By Sara Beth Williams– A fatality occurred when a vehicle struck an unidentified person after 7 p.m. Sunday, along the border of Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks.
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District reported Sunday night that a fatality occurred following a vehicle versus pedestrian accident at Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue.
The fatality occurred when a pedestrian crossed the road outside of a marked crosswalk and was struck by a vehicle, according to local news reports. An update from the California Highway Patrol East Sacramento’s X account just after 9 p.m. Sunday indicated that the incident occurred on Madison Avenue eastbound, east of Sunrise Boulevard.
CHP’s east Sacramento office did not respond to a request for comment before press time. The victim’s identity has not been released.
A screenshot from a video recording of the Citrus Heights City Council’s Dec. 14, 2023, meeting shows the project location of various phases of roadway improvements on San Juan Avenue.
By Sara Beth Williams– Phase 1A of the San Juan Complete Streets project has incorporated several safety enhancements along San Juan Avenue, but not all residents are thrilled.
Construction on the first section of the major capital works project began in June along San Juan Avenue from Madison Avenue to Chesline Drive and is now wrapping up, the city said. Phase 1B will continue construction from Chesline Drive to Spicer Drive. The second phase will then continue down San Juan Avenue, from Spicer Drive to Greenback Lane.
The final steps in Phase 1A of the project include signal coordination and activating new streetlights, which the city said last week are currently being coordinated with partners. City Manager Ash Feeney confirmed in an Oct. 23 City Council meeting that the next step, Phase 1B, of the project is fully funded and construction is expected to begin in the spring between Chesline Drive and Spicer Drive.
The full project includes constructing new sidewalks, curbs, and gutters where there were none before, replacing deteriorating sidewalks and curbs, ADA access improvements, the addition of new buffered bike lanes, streetlighting, storm drain infrastructure upgrades and expansion, and full roadway resurfacing and restriping.
Not everyone is happy, however. Bill Leggett, who lives on San Juan Avenue between Willowcreek Drive and Madison Avenue, reached out to The Sentinel saying modifications made to his driveway during the construction project made it “unsafe.”
Leggett is a disabled veteran in his 80s, lives alone, and uses a cane when he walks. He alleges that after the city repaved his driveway during the project, it became unsafe due to what he describes as a “deep angle downslope” created during the repaving process, which he says was less pronounced before.
Bill Leggett’s driveway and new retaining wall and fence. Oct. 29, 2024. // SB Williams
Leggett called the new incline “dangerous,” and said he has difficulty walking down the driveway to get the mail. He said he’s also fallen at least once while trying to walk back up the driveway after putting his garbage cans out, and had to “call the fire department for help.”
Leggett shared with The Sentinel that he spoke to the city multiple times regarding his concerns after the driveway was completed. Leggett also shared photos with The Sentinel that show the progress of construction and the surface of the driveway area prior to it being repaved with asphalt.
The city in an email to The Sentinel confirmed that Leggett spoke with staff “on multiple occasions” and said the “driveway paving was adjusted to reduce the slope as much as possible within property limits.”
Additionally, the city rebuilt a brick retainer wall and accompanying integrated fence that blocks the view of Leggett’s home, allowing for privacy. The city said the design was “later refined during construction,” after conversations with Leggett, and now provides an extra 24-30 inches of usable space in front of the home. Leggett was notified of the changes to the retaining wall design and subsequently agreed to the changes in July, the city said. Outside of the fence, a sidewalk was built where there wasn’t one prior.
In September 2022, Leggett signed an “Agreement for Acquisition of Real Property,” the city said. Leggett confirms that he, along with his adult daughter, sat together with the city to sign paperwork. The conversations regarding right-of-way acquisitions began in July of 2022, and the city said Leggett was “informed of its status” and that the overall design concept only underwent “minor adjustments” during detailed engineering.
“At this time, the project is substantially complete, and there are no further recommendations to modify the work on or adjacent to Mr. Leggett’s property,” the city said.
For periodic updates on the San Juan Complete Streets Project, residents can visit the city’s Capital Improvements project page here. Travelers should be prepared for lane and sidewalk closures throughout the construction, the city said.
Before and after photo of Bill Leggett’s property. Top shows the driveway entrance in November 2019. There was no sidewalk prior to construction in 2024 and the retaining wall was made of wood. Bottom shows the driveway entrance in October 2024. A new retaining wall was constructed of brick. // S.B. Williams
Damage can be seen on two planters at the intersection of Fair Oaks Blvd. and Old Auburn Rd., as of Nov. 26, 2024. // CH Sentinel
By Sara Beth Williams– Brick planters at the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Old Auburn Road were struck again by vehicles amid recent rains.
