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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • New mural planned for Rusch Park

    A location concept from the Sunrise Recreation and Park District Agenda packet for Oct. 15 shows the site of a proposed mural at Rusch Park, on the wall of restroom buildings located near the Rusch Park pool and pickleball courts. // Sunrise Recreation and Park District agenda
    A location concept from the Sunrise Recreation and Park District Agenda packet for Oct. 15 shows the site of a proposed mural at Rusch Park, on the wall of restroom buildings located near the Rusch Park pool and pickleball courts. // Sunrise Recreation and Park District agenda

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Sunrise Recreation and Park District on Oct. 15 unanimously approved a proposal for a new mural to be completed at Rusch Community Park, according to the latest park district advisory board agenda.

    Citrus Heights Arts submitted to the park district a proposal for a mural to be painted on the wall of one of the restrooms at Rusch Park, Sunrise Recreation and Park District Advisory Board Member Andrew Saunders confirmed Wednesday. Saunders said the vote was unanimous among present board members, but he recused himself from voting.

    The mural will represent a tribute to the historic Lincoln Highway, according to a letter submitted by the nonprofit’s founder, Gigi Rayford. Mural mockups shared with The Sentinel show a historical 1920s-era black and white photo recolored, with what appears to be a 1920s-era automobile, typical of early Ford Model A or Model T styles, featuring a boxy body, rectangular window, and rear-mounted spare tire. The proposed mural will also feature the Rusch Home, Saunders said. The mockups also include a historic Lincoln Highway placard, orange trees, and a logo of “Citrus Heights.”

    The proposed artwork will be painted on the wall of a bathroom near the park’s community pool and should be visible from the street, Saunders said.

    The original black and white photo, which the proposed mural will be inspired by, is available on the Citrus Heights Historical Society’s website and depicts a car traveling down a dirt road at what is today known as Sylvan Corners, or the corner of Auburn Boulevard, Sylvan Road, and Old Auburn Road.

    “This mural would celebrate our city’s history, highlighting both the Lincoln Highway and the historic Rusch House, which are important anchors within the park and within the CH 40 Arts District,” Rayford said.

    The Citrus Heights City Council recently approved the corridor of Auburn Boulevard, which is part of the historic Lincoln Highway and Highway 40 routes, as an official Arts District at an Oct. 22 City Council meeting. Prior to the formal acknowledgement, Citrus Heights Arts launched the CH 40 Arts district along the corridor and has commissioned multiple murals over the last several months.

    In the letter to park district staff, Rayford emphasizes that Rusch Park is a “vital piece of this district, not only because of its history but also because of its role as a gathering space for the community.” Rayford also said the project would come at no cost to the park district and that Citrus Heights Arts would fully fund and manage the project.

    “Our goal is to enhance the beauty of the park, enrich the community’s connection to its history, and further strengthen Rusch Park’s place within the CH 40 Arts District along Auburn Boulevard,” Rayford said.

    Saunders also said $500 was donated from the park district toward the effort. No timeline as to when the mural is expected to be painted was available.

  • Citrus Heights Police arrest seven, seize firearms, drugs, in major narcotics operation

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights Police Department announced its participation in “Folsom Blues 3.0,” a large-scale, multi-jurisdiction undercover operation aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks responsible for distributing illicit narcotics.

    Throughout September, the department worked alongside multiple regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to carry out the operation, the department said in a media release. The department’s IMPACT Unit played a key role, arresting seven narcotics dealers, seizing five illegally possessed firearms, including an assault rifle, and recovering a substantial quantity of drugs and suspected cash proceeds from drug sales.

    “CHPD remains relentless in our mission to disrupt the sale of illegal drugs and protect the safety of our community members,” the department stated.

    According to law enforcement officials, the broader Folsom Blues 3.0 operation resulted in 146 arrests, the seizure of more than 90 firearms, hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, and thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills. Nearly $300,000 in suspected drug proceeds were recovered, along with explosive materials, 3D-printed firearms, and other dangerous weapons.

    The department credited the success of the operation to the collaborative efforts of participating agencies and reaffirmed its commitment to combating narcotics and violent crime. “Together with our regional partners, CHPD continues to fight back against the threat of narcotics and violent crime to keep Citrus Heights safe,” the release stated.

  • Citrus Heights to host annual ‘State of the City’ address

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The City of Citrus Heights’ annual State of the City address is planned for Thursday, Nov. 6 at Citrus Heights City Hall.

    The State of the City address is free to attend, but an optional ticketed reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. is also scheduled, organized in partnership with the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. Attendees will enjoy light bites from local restaurants, along with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, in a casual networking setting.

    During the official address, Mayor Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa and City Manager Ashley Feeney will highlight key achievements from the past year, discuss challenges facing the community, and share updates on major initiatives and future goals. The official address will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

    The city encourages residents, business owners, and city leaders to come together to celebrate community accomplishments, and emphasized that State of the City address are opportunities for transparency and allow residents to become involved in what’s happening with local government.

    Tickets for the reception are available for $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members, and can be purchased online from the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

    Citrus Heights City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

  • Special Election: A list of in person voting locations in Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    In person voting has begun in Citrus Heights and other parts of the county, with at least one location open this week and more to open on Nov. 1. For those who wish to go in person, below is a list of locations.

    In-person voting began this week at the Citrus Heights Event Center. Edify Church will open for in-person voting on Nov. 1.

    • Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive:
      Hours for in-person voting will begin on Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Oct. 25-Nov. 3, with extended hours on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
      Spanish language assistance will be available on-site.
    • Edify Church, (formerly Citrus Heights Fellowship) located at 7405 Mariposa Ave.
      Hours for in-person voting will begin on Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours on election day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. No language assistance will be available.

    Ballot Drop Off locations: 

    Mail-in ballots were mailed on Oct. 6 according to the Sacramento County Elections Office website. Several drop off locations are still open in Citrus Heights for those wishing to drop off their ballet before or on Election Day.

    • Citrus Heights City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive will have an official ballot drop off box open 24 hours a day. The ballot box will close officially at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
    • Sylvan Oaks Library, located at 6700 Auburn Blvd.
      Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Oct. 15.
      Election Day hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Rusch Park Community Center, located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.
      Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30a .m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    For more information on voting locations in Citrus Heights and surrounding jurisdictions, visit the Sacramento County Elections Office website.

  • Man arrested after standoff in Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A man was arrested after barricading himself inside his home in Citrus Heights Monday morning, authorities said.

    Heavy police presence could be seen at the 7300 block of Chivalry Way early Monday morning, as the Cirus Heights Police Department along with other assisting agencies attempted to make contact with a suspect.

    The heavy police response was prompted from an earlier call to service at the same location, and the suspect was wanted for assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

    At least one home nearby the residence was evacuated out of precaution, and other residences were asked to shelter in place.

    The suspect, identified as Tyler Piatte, 35, was taken into custody shortly after SWAT and negotiators arrived. Piatte was arrested on felony charges of domestic abuse and assault with a deadly weapon as well as misdemeanor charges of battery and false imprisonment, records show.

    Sacramento Main Jail records show Piatte is still in custody and is being held without bail.

  • Rotary Club of Citrus Heights to host inaugural holiday craft fair

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Rotary Club of Citrus Heights is planning to kick off the holiday season early by hosting its first ever holiday craft fair this coming weekend.

    The holiday craft fair is scheduled to be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cooperwood Square shopping center on Sunrise Boulevard, in the parking lot of R Vita Cantina Mexican restaurant.

    The craft fair will feature local pop up shops, vendors and crafters. The club encourages residents to support local businesses by attending.

    Vendor applications are still welcome. For more information, residents can contact Suan Powers with Susan Powers Bookkeeping services.

    The Rotary Club of Citrus Heights is a volunteer-run service club, serving the community for over 40 years. Part of Rotary International, the club meets weekly to connect and serve through local projects, youth leadership, scholarships, and global humanitarian work.

    For more information on club meetings and upcoming events, visit the Rotary Club of Cetus Heights’ website.

  • Performing arts group in Citrus Heights issues urgent plea for help

    Royal Stage is located at Sunrise Mall behind the former Macy's Men's. // SB Williams
    Royal Stage is located at Sunrise Mall behind the former Macy’s Men’s. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A community theater and performing arts group in Citrus Heights says it could close if the nonprofit isn’t able to receive more funding.

    Royal Stage theater, a performing and visual arts nonprofit that offers theater, dance, and music classes, along with mental health services to students in need, issued an urgent call for help last week, saying that without more regular funding, the community theater could shut down.

    In an interview Friday, Royal Stage founder Tamara Warta said the theater does not plan to close its doors right now, and emphasized that the urgent call to action is an “invitation for community members who love the arts to be a part of its future.”

    Warta cited the loss of regular financial donors and regular grant funding from the City of Citrus Heights due to a conflict of interest because of ongoing litigation with Sunrise Mall’s majority owner as some reasons for the strain on its current finances.

    Because the theater is located within Sunrise Mall, Warta also said that all businesses within the mall combat constant social media rumors that the mall is closed, or being demolished, even though it is still open, leading to reduced visibility and business. Rent also increased, and federal arts grant funding availability has decreased.

    “A combination of rising expenses, lack of visibility, and grant funding cuts has created the perfect storm,” Warta said.

    Royal Stage is proceeding with planned performances of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “The Secret Garden” in November, along with its winter showcase in December. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” begins Nov. 13 and “The Secret Garden” begins Nov. 22.

    After more than a decade of utilizing stages at various churches, the nonprofit began looking for a location that was permanent and more centrally located. In 2022, Royal Stage found their “theater home” in Citrus Heights inside Sunrise Mall behind Macy’s Men’s.

    Warta has said in past interviews that the performing arts group likes the location within Sunrise Mall, and has had a good relationship with, and values working with the city.

    The nonprofit has invested thousands of dollars into the permanent theater space in electrical work, renovations, and repairing the HVAC system. However, Warta also said on Friday she’s not against relocating, but cannot find a place that will accept a ministry and allow only minimal rent.

    “We have over 300 actors and dancers, and we love them and hope to continue to give them a place to go,” Warta said.

    The nonprofit recently celebrated fifteen years and has had its theater space located in Citrus Heights since 2022.

    In order to help continue to fund community theater and performing arts opportunities for students, Royal Stage is seeking corporate sponsors and monthly financial partners. Advertising options are also available online and in print, and the nonprofit encourages residents to attend their upcoming shows.

    Information on how to donate, and ticket information for upcoming shows can be found on the nonprofit’s website at royalstage.org.

    Royal Stage theater is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd., behind the former Macy’s Men’s building. Royal Stage also has a studio located in Roseville.

  • Citrus Heights Police complete $300k communications center remodel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights Police Department has completed a major Emergency Communications Center Remodel Project, finishing work ahead of schedule.

    The project, led by Molokai Electric, LLC, was first approved by the City Council on May 14. City staff have since confirmed that all items of work are complete and the facility has been field accepted.

    In June 2022, the City Council allocated $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to upgrade critical equipment and infrastructure in the Emergency Communications Center, which houses the city’s dispatch operations. The city collaborated with consultants to design construction plans, coordinate with utilities, and integrate specialty technology and furnishings.

    Work began on May 27, 2025, starting with demolition and followed by a series of upgrades including new flooring and interior painting, structural modifications to support new technology, electrical, communications, plumbing improvements, acoustic wall treatments, LED lighting conversions, and coordination with vendors for new furniture and fixtures.

    Construction was completed ahead of schedule in mid-July and allowed for installation of dispatch workstations and communications equipment.

    The project’s total construction cost came to $306,000 staying within the Council-approved budget of $309,000.00. The original contract amount was $284,000, with an additional $25,000 contingency for unforeseen changes.

  • Regional housing market saw uptick in September

    Real Estate for sale sign // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Though the Sacramento region’s housing market saw an uptick in closed sales in September, it’s not appearing to be a lasting trend, according to a regional housing market analyst.

    The increase in closed sales is good news, says Ryan Lundquist with Sacramento Appraisal Blog. However, in an Oct. 16 update, Lundquist noted that while last month outpaced the last two Septembers in closed sales, he doesn’t expect the trend to continue due to annual market trends and added high economic uncertainty.

    September sales data from the last 26 years showed the volume of home sales in 2025 was higher than 2023 and 2024, but ranked as only the fourth highest since 1999, with 2007 being the lowest in terms of home sales volume.

