Latest local news briefs include the appointment of two planning commissioners, Comcast accused of damaging Citrus Heights trees, the unveiling of a Top 20 events list for Citrus Heights, and the city council authorizing purchase of four new police vehicles.
Top 20 events in Citrus Heights announced during council meeting
A list of the Top 20 events in Citrus Heights was released during the city’s council meeting on July 13, the latest in a series of “top 20” lists released by the city each month in celebration of 20 years of cityhood. The list was presented in the following alphabetical order: 20th Anniversary Block Party, American Legion Battle of the Bands and BBQ, Antelope Crossing Spooktacular, Christmas Tree Lighting, Community Campout, Crab Feeds, Farmers Market, Hot August Bites, Howl-O-Ween Parade, Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, Ladies in White Premier, PAL Banquet, Pet-A-Palooza, Police Motorcycle Skills Challenge & Traffic Safety Fair, “Red, White, and Blue Parade,” Relay for Life, Senior Health Fair, Soroptimist Brewfest, Sunday Funday, and Sunrise at Night Concert Series.
City council approves purchase of 4 new police vehicles for $150k
During their July 13 meeting, city council members approved the purchase of three new police SUV’s and one new Ford F-250, designed to replace police units that have exceeded or are nearing the 100,000 mile mark. The vehicles will all be purchased from Folsom Lake Ford for a total cost of $150,000 that includes retrofitting the vehicles with necessary police equipment. According to a staff report to the council from Police Chief Ron Lawrence, all vehicles being replaced are over five years old and one vehicle is 11 years old. The council voted 5-0 for the purchase, as part of a package of items included in the meeting’s consent calendar. (See agenda packet)
Council members appoint two planning commissioners
Councilmembers approved the appointment of two planning commissioners on Thursday, adding one new face to the seven member board and reappointing another. Councilman Steve Miller appointed Porsche Middleton to fill the vacancy left by Albert Fox, who was recently appointed to serve on the city council. Middleton ran for city council last year and received about two percent of the vote. Fox, who filled the vacancy on the council left by the late-Councilman Mel Turner, chose to re-appoint Commissioner Leah Cox to continue her term on the planning commission. Cox was originally appointed by Turner.
FOX 40: Comcast fiber optics trenching accused of damaging trees
Citrus Heights residents David and Kate Warren were featured in a segment on Fox 40 last week after the couple accused Comcast of allowing a fiber optic cable to be installed by trenching dangerously close to trees, threatening the health of up to 50 trees. One of those trees was planted by Kate as a memorial to her son who died in a car crash, according to the news report. Fox 40 said a preliminary investigation by the City of Citrus Heights indicated that Comcast and its contractor, CableCom, “did not follow the city ordinances in relation to working around trees.” The news station later updated its report online and said “shortly after our story aired Comcast came out to the Warrens’ home and promised to pay for any care needed to help their memorial tree survive.” (Fox 40 Link)