Homemade signs could be seen atop the planter walls at the intersection on Monday night, as has become the norm following crashes into the planters. By Tuesday morning, the signs had been taken down and bricks in the roadway had been picked up.
A local resident reported to The Sentinel that the brick planters at the three-way intersection were hit both Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 20 and 21, knocking bricks loose. Damage to two different planters can be seen by drivers passing by. One planter that sits below the Fair Oaks Boulevard street sign has several bricks displaced, and another planter just to the left beneath the speed limit sign also has several bricks displaced.
Citrus Heights Police could not confirm any calls directly related to any crashes that occurred in the intersection, but did confirm that police responded to reports of a driver doing donuts at Argo Drive and Old Auburn Road on Nov. 20 after 10 p.m., located just down the street from the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Old Auburn Road. The driver was gone once police arrived. On Nov. 21, police also said officers responded to reports of a driver speeding in the area of Old Auburn Road and Fair Oaks Boulevard, but the driver was unable to be located.
In 2019, several modifications intended to improve safety were implemented at the intersection, which included reducing turn lanes to a single left-turn lane and a single right-turn lane, installing a radar speed feedback sign, adding advanced warning signs, enhancing visibility with reflective tape and left-turn arrows on the northbound traffic signal, and placing additional object markers in the planters.
The city said in a statement last week that the modifications were “aimed to reduce conflict points, slow approach speeds, and improve roadside visibility.” Future improvements are planned as part of the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Project, which is currently in the design phase. The city confirmed it is actively pursuing grant funding for the construction project.
The coffee cart at the Sunrise Mall appears closed with a tarp pulled over. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– The last place to grab a snack or coffee inside the Sunrise Mall food court has been closed for several weeks.
Staff from multiple nearby businesses within the Sunrise Mall reported that owner Seva Khripunov suffered a medical emergency several weeks ago while operating the coffee cart and hasn’t returned since the middle of November.
Staff at nearby Spencers described Khripunov as an “awesome guy” and hoped he would return again soon.
Staff at Famous Footwear, which directly faces the coffee cart, said medical personnel were called to the scene to assist Khripunov and transported him to the hospital.
Staff also reported that later on, someone else returned and pulled a tarp over the mobile coffee cart, indicating that it was closed. The coffee cart remained covered with a tarp as of Friday, Nov. 28.
Khripunov and his coffee cart were the last business still operating in the food court after Naija Cuisine left the Sunrise Mall early this year. Following the closure of the West African restaurant, Khripunov told The Sentinel in April that he began stocking frozen foods that he prepared for patrons and employees of the mall.
By Sara Beth Williams– The annual Laser Light Show and Night Market plans to return to the Sunrise Mall parking lot on Friday, Dec. 6.
The inaugural Laser Light Show launched in 2017 and was initially conceived as an event that would create “Instagramable experiences,” according to Sunrise MarketPlace Marketing and Special Projects Manager Lisa Cordell. The laser light show had to be postponed throughout the pandemic and then returned again in 2022 she said.
Over time, the event evolved to include a “night market” along with the original laser show, in collaboration with Kauai’s Night Market, which introduced “specialty vendors” offering crafts, toys, and various products, Cordell said.
This year’s event will feature multiple vendors in its night market, which will last 4-8 p.m. on Friday, in the parking lot of Macy’s Men’s at the Sunrise Mall.
The event will include two 45-minute laser light shows, one at 6 p.m. and one at 7 p.m., and will also include a holiday magic show, carnival games, face painting, a human snow globe, a car show, a mini golf course for kids, and several additional attractions still to be announced, Cordell said Tuesday.
At least six food trucks are scheduled to be on site during the event, along with multiple arts and crafts vendors, including a photo booth. The event is free to attend.
Several other events are taking place at or near the Sunrise Mall this holiday season, including Friday Night Shine, a community talent show hosted by Royal Stage Theater, a family-friendly holiday party that will take place in the Citrus Town Center across the street from the mall, and a Whoville-themed skate party at Sunrise Rollerland. Photos with Santa are also ongoing inside the Sunrise Mall and will continue through Christmas Eve.
For more information about the laser light show and night market, visit the Sunrise MarketPlace’s event page.
File photo, hundreds came out to attend a tree lighting ceremony outside Citrus Heights City Hall on Dec. 6, 2023. // CH Sentinel
By Sara Beth Williams– The holiday spirit is in full swing for December in Citrus Heights with a Best Lights contest beginning, community potlucks, Christmas parties, tree lightings, a community talent show, and an annual laser show and night market. Plus, kids have the opportunity to get photos with Santa all month long.
