Category Archives: Neighborhood Voices Scholarship
Celebrating Ten Years of Student Scholarships
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.
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.
Posted in leadership, Meeting Minutes, Neighborhood Voices Scholarship
Tagged city of sacramento, East Sacramento, East Sacramento Neighborhood Associations, East Sacramento Preservation, Smart Growth
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