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El Dorado School: A Chance to Preserve East Sacramento History
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
- Locate the Preservation Commission meeting under “Upcoming Meetings.”
- Click the eComment link.
- Select Agenda Item #3: El Dorado School Historic Designation (M26-013).
- Click “Comment” and select “Support.”
- Enter your name and contact information.
- Add a brief comment explaining your support.
- 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.
Board Meeting Minutes
East Sacramento Preservation
Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:30 p.m. 7:30
Alhambra Room, Clunie Community Center
Board Members Present:
Will Green, Martin Palomar, Cindy Oropeza, Ellen Cochrane, Sandra Carter, Rose Luther
The meeting was called to order, and the previous ESP Board meeting minutes were approved by Ellen Cochrane and Sandra.
Treasurer’s Report
Will Green gave the treasurer’s report. Discussion included establishment of the scholarship fund and investment of accounts.
Scholarship Funding / Award Program / Graduation Update
Ellen Cochrane reported that Sandra Carter will attend the Umoja Graduation and give the scholarship awards. Discussion included fundraising and investment plans for the summer. Three scholarship winners were selected and awarded $1500 each. Sandra Carter shared the student profiles. A comprehensive blog post is forthcoming. ESP will also provide monetary support for the graduation. A very large thank you for Friends of East Sacramento who supported the graduation ceremony with a generous donation.
McClaskey Adult Education School Site Update
Will Green reported that the next 7-11 Group meeting is an open event and is scheduled for May 20, 2026 at El Dorado School from approximately 6:00–7:30 p.m. This group will provide recomendation to SCUSD on the future of the site.
Historic Register – El Dorado School Site:
The National Register application process is still pending. The city process is moving and the City indicated that the nomination is expected to move to a Director hearing within the next few weeks, followed by a Preservation Commission hearing on June 24. Due to the City Council recess in July, final City Council hearings are anticipated to take place in August.
Mary Ann Bakery Project Development Update:
Will Green reported that the City Council appeal was denied unanimously. Barring an appeal, the project will move forward. The neighborhood was described as well represented and there was general frustration that the voice of the neighborhood was ignored.
Trash Dash
The next Trash Dash event is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026. Will Green provided updates.
Next Meeting
The next ESP Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Topics will include the El Dorado Historic School Site, future direction of ESP and Scholarship planning.
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