This year marks the tenth year that East Sacramento Preservation has awarded scholarships to outstanding students in our community. As in years past, this year’s recipients represent the very best of East Sacramento—young people whose hard work, character, and dedication have prepared them for success in higher education and beyond.

East Sacramento Preservation is proud to support public education, our community, and the students of Umoja International Academy, Sacramento’s International Baccalaureate middle and high school. This year, each scholarship recipient received a $1,500 award to help support their educational goals. We are honored to recognize three exceptional students.

Mahmoud Al Tayyeb exemplifies academic excellence, resilience, and integrity. Despite financial challenges, he has balanced rigorous coursework with family responsibilities while remaining active in volunteer and leadership roles. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to helping others, Mahmoud has earned this scholarship through his determination, character, and desire to make a positive impact on the world around him.

Sophia Schult demonstrates the discipline and perseverance that define true achievement. A standout rower and her class valedictorian, she has balanced demanding academics with the rigorous schedule of a competitive athlete. Her accomplishments reflect not only talent, but also resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Sienna Durda is a remarkable student whose intelligence, kindness, and sense of humor have made a lasting impression on her teachers and classmates. Her passion for the biological sciences, combined with her humility and compassion, sets her apart. UCLA is fortunate to welcome a student of her caliber, and we know she will continue to inspire those around her.

We extend our sincere thanks to the scholarship committee, especially Sandra Carter, for presenting the awards at graduation. East Sacramento Preservation is also deeply grateful to the many community members whose generosity has sustained this scholarship program over the past decade.

This year, we would like to offer special recognition to Friends of East Sacramento, whose support helped fund the scholarships and assist Umoja International Academy with important expenses beyond the school’s regular budget.

Congratulations to Mahmoud, Sophia, and Sienna. We wish each of them continued success as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.

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There is a special beauty to buildings created with care, craftsmanship, and purpose. When thoughtful design and community values come together, a building becomes more than a structure—it becomes part of a neighborhood’s identity.

Few places embody that spirit more than historic El Dorado Elementary School in East Sacramento.

For generations, El Dorado has been a neighborhood landmark, gathering place, and cherished part of the lives of thousands of Sacramento families.

Designed by the renowned Sacramento architectural firm Dean & Dean, El Dorado is part of an architectural legacy that helped shape Sacramento. The firm designed some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, the Sutter Club, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and numerous schools. Preserving El Dorado means preserving a tangible piece of Sacramento’s architectural heritage.

Today, its future stands at a critical crossroads.

As Sacramento faces growing development pressures, properties like El Dorado become increasingly attractive for redevelopment. While development has an important role in our city, El Dorado represents something that cannot be replaced once it is lost.

Community members are currently working to secure historic designation for the campus through the Sacramento City Unified School District’s 7-11 Committee process. At a recent meeting, Preservation Sacramento’s William Burg encouraged supporters to ask the district to submit letters of support to both the City of Sacramento Historic Preservation Office and the California State Historic Preservation Office.

The next 7-11 Committee meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at El Dorado Elementary/McClaskey. If recommendations move forward, they may be presented to the School Board on June 18 at the Serna Center.

This is a pivotal moment. Whether you are a neighbor, former student, parent, educator, or preservation advocate, your voice matters.

Take Action Now

• Ask Sacramento City Unified School District to support historic designation for El Dorado Elementary.

• Send a letter to the City of Sacramento Historic Preservation Office.

• Send a letter to the California State Historic Preservation Office.

Historic places connect us to our past and help tell the story of who we are. By speaking up now, we can help ensure that El Dorado’s legacy endures for future generations.

Three Ways You Can Help

1. Attend the June 10, 7-11 Committee Meeting and Speak in Support of Preservation

Community participation matters. Attend the next 7-11 Committee meeting and share why preserving El Dorado Elementary School is important to you and to Sacramento’s history.

7-11 Committee Meeting
June 10, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
McClaskey Adult Education Center – Room 3
5241 J Street
Sacramento, CA

2. Ask SCUSD Leaders to Support Historic Designation

Please email School District representatives and encourage them to submit formal letters of support for the historic designation of El Dorado Elementary School/A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center.

