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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Letters to the Editor: Measure P, Sunrise Mall, more fast food?

    Letters to the Editor: Measure P, Sunrise Mall, more fast food?

    Sunrise Mall
    Entrance to the Sunrise Mall. // SB Williams

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    Latest letters to the editor from Citrus Heights Sentinel readers discuss the Sunrise Mall and a newly proposed amendment to the Sunrise Tomorrow plan.

    More fast food restaurants?
    Two things that stick out, the removal of open space requirement and 8 fast food restaurants, really, that’s the best they can do is eight [expletive removed] junk food stores? It’s a joke to claim these junk food restaurants fit into the Sunrise Tomorrow master plan, because they don’t. There’s already too many junk food restaurants on Sunrise Blvd.
    — Craig Allen, Citrus Heights

    New proposal for mall doesn’t make sense
    Ethan Conrad Properties proposal for fast food and Home Depot, etc. does not fit at all with original plan. Redo the indoor mall and create housing, which we need, along with a venue at the Sears building for entertainment. Put solar in parking areas for shaded parking and to supply energy to the mall. We don’t need more fast food. The council actually discussed not allowing more fast food. We have a whole food court inside the mall where fast food could go. If the mall was refurbished and modernized more businesses would come. More housing around the mall would create customers as would an entertainment venue at the large empty Sears building
    — Kimberly Montgomery, Citrus Heights

    Related: Developer proposes plan for Sunrise Mall including In-N-Out, Home Depot – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Does SJUSD need a new $950M bond measure?
    The simple answer to that question is YES! The San Juan Unified School District Measure P is an important step in providing funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the 12 district campus locations in Citrus Heights. As older Bond issues expire over the next few years, these new funds guarantee continued improvements providing campus security fencing, environmental safety, new roofing and HVAC upgrades. This Measure will fund new science classrooms for San Juan High School, new facilities for Sylvan Middle School and other classroom rehabilitation for our elementary schools.
    Citrus Heights saw a 220-student increase this year over last. 120 of those at Woodside K-8. These increases are expected to continue as new families move to our city. The Measure guarantees no salary, or benefits are funded from this Bond. An advisory committee will oversee planning and expenditures. And there will be NO tax increases for residents as older bonds expire over the first 5 years. This is our opportunity as a community to step up and make a positive contribution to our students. Let’s provide them with safe, secure and modernized learning environments.
    VOTE YES ON MEASURE P
    -Albert Fox, Citrus Heights

    Related: Voters to see $950M bond measure for SJUSD on November ballot

    Want to share your thoughts on a local issue? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here.

  • Meet Nick Bloise: Candidate for San Juan Unified School Board, Trustee Area 4

    Nick Bloise
    Nick Bloise is running for San Juan Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 4 // Nicke Bloise

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2024 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of six identical questions to each of the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education candidates for Trustee Area 4. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.

    Trustee Area 4 includes a small portion of Citrus Heights from Greenback Lane, south to Madison Avenue.

    Nick Bloise: 

    Why are you running for the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education and what are your qualifications?

    I was taught from an early age to put service before self — lessons reinforced in my military training. I don’t want to wait until my own kids are in the school system before I pitch in and help make it better. I am a veteran, a taxpayer advocate, a businessman, and an educator, who teaches in the San Juan Unified School District.  We need our schools to be safer, test scores to be higher, and the district to be better managed. I will fight to ensure class time is focused on core academics, not politics and social experiments. *Edited for length

    What are your top 2-3 priorities for improving education in Citrus Heights and its surrounding areas, and how do you propose to fund them?

    • Attract and retain more highly qualified teachers AND instructional aides. We need to look at innovative incentives that make practical sense and make our community more desirable: ensure safety in our schools and neighborhoods.  But we can also look for innovative new programs to attract the best and brightest — like housing incentives and partnering programs that connect teachers with local business and community leaders.
    • Bring back and expand vocational and technical programs – and build new alliances with trade groups, firefighters, and other groups with effective apprenticeship programs.
    • Repair and upgrade our schools to meet new standards for STEM.

    *Edited for length

    Do you support the district’s proposal for a $950 million dollar facilities improvement bond? Why or why not?

