Our Community

Hayer Bridge over Dry Creek at Roy Hayer Park

In addition to the people of our community who are our biggest asset, Rio Linda Elverta (RLE) has much to offer.

The RLE Recreation and Parks District serves both communities and operates 10 developed and undeveloped park sites scattered throughout the communities. The RLE Park District offers many community services and meeting space at the Community Center in Rio Linda and at the recreated historic Train Depot. In addition that Park District offers a host of classes, recreation programs, after school programs, Senior Nutrition, and athletic programs for children and adults. The Park District is very active and supports all community improvement projects.

Lutheran Church, Rio Linda founded in 1924

There are more than twenty churches in the communities dating back to the earliest pioneers and these are strongly supported.

Some of the community groups and organizations that are active in promoting the area include: the Rio Linda Elverta Chamber of Commerce, the Rio Linda Elverta Historical Society, the Rio Linda Grange, the Rio Linda Lion's Club, the Moose Lodge, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, the RLE Community Watch, the RLE Visions Task Force, the Dry Creek Parkway Advisory Committee and the county appointed Community Planning Council (CPC). Most recently the Rio Linda Elverta Incorporation Committee has begun serious efforts to become a new town.

The communities have long enjoyed a very strong elementary school district which was recently merged into the new Twin Rivers School District. The Elverta Elementary School District was not part of the merger and continues as an independent district. One corner of RLE is served by the Center School District. The two communities offer excellent schools to the area residents.

The Rio Linda Elverta area is bisected by the Dry Creek Parkway which is a huge open space running from the northeast to the southwest through the RLE community and is slated for many improvements including biking, pedestrian and equestrian trails. Gibson Ranch at the north of the Parkway offers a wonderful ranch experience including horse rentals and farm animals/petting pens. The Cherry Island Golf Course and Soccer Complex are located in the Dry Creek Parkway.

Dry Creek Ranch House Museum

The Dry Creek Ranch House Museum is located in the Dry Creek Parkway and is leased to the RLE Historical Society. The RLE Historical Society in partnership with the county is in the process of restoring the Ranch House to it's former condition and developing a museum. The current library in the museum offers many books documenting the various family histories of the early pioneers.

There are two main shopping districts. The M Street corridor running from the Rio Linda Shopping Center at the east end to Rio Linda Blvd. on the west and a much newer shopping area at the intersection of Elkhorn Blvd. and Rio Linda Blvd. There are also many small businesses scattered throughout the community ranging from graphics and printing services to hair salons and home decorating, plus many trade and construction services.

Rio Linda Arch at M Street and Rio Linda Blvd

Many residents consider the intersection of M Street and Rio Linda Blvd. to be the heart of Rio Linda. This intersection is the location of the Rio Linda Arch which was a gift from the city of Marysville. The Arch is a symbol of Rio Linda as is the Water Tower and the Train Depot.

A large part of Rio Linda and Elverta is served by the RLE Community Water District. This is one of two elected boards that answers directly to the voters, the other is the RLE Park District Board. These two boards represent the only direct governance in the communities. All other governance is through the County Board of Supervisors.

What's happening in the communities can be found in The Rio Linda Elverta News, a local weekly paper. There are many other club and organization newsletters that are widely distributed in the local businesses. Flyers are a favorite way to advertise upcoming events such as the annual Little League Parade, Farm & Tractor Days, Lion's Club Demolition Derby or Movies in the Park.

The Rio Java coffee shop is where the community goes for it's caffeine and news and to catch up on the local gossip. There are many options for eating and visiting and it's impossible to stop at any of the favorites without running into someone you know. Favorites are the Oak Tree Cafe, B G's Diner, Dry Creek Station, Villa Fat, or if you are in a hurry there is BoWinkles drive thru, Amys Cafe, Tummy's sandwiches and the Taqueria. Papa's Pizza offers the usual fare but if you ask the locals, their pizza is the best. And it's where many impromptu victory celebrations and birthdays take place. If the Community Center meeting rooms are booked, Papa's offers great food and a private meeting room.

The only thing missing from our vibrant communities is self determination and the RLE Incorporation Committee is addressing that concern.