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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Royal Stage Theater is turning 15

    Royal Stage Theater is turning 15

    Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins, center, stands with Royal Stage founder Tamara Warta and other attendees of a grand opening ceremony for Royal Stage at Sunrise Mall on Sept. 9, 2022. // M. Hazlip
    Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins, center, stands with Royal Stage founder Tamara Warta and other attendees of a grand opening ceremony for Royal Stage at Sunrise Mall on Sept. 9, 2022. // M. Hazlip

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Citrus Heights’ only local community theater group is marking its 15th anniversary with a weekend full of celebratory activities planned on Sept. 5 and 6.

    Royal Stage, a community-focused theater and performing arts nonprofit serves both Roseville and Citrus Heights with community theater opportunities, dance classes, summer camps, and other performing arts opportunities.

    Alumni, current students, families, and friends are all invited to take part in the anniversary activities, which will include live performances, free classes, worship, and plenty of food, games and fun.

    The anniversary celebration kicks off on Friday, Sept. 5, with the return of Friday Night Shine, a community talent show event that takes place one to two times per year. From 5 to 7 p.m., the evening will feature 15 community talent acts in honor of 15 years. The free event will take place in the theater at Sunrise Mall.

    As the evening winds down, the theater will host a candlelight worship service at 9 p.m. The worship service offers a quiet, reflective space and an opportunity for attendees to pray, give thanks, or reflect on the ways the theater has impacted lives.

    During the day on Saturday, Sept. 6, the theater is offering free classes at its Roseville studio from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Children, teens, and adults alike can try out one-hour sessions in dance or theater at no cost. Classes are offered for all ages, from as young as two years old.

    “This special open-house style event is designed to give the community a taste of what Royal Stage offers throughout the year,” the nonprofit said on its website.

    Saturday night, the nonprofit will host a Barnyard Bash, also located at its Roseville studio. Beginning at 5 p.m. the Backyard Bash will feature a line dancing class, a barbeque dinner, and quirky games like “stick horse beauty pageant.” The free event will take place at Royal Stage’s studio, located at 1000 Sunrise Ave Suite 10 B in Roseville.

    Royal Stage debuted its 8,500 square foot permanent performance space in Citrus Heights in September 2022 after years of performing plays on stages in schools and churches across Sacramento County.

    Related: Royal Stage to host grand opening next month at Sunrise Mall – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    The nonprofit was awarded a $25,000 grant from the City of Citrus Heights in June of the same year, which was used to help cover the costs of construction, marketing, and programming for the new space.

    The nonprofit also received a grant from the California Arts Council’s Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating relief fund. Additionally, L&H Airco donated $2,000 in materials, as well as volunteer time and company trucks with tools and ladders to help assist with necessary repairs during the renovation.

    The building required thousands of dollars in renovations and electrical work, but Royal Stage founder Tamara Warta said she loves the space. In previous interviews, Warta said the theater isn’t going anywhere, despite the uncertainty of circumstances surrounding Sunrise Mall.

    Royal Stage was established in 2010 with a mission to offer safe and encouraging classes and camps for children, youth and adults. Classes are open to those with any faith or background, but the organization operates as a Christian nonprofit. Fall classes are open and information is available on their website.

    Related: Inside Sunrise Mall: Meet the owner of Citrus Heights’ only community theater – Citrus Heights Sentinel

  • Major gas leak forces evacuations, closure of Citrus Heights Intersection

    Major gas leak forces evacuations, closure of Citrus Heights Intersection

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    One female was arrested on charges of hit and run on Wednesday evening after she struck a gas pipeline behind a business with her vehicle and fled the scene.

    According to Citrus Heights Police, the collision occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on the northwest corner of the intersection. The gas line rupture forced evacuations and widespread traffic closures. Authorities said Thursday morning that the entire business complex on the northwest corner was evacuated, along with Holy Family Catholic Church.

    For safety, law enforcement closed the entire intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Old Auburn Road in all directions. The closure lasted approximately two hours as utility crews worked to contain the leak.

    Multiple surrounding intersections and multiple nearby driveways were also closed due to two unrelated collisions.

    A rollover crash on Sunrise Boulevard resulted in a DUI arrest, while a separate motorcycle and vehicle collision was also reported on Oak Avenue, according to Citrus Heights Police.

    The rollover occurred between Sayanora Drive and Woodmore Oaks Drive, where officers responded to find a vehicle overturned in the roadway. One person was detained at the scene, and police confirmed the crash was DUI-related. The driver was taken into custody.

  • Historic Lincoln Highway sign unveiled at local Citrus Heights high school

    Historic Lincoln Highway sign unveiled at local Citrus Heights high school

    Several members of the Rotary Club of Citrus Heights stand beneath a newly unveiled Historic Lincoln Highway Memorial Placard at San Juan High School, Aug. 15, 2025.
    Several members of the Rotary Club of Citrus Heights stand beneath a newly unveiled Historic Lincoln Highway Memorial Placard at San Juan High School, Aug. 15, 2025. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A host of city leaders, school personnel, alumni, and community members gathered together to celebrate the unveiling of an Historic Lincoln Highway Memorial Placard in front of San Juan High School in Citrus Heights.

    The ceremony, which took place a day after school kicked off for the 2025-26 year, featured multiple speakers before the sign’s unveiling. An historian spoke of the humble beginnings of San Juan High, and the high school’s current principal David Levis spoke of the positive impact of both the Lincoln Highway and San Juan High School on the community over the last century.

    “Just as the Lincoln Highway once connected communities across America, San Juan High School has been a place where generations have come together,” Levis said.

    Andrew Saunders with the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter spearheaded the event and also presented a quick lesson on the history of the Lincoln Highway and its impact on the region when it was only known as Sylvan. The route down Greenback Lane, where San Juan High School resides, became operational in 1928.

    Other speakers included Citrus Heights Arts founder GiGi Rayford, Executive Director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Sheri Merrick, and Albert Fox from the Rotary Club of Citrus Heights, who Saunders called “instrumental” in helping collaborate between different entities in order to get the project approved. The office of Assemblyman Josh Hoover also presented Levis with a certificate.

    The Lincoln Highway, America’s first transcontinental roadway, once routed travelers through areas including Roseville, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and Fair Oaks. Saunders said the new signage is intended to promote “travel and tourism for points of interest” along the route, encouraging visitors to stop at sites like the historic Rusch Home in Citrus Heights and others.

    Saunders has been traveling and presenting to other jurisdictions and pushing for the installation of Historic Lincoln Highway placards in Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Roseville to help commemorate and memorialize the historic route.

    The rectangular placard design has a brown, red, white, and blue color scheme, with “HISTORIC” written at the top across a brown banner and a large L in the center of the words “LINCOLN HIGHWAY.”

    The new sign hangs from a light pole directly in front of the high school. Saunders’ goal is to bring awareness not only to the Lincoln Highway but also to Citrus Heights and to get the CA tourism board to “recognize our area as a historically significant landmark,” Saunders said in an interview.

    The placard’s development was made possible through partnerships between the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter, the San Juan Unified School District facilities team, and the City of Citrus Heights General Services Department, among others.

    Previously, Saunders, in partnership with the city, CHANT Neighborhood Area 3, and the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter, identified four historical route points along Auburn Boulevard, which was the original Lincoln Highway route.

    The landmarks with new placards have also been added to a national Lincoln Highway map, which is accessed through the Lincoln Highway Association’s website. The map lists every historical landmark along the transcontinental route and provides historical notes regarding each landmark.

    The city also plans to install an Historic Lincoln Highway placard at the northern city limits where a gateway arch leading into Citrus Heights will be completed, according to General Services Director Regina Cave.

    The Lincoln Highway transitioned into Highway 40 in the mid-1920s when the government dropped named highways and transitioned to a numbered highway system. To this day, a large sign at the intersection of Antelope Road and Auburn Boulevard denotes the names of both highways.

  • Vehicle into power pole causes widespread outages in Citrus Heights

    Vehicle into power pole causes widespread outages in Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A solo-vehicle crash early Sunday morning just before 5 a.m. knocked out power to residents in Citrus Heights according to Sgt. Ryan Smith of the Citrus Heights Police Department.

    The incident occurred at Sunrise Boulevard, where a vehicle struck a power pole, causing it to be completed severed from its base. Smith said the driver did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the department “is not sure how it happened.”

