July/August 2025

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A Message from the Elk Grove City Council

As we head into the summer, we’re proud to share our excitement in celebrating 25 years of Elk Grove cityhood on July 1. This milestone is more than a celebration of time—it’s a testament to the power of community and the determination of Elk Grove’s residents who championed local control, improved public safety, and wanted more say in how Elk Grove developed into the future. Because of their vision and persistence, Elk Grove has grown into a vibrant, forward-thinking city—one that exemplifies what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose.

In just two and a half decades, Elk Grove has flourished to become the second-largest city in the Sacramento Region, recognized as a model of diversity, innovation, and opportunity. Today, Elk Grove is a place where families thrive, businesses succeed, and visitors are welcomed with warmth and hospitality. From top-tier public facilities and thriving commercial centers, to exceptional City services and award-winning infrastructure, we’ve built a city where people truly want to live, work, play, and enjoy life. The City’s success is also possible due to our local government partners that includes the Elk Grove Unified School District and the Cosumnes Community Services District who oversee parks and recreation services, emergency medical, and fire protection.

In just two and a half decades, Elk Grove has flourished to become the second-largest city in the Sacramento Region, recognized as a model of diversity, innovation, and opportunity.

We invite you to join us as we honor our past and imagine our future. The City will be offering a variety of events and experiences that celebrate our 25th anniversary with the community. From our Salute to the Red, White & Blue celebration on July 4 to pop-up shops featuring special Elk Grove themed merchandise and much more, we look forward to sharing Elk Grove’s silver anniversary celebration with you.

For celebration details a timeline featuring major city milestones and more, visit the city’s website at elkgrove.gov/25

Run 4 Hunger

July 4

District56

Fridays in the Grove:

Christmas in July

July 18

District56

Strauss Festival

July 24-27

Elk Grove Park

Cosumnes CSD –

Sammy’s Star Search

August 8

Laguna Town Hall

Fridays in the Grove:

Dive-In Movie

August 15

Elk Grove Aquatics Center

District56

Latin Dance Night

August 15

Old Town Plaza

Cosumnes CSD

Summer Concerts

August 22 & 29

Laguna Town Hall

Startup Happy Hour

August 26

For more details visit: 3common.com/elkgrovehappyhour

Gaining a Greener Elk Grove

Over the past 25 years, Elk Grove has made steady strides toward building a more sustainable and resilient future. These accomplishments reflect the collective commitment of our community and city leaders—past and present—to create lasting change for the generations that follow.

The City’s Climate Action Plan has given us a clear path forward, turning environmental goals into tangible action. Since opening, our Special Waste Collection Center has diverted nearly 9,000 tons of recyclables and over 8 million pounds of hazardous waste—keeping harmful materials out of our landfills and waterways.

We’ve made meaningful investments in cleaner transportation, adding EV charging stations across the city and beginning the transition of our city fleet to electric vehicles. Initiatives like our e-bike lending library and voucher program have opened up greener, healthier ways for residents to get around.

We’ve taken steps to reduce food waste, promote composting, and reimagine our public spaces with sustainability in mind. And this summer, the MartyCart—a partnership with the City of Davis and Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District—will help us better understand and respond to urban heat by collecting “feels like” temperature data.

Each of these efforts represents progress—but not a final destination. Sustainability is a journey, and we know there’s more to do. Learn more about the city’s sustainability efforts and how you can help support a cleaner, greener Elk Grove at elkgrove.gov/sustainability

Elk Grove Services

Ask Elk Grove (916) 691-CITY (2489)

Email: askelkgrove@elkgrove.gov or call the City Information Line:

TTY/TDD (888) 435-6092

TTY/TDD (California Relay) 711

Affordable Housing Services (916) 478-2254 Animal Services (916) 687-3042 (Pet Licensing & Microchipping) Building Permits (916) 478-2235 City Maintenance (916) 687-3005 e-tran / e-van (bus & paratransit) (916) 683-8726

Renters Helpline/Fair Housing (916) 389-7877

Report a Code Enforcement Violation (916) 687-3023

Special Waste Collection Center (916) 478-2228 Emergency Services Fire-Medical-Police Emergency 911 Police Non-Emergency (916) 714-5115 Fire Department (Non-Emergency) (916) 405-7100 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance (916) 687-3005 (Street Hazards, Flooding, Traffic Signals, Streetlights) Poison Control (800) 222-1222

Elk Grove Teams Up with Nationally Acclaimed Artist for 25th Anniversary Spotlight

In a bold and exciting move to celebrate the 25th anniversary, the City is partnering with world-renowned artist and puzzle creator Eric Dowdle of Dowdle Studios to create one-of-a-kind artwork and puzzles honoring Elk Grove.

