Latest local news briefs include a report from a temporary homeless shelter effort in Citrus Heights, a new most-wanted list released for the month of May, controversy over a Citrus Heights gun store’s AR-15 logo, and more.
Citrus Heights HART publishes winter shelter recap
The Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team on Friday released a recap of their 55-night Winter Sanctuary program, which provided a rotating shelter and services for area homeless during the past winter. In a May 18 blog post, the nonprofit called the shelter effort a “huge success” that served 69 homeless individuals over the course of eight weeks. The prior year, the group says they served 60. With the help of 10 faith-based organizations and 10 community groups, the effort resulted in a total of 2,756 hours of volunteer work.
“Not only was this a huge success in reaching more people and providing more services than last year, our Citrus Heights HART Navigator Toni Morgan was a tremendous asset,” the group said. Four individuals also entered into drug and mental rehabilitation centers, another four are now currently employed or will begin employment shortly, and six are off the streets. (See HART website)
Citrus Heights drunk driving suspect a no-show in court
A Citrus Heights man who had pleaded no contest to a hit-and-run accident while driving under the influence did not show up for his sentencing hearing, according to a Nevada County newspaper. Kurtis Lee Smith, 57, was arrested on May 19 last year after he reportedly was driving erratically on Highway 49 and then “suddenly accelerated and rear-ended another vehicle,” causing injury to another driver. Smith’s vehicle then spun out of control, traveled into oncoming traffic, and finally crashed into a guard rail. He left the scene, but was arrested shortly afterward. Smith reportedly owes 270 days in custody, and a judge has now issued a no-bail warrant for his arrest. (See story)
Citrus Heights police release updated most-wanted list for May
A trio of suspects appeared on the Citrus Heights Police Department’s latest most-wanted list, which was released on Thursday. While the department typically releases eight faces with each most-wanted list, the latest list features just three suspects — two of whom have appeared on past lists.
The suspects include Dustin William Arrington, 32, who is wanted for alleged burglary and theft; Frances Eileen Patik, 34, who is wanted on one or more fraud-related charges; and newcomer Raymond Mark Ashorn, 38, who is wanted for an alleged narcotic violation. Anyone with information about any of the suspects is asked to contact CHPD’s non-emergency line at (916) 727-5500. (See photos)
More Briefly:
- Open House. A ribbon-cutting and open house was held for new executive office suites at 5750 Sunrise Blvd. (See more)
- AR-15 logo. A local gun shop manager told Fox 40 that the Costco in Citrus Heights removed the shop’s banner and returned a $500 donation, due to the shop having an AR-15 rifle as part of its logo. (See Fox40)
- Endorsement. Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost, who is a Citrus Heights resident, was featured in a new 15-second campaign video supporting Sheriff Scott Jones for re-election. (See video)
