dev.citrusheightssentinel.com

Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Citrus Heights council to hear developer’s proposed changes to Sunrise Mall plan

    Citrus Heights council to hear developer’s proposed changes to Sunrise Mall plan

    A development proposal has been received by the city for Sunrise Mall. // L.W. Otterstad
    A development proposal has been received by the city for Sunrise Mall. // L.W. Otterstad

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A public hearing is slated to be held on April 23, during which Ethan Conrad Properties will present a proposal requesting amendments to the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan before the Citrus Heights City Council, the city recently announced.

    The proposal was originally scheduled to be presented to the City Council in November 2024, and again on Jan. 22, but was postponed twice. According to the city’s April 2 announcement regarding a public hearing, the April 23 agenda item “will proceed as scheduled; it is not subject to cancellation or postponement unless initiated by the city.”

    The proposal submitted by Ethan Conrad Properties outlines adjustments to the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan—originally approved by the City Council in 2021—that would directly impact the redevelopment of the Sunrise Mall property.

    In an effort to gather community feedback and support for the proposed amendment, real estate mogul Ethan Conrad, CEO of Ethan Conrad Properties, spent January and February presenting his proposal, referred to as “Sunrise Tomorrow Evolution,” to various Citrus Heights Neighborhood Area groups.

    Related: ‘Sunrise Tomorrow Evolution’ plan sparks debate at Citrus Heights neighborhood meetings – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Last year, Citrus Heights City Councilmember Tim Schaefer visited Belmar Mall with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and shared findings with the City Council about the mall’s revitalization success. He cited Belmar as a potential model for what the Sunrise Mall property could one day become.

    From April 3 through April 5, the City Council and city staff visited Colorado, on a study mission to the Belmar Shopping District—a downtown-style mixed-use area that was transformed from a defunct mall, similar to the current Sunrise Mall. Council and staff presented findings from the trip during the April 9 City Council meeting, stating that the 22-block district felt “warm and friendly.”

    “That’s truly what we’re looking to build here, people coming from other parts of the region can enjoy our restaurants, and we can enjoy their revenue,” Schaefer said during the Council meeting on April 9, comparing the visit to Belmar with the potential future for the Sunrise Mall property.

    The city says it is “encouraging community participation” in the review process of the proposal from Ethan Conrad Properties. For more information on the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan amendment proposal and to provide feedback, visit www.sunrisetomorrow.net.

    The public hearing will be held in the Citrus Heights Council Chambers at 6 p.m. during the City Council meeting on April 23.

    Ethan Conrad Properties’ full proposal can be viewed online here.

    City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    Want to share your thoughts on the proposed development of Sunrise Mall? Click here to submit a letter to the editor.

  • Citrus Heights Council approves increased fines for illegal fireworks

    Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa
    The City Council on April 9 voted unanimously to approve increasing fines for illegal fireworks. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved updates to the current fireworks ordinance that will both increase fines and tighten enforcement capabilities for the police department.

    The ordinance changes were prompted by multiple residents’ concerns regarding fire danger and inability to enjoy a “quiet environment” due to illegal fireworks, according to a staff report. Residents have spoken on the matter on multiple occasions during public comment in past City Council meetings.

    In order to ensure any ordinance amendments would be consistent with neighboring jurisdictions, the city reviewed current fireworks ordinances in multiple regional jurisdictions, including Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Woodland, Sacramento County, and Stockton, according to a staff report.

    The changes to the ordinance include increasing violation fines and also stipulate that each illegal firework discharged will be a single violation of the ordinance. The first violation will result in a $1,000 fine for each device, a $2,500 fine for each device on the second offense, and a $5,000 fine for each device on subsequent offenses. The increased penalties are consistent with ordinances in Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento County, according to the city.

    During the presentation given by the Citrus Heights Police Department, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa asked if there would be a cap on the dollar amount of fines issued and how fines are collected if someone can’t afford the fines outright.

    Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte did not indicate whether there was a cap on fines and said that through due processes with a hearing officer, the police department has the discretion to work with individuals and potentially reduce the total amount of fines due. Bills can also be sent to collections, Turcotte added. Citrus Heights City Attorney Ryan Jones said that individuals can be taken to court as a last resort.

    Three years ago, the stipulation that a “social host” would be fined whenever illegal fireworks were discharged from the host’s property was added to the ordinance, and recently, ahead of New Year’s Eve 2024, the department began utilizing “citizen attestations,” which encouraged citizens to submit statements to the police department saying they directly witnessed illegal fireworks. Despite the hesitation to rely on citizens, which Turcotte said he understands, 17 people came forward to attest to witnessing illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day, Turcotte reported.

