Updated Oct. 24, 5:45 p.m.–
Latest news briefs include a handcuffed suspect escaping from officers in Citrus Heights, a local documentary premiering at the Citrus Heights Community Center, “Howl-o-Ween” festivities, and the story of a record-holding local honey bee charmer who’s been stung thousands of times.
City celebrates season with Howl-o-Ween, Spooktacular events
A section of Auburn Boulevard near the Roseville border closed down Saturday morning as the 2nd annual “Howl-o-Ween” parade made its way from Twin Oaks Avenue to Rusch Park. Kathy Cook, a parade organizer, said the event drew more parade watchers this year and had about 65 entries, ranging from costume-wearing dogs to blaring bands and various floats. The parade kicked off at 9 a.m. and was followed by a harvest festival at Rusch Park. A car show benefiting the Citrus Heights Police Activities League was also held at the park on Saturday afternoon, with an “Officer’s Best Choice” award being given to the owner of a red 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. A fully restored WWII Army Jeep also won a “Kids Choice Award.”
The prior weekend, a Halloween-themed “Spooktacular” event also drew costumed attendees to the business district on Antelope Road near Interstate 80, despite gusty winds and poor weather. The 8th annual event featured carnival games, food, contests, entertainment and prizes, along with demonstration and craft areas put on by Home Depot, Raley’s, and others. Bikes for grand prize winners in a costume contest were also donated by 7-Eleven, and vendor areas included nearly a dozen health fair booths. Event sponsors included El Dorado Savings Bank, Stones Casino, the Antelope Business Association, and the City of Citrus Heights.
“Ladies to the Rescue” video premiere draws full house at community center
A half-hour documentary on the history of female rescue and firefighter teams in Citrus Heights was premiered to about 150 attendees Thursday night at the Community Center on Fountain Square Drive. According to Commissioner Larry Fritz , the documentary was a year-long $4500 project by the Citrus Heights History and Arts Commission. The documentary commemorated the work of local volunteer women who filled in for a need during the 1940s to 80s, before Sacramento County began paying full-time emergency rescue personnel. The video was professionally filmed and featured interviews with about a half-dozen original emergency responders, known as “Ladies in White.” Several former Ladies were also present for the premiere and received recognition. Organizers said DVD copies of the documentary will be available at city hall for $10, and future plans to have the DVD sold online are also a possibility. (See original story)
Handcuffed suspect escapes Highway Patrol in Citrus Heights neighborhood
Sirens, helicopters, and search lights lit up the night in Citrus Heights on Tuesday as local police aided the California Highway Patrol in searching for a handcuffed suspect who escaped CHP custody. According to a CBS 13 report, the suspect was handcuffed by CHP officers after a vehicle pursuit ended near Fair Oaks Boulevard and Old Auburn Road around 10 p.m. on Oct. 18. The suspect was somehow able to escape the scene on foot, leading to multiple agencies being called in to assist CHP. A phone message left with CHP was not returned, and the Citrus Heights Police Department referred questions to CHP. The escapee was not able to be located, according to CBS 13. The news station said this is the fifth time in the past 10 months that a handcuffed suspect has escaped CHP custody. (See CBS 13 report)
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ABC10: Citrus Heights man charms honey bees; been stung 7500+ times
A Citrus Heights resident was profiled in an ABC 10 news report last week for his life’s work of taming honey bees. 83-year-old Norman Gary has helped with bee scenes in over 100 films and video clips, often charming bees with a clarinet while fully covered by the insects, according to the news report. Although now retired from bee keeping, he’s been noticed by the Guinness World Records, and still holds the record for fitting the most bees in a human mouth — 109 bees. (Watch ABC10 video)
Also in the news last week:
