the Delta. Read more →

Hula for Hope: A Luau Supporting CASA El Dorado
The Aloha Initiative presents a festive luau on Sunday, August 10 at The Boardwalk in Orangevale to support CASA El Dorado, the Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster or juvenile systems. Read more →

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— by Leo C.

I’ve been thinking about what matters most, not just in school, but also at work or in our communities—and I keep coming back to this: it’s not just about what you know, but how you show up. Today, soft skills like empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence continue to be what machines can’t replicate, even as AI handles more routine tasks. Employers consistently say these human abilities provide a meaningful edge in problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. It makes me wonder, what if improving how we listen, speak, and understand others is actually the real advantage?

In class group projects or at work, I’ve noticed something similar: the person who pauses to ask, “What does everyone else think?” or “Could you explain your idea?” often brings out better ideas and stronger participation. That kind of respectful engagement, just pausing to clarify or empathize can shift how everyone works together. It’s like teamwork suddenly flows more naturally, whether you're in school, at the office, or volunteering with a community group.

There’s something exciting about focusing on these skills, it’s not about cramming facts or memorizing formulas, but about learning how to really work with others, navigate conflict, or step into leadership. Studies show that practices like microlearning, small exercises or short reflections can help build these skills, even when schedules are full at school or work. And employers often highlight that communication, teamwork, and adaptability are just as important as any technical skill you might bring to the table .

So what if we tried something simple—at school, in the workplace, or in our local communities? Pick one soft skill like active listening, clear communication, adaptability, and just notice when you use it. Maybe asking a thoughtful question helped a teammate feel included, or paraphrasing someone’s idea cleared up confusion. Small steps like these can build trust, make collaboration smoother, and even make your week feel more rewarding. Not because it's required, but because it might just make everything feel a bit better.

Handpicked properties you won’t want to miss 🛣️

202 Zenaida Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 – $775,000
A modern 3 bed/2.5 bath, 2,051 sq ft home with open layout and well‑sized lot.

7981 Belhaven Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 – $1,125,000
A spacious 4 bed/4 bath, 3,760 sq ft home built recently with an open floor plan—perfect for modern family life.

4147 Aristotle Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 – $1,335,000
A stunning new-construction estate boasting 5 beds/5 baths and 3,866 sq ft of contemporary luxury.

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Catch up on our last issue: Family events, brunch spots + my thought about why mentoring matters. Read it here 👉

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