Elk Grove, California

For the place in Humboldt County, see Elk Grove, Humboldt County, California.

City of Elk Grove
—  City  —
Sunset on Laguna Blvd, Elk Grove
Seal Logo
Motto: "Proud Heritage, Bright Future"
Coordinates: 38°26′18″N 121°22′55″W
Country	United States
State	California
County	Sacramento
Incorporated	July 1, 2000
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
• Special District	Cosumnes CSD
• Mayor	Gary Davis
• Vice Mayor	Patrick Hume
• Chief Of Police	Robert Lehner
• Fire Chief	Tracey Hansen
Area
• Total	42.239 sq mi (109.398 km2)
• Land	42.190 sq mi (109.271 km2)
• Water	0.049 sq mi (0.127 km2)  0.12%
Elevation	45 ft (14 m)
Population (2012)
• Total	155,937
• Rank	2nd in Sacramento County 31st in California 156th in the United States
• Density	Bad rounding here3,700/sq mi (Bad rounding here1,400/km2)
Time zone	PST (UTC-8)
• Summer (DST)	PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP code	95624, 95757, 95758, 95759
Area code(s)	916
FIPS code	06-22020
GNIS feature ID	0277506
Website	http://elkgrovecity.org/

Elk Grove is a city in Sacramento County, California, located just south of the state capital of Sacramento. It is part of the Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2012, the population of the city is 155,937. The second-largest city in Sacramento County, Elk Grove earned the title of the fastest growing city in the U.S between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2005.

History

Indigenous history

Valley Miwok (some of whom are now enrolled in the Wilton Miwok Rancheria), Southern Maidu, and Patwin peoples are indigenous to Elk Grove and have lived in the region for possibly millennia.

Although diverse, many of these groups' lives shared similar aspects. They collected acorns before winter, as they provided dietary starch and fat for the cold times ahead. Basket-weaving skills shared between the groups were used to construct above-ground acorn granaries, and local oak groves were tended so as to maximize production.

Elk Grove and its outlining areas were rich in plant and animal life, and it was common for indigenous people to supplement their acorn diet with edible roots and fish from nearby rivers, such as the American River, Sacramento River and the Cosumnes River.

The Nisenan (Southern Maidu) spoke Chico, now extinct, and Nisenan, of which only speaker is thought to remain. Nisenan is one of the Maiduan languages. The Valley Miwok spoke Plains Miwok, a language of the Miwokan branch of the Utian family of languages. All of the Utian languages are severely endangered. The Patwin spoke the Patwin language (also known as Hill Patwin), one of the Wintuan languages. One speaker of Patwin remained in 1997.

Although tribes each had a different language, it is believed they shared a common ancestral root. The Penutian stock is believed to be the originating language from which all other dialects evolved and later branched into five other languages. Maidu, Miwok and Wintuan are included in these five branches.

19th century

The old Elk Grove Hotel, first built in 1850

Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga entered the area and named the Sacramento Valley and River in 1806 and 1808. Swiss explorer John Sutter arrived in the area in 1839.

Elk Grove was founded in 1850 as a stage stop. It is located about 15 miles (24 km) south of historic Sutter’s Fort and thus became a crossroads for business, entertainment, mail service and agriculture, and acted as home base for gold miners in nearby communities.^{[citation needed]}

Initially, the town developed around a stage stop on the Monterey Trail, though after the railroad passed by east of town, Elk Grove's center shifted to its present location.

20th century

"Old Town" Elk Grove is located about a mile east of State Route 99 (formerly U.S. Route 99, the north-south artery of the California Central Valley). Although the town developed around agriculture, it would eventually become a residential suburb of Sacramento. Most newer housing developments in Elk Grove lie west between Highway 99 and Interstate 5, the major north-south highway for the U.S. West Coast, in two areas locally called "Laguna Creek" and "Laguna West".

21st century

On July 1, 2000, Elk Grove incorporated as a city. In 2008 CNN stated that areas of Elk Grove suffered from the subprime mortgage crisis.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 42.2 square miles (109 km²), of which, 99.88% is land and 0.12% is covered by water.

Demographics

Intersection of Laguna Springs Dr. and Laguna Blvd.

The 2010 United States Census reported that Elk Grove had a population of 155,937. The population density was 3,622.6 people per square mile (1,398.7/km²). The racial makeup of Elk Grove was 70,478 (46.1%) White, 17,172 (11.2%) African American, 965 (0.6%) Native American, 40,261 (26.3%) Asian, 1,807 (1.2%) Pacific Islander, 10,231 (6.7%) from other races, and 12,101 (7.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27,581 persons (18.0%).

The Census reported that 152,346 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households, 460 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 209 (0.1%) were institutionalized.

