Latest local news briefs include a July 4th house fire, neighbors gathering to celebrate Independence Day, an update on the Golden State Killer suspect’s early days, and local Sears store workers featured in an article in The Guardian.
Residents gather for neighborhood 4th of July celebration
Residents young and old in the St. Andrews Court neighborhood of Citrus Heights gathered for a 4th of July celebration on the streets, with food, a kids bike competition, and a small parade of vehicles. The quiet neighborhood is made up of about 80 homes, tucked away behind Holy Family Catholic Church off Old Auburn Road. This year’s event drew about 50 residents out to the streets for socializing, with prizes awarded to the best decorated bikes and the top cars in the parade. Organizer and resident Jerry Roach told The Sentinel the event has been hosted in St. Andrews Court for the past 25 years, along with several other events held each year in the neighborhood. (See more photos)
Fire damages Citrus Heights home on morning of July 4
A home off Dewey Drive in Citrus Heights was damaged by a fire early Wednesday morning, according to a KCRA news report. Although fireworks were a suspected culprit, the station reported that Metro Fire determined the blaze was not sparked by fireworks. An arson investigator reportedly noted flammable materials stored near the garage that “may have spontaneously combusted.” Damage to the home was described as minor, with primary damage being caused to the exterior of the home. (See KCRA news report)
New York newspaper probes Golden State Killer suspect’s ties to area
In a July 1 story titled “Looking for DeAngelo’s Bath story,” the New York-based Evening Tribune published an in-depth look into the Golden State Killer suspect’s birthplace of Bath, New York. According to the paper, Joseph DeAngelo’s first home was located in Bath, and he later moved over 2,500 miles to Citrus Heights where he was arrested on suspicion of killing at least 12 people and raping at least 50. The story includes interviews with the former Bath fire chief, as well as a historical society director and the area’s district attorney. (See story)
7 Citrus Heights Sears workers interviewed by major news outlet
The Guardian published seven interviews with Citrus Heights Sears store workers, featuring a photo of each and their comments on the impending closure. Interviews included employees age 17 to 65, with some quoted saying the store’s demise was in part due to the rise in online shopping. One said they would either be transferring to another Sears store, another said he’d go back to college, while others weren’t sure where or if they’d apply elsewhere. A 58-year-old employee said he lives in Citrus Heights and would miss being able to walk to work. The store is currently slated to close July 15 and is running liquidation specials. (See story)