Eric Dowdle is a household name among art and puzzle enthusiasts. Since launching his puzzle line in 1997, Dowdle has sold over 10 million puzzles through major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and countless small businesses worldwide. His unique artistic style celebrates the heart and soul of American cities, and his hit TV show—Painting the Town with Eric Dowdle, now rebranded as The Piece Maker on Magnolia Network—has brought his storytelling and colorful cityscapes to screens across the globe.

Elk Grove will join other California cities uniquely captured in Dowdle puzzles including Morro Bay, San Clemente, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Santa Monica. The Elk Grove project will include visits to the city by the artist in the coming months that will result in original artwork and limited-edition puzzles available just in time for the holidays.

This special collaboration reinforces the city’s ongoing commitment to arts, culture, and creative placemaking. Look for project updates and details about a special fall unveiling event at elkgrove.gov/25

New Pop-Up Shop Brings City Pride to Local Events All Season Long

Get ready, Elk Grove! A brand-new pop-up shop experience is coming and it’s bringing exclusive city merchandise to an event near you. As part of the City’s 25th anniversary celebration, the pop-up shop will appear at community events throughout the summer and fall, offering fun and festive ways to show off your Elk Grove pride.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or picking up a unique gift, this pop-up experience is the perfect way to celebrate Elk Grove all year long. Follow the shop’s monthly schedule and see where it’s headed next by visiting elkgrove.gov/25

The first stop? Elk Grove’s Salute to the Red, White & Blue event at Elk Grove Park on July 4th! Swing by to grab commemorative shirts, hats, kitchenware, Crocs accessories, and more to celebrate in style.

A Legacy of Safety, Service, and Community

When residents voted for incorporation 25 years ago, one of the top priorities was gaining local control over our public safety services. After working closely with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department during the city’s early years, Elk Grove took a bold and defining step in 2006 by establishing its own police department.

Today, we’re proud to be ranked the 8th Safest Mid-Sized City in the nation—an achievement that reflects the dedication and professionalism of our officers. Through innovative programs like the Real-Time Information Center and the Drone as First Responder initiative, we continue to lead in public safety, investing in tools and training that keep our community safe and responsive.

We extend our gratitude to the Police Department officers and professional staff who serve today, and all those who have served before them.

This summer, we invite you to connect with EGPD in a fun, relaxed setting at BBQ in the Beat events happening across the city. These gatherings are a great way to meet your local officers, enjoy some good food, and celebrate community spirit. Visit elkgrove.gov/police for event dates and locations.

18 years of Celebrating Elk Grove’s Accessibility Advocates

For the past 18 years, the City’s Disability Advisory Committee has awarded 34 individuals, organizations, and businesses for going “Above and Beyond” for individuals with disabilities in Elk Grove. We hope that you will help us to continue recognizing those in service to others by nominating a deserving resident for the Disability Advisory Committee’s 19th Annual Accessibility Award. Applications are now available at elkgrove.gov/dac. Nominations will be accepted through 5:00 pm, Tuesday, August 12.

The Accessibility Award was created in 2007 to recognize individuals, businesses or organizations

that go above and beyond for individuals with disabilities in our community. The committee will review applications and the City Council will recognize honorees during Disability Awareness Month in October.

To view a list of previous Above & Beyond award recipients, visit elkgrove.gov/25. To receive this information in alternative formats or to request more information, contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Jim Ramsey, at (916)478-2250 or jramsey@elkgrove.gov

Far From a One-Light Town

Traffic Signal Management Has Come a Long Way Since Incorporation

Ask some of Elk Grove’s earliest residents and they’ll tell you about a time when there was only one traffic light in Elk Grove–on Elk Grove Blvd. at Elk Grove-Florin Road. While that was the 1970s, Elk Grove had just 58 traffic signals when the city incorporated in 2000. Today, the Public Works Department manages a system of more than 165 traffic and pedestrian signals.