There were 47,927 households, out of which 23,718 (49.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 29,339 (61.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 6,547 (13.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,700 (5.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2,416 (5.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 357 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 7,252 households (15.1%) were made up of individuals and 2,165 (4.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18. There were 38,586 families (80.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.54.

The population was spread out with 46,128 people (30.1%) under the age of 18, 13,129 people (8.6%) aged 18 to 24, 42,688 people (27.9%) aged 25 to 44, 38,326 people (25.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 12,744 people (8.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.3 years. For every 100 females there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

There were 50,634 housing units at an average density of 1,198.8 per square mile (462.8/km²), of which 35,738 (74.6%) were owner-occupied, and 12,189 (25.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.6%. 112,840 people (73.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 39,506 people (25.8%) lived in rental housing units.

Education

The Elk Grove Unified School District is the 5th largest school district in California and one of the fastest growing school districts in the nation. Located in southern Sacramento County, the district covers 320 square miles (830 km²), one-third of the county. For the 2002-03 school year, the district served more than 52,500 students, and expects to reach 66,000 students by 2015. Those students attend 38 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 8 high schools and 4 alternative high schools.

There are also several private schools in town. A local community college, Cosumnes River College, offers both vocational training and a transfer program to four-year universities. Located nearby are California State University, Sacramento and the University of California, Davis, as well as branches of Golden Gate University and St. Mary's College. Elk Grove is also the home of the private six-year Universalist religious college Quest Seminary.

Public libraries

The new Elk Grove Public Library is located at 8900 Elk Grove Blvd in a modern two story building. It moved to this location from just a block East. The library is part of the broader Sacramento Public Library system. The Elk Grove Library also serves neighboring communities such as Vineyard, Wilton, Sloughhouse, and Rancho Murieta.

The Franklin Community Library, which also functions as the library for Franklin High School and Toby Johnson Middle School, is located at 10055 Franklin High Road.

Entertainment

Elk Grove boasts numerous events that are fun and exciting for all ages. The most notable event in Elk Grove is the annual Giant Pumpkin Festival that is held the first weekend of October at the Elk Grove Regional Park. The Giant Pumpkin Festival attracts many thousands of guests each year. Guests are welcome to enjoy the Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, Pumpkin Regatta, pumpkin food, merchandise and craft vendors, entertainment, children’s activities and more.^{[citation needed]}

Strauss Festival is another festival held at Elk Grove Regional Park]. It is an outdoor staged dance production that has attracted more than 30,000 people annually since 1987. During the month of August, Hot Summer Nights Concert Series is held each Friday at Laguna Town Hall. Voted Best of Elk Grove in 2010, this free music series returns to the outdoor amphitheater with summer party tunes aplenty. Food, children’s attraction, face painting, and glow concessions are all offered at varying costs. During the holidays, Cosumnes CSD Fire Department and Elk Grove Police Department team up to create the Santa & Sirens Parade].

Climate

Elk Grove's climate varies from low temperatures of 34 to 46 Fahrenheit to highs of 60 to 110 degrees. Average annual rainfall is 22 inches (560 mm) per year falling primarily from October through April. Elk Grove's average temperature in January 2010, is 47 degrees Fahrenheit. In July 2011, 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The elevation of the city is 45 feet (14 m).

Governance

State and federal

In the state legislature Elk Grove is in the 1st Senate District, represented by Republican Ted Gaines, and in the 10th and 15th Assembly Districts, represented by Democrat Alyson Huber and Joan Buchannan respectively.

Federally, Elk Grove is in California's 7th congressional district, represented by Democrat Ami Bera.

Local

The City of Elk Grove incorporated on July 1, 2000. It is a general law city and operates on the Manager-City Council type of governance. Beginning in 2012, voters elect the Mayor directly for a two year term, along with four council members. Prior to 2012, The mayor's position was a one-year term and was chosen at-large by the city council. The first directly elected Mayor of Elk Grove on November 6, 2012 is Gary Davis. The remaining councilmembers are James Cooper (District 1), Pat Hume (District 2), Steve Detrick (District 3) and Vacant (District 4).

Elk Grove is represented on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors by Don Nottoli, 5th district supervisor.

Fire protection, emergency medical services, and parks and recreation services in Elk Grove are provided by the Cosumnes Community Services District, an independent special district agency.

The Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) provides fire protection services to the cities of Elk Grove and Galt, as well as unincorporated areas in the region. Additionally, the Cosumnes CSD provides parks and recreation services to the Elk Grove community. The District encompasses roughly 157 square miles and an estimated population of 169,100 people - 136,000 in the Elk Grove area and 33,100 in the Galt region.

