Latest local news briefs include an update on the East Area Rapist suspect’s charges, the Citrus Heights City Council voting 4-1 to oppose a tax-related ballot effort, a gas line break on Twin Oaks Avenue, and “Coffee with a Councilman” held at Java Cherry.
Gas line break shuts down traffic on Sunrise
Citrus Heights police tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that a gas line break caused traffic to be closed down on Twin Oaks Avenue, between Sunrise Boulevard and Patton Avenue. The department later posted an update that the gas line leak was low pressure and no evacuations were needed. Police advised that residents stay inside while PG&E crews repaired the leak. It was unclear how long it took to repair the line, but ABC 10 reported that crews were estimated to have repairs completed by the following morning on Wednesday. (See ABC 10 story)
East Area Rapist suspect now charged in 12 murders
Following an announcement on Thursday by prosecutors in Santa Barbara County, the East Area Rapist suspect Joseph DeAngelo is now charged with 12 murders across the state. On Friday, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said in a news release that she had met with representatives from the three other counties where DeAngelo has been charged, but “no decisions were made regarding where the case may be tried or the composition of the trial team.” She said another meeting will be held in late June to discuss more details, but said no further comment would be made from her office in the mean time. (See news release)
Citrus Heights council votes 4-1 to oppose ‘tax fairness’ ballot effort
In a divided vote on Thursday, Citrus Heights council members voted 4-1 to put the city on record in opposition to a ballot proposal called the “Tax Fairness, Transparency And Accountability Act Of 2018.” The proposal is currently in the signature-gathering stage for the November ballot and, among other changes, would require all local taxes to receive two-thirds approval from voters, whereas currently some taxes only require a majority vote. The act would also require any local fees imposed to be approved by a two-thirds vote of the city council, rather than the current majority vote. A staff report recommended the council oppose the proposed act, stating that it would “make it harder for local governments to maintain adequate levels of, and fully fund, essential services.”
Councilman Jeff Slowey, echoing comments from Vice Mayor Jeannie Bruins, called the title of the proposal a “complete misnomer” and said the effort is being pushed by Pepsi and Coke as a response to cities who are tacking on hefty “soda taxes” at the local level. Councilman Bret Daniels, the lone “no” vote,” said that cities shouldn’t fear requiring a two-thirds vote when asking residents to pay more money in taxes, arguing that the requirement would help keep local governments across the state accountable. The act is sponsored by the California Business Roundtable PAC, with major funding from the American Beverage Association California PAC. It is opposed by the League of California Cities.
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