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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Man arrested in Citrus Heights after four car collision, vehicle fire

    Man arrested in Citrus Heights after four car collision, vehicle fire

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    One driver was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence following a four-car collision, where one vehicle was in flames.

    Citrus Heights Police officers responded to reports of a collision on San Juan Avenue Monday morning involving four vehicles. Upon arrival, officers found one vehicle on fire, but no one was inside. Emergency personnel were able to extinguish the flames.

    No one was injured, and all occupants were able to exit the vehicles involved in the collision, authorities said. Two vehicles, including the one that was on fire, had to be towed from the scene. Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Ryan Smith said one driver was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was arrested at the scene.

    Partial road closures were in effect for over an hour as vehicles were removed from the scene, including northbound San Juan Avenue from Sperry Lane to Greenback Lane. The roadway was reopened shortly after 8 a.m.

    Details of what led to the collision were not immediately available.

  • Elderly man dies from major injury collision in Citrus Heights

    Elderly man dies from major injury collision in Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    An elderly man died last week, five days after crashing into a tree, officials said. The man, 75, was not identified.

    The collision occurred on Oct. 6 on San Juan Avenue just after Stock Ranch Road and Greenback Lane, according to the Citrus Heights Police Department.

    Authorities did not release the name of the man and did not know the cause of the collision.

    The tree struck in the collision was located on the sidewalk adjacent to the roadway. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. The crash caused road closures for several hours and was considered a major injury collision.

    Related: Driver hospitalized with major injuries after colliding with tree in Citrus Heights

  • Where will the new stoplight be on Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights?

    Improvements are planned for the driveway entrance to Tea It to accommodate a new stoplight planned for Auburn blvd. // SB Williams
    Improvements are planned for the driveway entrance to Tea It to accommodate a new stoplight planned for Auburn blvd. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A new stoplight has been planned for Auburn Boulevard as part of Phase 2 of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Project.

    In an update Tuesday, city officials confirmed that foundations for the new traffic signal poles have already been poured, and all underground conduit has been installed. The new signal will be located approximately 375 feet south of Whyte Avenue, at the driveway entrances to the Citrus Grove and Tea It shopping centers.

    The traffic signal will also be integrated into the gateway arch structure, which is currently under construction and will serve as a welcome landmark at the northern entrance of the city.

    Work on the surrounding area has also been underway. New curbs and protected parking spaces were constructed earlier this summer on the Citrus Grove side of the future intersection. Improvements on the Tea It side will extend slightly into the property to improve traffic flow and safety. That portion of the work is still pending and is being coordinated with the property owner to accommodate future site development.

    Once the signal is completed, drivers will be able to turn left into and out of both shopping centers using the new traffic signal. Meanwhile, access to Whyte Avenue will remain open, but with some modifications for safety. Vehicles traveling eastbound on Whyte Avenue from the dead-end side near Jack in the Box will be able to turn left onto northbound Auburn Boulevard, while drivers heading westbound on Whyte Avenue will be prohibited from making a left turn onto southbound Auburn Boulevard. A raised island will be installed to prevent that movement.

    Planned improvements in the second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street project include undergrounding of overhead utilities, installation of bicycle lanes and wide sidewalks, upgrading traffic signals to meet current standards, increasing safety and visibility through decorative street lighting, beautifying the corridor with new landscaping and trees, replacing old storm drain infrastructure, and enhancing transit stops for ADA compliance.

    Project costs are expected to remain at approximately $35 million, the city reported in its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program report, with $14 million of that cost being spent this year and another $4 million in the following year. The major capital works project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.

  • ‘Ghost Tours’ event returns to Mesa Verde High School

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Mesa Verde Theater department is hosting its fifth annual ‘Ghost Tours’ this Halloween season. Ghost Tours performances are scheduled for Oct. 23, 24, and 25 at 7 p.m. with an additional alumni preview night Tuesday, Oct. 21.

    Participants are taken on “ghost tours,” or a guided tour through Mesa Verde’s campus at dusk where they encounter “ghosts” who share their sordid tales of sorrows. This event is considered PG 13 for references to graphic content and potentially scary encounters.

    In past years, those embarking on ghost tours have encountered both local “ghosts” like Luella Horton and famous names like The Zodiac Killer. The tour guides and ghosts are played by Mesa Verde students.

    In years past, theater teacher Sean Melby said several of the “ghosts” were portrayed by alumni theater students as well as current Mesa Verde theater students.

    Melby called the Ghost Tours a “unique” theatrical experience that “flips the script” on traditional sit-down theater performances.