    “There’s a significant portion of our community who are willing to partner with law enforcement and who are fed up and want to safeguard their community,” Turcotte said.

    Along with increasing fines, new language was added to the ordinance to clarify that violations can occur in areas “under the host’s apparent control,” such as sidewalks and streets and any other adjacent property under the host’s control. According to the city, changing the language allows enforcement to include illegal fireworks being shot off on sidewalks or streets in front of a residence. The current policy on the books did not specify or include sidewalks or streets adjacent to the host’s private property, the city said.

    Councilmember Tim Schaefer expressed concern regarding homeowners who are fined but weren’t home at the time of the discharge of illegal fireworks. Turcotte said that, through due process, the department can “apply common sense to the law” and that the department will listen to and work with property owners who contest the fines.

    “We’re not looking to make money; we’re looking to curb behavior,” Turcotte said, adding that the department would rather “educate.” When asked about the appeals process, Turcotte said the last resort would be for citizens to appeal any decisions made on fines directly to the City Council.

    Previously, the ordinance stipulated fines of $750 to a social host for an initial discharge of illegal fireworks, $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense. Fines were not based on each item discharged. This was also consistent with Roseville’s ordinance and similar to Woodland’s fireworks ordinance.

    The amended ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and adoption at the next City Council meeting on April 23 and will become effective 30 days afterward.

    Want to share your thoughts on the updated ordinance?  Click here to submit a letter to the editor.

  • Teens find the perfect look at local library prom dress giveaway in Citrus Heights

    The Sylvan Oaks Library community room was filled with prom dresses and suit jackets Saturday, April 5 for their annual prom formalwear giveaway event. // SB Williams
    The Sylvan Oaks Library community room was filled with prom dresses and suit jackets Saturday, April 5 for their annual prom formalwear giveaway event. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A host of teenage students and their families gathered at the local library Saturday in search of the perfect dress for their next school dance.

    Each year, the Sylvan Oaks Library holds a free formalwear drive, allowing girls and boys 13 to 19 to pick out a dress or suit, plus shoes and accessories, all for free, thanks to the Sacramento Public Library’s annual Prom Dress Drive.

    Donations of formalwear for teenage boys and girls, along with accessories, are collected each January and February and then distributed during multiple prom dress giveaways throughout the spring season. The free events are held at various library locations from March through April, and the schedule is decided based upon the neighboring schools’ prom and dance schedules, Sylvan Oaks Library Branch Manager Susan Clerkin said.

    Sylvan Oaks Library held their prom dress giveaway on Saturday, April 5, and saw a steady stream of families and teens cycle through the community room-turned-dress showroom as they browsed dresses, suits, and other accessories.

    Dresses ranged in size from small to large and tea-length to long and flowing, with most hung on racks. Overflow items were placed in boxes that families could also browse through. Articles like ties, shawls, hair accessories, jewelry, and shoes were set out on tables for easy browsing.

    One rack of suit jackets was also set up on display. Clerkin said that yes, boys do come to the event looking for formalwear. Clerkin also added that having suits available allowed those who identified as non-binary to be able to have the option of choosing something non-feminine to wear.

    Students were allotted two full outfits, Clerkin said, explaining that one full outfit consisted of a dress or suit, shoes, and another accessory such as jewelry or a tie to accompany the outfit.

    The free formalwear giveaway was more than just the average charitable event held annually. Pop music in the background, a sparkling photo backdrop, and faux-champagne drinks added a feeling of excitement to the atmosphere of the three-hour formalwear drive, allowing students to relax and enjoy the shopping experience as they picked out their next favorite dress.

    The last formalwear giveaway is scheduled for April 19 at Arcade Library. For more information about the library’s annual prom dress drive and giveaway, visit the library’s website.

  • Civic Minute: What’s going on at Citrus Heights City Hall? (April 9)

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday will be discussing the council’s recent tour of the Belmar Shopping District, how to handle City Council stipends, and an employment agreement amendment for the City Manager. The City Council will also be asked to approve an amendment to the city’s fireworks ordinance and consider appointments to an Arts and Culture Ad Hoc committee.

    The next City Council meeting will be held April 9 at 6 p.m. at Citrus Heights City Hall.