SCUSD Representatives

Jasjit Singh
jasjit-singh@scusd.edu

Nathaniel Browning
Nathaniel-Browning@scusd.edu

Chris Ralston
chris-ralston@scusd.edu

Suggested Message:

As a community member, neighbor, former student, parent, or preservation supporter, I urge SCUSD to formally support the historic preservation nomination of El Dorado Elementary School/A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center. This landmark has served Sacramento families for more than a century and remains an important part of East Sacramento’s architectural and educational heritage. A letter of support from the District would help ensure that this treasured community asset can continue serving future generations.

3. Send Letters of Support to City and State Preservation Officials

City of Sacramento Historic Preservation Office

Sean de Courcy, Historic Preservation Officer
sdecourcy@cityofsacramento.org

Subject Line:
El Dorado Elementary School / A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center’s Nomination to Register as a Historical Place

California State Historical Resources Commission

Email: calshpo.shrc@parks.ca.gov

Mail:
State Historical Resources Commission
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

Please include in the subject line:
El Dorado Elementary School / A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center Nomination — August 28, 2026 SHRC Hearing

CC:
Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum — ppluckebaum@cityofsacramento.org
District 4 Office — district4@cityofsacramento.org

Suggested Message:

I support the nomination of El Dorado Elementary School/A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center for historic designation. For many years, the campus has served as an educational and community landmark in East Sacramento. Its architectural significance, educational history, and role in neighborhood life make it worthy of preservation and recognition. I respectfully urge approval of this nomination and support efforts to protect this important piece of Sacramento’s heritage.

Important Dates

• June 24 — Sacramento Preservation Commission Hearing
• August 28 — State Historical Resources Commission Hearing
• Final Sacramento City Council consideration is anticipated in August.

A prompt response is important. Letters submitted now will help demonstrate broad community support as the nomination moves through the review process.

The post Save a Sacramento Landmark: Why Your Voice Matters for El Dorado Elementary appeared first on East Sacramento Preservation.

Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

6:30 p.m. 7:30

Alhambra Room, Clunie Community Center

Board Members Present:

Will Green, Martin Palomar, Cindy Oropeza, Ellen Cochrane, Sandra Carter, Rose Luther

The meeting was called to order, and the previous ESP Board meeting minutes were approved by Ellen Cochrane and Sandra.

Treasurer’s Report

Will Green gave the treasurer’s report. Discussion included establishment of the scholarship fund and investment of accounts.

Scholarship Funding / Award Program / Graduation Update

Ellen Cochrane reported that Sandra Carter will attend the Umoja Graduation and give the scholarship awards. Discussion included fundraising and investment plans for the summer. Three scholarship winners were selected and awarded $1500 each. Sandra Carter shared the student profiles. A comprehensive blog post is forthcoming. ESP will also provide monetary support for the graduation. A very large thank you for Friends of East Sacramento who supported the graduation ceremony with a generous donation.

McClaskey Adult Education School Site Update

Will Green reported that the next 7-11 Group meeting is an open event and is scheduled for May 20, 2026 at El Dorado School from approximately 6:00–7:30 p.m. This group will provide recomendation to SCUSD on the future of the site.

Historic Register – El Dorado School Site:

 The National Register application process is still pending. The city process is moving and the City indicated that the nomination is expected to move to a Director hearing within the next few weeks, followed by a Preservation Commission hearing on June 24. Due to the City Council recess in July, final City Council hearings are anticipated to take place in August.

Mary Ann Bakery Project Development Update:

Will Green reported that the City Council appeal was denied unanimously. Barring an appeal, the project will move forward. The neighborhood was described as well represented and there was general frustration that the voice of the neighborhood was ignored.

Trash Dash

The next Trash Dash event is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026. Will Green provided updates.

Next Meeting

The next ESP Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Topics will include the El Dorado Historic School Site, future direction of ESP and Scholarship planning.

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East Sacramento Preservation

Board Meeting Minutes

Date: February 11, 2026

Present:

• Martín Palomar
• Will Green
• Rose Luther
• Cindy Oropeza
• Sandra Carter

Guests:

• Brian Halloway
• Isaac Gonzales
• Shannon Ross

Approval of Minutes

• Previous minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

• Report reviewed and discussed.
• No significant expenses reported.
• Website-related costs discussed.