    SMUD’s outage map showed thousands of customers in Citrus Heights and neighboring jurisdictions without power at the height of the disruption. Residents reported outages across the city, with affected areas ranging from Sunrise Boulevard at Twin Oaks Avenue to Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard to Antelope Road and PFE Road, according to social media posts from local city groups.

    Smith noted that widespread outages had already been reported prior to the crash, and while the collision worsened the situation, it was not the “sole cause” of the citywide power failures.

    SMUD representatives Monday morning could not confirm with The Sentinel whether earlier power outages had occurred before the collision with the power pole.

    Northbound lanes of Sunrise Boulevard between Highland Avenue and Larwin Drive were closed for several hours while SMUD crews replaced the pole. The roadway fully reopened by 2 p.m., authorities said.

  • Driver killed in collision on Madison Avenue in Citrus Heights

    Driver killed in collision on Madison Avenue in Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A fatal crash on Madison Avenue Sunday night left one driver dead and shut down a stretch of roadway as authorities investigated.

    According to a Citrus Heights Police Department press release, officers received multiple 911 calls around 8:17 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24 regarding a two-vehicle collision in the 7200 block of Madison Avenue, near San Juan Avenue. When officers arrived, they found one driver unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District reported that the crash involved a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck. The pickup truck rolled over, but the driver was not injured. The second vehicle involved sustained major damage, and its driver did not survive.

    Westbound lanes of Madison Avenue between San Juan Avenue and Fleetwood Drive were closed for several hours while crews worked at the scene.

    Traffic investigators with the police department’s Traffic Unit are leading the investigation, the release said. Preliminary findings indicate alcohol may have been a factor in the collision, but no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.

    The identity of the deceased driver is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

    Authorities remind drivers to stay alert and find alternative transportation if drinking alcohol. Police urge witnesses to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department at (916) 727-5500.

  • Council to vote on bringing low-cost feline spay neuter clinic to Citrus Heights

    Council to vote on bringing low-cost feline spay neuter clinic to Citrus Heights

    The former Citrus Heights Preschool property, now owned by the city, at 7555 Old Auburn Rd.
    The former Citrus Heights Preschool property, now owned by the city, at 7555 Old Auburn Rd. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council next Wednesday is expected to discuss a temporary lease agreement between the city and FieldHaven Feline Center, which would set up its operations at a property on Old Auburn Road, if approved.

    According to an agenda packet for the Aug. 27 council meeting, city staff is recommending the approval of a temporary, 18-month lease between the city and FieldHaven Feline Center. During the 18-month pilot phase, FieldHaven would expect to pay $1 in total rent, according to the agenda packet. City staff notes that there will be some costs incurred from preparing the building for tenant improvements, which will be covered by existing budget allocations, but no monetary value or estimate was listed.

    In October 2024, the city acquired two adjacent properties —7555 and 7569 Old Auburn Rd., which were the home of Citrus Heights Preschool, a business that had closed abruptly in April of that same year. The purchase was made to “support future animal services expansion,” city staff said.

    FieldHaven Feline Center is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that currently operates in Lincoln according to the nonprofit’s website. City staff said the center expressed interest in establishing a Citrus Heights location and submitted a proposal to lease 7555 Old Auburn Rd.

    Potential services to be offered include spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, lifesaving procedures for community and owned cats and dogs, and basic veterinary support for animals in the city’s care at city’s discretion.

    City staff has acknowledged that some members of the veterinary community are concerned about “potential competition” with their local businesses. Due to the concerns voiced, city staff said they have limited the scope of services in the terms of the lease agreement “to avoid competition with core commercial veterinarian services,” The clinic is not intended to act as a long-term veterinary facility, staff said.

    Pricing for spay and neutering is $65 for feral cats, and $150 for owned cats, including vaccines and microchipping, according to FieldHaven’s website. The Sentinel found that typical veterinary costs for spay and neuter surgeries can be hundreds of dollars and don’t include the cost of microchipping or vaccines.

    If the lease continues beyond the pilot phase, FieldHaven would pay $2,500 per month ($30,000 annually) for a three-year term. Additionally, the city will then receive 250 spay and neuter vouchers for cats annually.

