Sentinel staff report–
The past 12 months of 2020 were filled with ups and downs, both in Citrus Heights and across the globe.
Hundreds of local stories published on the Citrus Heights Sentinel website were viewed over the past year, with readers’ top interests revolving around redevelopment plans for Sunrise Mall, looters striking a local shop amid national protests, businesses struggling to survive during COVID-19 restrictions, and more.
Below were the five most-viewed stories of 2020, with December being the most popular month:
Unusual Citrus Heights home draws mixed reaction from potential buyers
A story about an unusually shaped three-story home in a high-visibility location off Antelope Road quickly attracted the most readership of any article published on The Sentinel this year. As of Dec. 30, the home was still on the market, at a reduced price of $399,500.
City releases new visuals of concept plan for transformed Sunrise Mall
A story published in the summer with visuals of the city’s preferred concept plan for redevelopment of Sunrise Mall also attracted wide reader interest. A “Specific Plan” and Environmental Impact Report are currently being finalized, with plans including at least one hotel, hundreds of residential units, a looping bike path, major office space and a “town center” for outdoor events.
Body found hanging from tree at Citrus Heights park
A somber December story shocked readers when a man was found dead, hanging from a tree at Madera Park. Police said suicide was suspected, with no foul play involved. The man was later identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office as 41-year-old Christopher Gebhardt. According to posts by family members on Facebook, he recently had moved to Citrus Heights from North Dakota.
Popular Mexican restaurant in Citrus Heights struggling to survive during pandemic
Word quickly spread of Panchito Mexican Restaurant’s struggles to survive amid COVID-19 restrictions. Several days after The Sentinel’s original story was published on Dec. 20, the restaurant owners said an “overwhelming” number of customers came in to patronize their business in a show of support.
Looters arrested after hitting Citrus Heights store, fleeing at 100 MPH
A June 4 story about a couple being arrested after breaking into a Boost Mobile store in Citrus Heights and then fleeing at more than 100 MPH with an infant in the rear of the vehicle also drew the attention of readers. The pair were charged with looting by the District Attorney’s Office, which also reported filing charges in a dozen other looting-related incidents around the same time period.
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