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.
SCUSD Representatives
Jasjit Singh
jasjit-singh@scusd.edu
Nathaniel Browning
Nathaniel-Browning@scusd.edu
Chris Ralston
chris-ralston@scusd.edu
Suggested Message:
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
City of Sacramento Historic Preservation Office
Sean de Courcy, Historic Preservation Officer
sdecourcy@cityofsacramento.org
Subject Line:
El Dorado Elementary School / A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center’s Nomination to Register as a Historical Place
California State Historical Resources Commission
Email: calshpo.shrc@parks.ca.gov
Mail:
State Historical Resources Commission
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Please include in the subject line:
El Dorado Elementary School / A. Warren McClaskey Adult Education Center Nomination — August 28, 2026 SHRC Hearing
CC:
Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum — ppluckebaum@cityofsacramento.org
District 4 Office — district4@cityofsacramento.org
Suggested Message:
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.
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