1. Mary Ann Bakery / Demas Project

• Planning Commission meeting scheduled for the following evening at City Hall.
• Discussion included AB 135 and neighborhood concerns:
  
  • Project size
  • Traffic impacts
• Contamination remediation also discussed.
• Members encouraged to attend.

2. McClaskey School Site – Historic Designation

• Shannon Ross reported on formation of a 7-11 committee.
• East Sacramento Neighbors for Smart Growth has met regarding the site.
• Historic designation remains pending.

3. Scholarship Committee

• Budget concerns related to graduation discussed.
• Communication with the school will continue.

4. Membership and Outreach

• Membership renewals through Mailchimp discussed.
• Mailchimp will also be used to solicit scholarship donations.

5. California ReLeaf

• Membership approved in the amount of $50.

6. Alhambra / Petrovich Project Update

• New renderings anticipated.
• Design updates include:
  
  • Moorish-style elements
  • Increased architectural relief
  • Additional landscaping
• Plan includes 12 one-bedroom units at the rear.

Adjournment

• Meeting adjourned.

East Sacramento Preservation (ESP)

Board Meeting Minutes

Date: April 8, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Alhambra Room, Clunie Community Center

Present:

• Patty Wait
• Ellen Cochrane
• Rose Luther
• Cindy Oropeza
• Martín Palomar
• Will Green
• Shannon Ross
• Sandra Carter
• Brian Halloway
• Bruce Marwick
• Isaac Gonzalez

1. Alhambra Station Presentation – Isaac Gonzalez

• Presentation followed by Q&A session.
• Discussion included:
  
  • Willingness to consider community input
  • Design elements, including tile features
  • Evolving nature of the project
• Noted:
  
  • Developer investment
  • Tree placement and landscaping
  • Good-faith engagement efforts
• Concerns raised regarding project scale and neighborhood compatibility.
• Online materials and survey referenced.
• Consensus: project remains in development and should continue to be monitored.

2. Approval of Previous Minutes

• February 11, 2026 minutes were approved.

3. Treasurer’s Report – Will Green

• Report presented and accepted.

4. Scholarship and Graduation Program – Ellen Cochrane

• Planning for scholarships and graduation support continues.
• Mailchimp will be used for donor outreach.
• Committee will meet at the end of April to organize awards for three students.

5. McClaskey Adult Education Site – Shannon Ross

• Update provided.
• East Sacramento Neighbors for Smart Growth remains involved.
• Discussion focused on long-term planning and growth considerations.

6. 7-11 Group and Site Maintenance – Will Green

• Status remains unclear; meetings ongoing.
• Timeline for next meeting not confirmed.
• Community encouraged to attend future meetings in support of the historic building.

7. El Dorado School Site – National Register Status – Will Green

• Application process is complex and detailed.
• Outcome remains uncertain.
• Will Green will provide summary and next steps.
• Continued support for designation discussed.
• Bruce Marwick expressed support for the designation.

8. California ReLeaf – Rose Luther

• California ReLeaf membership has been placed on hold due to other community priorities.
• One such priority is identifying policy priorities for the combined neighborhood associations under the leadership of Garrett Jensen.

9. Mary Ann Bakery Project – Appeals Hearing

• Appeals to the Planning Commission’s approval of Project P25-007 (Mary Ann Bakery) will be heard by Sacramento City Council on April 28, 2026.
• Residents opposed to the project are encouraged to attend the City Council meeting.
• East Sacramento Preservation has taken an opposed position to the project in its final form as presented to the Planning Commission.

10. Loma Terrace Neighborhood – Rose Luther

• Discussion of inviting the Loma Terrace neighborhood to join ESP.
• Further work needed.

11. Next Meeting

• Scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM.

12. Trash Dash

• Rescheduled to April 26, 2026.
• Photos are planned.

Additional Actions and Notes

• Weed and water crew will continue monitoring trees, with attention to newly planted trees.
• Extension cord needed for TV setup.
• Brian Halloway donated $200; acknowledgment to be sent.
• Mailchimp outreach will include donor thank-yous.
• Patty Wait will follow up on Alhambra-related issues.
• Possible opposition letters noted.
• No public meeting currently planned.

