East Sacramento Preservation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grassroots group. We work to protect historic structures, parks, and the character of our neighborhood. We advocate for a safe, healthy environment and honest, transparent government.
We are proud to support local students through our ESP Scholarship Fund—an investment in the next generation.
We support the expansion and long-term health of the neighborhood tree canopy through coordinated park planting and stewardship programs.
Advocacy for Public Spaces and Historic Buildings
East Sacramento Preservation advocates for the protection and stewardship of everyday public spaces and historic buildings that define the neighborhood’s character. We work to ensure these places are respected, preserved, and thoughtfully integrated into a changing city.
Trash Abatement and Shared Spaces
ESP organizes trash abatement and improvement efforts in parks, alleys, walkways, and other shared neighborhood corridors.
Join us! Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply stay informed, your support helps keep East Sacramento strong.
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.
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.
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
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.
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