State and federal representatives

Elk Grove is represented by a variety of Democrats and Republicans in Sacramento and Washington, DC.

Congressmen

Elk Grove is in California's 7th congressional district.

State Assemblymen

Elk Grove is located within the 9th Assembly District,which is represented by Assemblyman Richard Pan.

State Senators

Elk Grove is also split between the 1st Senate District which is represented by Ted Gaines, a Republican, and the 5th State Senate District which is represented by Lois Wolk, a Democrat.

CSD Board Members

CSD's Board of Directors has five elected members, each with a record of service to the community and dedicated to the CSD's mission, "Enriching Community, Saving Lives." Michelle Orrock is the current President with Guy Rutter as the Vice President. The other three board members are Gil Albiani, Rich Lozano, and Rod Brewer.

Neighborhoods

Elk Grove Park

Elk Grove is divided into several major areas: Laguna West, Laguna Creek, Elk Grove Proper, East Elk Grove, and big parts of the Sheldon and Franklin townships. Laguna West is between Interstate 5 and the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Laguna Creek is bordered by the city limits to the south, Sheldon Road to the north, the Union Pacific railroad tracks to the west, and Highway 99 to the east. Elk Grove proper — which includes the Historic District (Historic Elk Grove) — is bordered by Highway 99 to the west, Waterman Road to the east, Calvine Road to the north, and Grant Line Road to the south. East Elk Grove is bordered by Calvine Road to the north, Grant Line Road to the east and south, and Waterman Road to the west.

Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation within the city of Elk Grove is owned and managed by the Cosumnes Community Services District. The Parks and Recreation Department manages 88 parks, 18 miles of off-street trails, two community centers, four recreation centers, and two aquatics complexes and many recreation, sports and leisure programs. As of 2009, the CSD had 611.54 acres of parkland and 83 parks. There are dog parks, sports complexes, a skate park, a golf course, a disc golf course, and a water park.

Public safety

Fire Department

The local fire department is owned and operated by the CSD]. Founded in 1893, Elk Grove's Fire Department started with a single hose cart and a small group of dedicated volunteers. From these humble beginnings, the Department has forged a lasting presence in the community. Continued growth and innovation in the fire service has prompted a diverse array of new Fire Department projects and responsibilities.. A new Special Operations Division was formed in 2007 that oversees the specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and disaster preparedness needs for the Cosumnes CSD Fire Department.^{[citation needed]}

As they have done for more than 100 years, the members of the Cosumnes CSD Fire Department maintain their commitment to protecting the lives, property and environment from fire and other natural and manmade disasters and emergencies in a courteous, timely and effective manner. In 2010, Tracey M. Hansen, a 17-year veteran of the Cosumnes CSD Fire Department was named the new Fire Chief by CSD General Manager Jeff Ramos, the latest achievement in a career she began as a paramedic. Hansen named John Michelini as her Deputy Chief and the team immediately began developing strategies to effectively manage the Fire Department during the recession.

Police Department

Main article: Elk Grove Police Department

Until July 2006, the police forces within the city of Elk Grove were operated under contract with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. Effective July 1, 2006, the city of Elk Grove completed the establishment of its own independent police force, which has patrolled the city since then.

Notable residents

• Ami Bera, Congressman-Elect, 7th District
• Scott Boras, sports agent
• Brent Bourgeois, musician (retired), author
• Lance Briggs, NFL linebacker, Chicago Bears
• Cruz Bustamante, former Lt. Governor
• Petri Hawkins Byrd, Judge Judy bailiff
• Bill Cartwright, retired NBA center/assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns
• Tina Cole, former actress My Three Sons
• David Garibaldi, artist
• Chester Gorman, anthropologist
• Millard Hampton, 1976 Summer Olympics gold medalist in the 4x100 m relay
• David Hernandez, professional baseball player
• Dana Howard, News10 anchor/reporter
• Jason Jiménez, former Major League pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers
• Matt Kopa, NFL player for the New England Patriots
• Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
• Spencer Levin, professional golfer
• Stephanie Lopez, professional soccer player
• Tom McClintock, California politician
• DeMarcus Nelson, NBA shooting guard, Chicago Bulls
• Del Rodgers, KCRA 3 sports anchor, former NFL kick returner
• Adam Smarte, professional soccer player
• Scott Smith (fighter), UFC fighter and mixed martial artist
• Kevin Sutherland, PGA golfer
• Casey Weathers, member of the 2008 Summer Olympics United States baseball team
• Monica Woods, News10 meteorologist

See also

• Indigenous Tribes to the Elk Grove Region - Elk Grove has one of California's largest Native American populations. An estimated 4 percent are descendants of local and other American Indian tribes.^{[citation needed]}

External links

• Official website