Dancing, Dialogue, and Design: Elk Grove in Motion

September in Elk Grove is bustling with celebrations, community input, and opportunities to get involved. In the latest deep dive, we’re looking ahead to Dancing the Globe at District56, a vibrant showcase of cultural performances for Diversity Awareness Month. Learn how you can shape the future through service on the Disability Advisory Committee, upcoming conversations on the City’s future homeless shelter, and a reimagining of Historic Main Street. Plus—tips to avoid costly fence mistakes, details on contests tied to the Giant Pumpkin Festival, and how to share your best Elk Grove photos in the City’s 25th Anniversary Photo Contest.

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Transcript

Kristyn Nelson: Thanks for tuning into the Elk Grove CityCast, the podcast about Elk Grove, California. I'm Kristyn Nelson, Elk Grove’s Public Affairs and Communications Manager. And with the help of artificial intelligence, we're rolling out new episodes that dive into the relevant topics, events, and happenings within our city.

We're using technology to provide you with new resources that will help you to stay informed and connect with the community at the time and with the tools that you prefer. So whether you have a passion for podcasts or print material, subscribe to social media or dig into digital. We want be a source for local information that's valuable to you.

Now, without further ado, let me turn it over to our AI friends for a deeper dive into this week's topics. 

Ai-den: Okay, let's, let's unpack this. If you've ever wanted to really understand the pulse of a, well, a vibrant community, or maybe how your own voice can directly shape its future, then you're definitely in for a treat with this deep dive. Today, we're not just scanning headlines. No. We're diving deep into the recent City of Elk Grove updates. Think of it as like a curated collection of community news, real opportunities for civic engagement, and actually some really fun local events too. Our mission here is basically to give you a shortcut, make you really well informed, not just about what's happening in Elk Grove, but also why it matters.

We want make sure you don't miss out on those crucial dates, you know, or the opportunities or those key insights that bring a community to life. 

Ai-leen: Exactly. And what's really striking, I think, is how these updates, they might seem kind of separate at first glance, but when you bring them together, they don't just paint a picture, they actually show a city that's really thoughtfully created multiple ways for residents to get involved, you know, from cultural celebrations, all the way to these specific policy committees. It's kind of a master class and weaving civic life into the everyday. It's more than just knowing what's going on. It's about actually being an active participant. 

Ai-den: I love that phrase, multiple entry points. 

Ai-leen: Yeah. '

Ai-den: Because you know, sometimes city updates can feel a bit…well dry. 

Ai-leen: Hmm. 

Ai-den: Administrative. But this first one, Dancing the Globe. That really caught my eye. It feels like such a vibrant, like undeniable entry point. It's part of Elk Grove's Diversity Awareness Month, right? 

Ai-leen: Mm-hmm.

Ai-den: What exactly is this event? 

Ai-leen: Oh, it's fantastic. It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like, but maybe even more spectacular in person. It's a full immersion into the beauty, the energy, the diversity of dance from cultures all around the world, and the timing's great too. It's actually happening this Saturday, September 13th. 

Ai-den: Oh, perfect. This weekend. So where does everyone need to go to see this global dance spectacular?

Ai-leen: Okay, so it's at District 56 for anyone who maybe doesn't know it, that's Elk Grove's really great community and event center. The address is 8230 Civic Center Drive. And here's the best part. It's completely free. It's totally family friendly, and it features performances by local and regional dance groups. People who are really passionate about their art form. We're talking like vibrant folklorico. You can feel the energy. Intricate Filipino theater, really energetic, Scottish Highland dance. 

Ai-den: Yeah. 

Ai-leen: Powerful African drumming. I mean, that's just a taste. 

Ai-den: Wow. That sounds like a real feast for the senses. Seriously. Is there more to it than just the performances? Like other ways to engage while you're there?

Ai-leen: Oh, absolutely. Yeah. You can connect with various community service vendors, find out about local initiatives, and of course, you know, enjoy some delicious food and drinks. They'll have stuff available for purchase. It's really designed to be a whole experience. If you want the full performance schedule, you can check that out online, www.elkgrove.gov/diversitymonth. 

Ai-den: Just imagine the energy there. The sights, the sounds. It feels like more than just a fun day out. You know, it really feels like it builds a foundation for maybe that deeper civic engagement. You mentioned earlier, it's not just fluff. 

Ai-leen: You're absolutely right. These aren't just, you know, isolated fun events. They're actually vital. They foster social cohesion precisely because they create those first positive connections. When you share a joyful experience like that, maybe watching a dance performance together, it builds a sense of shared community, and that makes it well, much easier for residents to then engage in something like, say a disability advisory committee meeting later on. It's all connected. It's part of the same fabric. 

Ai-den: That's a really interesting connection. Okay, so speaking of those deeper civic opportunities, Beyond the fantastic celebrations like Dancing the Globe, how can you the listener, really roll up your sleeves and directly influence Elk Grove's future? Because it sounds like the city is actively looking for input. For participation in some key areas. 