    Presentations: The City Council and city staff will discuss findings from a recent trip taken to the Belmar Shopping District in Lakewood, Colorado, to study the development projects within the city.

    The City Council will also hear an annual report from the Citrus Heights Police Department, which typically details accomplishments and statistics from the previous year and progress on crime initiatives for the current year.

    Fireworks: The City Council on Wednesday will be asked to approve amendments to the current fireworks ordinance that would both increase fines and tighten enforcement capabilities. The proposed ordinance changes were prompted by multiple residents’ concerns regarding fire danger and inability to enjoy a “quiet environment” due to illegal fireworks, according to a staff report.

    Arts and Culture Committee: The City Council will be asked to consider appointing two council members to a temporary Arts and Culture Ad Hoc 2×2 committee. This recommendation comes following the City Council’s approval of several arts and culture programs and initiatives at a previous meeting. The purpose of the ad hoc committee will be to explore, assess, and recommend ways to continue to “refine” the arts and culture programming as well as be a part of the community engagement process to seek public input on the selection of art for the Traffic Signal Control Cabinet Art Program.

    Discussion on Stipends: The City Council is scheduled to discuss options brought forth by the city related to depositing received stipends into the city’s General Fund. This item comes following the request of two City Council members at the end of the March 12 City Council meeting.

    In addition to serving on the council, Citrus Heights City Council Members represent the city on various regional boards and committees throughout Sacramento County. Each board or commission provides a stipend to each council member for their service.

    According to Government Code Section 36516(c), “Legislative body members may receive compensation in excess of the maximum compensation limit only if the additional compensation is authorized by a separate statute,” the city said in a staff report.

    After researching, the city found that stipends from the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Commission and Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) were not established by a separate statute. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36516(c), councilmembers are not allowed to accept compensation from the aforementioned commissions. To adhere to required laws, the city can request stipend funds be forwarded to the city for deposit into the city’s general fund.

    Along with the above option, the city is also proposing to the council the option of requesting that stipends from all regional boards and commissions be forwarded to the city for deposit into the general fund. The amount of stipends received by each council member is listed in the city’s agenda packet.

    City Manager Employment Agreement Amendment: The City Council will be asked to approve an amended employment agreement for City Manager Ashley Feeney. Feeney has served as City Manager since Jan. 31, 2022, and his employment agreement has not been modified since, according to a staff report. If approved, Feeney’s new salary would be increased to $290,000, with a $500 monthly vehicle allowance.

    Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, April 9, at City Hall, at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

    City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    Read the full agenda packet here.

  • Citrus Heights eyes steeper fines, expanded enforcement for illegal fireworks

    Citrus Heights eyes steeper fines, expanded enforcement for illegal fireworks

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday will be asked to approve amendments to the current fireworks ordinance that would both increase fines and tighten enforcement capabilities.

    The proposed ordinance changes were prompted by multiple residents’ concerns regarding fire danger and inability to enjoy a “quiet environment” due to illegal fireworks, according to a staff report.

    In order to ensure consistency of ordinance language and fines, the city reviewed current fireworks ordinances in multiple neighboring jurisdictions, including Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Woodland, Sacramento County, and Stockton.

    Currently the Citrus Heights fireworks ordinance stipulates fines of $750 to a social host for discharge of illegal fireworks, $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense. This is consistent with Roseville and similar to Woodland’s fireworks ordinance.

    The recommended changes to the ordinance include increasing violation fees and would also stipulate that each illegal firework discharged will be a single violation of the ordinance. The first violation would result in a $1,000 fine for each device, a $2,500 fine for each device on the second offense, and a $5,000 fine for each device on subsequent offenses within a 12-month timeframe. The increased penalties are consistent with ordinances in Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento County, according to the city.

    The city recommends changing the language to clarify that violations can occur in areas “under the host’s apparent control,” which would include adjacent sidewalks and streets. According to the city, changing the language allows enforcement of the social host ordinance when illegal fireworks are shot off on sidewalks or streets in front of a residence. The current policy does not specify or include the sidewalk or street adjacent to the host’s private property, the city said.

    If approved by the City Council, the proposed ordinance will be scheduled for a second reading and adoption at the next City Council meeting on April 23, with an effective date 30 days thereafter.

    Those wishing to make a public comment during the meeting can do so by attending the council meeting on Wednesday, April 9, at City Hall, at 6 p.m., or by submitting a written comment beforehand using the city’s website. The deadline to submit comments online is 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

    City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    Read the full agenda packet here.

