Welcome to East Sacramento Preservation

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.

East Sacramento Preservation Articles of Incorporation (.pdf)Download

Please use the DONATE button on the right hand side of the page to join or donate.

Meetings – 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
Meetings begin at 6:30 PM, Clunie Clubhouse, Alhambra Room (winter meeting hours)

martinpalomar@yahoo.com
PO Box 191763
Sacramento, CA 95819

From the Alhambra Theatre to El Dorado School: What Should East Sacramento Do Next?

Posted on 07/01/2026 by admin

Every community makes decisions that shape its future for generations.

East Sacramento Preservation is not interested in shaming businesses. Every business contributes to our neighborhood in both positive and challenging ways. Instead, we believe it is important to reflect on the long-term impact of past decisions so we can make better ones in the future.

One of the most significant losses to East Sacramento was the demolition of the historic Alhambra Theatre to make way for today’s Safeway. In doing so, our community lost an extraordinary example of architecture, craftsmanship, and civic identity. Like the Tower Theatre on Broadway, the Alhambra might have remained an iconic gathering place and a treasured landmark for generations. Instead, we lost a piece of our shared history, and the surrounding corridor has struggled with challenges that few could have envisioned decades ago.

Now our community faces another important decision.

The future of the historic El Dorado School is being decided before our eyes. The Sacramento City Council will soon determine whether the building receives designation as a Sacramento Historic Landmark. Following that decision, the State of California will consider whether the property should also receive state historic recognition.

At the same time, the Sacramento City Unified School District is preparing to sell the property. What happens next will help define this part of East Sacramento for decades to come.

Should the site become another development? Could it become a vibrant community center? Is there another vision that would best serve our neighborhood?

East Sacramento Preservation supports landmark designation because preserving our history keeps future possibilities alive.

Now we’d like to hear from you.

What would you like to see the El Dorado School become?

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Your ideas, your memories, and your vision for East Sacramento are an important part of this conversation.

Posted in City Council, El Dorado School | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

El Dorado School: A Chance to Preserve East Sacramento History

Posted on 06/15/2026 by admin

Many newer residents may not remember when the Alhambra Theatre stood proudly on Alhambra Boulevard. For decades, its distinctive tower and elegant architecture served as a landmark that helped define the character of the neighborhood. When the theater was demolished, East Sacramento lost more than a building. It lost a piece of its identity.

Historic buildings connect us to the people and stories that came before us. They remind us that neighborhoods are more than streets and property lines—they are places shaped by generations of residents, students, teachers, families, and community institutions.

Today, East Sacramento has an opportunity to protect another important part of that history.

On June 17, the Sacramento Preservation Commission will consider historic designation for the El Dorado School/McClaskey Adult Center. The campus has served Sacramento residents for generations and remains one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Its architecture, history, and community significance make it worthy of preservation and recognition.

Historic designation does not stop time. It simply acknowledges that certain places have special value and deserve thoughtful consideration as our city continues to evolve.

Community support can make a difference. If you support historic designation for El Dorado School, please consider submitting a brief comment. Even a few sentences explaining why the building matters to you can help demonstrate community interest in preserving this important landmark.

How to Submit a Comment

Option 1: Email

Send a message to:

Sean de Courcy
Preservation Director
City of Sacramento Community Development Department
sdecourcy@cityofsacramento.org

Option 2: Submit an eComment

Visit:
https://sacramento.granicus.com/viewpublisher.php?view_id=21

  1. Locate the Preservation Commission meeting under “Upcoming Meetings.”
  2. Click the eComment link.
  3. Select Agenda Item #3: El Dorado School Historic Designation (M26-013).
  4. Click “Comment” and select “Support.”
  5. Enter your name and contact information.
  6. Add a brief comment explaining your support.
  7. Submit your comment.

Note: You will be asked to create a free Granicus account, the City of Sacramento’s official platform for public comments.

For more information, visit:
https://eastsacpreservation.org/

Thank you for helping preserve an important part of Sacramento’s history for future generations.

Posted in Developments, East Sacramento Schools, El Dorado School, Preservation District, SCUSD | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment