Business Spotlight For This Week

Paesanos: Where Elk Grove Feels Like Family

When you sit down at Paesanos, you notice something right away, it’s not just about the food. There’s a warmth in the air, like you’ve stepped into a friend’s home. That feeling is no accident.

I asked Dave Virga, the owner what Elk Grove means to him, and he leaned back with a smile.

“When we opened this location on Bond Road, we didn’t just want to be another restaurant. We wanted to be part of people’s lives. Birthdays, soccer wins, anniversaries, or just a Tuesday night when no one feels like cooking—those are the moments we’re honored to share.”

That heart shows up everywhere—from the cozy patio that invites families to linger, to the staff who treat regulars like old friends. “Elk Grove has such a strong sense of community,” he told me. “We wanted Paesanos to reflect that—laid-back, welcoming, and always a little special.”

And then, of course, there’s the food—the piece that makes people fall in love and keep coming back. Dave Virga chuckled as he rattled off the favorites:

“The Ricotta Garlic Bread with lemon ricotta is a staple—it’s simple, but people light up when they try it. The Polenta Fries with gorgonzola sauce… that one surprises people in the best way. Bocce Balls are just fun—it’s fried pizza dough, how can you go wrong? And the Fried Ravioli, well, those disappear pretty quick at any table.”

For him, though, the menu is about more than recipes. “Food is memory. If someone leaves here with a story to tell, or a tradition they build with their family, then we’ve done our job.”

In a city that’s growing fast, Paesanos has carved out something rare—a place that feels like it’s always been here, waiting for you.

So whether you’re celebrating big or keeping it simple, Paesanos is ready to welcome you in. As the owner put it best:
“At the end of the day, we just want you to feel at home.”

Do you have a favorite local spot that deserves the spotlight? Share it with us—we’d love to feature them in the next edition of the newsletter.

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Jeremiah Taylor- Local Hero Of the Week!

Jeremiah Taylor, an educator who's been part of the Elk Grove community for years, got his big break on a basketball court back in 2015. Not teaching this time - at a Sacramento Kings game during halftime. Got picked randomly for a half-court shot attempt. Crowd went wild when he nailed it, scoring a Ford Fiesta for his family later said was pure luck mixed with timing. You know how these things go.

Been at Pleasant Grove High since before that moment and still there today. Teaching 15 years straight as of 2024 plus coaching gigs stretching two decades total. Helped football teams snag Section titles in 2012 then basketball State champs the next year. Guy knows his way around sports programs.

Then in early 2024 they tapped him to launch the school's first girls flag football team. Said he felt pumped about getting back into coaching there called it an honor or something like that season starts fall 2024 we'll see how it plays out.

Thing is the car win made headlines but locals know him for more than one lucky shot. Been mentoring kids forever keeps showing up year after year. Students respect him parents appreciate the effort community sees the work he puts in. That half-court thing was cool yeah but his real legacy? All those seasons spent building up teams helping kids grow teaching them how to push through challenges.

You walk around Elk Grove people will tell you - man's been making quiet impacts long before cameras caught that basketball moment. Still does today same energy same dedication just keeps grinding away shaping futures one student at a time

Elk Grove High School Revitalization Celebrated

Elk Grove High School unveiled its newly modernized campus this month after a multi-year renovation project that updated classrooms, added new buildings, and revitalized the central quad. The upgrades included improvements to the cafeteria, band room, sports facilities (such as the Bill Cartwright basketball arena), and the weight room.

The Friends & Alumni of Elk Grove High School Association hosted a free community open house on August 9, drawing alumni and community members. Notable attendees included historian Louis Silveira, Jim Entrican, longtime educator Elizabeth Pinkerton, and Citizen of the Year Raelynn Bayles. The Elk Grove Lions Club supported the event by serving food and drinks.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony followed on August 12, with recognition given to Flint Builders and Lionakis for leading the project. Local leaders, including Mayor Bobbie Allen-Singh, Councilmember Rod Brewer, and Elk Grove Unified School District trustees, also participated.

The modernization marks an important milestone for Elk Grove High, California’s first union high school (opened in 1893) and now the second-oldest high school in Sacramento County.

With its renovations finished, the event emphasized honoring Elk Grove High’s more than 130-year-old legacy while offering students a modernized campus designed to serve generations to come.

City Announces Finalists for Pitch Elk Grove

The wait is over! Following a highly competitive review process, the City of Elk Grove is pleased to announce the nine startups advancing to the finals of the 2025 Pitch Elk Grove competition.

