Category Archives: leadership

A Small but Meaningful Restoration in East Sacramento

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.

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East Sacramento Preservation

Board Meeting Minutes


January 14, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Alhambra Room, Clunie Community Center

Board Members, Guests Present

Rose Luther, Cindy Oropeza, Patty Waite, Louise Buford, Bud Brown, Martín Palomar, Will Green, Ellen Cochrane


Important Dates

  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
    Community discussion on the El Dorado School/McClaskey Adult Education School Site Clunie Community Center.
  • Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 p.m.
    Casa Loma Terrace–East Sacramento Community Organization meeting at the Clunie Community Center to discuss the Maryann’s Bakery project, Rite Aide project, McKinley Park Ranger service and more.

Approval of Prior Minutes

The board voted to approve the previous meeting’s minutes.


Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Will Green provided a brief financial update, noting that ESP remains in good financial standing. A more detailed report will be presented at the next meeting.


McClaskey Adult Education School Site (El Dorado School Update)

Neighbor Shannon Ross provided an overview of ongoing efforts to support continued community use of the McClatchy Adult Education School site and to address the potential sale of the property.

Shannon Ross, Martín Palomar, Bud Brown, and Will Green have applied to serve on the Sacramento City Unified School District 7-11 Committee, which will review options related to the possible sale of the site. Updates will be shared as information becomes available.


ESP Scholarship Award Update

Ellen Cochrane and Cindy Oropeza met with Shawn D’Alesandro of Umoja International Baccalaureate High School. ESP will award scholarships to graduating seniors once again in 2026 and is also exploring support for graduation-related expenses this year.


Alhambra Boulevard Rite Aid Storage Proposal

Patty Waite and Louise Buford presented an update on the proposed storage facility planned for the former Rite Aid site on Alhambra Boulevard.

The project would demolish the existing structure and replace it with a five-story, 65-foot-tall storage building. Neighbors have raised significant concerns, including:

  • Incompatibility with the Alhambra Special Planning District vision for a vibrant, walkable corridor
  • Creation of a “dead zone” along Alhambra Boulevard
  • Negative impacts on neighborhood character, safety, and quality of life

Community members have suggested alternative uses such as housing, a daycare center, an ethnic grocery store, a public market, or a fitness and wellness facility.

Residents who oppose the project are encouraged to email their name and zip code with the subject line “Opposed to Alhambra Storage” to Louisembuford@gmail.com.


Next Meeting

The next East Sacramento Preservation meeting will take place on
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Clunie Community Center.

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