Ai-leen: Okay, first up, there's a really significant opportunity here. It's a chance to join the Disability Advisory Committee. Now, this committee's whole purpose is to make Elk Grove an even more accessible, more inclusive community for everyone. And the city is looking for one new member right now, specifically a person with a disability who's 18 or older. And lives right there in Elk Grove, 

Ai-den: and this is such an impactful role. I think sometimes people hear advisory committee and think it's just, you know, showing up for an hour a month. But the real influence comes from the work you do beforehand, reviewing materials, maybe even visiting sites, and crucially, consistently bringing that genuine lived experience to the discussions. It's less about just debating policy points and much more about, empathetic consultation, giving real world feedback. That's a really helpful insight.

So, okay, someone's thinking about applying. What does the actual commitment look like month to month? 

Ai-leen: Well, the committee itself meets once a month. It's the third Wednesday, 6:00 PM over at City Hall. It is a volunteer position. You get appointed by the mayor. Council approval, but here's the thing, the term for this specific appointment, it runs all the way through February, 2029. That long-term aspect really highlights the potential impact, doesn't it? You're genuinely shaping the city's accessibility for years to come. Making sure those critical perspectives aren't just, you know, heard occasionally, but are actively woven into city planning, into policy making. 

Ai-den: Wow. February, 2029. So it really is a chance to make a lasting difference. Moving beyond just checking boxes for compliance to like genuine inclusion. Okay, so if you're passionate about this, about making a positive change, you do apply online. Go to the city's website. The deadline is Wednesday, September 17th, so don't let that slip by. Seriously check it out.

All right. Next up, let's talk about a really vital community conversation. It's actually reaching a crucial stage now. It's the homeless shelter meeting series, and this is important. This is the last meeting in a series of three. It's happening next Wednesday, September 17th at 5:30 PM and it's back at District56 again. 

Ai-leen: Right. And this meeting specifically is focused on visioning. 

Ai-den: Yep. 

Ai-leen: Which is, uh, a really critical step in these kinds of projects. The project team, they're gonna share some early design ideas, some mood boards. You can think of mood boards like, visual collages, colors, textures, maybe some inspiring images. All based on the feedback the community has given so far. 

Ai-den: Okay. So your role if you attend, is to react to those concepts, share your thoughts, help sort of shape the direction for the shelter's conceptual design. But, and this is really important to clarify, this is still a conceptual conversation, right? We're not talking about where the shelter will be located yet. 

Ai-leen: Exactly and that phased approach, it's quite strategic actually focusing on the vision, the what's and the how first. It helps ensure that the shelter really aligns with community values, with actual needs before you get into the, where it's a smart way to handle complex public projects. It allows for that thoughtful development building community buy-in from the start. Instead of just jumping straight into, you know what can often be pretty contentious debates about location input on potential sites. That's coming later this fall. For more info or if you want updates, just visit www.elkgrove.gov/longtermshelter. 

Ai-den: Got it. Okay. And if you're interested in the. Well, the very fabric, the feel of Elk Grove. There's another amazing opportunity you can help with the Main Street makeover. We're talking about the Historic Main Street special planning area. Mm, the SPA. Now, for anyone not familiar, an SPA is basically, it's like a specific plan for one area. It helps preserve the historic charm, but also sense the tone for the future, how things develop. And this planning document is originally from 1985, last updated in 2014. It's being reimagined right now to reflect today's community, today's vision. 

Ai-leen: And this is such a profound opportunity because these planning documents, SPAs and the like, they have incredibly long-lastingg effects on a city's character.

Its economic health, everything. It really brings up that important question, doesn't it? How do cities balance preserving history with, you know, modern values and needs as they change this main street makeover in Elk Groves? Perfect example of a community grappling with its identity. Looking to define its future while still honoring its past.

Ai-den: Exactly. So this is your chance to weigh in on that big question. What should the future of historic Main Street actually feel like? Should it be like bustling, family friendly, maybe like Folsom? Or should it really lean into its historic roots, kind of like Placerville does? Or maybe you know, a more laid back small town vibe? Something like Winters. 

Ai-leen: And the city's actually made it pretty easy to engage. They've put out six proposed personas. These are basically distinct identities or visions for Main Street. You can check them out online, give your input, share your thoughts. You can also sign up for updates on the city's website and remember. Resident input here. It's not just about how a street looks. It will really help define the economic energy, the very soul of that district for generations. 

Ai-den: Okay. Alright. Now let's switch gears a bit. Yeah. From that, grand visioning stuff to something a bit more grounded, literally grounded. Let's talk fences and trust me on this, You do not want to learn about Elk Grove's fence rules the hard way. Like having to tear down a brand new fence you just paid for. I've definitely heard stories. 

Ai-leen: Oh yeah, you're right. That's a classic example, isn't it? Where a seemingly small detail can turn into a massive headache and it's not just about, following the rules for the sake of it. It's about preserving the look and the function of our public spaces. Can you imagine if every single fence was built right up against the sidewalk? It changes the whole feel of a street, affects visibility, even how people walk. 

Ai-den: Ah, okay. So that. General rule, the five-foot setback from the back edge of the sidewalk for fences that border a public sidewalk in the street right away. It's not just random. It's about keeping that space open. Navigable. 

