Latest local news briefs include a Citrus Heights business owner urging the city council to allow more temporary signage, a local man filing a lawsuit against a company over alleged “unsolicited” text messages, company bankruptcy leading to a jewelry store’s impending closure inside Sunrise Mall, and more.
Coffee shop owner asks city council to change sign policy; mayor says ‘we’re looking at it’
The owner of Java Cherry coffee house on Van Maren Lane spoke during public comment at Thursday night’s council meeting, telling the council that “the single most effective” mode of advertising has been her temporary flags and A-frame signs — which code enforcement recently notified her are in violation of city code. “I believe the time has come for the city to review and update the temporary sign guidelines,” Louise Cordray told the council, noting that the city’s policy lacks accommodation for businesses to use A-frame signs along the street frontage, unless they are set back at least 150 feet from the roadway. She also said the use of flags are a “necessity” for her to improve visibility. Cordray’s brother also spoke during public comment, urging council members to consider the needs of small businesses.
Related: Owners say portable sign ban in Citrus Heights hurts small businesses
In a public response to Cordray’s comments, Mayor Steve Miller said he appreciated her coming to address the council and said “we are looking at it; it’s not going to happen overnight.” Councilman Bret Daniels, who advocated last month that the city review its sign policy, said he was glad to hear the city is “doing something about that.” Cordray later thanked Councilman Albert Fox in a public post on her coffee shop’s Facebook page, stating that he had taken her up on an offer she made to the council, inviting them to drop by her shop for a cup of coffee.
Sunrise Mall jewelry store to close amid company bankruptcy
The Sacramento Business Journal reported on Thursday that the Icing jewelry store at Sunrise Mall is slated to close. The store is operated by Claire’s Stores Inc., which reportedly has more than 7,500 locations worldwide, with about 17,000 employees. According to The Journal, the closure is one of 92 stores the company is seeking to close, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month.
The stores operate under the brands Claire’s and Icing, with the former targeting younger women and “tweens.” There are currently six Claire’s stores in the Sacramento area, along with three additional stores operating under the Icing brand. A separate Claire’s store inside the Sunrise Mall will remain open, The Journal said. (See Journal story)
Citrus Heights man sues corporations over pair of ‘unsolicited’ texts
A Citrus Heights man filed a lawsuit against Investor’s Business Daily Inc. and MarketSmith Inc. earlier this month, alleging that the corporations sent “unsolicited” text messages. The Northern California Record reported that the man, Clifford Armstrong, filed the complaint on March 6 both individually “and on behalf of all others similarly situated.” The companies are accused of sending text messages to consumers “without their consent and through the use of an auto dialer.”
Armstrong claims he received a pair of text messages from the companies in May 2017. He said he did not request to be sent text messages, nor did he seek information from the companies in question. The Record said a trial by jury has been requested, with judgment sought including “an order certifying the class, award of actual monetary loss, declaratory judgment, disgorgement of any ill-gotten funds, award of attorneys’ fees and costs, and further relief that the court deems reasonable.” (See full story)
More briefly:
- Housing development. A draft Environmental Impact Report was released on Thursday for a 260-home development proposed off Arcadia Drive, near Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane. The report will be available for public review and comment until May 7. (See report)
- Police. CHPD Chief Ron Lawrence was installed as 1st vice president of the California Police Chief’s Association on March 21. The position puts him in line for becoming president of the association next year. (See more)
- Award. Goldrush Getaways, located at 8350 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights, was named a ‘top producer’ by Royal Caribbean International cruise line. (Read more)