Initially planned as an eight-finalist event, the exceptional quality of this year’s semi-finalists led to an expansion to nine. These companies represent some of the most promising early-stage ventures in the Sacramento region, each offering innovative solutions to key challenges that present significant market opportunities.

On Sept. 4, the finalists will present their ventures live before a panel of industry experts at The Center at District56 in Elk Grove. They will compete for their share of $20,000 in prize money: $10,000 for the top startup, $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place and $2,500 for the best Elk Grove-based startup.

By combining monetary awards with meaningful mentorship and exposure, Pitch Elk Grove delivers lasting value that extends far beyond competition day.

In preparation for the finals, each team will work closely with an experienced pitch coach to refine their presentations, strengthen their narratives and sharpen their delivery. This personalized guidance is designed to position them for success during the competition and beyond, equipping them with the skills, confidence and connections to engage future investors, partners and customers.

“These startups embody the bold thinking and innovative spirit that are fueling our region’s next wave of growth,” said Economic Development Director Darrell Doan. “This year’s competition was one of the most competitive yet and expanding the finalists to nine shows just how much talent we’re working with in Greater Sacramento.”

From breakthrough technologies to community-transforming solutions, each finalist has demonstrated early traction, a solid growth plan, and the ability to clearly communicate their vision. They’re led by passionate teams ready to make a measurable impact.

The nine finalists are:

Demotu (Cameron Park): An AI-powered training platform using movement analysis for gyms and sports teams.

EnlitenAI (Tracy): Delivers personalized neurology care with AI-driven decision support for treatment optimization.

IGH Naturals (Sacramento): Offers a patented electrolyte mix that helps reduce chemo-related vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores.

Red Line Safety, Inc. (Greenwood): Develops wearable technology to protect firefighters, enhance operations, and safeguard property.

Rely (Sacramento): Verifies renter data once for use anywhere, helping operators lease faster with built-in intelligence.

Resolv (Truckee): Automates clean energy rebates using AI to unlock billions for contractors and incentive providers.

SeeMedX (Sacramento): Provides continuous, noninvasive heart monitoring to improve patient care and outcomes.

Soar Optics (Elk Grove): Creates products for the rapid and cost-effective detection of microplastics.

Stealth Talent Solutions (El Dorado Hills): An outcome-based hiring platform combining AI with agency-level service at software speed and scale.

“The quality of this year’s finalists reflects the growing strength of the Sacramento region’s startup ecosystem,” said Laura Good, President and CEO of StartupSac. “Pitch Elk Grove gives these founders a chance to showcase their potential and tap into a community of support that can help take them to the next level.”

Produced by the City of Elk Grove in partnership with StartupSac and Explore Elk Grove, Pitch Elk Grove offers early-stage, investable startups the opportunity to gain visibility, receive mentorship and compete for funding. The competition is part of the Startup Elk Grove Incentive Program, which provides technical and financial support to help startups launch, scale and thrive in Elk Grove.

The 2025 finalist judges include Cheryl Beninga of Wai Mohala Ventures, Ashu Bhalla of Moneta Ventures, Pam Kaur of BankTech Ventures, and Mariah Lichtenstern of DiverseCity Ventures. The final judge will be announced at a later date.

To attend this year’s Pitch Elk Grove event on Sept. 4, register at 3common.com/pitchelkgrove2025. For more information on the criteria of the contest, visit startupsac.com/pitch-elk-grove.

Quote Of The Day

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault

Sky Port, a new Asian fusion restaurant, brings fine dining to Elk Grove

Elk Grove has a new dining destination that’s already turning heads. Sky Port Restaurant & Bar, located just off I-5 on West Taron Court, blends fine dining with an aviation-inspired twist. From the moment you step inside, the sleek décor, soft jazz, and airline-style service uniforms make you feel like you’ve boarded first class.

On the menu, Chef Jonathan Esquivel showcases Asian-fusion dishes with flair—think crispy calamari, walnut shrimp, sushi rolls, and elegant four-course prix fixe dinners. Diners have praised both the flavor and the presentation, calling it “a true first-class experience.”

While a few visitors have noted slower pacing during quieter evenings, the overall buzz has been overwhelmingly positive. With its unique theme, polished service, and creative cuisine, Sky Port is already establishing itself as one of Elk Grove’s most exciting new spots.

Address: 2619 W. Taron Ct., Unit 120, Elk Grove, CA

A new shopping center called "The Village" is being developed in Elk Grove, with major national brands expected to open in 2026. The center is located at Elk Grove and Big Horn boulevards near Highway 99

We're Bringing Color To The Streets

We’re bringing color to the streets!

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