In May there were events - some self-inflicted and some out of their control - that turned the month for the quasi-government agency tasked with transforming the community into a tourist destination,  Explore Elk Grove, into one they would rather forget. 1

 In this edition of Elk Grove News Podcast, we meet with Elk Grove Planning Commissioner George Murphey.

The discussion centers on an event scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at Elk Grove City Hall that he and fellow planning commissioner Mackenzie Weiser helped organize. The event, called Tacos and Test Drives will allow participants to examine, test drive and learn about the vast array of non-fossil fuel vehicles.

 A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could have serious implications for the business plan of the proposed Wilton Rancheria casino in Elk Grove, city coffers, and motorist.  

 In this edition, we are joined by Elk Grove resident Kathy Engle who discusses documents she obtained that shed further light on the 400-bed hospital proposed by California North state University in Elk Grove’s Stonelake Neighborhood. 

Elk Grove's Swimmin' Hole, known formally as the Elk Grove Aquatics Center will hold a grand opening ceremony on Memorial Day Weekend. While city leaders will be strutting around like Baywatch lifeguards next Saturday at the over-budget facility, what happens in a few years?  

 In this episode, we have a discussion with marketing professional Kristen Berkery who has filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court against the Visit Elk Grove tourism agency and their executive director, John  "JT" Thompson.

Berkery alleges Thompson of using his position as executive director to sexually harass her.  

 Every now and then political opponents can find common ground or at least common ground on governance practices. Such is the case for Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly, and City Council Member Pat Hume when he served his one term as mayor 10 years ago. 

See companion video and story to this podcast here. 

 This week the Sacramento LAFCO approved Elk Grove’s sphere of influence application for about 600-acres along Grant Line Road. The approval paves the way for Elk Grove to annex this parcel.

Alone this is not remarkable. What is noteworthy, however, is the ruse the Elk Grove City Council seemingly pulled on taxpayers.  

 After a 34-year law enforcement career, Elk Grove Police Chief Bryan Noblett recently announced his retirement. A 10-year veteran of the Elk Grove Police Department, Noblett was the EGPD's third chief serving three years in that role.

In this edition, Noblett reflects on aspects of his career and what the future holds for Elk Grove Police. 

Photo credit: Officer Jason Jimenez, EGPD

 In this edition, we are breaking our typical format on politics and current events and will discuss the 2019 NFL draft, specifically the Detroit Lions draft.