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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • Stones Gambling Hall celebrates a decade in business in Citrus Heights

    Stones 2024
    Stones Gambling Hall first opened in July 2014. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    July marked 10 years in business for Stones Gambling Hall.

    The gambling hall, located at 6501 Antelope Road, held its formal grand opening on July 11, 2014. The new hall was a combination of two closed card rooms, The Lucky Derby and The Phoenix casinos.

    “Stones Gambling Hall was born out of a passion for creating a unique entertainment destination in Citrus Heights,” Masis Kevorkian, partner at Stones Gambling Hall, told The Sentinel last week, adding that the owners wanted to build a “community-focused establishment” in a place where everyone felt welcome.

    In looking back to the beginning, Kevorkian said one of the biggest hurdles was building trust, establishing a strong reputation, and ensuring that all guests felt “safe, valued, and entertained.” Stones has partnered regularly with the Citrus Heights Police Department and provides police with dedicated parking spaces, according to local news reports.

    The gambling hall hasn’t gone without enduring controversy. In 2019, an alleged cheating scheme “rocked the poker world” and resulted in a $30 million lawsuit. According to the Sacramento Bee, lawyers in the case agreed Stones, nor the Live Poker Manager, were not involved in cheating and the case was settled in 2020 for an undisclosed amount.

    The suit, which named poker player Michael Postle, Stones Gambling Hall and other defendants, sought $30 million for 25 plaintiffs who claimed to have lost money while playing in poker games with Postle in 2018, a time “during which he allegedly collected $250,000 in winnings.”

    In celebration of the milestone of 10 years in business, Stones recently held an invitation-only 10-year anniversary celebration. During the celebration, the company distributed $5,000 in donations to multiple nonprofits, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Glass Slipper, CA Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Sacramento County Sheriff K-9 Association, and Saint John’s Program for Real Change, said Cristina Guccione.

    Along with creating hundreds of jobs, the gambling hall has also made “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in donations to local charities, according to Kevorkian.

    In 2018, Stones participated in “The Big 24-hour Giveback” where gaming halls donated $100 to charities for every person that walked through the door. According to a March 2018 press release, Stones donated $75,000 in total.

    In 2020, Stones donated hundreds of meals from its restaurant to Saint John’s Program for Real Change, which offers shelter services to women and children. The gambling hall also donated $2,500 to the Sacramento Children’s Home, which went toward purchasing 18 bikes for the residents of the home.

    “Seeing our guests return time and again, forming friendships and creating memories here, is incredibly rewarding,” Kevorkian said.

    In the years to come, Kevorkian said the company will continue to evolve and “enhance the guest experience.” The hall plans to introduce more innovative gaming options, expand dining and restaurant offerings, and further integrate technology to streamline services, according to Kevorkian.

    “Community engagement will remain a cornerstone of our mission, with more events and initiatives that give back to the local area,” Kevorkian said, adding that the ultimate goal is to remain a “beloved destination” where customers can find enjoyment 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

  • Family traditions inspire new thrift store in Citrus Heights

    The Family Outpost
    Owner Dustin Powell stands in front of The Family Outpost on Aug. 1, 2024. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Family Outpost opened on Aug. 1 to friendly and excited customers, many of whom expressed their gratitude for the opening of the store.

    Tucked in the corner of the Citrus Heights Plaza shopping center at Old Auburn Road and Sunrise Boulevard, The Family Outpost thrift store sports a grand opening banner above the entrance and a red and blue OPEN sign on the window.

    Owner Dustin Powell told The Sentinel Thursday that the business has been years in the making. While going through his grandmother’s estate two years prior, Powell found out that his family had plans to take a truck load of her belongings to the dump. Powell insisted on taking all of the belongings himself, and has stored them on his own property since.

    Over the years, as he became a collector of miscellaneous items from estate sales and garage sales, and particularly after he acquired his grandmother’s belongings, his parents suggested that he open his own thrift store.

    “Over six months of talking about it, looking at it, and now it’s finally here,” Powell said.

    Since signing the lease, Powell said surrounding businesses have been supportive and “excited” for the opening of the new thrift shop. He also noted the company’s signs, banners, and shirts were made by SJ Graphics & Printing, a business located in the same shopping center.

    Growing up, Powell said his dad went to every estate sale and yard sale, and the family often operated a yard sale booth at Denio’s Farmer’s Market and Swap Meet in Roseville on the weekends. His parents, Powell said, have accumulated more than he and his family have, and his dad’s dream long ago had once been to open a thrift store called “Uncle Dave’s Garage.”

    Powell said his parents and family have been “super supportive.” His mom comes in daily to help, and his dad regularly takes boxes of cords, electronics, and other items home to “test.” On opening day, several family members, including two children, wore the same custom tie-dye shirts with the store’s logo on the front.

    “This is the closest my family has ever been,” Powell said, adding that they’ve all been working together, laughing, and having fun while preparing the store for opening day.

    The thrift shop is filled with racks of home goods, shoes, holiday décor, kids and adult clothing, including a section of local sportswear, and kids toys and games. Powell said he was up until 2:30 a.m. Thursday morning pricing items to prepare for the grand opening.