Best Lights in Citrus Heights Contest: The City of Citrus Heights is hosting its annual Best Lights in Citrus Heights contest. Nominations open Nov. 30 and run through Dec. 7. Voting for the best displays begins on Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 14. Six different awards were handed out last year. For more information and how to nominate a property, visit the Best Lights in Citrus Heights information page here.
Christmas Potluck: Citrus Heights Areas Two and Six are hosting a neighborhood area Christmas potluck on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Last names starting with A through L are asked to bring a main dish, and last names starting with M through Z are asked to bring a side dish. There will be ham and turkey as well as games. The dinner will be held at Twin Oaks Avenue Baptist Church, located at 7690 Twin Oaks Ave.
Tree Lightings: The City of Citrus Heights is hosting an annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30-8 p.m. The event will feature a holiday sing-a-long, hot cocoa and cookies, train rides around City Hall, and Santa’s Workshop with activities for kids. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. For more information, visit the city’s event page.
New this year, the Sunrise Recreation and Park District will host an inaugural tree lighting event on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Rusch Park. The event is scheduled to and feature hot coco, music, a mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa, and photo opportunities with Santa. Sunrise Recreation will also be accepting donations for NICU and PICU patients at local hospitals during the event. For more information, visit the event page here. Rusch Community Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.
Friday Night Shine: Royal Stage performing arts is hosting a community talent show on Friday, Dec. 6, which features locals who perform songs, dances, and other special acts. The event is free and will run from 7-9 p.m. For more information or to apply to perform, visit the event page here. Royal Stage theater is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd., behind Macy’s Men’s.
Laser Light Show and Night Market: The Sunrise Marketplace is hosting a laser light show and vendor night market on Dec. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Sunrise Mall. The event will feature craft vendors, a car show, kids games, food trucks, and a laser light show. For more information, visit the event page here. The Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.
Santa Arrival. The Citrus Town Center will host a morning of holiday fun and festivities, including photos with Santa, face painting, letters to Santa, and interactive snow tables. The free event is slated for Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at 7925 Greenback Lane.
Whoville Skate Party: Sunrise Rollerland is hosting a Whoville Skate party on Dec. 19 from 6-9 p.m. Along with skating to music, the event will include a hot chocolate bar, face painting, and a Who-Hair contest for a chance to win gift cards to Sunrise MarketPlace businesses. $10 Admission includes regular skate rental. For more information visit the event page. Sunrise Rollerland is located at 6001 Sunrise Vista Drive.
Santa at the Sunrise Mall: Santa Claus will be at the Sunrise Mall from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24. Both walk-up guests and reservations are welcome. Santa is holding special events on different days of the week, including ugly sweater-themed photos on Thursdays and pajama party-themed photos on Tuesdays. For more information on the themed days and specific hours, visit the event page here. Click here to reserve your photo slot with Santa ahead of time. The Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.
Sunrise Recreation plans to use a newly planted tree for its inaugural tree lighting ceremony at Rusch Park. // S.B. Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– New this year, in addition to the city’s annual tree lighting at City Hall on Dec. 5, the Sunrise Recreation and Park District is planning a separate inaugural tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The holiday event at Rusch Park is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and will include a tree lighting, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and hot cocoa and cookies served by the Citrus Heights Kiwanis Club, according to Senior Recreation Coordinator for special events Tori Thorpe.
Thorpe said the park district has wanted to do a tree lighting for some time. After coordinating with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, a new tree was gifted to the park and planted in front of the community center in view of Auburn Boulevard. The tree appears small now, but, Thorpe said as the district continues to do annual tree lighting events, the tree will grow and become bushier.
Thorpe hopes the event will draw residents from across the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, which includes Antelope and Foothill Farms along with Citrus Heights.
The holiday tree lighting event is sponsored by SacTown Real Estate, Precision Orthodontics, Mathnasium of Citrus Heights, and Amazon Fresh, who will all have vendor booths. As well, a red mailbox will be available during the event for kids who want to drop off letters to Santa.
Thorpe said the park district is also running a toy drive for children who are in the NICU and PICU at Sutter Health in Roseville. A donation box will be available beginning this week at the Rusch Park Community Center on Auburn Boulevard and will also be available for donation drop-off during the tree lighting ceremony. The district is asking for new, unwrapped toys to be donated.
For more information about the Rusch Park tree lighting, visit the event page here. More information about the Dec. 5 tree lighting, which will be from 6-8:30 p.m. at City Hall, can be found here.
By Sara Beth Williams–
A 28-year-old woman was arrested for making numerous 911 calls and reporting a false emergency last Saturday.
Taylor Amber Sitnick was arrested on Nov. 23 after allegedly making numerous 911 calls, the Citrus Heights Police Department confirmed. Officers said Sitnick made a false report of an emergency situation, but did not specify what kind of emergency Sitnick falsely reported. Police confirmed Sitnick was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. Police also said the suspect and false reports made are not connected to the false report of a shooting that prompted a closure of Greenback Lane on Nov. 16.