  • Macy’s break-in prompts rooftop search of Sunrise Mall

    Macy’s break-in prompts rooftop search of Sunrise Mall

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Two suspects are still at large after breaking into Macy’s Men’s early Monday morning.

    After an alarm activated, Citrus Heights Police responded in force to the Sunrise Mall around 4 a.m. Monday morning, April 7, and found two individuals locked inside on the first floor of Macy’s Men’s attempting to evade law enforcement while police watched through the windows, Sgt. David Jones with the Citrus Heights Police Department said Monday afternoon. At least one suspect was observed escaping onto the roof of the Sunrise Mall, prompting police to enter Macy’s through a fire door and search the vacant store.

    The police described the two suspects as one Caucasian female in her 50s and one Caucasian male in his 40s.

    The search for the suspect who escaped onto the roof was initially partially impeded by early morning rainfall, which prevented the use of a drone, and air support was unavailable at the time of the incident, according to police radio transmissions.

    Once all three floors in Macy’s Men’s were cleared, officers searched the rooftop of both Macy’s Men’s and adjacent to the store. A drone was also called in to fly over the top of the mall to search the entire rooftop, police confirmed. Officers also searched the rest of the interior of the mall, but nothing else appeared to be disturbed, Jones said. In all, police said the search lasted about three and a half hours. The Sears building interior was not searched.

    “We believe they used another method to come down from the roof,” Jones said, adding that officers did recover burglary tools and stolen merchandise on the roof.

    Both Macy’s Men’s and Women’s at Sunrise Mall closed near the end of last month as part of a broader string of closures across the country initiated by Macy’s Inc.

    Related: Sunrise Mall loses longtime anchor store as Macy’s shutters—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Jones said the police department has a close relationship with Sunrise MarketPlace and that officers have been tasked with enforcing “behaviors associated with negativity of the area.”

  • Hoover, Niello request funding for Citrus Heights Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall project

    WASHINGTON DC, USA - MARCH 29, 2020: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC in a sunny day, USA — Stock Editorial Photography
    WASHINGTON DC, USA – MARCH 29, 2020: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC in a sunny day, USA // Stock Editorial Photography

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    California State Assemblymember Josh Hoover has teamed up with a state senator to request funding be allocated toward the construction of an 80-percent replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Citrus Heights.

    In a recent letter to constituents, Hoover announced that he and California State Senator Roger Niello have officially submitted a request for funding for the project in the state budget.

    “This project is historic,” Hover said, adding that the construction of the wall will serve as an economic and cultural asset to Citrus Heights and the greater Sacramento region, drawing visitors from all over, and “fostering community engagement.”

    The Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project, a nonprofit veterans organization, is leading the charge in constructing the first permanent replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on the west coast by 2026.

    In October 2024, the nonprofit was awarded a $100,000 donation from the Citrus Heights Rotary Foundation, which will go toward the project. As well, the Citrus Heights City Council also awarded $20,000 in grant funding to go toward the project during the Oct. 23 council meeting. The acquired funds will go toward the design phase for the eventual construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

    The project is proposed to be constructed on the premises of Calvary Cemetery and will be visible from eastbound Interstate 80, according to Scott Miller, Chief Operating Officer with Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, which owns Calvary Cemetery. Miller is also on the board of the veterans nonprofit and the Chair for the Veterans Wall Committee. Miller said the wall will be an 80 percent replica of the original wall located in Washington, DC, constructed of India Black granite, and the names will be engraved, just as they are on the wall in Washington, DC.

    Related: Plans moving forward for $3M replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Citrus Heights – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    The Citrus Heights Vietnam Memorial Project will be responsible for raising funds for construction and for an endowment for future maintenance of the memorial. The anticipated construction costs are estimated to exceed $3.5 million, according to the city.

    A representative of Hoover was not able to be reached for further comment regarding how much funding was requested to be allocated.

  • Letters to the Editor: Roads, Citrus Heights council trip to Colorado

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    The latest letters to the editor discuss paving main streets, and the City Council’s recently announced trip to visit the Belmar Shopping District in Lakewood, Colorado.

    City’s business plan looks good
    [The city’s] plan looks thorough and good. One area that, by itself, would strongly support your goal: resurfacing the main arteries of commerce. Of course money is the issue; but it would be well-spent in pursuit of business success. No one likes to have their car roughed up enroute to shopping, etc.
    — Leland Danzeisen

    Related: A look at Citrus Heights’ new plan for business retention, expansion efforts – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Is the City Council’s trip to Colorado really a necessary expense?
    I am really disappointed that in this day and age of digital and Google Earth, and FaceTime as well as good old word of mouth and paper documentation that we are wasting thousands of dollars for our city council members to fly to Colorado and have a vacation… I mean… “to have a look” at how well the shopping in the Colorado community of Belmar is prospering. Can’t you see “the numbers” on paper?? I mean really?! Are all of the council members going on this trip? The cost of this little visit has not been disclosed in your article. It is pluralized as “members.” So, I assume it in the thousands maybe even upwards of $10,000? Think really think the money could be spent elsewhere where in the budget!
    — Karina Dem, Citrus Heights 

    Related: Citrus Heights council to tour Colorado projects for Sunrise Mall inspiration – Citrus Heights Sentinel

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

  • Clothing store inside Sunrise Mall closes abruptly

    Masterboy Streetstyle, a kids and men's fashion retailer in Sunrise Mall, has closed abruptly.
    A kids and men’s fashion retailer in Sunrise Mall, has closed abruptly. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A kid’s and men’s fashion store in Sunrise Mall has abruptly vacated its suite.

    Masterboy Streetstyle, an independently owned shop that specialized in men’s and kid’s clothing and apparel, abruptly closed in mid-March, according to a neighboring shop. Spencer’s’ manager, Daniel Cornwell, said the shop was “there and then gone” within two days after he returned from a day off.

    The storefront was dark and vacant on a visit by Sentinel staff, with most of the store signage removed. A handwritten sign, accompanied by a phone number posted March 22 on the vacant storefront indicated that the store had moved to Folsom Premium Outlets.

    Simon Property Group, who operates Folsom Premium Outlets, did not respond to a request for comment before press time. Masterboy Streetstyle is not yet listed in Folsom Premium Outlets’ store directory.

    The retailer opened in Sunrise Mall in the beginning of 2023, according to previous reports. At the time, owner Payman Rahmani told The Sentinel he relocated from a previous location on Stockton Boulevard. Rahmani also said the lack of foot traffic at the mall would not hinder his business because he “relies on social media marketing” to drive traffic to the store.

    Several months after opening, authorities were seen carrying boxes out of Masterboy Streetstyle, according to one witness. Sunrise Marketplace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said at the time federal agents conducted an operation at the store, but had no information on what authorities were looking for.

    A media representative with the Sacramento Federal Bureau of Investigations field office told The Sentinel in a phone call in April 2023 the agency did not conduct the operation but said other agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had been “stepping up enforcement” against counterfeit retailers. An email inquiry to the media division for ICE was directed to another media spokesperson who was unable to be reached.

    The abrupt closure of the independent clothing and apparel shop comes amid a string of other closures inside Sunrise Mall, including Macy’s and Hot Topic, which closed in March. Spencer’s recently announced it plans to close after April 20.

    The Sunrise Mall still remains open for shoppers, with most businesses operating from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

  • Citrus Heights community garden to host 14th annual plant sale

    Sylvan Ranch Community Garden annual plant sale
    Sylvan Ranch Community Garden holds an annual plant sale in April every year // Courtesy of Sylvan Ranch Community Garden

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Sylvan Ranch Community Garden is hosting its 14th annual plant sale beginning April 11.

    All kinds of plants will be available for sale at the event, including flowers and vegetables. Debbie LeVon, with Sylvan Ranch Community Garden, said many varieties of peppers and tomatoes will be available, including Poblano, Habanero, Shishito, and Hatch peppers, and Black Krim, Brandywine, Beefsteak, Cherokee Purple, and Amana tomatoes.

    The event will take place over three days, Friday, April 11; Saturday, April 12; and Sunday, April 13, and run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. All proceeds from the plant sale will benefit the community garden. It is the only fundraiser held for the garden.

    The community garden began in 2004 with a vision from former Councilmember Jeannie Bruins, and its purpose is to provide space for people to grow fruits and vegetables for their own personal use and for donation to the local food closet, according to the group’s website. Two areas are set aside to grow vegetables for the food closet, and the website says the garden averages about 1,000 pounds of fresh produce specifically grown for donation purposes.

    The garden is open to members and is located at the corner of Stock Ranch Road and Sylvan Road. Residents can find out more information by visiting a workday (on the third Saturday of each month) or by visiting the community garden’s website at SylvanRanchGarden.org.