Couch Comments & Cannonballs

Ever wanted to vent to city council without leaving your couch? We’re sharing Elk Grove's new live audio public comment option and news about National Night Out, the Raise the Barn Banquet fundraiser, the BRICs business security rebate program, summer fun at the Aquatic Center, and EGPD's 20th anniversary. Plus, we’re providing a sneak peek at next week's bonus episode about the City’s push for more arts and culture.

Rate, review and subscribe to the Elk Grove CityCast to get more information about the people, programs, and services shaping the City. 

Transcript

Kristyn Nelson: Thanks for tuning in to 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 wanna 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: Ever wanted to tell your city council exactly how you feel without leaving your couch or even changing out of pajamas? This week, Elk Grove gives you options, and we're spilling all the secrets. 

AI-leen: Honestly, it's like democracy meets a Netflix binge. Live audio public comment now possible from your living room?

I'm here, and together we promise you'll walk away knowing the easiest ways to participate, plus how to stay in the loop with weekly city emails. 

AI-den: We'll cover the new Zoom comment feature, tips for submitting written feedback, and why your neighborhood block party might just save the city. Oh, and don't miss info on the first ever mural festival and some fun at the aquatic center.

AI-leen: Stick around. We've got barn raising, camera upgrades, and a police department anniversary too. Ready to dive in? 

AI-den: Imagine venting about potholes to city leaders while still curled up on your sofa, thanks to new state laws. Elk Grove residents can now provide live audio public comment via Zoom. 

AI-leen: And if you're like me and your Wi-Fi only works on alternate Tuesdays, you can still send written comments by email or even leave a voicemail.

No excuses for silent grumbling anymore. 

AI-den: Exactly. Just email cityclerk@elkgrove.gov or call 916-478-2286 before 4:00 PM on meeting day. Your comments get to the council, though they won't be read out loud unless someone on the council wants dramatic flair. 

AI-leen: You get up to three minutes per item, so polish those rants.

And if you want to check agendas, watch meetings live, or just snoop on what's happening, head to www.elkgrove.gov/city-council. 

AI-den: That actually reminds me, if your idea of civic engagement involves snacks and mingling, National Night Out is for you. Picture block parties, but with actual cops and city officials hanging out.

AI-leen: Tuesday, August 4th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM you can join the fun. It's the one night when chatting with a police officer feels totally normal and maybe even strategic if you wanna prevent crime and drug use. 

AI-den: It's all about strengthening neighborhoods and forging community police partnerships. Plus, rumor has it, there might be cookies.

I'd show up for cookies. 

AI-leen: Absolutely. And it's a great way to connect, learn more, and maybe swap some secret family recipes. Let's keep Elk Grove safe and delicious. 

AI-den: Switching gears, have you ever wanted to help build a barn, but minus the heavy lifting? Enter the Raise the Barn Banquet, supporting Elk Grove's barn project.

AI-leen: On Friday, August 21, you can join friends at District Five Six, all for a good cause. The goal? A historic hay barn replica at Heritage Park, complete with wagons, carriages, and enough space for weddings and celebrations. 

AI-den: It's a signature fundraising event. Think dinner, history, and maybe an opportunity to brag you helped preserve local culture.

Tickets online, and calories, well spent. 

AI-leen: After all, nothing says community spirit like breaking bread under the looming shadow of future barn grandeur. 

AI-den: Funny you say lofty goals, because the city council just launched BRICKS, a program that helps businesses get reimbursed for fancy security camera systems.

AI-leen: If you own a shop, office, or even an apartment complex, you could get up to $5,000 back. That's a lot of cameras, enough to catch every lost wallet and dramatic eye roll 

AI-den: And these systems might connect to the city's real-time information center so law enforcement can respond faster. It's like having a superhero, but with a really good lens.

AI-leen: Contact the economic development office to learn more, because who doesn't want to star in their own security footage hero edition? 

AI-den: On a lighter note, the Elk Grove Aquatic Center is making waves literally. Water slides, lazy river, and sun-soaked lounging all inside District 56 at 9000 701 Big Horn Boulevard.

AI-leen: Whether you're a pro swimmer or someone who never lets go of the pool noodle, there's something for everyone. And they offer both group and private lessons, so you can finally conquer your fear of synchronized splashing. 

AI-den: Plus, it's time to celebrate. The Elk Grove Police Department turns 20 this month.

Nearly 300 staff now with two dozen OG officers who remember the good old days like landline dispatch and mustaches that could stop traffic. 

AI-leen: Their commitment is stronger than ever. Shout out to everyone who supports EGPD residents, businesses, and even those folks who deliver their thank you cookies.

That's crime prevention in snack form. 

AI-den: Before we wrap, don't forget, you can sign up to get weekly city updates right in your inbox every Monday at elkgrove.gov. It's like a cheat sheet for everything happening, and no pop quizzes. 

AI-leen: Also, next week's bonus episode is a big one. We'll sit down with Sara Rodriguez, the arts, culture, and creative economy program manager, to chat about the new city commission, Elk Grove's first mural festival, and the push to make arts a creative city focus.

AI-den: Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lots of paint splatter, and probably a few jokes about mural mishaps. If you're curious about arts and culture in Elk Grove, this is your golden ticket. 

AI-leen: Keep your eyes on your inbox and your podcast feed, and maybe your paintbrushes just in case inspiration strikes. 

AI-den: Let's recap.

First, you can now participate in council meetings live or remotely with zero fuss. Second, community events like National Night Out and Raise the Barn bring neighbors together. And third, the BRICS program makes safety upgrades easier for local businesses. 

AI-leen: Plus, don't forget the Aquatic Center for summer fun and EGPD's 20-year celebration.

And the arts scene, it's about to get mural-ous thanks to next week's bonus episode with Sara Rodriguez. 

AI-den: Want to stay informed and be part of all the action? Sign up for the weekly city email at elkgrove.gov. It's the easiest move you can make besides showing up for cookies. 

AI-leen: Thanks for tuning in. Take action.

Try a new way to participate in city life this week, whether it's a council comment, a block party, or a cannonball at the Aquatic Center. See you next time

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 audio files. 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 at elkgrove.gov. Thanks again for listening. For the city of Elk Grove, I'm Kristyn Nelson