Updated Oct. 2, 6:13 p.m. with correction–
Do you know how many businesses are based in Citrus Heights? How about what year “Citrus Heights” got its name, or why there are roving rabbits around Sylvan Oaks Library?
Answers to those questions and more can be found in the city’s latest list of top 20 facts about Citrus Heights, a list compiled by the city as part of a “top 20” series of lists being released each month in 2017 to celebrate the city’s 20th birthday. All 20 facts are published below, along with additional details added for context:
1. In 1997, Citrus Heights was the first city to incorporate in the state since 1993. (*Correction: the city’s list initially included a date of 1963 for the most recent city to incorporate before Citrus Heights. This date is incorrect and has been updated to 1993, when Truckee incorporated as a city.)
2. In 1910, a real estate developer changed the name from “Sylvan” to “Citrus Heights.” (Before Sylvan, the area was called “Center Township.”)
3. Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1942; one of the earliest all-female volunteer firefighting organizations in the United States.
4. The City of Citrus Heights is 14 square miles in size.
5. Sylvan Cemetery’s first grave marker was James Horton, whose death in 1862 made the cemetery necessary. (Horton was a laborer at the J.F. Cross Farm, a 320-acre farm located where Christ the King Retreat Center and the Crosswoods development are today.)
6. Birdcage Center used to have birds in cages.
7. The first local postmaster was a woman, Mrs. Marjorie Woods. The post office opened in 1947, inside Woods Variety Store on Mariposa Avenue. (Now occupied by Hall’s Furniture)
>>Related: Here’s the ‘Top 20’ oldest businesses in Citrus Heights
8. Roving rabbits around Sylvan Oaks Library were set free 30 years ago by a teacher from a local 4th grade class.
9. Citrus Heights does not receive its property tax until 2022, per the terms of the City’s agreement with Sacramento County to incorporate. (Annual property tax generated is estimated between $4-5 million)
10. The 14 Mile House was constructed in 1849, during the Gold Rush and before statehood in 1850.
11. Citrus Heights has 26 miles of creeks within its borders.
12. San Juan High School was the first high school in North Sacramento County (1913)
13. There have been 57,085 building permits issued since the city incorporated in 1997. (As of 2017)
14. Crime has gone down an average of 30% since the inception of the Citrus Heights Police Department in 2006. (Based on data for all Uniform Crime Reporting categories reported by police to the FBI, through fiscal year 2016-17.)
15. Citrus Heights is home to approximately 310 acres of parks and open space. (Nearly half a square mile)
16. There are 2,814 active business licenses in the City, including home-based businesses. (As of 2017)
17. Citrus Heights was the first city to win the James Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing two years in a row.
18. Antelope Road is Exit 100 off Interstate 80.
19. Sunrise Mall was the largest mall in the region when it opened in 1972. (The Galleria at Roseville, built in 2000, now holds the #1 spot at 1.12 million square feet of leasable space)
20. Sylvan Corners used to be a vineyard.
Other top 20 lists released by the City of Citrus Heights have included the top 20 longest residents of the city, top 20 scenic places, and top 20 events.
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