The post Board Meeting Minutes appeared first on East Sacramento Preservation.

On a bright morning in McKinley Park, East Sacramento Preservation (ESP), alongside community partners and volunteers, completed the final tree planting of the 2026 season—marking both a celebration and a milestone.

This last planting brought together more than 75 participants who worked side by side to plant 17 new trees, each one adding shade, beauty, and long-term environmental value to one of Sacramento’s most beloved parks.

Over the past three years, through consistent effort and partnership, ESP and volunteers have planted 88 new trees in McKinley Park. These trees represent more than numbers—they reflect commitment, stewardship, and a shared vision for a greener future.

This work would not be possible without the support of dedicated partners. We extend our sincere thanks to:

• Dennis Harris and the City of Sacramento’s YPCE Parks & Recreation
• SMUD
• Sacramento Tree Foundation

And a special acknowledgment to the volunteers who joined us to close out the season. Your energy, care, and willingness to show up make this work possible.

As we wrap up the 2026 planting season, we look ahead with enthusiasm. ESP is deeply grateful for the continued support of the community and the City of Sacramento, and we are already planning for 2027, with ongoing care, stewardship, and future plantings in McKinley Park.

Together, we are not just planting trees—we are building a legacy.

The post Rooted in Community: Closing Out the 2026 Tree Planting Season at McKinley Park appeared first on East Sacramento Preservation.

The familiar “Welcome to East Sacramento” sign has greeted residents and visitors for years. Recently, the garden surrounding the entrance sign had fallen into neglect, with overgrown plantings and fading landscaping that no longer reflected the pride many neighbors feel about the area.

Last week, members of East Sacramento Preservation stepped in to help restore the space.

Association President Martin Palomar and Treasurer Will Green spent time working on the garden beds surrounding the brick monument sign. Their efforts focused on clearing debris, trimming back overgrowth, and bringing the planting beds back into shape so the sign and its landscaping would once again present a welcoming entrance to the neighborhood.

The improvement is simple but noticeable. Freshly tended beds, trimmed shrubs, and spring flowers now frame the brick sign, giving the corner a cared-for appearance that reflects the character of East Sacramento.

Projects like this often happen quietly. They rely on residents who notice when something needs attention and are willing to spend a little time making things better.

Small acts of stewardship—cleaning, planting, repairing—help preserve the sense of place that many people value in this neighborhood.

If you pass the sign in the coming days, you may notice the difference. It is a reminder that community care often starts with just a few people rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.

The post A Small but Meaningful Restoration in East Sacramento appeared first on East Sacramento Preservation.

Saturday, March 28, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Shepard Garden & Arts Center
3330 McKinley Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816

East Sacramento Tree Planting Event at Shepard Garden & Arts Center

Rain or Shine

Rain or Shine!

East Sacramento Preservation (ESP) is proud to partner with the City of Sacramento’s Department of Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment (YPCE) for a meaningful and hands-on community tree planting event at McKinley Park.

Together, we will plant approximately 15 new trees, helping strengthen the park’s canopy, improve neighborhood air quality, and create lasting shade for future generations.

What Volunteers Will Do

Participants will:

• Clear and prepare pre-dug planting holes
• Plant and properly stake new trees
• Add mulch around the base of each tree
• Help ensure each tree gets the strongest possible start

And as a special touch, volunteers will even have the opportunity to name the trees they plant.

No prior experience is necessary. Our team will demonstrate proper planting techniques and guide volunteers every step of the way.

What to Bring

• Work gloves
• Closed-toe shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing you don’t mind getting dirty

What’s Provided

• All tools and supplies from YPCE
• Trees and staking materials through our partnership with SMUD and the Sacramento Tree Foundation

This is a free, family-friendly event and everyone is welcome. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or brand new to planting, your participation makes a difference.

We need         50–70 volunteers. 

Sponsors       Sacramento Tree Foundation

                       SMUD

                       City of Sacramento YPCE

Join us for a rewarding morning of service, connection, and community pride.

Come plant a tree — and leave a legacy.

The post Plant a Tree. Leave a Legacy. appeared first on East Sacramento Preservation.

