Elk Grove shined with joy and tradition as hundreds gathered on October 13, 2025, at District 56 for the sixth annual Diwali Festival of Lights.

 

USA Sanatan, with support from the city’s Diversity & Inclusion Commission, hosted an evening rich in Indian music, dance, and fashion, drawing a diverse crowd.

 

Guests enjoyed complimentary Indian cuisine and classic Diwali sweets, nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging.

 

This year’s festivities coincided with a historic milestone: Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268, making Diwali a California state holiday effective January 2026.

 

This law allows schools and state employees to observe Diwali, highlighting California’s cultural inclusivity.

 

Lead organizer Bhavin Parikh and Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen both emphasized the celebration’s powerful affirmation of diversity and unity.

 

The festival’s Diya lighting echoed Diwali’s universal message and embraced many backgrounds in Elk Grove’s welcoming spirit.

Elk Grove has marked a milestone in affordable housing with the grand opening of MOSA Apartment Homes, now the city’s largest affordable housing complex.

 

Situated at 10219 Bruceville Road, MOSA boasts 387 units and a suite of amenities including learning centers, recreation spaces, and fitness facilities.

 

When filled, the community will offer homes to around 1,200 residents, supporting families, professionals, and individuals with stable housing.

 

The project is a result of partnership between Reese Jarrett of E. Smith and Co. and Michael Johnson of Urban Core Development—the first Black developers to lead such an initiative in Elk Grove.

 

Elk Grove has also launched The Lyla, a 294-unit affordable complex, adding nearly 700 homes locally.

 

The city recently approved $4.2 million for a new senior housing community, underlining its ongoing commitment to inclusive, equitable housing for all residents.