    Yes.  I support the new Measure P (2024) for the following reasons:

    • Competent Operations staff with excellent audit pass rates;
    • No increase in new taxes to taxpayers — in fact a reduction of property taxes in 2032 by $55 per $100,000 assessed (a decrease of at least 25%) ;
    • Successful and timely completion of many new schools in the district;
    • Active engagement with Taxpayer Associations (HJTA and Sac Tax) to include their appointment to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.
    • Bonds are being paid off early, saving taxpayers millions in interest.
    • State Proposition 2 (School Bonds), if it passes in November 2024, will provide another $400 million in matching funds.

    *Edited for length

    In March 2024, after hearing a report from the Citrus Heights Education Committee, the Citrus Heights City Council voted unanimously to pursue collaboration and partnership opportunities with the San Juan Unified School District, and work on efforts to “foster positive community engagement and support family involvement.” How would you, as a board member, foster future partnerships with Citrus Heights schools that are within your Trustee Area?

    After the 3-2 City Council vote to remain in the San Juan Unified School District, the City Council then voted unanimously to build better collaboration with the San Juan Unified School District. Considering that the vote was very close to separate from the San Juan Unified School District, I would really work to help get Citrus Heights Schools to exceed State averages.

    One technique could be to increase the vocational opportunities at San Juan, and give incentives/bonuses to exceptional teachers to teach at San Juan as well as creating mentorship programs for single parent households and finding ways to include more parental involvement.

    *Edited for length

    Critical teacher shortages and high turnover have been significant issues throughout the district. What policies or programs would you support to both acquire and retain high-quality teachers and reduce burnout?

    Pay for increasing wages for Instructional Assistants (IA) who were making $16 to $18 per hour compared to $20 for fast food employees. Also creating a path for IAs to become credentialed teachers.

    We need to boost parental involvement in schools — parents who know what is going on will be allies in pushing for the needed reforms and becoming partners with teachers, not adversaries. The school board hasn’t done enough to inform or engage parents.  I will be a voice for parents and look for new ways to involve them in the decisions being made about our classrooms.

    *Edited for length

    Find out more about Nick Bloise at his campaign website 

  • Meet Martin Ross: Candidate for San Juan Unified School Board, Trustee Area 4

    Martin Ross
    Martin Ross is running for San Juan Unified School Board of Education Trustee Area 4 // Martin Ross

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2024 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of six identical questions to each of the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education candidates for Trustee Area 4. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.

    Trustee Area 4 includes a small portion of Citrus Heights from Greenback Lane, south to Madison Avenue.

    Martin Ross: 

    Why are you running for the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education and what are your qualifications?

    Our political climate requires balanced, practical, compassionate, and innovative leadership. I’ve spent 20+ years in nonprofit executive roles focused on workforce development and offering a hand up, not a handout. My K-12 education in SJUSD, two terms as San Juan High School Class President, military family background, and leadership on several Sacramento County commissions uniquely qualifies me to serve. As a Salvation Army Major, I developed tutoring and mentoring programs (where I also taught martial arts and steel drum band music in the program and at music camps to deserving kids), demonstrating my passion for uplifting students and supporting educators.

    What are your top 2-3 priorities for improving education in Citrus Heights and its surrounding areas, and how do you propose to fund them?

    I will focus on access to educational excellence, career preparedness, workforce development, and safer schools. Ensuring safety for students, classified staff, faculty, and administrators is essential. My 20+ years of experience managing limited budgets without layoffs will be crucial as federal relief dollars expire in 2025. Creative solutions and partnerships will be needed to sustain progress, and I am prepared to lead with practical, budget-conscious strategies, as necessity will require invention that my wide range background will bring.

    Do you support the district’s proposal for a $950 million dollar facilities improvement bond? Why or why not?

    I fully support Measure P. When canvassing, I ask voters to back this bond to fund improvements for aging school facilities, upgrade technology and safety, and address deferred maintenance. These improvements ensure students, staff, and teachers have the quality facilities needed to achieve excellence in education. Once elected, I will also push for air conditioning in school kitchens and warehouses, ensuring our classified staff—who feed our children and supply our schools—work in better conditions.

    In March 2024, after hearing a report from the Citrus Heights Education Committee, the Citrus Heights City Council voted unanimously to pursue collaboration and partnership opportunities with the San Juan Unified School District, and work on efforts to “foster positive community engagement and support family involvement.” How would you, as a board member, foster future partnerships with Citrus Heights schools that are within your Trustee Area?

