Updated Feb. 27, 11:22 a.m.–
Local news briefs this week cover latest water use figures, several police and fire reports, and an update from the Feb. 25 city council meeting.
Citrus Heights Water District reports 35% overall conservation
CHWD reported a 35 percent cumulative water savings from June 2015 through last month, according to figures released in a state report this week. Local water savings exceed the statewide average of 24.8 percent by more than 10 percent, and also exceeds the District’s state-mandated conservation goal of 32 percent. Conservation figures are based on a comparison with 2013 water use.
Although overall savings are high, water use during January indicated a low-point in conservation efforts, with users only conserving 10.8 percent compared with January 2013.
Fire at Citrus Heights apartment complex displaces residents; causes $275,000 damage
A Sunday-night apartment fire near Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard displaced several residents and caused an estimated $275,000 of damage, according to a CBS 13 news report. Firefighters responded to the apartment on Shadow Lane after receiving a call around 10:15 p.m. No one was injured in the fire, but residents in several nearby units were reportedly displaced due to smoke and water damage.
Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Ellis later told The Sentinel the cause of the blaze was determined to be combustibles stored inside a water heater located on the back deck. He said water heater areas should never be used for storage of other items and advised residents to have a readily accessible fire extinguisher in their home.
City council appoints new History & Arts commissioner
During a Feb. 25 council meeting, city council members unanimously approved the appointment of Christine Stein for a vacancy on the Citrus Heights History and Arts Commission. The appointment was made by Councilman Mel Turner and ratified by the council, after Commissioner Jacqueline Robinson resigned in January.
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The seven-member Commission works to promote cultural arts in Citrus Heights as well as assisting “in the preservation and enhancement of historical buildings and artifacts,” according to the City’s website.
Police Chief reports 14% holiday crime drop for 2015
In a Feb. 25 report to city council members, Police Chief Christopher Boyd said 2015 holiday season crime in Citrus Heights dropped by 14 percent in comparison to 2014. An objective to reduce crime between November and December was listed in the City’s latest six-month strategic planning goals.
Chief Boyd also reported other crime statistics, including an overall drop in crime of 29 percent since the formation of the City’s police department nearly 10 years ago. (See full story next week).
Police: Bicyclist hit by car on Antelope Rd suffers serious injuries
A man in his mid-20’s was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured while crossing Antelope Road at Zenith Drive on his bicycle Wednesday night, according to a police news release. An on-scene investigation caused the roadway to be closed for around eight hours, but police said officers were unable to locate any witnesses or surveillance video.
Police said the 63-year-old driver involved had stopped his vehicle immediately and was cooperative with the investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact CHPD’s Traffic Unit at (916) 727-5500.
