Silent Disco Dancing & Uncontested Elections

Tune in to hear about two local seats that were just decided without a vote, silent discos and startup pitches worth $20K. Plus how to score free student bus rides.

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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 wish your Monday inbox came with a disco ball and breaking news minus the spam about lost princes? 

AI-leen: Honestly, if my inbox did that, I'd actually look forward to Mondays, but we can get you close. I'm here with the inside scoop on everything Elk Grove, straight from the city. If you sign up at elkgrove.gov, you get updates delivered every week.

AI-den: That's right, and today, we're diving into mayoral drama that's not really drama, a silent disco that's anything but quiet, some roll and bike rodeo action, and ways to help your favorite accessibility heroes get some much deserved applause. 

AI-leen: Plus, we'll wrap up with how your student can ride the bus for free, no secret handshakes required.

So stick around for quick hit updates, fun event tips, and a few questionable puns. 

AI-den: Let's kick things off with the Elk Grove election drama, if you can call it that. Spoiler alert, there isn't any. Both the mayor and District 2 council spots have exactly one candidate each. 

AI-leen: I love a race with zero suspense.

Under state law, when there's only one runner, they win by default. So Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Rod Brewer for District 2 are basically getting handed the keys, no campaign trail required. 

AI-den: The city's not even waiting for November. Appointments happen August 20 at a special city council meeting. No confetti, but probably a lot less stress.

AI-leen: But don't lose your voting spirit. The District 4 council seat is still up for grabs and will actually be on the ballot in November 2026. Long countdown, but hey, gives you plenty of time to prep your campaign signs. 

AI-den: Changing gears, ever wanted to dance in public without people judging your song choice?

The silent disco's back at District56 this Friday. 

AI-leen: Picture this. Three music channels, two live DJs, and a room full of people grooving in perfect unison or complete chaos, depending who you watch. 

AI-den: Headphones are your gateway to musical freedom, and don't worry if your moves look weird. Everyone else is too busy doing their own thing.

Free for all ages, with snacks to fuel your best moonwalk. 

AI-leen: It runs 6:00 to 8:00 PM this Friday, so bring your crew or just your brave self. If nothing else, you'll leave with a story and probably a few questionable dance moves you'll blame on channel three. 

AI-den: Speaking of moving and grooving, students, before you pedal wildly into a new school year, check out the Back to School Bike Rodeo.

AI-leen: It's happening Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at District 56. And don't worry, no rodeo clowns, just bike helmets and safety skills. 

AI-den: Kids get hands-on practice to ride safely, whether it's dodging rogue squirrels or mastering the art of the perfectly executed stop sign wave. 

AI-leen: Totally free, but you do need to register online.

Who knows? Your student might just come home with bragging rights as Elk Grove's next bike ninja. 

AI-den: Now, if you prefer your competition with a dash of entrepreneurial flair, the Pitch Elk Grove Startup Competition is calling your name. 

AI-leen: Eight local startups will pitch their ideas live for a slice of $20,000, sort of like Shark Tank, but with less dramatic lighting and probably fewer tearful backstories.

AI-den: It's all going down Thursday, September 3, at District 56. RSVPs are required since seats are limited, so if you want in, hit up the city's website now before you're stuck watching highlights on social media. 

AI-leen: And hey, even if you leave empty-handed, you'll definitely walk out with a few wild ideas and a renewed faith in Elk Grove's quirky innovation game.

AI-den: This next one's close to the heart. The 20th Annual Accessibility Award is looking for nominations. Know someone or a business who goes above and beyond for folks with disabilities? 

AI-leen: This is your chance to shine a light on the unsung heroes. Maybe it's your favorite barista who learned sign language, or a local shop with next-level ramps and welcoming vibes.

AI-den: Nominations are open until September 4 at 5:00 PM, and you can submit online. It's the perfect way to pay it forward and give someone the gold star they totally deserve. 

AI-leen: And really, who wouldn't want to be recognized for making Elk Grove more awesome for everyone? That's a win in our book. 

AI-den: Before we sign off, here's a quick win for families.

Every student grades TK-12 can ride the entire SacRT system for free. Just flash a Ride Free RT card and you're set. 

AI-leen: That's a serious upgrade from when I had to barter snacks for a ride home. More info's at sacrt.com/ridefreert, or just call 916321-BUSS. Okay, rapid-fire takeaways. 

AI-den: First, get city news the easy way with the Monday email at elkgrove.gov.

Second, don't miss the chance to dance silently or not so silently at the Silent Disco. Third, nominate your favorite accessibility advocate and celebrate the folks making Elk Grove awesome. 

AI-leen: Your next step, pop over to elkgrove.gov and sign up for those weekly updates. That way, you'll always be first to know and maybe first on the dance floor.

Thanks for listening, and catch you in your inbox next Monday.

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