    Access to excellence must include all voices, including voices from Citrus Heights, where I attended high school. I will prioritize hearing and learning from families, including those of special education students. While SJUSD has a solid reputation, I’ve heard from families that response times and processes for special needs students need improvement. I stand with these families and have voiced their concerns at board meetings. My election will help strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for all stakeholders.

     Critical teacher shortages and high turnover have been significant issues throughout the district. What policies or programs would you support to both acquire and retain high-quality teachers and reduce burnout?

    Our teachers, classified staff, and bus drivers are among the lowest paid in the district, yet they are essential to our schools’ success. To recruit and retain them, I support apprenticeships, substitute/guest teaching, and emergency credentialing programs. Maintaining pensions and benefits is crucial to attract and retain high-quality staff. Cutting these benefits is a losing strategy that will harm our future. We must invest in our educators to ensure excellence and access in education for our current and next generations.

    Find out more about Martin Ross at his campaign website. 

  • Tensions rise at Planning Commission meeting over 6-acre subdivision request

    7820 and 7828 Old Auburn Road.
    7820 and 7828 Old Auburn Road. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Controversy surrounded a recent Planning Commission decision to approve the subdivision of two different lots on Old Auburn Road into six smaller lots.

    At a Sept. 24 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to split lots at 7828 Old Auburn Rd. and 7820 Old Auburn Rd. into a total of six smaller lots. Together, the lots total about six acres. Because the two lots were adjacent, and subdivision requests were submitted close together, a single environmental review of both lots was conducted.

    Both parcels are dissected by Mariposa Creek, which runs east to west. The properties also each have one home along with another structure, and the land is considered “outside FEMA’s 100-year flood zone designation,” according to the city.

    Local resident Scott Kinderwater, who lives adjacent and said he is a retired soil scientist, expressed concerns regarding the potential for flooding if multiple houses were to be built on the properties in the future.

    In a letter of complaint to the city, Kinderwater said he has witnessed flooding during heavy rains on several properties upstream and surrounding the two parcels in question, and believes the six acres of land serve as a buffer to prevent flooding downstream.

    Alison Bermudez, with the city’s Planning Division, said engineering staff, planning staff, and consultants met to discuss the concerns and had “a great discussion” with Kinderwater.

    During the Planning Commission meeting, Kinderwater spoke in opposition, reiterating concerns from his letters, saying the parcels in question represent a wildlife corridor, a wetland, and a “flood water catchment basin,” that protects properties located downstream.

    “There are goals in the general plan; preserve and protect the features that contribute to the rural character of the city; preserve and enhance the character, distinct identity, and livability of the city’s rural neighborhoods, and ensure that new development in rural areas is compatible with the surrounding neighbors,” Kinderwater said.

    After the closure of the public hearing, Community Development Director Casey Kempenaar said a professional biologist reviewed the concerns listed by the neighbor previously and determined that the acreage in question does not qualify as a wetland “under the state or federal definitions” and there are no “upland wetlands” found on the site. When Kinderwater attempted to speak again off-mic, Kempenaar said, “This is a public hearing, and you’ve had your time to speak.”

    A preliminary review completed in May reported that future development could interfere with stormwater drainage. According to the city, the property owner will need to create a detention structure or drainage basin at the time of development.

    CNA engineering owner Steve Norman reported that a drainage study conducted by the firm showed “no impact” to the overall drainage flows and that potential ponds or detention basins could be later “reanalyzed” based on future determined development. Bermudez and Senior Civil Engineer Daniel Kehrer said a new analysis would be performed in the event future development exceeds current projections and that all current projections “met regulatory requirements” from city and county drainage and flow standards.

    The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve the tentative parcel maps and mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring plans for both properties. Commissioner Kelsey Nelson was absent from the meeting.

    7828 Old Auburn Rd. is listed as 4.76 acres in size, and the subdivision request proposed dividing the parcel into four lots, ranging in size from 45,300 square feet to 58,900 square feet.

    7820 Old Auburn Rd. is listed as 1.25 acres in size, and the subdivision request was for two parcels, one totaling 20,000 square feet and one totaling 29,000 square feet.

    Bermudez said the request for subdividing the properties aligns with the city’s strategic objectives, including “increasing homeownership opportunities,” “develop, conserve and improve housing stock,” and “ensuring housing opportunities for all segments of the community.”

    As previously reported, original plans sought to build about 20 homes at the site, but those plans were reduced due to complications with the creek and a reported requirement that a bridge be built over the creek to connect Old Auburn Road and Pennington Way to accommodate heavy fire vehicles. City staff said a bridge is not being proposed or considered.