    Bradshaw Animal Shelter, which the city currently contracts with for animal services, does not offer any spay or neuter vouchers.

    Community Spay and Neuter, which is next door to Bradshaw, offers two per household per month if you’re able to call in through a lottery program at 7 a.m. on the first Monday of each month.

    “You have to call between 300 and 800 times. I have called 600 times to get appointments. It’s like calling the radio station, everybody calls at once,” animal rescuer Melissa Hayden told The Sentinel on Saturday. “If you get through, you get two spots max.”

    If approved the lease agreement would commence at a later date, once improvements have been made at the site. Staff anticipates the feline center to complete improvements in the first quarter of 2026.

    See the full agenda packet here.

    Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at City Hall, at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    *This story was updated with the correct spelling of a business’s name

  • City of Citrus Heights eyes potential annexation at key intersection

    City of Citrus Heights eyes potential annexation at key intersection

    A map of the proposed area to be annexed is outlined in red. Fair Oaks Boulevard runs north to south and Madison Avenue runs east to west. // City of Citrus Heights
    A map of the proposed area to be annexed is outlined in red. Fair Oaks Boulevard runs north to south and Madison Avenue runs east to west. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council directed staff to move forward with an annexation work plan on Aug. 13, which is the first step toward exploring the potential annexation of a small five-and-a-half-acre section of unincorporated Sacramento County located on the border of Citrus Heights.

    The city proposed to the council on Aug. 13 the annexation of a section of commercial and residential areas located at the corner of Madison Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard that is located just outside Citrus Heights in Fair Oaks, an unincorporated part of Sacramento County.

    During an initial study where the city spent months looking into whether annexing several sections of the city would be financially feasible, the city found in 2022 that annexing would result in negative financial impacts to the city. In a staff report, the city said annexing the small section at Fair Oaks Boulevard and Madison Avenue was originally found to result in negative financial impact due to the required service upgrades needed for the signals at the intersection.

    Since the original study took place, Sacramento County has approved a major modernization plan for Madison Avenue, which includes upgrading signal infrastructure and repaving sections of the main thoroughfare, including a section located in Citrus Heights between San Juan Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard. Citrus Heights General Services Director Regina Cave said in a previous interview with The Sentinel that the city will be working in cooperation with Sacramento County and that the project is expected to begin sometime in 2026.

    A new cost estimate suggests that the city could see a neutral or positive financial impact if the portion of unincorporated Sacramento County was annexed following completed upgrades to the corner.

    “Annexing this corner would ‘square off’ the city’s boundaries and potentially allow the city greater control over the Fair Oaks Boulevard and Madison Avenue intersection, a significant gateway and activity node,” city staff said.

    In preparation for a hypothetical annexation, the city drafted a letter that conveys the city’s intent to explore “the level of interest” for annexation among property and business owners on the corner in question.

    The letter lays out the benefits of annexation, including enhanced local services such as quicker response times for police, code enforcement, and emergency services; access to city resources and programs that support business development and property improvements; more direct representation and influence on local policies through the City Council; streamlined permitting and zoning processes; and opportunities for infrastructure improvements and streetscape enhancements.

    The letter is one of the first steps in the process. During the Aug. 13 meeting, Community Development Director Casey Kempenaar said the city plans to send out the letter to three property owners who own five parcels, then host an in-person meeting with owners, and bring back feedback from the meeting to the council at a later date.

    Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski–Costa suggested that the city begin the process of a Municipal Services Review (MSR) now rather than later, because of the lengthy time it takes to complete. An MSR is a comprehensive study that evaluates how municipal services are being provided in a given area, and whether those services can adequately support potential changes in jurisdictional boundaries.

    Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney said in response that the cost of doing an MSR was high and that sending a letter proactively to business owners who may be potentially impacted will help the city gauge the level of interest before the city pays for an MSR.

    The City Council gave the green light to move forward with the Annexation work plan presented and favored including the Finance Committee in any future property owner meeting.

    In order for an annexation to take place, all those in the unincorporated area must vote in favor of being annexed into Citrus Heights.

