Updated Aug. 14, 7:22 p.m.–
Latest local news briefs include a report on Hot August Bites at Rusch Park, an update on aerial and ground spraying efforts to curb the threat of West Nile virus activity, the passing of a longtime Citrus Heights resident and World War Two veteran, and the latest monthly report on housing prices.
‘Hot August Bites’ brings muscle cars, music and fun to Rusch Park
Stacey Hanks contributed to this report– Hot rods, muscle cars, and one-of-a-kind motorbikes adorned with custom paint jobs and chrome-plated engines lined the grassy slopes of Rusch Park Saturday afternoon for the 5th Annual “Hot August Bites.” The three-hour event ran from 11 a.m. ’til 2 p.m. and brought people of all ages out to enjoy the early afternoon in the park, before temperatures outside got too hot. A fenced-off beer garden was expanded this year to allow visitors to wander about and shop while enjoying their drinks as they listened to live band Jax Hammer, and attendees had plenty of food options on site, with food trucks offering a variety of cuisine to choose from including Kados and Squeeze Inn.
The car show, put on by Nor Cal Cruisers, was a popular hit among attendees, with crowds perusing through the vehicles set up on display in the park. This year’s event also featured a dunk tank and an inflatable water slide in the pool area, where those seeking to cool off could enjoy a free swim at the Rusch Pool. The Sunrise Recreation and Parks District said about 1,500 people were expected to attend the event throughout the day.
WEST NILE: No aerial spraying so far, but ground efforts continue
Ground spraying to control mosquitoes and West Nile Virus activity in Citrus Heights continued on Monday and Tuesday night, but officials opted to hold off on aerial spraying. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District previously said it was considering aerial spraying in the Citrus Heights area, but updates posted on the District’s website showed only targeted ground spraying was implemented over the past week.
The District said in a news release on Friday that it will continue to “keep a close eye” on Citrus Heights, as well as Orangevale and North Highlands, where it says recent West Nile Virus activity has been concentrated in. Residents are advised to drain any standing water, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing are also recommended for those going outside. Update: Additional ground spraying has been scheduled for the evening of Aug. 14th. (See map of areas to be sprayed)
Average Citrus Heights home sale prices drop slightly in latest report
Monthly average home sale prices in Citrus Heights dipped slightly during June compared to the prior month, according to the most recent data reported in The Sacramento Bee last week. Homes in the city’s 95610 zip code dropped 2.1% from a high of $350,000 in May to an average sale price of $342,500 in June. Homes in the city’s 95621 zip code fared better, showing a slight increase of 1.4%, rising to $331,500 from $327,000 the prior month.
Year-over-year comparisons show average prices in Citrus Heights are still on the rise overall since 2017, with the city’s 95621 zip code showing home sale prices rose about 10%, from an average of $300,000 in June 2017 to $331,500 during June of this year. In the 95610 zip code, which covers the eastern half of Citrus Heights, home sale prices increased from an average of $325,000 last June up to $342,500 this year, a difference of about 5%. The Sacramento Bee’s report included data for sales of detached single-family homes and also included price comparisons of homes sales of all zip codes in the Sacramento region, through June 2018. (See full report)
Obituary: Citrus Heights loses longtime resident, WWII vet
William “Bill” George McJunkins, a longtime resident of Citrus Heights, passed away at age 91 on July 24. According to his obituary published last week in the Sacramento Bee, McJunkins enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and served as a baker on an aircraft carrier during WWII. After moving to Citrus Heights with his wife in 1956, he began working for Sacramento County as a courtroom clerk and was later promoted to court clerk supervisor before retiring in 1988.
According to the obituary, he and his wife, Elaine, celebrated 68 years of marriage last year, prior to her death in October. His favorite pastime was golfing, and he could reportedly be seen at the golf course “at least every other day.” He will be interred at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. The family says at his request, there will be no services. A poem written by his sister was included in the obituary, titled “Brother Bill.” It read:
He was a “soldier” fought his battle to the end,
He was a brother, and a friend
Our life together was not meant to be
Adversity stepped in to steal the family tree
But God in his mercy had the heavenly key,
Opened the door and set him free
(See full obituary)
More Briefly:
- $5k donation. The Citrus Heights Grocery Outlet store said in a Facebook post on Friday that its Independence From Hunger drive raised $5,566 for the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry. (See post/photo)
- Harris Gas. The City of Citrus Heights posted a one-minute video tribute to Harris Industrial Gas on Auburn Boulevard, which first opened in 1936 and is the oldest business in the city. (See video)
- Volunteers. CHPD posted a public “thank you” on Twitter to a group of LDS missionaries who have volunteered with landscaping projects around the city for the past nine years. (See post/photos)
- Arrest. CHPD posted a photo on social media of a 24-year-old who was arrested for “pandering and violating his probation.” (See post/photo)
