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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Guest Column: An open letter to Citrus Heights Police

    Guest Column: An open letter to Citrus Heights Police

    By Paul Reyes–
    Hello Citrus Heights citizens,

    Paul Reyes

    My name is Paul Reyes, and I have lived here in Citrus Heights since way before we became a city. It has given me a great place to live and a wonderful place to raise my children. One of the biggest things I enjoy about my adopted hometown is how safe it is around here.

    Over the years as part of the American Legion Veterans organization I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting and befriending many of Citrus Heights finest. From our first Chief, Chief Christopher Boyd, to Chief Ron Lawrence and now Chief Alex Turcotte and of course many rank-and-file officers. My family and I always make time to say hello and to ask them to be safe whenever we see them.

    On 2/6/2025 around 10:30pm I received a text message from one of Citrus Heights finest wanting to let me know everything was alright. I had noticed several department units with lights on and did wonder what was going on.

    The Sgt. that messaged me said, “Just wanted to let you know that a prowler was reported in the trailer park next door. Don’t be alarmed, just a random target. He’s in custody. Just wanted to let you know in case there are questions about our presence. All my guys are gone now, good night”.

    For this officer to take the time to send me that message spoke volumes about his demeanor, his thoughtfulness and his friendship! How can anyone here not say THANK YOU to him and his fellow officers?

    A few years ago, a lot was spoken about defunding police departments all over our great nation. Well, I for one was, am and forever will be against that issue. We need these officers to have what they need to continue serving our community and its citizens!

    To the Sgt. that sent me that text, to his fellow officers that were here, to his watch commander and to Chief Turcotte, THANK YOU for being there, THANK YOU for keeping us safe and THANK YOU for your friendship!

    Best,

    Paul Reyes & Family,

    Paul Reyes is a Citrus Heights resident and previously served as commander for the American Legion Post 637. To submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here.

  • Tree uproots, falls amid winds and rain in Citrus Heights

    A large tree at a home on Mariposa Avenue was observed on Friday morning uprooted and blocking a portion of Cook Avenue. // Luke Otterstad
    A large tree at a home on Mariposa Avenue was observed on Friday morning uprooted and blocking a portion of Cook Avenue. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Heavy rainfall and winds moving through the region last week sent at least one tree toppling over and caused wires to come down in Citrus Heights.

    Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District responded to a report of wires down on Cook Avenue and Mariposa Avenue on Thursday afternoon during the rainy weather. Residents on social media reportedly heard an explosion, and over 100 residents were listed as without power by SMUD outage maps. Later, residents reported not being able to drive down Cook Avenue and posted a photo of a large tree that had fallen across the street.

    The uprooted tree was observed on Friday morning blocking a portion of Cook Avenue. Crews were on scene working to remove the tree around 8 a.m.

    The Sentinel reached out via phone and email to the city Friday morning requesting a summary of any other storm-related calls, but city staff did not return a request for information by press time Saturday.

    A visit to Midway of Fun, a carnival that opened on Wednesday in front of the Sunrise Mall, found the grounds vacant of patrons and attractions closed on Thursday. An update on Midway of Fun’s Facebook page confirmed that the carnival closed due to the rain on Thursday, Feb. 6. The fair is expected to continue operating through Feb. 16 according to their website.

    Consistent rain didn’t stop firefighters, however, who continued to stand at Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane in rain gear on Thursday during the Firefighters’ Burn Institute’s annual Boot Drive, which raises money for burn victims. The boot drive is expected to last through Sunday.

    In February 2024, power outages caused by extremely high winds were in the tens of thousands for Citrus Heights SMUD customers. A SMUD press release dated Feb. 5, 2024, said an estimated 200,000 customers in the Sacramento region experienced a power outage during the height of a storm on Feb. 4, 2024.

  • Have you seen this mural in Citrus Heights?

    Abstract artwork painted at Sunrise Village by artist Jacob Lewis.
    Abstract artwork painted on a wall at Sunrise Village by artist Jacob Lewis. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A vibrant splash of imagery along a retaining wall greets visitors at the Sunrise Village shopping center near the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Uplands Way, adding artistic flair to the busy, recently renovated shopping plaza.

    Created by artist Jacob Lewis, the mural is one of several murals painted throughout the business corridor within the last few years, according to Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter.

    Lewis’s mural begins on a long, low wall beneath a sign that reads “Sunrise Village” and blends together a mix of natural and urban elements against a background of blue and beige.

    The artwork begins with bright yellow flowers in a brick planter, then transitions into two large, wavy shapes flowing through the center. Urban elements follow, including free-floating steps leading to a green staircase and another wavy image ending at a curved doorway.

    Abstract artwork painted at Sunrise Village by artist Jacob Lewis.
    Abstract artwork painted at Sunrise Village by artist Jacob Lewis.

    Wrapping around the corner, the mural continues onto a higher wall with a green platform, an upside-down pot of white flowers beneath a bowl of fruit, and yellow floating geometric stepping stones ending at a ladder. More platforms continue, leading to descending, then ascending stairs, amid natural imagery like leaves and surrealist representations of a milkshake, hamburger, and fries.

    Several words are incorporated into the artwork, including the word “peace” in green script in the background and the words “Love your Life” in white script. The artwork is framed by tall trees in the background and bushes in the foreground.

    Lewis’s drawings and paintings focus on issues he observes in politics and society, according to the Art at SMP website. Lewis uses an assortment of media when painting, including spray paint, acrylic paint, and oil pastels, with oil paint as his primary medium.

    There are currently eight murals from seven different artists completed so far throughout the business district. Carpenter said six murals are within the Marketplace at Birdcage, along with a mural on the side wall of Purpose Built across the street from the Citrus Town Center, one mural at the former Togo’s Sandwich shop at Greenback Square, and a large-scale mural on the back wall of PetSmart. Each mural was custom-designed and painted.

    Sunrise MarketPlace also participated in SMUD’s Transformer Box Wrap Program to “enhance the aesthetic environment and deter graffiti” by wrapping utility boxes in artwork. The wrapped utility boxes showcase 19th-century artwork, Japanese woodblock, impressionism, abstract artwork, and local contemporary art, according to prior reports.

    A map of the locations of all the murals can be seen on the business district’s website, along with a mural photo gallery, a slideshow of utility box artwork, and two different video compilations. Carpenter said property owners, SMP, and the city all chipped in to help fund the murals.

    “Murals create a sense of community, beautify spaces, abate graffiti and reduce criminal activity, express historical and cultural identity, and inspire creativity and wonder,” SMP says on its website.

  • Could this Colorado mall offer hope for Sunrise Mall redevelopment?

    Belmar Shopping District in Lakewood, Colorado, Dec. 2018. Google Streetview
    Belmar Shopping District in Lakewood, Colorado, Dec. 2018. // Google Maps Streetview

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    In an-online-shopping-centric era where so many malls have become “dead” or “ghost” malls, Sunrise Mall is far from the only mall property that has been considered for major redevelopment.

    Last year, Citrus Heights City Councilmember Tim Schaefer visited Belmar Mall in Lakewood, Colorado, 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 Belmar Mall as a comparison model for what the Sunrise Mall property could someday become.

    The Belmar Mall was once a standard mall called the Villa Italia Mall and had some of the same features that exist at Sunrise Mall, Schaefer said in a presentation to the City Council in August. The newly revitalized property is now “truly a mixed-use” property, Schaefer said, with office space and residential units over retail spaces, residential housing, senior housing, an outdoor ice rink that turns into a roller rink in the summer, outdoor sit-down restaurants, and more.

    “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.

    In comparing Belmar to Sunrise Mall, Schaefer said the property of the Villa Italia is similar in size at around 100 acres, and the history is also similar to Sunrise Mall, with decline in the late 1990s and early 2000s and a “complicated” ownership, with one party that owned all the land, and one party that owned all the buildings.

    Also similar to Citrus Heights, the city of Lakewood is a suburb of the state’s capitol region. However, Lakewood is larger in both size and land area, with 156,000 residents, compared to around 88,000 in Citrus Heights, as of the 2020 Census.