Signal technicians work around the clock to keep signals functioning properly. All signalized intersections are inspected and maintained quarterly. Safety monitors are installed at all intersections to prevent conflicting green lights from being displayed. And traffic management staff monitor traffic conditions and update the signal timing from the City’s state-ofthe-art traffic management center.

Residents can help keep things running smoothly by reporting when a traffic signal is out or malfunctioning. Typical problems/requests that warrant an immediate response from signal maintenance crews include:

• Power outages

• Signals flashing red in all directions

• Loose or turned signal heads

• Damage caused by vehicles

• Burned out lamps

• Signal Timing Issues

To view the city’s traffic signal system map, visit elkgrove.gov/Traffic. To report a malfunctioning traffic signal call (916) 687-3005

We Built This City: A Quarter Century of Capital Projects

Elk Grove incorporated 25 years ago to take control of its development destiny. Since 2000, the City has completed over 200 capital projects and invested more than $612 million in infrastructure that supports Elk Grove’s quality of life.

We’ve invested in the roads, buildings, and community spaces that make our city a great place to live. But we’re not done yet. With upcoming projects like the new Elk Grove Library, Laguna Creek Pedestrian Bridge, the Kammerer Road extension to Interstate 5, a permanent homeless shelter, and a new Highway 99 interchange at Whitelock Parkway, we’re continuing to build our city to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

Visit elkgrove.gov/25 to view a list of Elk Grove’s Top 25 Most Significant Capital Projects since incorporation.

Grand Reopening of Old Town Plaza
The Elk Grove Library Coming Soon

City of Elk Grove

8401 Laguna Palms Way

Elk Grove, CA 95758

PRESORT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID ELK GROVE, CA PERMIT # 173

8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 478-2206 elkgrove.gov

Kristyn Laurence Public Affairs Manager klaurence@elkgrove.gov

Lupe Murrietta Graphics & Multimedia Program Manager lmurrietta@elkgrove.gov

SCAN ME with your smart phone for up-to-date information about the City of Elk Grove.

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Questions, concerns, or complaints may be forwarded to the City’s ADA Coordinator.

city meetings

The Elk Grove City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, unless noted otherwise. City Council and Planning Commission meetings are livestreamed online and archived on the City’s website at elkgrove.gov/watchlive

Recordings of City Council meeting broadcasts are also available on Metro Cable Channel 14. Links to all meeting agendas are available at elkgrove.gov/councilmeeting

Recognizing Residents: A Key to Elk Grove’s Success

Elk Grove’s Key to the City program began in 2014 as a way to honor some of our most remarkable residents and visitors. Since its start, the City has awarded 40 ceremonial keys recognizing inspiring Elk Grove individuals and their contributions to the community.

Many of the keys have been issued to residents reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years of age or older. From June 2024 to June 2025, 13 residents received the Key to the City, including Orsula Hanna, who turned 107, and Tommy Chin, who celebrated his 105th birthday. Other honorees included:

• Arthur C. Fong (100)

• Oliver Bynum (100)

• Anna Ronnback (100)

• Hagar Beatrice Ardoin Abron (104)

• Alice Engle (104)

• James Trimboli (100)

• Elnora Caruth (102)

• Everett Bradley (100)

• Miriam Biteng Coloma (102)

• Isabel LaBrada (100)

• Robert (Bob) Sutherland (100)

city council

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen bsinghallen@elkgrove.gov

Vice Mayor Sergio Robles | District 4 srobles@elkgrove.gov

Councilmember Rod Brewer | District 2 rbrewer@elkgrove.gov

Councilmember Darren Suen | District 1 dsuen@elkgrove.gov

Councilmember Kevin Spease | District 3 kspease@elkgrove.gov

General Council Inquiries/Questions: citycouncil@elkgrove.gov

Each recipient has a unique story worth celebrating. Visit elkgrove.gov/key to learn more about these honored residents and the legacy they represent.

Scan code to view routes.

Scan for bios of Elk Grove’s Key to the City Recipients.

Happy Trails to You!

Celebrate 25 years of Elk Grove cityhood by getting out and experiencing our amazing trail system. We’ve mapped and marked out three different 2.5 mile routes in the city that encourage you to get out and get active this summer. Not quite a 5K, but there and back will make 5 miles! Each route starts and finishes near available parking for your convenience. View the routes at elkgrove.gov/25

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