By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer
The party responsible for putting a racial slur on a digital roadway sign at an Elk Grove intersection earlier this month remains a mystery.
The digital construction sign belongs to a contractor from the Sacramento Sewer District working on the Harvest Water Project located at Laguna and Franklin boulevards.
Paige Bedegrew, public information manager with the sewer district, did not clarify whether the unknown person who manipulated the sign worked for the contractor.
“The construction sign was tampered with onsite by an unknown individual in the area. Our investigation is still underway and we’ve taken proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” Bedegrew said in an email.
Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen demanded answers and accountability. “This is shameful and unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our city,” she said.
The investigation so far has revealed that the sign trailer was broken into Jan. 11 and the message input manually at the site.
Police have reviewed traffic signals and nearby business cameras and have not been able to identify footage of the crime. Security at all sign trailers has been enhanced following the incident.
Singh-Allen made clear that the contractor worked for the Sacramento Sewer District and not the City of Elk Grove and that in Elk Grove, construction contracts include language stating message signs placed in the city shall be locked and password protected so they cannot be moved or have their messages adjusted or modified by third parties.
The city is encouraging others who do work there to do the same.
“I am angry and outraged that this occurred in our city. This does not reflect on Elk Grove’s values. We pride ourselves with our rich diversity centered on being welcoming and inclusive for everyone,” Singh-Allen said.
Photographer Erin Campbell said she stopped in disbelief when she saw the sign. “I still can’t believe that in 2025 we [African Americans] have to deal with racist behavior,” she said.
Elk Grove city officials expressed the same sentiment.
The city has not released another statement about its investigation, but the mayor said it will update the public once it learns more and that it is working with the sewer district to investigate.
“Elk Grove is no place for hate,” the city said in a statement. “The City Council and staff reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful community for all. We stand united in rejecting, discouraging, and disapproving of any hate-based activity or conduct.”