    After the Belmar mall’s land was purchased by a new developer in 1999, a development plan was created, and the Villa Italia mall closed permanently in 2001. Demolition then began in December 2001, vertical construction began in April 2003, and phase 1 of redevelopment began in 2004, according to Schaefer.

    Current photos at Belmar Shopping District’s website show a downtown-like district with a myriad of options for shopping, dining, entertainment, and housing. The website also lists local events, a photo gallery of sidewalk and street art and a map of murals located throughout the district.

    “The city actually went out and sought developers and interested parties, which is very much the same thing we’re doing,” Schaefer said, referring to the process of attracting new development for the Sunrise Mall. “There’s not that I’ve seen nothing close to a comparison,” Schaefer said.

    Last week, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa confirmed with The Sentinel that the council is planning a trip to visit Belmar in Colorado in the spring, after Schaefer made the recommendation to the council in August.

    “There is light at the end of the tunnel. I’m super optimistic about Sunrise Tomorrow,” Schaefer said, adding that he thinks the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan could “turn out better” than Belmar, and that it has more of a “regional draw.”

    *This is part one of a two-part series. Subscribe to The Sentinel to read follow-up stories in The Sentinel’s Midweek Edition, which comes out Thursdays.

  • County approves new sidewalk vendor regs: What’s it mean for Citrus Heights?

    A street vendor offering Mexican food in the parking lot of a Sunrise Marketplace location in this file photo from Feb. 11, 2023. // Mike Hazlip

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Beginning in March, the County of Sacramento will require vendors selling wares on public rights of way to obtain a county permit, follow health and safety rules, and adhere to stricter guidelines on where and when they can operate after the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a series of new regulations during a Jan. 28 board meeting.

    Violators will first receive warnings, and repeat offenders could face fines of up to $1,000.

    The county defines sidewalk vendors as anyone who is selling food or merchandise from a cart, wagon, stall, or other non-motorized apparatus located in the public right-of-way, such as a public sidewalk. The purpose of the sidewalk vending ordinance is to “provide a clear path for prospective sidewalk vendors to conduct business in Sacramento County safely and legally,” according to the county.

    Along with a business license, vendors who are selling food will also need to pursue a health permit through the Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management.

    Chad Rinde, Director of Finance with Sacramento County, said the county plans to educate the sidewalk vending community about the new regulations.

    What does this mean for Citrus Heights?
    Citrus Heights Communications Officer Marisa Brown on Tuesday told The Sentinel that the county’s new regulations for sidewalk vending “does not apply to Citrus Heights,” as the city has authority over vending activity within the city limits. She also clarified that sidewalk vending “refers to selling food or merchandise from a pushcart, stand, or display on public sidewalks or pedestrian paths.”

    According to the county, cities are required to establish independent business licensing procedures, and many cities within the county already have existing licensing requirements in place.

    In 2018, California passed SB 946, known as the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, in an effort to “decriminalize sidewalk vending,” Brown said. As a result of the state law, cities and counties must allow sidewalk vending, but are able to regulate vendors by requiring permits, licenses, and specific hours of operation and ensuring ADA compliance.

    Brown confirmed that the city updated its codes to be in compliance with SB 946 in 2023. However, she said all food vendors must also comply with Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management regulations, which oversee food safety and permitting.

    Sacramento Supervisor for District 4 Rosario Rodriguez told constituents in an email Monday that the new regulations are “all about finding that sweet spot: supporting the hardworking folks who run these small businesses while making sure our neighborhoods stay safe, clean, and fair for everyone.” She also said she’s seen “both sides of the coin” as she owns a taqueria in Folsom, and has witnessed consequences of unregulated vendors.

    Unregulated vending results in blocked sidewalks, trash piling up, and “safety concerns” in crowded areas, Rodriguez said. The new regulations address these safety concerns by prohibiting blocking or otherwise impeding foot or vehicle traffic flow, according to the county, along with operating near construction zones, traffic-controlled areas, and special events or farmers’ markets, which may already have vendors.