    Melby said he enjoys putting together the Ghost Tours event for the fall because it provides students who are new to theater with an opportunity to practice and learn theater for an individual performance, instead of a large group performance. Melby said from an actor’s standpoint, it’s more “digestible.” This year, Melby said he had twice as many students audition as he did last year.

    Many of the student actors are part of Mesa Verde’s Professional Theater Career Technical Education Pathway which is a program for students interested in acting, creative writing, set design and costume design. The pathway includes four classes: Introduction to theater, Professional theater, Writing for the stage and Stage production.

    Ghost Tours will depart at 7 p.m. from the Performing Arts Center at Mesa Verde High School and guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early. Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. Tickets are available for purchase online, here, or at the door. All proceeds go to support the Mesa Verde Theatre Program.

    Mesa Verde High School is located at 7501 Carriage Drive.

  • San Juan Unified Superintendent announces temporary leave of absence

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The San Juan Unified School District announced on its website this week that Superintendent Melissa Bassanelli will be taking a medical leave of absence following a recent diagnosis.

    In her absence, Chief of Staff Trent Allen will serve as the district’s primary point of contact and will collaborate closely with the Board of Education, the superintendent’s cabinet, site leaders, and staff to ensure continued support for students, families, and the broader community.

    District officials emphasized that leadership remains “committed to advancing the goals outlined in the community-developed strategic plan.”

    Bassanelli has served as superintendent since January 2023, following the retirement of Kent Kern, who had led the district as superintendent for nearly nine years. Prior to her appointment, Bassanelli served as deputy superintendent overseeing the Division of Teaching and Learning, and has spent more than two decades in the district, beginning her career as a teacher and steadily moving through administrative roles.

    While no timeline for her return has been announced, the district said its focus on student success and ongoing initiatives across schools and departments will continue without interruption during Bassanelli’s leave.

  • Third annual ‘ArtBeat’ festival coming to Rusch Park in Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The heart of Citrus Heights will once again come alive with color, rhythm, and creativity during the third annual ArtBeat festival, hosted by Citrus Heights Arts.

    This year’s event will take place at Rusch Park in Citrus Heights on Oct. 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public and will showcase local talent and artistic expression.

    Visitors can watch public murals being painted live, enjoy music and dance performances, and explore a variety of vendor booths offering food, crafts, and interactive art activities organizers say.

    “ArtBeat is a living example of what happens when a city puts culture at the center of community,” Citrus Heights Arts states on their website.  “It’s not just an event; it’s the pulse of a city learning to dance to its own rhythm.”

    Supported by the City of Citrus Heights through its Non-Profit Community Support Fund, ArtBeat continues to highlight the importance of accessible, community-driven cultural experiences, the nonprofit founder says.

    The free event is designed for all ages and encourages residents and visitors alike to participate in the creative process.

    Leading up to ArtBeat, Citrus Heights Arts launched a new arts district that has rapidly transformed the Auburn Boulevard corridor with vibrant murals on multiple storefronts. Several murals are already visible to drivers including murals on the wall of Ciro’s Pizza, DarkHeart Brewing, Whatsupstairs thrift store, Dollar General, Elite Bicycles and more.

    Muralist Mammoth also painted murals on the walls of DarkHeart Brewing’s back patio.

    Related: Two murals unveiled at Sylvan Corners to kick off new Citrus Heights arts district

    Aside from murals along Auburn Boulevard, other mural projects have taken place throughout the city, including two murals at Stones Gambling Hall. Citrus Heights Arts has also partnered with the Sunrise Recreation and Park District to paint murals at Walegra Park outside of Citrus Heights.

    Rusch Community Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.

  • CHP officer arrested by Citrus Heights Police

    CHP officer arrested by Citrus Heights Police

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer was arrested last week in in Citrus Heights on drug-related charges according to local news reports.

    CHP reported that Officer William Clotworthy, 35, was arrested by the Citrus Heights Police Department on Oct. 10 on misdemeanor charges.

    Arrest logs show Clotworthy was arrested in the late evening of Oct. 10, in the area of Antelope Road and Lauppe Lane in Citrus Heights.

    Officials told local news that Clotworthy was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, and his peace officer powers have been removed.

    Records show Clotworthy worked with the CHP Valley Division and previously worked in Santa Barbara. Clotworthy was one of 10 law enforcement officers who received the H. Thomas Guerry Award for Valor in 2018 for warning citizens of an impending dangerous flood and mudslide in Montecito, California.

    The CHP Valley Division serves the greater Sacramento area and surrounding regions, including Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, and San Juaquin. Its jurisdiction spans from Chico in the north to Tracy in the south, and includes areas from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the west side of Sacramento.

    Sacramento County main jail records show Clotworthy is no longer in custody.

  • Local preschool closed after decades serving Citrus Heights

    Ascension Christian Preschool operated for 43 years in Citrus Heights from Ascension Lutheran Church on Garden Gate Drive. // SB Williams
    Ascension Christian Preschool operated for 43 years in Citrus Heights from Ascension Lutheran Church on Garden Gate Drive. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A local preschool that served Citrus Heights for over 40 years has closed, according to the preschool’s website.

    Ascension Christian Preschool, which operated out of Ascension Lutheran Church at 7607 Garden Gate Drive in Citrus Heights, once operated a preschool that offered classes for children from two years and nine months through five years old, including a transitional kindergarten program.

    Ascension’s website is no longer active except for a single landing page that displays a message that reads, “Ascension Christian Preschool has closed as of August 8, 2025. Thank you for letting us be part of the community for 43 years.”

    Business ratings website Yelp also reported that the preschool had closed. A phone number for the business was no longer operational.

    The preschool had a 4-star rating on Google and a 5-star rating on Yelp. Reviewers said many of the staff had worked at the preschool for over a decade and that the prices for childcare were very affordable.

    Ascension preschool also held Trunk or Treat events for several years for the local community, as well as special events for Thanksgiving and Christmas for its children and families under its care.

    A receptionist at Ascension Lutheran Church confirmed Tuesday that the preschool had closed permanently due to low enrollment. The receptionist declined to comment further.

  • Sacramento Armenian food festival comes to Citrus Heights

    St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Citrus Heights is located at 8071 Old Auburn Rd,
    St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Citrus Heights is located at 8071 Old Auburn Rd, // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Sacramento Armenian Food Festival will take place this Saturday, Oct. 18, in Citrus Heights, bringing a full day of authentic cuisine, live music, and family-friendly fun to St. James Apostolic Church.

    The festival is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and promises a rich experience for all attendees, organizers say. Visitors can look forward to authentic Armenian dishes, from savory kebabs and lahmajoun to sweet treats, giving festivalgoers a true taste of the region’s culinary traditions. Beyond the food, the event will feature live music and dancing from local performance groups and activities that celebrate Armenian heritage.

    Several raffle prizes will also be offered during the event. Festivities will be taking place outdoors, and parking will be limited, according to the event page. Pets are not allowed, except for trained service animals.

    For more information, visit the festival’s event page.

    A tradition since 1947, the annual food festival presents and celebrates Armenian food and culture. This year marks the 78th annual Sacramento Armenian Food Festival.

    St. James Apostolic Church is located at 8071 Old Auburn Road in Citrus Heights.

  • Citrus Heights improving ‘dangerous’ section of Old Auburn Road

    Citrus Heights improving ‘dangerous’ section of Old Auburn Road

    A map of where construction is taking place on Old Auburn Road in Citrus Heights. // City of Citrus Heights
    A map of where construction is taking place on Old Auburn Road in Citrus Heights. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The City of Citrus Heights is currently working to improve safety on a section of Old Auburn Road from Sunrise Boulevard to Fair Oaks Boulevard.

    The city announced that crews began roadwork on Oct. 6. Construction is scheduled to continue through Oct. 17. Work will run weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the city said.

    The two-lane roadway begins at Sylvan Corners and eventually turns into South Cirby Way at the Roseville-Citrus Heights border.

    The stretch of roadway, and particularly the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Old Auburn Road, have experienced numerous crashes over the years, including over 40 instances where a vehicle has struck the planter box while attempting to turn left at the three-way intersection. The intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Old Auburn Road has also experienced its fair share of collisions.

    Related: Planters damaged again at Fair Oaks and Old Auburn Rd. – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Since incorporation, the city said on its capital improvement information page that it has “routinely received concerns from residents regarding safety along Old Auburn Road.” Concerns include excessive vehicle speeds, lack of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, safe crossings, increased congestion and a history of collisions.

    In 2018, 69 percent of residents surveyed by the city indicated they wanted pedestrian improvements in their neighborhood and 62 percent said they would walk more if there were better sidewalks and crosswalks. Over 50 percent of respondents did not feel safe from cars while walking.

    A $7.4 million Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Plan was adopted by the Citrus Heights City Council in 2020, despite some residents’ opposition to the preliminary design renderings. Planned improvements include resurfacing, traffic signal upgrades, street lighting, storm drains and separated bike lanes.

    Also in 2020, the city reduced the left turn lanes from northbound Fair Oaks Boulevard down to one lane in an effort to curb the number of vehicles colliding with the planter. The move has reduced the overall number of collisions at the intersection, Citrus Heights Police said in 2023 following collision number 40 with the infamous planter.

    Related: Planter at the end of Fair Oaks Blvd struck again – Citrus Heights Sentinel