Sentinel Staff Report– Latest police logs show an increase in vehicle violations, while showing a decrease in animal control calls. A summary of police incident logs from March 27-April 2, 2025, are listed below:
Animal control: 7 (down from 14)
911 hangups: 33 (same as prior week)
Code enforcement: 35 (down from 76)
Traffic accidents: 38 (up from 34)
Vehicle violations: 334 (up from 300)
Theft: 29 (down from 33)
Homeless-related: 19 (down from 32)
Vandalism: 4 (down from 5)
Violent/threats: 36 (up from 30)
Disturbance: 94 (down from 105)
Suspicious circumstances: 162 (down from 177)
All incidents: 1,288 (down from 1,333)
Arrest logs can be viewed on the city’s website here. Full police activity logs can be viewed by date below:
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.
By Sara Beth Williams– A new shipping services company has established a location at San Juan Avenue and Greenback Lane.
DHL ServicePoint, which recently opened at 7291 Greenback Ln. in Citrus Heights offers international and domestic shipping services.
Specialists can assist customers with supplies, including packing tape and DHL-branded boxes, and can also provide assistance with packing, completing necessary paperwork, and navigating the shipping process.
“Whether importing to the U.S., exporting to over 220 destinations worldwide, or shipping within the U.S., customers can expect a seamless and efficient experience,” the company said in a January press release. Additionally, an on-demand delivery service allows customers to manage shipments and customize delivery options through a DHL mobile app.
According to the release, the new DHL ServicePoint in Citrus Heights is the company’s second DHL-owned and operated retail store in the Sacramento area.
“Sacramento is a thriving hub of growth and diversity, with a strong economy and connections to key industries,” said Aaron Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Commercial at DHL Express U.S.
DHL describes itself as “the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services” and operates in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.
Royal Stage Performing and Visual Arts founder Tammy Warta sits on set inside the Royal Stage theater at Sunrise Mall. April 5, 2025. // Courtesy of Tammy Warta
By Sara Beth Williams– Despite the ongoing departure of retailers from Sunrise Mall, a performing arts theater in the mall remains open and continues to offer Citrus Heights residents a safe, family-friendly space to enjoy community theater.
Royal Stage Performing and Visual Arts Founder Tammy Warta says the theater has a full lineup of performances scheduled for April and May and wants the community to know they’re still here and thriving.
“All of our shows are appropriate for families to watch together,” Warta said, adding that Royal Stage is the only local theater and that she loves being able to provide a place for families to see shows without having to travel to Roseville or Sacramento.
According to the theater’s website, the upcoming schedule of performances begins April 10 with the production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Tuck Everlasting: The Musical,” which begins April 24. In May, the theater will be showing “The Spongebob Musical” beginning May 1 and conclude with a spring showcase on May 18 and 19, which celebrates the work of all the students in various performing arts classes for the spring season.
“Not every family can afford to see professional theater, so we try to bring them something accessible that will make them smile,” Warta said.
“The Play That Goes Wrong” is a unique addition to the lineup this year, because the visual and performing arts nonprofit typically produces several musicals throughout the year, with recent productions of “The Little Mermaid,” “The Aristocats Kids,” “Anastasia,” and “Footloose” as examples. According to Warta, “The Play That Goes Wrong” is only the third straight play the nonprofit has produced in its 14-year existence. Previous non-musical productions include “Clue” and “Little Women.”
Royal Stage opened in 2010, and the first licensed musical performed was “Annie.” 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, the nonprofit found their “theater home” in Citrus Heights inside Sunrise Mall behind Macy’s Men’s.
Warta said the theater has been an “incredible creative space” for the families that participate with Royal Stage and has also been utilized for other local events, like local dance group recitals, wedding receptions, and events held by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.
On top of being a business founder, Warta has also participated in Royal Stage as an actress, director, costume designer, and choreographer. Warta and her two teenage children are participating as actresses and actors in “The Play That Goes Wrong,” and on social media, Warta said this will be her last play “for a long time.” She and her two teens have acted in multiple musicals and plays over the years.
Warta said following her participation in the upcoming spring production, she is embarking on “Act 2” of her life by pursuing a degree in clinical psychology.
“I’ve been really inspired and challenged working with the young girls and trauma survivors we serve at Royal Stage. I want to learn more and do more for that community,” Warta said.
The performing arts group works with multiple organizations, including the Citrus Heights Police Activities League, Sacramento Children’s Home, Glass Slipper, and Atkinson Youth Services.
While the theater charges for participation in theater productions and a wide range of visual and performing arts classes, the theater also offers scholarships to families who cannot afford theater, as well as classes. Royal Stage is also a vendor with most homeschool charters.
“We try to be a place where our participants can grow, develop friendships, make mistakes, and still know they are loved and cared for by us and, more importantly, by God,” Warta said.
As for future plans for the theater amid tensions over the redevelopment of Sunrise Mall, Warta said she tries not to worry and hopes to keep the theater where it is.
“It’s definitely a changing tide,” Warta said, referring to the mall’s decline and discussion over its future. Warta also said the city has been “so supportive and responsive” from the time the theater opened.
“If we can’t [stay inside the mall], we are excited to see where we go next,” Warta said, adding that she plans to remain in Citrus Heights. “We are very thankful for our space. There have been so many incredible memories, and we are hopeful for more.”
Royal Stage theater is located at 6174 Sunrise Blvd., behind the former Macy’s Men’s. For upcoming shows and ticket information, visit royalstage.org.
By Sara Beth Williams– Citrus Heights Police arrested a 46-year-old convicted felon at a residence on the 7200 block of Rollingwood Boulevard on Monday, following a probation search that uncovered several firearms and rounds of ammunition.
According to a Citrus Heights Police Department news release on social media, those occupying the residence were uncooperative during officers’ initial attempt to conduct a probation search on March 31, but officers were able to “safely breach” the front door and detain several individuals inside the home.
A search of the residence led to the discovery of three firearms and “several thousand rounds” of ammunition in a bedroom belonging to a convicted felon, according to the release.
Traci Beck, 46, was arrested on suspicion of violating Penal Code 29800(a), which, according to police, “prohibits convicted felons or those addicted to narcotics from owning, purchasing, receiving, possessing, or having under custody or control any firearm.” Beck was also charged with additional violations related to a felon being in possession of ammunition.
Beck remains in custody, according to Sacramento County Main Jail records, with a court appearance scheduled for April 14. Beck is not eligible for bail.
Interior roller rink at Sunrise Rollerland, located at 6001 Sunrise Vista Drive // CH Sentinel
By Sara Beth Williams– After recently celebrating 50 years in business, Sunrise Rollerland in Citrus Heights has been listed for sale.
The roller rink has been a staple family-friendly entertainment center long before Citrus Heights incorporated, hosting skating lessons, sessions for all ages, sock hops, birthday parties, skating competitions, and much more. Located just east of and directly behind Sunrise Mall on Sunrise Vista Drive, the roller rink has also stood witness to the rise and fall of the mall.
Tony Wood, Senior Vice President at eXp Commercial of California Inc., told Sacramento Business Journal that the property is “profitable enough to remain as is” but also has potential for other uses.
Current Sunrise Rollerland owner Ken Neutz said in a phone call with The Sentinel on Monday that they’re only looking for buyers who want to continue using the building as a roller rink.
“That’s a huge stipulation,” Neutz said, adding that he understands the public’s apprehension about changing it too much.
Sunrise Rollerland is among the oldest businesses in the city limits, while the rink itself is “among the oldest anywhere,” according to the broker. The rink is also the fourth largest in the world, according to the real estate listing.
Neutz noted that Roller King in Roseville and The Rink in Sacramento were built around the same time as Sunrise Rollerland, just before its construction.
Before the rink was constructed, the Neutz family grew up roller skating at an old skating rink in Carmichael the 1960s and ’70s, Neutz said, adding that the rink, which is “long gone,” wasn’t in the best condition.
His father, whom Neutz described as very religious, had “visions” about building a new roller rink and eventually invested $20,000 to have it constructed a couple of years after Sunrise Mall opened. Neutz’s father retired from the Air Force at a young age, and wanted something to do during his retirement.
“I have pictures of when the mall parking lot had cars in it,” Neutz said, recalling that the rink was built while parts of the Sunrise Mall were still under construction.
An online map showing all roller rinks in California indicates that only 34 remain. A search also shows that there are four roller rinks in Sacramento County, including Sunrise Rollerland, plus a roller derby sports club.
Additionally, Neutz noted that the downtown ice rink is converted into a temporary roller rink during the summer months. The ice rinks at Northstar Resort and Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley Ski Resort) in Lake Tahoe also offer roller skating in the summer.
Neutz worked at Sunrise Rollerland under his father’s leadership from 1975 onward and has held “pretty much every position” until eventually working up to general manager. In 2000, when his father floated the idea of selling the business, Neutz offered to buy it from him instead, and has been running the rink ever since. Currently, Neutz’s daughter serves as the assistant manager.
Now, Neutz said he and his wife are ready to retire. He said he doesn’t want to follow the old adage that “rink operators work until they die.”
In retirement, Neutz and his wife plan to visit friends, travel, and work on projects he has had to put aside while managing the rink.
“It’s time,” Neutz said, adding that if he felt younger, he’d continue running the business. He also noted that selling a business isn’t always a quick process and can take time.
The roller rink is still open for business and offers private parties, public skating sessions for all ages, including special themed sessions. Sunrise Rollerland is located at 6001 Sunrise Vista Drive.
Party City in the Citrus Town Center has closed. // Luke Otterstad
By Sara Beth Williams– Party City in Citrus Heights has closed its doors forever.
A visit by Sentinel staff found the store empty of all merchandise, officially marking the end of the major party retailer’s run in Citrus Heights. Party City was located on Sunrise Boulevard and Arcadia Drive in the Citrus Town Center.
According to a Dec. 20 CNN report, after nearly 40 years in business, the major party retailer announced it expected to close all stores in early 2025. Some of Party City’s store employees received letters informing them that the stores were expected to close on Feb. 28, according to CNN. In late February, Party City’s store manger in Citrus Heights said the store would remain open into March. It’s unclear when the store officially closed.
A letter to customers posted on the company’s website stated in part, “Like many retailers, we’ve been operating in an immensely challenging environment with inflationary pressures on both costs and consumer spending, and while we did everything we could to navigate these headwinds, our very best efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome these challenges.”
The store closure comes amid multiple companies also announcing store closures, including Macy’s, Hot Topic, Joann, and most recently, Spencer’s. Macy’s has said it will shutter over 60 locations nationwide, while Hot Topic and Spencer’s are only closing store locations within Sunrise Mall. Joann is expected to close all 800 of its retail locations nationally.
Party City had over 700 company-owned and franchise store locations across North America and operates more locations in over 70 countries, according to the party goods retailer’s website.
By Sara Beth Williams– The City Council is scheduled to fly to Lakewood, Colorado, to visit various development project sites, including the Belmar Shopping Center, the city announced Monday.
The council will be traveling to Colorado Thursday, April 3, and returning Saturday, April 5. No actions will be taken at any location visited during the trip, the city said in a public agenda report.
During the trip, the council plans to visit the Belmar Shopping Center Downtown, Edgewater Public Market, and 40 West Arts Project Tour. Members of the public are welcome to attend, according to the city; however, transportation and accommodations will not be provided.
Last year, Citrus Heights City Councilmember Tim Schaefer visited the Belmar Shopping Center in Lakewood with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and brought back information to the City Council on the success story of the revitalization project. He cited the development of Belmar Mall as a comparison model for what the Sunrise Mall property could someday become.
In comparing the old property, called Villa Italia, to Sunrise Mall, Schaefer said the property was similar in size at around 100 acres, with a similar history to Sunrise Mall; both malls experienced a decline in the late 90s and early 2000s and a “complicated” ownership. In the case of Villa Italia, one party owned all the land, and one party owned all the buildings.
A Google aerial view of Belmar Shopping District, which extends from South Wadsworth Blvd. east to South Quay St. // Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP
“When they rebuilt the mall, they attracted a lot of upscale new businesses,” Schaefer said, adding that the layout was “really, really nice” and that there are no quick service restaurants on the property, but a Chick-fil-A was built outside of the property.
The trip to Lakewood comes amid public tension over the current progress of the city’s Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan, a large-scale development guide that seeks to transform the Sunrise Mall property into a mixed-use “regional destination” with housing, at least one hotel, office space, and shopping, dining, and entertainment options for residents.
Initial indications estimated that the redevelopment plan could take up to 20 years to implement, but many residents have commented in front of the City Council, online, and in city surveys that development at Sunrise Mall is taking too long.
Ethan Conrad Properties has also recently proposed an amendment called “Sunrise Tomorrow Evolution,” which seeks to request the city to relax regulations and allow for “logical uses” such as larger national retail stores, like Home Depot, and multiple quick-service restaurants with drive-thrus. The real estate company has made presentations to all Citrus Heights neighborhood areas in an effort to gather community feedback and support.
Throughout various community meetings, repeated concerns have been raised regarding the prospect of building multiple fast food restaurants with drive-thrus so close together along Sunrise Boulevard, as outlined in the site plan submitted to the city.
“It’s going to be a whole lot worse if we don’t move quickly,” Conrad said at an Area 10 meeting, referring to the sharp decline of the Sunrise Mall, as it continues to lose multiple national retailers in quick succession.
A City Council agenda for any situation that involves more than two council members engaging in official city business together is required to be noticed in advance to the public per the Brown Act. The Brown Act mandates advance public notice of meetings, prohibits private decision-making among elected officials, and allows public participation. Exceptions to the Brown Act include city council members attending conferences, educational seminars, social and community events, standing committee meetings, and more, as long as city business is not being discussed between more than two members.
Residents are able to provide public comment to the council either before or during the council’s trip to Colorado by emailing the City Clerk at cityclerk@citrusheights.net.
Heavy police activity could be seen on Tupelo Drive, near Antelope Road, in Citrus Heights. A helicopter circled overhead, and police could be heard making announcements on a megaphone. Multiple agencies responded to the scene. April 2, 2025. //CH Sentinel
By Sara Beth Williams– A high-speed chase spanning two counties ended in a standoff in Citrus Heights with a driver wanted on suspicion of assaulting an officer, according to officials.
The suspect, believed to have been armed and wanted for assaulting an officer and making threats with a weapon toward another driver, led Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies on a chase from Roseville into Citrus Heights on Wednesday afternoon, according to an update from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office on X.
Sheriff’s officials told local news stations that deputies had been searching for the suspect for at least three weeks.
After causing multiple collisions at Antelope Road and Lichen Drive, as well as Antelope Road and Zenith Drive, the suspect’s vehicle was eventually stopped on Tupelo Drive near Antelope Road. However, the suspect refused to exit the vehicle. The white sedan appeared to have sustained significant front-end damage.
Heavy police activity could be seen on Tupelo Drive, near Antelope Road, in Citrus Heights. A helicopter circled overhead, and police could be heard making announcements on a megaphone. Multiple agencies responded to the scene.
The standoff between the suspect and law enforcement lasted for over an hour. Citrus Heights police reported that southbound Antelope Road and Tupelo Drive at Millwood Drive were closed in all directions during the standoff. Driveways into businesses on Tupelo Drive were blocked off by patrol vehicles, according to photos from local reports.
Shortly after 12:30 p.m., an armored vehicle arrived to assist. A deputy was seen on top of the armored vehicle, his gun pointed at the sedan, according to local news reports.
The California Highway Patrol deployed helicopters to assist officers during the standoff. Police radio transmissions indicated that CHP was asked to alert bystanders to move back to avoid being in the line of fire, as the suspect was believed to be armed.
Later, Sacramento County Sheriff’s officials told local news stations that a weapon was not found, though they suspected it may have been discarded during the high-speed chase.
After over an hour, the suspect exited the vehicle and surrendered, according to reports from both local news stations and Sacramento County. Deployed airbags could reportedly be seen within the suspect’s vehicle, but it was unclear whether the suspect was injured during the police pursuit and subsequent collisions with other vehicles.
The suspect’s name was not released. No other injuries were reported following the incident.
By Sara Beth Williams– Citrus Heights Police responded to the corner of Antelope Road and Lichen Drive just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning to reports of a traffic hazard, and found an intersection traffic signal light completely missing from its mount.
Tuesday afternoon, police officials said the city was contacted and was in charge of replacing the missing stoplight. Police said they did not know why the stoplight was missing or how it happened and added that the department only received one phone call from a concerned party reporting the stoplight missing.
Citrus Heights General Services Department staff reported Tuesday afternoon that repairs only take a few hours, and a new traffic signal light was installed before 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The city said it is unclear what happened, but suspect that high winds from recent storms resulted in the stoplight falling from its mount.
City officials said no traffic cameras are in the vicinity of the intersection, and therefore no further information regarding how the stoplight fell from the pole was available. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Former retired Citrus Heights police service K9 officer Axel has passed away. // Courtesy of Citrus Heights Police
By Sara Beth Williams– A retired Citrus Heights police service K9 credited with saving lives and taking down an armed gunman, has passed away, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department.
The police department announced March 19 that the dog, Axel, passed away in a social media post to their official account and praised the K9 for his “incredible legacy.”
“We remember him as a true hero who served the officers of the Citrus Heights Police Department and our community with unwavering courage, loyalty, and dedication,” the department said in a statement. Axel served in the department as a K9 officer from 2016 to 2020.
Axel was awarded a Medal of Valor for his “heroic” actions in 2019, a moment that not only saved his handler’s life but safeguarded many others, police said.
As reported by The Sentinel in July 2019, officers responded to a call regarding a handgun being fired near the area of Sunrise Boulevard and Arcadia Drive. Officers located a man running east on Greenback Lane towards the Burger King restaurant on the 8000 block of Greenback Lane, but the man was uncooperative when officers attempted to contact him. A police K9 unit was released in an effort to “safely apprehend the reportedly armed subject,” police said.
“As the K9 was running towards the suspect, the suspect turned towards the K9 and the officers while still running, and fired a shot in their direction,” police said in a news release at the time. The K9 was shot at twice “at point blank range” and the suspect then fired towards officers, according to police.
The suspect’s actions caused police to return fire, and the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene by Metro Fire personnel. Although Axel was initially thought to have been injured by a bullet wound to the head, police later said a vet determined that blood on the dog’s head was from the suspect and not from a gunshot wound.
The Medal of Valor Award is given by the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) and recognizes “exceptional bravery and service” by K-9 teams, according to the agency’s website. This award is typically given to police K-9 handlers and their dogs who have demonstrate extraordinary courage, heroism, and dedication in the line of duty.
Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte said in an interview Wednesday many handlers’ K-9 partners become part of the handler’s family and are often officially adopted once the K-9 officer retires. In Axel’s case, he remained with the handler’s family as a “cherished” companion.
A police canine memorial located at the Citrus Heights Police Department. // SB Williams
On social media, over 100 community members responded with praise for Axel’s service and condolences for the loss. Turcotte said canine officers who pass on are memorialized in a monument in front of the Citrus Heights Police Department, where he said Axel’s name will be added to the monument. The monument currently lists seven canines.
“Axel’s bravery was extraordinary—his fearless spirit and devotion to duty embodied everything a police K9 should be,” police said.
Currently, the Citrus Heights Police K-9 Unit is led by Sgt. Jacob Stadelman and Lt. Shaun Gualco. The unit currently has three K-9 handlers partnered with their purebred German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois canines, according to the City of Citrus Heights.
All dogs used by the Police Department undergo hundreds of hours of training and multiple tests before being certified, and both canines and handlers continue ongoing training to maintain skills, according to the city’s website. Each canine is also cross-trained in criminal apprehension and narcotics detection.
In comparing the old property, called Villa Italia, to Sunrise Mall, Schaefer said the property was similar in size at around 100 acres, with a similar history to Sunrise Mall; both malls experienced a decline in the late 90s and early 2000s and a “complicated” ownership. In the case of Villa Italia, one party owned all the land, and one party owned all the buildings.