    Additionally, the county’s new regulation will prohibit bright lights, noise-making such as horns and music, and vending sales of restricted products such as alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, weapons, and more. To combat trash, vendors will be required to provide a trash can and properly dispose of any other waste.

    The county is expected to return to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors later in the spring to further address specifics on where vendors are allowed to operate.

  • Sunrise Mall: Developer to seek community input from Neighborhood Areas

    Sunrise Mall: Developer to seek community input from Neighborhood Areas

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

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Ethan Conrad, CEO of Ethan Conrad Properties, plans to present an amendment proposal to the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan at several upcoming Neighborhood Area meetings in Citrus Heights, in an attempt to gather input from the community.

    The developer has already presented his proposal to at least three Neighborhood Areas within Citrus Heights and said during a Jan. 22 Citrus Heights City Council meeting that he has already modified his proposal plans “three times” based on feedback.

    Several Neighborhood Area presidents confirmed with The Sentinel this week that either Conrad or a representative will be presenting at upcoming meetings. Conrad also plans to present to the City Council, but a date has yet to be determined.

    Below is a list of Neighborhood Areas at which Ethan Conrad Properties is scheduled to present in the coming weeks. Don’t know what area you live in? Find out on the city’s interactive map here.

    Neighborhood Area 1 Northwest: A presentation was given by Ethan Conrad Properties in Area 1 on Jan. 27, according to the public agenda packet.

    Neighborhood Area 2 and 6 (Rusch Park and Sunrise Ranch): A representative of the developer plans to present at the regular monthly meeting for CHATS on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is held at Twin Oaks Baptist Church, at 7690 Twin Oaks Ave.

    Neighborhood Areas 3 and 4: (CHANT and Arcade Creek): A representative of the developer plans to present on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for both Areas 3 and 4. The meeting begins at 6:30 and is held at Citrus Heights City Hall in the community room. Cookies are available, and guests are encouraged to bring prepackaged snacks to share with neighbors. Citrus Heights City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive.

    Neighborhood Area 5 (PONA) A presentation was given in Area 1 on Jan. 16, according to the public agenda packet.

    Neighborhood Area 7, 8, and 9 (CHASEN) A presentation was given at a CHASEN monthly meeting on Jan. 21, according to CHASEN president Bill Shirley.

    Neighborhood Area 10 (SOAR) A presentation is scheduled to take place on Monday, Feb. 24, in Area 10, according to SOAR’s president. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Citrus Heights Sylvan Community Center at 7521 Community Drive.

    Neighborhood Area 11 (Birdcage Heights) Brian Halloway will be presenting on behalf of Ethan Conrad at the regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, according to Neighborhood Area 11’s president. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Century 21 Office, located at 7919 Pebble Beach Drive, Suite 101. Light refreshments are available beginning at 6:30 p.m.

  • Planned expansion of popular Citrus Heights gas station stalled

    Planned expansion of popular Citrus Heights gas station stalled

    The Sam’s Club gas station at 7147 Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights. // Google Street View

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A proposed expansion of an existing gas station on Greenback Lane has been withdrawn from review, according to the city.

    The original application for the expansion of the Sam’s Club gas station has been withdrawn due to inactivity, according to Citrus Heights Communications Officer Marisa Brown.

    “Revisions were required, but delays in resubmission led to withdrawal. The applicant remains interested and is expected to resubmit at some point,” Brown said.

    Previously, Brown explained that applications that sit without a response for six months are considered withdrawn.

    The original site plan proposed adding two new fuel pumps, repaving, restriping with appropriate ground pavement markings for drivers, and reconstruction of asphalt and concrete curbs, as well as the addition of another canopy and associated lighting. Further landscaping plans call for the addition of multiple new trees along with necessary irrigation and the removal of 10 existing trees.

    The shopping center where Sam’s Club is located has recently seen two new tenants, including Yummy Buffet Grill and Sushi which opened late in 2024, and Triple Crown Cages, a new baseball and softball training facility that opened in January.

    The date of re-submission of requested application revisions for the fuel station expansion project was not immediately known by the city.

