Latest news briefs in Citrus Heights include an update on a fatal motorcycle collision, a new McDonald’s opening on Sunrise, another public hearing on local marijuana regulations, burial of a City time capsule, and a local power outage that affected 1,600 residents.
New McDonald’s opens on Sunrise, Black Bear Diner delays continue
A new McDonald’s restaurant opened for business for the first time on Tuesday, joining the Smart & Final Extra store in the new shopping center at the corner of Madison Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard. The franchise location was previously situated across the street, but closed down several months ago to take advantage of an opportunity to get a larger and more modern building, McDonald’s franchise spokesman Clay Merrill told The Sentinel. He said the location will also host a “community grand opening” event sometime later this month.
Black Bear Diner, which will also be located in the new shopping center, has had its opening date delayed again, according to the company’s Operations Vice President Jerry Mercer. Although previously hoping for an opening date in July or August, and then September, Mercer told The Sentinel in an email Friday that the date had to be pushed back at least another two months, due to construction not being complete on the new building. The company executive said he’s now shooting for a grand opening in November. (See prior story)
City council to hold public hearing on marijuana regs, bury time capsule
An upcoming Sept. 8 city council meeting is scheduled to include a public hearing on proposed new regulations related to marijuana and a ceremonial burial of a time capsule, to be opened at the 50th anniversary of the City in the year 2047. According to a City staff report, the proposed marijuana regulations are designed to address potential impacts of Proposition 64, an upcoming state ballot initiative that would legalize and tax recreational marijuana in California. If Prop 64 is approved by voters, the regulations 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 volume cap on medical marijuana cultivation is also included in the wording. The council previously voted 4-0 to oppose Prop 64 last month.
During the meeting, the City’s time capsule is scheduled to be “ceremonially buried” in the council chambers of the recently opened city hall. Items will include letters to the future from key city leaders, photographs and various memorabilia. The city council will meet at 7 p.m. in the new city hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Dr. (See agenda packet for more)
CHPD launches ‘Survive the Ride’ motorcycle safety enforcement following fatal crash
Less than a week after a motorcyclist was killed in a collision on Van Maren Lane, Citrus Heights police announced a campaign to encourage and enforce motorcycle safety on city streets. In a news release, police said they will be conducting “specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations throughout September in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.” Police also offered safety tips to both vehicle drivers and motorcyclists, including wearing proper safety gear and increasing follow distance to at least three seconds when behind a motorcycle. (See full news release)
Sgt. Chad Morris said a preliminary investigation determined the motorcycle was speeding and was at fault when colliding with a vehicle that was making a lawful turn onto Van Maren Lane on Aug. 27. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office identified the motorcyclist as Shawn Ingle, of Orangevale. Ingle’s cousin, who requested his name not be published, told The Sentinel the 32-year-old motorcyclist left behind a 1-year-old son. He said Ingle’s girlfriend, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, is currently in the hospital with serious head and brain injuries. An obituary is scheduled to be published in The Sacramento Bee on Thursday.
Outage knocks out power to 1,600 residents in Citrus Heights
About 1,600 residents were left without power on Wednesday afternoon, following an equipment failure at a local SMUD substation. SMUD spokesman Jonathon Tudor said the outage occurred around 3 p.m. on Aug. 31 and lasted a little under an hour, while crews made repairs at the station.