  • Sold out ‘Best of Citrus Heights’ event celebrates top local businesses

    A sold out crowd gathered on Thursday, Aug. 21 for the 20th annual Best of Citrus Heights awards dinner at the Citrus Heights Event Center. // SB WIlliams
    A sold out crowd gathered on Thursday, Aug. 21 for the 20th annual Best of Citrus Heights awards dinner at the Citrus Heights Event Center. // SB WIlliams

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    The Best of Citrus Heights awards ceremony held on Thursday, Aug. 21, brought together hundreds of attendees to celebrate the best businesses in Citrus Heights.

    The 20th annual awards dinner began with live country music and plenty of conversation and ended with a few upset wins. Over 10,000 votes were cast from over 4,000 individuals voting on 451 contenders within 43 categories.

    Some businesses took home top honors, having won by only one vote, according to Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick.

    Club Studio Fitness took home the prize for Best Gym or Fitness Studio after only having opened in Citrus Heights less than a year ago. DarkHeart Brewing, which opened in December 2024, landed in second place in the category for Best Beverage and Food, with Tea It receiving top honors.

    River City Chiropractic took home their 19th award in the Best Health and Wellness category. In an upset, Sutter Health took home the award for Best Medical Facility over Dignity Health, reportedly by only one vote, Merrick said. Republic Services won the award for the most overall votes accrued in the contest.

    A full list of categories and their winners for the 2025 Best of Citrus Heights is listed below.

    Best Accounting and Tax Services: Powers Bookkeeping service

    Best Advertising and Marketing: Huddle Web Works

    Best Automotive Parts and Repair: McElroy’s Repair

    Best Banking/Financial Institution: SAFE Credit Union

    Best Beauty Services: Mo Lashes

    Best Beverage and Food: Tea It

    Best Business Services: Miller’s Ace Hardware

    Best Car Wash/Detailing Service: Citrus Heights Car Wash

    Best Childcare/Preschool EmpowerMe Preschool and childcare

    Best Catering service: Randy Peters Catering

    Best Church/House of Worship: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School

    Best Community Association: Sunrise MarketPlace

    Best Community Organization: Citrus Heights HART

    Best Dental or Orthodontics: Almond Orchard Dental

    Best Education, School, and Training: American River Colleageaate Academy

    Best Entertainment Services: Citrus Heights Marching Band

    Best Entertainment Venue: Sunrise Recreation and Park District

    Best Financial and Investment Service: Edward Jones: Christine

    Best Funeral Services: Mount Vernon Memorial

    Best Government Services: Citrus Heights Police Department

    Best Gym or Fitness Studio: Club Studio Fitness

    Best Health and Wellness: River City Chiropractic

    Best Information Technology Services: Smile Business Products

    Best Insurance Services: First American Title Company

    Best Legal Services: The law office of Black and DePooli

    Best Massage: Good Massage LLC

    Best Medical Facility: Sutter Health

    Best photographer/videographer: CB Photography and Videography

    Best printing/design services: All Quality Graphics

    Best Publication: Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Best Quick Service Food Services: Leatherby’s Family Creamery

    Best Residential and Commercial Real Estate: Sac Town Real Estate

    Best Residential and Commercial Services: EasyStump tree removal services

    Best Residential Community. Big Oak Mobile Home Park

    Best Restaurant: R Vita Cantina

    Best Retail: Aquarium and Reptile Depot

    Best Senior Living Community: The Oars Senior Living

    Best Service Provider: All things Canine Development Inc.

    Best Storage Facility: Extra Space Storage

    Best travel agency: The Poodle Booked it travel agency

    Best Utilities and Services: SMUD

    Best Veterinarian and Pet Services: Sylvan Corners Pet Hospital

    Best Waste Collection Services: Republic Services

    The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Best of Citrus Heights awards ceremony was sponsored by Dignity Health, InfoStar, Republic Services, the City of Citrus Heights, Citrus Heights Water District, SMUD and 5 Star Accounting. For information about the winners and the Chamber, visit bestofcitrusheights.org

  • Obituary: Ronald Ray Root (1960-2025)

    Ronald Jay Root (1960-2025) // Courtesy of Karen Root
    Ronald Jay Root (1960-2025) // Courtesy of Karen Root

    Submitted by Karen Root–
    Ronald “Ron” Jay Root, 65, passed away the morning of July 18th, 2025, at his home in Citrus Heights. Ron was born on May 25th, 1960, in Oakland, California, to Ivan and Nancy Root. The fifth of six children, Ron and his family moved from Oakland to West Point, CA, after the death of his father.  Ron’s childhood dream was to become a pilot, and he even received his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. A graduate of Calaveras High class of ‘78, Ron lettered in football and went on to get his Associates of Science in Forestry from Modesto Junior College.

