Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How an Elk Grove escape exposed a brutal trafficking operation
Coming up on the Elk Grove Patch calendar: Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live in Sacramento!
Morning Elk Grove! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How an Elk Grove escape exposed a brutal trafficking operation
- How one Elk Grove leader transformed Project R.I.D.E for hundreds
- Have you seen clues in Elk Grove about Julie’s disappearance?
Also on today's calendar: Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live in Sacramento! and 6 more events.
Find out what's happening in Elk Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Elk Grove.
Find out what's happening in Elk Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Friday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 57 and low of 51 degrees.
- Saturday: Periods of rain, temps: high: 58, low: 55.
- Sunday: Rain; breezy in the morning, with a high of 61 and low of 55 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Monster Unmasked as Frank Hicks Found Guilty of Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault in Sacramento (hoodline.com) — A woman escaped from an Elk Grove apartment in April 2024 and led police to uncover another victim, helping secure a conviction against Frank Hicks for human trafficking, kidnapping, and sexual assault. He faces up to 87 years to life, with sentencing set for January 23, 2026, in Sacramento, underscoring the gravity of this case for Elk Grove residents concerned about safety. 
2. A Legacy of Service (egcitizen.com) — An Elk Grove nonprofit leader, Project R.I.D.E executive director Tina Calanchini, has retired after 25 years of helping expand local equine therapy services for children and adults with special needs. Celebrated by staff, board members, and Vice Mayor Darren Suen, she leaves the Elk Grove-based program on a stronger footing that now serves hundreds of riders across the region.
3. How Can We Help? Aviation Community Known for Enduring Spirit of Assistance (flyingmag.com) — Aviation enthusiasts nationwide are still helping search for Julie Vessigault, who vanished from Elk Grove in January 2024 after driving west on Elk Grove Boulevard toward I‑5 and hasn’t been heard from since. Elk Grove Police say there’s no sign of foul play but few leads remain, and they’re asking anyone with information to contact the department as the aviation community keeps her case in the spotlight.
4. Where have former Sonoma State athletes gone after their teams were eliminated? (sfchronicle.com) — One former Sonoma State men’s soccer player from Elk Grove, Alejandro Zarate, is among many athletes who transferred after the university eliminated all 11 sports programs to address a major budget deficit. The story tracks where affected athletes landed, highlighting how statewide college sports cuts are reshaping opportunities for student-athletes from communities like Elk Grove.
5. 82 people arrested, 14k recovered in Roseville retail theft operation, police say (fox40.com) — Elk Grove Police joined several regional agencies in a four-day “Operation Grinch” retail theft crackdown centered in Roseville, where 82 people were arrested and about $14,200 in merchandise was recovered. The multi-agency effort, which also included Sacramento County deputies, targeted organized shoplifting crews hitting area stores during the holiday season.
📸 Around Elk Grove
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Elk Grove
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward Live in Sacramento!
Hilton Sacramento Arden West, 2200 Harvard St, Sacramento
2:00 pm
Saturday January 10
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- CPR and First-Aid Classes in Elk Grove
Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce , 9401 E Stockton Blvd Suite 125 , Elk Grove
9:00 am - DEC 20, BOWLING SOCIAL in Elk Grove - 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
The Alley , 3443 Laguna Blvd #150 , Elk Grove
12:15 pm - Snowman Tree Toppers
Pinot's Palette , 8962 Elk Grove Blvd , Elk Grove
3:00 pm - WelbeHealth - Elk Grove Senior Saturday - Bring Your Clients!
7560 Sheldon Rd , Elk Grove
6:00 pm - Electric Winter
Pinot's Palette , 8962 Elk Grove Blvd , Elk Grove
7:00 pm - Conversation and Coffee (or Tea) with Kindness
La Bou Bakery & Cafe , 8694 Elk Grove Blvd , Elk Grove
10:00 am - Cheerful Moment
Pinot's Palette , 8962 Elk Grove Blvd , Elk Grove
11:00 am - PALS Classes in Elk Grove
Elk Grove , 9401 E Stockton Blvd Suite 125 , Elk Grove
9:00 am
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Friday December 26
📣 Elk Grove Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Q2 Finals Schedule (8:30 AM Start)
Franklin High Elk Grove, CA 95757
8:30 am - Martita de Graná. ¡Martita sea!
Palacio de Congresos Granada , PASEO DEL VIOLÓN, S/N , Granada
10:30 am - Cupo dto completo / Los Tres Cerditos. El Musical
Palacio de Congresos Granada , PASEO DEL VIOLÓN, S/N , Granada
11:00 am - Elk Grove Thundering Herd vs Laguna Creek Cardinals
Elk Grove High School , 9800 Elk Grove Florin Rd , Elk Grove
4:30 pm
Friday December 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Elk Grove PatchAM possible:
- Heritage Exteriors Windows And Siding — (916) 756-9671
James Hardie Siding & Windows Contractor - Super Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Air - Elk Grove — (916) 713-3556
Reliable plumbing, HVAC & electrical experts in Elk Grove
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Update: Animal Control is Here🤗 There taking over.
Found dog, Husky and has harness on, 8232 Kossum Way, Sacramento. He was on East Stockton and almost got hit so I was able to get him/her into the… (Nextdoor Waterman Ranch) - HUSKY, lighter colored, wandering Monterey Trail HS parking lot along Auberry about 30 minutes ago.
He had a harness, but I was across the street with my grandpup and didn't want a squirmish. (Nextdoor Calvine Spa)
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Elk Grove. Apply here.
- Cold Stone Creamery posted a job opening for Crew Member in Elk Grove. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Elk Grove here.
Ok Elk Grove! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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