  • Historic Lincoln Highway Placards installed along Auburn Blvd

    Unveiling of Lincoln Highway Placard at Sylvan Cemetary.
    An unveiling of a Lincoln Highway Placard took place at Sylvan Cemetary District, on Oct. 7, 2024. From Left to right, Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter Vice President Trey Pitsenberger, CHANT board member Andrew Saunders, Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter President Joel Windmiller. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A ceremony was held Oct. 7 in front of the Sylvan Cemetery to unveil an historical placard recognizing Auburn Boulevard as part of the Lincoln Highway.

    The city, in partnership with CHANT Neighborhood Area 3 board member Andrew Saunders and the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter, identified four historical route points along Auburn Boulevard to be marked as points on the historic transcontinental Lincoln Highway.

    Multiple city leaders, community members, City Council members, and Kelsey Nelson, the president of CHANT, attended the unveiling of the placard at Sylvan Cemetery, along with the president and vice president of the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter.

    Saunders said his vision for installing historical placards only became a reality because of the help of the city and General Services Director Regina Cave, who brought the idea to fruition.

    “Visions and dreams don’t happen without a date put on it, and today’s that date,” Saunders said.

    The rectangular placard design has a brown, red, white, and blue color scheme, with “HISTORIC” written on top across a brown banner, and a large L in the center of the words “LINCOLN HIGHWAY.”

    “The chapter really appreciates the effort of Andy here,” president of the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter Joel Windmiller said.

    The landmarks with new placards have also been added to a national Lincoln Highway map, which is accessed through the Lincoln Highway Association’s website. The map lists every historical landmark along the transcontinental route and provides historical notes regarding each landmark.

    Windmiller said each state chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association is in charge of marking and maintaining the historic transcontinental route. According to the Association, the national Lincoln Highway map is traveled by many Lincoln Highway enthusiasts.

    “Citrus Heights is now on the map,” Saunders said.

    Cave confirmed Wednesday that two more historical placards have also been installed along the old Lincoln Highway route, including one on Auburn Boulevard adjacent to the 14-Mile House near Donegal Drive and another on Auburn Boulevard close to the 12-Mile House near Devecchi Avenue, south of Greenback Lane.

    The city also plans to install a fourth Lincoln Highway placard at the northern city limits when a gateway arch into the city is completed, Cave said.

    The Lincoln Highway began in 1913 and lasted until the mid-1920s. Running from east to west, travelers could take Auburn Boulevard, turn at what is now Sylvan Corners, and travel across the country. The transcontinental route ran from San Francisco to New York City, with Lincoln Park in San Francisco as the western terminus.

    Citrus Heights Historical Society president Larry Fritz told The Sentinel previously that there were once six different mile houses located in the vicinity of what is now Citrus Heights used as way stations where people traveling the two-day route between Sacramento and Auburn could spend the night.

    “That’s how Citrus Heights got started,” Fritz said.

    The first attempts to commemorate the Lincoln Highway route came in 1928, Fritz said, when the Boy Scouts of America built over 2,000 concrete markers at each mile along the route because “they knew it was going away.”

    The Lincoln Highway transitioned into Highway 40 in the mid-1920s when the government dropped named highways and transitioned to a numbered highway system. To this day, a sign at the intersection of Antelope Road and Auburn Boulevard denotes both names, Fritz says.

  • Planning for $20M+ Old Auburn Road project moving along

    A conceptual design image of the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Project Phase 1 showing a proposed crosswalk at Tiara Way with separated bike lanes. // City of Citrus Heights
    A conceptual design image of the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Project Phase 1 showing a proposed crosswalk at Tiara Way with separated bike lanes. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams—
    The city is knee deep in planning the first phase of the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Project, which is estimated to cost more than $20 million.

    During a Sept. 24 Planning Commission meeting, Senior Civil Engineer Daniel Kehrer reported that the city plans to send out bids for the Old Auburn Road Complete Streets Project Phase One in the fall of 2025 and is currently in the beginning stages of right-of-way and utility coordination as they prepare bid documents. An environmental design has already been completed, according to Kehrer.

    “We have submitted multiple grant opportunities to both state and federal sources, but have been unsuccessful at this point,” Kehrer said during the meeting, adding that the city is still waiting on the decision for one grant, and that the city continues to pursue necessary funding. The project is estimated to cost $22 to $23 million, according to Kehrer.

