Out & About
By Jessica Laskey
July 2025
Merryhill Midtown
New campus opens for preschoolers
Merryhill has opened a preschool in Midtown to serve students 2 years old through kindergarten.
The preschool provides daycare and education to children from Arden-Arcade, Pocket, East Sacramento, Land Park, Oak Park and beyond.
“Although we opened our doors just a few months ago, we have already created a safe, supportive and stimulating environment for infants through preschool,” Principal Celyna Maghoney says. “Merryhill Midtown Preschool is dedicated to nurturing the young minds of our students and helping them grow to confident, capable individuals who will become future leaders.”
The school’s sister location, Merryhill Elementary and Middle School, serves students up to eighth grade.
The preschool campus is at 2905 11th Ave. For information, visit merryhillpreschool.com.
GRADE-A HOSPITAL
Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital in East Sacramento has earned an “A” for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.
Grades are based on more than 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections, and systems to prevent them.
Mercy General received the most “A” grades in California for the spring 2025 Leapfrog ratings. For information, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.
GUARANTEED INCOME
United Way California Capital Region has expanded its Collegiate Guaranteed Income program, which provides foster youth at local colleges with $500 a month for one year.
The pilot program, funded by United Way’s Women United, launched in 2024 with 10 Sacramento State students in the university’s Guardian Scholars Program for former foster youth. The expansion includes another year of funding for those students, and the inaugural year of funding for 10 students at UC Davis.
“We know the disheartening statistics that currently show only 3% of former foster youth will obtain a college degree,” says Dawnté Early, president/CEO of United Way California Capital Region. “We at United Way refuse to accept that status quo and instead are mobilizing our community to create change and build a future where former foster youth can reach their full potential and thrive.”
For information, visit yourlocalunitedway.org.
CAMP SACRAMENTO
There’s still time to sign up for July sessions at Camp Sacramento in the Eldorado National Forest.
Camp Sacramento is a family-oriented outdoor retreat with activities that include arts and crafts, campfires, hiking and organized games. A Bonus Summer Session is Aug. 4–7 for families that missed the main booking window or ended up on waitlists.
Senior Camp from Aug. 18–21 offers a traditional camp experience for adults 50 and older.
For information, visit cityofsacramento.gov/ypce/recreation/camp-sac.
HUMANE EDUCATION
Only Sunshine Sanctuary in Elverta partners with LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) to offer a humane education program for high school students beginning in September.
LEAP provides leadership training, problem solving and hands-on workshops to help students advocate for animal welfare and human rights, tackle the challenges of food deserts and diet-related diseases, and lead the way in climate solutions, sustainability and wildlife conservation.
Students receive a certificate of completion and letters of recommendation, and connections with nonprofits and mentors. Scholarships of $500 and $1,000 are available for college or career training.
Deadline to apply is Aug. 17. For information, visit onlysunshinesanctuary.org/leap.
LIFE JACKET LOANS
The Sacramento Fire Department loans life jackets at five stations to help residents stay safe on the water this summer.
“The local rivers should be enjoyed cautiously,” Sacramento Fire Captain Justin Sylvia says. “They are fast moving and can sweep you downriver within seconds. Children need to be monitored around water and ensure that small children are wearing life jackets around our local rivers, even if they know how to swim.”
Life jackets are available at fire stations at 624 Q St., 731 Broadway, 5990 H St., 785 Florin Road, 1640 West El Camino Ave. and 3301 Julliard Dr. For information, visit sacramentocityexpress.com.
TEAM LOCOMOTIVE
The historically significant No. 9 steam locomotive, restored in partnership with Friends of No. 9, is now on display at the California State Railroad Museum.
No. 9 is the only surviving locomotive of the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway, also known as the “Crookedest Railroad in the World,” which operated in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
The locomotive was snagged at auction in 2018 by a group of rail fans. Restoration began in 2019 and will be completed this year.
“Although the locomotive won’t steam passengers up Mount Tamalpais, it serves as a window into a remarkable episode in California history,” Museum Director Ty Smith says. “We’re grateful to be able to share in telling this important story.”
The museum also achieved sensory-inclusive certification from KultureCity, a nonprofit promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs.
For information, visit californiarailroad.museum.
CLASS PROJECT
Alchemist CDC, a community development corporation centered on the local food system, is the beneficiary of Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Leadership Sacramento Class Project.
The project will revitalize the Oak Park Sol Community Garden, which serves the Oak Park neighborhood with 15 garden plots, an outdoor kitchen, gathering space, toolshed, composting area and perennial pollinator bed. New program opportunities will also be available.
Applications for the 2026 Leadership Sacramento Class Project open Sept. 3. For information, visit leadershipsacramento.org.
SHOP 916
Purchase a Shop 916 gift card and receive a bonus gift card to use at more than 120 Sacramento small businesses.
Now through July 31, buy a $25 gift card and get a $10 bonus gift card; buy a $50 gift card and get a $25 bonus gift card. Bonus gift cards must be used by Aug. 31. Regular gift cards do not expire.
More than $1 million in gift cards have been redeemed. For information, visit shop916local.com.
GOLF CHAMPIONS
Herb Jensen of Carmichael finished at 144 to win the Legends division (ages 75-plus) in this year’s Sacramento County Senior, Super Senior and Legends Championships. The tournament was hosted by the Sacramento Golf Council at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course.
Jeff Weiss of Roseville won the Senior division (ages 55–64) and Bob Niger of Roseville captured the Super Senior division (ages 65-74).
The nonprofit Sacramento Golf Council conducts local golfing events open to men, women and juniors of all abilities. For information, visit sacgolfcouncil.org.
FAIRYTALE TOWN
Now through Aug. 31, families receive free admission to Fairytale Town when the temperature reaches 95 degrees, thanks to a sponsorship from Bonney Plumbing, Sewer, Electrical, Heating and Air.
The offer is good for up to six family members. For information, visit fairytaletown.org.
Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