    From there, he worked as a timber faller and a cowboy. Ron loved being in the woods and was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life. An eye condition, “Keratoconus,” caused Ron’s blindness and prevented him from his dream of joining the United States Air Force. However, after many treatments, in 1989, Ron was able to graduate from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Training Academy. He worked for many years as a skilled and highly respected Sheriff’s Deputy for Sacramento County. He was on the Sacramento County Trap Shooting Team and won many medals.

    After injuries sustained as a Sheriff’s Deputy forced him into retirement far too early, he found a new love and sense of purpose in the world of giant pumpkin growing. Ron’s life was marked by numerous health challenges, yet instead of bowing to them he always found a way to pivot, try something new, and move forward.

    He was endlessly curious and had a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics. His ability to learn new skills and quickly become an expert and master them was no surprise. In 2010, he won the Half Moon Bay World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a 1,535 lb. pumpkin. It was the first time in 11 years that a California grower took home the top prize. In 2023, Ron and his growing partner Nick Kennedy set a new CA state record for largest pumpkin at a staggering 2,497 lbs and taking home 2nd place at the World Championship. He loved mentoring new growers.

    The first words out of everyone’s mouths about Ron are always “he was so generous and kind”. Ron’s generosity was as big as his heart. Whether it was his time, his knowledge and expertise, or even opening his home, he helped everyone constantly. He loved nothing more than to spend time outside among the trees and beside a lake with his dog, his family and friends.

    He is survived by his sister Karen Root, brother Roger Root, nieces and nephews Kristen, Kelsey and Kristopher Root and yellow Labrador Remi. A memorial service was held on August 23rd, 2025, at Scottish Rite Center 6151 H St., in Sacramento.

    *Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here

  • Letters to the Editor: Sunrise Mall, redevelopment

    Letters to the Editor: Sunrise Mall, redevelopment

    File photo, Sunrise Mall. // CH Sentinel

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    Latest Letters to the Editor discuss Sunrise Mall and the possibility of new ownership.

    Previous plans to purchase the mall:
    I’ve been following the stories about the mall all year and it seems like the city doesn’t want to do anything with the property. The plan to purchase the mall and redevelop with Home Depot as anchor was a great idea and opportunity to sell and have retailers who actually bring money and opportunity to our city. If you’re not going to build a mall to compete with Arden or Galleria, then you need to demolish and rebuild. How much in taxes is our city losing from the mall? I have been here before the mall was built and Citrus Heights wasn’t a city. When the city was first formed it really improved the town but that has changed and not sure why.
    –Debbie Scott, Citrus Heights

    Sunrise Mall has drug needles:
    Before I move to Rocklin, I went to Sunrise Mall, and I have noticed Mrs. Fields cookie place has graffiti and dust and which I don’t know how people can graffiti Mrs. Fields cookie place if it had a gate and it was locked. And they have abandoned the store fill with Christmas decorations. Back in 2023 I was going to Sunrise Mall, I have also noticed in the parking lot near Macy’s Men’s and by the bank, I noticed there’s drug needles all over and at night time people would drive up and ask you about children, say they were a parent. I reported it to mall security, but of course they didn’t do anything. I have also noticed the smell of weed outside and so I moved to Rocklin, and I tell you, the Galleria Mall is the best mall ever, super clean.
    — Morgan Wills, Rocklin

    Plans for redevelopment:
    Buying property at Sunrise Mall doesn’t mean someone is going to have the money to develop it as the city wishes. We are so broke we spend over 50 percent of our operating budget on police. The Pandemic actually saved us by getting millions of dollars. We CAN’T afford to keep throwing good money after bad.
    –Alfred Sanchez, Citrus Heights

    The Sentinel welcomes letters about local issues. To submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here.