    Phase one of the complete streets project will extend from Tiara Way to the corner of Garry Oak Drive, and borders two properties, 7828 and 7820 Old Auburn Rd., which were both under consideration for subdivision during the Planning Commission meeting. Phase Two of the project would include sidewalk improvements for the properties, and extend other road improvements from Tiara Way west to Sylvan Corners.

    According to the city’s website, the project will include roadway resurfacing, traffic signal upgrades, the addition of street lighting, repairs and upgrades to storm drain infrastructure, and separated bike lanes.

    In 2018, the City Council accepted a $190,000 grant from the California Department of Transportation to develop a “complete streets” plan for a 1.8-mile section of the roadway, from Sylvan Corners east to just beyond Fair Oaks Boulevard. The council subsequently awarded a contract to Fehr & Peers to develop the plan.

    During a March 26, 2020 City Council meeting, one public commenter who reportedly resided in the vicinity of Old Auburn Road, expressed concern about the lack of notification regarding the proposed project and about the proposed improvements further reducing driving visibility while turning onto Old Auburn Road. Other commenters disagreed with adding separated bike lanes. Councilmembers at the time indicated the city met with local residents regarding the project, including neighborhood associations 7 and 8, to discuss preliminary design concepts.

    Following the unanimous approval of the plan in March 2020, which was conceptual at the time of the vote, city staff conducted several public workshops and community meetings in 2023 and 2024. The last scheduled community outreach meeting was held Feb. 1, 2024.

    Some short-term improvements have already been completed, and the city obtained a grant in order to complete the Environmental and Design phase for the project.

    A start date for Phase One construction has yet to be determined. A timeline for Phase Two has not been released. More about the project can be found on the city’s website.

    Want to share your thoughts on a local issue? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here.

  • Handel’s ice cream shop opens in Citrus Heights

    Handel's Ice Cream
    Employees stand in front of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Citrus Heights on opening day, Oct. 8, 2024. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A nationally recognized ice cream chain now has a location in Citrus Heights.

    After months of construction, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened to the public on Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center, after holding a special opening Monday night for several friends and family, owner Melissa Carlile said. She and her husband, Blake, own six Handel’s ice cream locations, including one in Folsom, Natomas, and Roseville.

    Although open to the public already, Manager Paige Ales said the shop is planning an official grand opening event to be held Friday, Oct. 18, which will include a balloon artist, face painting, and other family-fun activities.

    Store employees, two of whom are veterans who’ve worked for Handel’s since 2019 and 2020, and one who just started working this week, expressed their excitement.

    “The community has been great so far. We’re really excited,” Carlile said.

    The shop in Citrus Heights is Handel’s biggest location, Carlile said, adding that more furniture is on order. Currently, there are a handful of tables as well as high-top counters where customers can eat, but Carlile said Handel’s has traditionally been an ice cream shop where people can grab a “quick treat” on the go. This location will have options for customers to do both, with enough space to add a few more tables.

    Carlile also plans to develop a space for private parties because customers in other locations have been asking for one. The private party room, which already has several tables and a large flatscreen TV, will have counters for gifts and food, pinball machines, and other games. A roll-down door will give customers the option of creating a more private space.

    Carlile said the Citrus Heights location has been in the works for about two years.

    The ice cream shop is known for making homemade ice cream fresh each day and has been featured in many news outlets and magazines throughout the country.

    Menu items include classics like single cones, sundaes, banana splits, and milkshakes, along with specific signature items like the “Hurricane,” which includes homemade vanilla ice cream blended with a variety of candy or cookie pieces, and “Handel Pops,” which are similar to cake pops but with ice cream in the middle of a hard chocolate coating.

    Seasonal flavors for the fall are already debuting, according to the company’s social media page, including flavors like “Pumpkin Ripple” and “Pumpkin Cheesecake.” The shop also serves ice cream sandwiches, dipped ice cream cones, and sells ice cream in pint and quart sizes.

    Handel’s has multiple locations across 15 states, according to the company’s website. The eatery was first opened in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1945 by Alice Handel, and original recipes incorporated fresh fruit.

    Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at 8055 Madison Ave. in Citrus Heights with current operating hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

  • Citrus Heights to spend $194K on LED lighting upgrade at Community Center

    Citrus Heights to spend $194K on LED lighting upgrade at Community Center

    Citrus Heights Community Center
    Citrus Heights Community Center. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council on Wednesday approved a $194,000 retrofit project to install energy-efficient lighting fixtures at the Citrus Heights Community Center.

