Latest local news briefs include hundreds attending a memorial service for Mel Turner at the Citrus Heights Community Center, a groundbreaking date finally set for the new 68,000-square-feet medical building on Greenback, nine residents applying for a spot on the city council, and other local happenings.
Memorial for Councilman Turner draws hundreds to community center
More than 300 residents, friends, work associates, and community leaders attended a May 13 memorial service for Mel Turner, who passed away on April 20 while serving as a Citrus Heights council member. Co-workers who spoke at the event recalled him as a friend and mentor, and several friends shared memories of Turner in the outdoors — recalling hiking treks in the mountains or kayaking. His two children, Melvin Jr. and Talaya Mike, both spoke of their father as a leader and hero.
Turner was also remembered for being a committed husband and father, a mentor to youth, and an influential leader. Friends recalled him as optimistic, full of joy, and uplifting, with a beaming smile and an “ever-present cigar.” Turner passed away at age 67 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. See prior story for more: City leaders, community mourn passing of Citrus Heights Councilman Mel Turner
Groundbreaking date for new medical building on Greenback set for May 23
Construction work will officially begin later this month on the new 68,000-square-feet Dignity Health building on Greenback lane. City Manager Christopher Boyd announced a May 23 groundbreaking ceremony for the medical building during Thursday’s council meeting and said drivers on Greenback Lane will begin to see construction mobilization activity next week, at the site of the former Citrus Heights city hall. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the paved area in front of the police station on Fountain Square Drive. Dignity Health estimates an opening date for the new building in 2019. (See flier)
Community meeting set for May 16 to discuss concerns about medical building
A community meeting will be held on May 16 at the community center to give residents an opportunity to ask questions and meet representatives in charge of the medical office building project. City Manager Christopher Boyd said the meeting was arranged in response to questions and concerns from nearby residents about the project. The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center.
City seeks community submissions to build ‘Top 20’ list of scenic places in Citrus Heights
The City of Citrus Heights is seeking community submissions for building a list of “top 20 natural scenic spots to enjoy” in the city. Submissions are accepted via social media using the city’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Results will be announced at the June 8 city council meeting. The effort is part of the city’s year-long celebration commemorating 20 years since Citrus Heights became a city in 1997. Each month, the city has unveiled a new “Top 20” list, with prior lists including top 20 leaders, and top 20 neighborhood projects.
9 residents apply to fill vacancy on Citrus Heights city council
A total of nine residents applied before a May 11 deadline to fill the vacant council seat left by Mel Turner. Current city council members will hold a special meeting on May 26 to interview applicants and consider an appointment. Familiar names are Rick Doyle, Marcel Weiland, Amor Taylor and Porsche Middleton — all of whom ran for city council last year. Other familiar names are Jim Monteton, who has previously run for city council, and Albert Fox, who currently serves on the city’s planning commission.
Three new faces to local city governance in the applicant pool are Patrick Moneybrake, Cynthia Kennedy, and Naveen Habib. According to their applications, Kennedy works with the Sacramento County Office of Education, Habib is a senior account executive with Lucas Public Affairs, and Moneybrake is the owner of a Citrus Heights-based chimney cleaning business. (See full applications)
Want to share your thoughts on who should be appointed? click here to submit a letter to the editor for publication.
Also published last week:
- Here’s the ‘Top 20’ oldest businesses in Citrus Heights
- Fire torches ‘hoarding’ house near Citrus Heights border; body found inside
- Voting underway online to select ‘Best of Citrus Heights’ businesses