The Alhambra Redevelopment Project (P24-007), known as the former Mary Ann’s Bakery, will be heard at the February 12, 2026 meeting of the Planning and Design Commission. This hearing is a key opportunity for residents to provide direct, on-the-record input before the project moves further through the approval process.

Hearing details:

• Date: February 12, 2026
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Council Chambers, New City Hall, 1st Floor
  915 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Residents who are concerned about this project are strongly encouraged to attend.

Why Attendance Matters

This redevelopment targets the East Sacramento Casa Loma Terrace neighborhood, a small residential area vulnerable to excessive infill development. Projects like this do not stop at one location—they set precedents.

If this can happen here, where is the next target? On your block?

Early hearings are where decision-makers gauge public concern. Numbers matter. A strong turnout demonstrates that East Sacramento residents are engaged and expect development that respects neighborhood scale and character.

Learn More and Stay Involved

For additional background, updates, and ways to stay engaged, residents are encouraged to visit:

SAVE EAST SAC
https://www.saveeastsac.org/

About the Materials Below

The graphics below provide:

1. A visual representation of the proposed project
2. The neighborhood’s position opposing the project
3. A letter from East Sacramento Preservation detailing its support for opposing the project

           ESP, Inc., PO Box 191763, Sacramento, CA 95819  

February 4, 2026

City of Sacramento

Planning and Design Commission

915 I Street

Sacramento, CA  95814

RE: Project Number P24-007 (Alhambra Redevelopment Project) 

Dear City of Sacramento, Planning and Design Commissioners:

East Sacramento Preservation, Inc. (ESP) is a Sacramento Neighborhood Association that is writing in opposition of the proposed development of Project number P24-007 (Alhambra Redevelopment Project), at Alhambra and C and D Streets. 

The ESP board has reviewed a brief update of the project.  It shows that now more units have been added and fewer parking spaces on site.  This means more cars will be flowing into already narrow and congested neighborhood streets for their parking needs.  I am assuming that each unit will have a minimum of 2 cars. This translates to about 500-600 cars without designated or available onsite parking spaces will overflow into the contiguous neighborhoods.

While on traffic, these same cars will add to the already congested and backed up traffic waiting to get onto the East bound Business-80 freeway at the on-ramp at 30^th and E Streets. Presently we are seeing traffic stacked from 30^th street backed onto McKinley Blvd to Alhambra Blvd. and wrapping around the intersection onto the north side of Alhambra from McKinley Blvd. What are the traffic engineers saying about this impaction?

The other major concern about this project is the lack of height restriction to 3 stories high in keeping with the Alhambra Corridor Special Regulations and Restrictions Code (cited below). Remember these “infill” projects are to be “in keeping with the existing residential neighborhoods.  How is a residential development of 6-stories complementary to single family one-storied small residential homes?

17.420.020   Alhambra Corridor special regulations and restrictions. 

B.   Residential preservation transition buffer zone.

      1.   General rule. Except as provided below, development located within 300 feet of a residential zone (measured from the street centerline) shall not exceed 35 feet in height. This restriction is intended to establish a buffer zone to protect residential neighborhoods from visual intrusion by new development that is out of scale with the adjacent residential neighborhood.

 2.   Exception. The planning and design commission may approve a conditional use permit allowing additional height, provided that the height may not exceed the limits established by the applicable base zoning chapter. To approve the conditional use permit, the planning and design commission must find that the development will not be out of scale with the adjacent residential neighborhood. An example where the intent of the buffer zone is maintained while allowing additional height is a development incorporating design features or step-backs that reduce the walled effect on adjacent smaller-scaled residential development.

ESP wants to be included in all correspondence and information regarding the Mary Ann’s Bakery Project (P24-007). Also, ESP would like to be informed of any community outreach meeting that may be planned by the developer or City of Sacramento for this project. Please email to martinpalomar@yahoo.com and wrldwdwil9@gmail.com

How is this P24-007 in Keeping with the Code?

ESP would like a response from you regarding our stated concerns.

Respectfully,

Martin Palomar                         Will Green

East Sacramento Preservation, Inc.

Martin Palomar, Pres. / martinpalomar@yahoo.com

Will Green, M.D. Treas. / wrldwdwil9@gmail.com

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