July-August 2020 / Volume 20 / Issue 3
City of Elk Grove
NEWSLETTER City Historian Explains Elk Grove’s Journey to Cityhood The History of Elk Grove by Elizabeth Pinkerton Twenty years ago on July 1, 2000, we became the City of Elk Grove. Today, we celebrate two decades of being our own city in south Sacramento County. Elk Grove started as a stage stop in 1850 during the days of gold when California was emerging as a new state. By 1900, we were a small town surrounded by fields of grain and cattle, and we had a railroad that came through town. We spent the 20th century as a growing suburb of the City of Sacramento, but then, with the arrival of the new millennium, we became our very own CITY! How did it happen and why? Efforts to form a city began in the late 1980s by a group of longtime Elk Grove residents. The first election for incorporation was in June of 1990, failing by just 100 votes. The second attempt began in the late 1990s when a group of dedicated citizens took the critical steps toward incorporation, placing Measure J on the ballot in March of 1999. With 68% approval, the people voted to form a city. Elk Grove became the first new city in California—and the nation—in the new millennium. A flag flew over the U. S. Capitol to commemorate Elk Grove’s cityhood. We thank our many residents who had the vision and determination and did all the hard work that culminated in our historical vote for independence.
Happy Birthday Elk Grove! Our Show Will Go On! Saturday, July 4 Tune into at 9:30 p.m. The sky is the stage, the simulcast is the soundtrack, and the pyrotechnics are the star performers for Elk Grove’s Salute to the Red, White, and Blue celebration. Yes, our show will go on, though this annual tradition will look different this year. In keeping with County and State guidelines that currently restrict large gatherings and events, the in-person entertainment and activities traditionally held at Elk Grove Regional Park have been cancelled, but not the fireworks! This year’s pyrotechnic production will launch from a secret location and will feature larger shells that burst higher, providing visibility throughout the city. Step outside your home, tune in to 93.7 The River, or tune into ABC10 to catch the live broadcast as we celebrate our nation’s independence.
24th Annual
INSIDE:
Page 2 • Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Fireworks • The Elk Grove Advantage Delivers Amazon • Great Plates Delivered • Life Jackets Save Lives Page 3 • Clear the Right-of-Way
Sky Concert
• Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month • The Race Is On For Elk Grove’s 100th Park! • Your Guide to Elk Grove Services Page 4 • Help Keep the Heart of Our Economy Beating–Shop Elk Grove • Cultural Goes Virtual • Refuse Rate Increase Effective July 1
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