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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Phase 2 of Sayonara housing project in Citrus Heights to begin accepting applications

    A map showing the outlined vacant plots on Sayonara Drive where 26 new houses are to be constructed over three years. // City of Citrus Heights
    A map showing the outlined vacant plots on Sayonara Drive where 26 new houses are to be constructed over three years. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Applications for eight new affordable homes in Citrus Heights will officially open on Aug. 8, as part of Phase 2 of a partnership project between Habitat for Humanity and the City of Citrus Heights.

    The second phase of homes constructed will include a mix of three- and four-bedroom single-family residences, aimed at providing homeownership opportunities for working families, according to a July 23 announcement from the city.

    Those interested in applying must attend an orientation session before submitting an application. Habitat for Humanity will host both an information night and two formal orientation events at the Citrus Heights Event Center, located at 6300 Fountain Square Drive.

    An information session will be held on Monday, July 28, followed by two available orientation sessions on Aug. 12 and Aug. 15. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with each session beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

    Phase 2 follows the successful launch of the first phase of construction, which included the development of eight single-family homes along a previously underutilized parcel near Sayonara Drive. That initial phase saw overwhelming community interest, with over 300 submitted applications according to Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento CEO Leah miller, who spoke at the groundbreaking for Phase 1 of the project.

    The local Habitat for Humanity has called the Sayonara housing project their “largest housing project to date.”

    The groundbreaking was attended by multiple local and regional leaders and partners, including several Citrus Heights City Council members and city staff, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, former and current Habitat for Humanity volunteers, members of the Citrus Heights Police Department, and more.

    The Sayonara housing project focuses on helping families earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income qualify for a starter home in order to build equity through home ownership and “break cycles of poverty,” Miller said.

    Selected applicants will participate in Habitat’s “sweat equity” program, which requires contributing 500 volunteer hours toward building their homes.

    Applications open Aug. 8. Interested applicants can visit Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento’s website for more information and for eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply.

  • Citrus Heights businessman selling local family-owned gas station

    Citrus Heights businessman selling local family-owned gas station

    A local family is selling its family owned gas station.
    A local family is selling its family owned gas station. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    After 50 years, the Pastor family announced they are selling Pastor’s Valero, according to an announcement by the family on social media.

    “Four generations of my family have worked together to create a thriving business built on great service and honesty. We have been blessed with amazing, loyal customers who we owe so much of our success to,” Pastor Valero Station and Espresso Bar wrote in a July 25 post, adding that the family has decided to “step aside” from “heavy daily responsibilities” that come with running the gas station.

    An Arco AM/PM will be taking over the gas station, convenience store, and car wash on Aug. 4, according to the announcement, which was signed by owners Randy and Karen Pastor. The family added that they will continue to operate the Citrus Heights Car Wash, located on the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road.

    Pastor’s daughter, Holly Woltzen, told The Sentinel that the family will still be operating the auto care center and still renting Penske trucks. Woltzen said selling the gas station is a “big change for our family.”

    The Pastor family purchased the Texaco gas station in 1975 and has continued to operate the business ever since.

    “I was 11 when we rolled into that old Texaco station,” Pastor said in an interview with The Sentinel following his purchase of the Citrus Heights Car Wash in December 2024. The gas station at the time was being run by his daughter and son-in-law.

  • ‘Homeless by Choice’ author to host book signing in Citrus Heights

    Nonfiction Author Ray Juarez Jr. holds his latest book, "Homeless by Choice: A memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness." // Courtesy of Ray Juarez Jr. PR team
    Nonfiction Author Roy Juarez Jr. holds his latest book, “Homeless by Choice: A memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness.” // Courtesy of Roy Juarez Jr. PR team

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Nonfiction author Roy Juarez, Jr. is coming to Citrus Heights on Friday, Aug. 1, for a book signing at Barnes & Noble in the Marketplace at Birdcage.

    The event is part of his statewide Stories That Move tour, which is “empowering students, educators, and communities across California through storytelling and youth engagement,” according to a July 21 press release.

    Juarez is the author of Homeless by Choice: A Memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness, a memoir that shares his personal journey from surviving homelessness as a teenager to becoming a voice for youth empowerment, education reform, and community healing. His story has been featured on major media outlets including CNN, NBC, and Telemundo, according to the release.

    As President of IMPACTtruth, Juarez has worked with hundreds of students across California, helping them become published authors.

    The initiative uses storytelling as a “transformative tool” for healing, academic engagement, and leadership development. According to the organization, the program is “active across the state, improving student voice, confidence, and classroom culture.”

    The August 1 book signing offers local readers the opportunity to meet Juarez in person, learn more about his journey, and connect with a movement that is “changing lives through the power of personal narrative,”

    A book signing will take place on Friday, Aug. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. inside Barnes & Noble.

    Barnes & Noble is located at 6111 Birdcage Walk in the Marketplace at Birdcage, facing Sunrise Boulevard.

  • Aging sign falls off front of popular Citrus Heights burger spot

    Nation's Giant Burgers is awaiting a new sign on the front of its building.
    Nation’s Giant Burgers is awaiting a new sign on the front of its building. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A burger restaurant is awaiting new front facade signage following the collapse of the previous sign last week.

    Members in a Citrus Heights social media group shared a photo of the Nation’s Giant Burgers sign partially fallen to the ground, from the front of the building at the restaurant’s Citrus Heights location. The photo also shows the patio area and in front of the entrance cordoned off with yellow caution tape. No parking spaces appeared to be cordoned off.

    Employees and the owner of Nations Giant Burgers did not confirm whether the restaurant closed or remained open after the incident, but said the burger place is currently operating as usual.

    A visit to the restaurant on Wednesday found the company’s sign absent from the front of the building facing Sunrise Boulevard, but an existing sign facing north, still remained.

    The owner, who identified himself only as “Kanwall,” said the company plans to install a new sign next week and said the previous sign fell “mostly due to the age of the sign and the elements.”

    Kanwall said he has owned the restaurant for a year and also owns another location in Natomas. Since taking over, he said the restaurant has made several improvements, including adding a kid’s menu, value menu, menus geared toward larger groups, and catering options.

    Nations opened a location in Citrus Heights in late 2011 and in Natomas in 2020, according to local news reports.

    Nation’s Giant Hamburgers started in San Pablo, California, in 1952, according to the company’s website, beginning as a hot dog stand with six stools. The business later expanded to include hamburgers, eventually becoming known for its large portions and later, its breakfast and pies.

    Nations Giant Burgers is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and is located at 5450 Sunrise Blvd.

  • 2025 Citrus Heights Police Logs Spotlight: July 17-23

    Sentinel Staff report–
    Latest police logs show a drop in overall incidents, including fireworks and vehicle violations, while showing a rise in theft. Below are police log incidents from July 17-23, 2025.

    • Fireworks: 3 (down from 8)
    • Animal control: 6 (up from 5)
    • 911 hangups: 26 (down from 31)
    • Code enforcement: 32 (down from 35)
    • Traffic accidents: 19 (down from 27)
    • Vehicle violations: 244 (down from 303)
    • Theft: 49 (up from 33)
    • Homeless-related: 15 (up from 11)
    • Vandalism: 9 (up from 7)
    • Violent/threats: 24 (down from 29)
    • Disturbance: 65 (down from 89)
    • Suspicious circumstances: 161 (down from 176)
    • All incidents: 1108 (down from 1240)

    Arrest and incident logs can be viewed on the city’s website here.

    07-17-2025 Activity Log | 07-18-2025 Activity Log | 07-19-2025 Activity Log | 07-20-2025 Activity Log | 07-21-2025 Activity Log | 07-22-2025 Activity Log | 07-23-2025 Activity Log

    The total number of logs per category excludes calls that were canceled or confirmed as duplicate calls.

    The Citrus Heights Police Department notes that its logs “are not intended as a full and complete list of all police activity,” with some information not displayed for legal reasons, such as arrests of minors. As such, police advise that summary totals based on public logs may differ from weekly incident and arrest totals posted by police on social media.

    The department notes on its website that: “All arrested suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Additionally, the original crimes, nature of offenses, and charges may be amended or dismissed as further information is made available.”

    The Citrus Heights Police Department notes that its logs “are not intended as a full and complete list of all police activity,” with some information not displayed for legal reasons, such as arrests of minors. As such, police advise that summary totals based on public logs may differ from weekly incident and arrest totals posted by police on social media.

    The department notes on its website that: “All arrested suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Additionally, the original crimes, nature of offenses, and charges may be amended or dismissed as further information is made available.”

    Editor’s Note: police log summaries are published with assistance from AI, but edited by humans. Please contact us if you spot an error.

  • Clothing store leaves Sunrise Mall, future uncertain

    A black collapsable gate has been drawn across the corridor at Sunrise Mall. // SB Williams
    A black scissor-type gate has been drawn across the corridor at Sunrise Mall, July, 2024 // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    After closing in 2023 and then reopening in the spring of 2024, the Underground Clothing Connection has officially vacated Sunrise Mall.

    During a visit to the mall last week, Underground Clothing store volunteers were seen hauling the store’s clothing away, but store personnel declined to comment about why the store was closing.

    Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team board member and treasurer Kathilynn Carpenter said in an email Thursday that previously the store, which serves families experiencing housing uncertainty, had been given the space for free from November 2020 to June 2022, which Carpenter said was “very generous of them.”

    Then, the store began to pay a greatly reduced rent. But their lease was about to expire at the end of July this year. In negotiating a new rent with Namdar Realty Group, the proposed rent was expected to more than double. However, Carpenter emphasized it was still “a good rate” for the space they were occupying.

    But Citrus Heights HART, who runs the store, ultimately decided that they couldn’t afford the higher rent.

    “We just couldn’t afford it and the other costs of the store. All of our donations—individuals, corporations, grants, etc.—are all way down,” Carpenter said.

    The Underground Clothing Connection operates by appointment and referrals only and offers families in the San Juan Unified School District who are experiencing housing insecurity the opportunity to obtain clean and quality, “on trend,” new and gently used clothes for free.

    The store has been the only tenant open on the south side of the mall for some time, but the south side was blocked off sometime last year with a retractable gate. Families who qualified for aid could visit the store by appointment, and those wishing to donate new or gently used clothes could do so only on Thursdays and one Saturday a month.

    The Clothing Connection closed briefly last year when its store manager stepped down. After a short hiatus, the store acquired a new manager, Michelle Camba, who helped gather a group of core volunteers in order to reopen the store, according to Citrus Heights HART board chair and President Irene Hronicek.

    The store celebrated with a grand opening ceremony in September 2024, which was attended by multiple volunteers, Citrus Heights City Council members, and community and regional leaders.

    “It really made a positive impact in the parents’ lives and students’ lives,” McBride said, referencing feedback received from the store within the first two years.

    Carpenter said HART is still “exploring” whether there will be “a path to continue” the program for families experiencing housing insecurity. In the meantime, HART has seen a rising need for their Rental Assistance program and current fundraising is focused on that program.

    *This article has been updated with the correct nonprofit name, Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team.

  • Citrus Heights neighborhoods plan National Night Out events for 2025

    Citrus Heights neighborhoods plan National Night Out events for 2025

    Kathy Morris, right, stands near a table set up at C-Bar-C Park on Aug. 2, for National Night Out 2022. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, neighborhoods across the country come together for National Night Out. In Citrus Heights this year, there are several registered National Night Out events planned throughout the city. All events take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Starting times vary.

    Foundation Christian Church: CHASEN which represents Neighborhood Areas 7, 8 and 9, is hosting their annual National Night Out event at Foundation Christian Church on Tuesday evening, beginning at 6 p.m. Activities will include a jazz performance from high school students, volleyball, corn hole, face painting, balloon creations, and more.

    The event will also be offering free food, including hotdogs, salad, watermelon, popcorn, snow cones and more. Foundation Christian Church is located at 7800 Wonder St.

    Ascension Lutheran Church: Neighborhood Areas 2 and 6 are hosting a National Night Out event at Ascension Lutheran Church for the second year. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include games for all ages, face painting, a boune house and music. Snow cones and slushies will also be available. Citrus Heights Police Department will be on site. Ascension Lutheran Church is located at 7607 Garden Gate Drive.

    San Juan Park: Councilmember Porsche Middleton is leading a Pokémon Go in the Park event on Aug. 5 from 5 PM to 7 PM as part of this year’s National Night Out celebration. The event is free, and will include food and a special twist for fans of the popular phone gaming app, Pokémon Go, such as community challenges and giveaways. San Jun Park is located at

    Lichen K-8: The Northwest Neighborhood Association (Neighborhood Area 1) is hosting a National Night Out gathering from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Lichen K-8 School. This will be a small, family-friendly community event designed to strengthen neighborhood connections and promote public safety partnerships. They will be offering hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, and water for all attendees, lawn games and activities for kids and families. Kona Ice and other vendors are slated to be at the event, pending confirmation.

    Lichen K-8 is located at 8319 Lichen Drive.

    Sprouts Farmers Market: The grocery store will be holding a National Night Out event from 6 to 8 and the event will include hot dogs and chips, a pie eating contest, and trivia games for guests to play.

    Veteran’s Community Center: Sylvan Old Auburn Road neighborhood Area 10 is partnering with the Veterans Center and the Daughters of the American Revolution for a National Night Out event to be held at the Veterans Community Center. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. and include BBQ food, music and games. The community center is located at 6921 Sylvan Rd.

    According to the city’s website, other events will be held in the following neighborhoods:

    • Arborelle Apartments
      8007 Sunrise Blvd., from 3:30-6 p.m.
    • Brooktree Park Neighborhood Watch
      Brooktree Park, 597 Brooktree Drive
      5:30-8:00 p.m.
    • Crosswoods Homeowners Association
      Across the street from 7050 San Altos Circle.
      6:30-7:30 p.m.
      Woodmore Oaks Neighborhood Watch
      7-Eleven, 6840 Woodmore Oaks Drive, Orangevale, CA
      5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

    National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. According to Natw.org, National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

    *An updated description of the events in Areas 2 and 6 has been added.

  • Community Nonprofit grant applications now open

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The City of Citrus Heights is now accepting applications for its Non-Profit Community Support Fund, with a total of $150,000 available for nonprofits who serve Citrus Heights residents.

    The program aims to support non-profit organizations that deliver “essential services and enhance the overall quality of life” for Citrus Heights residents, according to the city’s website.

     Eligible non-profits can find out more information and learn how to apply at the city’s website here. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Aug. 15 and can be emailed, dropped off, or mailed to City Hall, at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    The Non-Profit Community Support Fund is part of a broader array of community grant and incentive programs provided by the City to boost local engagement, support small businesses, and beautify neighborhoods.

    According to the city’s website, other grant programs and initiatives include:

    • Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Grant: For residents and groups who want to enhance public spaces, improve safety, and strengthen neighborhood connections through community-led beautification and improvement projects.

    • History and Arts Grant: Provides funding for projects focused on historical preservation, cultural events, and the promotion of arts in Citrus Heights.

    • Economic Development Support Fund: For groups who wish to acquire funding for special events, marketing activities, and other initiatives that promote economic vitality and public benefit to the city.

    • Design Assistance Program:  Part of the city’s effort to help enhance curb appeal for businesses, this grant is designed to assists eligible small businesses with funding for new signage or professional design renderings for façade improvements.

    • Sign Improvement Program: Similarly, this program is designed to help commercial property owners to upgrade signage to reduce blight and improve visual appeal.

    • Activate Auburn Program: Targets business and property owners in the Auburn Boulevard Specific Plan Area to reduce vacancies and stimulate revitalization.

    For full eligibility guidelines, deadlines, and to apply, nonprofits can visit the city’s grants and incentives webpage.

  • Roadwork taking place on Old Auburn Road

    A photo showing mill and fill work on Antelope Road. // City of Citrus Heights
    A photo showing mill and fill work on Antelope Road. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Drivers traveling along Old Auburn Road in Citrus Heights can expect minor delays through the start of August, as crews work to repair worn pavement and improve the overall driving experience.

    According to city officials, road work on sections of Old Auburn Road in Citrus Heights began on July 21 and will continue through August 1. The project includes repaving sections of the roadway, with crews on site daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Lane closures will be in effect during construction hours, and traffic is being guided by flaggers to help keep vehicles moving safely through the area, the city said.

    “We know road work can be an inconvenience, but smoother, safer roads are worth it,” city staff said in a statement announcing the project.

    The current improvements are part of Citrus Heights’ broader effort to upgrade aging roadways. More information about ongoing street work and infrastructure investments can be found in the city’s “Transforming Our Roads” flyer, available online at =

    A photo shared by the city shows similar pavement repair efforts that recently took place along Antelope Road.

  • Citrus Heights clarifies position on SB 802

    Citrus Heights clarifies position on SB 802

    Sentinel Staff Report—
    Following the Sentinel’s recent report on the city dropping its opposition to a controversial regional homelessness bill, a city spokesperson issued a clarification that Citrus Heights’ formal letter of opposition to Senate Bill 802 remains on record and that previously stated concerns remain in place until the proposed changes to the bill are made that address them directly.

    “There were collaborative meetings with productive dialogue between regional leaders (after the initial letter of opposition was sent) to discuss potential revisions that could restore local control over funding,” Citrus Heights Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber said in an email Sunday.

    The bill in question proposes to establish a unified Sacramento Area Housing and Homelessness Agency, which would centralize regional homelessness response efforts and funding allocations. As reported previously, Citrus Heights, several other cities, and several Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns over the loss of local control and a lack of collaboration with cities prior to the bill’s sudden introduction.

    “If the bill is amended accordingly, Citrus Heights would reconsider modifying its position of opposition to a neutral position, as the negotiated language would align with the city’s legislative platform principles of financial prudence and local control as well as our strategic objective to advance homeless response and prevention,” Huber wrote in her email to The Sentinel, with the city manager included as a recipient.

    Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney had told The Sentinel in a July 16 interview that the city dropped its opposition to the bill, noting that acceptable amendments had been agreed to by the bill’s author, California State Sen. Angelique Ashby. Asked last week whether the city was still in opposition to SB 802, Feeney said: “She has agreed to make those amendments, so we would have a neutral position.”

    The city’s subsequent statement on Sunday clarifies that any drop in opposition is contingent on the bill being formally amended to the satisfaction of the city.

    During a July 16 press conference, which Feeney said several city officials attended, Ashby announced plans to pause her push for passing SB 802, turning it into a two-year bill.

    The pause comes with some conditions, according to local news outlets. Ashby outlined four things that leaders must do to meet a January deadline for change, including creating a formal governmental structure with “real” accountability, ensuring dedicated and funded resources (not volunteer-based), considering a dedicated housing and homelessness agency similar to state plans, and ensuring that efforts made include input from smaller cities.