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.
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.
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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