    According to the city, replacing current light fixtures in the Community Center with LED lighting will “provide significant energy savings,” and LED lighting will last longer. The project was brought forward to address strategic plan objectives that call for tackling multiple deferred maintenance projects at the Citrus Heights Community Center, which had been discussed at an annual planning meeting in March. The City Council voted to approve the project without comment.

    The total contract cost for the project will be $193,800, with $137,000 of funds covered through an Energy Efficient grant allocation. $56,700 will be funded through General Capital Replacement Funds. This item was part of the consent calendar.

    The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is a federally funded program that helps states and local governments to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and emissions, according to the Department of Energy. The program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and aims “to help communities achieve their clean energy goals.”

    The city said it also hopes to also be eligible to receive $10,290 in rebates through SMUD’S Complete Energy Solutions program, but an alert notification on the utility’s website states that the company is “discontinuing incentives for new lighting upgrade projects.” All lighting project requests submitted after Aug. 15, 2024 “will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis” and must be completed by Sept. 30, 2024. No extensions will be granted beyond these dates, the website states.

  • Citrus Heights awards $150k in grants five nonprofits, denies others

    Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa
    Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa said she wanted to help fund newer nonprofits instead of the “same three” that request funding each year. Oct. 9, 2024. // SB WIlliams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Council recently voted unanimously to award $150,000 in grant funding to five nonprofits, while denying requests from other applicants.

    The city’s Non Profit Community Support Fund received 12 applications in July and August, totaling $440,000 in requested funds from local and regional nonprofits. After review and analysis, five applicants out of the 12 were selected, with recommended allocation of funds presented during an Oct. 9 City Council meeting.

    The requested funds from the five applicants totaled just over $200,000. With a $150,000 cap, staff chose to recommend smaller amounts to each, including $22,000 to Campus Life Connection for their continued support of the Sayonara Center, $40,000 to Citrus Heights HART for rental assistance programs, and $70,000 to Meals on Wheels. Staff chose to award the full requested funding amount of $10,000 to the San Juan Education Foundation for individual school site grants, and $8,000 to UCP of Sacramento for hosting sensory movie nights and roller skating events.

    During the City Council meeting, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa said the Quality of Life Committee had only recommended three groups initially. Karpinski-Costa, who is part of the Quality of Life Committee, indicated it was “always the same three,” being funded, so she wanted to include some of the nonprofits that hadn’t been funded before.

    “I think it’s a great allocation of the limited funding we have,” Councilmember Porsche Middleton said and commended the Quality of Life Committee for “taking a chance” on newer nonprofits.

    Several nonprofits did not receive funding, including Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, who requested $25,000 for repaving of the asphalt in their parking lot, Single Mom Strong, who requested $13,000 for the creation of a school contact database and marketing expenses, and Yes2Knowledge, who requested $150,000 for the development of a mini garden project and nutrition education.

    Single Mom Strong founder Tara Taylor said during the council meeting that she was “really disappointed” that the nonprofit wasn’t recommended to receive funding. Taylor asked for reconsideration, citing multiple positive community impacts from the use of previously received grant funding.

    Taylor said with the grants received in years past, the preschool operated by the nonprofit doubled in student population, added an infant and toddler classroom, and a clothing closet with professional career clothing options. Last year, the nonprofit used $24,000 to help fund career exploration events, which helped serve single moms “regionally.”

    Taylor said Single Mom Strong does not have a marketing budget, so she was requesting funding to help with marketing expenses and a contact database that would help the nonprofit connect with local schools. Single Mom Strong just celebrated its fifth-year anniversary.

    “I just thought I’d come here to remind you as to why this proposal was important,” Taylor said.

    Karpinski-Costa emphasized the importance of “balance” when considering all nonprofit requests throughout the community.

    “We lose our credibility in the community, I think,” Karpinski-Costa said, referencing funding the same groups repeatedly in past years. Karpinski-Costa added she wished there was more funding.

    Several nonprofits also requested funding from the Community Development Block Grant program, which receives $600,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually. During the City Council meeting, the city recommended distributing an allotted $90,000 between four nonprofits, including Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, Meals on Wheels, Campus Life Connection, and Community Link Capital Region & Project Sentinel.

