Racist slur displayed on Elk Grove construction sign: ‘No one has to be subjected to this’

Elk Grove city and Sacramento County officials are investigating after a construction sign displayed a racial slur over the weekend.

The city said in a social media statement Sunday that the message board, belonging to a Sacramento Area Sewer District contractor, was showing the one-word slur before it was turned off. The sign was located in the work zone of the Harvest Water project in southern Elk Grove.

“The sign was promptly turned off, and the city is working with the sewer district to investigate the matter,” city officials said.

The sign was located at Franklin Boulevard near Laguna Boulevard, where crews have been working to complete a pipeline installation between Laguna and Sims Road. Work was expected to begin on a new portion of the project Monday on Bruceville Road between Camp Road and Lambert Road. The sewer line project is expected to continue through 2026.

One passerby visiting the area from New Orleans snapped a photo of the sign and said “At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. ... No one has to be subjected to this ignorance like I did.”

City officials echoed the concerns.

“Elk Grove is no place for hate,” the statement added. “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.”

Anyone with information about how the message board was changed was encouraged to call Elk Grove police at 916-714-5115.