Local news briefs for the first week in August include a Citrus Heights fighter making it to the UFC, city hall construction nearing completion, a National Night Out wrap-up, and latest news on local elections.
Finishing touches still being added to new city hall
Sounds of banging hammers and cutting saws could be heard outside the new city hall on Friday as construction teams and landscapers focused on completing final stages of work on the new building. Project Manager Tyler Gahagan said the new hall is on track to open for business this Tuesday at noon, but some exterior work — including a 25-foot-wide fountain in front — won’t be fully finished until Aug. 19. To learn more about the new hall, see prior story: “New Citrus Heights city hall to open Aug. 9; tours planned.”
Citrus Heights fighter makes it to UFC
A local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Citrus Heights has made his way up the ranks to his first UFC fight. In an interview with the Folsom Telegraph published on Thursday, Max “Pain” Griffin said he was “speechless” after being contacted by the UFC — the world’s largest MMA promotion, featuring top-ranked fighters in the sport. The 30-year-old local fighter will face Colby Covington later this month on Aug. 20, at UFC 202 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Police, residents & city leaders come together for National Night Out
Citrus Heights police said Tuesday’s National Night Out event drew more than a thousand local participants out to a total of 18 different neighborhood gatherings in the city, for an evening of community building and crime fighting. Lt. Jason Russo said over 50 police staff from ranks of all levels came out to the various events, including council members, commanders, and Police Chief Christopher Boyd. The annual effort is held across the country on the first Tuesday in August and seeks to prevent crime by connecting neighbors and building local partnerships between communities and police.
Two more residents take steps to run for city council
As of Thursday afternoon, two more residents picked up nomination papers to run for Citrus Heights city council — bringing the total number to seven people pursuing two seats up for election this November. According to the city clerk’s office, newcomers are businessman Michael Nishimura and social media specialist Vincent Nicholas.
Candidates must still submit completed nomination papers by Aug. 12 in order to qualify for the November ballot, and so far, the city clerk says only two have done so: Amor Taylor and Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey. Others who picked up nomination papers but have yet to return them are Rick Doyle, David Huber, and Marcel Weiland.
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