City of Elk Grove Newsletter
New Asphalt Art Project Brightens Streets and Strengthens Community
If you’ve driven through the intersection of Franklin High Road and Hewitt Way recently, you may have noticed something bold, beautiful, and brand new. Elk Grove’s first asphalt art mural has officially been installed, transforming the street into a vibrant work of art—and a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
This pilot project uses art to draw attention to crosswalks and bike paths. The colorful mural is intended to help calm traffic and boost visibility near the school and the public library.
But this isn’t just about safety, it’s about community. The design comes straight from the creative mind of a student at Toby Johnson Middle School. Through a partnership with the Elk Grove Unified School District, a school-wide art competition with the theme “Community Threads” was hosted. 70 students submitted designs reflecting local culture, nature, and neighborhood pride. The winning artwork, created by Wilson Wang, now spans the intersection, symbolizing the connection between people and place. Finalists Meadow Johnson, Hana Zhu, and Ming Li also earned recognition for their incredible work.
This project is just the beginning. As Elk Grove explores how public art can enhance safety and spark civic pride, your feedback is welcome. Contribute to a community survey about this project.
Get Moving with Two Great Transit Options
Getting around has never been easier or more affordable thanks to two great transit options available to Elk Grove residents.
SacRT’s RydeFreeRT Program
Students in grades TK–12 can ride fare-free on the entire SacRT network — including buses and light rail — with a valid RydeFreeRT card. This program is available all day, every day, all year long during regular SacRT service hours. It’s a convenient way for students to get to school, after-school activities, or just around town for free!
Amtrak San Joaquins Route 3 Thruway Bus
Looking to travel beyond Elk Grove? The Amtrak San Joaquins Route 3 Thruway Bus connects riders to Chico, the Sacramento Valley Station, and beyond. The Elk Grove stop is conveniently located at 9180 Harbour Point Drive. Riders can also connect with the blue RABA bus to head north to Red Bluff or Redding.
For details on schedules and how to ride, visit sacrt.com/rydefreert or amtraksanjoaquins.com
Metal Meets Mariachi: Elk Grove Kicks Off Diversity Awareness Month with a Bang!
September is starting with a blast of sound, energy, and unforgettable entertainment. Diversity Awareness Month kicks off this year with Metalachi Madness, a free concert featuring Metalachi—the outrageous LA band that fuses the fire of mariachi with the thunder of heavy metal. Think Guns N’ Roses meets Vicente Fernández.
This one-of-a-kind experience launches a full month of celebrations that honor Elk Grove’s rich cultural mix. From Diversity Dining Week to events that highlight the sounds, flavors, and traditions that make our city shine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So crank up the volume, grab your friends, and let’s celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes Elk Grove home. Visit elkgrove.gov/diversitymonth for the full event lineup and more information.
Planning for a Permanent Shelter
The City is taking the next important step in addressing homelessness by planning for a permanent, year-round shelter. This effort supports Elk Grove’s ongoing commitment to provide compassionate, effective solutions for those experiencing homelessness—a top priority for our community.
Planning has already started and there will be several more opportunities to share your input and help shape this project. We’ll be asking for your feedback on the conceptual design to help determine what services and spaces should be included, as well as how the shelter should look and feel. Later this fall, we’ll also ask for your input on potential shelter sites.
Learn more and stay updated on upcoming engagement opportunities. Sign up for updates on this project at elkgrove.gov/longtermshelter
If Waters Rise, We’ll Be Ready
While the chances of catastrophic flooding in Elk Grove are not as high as other places in the state and the country, heavy downpours and our proximity to local rivers and waterways can add a layer of risk during the rainy season. The City joins the California Department of Water Resources in recognizing Flood Preparedness Week October 18-25.
In preparation for storm season, the Public Works Department is actively inspecting, clearing, and monitoring over 14,000 drainage inlets. Our storm response team is in communication with other regional agencies, conducting training, and fine-tuning plans to activate our emergency operations center, if needed.
You can be prepared too. Use the early fall months to assess your home flood risk, purchase sandbag supplies from local home improvement centers to fortify flood-prone areas of your property and prepare and practice your own response plans. Great resources can be found at Ready.gov
Flooding and other disasters can happen, but we are working hard to be ready to respond. Visit elkgrove.gov/storm for storm-related information including sandbag distribution. During storm season, if you see a clogged storm drain or storm water drainage problem, report it through our Public Works Hotline at 916-687-3005
Flood Preparedness Week
October 18-25
9045 Elk Grove Boulevard
Then & Now: The Historic 9045 Elk Grove Boulevard Building
You may know this building on Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove’s Historic District, but do you know its long and fascinating history?
Once known as the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Hall, the building was originally home to Julius Everson’s general merchandise store on the first floor, with the Elk Grove Rebekah Lodge using the upstairs hall. In the 1910s, a warehouse was added in the rear for storing goods, and by the 1930s, a basement dining hall was added.
This building’s story started with tragedy. In 1892, a devastating fire destroyed many of the wooden structures along Main Street, or Elk Grove Boulevard. Among the losses was the IOOF building. But by 1893, it was reconstructed with lasting strength and character. The new building embodied the ornate style of 1890s Victorian architecture, featuring a three-bay wide brick façade framed by piers and a projecting canopy over the first floor. It remained an active hub for the Odd Fellows until 2000.
Today, more than 130 years later, this beautiful piece of Elk Grove history still stands proud. Lovingly restored by local entrepreneurs, Jason Kline and Cecilia Li, and reopened in 2016, the School of Rock and Explore Elk Grove now occupy this space that continues to be a vibrant part of our Historic District— connecting the community to its Proud Heritage, Bright Future.
Next time you’re on Historic Main Street, take a moment to stop by and admire this remarkable piece of Elk Grove’s history.
This article was developed in collaboration with the City’s Historic Preservation Committee. Learn more about the work of this group to preserve and share Elk Grove’s history at elkgrove.gov/historicpreservation