According to information from Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Sitnick was arrested on Nov. 23 and charged with telephoning 911 emergency lines with the intent to annoy or harass. A release date was not available, but a bail amount of $40,000 was listed.
Sitnick is a resident of Roseville and has been arrested twice in the last year, according to arrest records published by United Reporting. Records show she was arrested once in April for allegedly inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant in Roseville, and another time in October on suspicion of arson in Sacramento County. In October, Sitnick was arrested and released the same day on $25,000 bail.
A sign outside Torrid advertising a sale for Black Friday. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– The declining number of stores remaining in business at Sunrise Mall have some steep discounts planned for Black Friday.
On the day before Thanksgiving, several stores had signs out in front of their entrances advertising promotions and deals. Some were specific to Black Friday, while others were currently going on as of Nov. 27.
Torrid was observed to have advertisements of “50% off everything” during Black Friday. Claire’s was also advertising a “First Dibs” deal on Black Friday where everything Wicked, Disney, Stitch, and Hello Kitty are to be marked 40 percent off. Claire’s staff on Monday said in a phone call that the store will be running its buy three, get three free deal, and that certain bracelets, necklaces, and earrings will be discounted as well.
Ron’s Jewelers is advertising diamond jewelry marked at 70 to 80 percent off. Spencer’s staff said the store is currently running a Buy One Get One Half Off promotion on multiple items and will continue to run the offer through Black Friday.
Management at Lids said Monday that the store is also selling hats for $20 with some exclusions and anticipates that other promotions will be announced to staff from corporate prior to opening on Black Friday.
Reminiscent of 2020 during the height of the pandemic, numerous retail and restaurant spaces inside the mall remain vacant, with lettering removed from signage leaving a ghostly outline of the logos that once branded the stores. Recently, the south side of the mall has been gated off on the inside, and exterior side doors ave been padlocked on one side of the building.
The most recent closure appears to be a mobile coffee cart, which stood in the center of the food court. Several other stores and restaurants left at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, and a watch and jewelry repair shop relocated from the Sunrise Mall across the street to the Marketplace at Birdcage.
According to Sunrise Mall’s website, the mall plans to operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Black Friday.
Plans to redevelop the nearly 100-acre Sunrise Mall property have been in the works for years, with the city adopting a Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan to guide redevelopment at the mall. Most recently, developer Ethan Conrad Properties submitted a proposal to amend the city’s plan to allow for multiple quick-service restaurants and drive-thru businesses, building and landscape materials sales, light industrial and storage uses, and automotive uses, as well as the removal of requirements for open space.
The proposal was initially slated to be discussed during a City Council meeting in November, but the presentation was postponed at Conrad’s request.
West Coast Sourdough is located at 6920 Auburn Blvd. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– After a ten-day delay, a new sandwich shop is finally open for business in the Stock Ranch Plaza.
Restaurant owner Jasprit Kaur told The Sentinel on Tuesday that the anticipated opening was delayed due to a licensing issue, but that West Coast Sourdough is now open for business.
According to a handwritten sign that was posted on the front window of the shop in mid-November, the restaurant was forced to postpone opening for business due to an electrical issue. Originally, the sign and adjacent businesses indicated the shop would open on Nov. 16. However, the shop continued to remain closed until another sign was posted indicating an opening date of Nov. 26.
Kaur and her family were on site Tuesday for the first day of business. Kaur said she and her family are “excited” for the opening, and that things are going well.
The wide-open interior of the sandwich shop features plenty of tables that feature the company’s bright red Golden Gate Bridge logo which includes the name of the restaurant, against a light blue-green sky background.
West Coast Sourdough menu items include sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with kids’ meal options, the company’s website shows. The website advertises its sourdough bread as being “completely natural & 100% free of preservatives,” with ingredients listed as “just flour, water, & salt.”
The company has grown at a rapid pace in recent years, with Stock Ranch Plaza being the first in Citrus Heights for the deli chain. Dozens of other locations are listed on their website as open or planning to open throughout California, including multiple locations in Roseville, Sacramento, and Elk Grove.
The building where West Coast Sourdough resides is also home to Sport Clips, Crumbl Cookies, AT&T, and most recently Citrus Heights Smiles Dentistry. The concept for a fully built out Stock Ranch Plaza includes nine more buildings, varying in size, but similar to the five-tenant building, according to prior reports.
The development of the plaza began with the construction of the Costco building in 2003 and Walmart in 2005. Applebee’s Bar & Grill opened in late 2015. A
West Coast Sourdough is located at 6920 Auburn Blvd., Suite 150, and lists operating hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
