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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Volunteers tackle beautification, encouragement projects across Citrus Heights in first Big Day of Service

    Volunteers tackle beautification, encouragement projects across Citrus Heights in first Big Day of Service

    Hundreds gathered in red Big Day of Service t-shirts for a kickoff rally at Bella Vista, May 17, 2025.
    Hundreds gathered in red Big Day of Service t-shirts for a kickoff rally at Bella Vista before dispersing to dozens of community service projects, Saturday, May 17, 2025. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Citrus Heights participated in its first Big Day of Service on Saturday, May 17, contributing dozens of volunteers to 10 projects at various schools, nonprofits, and parks throughout the city.

    To kick off the day, hundreds of volunteers from Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and Orangevale filled the Bella Vista High School stadium seats for a high energy rally, joined by the Bella Vista cheer team, band and several mascots, and dignitaries from across the region, including Citrus Heights Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff, California State Assemblymember Josh Hoover, US Congressman Kevin Kiley, and Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez.

    Karpinski-Costa called the event “incredible” and echoed many others as she expressed her gratitude to the multiple business and regional sponsors, to the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation, and to the hundreds of volunteers ready to serve on a Saturday morning.

    Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, city staff, mayor and vice mayor joined hundreds of volunteers during the kickoff rally for the annual Big Day of Service, Saturday, May 17, 2025
    Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, city staff, mayor and vice mayor joined hundreds of volunteers during the kickoff rally for the annual Big Day of Service, Saturday, May 17, 2025. // Courtesy of City of Citrus Heights

    Several Citrus Heights organizations and schools hosted beautification projects across the city, including Grand Oaks Elementary, Carriage Drive Elementary, Lichen K-8, Arlington Heights Elementary, Mariposa Elementary and Sunrise Christian Food Ministry. Other beautification projects also took place at Madera Park and Arcade Creek Park Preserve. Sunrise MarketPlace and the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce also hosted encouragement projects.

    “Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways we give back to our community; it’s about building connections with each other in places that shape our everyday lives,” Karpinski-Costa said during a brief speech at the rally.

    Ten volunteers gathered together at Grand Oaks Elementary in Citrus Heights after the rally to help give the hallways and playgrounds some updating through painting poles, large planters, playground curbs, and the ball walls in school colors. Principal Suzanne Landuyt said in an interview she wanted to participate in the Big Day of Service to continue to further the school’s goal of building community.

    “This year it’s been about growing and celebrating what we have here,” she said, adding that the school has been collaborating with the San Juan Unified School District and San Juan Education Foundation, the city of Citrus Heights, and the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce on ways in which to help support each other.

    Several other schools requested help with gardening projects, but Landuyt said her school’s garden had recently been updated by several youth from The Heights church during the church’s annual ‘Love This City’ spring break community service event. For Big Day of Service, Landuyt chose to focus on sprucing up the hallways and playgrounds instead.

    “The whole idea is to make it a nice environment for our students,” Landuyt said, adding that she hopes the school will continue to participate in future years, and that the school continues to grow in its goal of building community through various events.

    Big Day of Service is an annual event presented by the Rotary Clubs of Fair Oaks and Orangevale. This is the eighth year of the event, and the first year in which Citrus Heights has participated.

  • Habitat for Humanity home application due date fast approaching

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Time is running out for those hoping to apply for one of the new affordable homes being built on Sayonara Drive in Citrus Heights. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento is accepting applications for eight single-family homes with a May 23 deadline for the first round of homes.

    Construction on the homes is scheduled to begin in June or July, marking a significant step forward in revitalizing the Sayonara Drive neighborhood. The project is part of a broader effort by the city and Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing opportunities to low- and moderate-income families. Qualified homeowners will be required to commit 500 hours of service to assist in building their homes during the construction period.

    To support applicants, Habitat and the City of Citrus Heights are offering in-person workshops at City Hall where applicants can get assistance. The last scheduled time period to get in-person assistance is planned for May 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

    Applications are due on May 23 and can be dropped off at Citrus Heights City Hall between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    The project will include a total of 26 homes, built over multiple years. The 26 homes will be a mix of two- to five-bedroom units, ranging in size from 971 square feet to over 1,500 square feet. These homes are designed for homeownership, not for rent.

    The project, which involves rebuilding previously demolished housing on Sayonara Drive, has “been a long time in the works,” said Alison Bermudez, Senior Planner with the city’s Planning Division, in August 2024.

    To learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s new homes in Citrus Heights and how to apply, visit the Apply for a Home page. Additionally, view the Program Flyer for all important details.

  • Citrus Heights Police: Mother suspected of DUI in head-on crash with children in vehicle

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A mother suspected of driving under the influence collided head on with another driver on Old Auburn Road Sunday morning, officials said.

    The head on collision occurred Sunday, May 18 around 5:30 a.m. at the intersection of Old Auburn Road and Bonita Way. According to a Citrus Heights Police Department press release, the driver was identified as Doris Meretz, 35, of Sacramento. Authorities said she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and had children in the car with her at the time.

    The driver of the second vehicle as well as the children in the first vehicle were uninjured. The children were placed in protective custody with Child Protective Services. It’s unclear how many children were passengers.

    Old Auburn Road between Bonita Way and Wickham Drive was closed down for around four hours while an investigation was taking place.

    Anyone with information regarding the collision is being encouraged to contact Citrus Heights Police at (916) 727-5500.

  • How busy are Citrus Heights streets? Here’s what traffic counts show

    Over 39,000 drivers have been recorded driving through the intersection of Roseville Road and Antelope Road. // SB Williams
    Over 39,000 drivers have been recorded driving through the intersection of Roseville Road and Antelope Road. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Recent traffic count data compiled by the City of Citrus Heights reveals the volume of drivers has remained steady, with gradual increases across several major corridors in the city, particularly along Greenback Lane, Madison Avenue, Antelope Road, and Sunrise Boulevard.

    Both the Antelope Road at I-80 and Greenback Lane at I-80 consistently see the highest vehicle counts, with the past several years recording totals in the low 50,000s. Sacramento County traffic count data also shows similar numbers along all major interchanges throughout the county.

    Antelope Road at I-80 saw over 51,000 vehicles pass through in one day in both 2024 and 2025, which is an increase from 44,000 recorded vehicles counted over one day in 2017.

    Aside from freeway overpasses, Greenback Lane appears to be the most heavily traveled, data shows. A recorded 45,737 vehicles traveled westbound on Greenback away from Auburn Boulevard in February 2025. Similarly, eastbound Greenback Lane between Auburn Boulevard and Dewey Drive saw 47,579 total vehicles pass through in one day in 2023, up from 45,232 in 2022, but on par with 47,153 recorded pre-COVID. Historical data from the city shows traffic volumes on the same segment once exceeded over 53,000 a day in 2015.

    The prominent intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane, which affords drivers access to Orangevale and Folsom to the east, Fair Oaks and Rancho Cordova to the south, Roseville to the north, and Sacramento to the west, has often been labeled as the busiest intersection in the entire region by multiple city and regional leaders.

    Based on a comparison of traffic count data from both Citrus Heights and Sacramento County, Sunrise Boulevard is not the busiest in the county, but traffic volume consistently lands the intersection within the top 20, excluding major freeway interchanges.

    Traffic counts on northbound Sunrise Boulevard traveling past Oak Avenue in the direction of Roseville reached 42,000 in 2025, a significant rise from 35,145 in 2021. Similarly, nearly 39,400 vehicles were recorded traveling north from Macy Plaza Drive in February 2025, up from 38,000 in 2018 after a dip to 36,000 in 2021. As well, a segment of Sunrise Boulevard between Arcadia and Woodmore Oaks registered 38,858 vehicles in one day in 2024, down from over 40,000 in 2017 and 48,100 in 2006.

    Pre-pandemic, data shows that 46,000 vehicles were recorded traveling on Greenback Lane between Sunrise Boulevard and San Juan Avenue in 2017, 47,000 in 2018, and 42,000 in 2021. No data was available for 2022-2025.

    Data collected by Citrus Heights on Madison Avenue shows that a total of 51,847 vehicles traveled between San Juan Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard during one day in 2020, however no data is available from Citrus Heights for 2021-2025.

    Traffic counts from Sacramento County show 46,000 drivers passed through the intersection of Madison and San Juan over the course of one day in June 2024, and over 50,000 drivers passed through the intersection of Madison Avenue and Hazel Avenue.

    Data from the county also shows Antelope Road as another major corridor, with over 39,000 drivers recorded driving through the intersection of Antelope Road and Roseville Road at the border of Citrus Heights and Antelope.

  • Citrus Heights Police dispatch center remodel project grows to $1.2M

    Citrus Heights Police dispatch center remodel project grows to $1.2M

    Citrus Heights Police Department
    Citrus Heights Police Department. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday approved the latest contract for work on a $1.24 million Police Department Communications Center remodel project.

    What initially began in 2022 as a $600,000 allocation to upgrade the Citrus Heights Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center has since grown into a $1.2 million project, according to a staff report released May 9.

    On Wednesday May 14, the City Council voted 4-0 to approve a construction contract to Molokai Electric, LLC for completion of the remodel project, and to commit $295,178 in additional General Capital Replacement Funds to help fund the project. According to the city’s report, “there are sufficient funds” within the General Capital Replacement Fund to support the remaining anticipated project expenditures.

    The item was part of the consent calendar, which consists of a group of items that are voted on all at once, unless one item is pulled for discussion. Councilmember Kelsey Nelson was absent from the meeting.

    In June 2022, City Council approved an allocation of $600,000 for critical upgrades to the police department’s dispatch center, with funding coming from the American Rescue Plan Act, a bill passed by congress in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aimed to improve technology, workstations, flooring, and acoustic treatments to better serve emergency communications needs.

    As the project developed, city staff found that the original scope significantly underestimated the full extent of the work required. A change in project leadership, coupled with unforeseen electrical, structural, and HVAC needs, led to increased costs and an expanded project scope, which resulted in a request for more funding by the city. Increases in material and labor costs have also contributed to the price tag going up.

    In October 2024, the City Council approved hiring COAR Design Group to provide architectural and engineering design services and approved an additional $327,000 of General Capital Replacement Funds to be allocated.

    Further construction cost estimates around that time were listed at $150,000. But more detailed reviews of the scope of the project revealed that more extensive electrical upgrades were needed to support five dispatch workstations and specialized equipment.

    As well, two new HVAC units need to be replaced, which serve the dispatch and IT server rooms. These units were not part of the original scope but were deemed necessary to replace to ensure the long-term reliability of emergency communications, the city said in its staff report.

    In total, the remodel now includes replacement of workstations, consoles, flooring, acoustics, painting, wall treatments, structural reinforcements, two new HVAC units, and other necessary technological upgrades such as updated monitors, computers, voice loggers and the radio system. The cost of the project also includes project management and design consulting services.

    Molokai Electric, LLC submitted the lowest responsible bid for construction, which includes a $25,000 allowance for potential change orders. A five percent contingency is also built into the cost plan to cover unknown conditions during construction.

    City staff said the upgraded communications center is expected to serve the police department for the next 10 years with minimal maintenance.

    Officials say the project aligns with the City Council’s strategic goal to “Preserve and Enhance Public Safety” and represents a long-term investment in vital emergency response infrastructure.

  • 2025 Citrus Heights Police Logs Spotlight: May 8-14

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    The latest police incident logs show an increase in vehicle violations while showing a decrease in animal control calls. Police incident logs from May 8-14, 2025, are listed below.

    • Animal control: 5 (down from 9)
    • 911 hangups: 23 (down from 34)
    • Code enforcement: 24 (down from 31)
    • Traffic accidents: 38 (up from 29)
    • Vehicle violations: 363 (up from 305)
    • Theft: 34 (up from 29)
    • Homeless-related: 13 (down from 26)
    • Vandalism: 11 (same as prior week)
    • Violent/threats: 41 (up from 36)
    • Disturbance: 86 (down from 88)
    • Suspicious circumstances: 190 (up from 183)
    • All incidents: 1,387 (up from 1,281)

    Arrest logs can be viewed on the city’s website here. Full police activity logs can be viewed by date below:

    05-08-2025 Activity Log | 05-09-2025 Activity Log | 05-10-2025 Activity Log | 05-11-2025 Activity Log | 05-12-2025 Activity Log | 05-13-2025 Activity Log

    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.

  • Obituary: Carla Comiter (1950-2025)

    Submitted by Lisa Lwason–
    In memory of Rev. Carla Comiter, Senior Minister of Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heights.

    The Reverend Carla Jo Comiter, beloved spiritual leader, made her transition on April 29, 2025, departing this earthly realm after several gracious years living with cancer. Born in Springfield, Illinois, on March 19, 1950, Carla was the daughter of Jackie Edward Keefner and Norma Corinne Niedbal Keefner Williams.

    For many years, Carla built a successful career as a computer programmer. A profound calling led her to embark on a transformative midlife career change, and in 2000, she was ordained as a Unity Minister, a path that allowed her deep spirituality and passion for metaphysical exploration to flourish.

    Rev. Carla served as the longtime and devoted minister of Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heights, California, where her insightful teachings and warm presence touched the lives of countless congregants. Described as a “paradigm-buster,” her life was a continuous quest for the answers to life’s “big questions”, leading her to explore a wide spectrum of knowledge, including Eastern thought, esoteric Christianity, quantum theory, extraterrestrial life, metaphysics, and Native American spirituality. She found a spiritual home in Unity, embracing its positive approach to living and its rich foundation of metaphysical thought.

    Rev. Carla was particularly known for her willingness to embrace ideas that stretched the boundaries of New Thought. Active within the movement since 1989, she served in numerous capacities, including as a Minister, Licensed Unity Teacher, and Silent Unity prayer associate. She always asked her students to stretch their minds to discover new ways of looking at life, and to find opportunities for growth.

    Carla’s life included many interests, which included roles as a community college professor, corporate trainer, project manager, independent software consultant, jewelry designer, and artist. She was active in the Citrus Heights Women’s Club, Sacramento Institute of Noetic Sciences, the National Council for Geocosmic Research, the Mutual UFO Network, and the Citrus Heights Water District Customer Advisory Committee.

    Carla was predeceased by her parents and her brother Dirk. She is survived by her loving brothers, Rick and Kurt, as well as her former husband, Henry Comiter. Her vibrant spirit, her open heart, and her unwavering pursuit of truth will be deeply missed by her many friends and the countless individuals whose lives she enriched through her ministry and her boundless curiosity.

    A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 30, at 11 AM at the Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights. Donations in Carla’s memory may be sent to Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heights (unitycitrusheights.org) or to Snowline Hospice (snowlinehealth.org).

    *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

  • Ground breaking planned for San Juan High School stadium upgrades

    McArthur Field
    McArthur Field, San Juan High School. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    San Juan High School is gearing up for transformation with construction set to begin on a long-awaited stadium modernization project. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on May 20 at 9 a.m. to officially kick off the effort.

    New side-by-side aerial images shared by the district in a May 6 district newsletter show the current condition of the stadium, with a dirt track surrounding a grass field, and an artist rendering of the upgraded facility, complete with a new track and field and painted football field.

