Rural Roots Sunday: What do I like best about life in Rural Elk Grove? In a word...Everything!

“…The Rural Area is valued in our community for its aesthetic and cultural significance, as well as the economic and educational opportunities that agriculture provides. Our commitment to maintaining the Rural Area is clear and codified in core planning documents…” Elk Grove General Plan, December 2025

Thanks to our wide-open view, we start the day with breathtaking sunrises. Always different. Always a stunning rainbow of colors created to escort us into a new day.

Occasionally, we get a glimpse of coyotes or foxes out for a meal. Once we watched a mother coyote and her pup stalk the neighbors' Great Danes. The cows lined up along the fence. You could almost hear them shouting “fight fight” as they watched the show. Finally, the dogs’ fierce barking (they wanted to play!) were too much as the coyotes left to find a meal elsewhere. The cows meandered back to their grazing, and the dogs back to their kennel.

When grand dog Thor visits, he loves to kiss the cows. They lined up like it was a kissing booth, all wanting to greet this friendly boy.

Our boy Prince also loved the cows. He more than once escaped into their pasture to visit. Not so fun for me when it was breeding time and the bull was there protecting the herd! Other times we “rescued” Prince after he ran through the cow muck! He looked hilarious, like he was wearing black waders. Hose to the rescue. Sadly, we lost Prince a couple years ago after 19 wonderful years.

So many birds! They love our property, and we love them. Some of our feathered friends peck the back door just to say hi!

Afternoon is the time to visit the neighbor’s horses, or pick some fruit from our orchard, or tend to the hours of work that acreage requires. Sometimes our wonderful neighbors stop by. The community is always ready to lend a hand, exchange meals, or swap produce.

Soon, our community will grow as we welcome new neighbors to additional two-acre parcels, allowing more families to enjoy the many benefits and natural beauty that rural Elk Grove has to offer.

At the end of the day we might be greeted by an amazing moon rise, reminding us that every day can end beautifully.

It is no wonder that Elk Grove citizens united when writing the city's original General Plan, choosing to set aside and protect Rural Elk Grove. Nor is it surprising that each time the General Plan came under review, groups of engaged citizens continued to recognize the importance of preserving this unique part of Elk Grove's history and identity.

It takes only three elected officials to undo decades of thoughtful planning and public commitment to preserve Elk Grove's heritage. What a shame it would be if that happened.

Please continue to support Rural Elk Grove.

Carolyn S.