Ai-leen: Exactly. Yeah. It's a micro example of, well. Thoughtful urban planning. These rules aren't just arbitrary hoops to jump through. They're designed to maintain safety, make sure there's public access, and yeah, contribute to the overall character, the curb appeal of our neighborhoods. But, and this is really crucial to remember, the requirements can vary a lot sometimes depending on the zoning area, and there might be other restrictions too. 

Ai-den: Okay. So the key takeaway, the crucial advice here is always, always check with the city's planning division before you start any fence project, before you dig that first post hole. A quick check really can save you a world of pain. And money. 

Ai-leen: Mm. 

Ai-den: Nobody wants to be that neighbor, right? The one with the, uh, the rogue fence, getting stern letters from the city. 

Ai-leen: Precisely. And it's easy enough to do, you can just email them, planner@elkgrovecity.org or give them a call. 916- 478-2265. It's a small step up front that prevents potentially significant financial and logistical headaches later.

It actually ties back in a way to that Main Street makeover idea we were just talking about. Every element, big or small, like a fence contributes to the city's identity and how well it functions. 

Ai-den: Huh…I love that you're connecting all these dots. It makes so much sense. Okay, now let's definitely end on a high note, a celebratory one. Let's showcase some opportunities for creativity and just plain fun right here in Elk Grove. First up, you can showcase your skills at the Giant Pumpkin Festival. This sounds amazing. Whether you're like a budding artist with a paintbrush, maybe a whiz with pumpkin recipes, or a super skilled cupcake baker, or maybe you create those amazing scarecrows that look like they could walk right off the lawn. Your talents are wanted. 

Ai-leen: Yes. And here's a nice little incentive. There are cash prizes up for grabs. So if you've got a hidden talent, maybe related to pumpkins or autumn themes, this is absolutely your chance to shine. Get recognized by the community. 

Ai-den: Exactly. And everyone gets to see these incredible entries. They'll be on display during the annual Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival that's happening October 4th and 5th down in Elk Grove Park. You can find out more like all the categories and how to enter At www.cosumnescsd.gov/GPF. So yeah, get those creative juices flowing. 

Ai-leen: Okay. And then there's also the Capture the Moment Photo Contest. What are they looking for here? Basically photos. Photos that really capture life in Elk Grove over the last, wow, 25 years. Could be big festivals. Could be quiet family milestones. Recent snapshots or you know, treasured throwbacks from the attic. 

Ai-den: You know, this is really more than just a photo contest, isn't it? It's like an invitation to help tell the story. The rich, evolving story of the city. But through the eyes of the people who live there, it becomes kind of a living archive, capturing the spirit that changes in Elk Grove through people's talents and their memories. That's a beautiful way to put it. A living archive. And the rewards are pretty cool too. A chance to win prizes and maybe even be featured in city publications. The submission deadline is September 22nd, so you've got a little time, but maybe start digging through those old photo albums or scrolling through your phone now. All the details are at www.elkgrove.gov/photocontest. 

Ai-leen: and if we, you know, connect this back to the bigger picture again, contests like the Giant Pumpkin Festival or this Capture the moment, one, they aren't just fun things to do. They actually become part of the city's narrative. It's story. And that race is an interesting question, I think. How do these kinds of traditions, these creative outlets, how do they help define a community's unique character? How do they create that shared sense of identity of belonging that lasts for generations? They literally become the visual, the cultural legacy of the place. 

Ai-den: That's so true. Okay, so wrapping this all up, what does this deep dive mean for you Listening right now? Well, from Dancing the Globe to shaping Main Street's future. From understanding your fence lines, maybe avoiding a costly mistake to celebrating giant pumpkins. Elk Grove is clearly a city that's just bustling with activity, with opportunity. There are just so many ways for you to engage, to celebrate, and yeah, to directly influence your community. And hey, to make sure you stay connected with all this stuff and whatever comes next, remember, you can sign up for weekly email updates in the city.

They come out every Monday. Just visit www.elkgrove.gov to sign up. 

Ai-leen: Yeah, this whole deep dive into Elk Groves updates, it really does highlight something fundamental, I think. That a city isn't just, you know, a collection of buildings or street addresses. It's an ongoing conversation, a living thing. And the most vibrant cities, the ones that really thrive, they're the ones where every resident sees themselves as an act participant in that conversation, lending their voice, their unique talents, their perspective to help shape what comes next. Its future chapters. So maybe the final thought is how will you contribute to the unfolding story of your community this month? Thanks so much for joining us on the deep dive. 

Kristyn Nelson: Thank you for listening to the Elk Grove CityCast. Tune in again soon for another deep dive into the news events and happenings around the City of Elk Grove. Like what we're doing? please rate, review, and subscribe to the show to help spread the word to other audiophiles. Want more news before the next episode? Follow the city of Elk Grove on social media. You can find us on X Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor, or get our news delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for the city's weekly email update@elkgrove.gov. Thanks again for listening For the City of Elk Grove, I'm Kristyn Nelson.