Updated Nov. 14, 2:08 p.m.–
Want to know what happened in town the past week? From a local Veterans Day march and ceremony, to an update on efforts to curb prostitution at Citrus Heights massage parlors — here’s a quick summary:
Police: Over 70 citations issued in 4-hour traffic operation
About a dozen motorcycle officers from around the Sacramento region teamed up with the Citrus Heights Police Department’s traffic unit Tuesday, issuing more than 70 citations in four hours, according to CHPD Lt. Ryan Kinnan. The “Regional Traffic Enforcement Day” was scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, with officers targeting areas of higher safety concern, including the construction zone along Sunrise Boulevard near Antelope Road. Kinnan said common violations included speeding and distracted driving. Police said the enforcement day is part of a regional effort that focuses on a different part of the greater-Sacramento area each month.
Veterans honored at Citrus Heights ceremony, march
About 150 community members, veterans, and City leaders gathered for a Veterans Day ceremony and solemn march at Sylvan Cemetery Wednesday, expressing appreciation for those who’ve served in America’s armed forces. The hour-long ceremony featured patriotic and military melodies from the Folsom Express men’s choir, and speeches from various veterans and dignitaries who praised military men and women for their optimism, service, and sacrifice. (See full story and slideshow)
Metro Fire: Sunrise Mall temporarily evacuated after fire
Sunrise Mall was evacuated for about 30 minutes on Thursday due to a small bathroom fan fire in the service area, according to Metro Fire’s official Twitter account. The fire was contained to a small area behind one of the Mall’s restaurants, and was reopened by about 1:30 p.m. A monthly board meeting of Sunrise Marketplace directors was also disrupted due to the evacuation, according to a report by councilmember Jeannie Bruins at Thursday’s city council meeting. Fire officials estimated the damage to be around $5,000. (See photo below)
City council extends ban on new massage permits, citing continued prostitution concerns
Citrus Heights council members unanimously voted Thursday night to approve a one-year extension on a 2014 interim ordinance barring issuance of new massage permits, with police reporting nine massage parlors in the city have had their licenses revoked over the past year for prostitution activity. Several council members questioned whether an additional year was necessary and reasonable for the city’s law-abiding massage parlors, as the moratorium also bars existing massage businesses from expanding. City Attorney Ruthanne Ziegler clarified to council members that the ban would be for “up to a year,” as the council has discretion to lift the ban at an earlier date. She advised approval of the full year, in light of state law only allowing for the existing “urgency measure” to be extended for a maximum of one year, with no opportunity for further extension.
The temporary ordinance was first enacted in December of last year, following police sting operations uncovering prostitution at several local establishments. City staff said the temporary ban is still needed to protect “health, welfare and safety,” while a comprehensive new ordinance is crafted in accordance with a new massage-related law, AB 1146. A March meeting has also been scheduled to gather input and feedback from business owners and community members about the new ordinance. (For context, see initial story)
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Sunrise Mall reportedly sold to new owner; redevelopment likely
The 1.1 million-square foot Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights sold to a New York real estate group this week, according to The Sacramento Bee. Although no official statement was posted on the Mall’s web site, contact information on the site reflected the Spinoso Real Estate Group’s new ownership of the property. The ownership change is anticipated to bring major changes to the Mall, but specific plans are largely speculative, as new owners could not be reached for comment by various news outlets.
