Latest local news briefs include an upcoming public hearing on marijuana regulations in Citrus Heights, results from a recent DUI checkpoint operation, the grand opening of the new Sylvan Middle School campus, and the reunion of a father-son pair of police K9 dogs.
New Sylvan Middle School opens after $25 million renovation
A newly renovated and expanded Sylvan Middle School campus opened for the first day of class on Thursday, with an enrollment of just over 700 students. The updated campus, located near Sylvan Corners in Citrus Heights, features an emphasis on “STEAM,” which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. New features include a high-tech lab for tinkering with robotics and 3D printers, four new science labs, art and music classrooms, and a new outdoor dining area. The project was originally estimated to cost $18.2 million, when it was unanimously approved by San Juan Unified School District board members in 2014. According to the District website, the final cost of the project was $25 million. (Watch KCRA coverage)
Public hearing on Citrus Heights marijuana regs set for Wed
The Citrus Heights planning commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday night regarding two proposed ordinances addressing medical and non-medical marijuana regulations in the city. According to a staff report, the ordinances are intended to address potential impacts of Proposition 64 — an upcoming state ballot initiative that would legalize and tax recreational marijuana in California. On Aug. 11, the Citrus Heights city council voted 4-0 to oppose the proposition, stating it “poses significant public safety and quality of life concerns.”
If Prop 64 is approved by voters in November, the proposed ordinances would enable the city to still prohibit commercial marijuana businesses and pot distribution, as well as add definitions to the City code related to commercial, medical, and non-medical uses. A cap on the volume of medical marijuana that can be cultivated in the city is also included in the wording. The planning commission hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Community Center, located at 6300 Fountain Square Dr. (See agenda)
Father-son K9 police dogs reunite in Citrus Heights
The Citrus Heights Police Department announced the graduation of its newest police K9 dog, inviting media to a reunion of “Blitz” and his hero-dad “Bodie” last Wednesday. The new police K9 is a 15-month-old German Shepherd whose dad was severely injured in 2012 after being shot by a car-jacking suspect while serving as a K9 for the Sacramento Police Department. A video news report from KCRA shows the father-son pair enjoying a peanut butter cake together at the reunion event, with Blitz showing off some take-down skills learned during training. The Department said Blitz will be on patrol with Officer Joe Davis and will also make appearances at upcoming community events. (Watch KCRA news coverage)
CHPD: 2 arrested, 18 cited at DUI checkpoint
The most recent DUI and drivers license checkpoint operation held on the weekend of Aug. 13 on Greenback Lane near Birdcage Street resulted in two DUI alcohol arrests and 1,003 vehicles being stopped, police reported. Four vehicles were also impounded or stored and 18 citations were issued for a variety of violations, including driving without a license or a suspended license. 12 field sobriety tests were also conducted.
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