ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - City Manager Jason Behrmann discussed the recently announced plans for Michael Hargis’ Slow & Low smokehouse to reopen as Horn Elk Grove and $500,000 of city funds used to help guarantee a loan for improvement of the space. 

Behrmann said “most” of the funds were used to make permanent upgrades to the restaurant location prior to opening, and those improvements will be used by incoming barbecue magnate Matt Horn. 

Behrmann reiterated a statement from City Spokesperson Sydney Robertson earlier in January that no city funds had been forfeited due to the change in ownership. 

“We are excited to welcome Horn barbecue to Elk Grove,” Behrmann said. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Funding Approved 

Behrmann touted the approval of five electric vehicle charging stations in Elk Grove as part of a $11.63 million grant received by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). 

The grant is approved via federal funding to specifically build the charging stations. City officials partnered with Sacramento County officials to apply for the funding via the Federal Highway Administration's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program.

 Four other charging stations will be built in Sacramento. 

The stations will be publicly accessible, and the city plans to work with SMUD on an education program highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles, Behrmann said.

Elk Grove’s eight-session courses on the ins and outs of Elk Grove government, Elk Grove 101, is accepting new applications. 

The training program provides residents an opportunity to learn how the city government operates. 

The program is free and open to anyone 18 and over who lives or works in Elk Grove. Spring classes will run from April 1 to May 20, on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. 

Behrmann said the classes are different from previous cohorts that were held in the evenings.

“We are kind of changing it to see if there were people who couldn’t make the evening session who wanted to go during the daytime and see what kind of response we get,” Behrmann said.

The Elk Grove Police Department is seeking new applications for its spring 2025 Citizens Academy. 

The 11-week course provides residents with an inside look at the Elk Grove Police Department and will be held on Tuesday nights starting Feb.4. 

Details are available at the Elk Grove Police Department’s website. 

Racist Message Found on Construction Board 

City officials said the City of Elk Grove “is no place for hate” after a racial slur was found displayed on a construction message board early Sunday morning.

The one-word racist message was displayed on an electric message board on Laguna Boulevard near Franklin Boulevard. The City Council wrote on its Facebook page in a statement that the board is not city equipment but does belong to a contractor associated with the Sacramento Sewer District Harvest Water Project. 

“The sign was quickly turned off and the city is working with the Sewer District to investigate the matter,” the city wrote on its Facebook page. “Elk Grove is no place for hate. The City Council and staff reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful community for all.” 

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said the incident was “shameful and unacceptable” and does not reflect the values of the city. 

“I want answers and accountability,” Singh-Allen said in a statement

Vice Mayor Sergio Robles said the city will update residents with the findings of the investigation.

“Racism has no place in Elk Grove,” Robles said on Facebook. “I am committed to ensuring that our city reflects these values.”