    Modernization and demolition have already begun, according to the project’s timeline on the district’s website. Following the groundbreaking ceremony at the end of May, construction is expected to take a little over a year.

    The project will focus on facility upgrades to the current McArthur Field, including the new synthetic track and field, which offers enhanced training and competition conditions year-round; two new tennis courts; and a newly constructed ticket booth, concession area, and restroom building. The updated stadium is expected to become a central gathering space for school pride, community events, and expanded athletic programming, the district said in its monthly newsletter.

    The modernization project is being funded by the previous Measure P, which was passed by the community in 2016, according to the district.

    Related: Measure P passed. What will it mean for Citrus Heights schools? – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    San Juan Unified School District Director of Communication Raj Rai said planning for modernization began in 2022, and the construction project was recently approved at the February Board of Education meeting.

    The original track and field were constructed over 75 years ago, back in 1949. Press box with bleachers were added in 1950, and lights were added in 1984, Rai said.

    ADA improvements were the last major updates made to the stadium in 2008, Rai added, which included an ADA-compliant path of travel, parking stalls, bleacher seats, and a concession serving window.

    With the passage of another facilities bond measure in November 2024, the district also has other updates planned for the local high school, including upgrades to San Juan High School’s science classrooms to support 21st-century learning.

    Plans for the modernization and improvement of San Juan High’s stadium come on the heels of the major construction of a new stadium for Mesa Verde High School, which did not have a stadium since its inception in the 1970s. The new stadium was completed in the fall of 2023.

    The stadium’s groundbreaking will begin at 9 a.m. at McArthur Field. San Juan High School is located at 7551 Greenback Ln.

  • Driver arrested after hitting light pole at Fair Oaks Blvd., Old Auburn Road

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A driver was arrested Friday after one vehicle collided with a traffic signal light post at an intersection in Citrus Heights that has seen over 40 collisions involving the brick planter boxes. This time, the collision occurred on the southwest corner.

    Early Friday morning, Citrus Heights Police responded to a single-vehicle collision in which a driver struck a traffic signal pole at the intersection of Old Auburn Road and Fair Oaks Boulevard. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on Old Auburn Road. The entire pole on the southwest corner was completely sheared off by the collision, the city confirmed Friday afternoon.

    A portion of Old Auburn Road was closed temporarily for about an hour as crews cleared debris from the roadway, police said. The city’s electrical contractor closed off the eastbound bike lane while standing the new pole but was able to keep the eastbound vehicular lanes on Old Auburn Road open during repairs.

    Traffic signal equipment was replaced, and everything was restored to its original condition and confirmed to be operational by 2:15 p.m. Friday afternoon, according to the city. The rest of the traffic signal system in the intersection was not damaged and remained functional during the repairs.

    The city said no overhead power lines or utility poles were impacted by the incident to their knowledge.

    Citrus Heights Police are treating the crash as a possible DUI collision, authorities said, adding that the vehicle involved in the collision was stolen. Police are continuing to investigate.

    After being transported to and treated at an area hospital, the driver was arrested and taken to Sacramento County Main Jail. Authorities did not release the name of the driver or specify the exact charges.

  • Teen arrested in Citrus Heights human trafficking case

    Jaiden Jamari Thomas
    Jaiden Jamari Thomas // Citrus Heights Police Department

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Citrus Heights Police are seeking further information from the public after an arrest of a male suspect believed to be involved in human trafficking and pimping.

    Following an in-depth investigation, Citrus Heights Police arrested 19-year-old Jaiden Jamari Thomas on felony charges of trafficking a minor and pimping,

    Three victims have been identified so far according to authorities, but investigators believe there may be others. At least one victim remains unidentified, and police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify additional victims.

    Anyone with information is encouraged to contact an anonymous tip line at 916-727-5524.

    The arrest was made possible through a joint effort involving Citrus Heights Police patrol officers and detectives, local school staff, Sacramento County Probation, and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Thomas is currently in custody with bail set at $1,000,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 30.