    “This uptick reflects more pending contracts from previous months when rates went down. This shows the market can budge a little when rates improve,” Lundquist explained in a recent blog post, adding that he doesn’t expect a larger change in volume without a “sharper improvement in affordability.”

    Overall, September this year versus last year in Sacramento County, the median price of homes sold has dropped nearly 4% compared to last year: $560,000 last year, compared to $539,000 this year. Average square footage of sales has remained the same, at 1,813 square feet, according to data shared by Lundquist.

    This 4,100-square-foot home located on Woodside Drive in Citrus Heights has been on the market since mid-summer. Real estate site Zillow shows that the home was listed on July 20 for over $1 million but has since dropped in price three times to $925,000. Lundquist has said in multiple past blog posts, that houses priced too high often have difficulty selling.

    Economic uncertainty and the current government shutdown have led to lower seller confidence, Lundquist said, adding that homes pulled off the market because they are not selling is becoming a trend. There were 1,200, or a 39 percent increase, in listings throughout the region that were pulled off the market without selling this year.

    Looking ahead, fewer listings and slower movement are expected as economic conditions remain uncertain. Current data and annual trends suggest the market will continue to cool, Lundquist explained, saying that the market typically plateaus in October and then slows down during the rest of the year.

    Typically, smaller homes sell more often during the latter part of the year, and larger and more expensive homes will often list in the spring, he said.

  • Citrus Heights establishes new Arts District

    The Citrus Heights City Council approved a new arts district, which has been established along Auburn Boulevard from the Sylvan Community Center to the northern border. // Courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights
    The Citrus Heights City Council approved the formation of a new arts district, which has been established along Auburn Boulevard from the Sylvan Community Center to the northern border. // Courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved the formation of an official Citrus Heights Arts District.

    The new Arts District will encompass the stretch of Auburn Boulevard from the Sylvan Community Center to the northern city limits, an area already home to several public murals and creative projects. The designation aims to encourage investment in local art, promote cultural tourism, and strengthen community partnerships while building on recent grassroots efforts by local artists and organizations, according to the city.

    “I am excited,” Vice Mayor Marijane Lopez-Taff said following the unanimous 3-0 vote to approve the Art District’s formation. Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and councilmember Kelsey Nelson were both absent from the Oct. 22 meeting.

    While there is no immediate fiscal impact associated with the district’s creation, staff noted that existing city programs, such as Community Projects Grants, History and Arts Grants, or Neighborhood Improvement Partnership Grants could be leveraged to support future arts initiatives.

    Any additional funding needs for signage, events, or installations would be brought before the council as part of future budget discussions or through external grant opportunities.

    Citrus Heights has increasingly invested in arts and cultural programming over the past few years. The city partnered with the nonprofit Citrus Heights Arts to launch several events and initiatives such as the ArtBeat art and music Festival, supported multiple mural installations along Auburn Boulevard, and recently introduced the Art in City Hall initiative, a pop-up gallery providing local artists with a space to display their work in a public setting.

    In March 2025, staff presented a report exploring ways to further the goal of incorporating arts and culture into the city, inspired in part by a research trip to the 40 West Arts District in Lakewood, Colorado. The 40 West district transformed a once underutilized corridor into a thriving creative hub, according to the city, generating millions in local economic activity and attracting over 100,000 annual visitors.

    Citrus Heights officials say the Auburn Boulevard corridor offers similar potential. Rather than developing a single large-scale project, the city plans to take an incremental, community-driven approach that blends art, design, and partnerships with ongoing revitalization efforts.

    Following months of discussion and research, the City Council’s Arts and Culture Ad Hoc 2×2 Committee recommended the creation of the district and outlined next steps. These include the development of partnerships with local artists, nonprofits, and the Chamber of Commerce, designing a Citrus Heights Arts District logo through a community call for artists, creating a Public Bench Art Program, inviting local businesses to host artist-designed benches and exploring opportunities for state certification as an official cultural district.

    “The Arts District represents the next step in strengthening the city’s identity and connecting people through creativity,” said city staff in their report. “By celebrating local talent and cultivating a sense of place, Citrus Heights can continue to grow as a vibrant and welcoming community.”