| These abbreviated minutes combine the principal reports, decisions and follow-up items from both meetings. The garden update reflects developments completed after the July meeting and reported by September. |
JULY 8, 2026 BOARD MEETING
Location: Clunie Community Center, Alhambra Room | Present: Martín Palomar, Will Green, Rose Luther, Anita Clevenger and Ellen Cochrane; guest Shannon Ross. Absent: Cindy Oropeza and Sandra Carter.
- El Dorado School gardens: Anita Clevenger presented a proposed maintenance arrangement for the closed school property. The board discussed irrigation, Master Gardener participation and the need for volunteers; Anita agreed to lead the garden committee.
- El Dorado School disposition and historic designation: The board reviewed the completed 7-11 Committee process, the district’s next steps, and the upcoming state and city historic-designation hearings. ESP continued organizing public comments, letters and neighborhood outreach.
- Board business: The previous minutes and Treasurer’s Report were approved. ESP supported coordination for National Night Out. Rose Luther reported on a successful multi-group community planning meeting and submitted her board resignation.
- Community work: The board reviewed McKinley Park irrigation and tree care, confirmed the July 12 Trash Dash, and discussed communications, board recruitment and continued advocacy for the school property.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 BOARD MEETING
Location: Clunie Community Center, Alhambra Room | Present: Anita Clevenger, Ellen Cochrane, Martín Palomar, Cindy Oropeza, Will Green and Sandra Carter.
- Garden stewardship: ESP had entered a formal agreement with Sacramento City Unified School District to care for the Rain Garden and the Gilmore Garden, also known as the Edible/Pollinator Garden. Volunteers were organized into two crews, with support from Sacramento County UC Master Gardeners and other neighborhood volunteers.
- Garden work and outreach: Restoration of the Rain Garden was underway, and the Edible/Pollinator Garden was being developed for community participation. Regular work sessions were set for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30–10:30 a.m. ESP planned website stories, photographs and volunteer recruitment.
- Historic designation: The Sacramento City Council approved local landmark designation. The California State Historical Resources Commission approved the National Register nomination for forwarding to the National Park Service for federal review.
- Board business: The previous minutes were approved. The board renewed ESP’s Preservation Sacramento membership, reviewed website and scholarship updates, and discussed a fall celebration of ESP’s recent successes.
- Community work and next meeting: McKinley Park watering and tree supports were being maintained. The next Trash Dash was scheduled for September 20; the next board meeting was set for October 14 at 6:30 p.m.
CONSOLIDATED FOLLOW-UP
- Continue garden volunteer recruitment, restoration, community-garden planning and public updates under ESP’s stewardship agreement with the school district.
- Continue monitoring the El Dorado School disposition process and the federal historic-registration review, while keeping the neighborhood informed and involved.
- Maintain ESP’s website, email and social-media outreach; continue McKinley Park stewardship and recurring Trash Dash events.
There was no August 2026 Board Meeting.
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