Latest local news briefs include a gas line break shutting down Sunrise Boulevard, two local restaurants closing their doors, planning commissioners voting to approve three proposals, and a new smoking ordinance being considered for Citrus Heights.
Planning commissioners vote to approve three proposals
The Citrus Heights Planning Commission voted to approve three proposals on Wednesday night, two of which were unanimous decisions. Among the decisions, the commission approved a new 8,700-square-foot multi-tenant building in front of Costco and Walmart, along with an amended policy requested by the applicant to only require the use of transparent glass on 50% of the rear of the building, rather than the city’s original requirement of 60% — with the exception of the refuse area, which is subject to further review.
Commissioners also unanimously approved a proposal to discourage subdivision of existing commercial centers in an effort to encourage future redevelopment of entire centers, which city staff say is more difficult when working with multiple owners of commercial centers. The commission also voted 6-1 to allow housing developments on smaller lots and commercial zones to create more options in currently vacant or underutilized parcels. Commissioner Tim Schaefer told The Sentinel he voted no on the proposal due to his concern about “significant congestion” if such developments ever became commonplace. To learn more about each proposal, see prior story: 3 public hearings to be held by Citrus Heights Planning Commission
New smoking ordinance under consideration in Citrus Heights
Draft wording of a new smoking ordinance was published on the city’s website on Thursday and also sent out for review to various neighborhood and business groups. The 13-page page proposed ordinance came about after the city’s current smoking regulations became obsolete due to changes in state and federal smoking laws, according to an email sent out by the city. Under the proposed ordinance, medical and non-medical marijuana use would be prohibited in all public places and in any place where smoking is prohibited.
The proposed ordinance would also update the definition of smoking to mean “the inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form.” The definition would also include “the use or vaping of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device.” A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for the Sept. 27 city council meeting. (Read full draft ordinance)
Gas line break shuts down Sunrise Blvd.
A gas line break on Aug. 20 caused police to block off both directions of a section of Sunrise Boulevard while PG&E and Metro Fire crews responded to the scene. The incident occurred along a stretch of roadway currently undergoing improvements related to sewer and repaving work, between Woodmore Oaks and Sayonara Drive. Citrus Heights police said in a social media post that the roadway was re-opened around noon, following lane closures of about two hours.
Lyons, China Buffet close on Sunrise Blvd.
The Sacramento Business Journal reported on Wednesday that both Lyon’s Restaurant and China Buffet in Citrus Heights had closed. Lyon’s had only opened last year, at 5495 Sunrise Blvd., while China Buffet had been open on the 5600 block of Sunrise Boulevard for years. While no reason for the closures were given, The Journal posted a photo of a sign taped up in the window of China Buffet that read, “Thank you for allowing us to serve you for 10+ years. Unfortunately, this location is now CLOSED. Thanks for your support!”
The Journal also reported that a notice with an eviction date of Aug. 21 was posted on the Lyon’s building, along with a sign that read “store is close.” The news outlet also said an unlawful detainer lawsuit was filed earlier this month in Sacramento County Superior Court, involving the landlord suing to recover back rent of over $24,000. Both restaurants had reviews averaging in the 2-star range on Yelp. (See Business Journal story)
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More briefly:
- Bait Arrest. Citrus Heights police announced the arrest of 28-year-old Adam Drake on Aug. 23, after he allegedly stole a bait item. (See booking photo)