    Funding allocations in the Community Development Block Grant draft action plan will be acted upon at the Oct. 23 City Council meeting

  • Voter Guide: Everything you need to know to vote in Citrus Heights

    Voter Guide: Everything you need to know to vote in Citrus Heights

    Vote, Citrus Heights
    File photo // CH Sentinel

    Sentinel Staff Report–
    With ballots being received by residents this week, The Sentinel has compiled a list of resources for Citrus Heights residents related to the 2024 Election, including City Council candidate information, San Juan Unified School District Board of Education candidate information, ballot drop-off locations and polling locations, as well as links to other Nov. 5 election resources.

    Citrus Heights City Council Candidates, District 1:

    Amie Burgundy Brown grew up in South Lake Tahoe and has lived in Citrus Heights for four years. Brown currently owns M and A Landscaping Services, as well as a handmade jewelry business called Isabell Creations.

    Brown founded the Tahoe Dream Foundation in 2012, a nonprofit organization supporting local childcare centers and providing clothing, shoes, and school supplies. Brown also served as the Secretary and Chair of the International Goodwill and Understanding Committee for Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe and is a member of the Sacramento Tree Foundation.

    Brown doesn’t have any endorsements posted on her campaign page, as of Oct. 10.

    A campaign statement for Brown does not appear on the city’s website, but her campaign page can be viewed here. Read Brown’s Candidate Q&A here:

    Andrew Saunders was born in San Francisco and has lived in Citrus Heights since 2019. Saunders currently serves as CHANT Neighborhood Association Area 3 treasurer and works in telecommunications. Saunders is also a member of the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter and the Citrus Heights Historical Society.

    Saunders’ endorsements include The Citrus Heights Chamber PAC and former City Council member Albert Fox.

    Visit Saunders’ campaign website here. Read Saunders’ Candidate Q&A here:

    Kelsey Nelson is part of the local Realtors association and President of CHANT Neighborhood Association Area 3 and is a representative of REACH. Nelson resides on the Citrus Heights Planning Commission and on the San Juan School District Standards and Curriculum Committee.

    Nelson has the most endorsements listed on her campaign pages, including three members of the City Council, and former Mayor Bret Daniels, who left the District 1 seat vacant.

    To find out more about Nelson, visit her campaign website here. Read Nelson’s Candidate Q&A here.

    Citrus Heights City Council Candidates for District 3:

    Tim Schaefer: Councilmember Tim Schaefer was elected to the City Council in 2020 to a 4-year term which expires in 2024. Schaefer is running reelection for District 3 unopposed.

    In 2009, Schaefer attended and graduated from the Citrus Heights Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. In 2012 he was elected Park Oaks Neighborhood Area Vice President/ President Elect serving two years and then served as Vice President of Citrus Heights Residents Empowerment Association (REACH). Schaefer was appointed to the Citrus Heights Planning Commission in 2017 and then elected for his first term as city council member in 2020.

    To hear more in depth information regarding the candidates’ thoughts on local issues, listen and watch the City Council Candidate forum here.

    San Juan Unified School District Board of Education, Trustee Area 4:

    Trustee Area 4 includes a small portion of Citrus Heights from Greenback Lane, south to Madison Avenue. Voters located in Trustee Area 4 can expect to find the following candidates on their ballot.

    Find out more about each of the three candidates running for Trustee Area 4 here: Election 2024: Who’s running for San Juan Unified Board of Education? – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Ballot Measures: 

    Measure P, if passed, would allow the San Juan Unified School District to spend up to $950 million on modernization, renovation, expansion, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and furnishing of school facilities. No funds may be used for general school operating expenses, including teacher or administration salaries or pensions or for any other projects except those explicitly stated in the measure. The district estimates the average annual tax rate to fund the bond will be $60 per $100,000. (A home assessed at $500,000 would equal $300 annually.) The final fiscal year in which the tax is expected to be collected is 2054-2055.

    Measure O, if passed, would allow the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District to spend $415,000,000 on modernization, renovation, expansion, construction/reconstruction, rehabilitation and furnishing of fire facilities, emergency medical vehicles, apparatus and capital equipment. No funds may be used for general school operating expenses, including employee salaries or pensions or for any other projects except those explicitly stated in the measure. The district estimates the average annual tax rate to fund the bond will be $19 per $100,000. (A home assessed at $500,000 would equal $95 annually.) The final fiscal year in which the tax is expected to be collected is 2060-2061.

    More Voter Resources: