Black Sails Coffee Lounge celebrated a grand opening on Saturday, July 12, 2025. // SB Willims
By Sara Beth Williams– A new coffee roasting company celebrated a grand opening this weekend at the Marketplace at Birdcage in Citrus Heights.
Black Sails Coffee Lounge celebrated its official opening day on Saturday, July 12, with a small crowd gathering for a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the shop.
The new cafe is located at 5925 Birdcage Centre Ln., Suite 102, just behind and across from Jamba Juice. The cafe specializes in espresso drinks, cold brew, hot coffee and tea, in addition to pastries. The company also sells specialty coffee beans online, in-store, and at local markets throughout the Sacramento region.
“We’re really looking forward to being part of the community,” co-owner Sean McCullough said prior to cutting the ribbon, adding that he hopes the space will be a great place for people to come hang out, study, go on dates and otherwise enjoy.
A long line of patrons filled the inside of the shop following the ribbon cutting.
The interior features two spaces, one in the front, and one behind a dividing wall, with tables for patrons, and a mural of sailing ships almost completed. Co-owner Anthony Pulido said more decor and lettering will be added to the black walls in the coming weeks.
Pulido said Friday the shop had a soft opening for family and friends and that they have received good reception from customers regarding the space.
“I think a lot of people are going to be loving that there’s a coffee shop in the center of birdcage again,” Pulido said, adding that McCullough worked at the Starbucks which was formerly adjacent to birdcage for years.
Black Sails Coffee Roasters isn’t the only coffee roasting company with the desire to open a permanent location in Citrus Heights.
Station Coffee Roasters announced plans to open a location in Citrus Heights on their Instagram account in April 2024. But progress has been slow for the Station Coffee Roasters’ eventual new location on the corner of Mariposa Avenue and Antelope Road.
Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa speaks on letter response to Sacramento Grand Jury Findings, July 9, 2025. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– The Citrus Heights City Council on July 9 approved a drafted letter written in response to a Sacramento Grand Jury Report issued last month alleging law enforcement agencies in Sacramento County are not adequately addressing elder financial abuse cases.
The Sacramento County Grand Jury report, titled “No Equal Justice for Victims of Elder Financial Abuse,” found that over 97 percent of elder financial abuse cases confirmed by Adult Protective Services since 2019 “have fallen through the cracks,” and requested responses from multiple cities within Sacramento County, including Citrus Heights.
In its findings, the report said law enforcement agencies in Sacramento County are not placing as much priority on elder financial abuse as other types of elder abuse, allowing abusers to “avoid consequences,” and is recommending law enforcement agencies hire a dedicated detective to handle elder financial abuse cases.
According to the report, from 2019 through 2024, Sacramento County Adult Protective Services (APS) confirmed almost 4,000 cases of elder financial abuse and referred 1,678 of those cases to law enforcement. According to data from the DA’s office, only 123 cases were referred to the District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution, and the office only filed charges on 99 of the 123 cases.
Data from a June 2025 Grand Jury report
Data was requested from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, and Citrus Heights Police Department regarding the number of elder financial abuse cases investigated, and only Citrus Heights Police responded to the inquiry from the grand jury.
Data was not requested from the Elk Grove Police Department, Folsom Police Department, West Sacramento Police Department, or Galt’s police department, according to the report. The Rancho Cordova Police Department is comprised of personnel contracted from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Citrus Heights Police reported that over the five-year period referenced, 251 cases of financial elder abuse were received from APS, and the department also investigated a total of 288 incidents of fraud and scams of victims over 65 along with 86 elder abuse financial crime cases. Of the crimes investigated, the Police Department forwarded 68 cases to the DA’s office.
In its letter responding to the findings, the city of Citrus Heights said, “Due to finite resources, the Citrus Heights Police Department has prioritized elder violent crimes over the investigation of elder financial abuse cases. While a higher priority is placed on crimes of violence, our detectives investigate any elder abuse case with significant solvability factors.”
The city cited data from the police department, saying, in 2024, the Citrus Heights Police Department investigated 73 financial elder abuse cases, including 11 cross reports from APS. A total of 17 of those cases were referred to the District Attorney for prosecution.
In response to the Grand Jury’s finding that some local law enforcement agencies do not consistently collect data to track elder financial abuse cases received from APS, the city said its police department maintains “comprehensive” report and case management systems to track all submitted reports and the status of cases referred for investigation, and added that that system was used to gather data requested by the grand jury.
In response to the Grand Jury’s finding that community outreach on elder financial abuse is insufficient county-wide, the city wrote that members of the Police Department’s Command staff attend monthly neighborhood area meetings and provide “crime prevention updates” and that elder financial abuse is a regular topic provided to the elderly community.
Prior to approval of the letter, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa added Wednesday night that the city has partnered with regional and state leaders in the past and has conducted and implemented community outreach meetings regarding elder financial abuse. Karpinski-Costa said the last community meeting was attended by hundreds of people. Karpinski-Costa’s comments were added to the letter before it was signed.
To the recommendation that the city’s Police Department should hire a dedicated detective with specialized training in order to investigate elder financial abuse crimes, the city said dedicating a detective to only one crime category would not be an “efficient use of a full-time position.”
“We utilize a general detective model where our detectives are able to handle a myriad of investigations. They do receive specialized training on a variety of topics, including elder financial abuse… As a medium-size agency, our personnel must be agile and respond to priority investigations across all disciplines,” the city wrote, adding that the Police Department prioritizes violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault.
While the city did not agree to hire a dedicated elder financial abuse crimes detective by Dec. 31, as the Grand Jury recommended, the city did agree to document specific elder financial abuse training undertaken by its officers before the end of the year.
Do you live in Citrus Heights and have been a victim of elder financial abuse? Let us know.
By Sara Beth Williams– The Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s annual SHINE Awards grant program is now seeking applications.
The SHINE Awards program provides financial support for community-based projects that help revitalize and improve local neighborhoods. Eligible nonprofits can apply for awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on the scale and scope of their proposals
Funding will prioritize initiatives that focus on zero-carbon workforce development, environmental justice and equity, inclusive economic development, and STEM education, in alignment with SMUD’s Clean Energy Vision.
Nonprofits must be incorporated and located within SMUD’s service area to be eligible.
If awarded, nonprofits must match funds for their project, at 25, 50, and 100 match based on the funding tiers below. Funding tiers include:
Spark Awards – up to $10,000
Amplifier Awards – up to $50,000
Transformer Awards – up to $100,000
Due to the program’s competitive nature, SMUD is offering multiple technical assistance webinars to help guide applicants through the process.
In 2024, SMUD invested more than $580,000 in local projects through the SHINE awards program, according to a March 2024 press release.
The 2025 Shine Awards application period runs from June 1 and close on July 31, 2025.
Interested organizations can find the registration link and application materials at smud.org/Shine.
By Sara Beth Williams – An adult male was arrested outside a Citrus Heights shopping center late Thursday night after allegedly threatening an employee and then attempting to flee from police.
Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Ryan Smith said officers were dispatched to the Auburn Oaks Plaza after 10 p.m. to reports of a subject making threats toward an employee outside a business. As a precaution, employees locked the doors, called police, and remained inside until law enforcement arrived.
Responding officers located the adult male suspect nearby. When contacted, the man attempted to flee the scene by getting on a bicycle, but officers were able to detain him.
He was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats, obstructing officers, and resisting arrest. No injuries were reported, and no bystanders were involved in the incident.
The suspect’s name was not provided to The Sentinel. The investigation remains ongoing.
Auburn Oaks Plaza is located at the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Auburn Oaks Court, near Twin Oaks Avenue.
*Correction: An initial version of this story incorrectly stated the incident occurred at the Grand Oaks shopping center.
Black Sails Coffee is coming to the Marketplace at Birdcage. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– A new coffee roasting company has set an opening date, according to one of the company’s owners.
Black Sails Coffee Lounge co-owner Sean McCullough told The Sentinel last week that a new permanent location for the local mobile coffee roasting company is slated to open on Saturday, July 12 with a small ribbon cutting ceremony.
Currently, the owners, and family and friends are preparing the shop for customers. Already the cafe has a handful of tables, and a mural of sailing ships on the ocean waiting to be completed.
The business is expected to open in a 2,300-square-foot space at 5925 Birdcage Centre Ln., Suite 102 just behind and across from Jamba Juice.
McCullough told the Business Journal that the location will specialize in espresso drinks, cold brew, hot coffee and tea, in addition to pastries. Currently, the company sells specialty coffee beans online and at local markets throughout the Sacramento region.
McCullough recently suffered a house fire last month that saw him lose his personal belongings, roasting equipment and coffee inventory, according to the company’s Facebook page. The fire temporarily delayed coffee bean orders,
The fire began when an ember went through his machine and out the exhaust, landing on some cardboard boxes. McCullough and his partner, who also roasts coffee for Mast Coffee Co. lost everything in the fire, including his home and around $15,000 worth of equipment and product in the fire.
Five weeks after the fire, McCullough reported that that he’s already sourced a new roaster through networking connections made in the local coffee community.
Black Sails Coffee Roasters is the second local coffee roasting company planning to open a permanent location in Citrus Heights, and the fifth permanent coffee shop proposed in recent history.
Station Coffee Roasters announced plans to open a location in Citrus Heights on their Instagram account in April 2024. But progress has been slow for the Station Coffee Roasters’ eventual new location on the corner of Mariposa Avenue and Antelope Road.
By Sara Beth Williams– Citrus Heights Police have so far identified over 300 separate violations of illegal fireworks activity following Fourth of July holiday celebrations, resulting in more than $300,000 in fines.
Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney relayed Wednesday during the Citrus Heights City Council meeting, that the police department has recorded over 300 separate violations from over 40 locations in the city, resulting in fines topping $300,000. Additional evidence and verification of violations is still ongoing.
Citrus Heights Police Logs show almost 300 illegal fireworks calls between July 3 and July 5, with the majority of calls occurring on July 4, compared to only 35 logged fireworks calls occurring from June 26 through July 2.
Police logs on July 3 showed 43 fireworks calls, with only two duplicate calls; July 4 saw 167 illegal fireworks calls, not including 56 duplicate calls, and July 5 saw 18 reports of illegal fireworks, excluding four duplicate calls. A total of 10 citations were issued on July 4 for illegal fireworks activity, according to police logs, but more have been issued since then, and investigations are continuing, Feeney said.
Only three citations were listed on July 4, 2024, police incident logs.
Historically illegal fireworks have been a challenge throughout the city and the region, with over 500 fireworks calls reported in the city in in 2022, 175 fireworks calls reported in 2023, and 177 reported in 2024, according to prior Sentinel reports.
In 2022, the City Council approved an ordinance banning all fireworks after 11 p.m., including ones labeled “safe and sane.” Since becoming part of the City Council, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa has called for “stiffer” illegal fireworks penalties, responding to multiple citizens’ complaints over the danger and noise disturbances of illegal explosions late into the night.
In April 2025, the City Council approved increases in illegal fireworks fines from $750 to $1,000 for a first offense and revised the social host ordinance to include property that is under the “apparent control” of a property owner, which may include sidewalks or other adjacent land. The revised illegal fireworks and social host ordinances allow police departments to tighten enforcement capabilities, the city has said.
At the end of last year and into this year, the Police Department has piloted a witness attestation program, which allows officers to press charges on residents who light off illegal fireworks from witnesses willing to testify in person that they observed illegal fireworks being discharged.
A full report of the extent of illegal fireworks violations and citations will be presented to the City Council at the next City Council on Aug. 13 by Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte.
Citrus Heights Police emphasize on their website that information displayed in daily incident logs is comprised of information “as it is known at the time” and is susceptible to “some degree of error” due to the collection and entry of the data.
“No warranty or guarantee is made or implied regarding the content, geographic accuracy, timeliness, completeness, sequence, or accuracy of any information provided herein. The reader should not rely on the data provided herein for any reason. The information is provided strictly as a courtesy to the public,” the department says.
By Sara Beth Williams– There’s no better way to cool off this summer than enjoying a cold scoop of your favorite ice cream, and Citrus Heights has plenty of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are five ice cream shops to check out.
Leatherby’s Family Creamery: This family-owned restaurant specializing in sundaes and giant banana splits, many original Leatherby family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and other relatives still work at Leatherby’s today, according to the company’s website. The creamery offers ice cream in cones, milkshakes, and sundaes, along with other lunch and dinner foods. Leatherby’s has five locations and its Citrus Heights restaurant is located at 7910 Antelope Rd. in Citrus Heights.
Baskin Robbins: This ice cream parlor next to Safeway on the corner of San Juan Avenue and Greenback Lane has been a staple among locals, with its consistent offering of favorite classic flavors like Rocky Road, Chocolate Chip, and Rainbow Sherbet, along with newer flavors like “Beach Day” and other options like milkshakes and ice cream cakes. Founded in 1945, Baskin-Robbins is one of the world’s most recognizable ice cream chains, known for its “31 flavors” slogan—one for each day of the month, according to its website. Baskin Robbins’ Citrus Heights store is located at 7301 Greenback Ln.
Cold Stone Creamery: Located next to Barnes & Noble in the Marketplace at Birdcage, this small-format ice cream parlor is a popular dessert stop for locals with unique signature creations like “Birthday Cake Oreo Celebration” and “Banana Caramel Crunch.” Cold Stone also allows customers to create their own desserts by choosing different flavors and toppings, which are then combined into a cone or cup to enjoy. Cold Stone Creamery is located at 6105 Sunrise Blvd.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: A new addition to Citrus Heights, Handel’s sixth location in the region has already proven to be popular with its unique range of over 50 flavors, including classics and custom combinations like “Black Raspberry Chunk,” “Blue Moon,” and “Blue Monster.” Handel’s also offers vegan and dairy-free flavors, milkshakes, signature “Hurricanes,” ice cream pops, and ice cream sandwiches. Handel’s is located at 8055 Madison Ave. in Citrus Heights.
Dairy Queen: The fast-food chain most known for their “Blizzard” soft serve dessert creations, the restaurant now offers other quick-serve options like chicken strips, burgers, and fries, while still offering its familiar Blizzard treats that combine various candy bar or cookie pieces with soft serve ice cream. The restaurant also now has “DQ Cakes.” Dairy Queen is located at 6855 Greenback Ln.
River City Chiropractic staff celebrated a win at the 2024 “Best of Citrus Heights” awards. Sept 19, 2024. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams–
Voting kicked off on July 1 for the 20th annual “Best of Citrus Heights” awards, and will continue through July 31.
The “Best of Citrus Heights” is an annual city-wide contest orchestrated by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce that seeks to honor the best local businesses based on community votes. Each year, residents are invited to vote for favorite businesses in the city within a list of categories.
Voting began this year on July 1 and will continue through July 31. For 2025, there are 43 categories in which businesses have been grouped, while last year featured 41 categories.
Business categories include everything from “Best Publication,” “Best Printing and Design services,” “Best Beverage & Food,” and “Best Massage,” to “Best Community Association” and “Best Restaurant.”
Businesses that are already registered members of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce will be automatically listed. Residents can also nominate businesses not currently listed.
Winners are chosen by community members who must first register for an account and then fill out an online voting ballot form. Only one person is allowed to cast a vote per I.P. address, according to the Chamber’s website.
This year’s “Best of Citrus Heights” awards will be presented at an awards event on Aug. 22 at the Citrus Heights Event Center. The event has a western theme, and will include live country music, door prizes and raffles and a dessert run.
Winners will also be announced online the following day on social media.
Readers can submit their vote for favorite businesses and services at www.bestofcitrusheights.org. The Citrus Heights Sentinel can be found under the “Best Publication” and “Best Photographer/Videographer” categories.
Sac Metro Fire District crews extinguished a small grass fire in Citrus Heights near Mitchell Village, Monday, July 7, 2025. // Mike Hazlip
Sentinel staff report– A small grass fire broke out near the intersection of Greenback Lane and Fair Oaks Boulevard in Citrus Heights on July 7, prompting a response from local law enforcement and fire crews.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene near Mitchell Village around 2:55 p.m. and quickly extinguished the blaze, which ignited in close proximity to the site of another grass fire that occurred in June.
According to Citrus Heights Police Department Sgt. Ryan Smith, there were no reported injuries and no structural damage.
At least one home was briefly threatened by the flames before fire crews arrived, based on police radio transmissions during the incident.
As fire crews were wrapping up the extinguishment of the small fire, a male individual wearing a black t-shirt and jeans could be seen speaking with firefighters, who turned on the hydrant so he could cool off.
Firefighters could then be seen questioning the individual before the individual walked away from the scene.
Later, after learning that the subject had a lighter and a burn mark on his forehead, Citrus Heights police officers conducted a coordinated search for the male. Despite an active search in the area the subject was not located.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
By Sara Beth Williams– The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has announced plans to conduct ground spraying in Citrus Heights on Wednesday, July 9.
According to a press release, the district indicated that all areas highlighted on this interactive map are scheduled to receive ground spraying treatment between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting, on Wednesday, July 9.
According to the map, treatment areas scheduled for spraying include:
Citrus Heights and Orangevale: from Bonita Way east to Almond Avenue, and from C-Bar-C Park south to Greenback Lane.
Ground spraying is part of an Integrated Pest Management Program and Mosquito-Borne Disease Management Plan, which aim to protect public health by controlling mosquito populations before they become a larger threat.
According to several news reports, West Nile virus has been detected for the first time this year in Yolo and Sacramento counties, the district announced in in a June 18 press release.
The district is urging residents throughout the region to take precautions including, draining standing water, dressing appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, using insect repellent, and inspecting door and window screens on your home to ensure they’re in good working order without holes.
The invasive species has been rapidly spreading in the region and poses a public health threat for diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya, according to the district. The pilot program is slated to launch in July in South Natomas.
According to the district, all products used for ground spraying are registered and evaluated by the California Environmental Protection Agency and are deemed safe when applied properly. However, residents in affected areas who are concerned about exposure may choose to stay indoors during the application window. Individuals with health concerns are encouraged to consult with their physician.
For questions about treatment, residents can visit the Spraying FAQ page or call the district directly at 800-429-1022.
To learn more about mosquito control methods and the district’s public health initiatives, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