    Sam’s Club, located at 7147 Greenback Ln.

  • Rain disrupts carnival at Sunrise Mall

    Midway of Fun was closed down and empty due to the rain on Thursday, Feb. 6.
    Midway of Fun Carnival is happening this week at Sunrise Mall. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A carnival happening at the Sunrise Mall this week was disrupted by rains this week.

    Midway of Fun, a family-owned carnival, could be seen setting up carnival rides and games early this week in the parking lot in front of Sunrise Mall near the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane. The carnival is slated to operate from Wednesday, Feb. 5 until Sunday, Feb. 16 according to the carnival company’s website, with hours from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

    A visit to the carnival on Thursday found the grounds vacant of patrons and attractions closed. An update on Midway of Fun’s Facebook page confirmed that the carnival closed due to the rain on Thursday, Feb. 6.

    Unlimited rides wristbands will cost $30 per person, according to signs posted on ticket booth windows. The carnival’s website now allows customers to purchase unlimited ride tickets online and redeem the code at the ticket kiosk. Admission can also be purchased individually at each attraction, and the cost and height requirements are posted at each attraction. Fair food is also available for purchase during the carnival.

    Online ticket purchases are only available until Friday, Feb. 14 and unlimited wrist bands are only available until 9 p.m.. Visit Midway of Fun’s website for more information.

    The carnival does not allow expecting mothers, persons wearing a cast, or children under 36 inches to participate in rides at the carnival.

    Brass Ring Amusements’ Midway of Fun is a family-owned carnival that has been serving fairs, festivals and private events throughout California since 1985 and labels itself as “California’s friendliest carnival,” according to the company’s website.

  • Citrus Heights student injured in hit-and-run with school bus

    School bus
    File photo, school bus. // M. Hazlip

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A student has returned to school after being involved in a vehicle versus school bus accident on Monday afternoon.

    San Juan Unified School District Director of Communication Raj Rai confirmed Thursday that a student who reported a head injury following a hit-and-run collision between a San Juan Unified School District school bus and another vehicle has since returned to school.

    According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the collision occurred around 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at the intersection of Oak Avenue and Fox Hills Drive in Citrus Heights. California Highway Patrol indicated the incident was a “hit and run” involving one other vehicle. The incident is still under investigation.

    The bus had six students from Grand Oaks Elementary School on board according to the district. One student reported a head injury and was transported to the hospital for medical care. At the time of the incident, families of students were notified and arrangements were made for student pick-up.

    Citrus Heights Police Department confirmed Tuesday that, although officers were on scene, California Highway Patrol was in charge of investigating the incident and always investigates any incident involving school buses.

    The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.

    According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, when a school bus flashes red lights, vehicles must stop, regardless of which direction the vehicle is traveling until the lights stop flashing and children have safely disembarked and crossed the street. Drivers who fail to stop could be subject to fines of up to $1,000 and driver’s license suspension.

  • Citrus Heights Costco food court undergoing major remodel

    Citrus Heights Costco food court undergoing major remodel

    The food court at Costco on Auburn Blvd. is under construction.
    The food court at Costco on Auburn Blvd. is undergoing a remodel // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The food court at the Citrus Heights Costco is undergoing a major remodel project that is expected to take several more weeks.

    On Monday, Costco management told The Sentinel in a phone call that the food court has been demolished and is undergoing a “complete remodel” with “new parameters and dimensions.” The construction of the new food court began on Jan. 20, according to management, and is expected to last between eight and nine weeks total.

    Other Costco Wholesale centers have also undergone food court remodels, including the Roseville location, which underwent a remodel of their food court in March 2024, according to local news outlets.

    The planned remodel comes on the heels of an approval for an expansion project at the adjacent Walmart on Auburn Boulevard. The Citrus Heights Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve a construction project at Walmart, which will include exterior updates, an expansion for the online grocery pickup area, and updating and expansion of online grocery pickup parking spaces.

    Costco is located at 7000 Auburn Blvd. in the Stock Ranch shopping center and lists hours of 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.