    Powell told The Sentinel last week that he also has a large quantity of furniture that is currently stored at an offsite location and hopes to sell the furniture in the future through an in-store catalog system.

    Discount retailer Dollar N More closed abruptly earlier this year after having opened in late 2022, according to prior reports. Adjacent businesses did not know when the store closed, and no sign was posted on the entrance indicating a date of closure. The store’s social media page has been inactive for over a year.

    The Family Outpost is located at 7601 Sunrise Blvd. Suite #11, in the former Dollar N More storefront. Neighboring businesses include Macy’s Nail and Hair, Vanity Fur Pet Spa, Paradise Laundry, Safe Credit Union, Master Donuts, and The Human Bean, a drive-thru coffee shop.

  • Garage fire in Citrus Heights sends plume of smoke into air Thursday

    Twin Oaks Avenue
    Sac Metro Fire on scene following a garage fire on Twin Oaks Ave. Aug. 1. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A detached garage caught fire at 7770 Twin Oaks Ave. on Thursday afternoon, according to Sacramento Metropolitan fire officials.

    Crews were dispatched just after 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 to reports of a fire on Twin Oaks Avenue. A large plume of smoke could be seen rising in the air from nearby streets.

    Several fire engines and Citrus Heights Police cruisers were observed on scene. Police blocked off Twin Oaks Avenue at Mariposa Avenue to vehicle traffic for almost an hour following the incident.

    Several neighbors could be seen outside observing the activity. Neighbors told The Sentinel while on scene that an explosion was reportedly heard.

    Fire crews said the fire was contained to a detached garage and that no other structures caught fire. The fire did extend into nearby vegetation, but crews were able to contain the fire quickly, officials said. No threats to life or injuries were reported.

  • Bearpaw to open outlet store at Sylvan Corners, next to future brewery

    A new Bearpaw outlet store is slated to open in August at Sylvan Corners. A brewery will be occupying space next to the store. // Image courtesy, Bearpaw

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A locally based national footwear company is relocating its outlet store to a location six times the size.

    Bearpaw, a national chain that sells shoes and other merchandise, has housed its corporate offices as well as an outlet store on the southeast corner of Sylvan Corners, located on Old Auburn Road and Sylvan Road.

    Bearpaw President and CEO Tom Romeo told The Sentinel on Tuesday that when Goodwill Industries closed earlier this year, he made the decision to move all merchandise from a 2,000-square-foot store into a 12,000-square-foot section of the former Goodwill building across the street.

    Romeo said he hopes to open by the first weekend of August.

    The outlet store will start with an inventory of 15,000 pairs of shoes, Romeo said, adding that his goal is to include all merchandise “from head to toe,” from the company’s online store, including, socks, gloves, accessories, hats, bags, eyewear, sportswear, and outdoor wear.

    “Eventually the outlet will have everything our dot com has,” Romeo said, adding that many of the products will be returned items that have never been worn, along with some brand-new merchandise. All merchandise will be 40 to 50 percent off, Romeo said.

    A touch screen monitor with the company’s website will also be located in the store. The smaller outlet is already closed, and Romeo said the company plans to lease the former space.

    As previously reported, DarkHeart Brewery also plans to occupy part of the former Goodwill store, The city confirmed Tuesday that the former Goodwill building totals approximately 16,000 square feet and will be divided into two spaces. DarkHeart will use about 3,200 square feet, which is the area that was previously the Goodwill Donation Center, and Bearpaw will use the remaining.

    Residents on social media have expressed some concern about limited parking in front of both Bearpaw and DarkHeart Brewery. Romeo said there are at least 80 parking spots located around the corner of the building that houses Whatsupstairs, Bearpaw Outlet, and DarkHeart Brewery. The parking spaces would be shared among the three businesses, along with Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant and Misión Roca De Salvación church.

    Romeo, who owns the former Goodwill building, said DarkHeart Brewery is aiming for an opening date sometime in September or October.

  • Citrus Heights neighborhoods plan National Night Out events for 2024

    Citrus Heights neighborhoods plan National Night Out events for 2024

    Kathy Morris, right, stands near a table set up at C-Bar-C Park on Aug. 2, for National Night Out 2022. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, neighborhoods across the country come together for National Night Out. In Citrus Heights this year, there are seven registered National Night Out events planned throughout the city.

    C-Bar-C Park: CHASEN which represents Neighborhood Areas 7, 8 and 9, is hosting their annual National Night Out event at C-Bar-C Park on Tuesday evening, beginning at 6 p.m. Activities will include an inflatable slide, balloon animals, face painting, volleyball, cornhole, drone demonstrations, and craft tables, according to CHASEN President Bill Shirley.

    The event will also be offering free food, Shirley said, including hotdogs, chili, tortilla chips, watermelon, Leatherby’s ice cream, and drinks. There will also be a dessert potluck and the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band is slated to perform. The event is open to the public and will run from 6-8 p.m.

    Ascension Lutheran Church: Neighborhood Areas 2 and 6 are hosting a National Night Out event at Ascension Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. and include games for all ages, face painting, a DJ, a Paw Spa for pets, and Teen Tech Support for seniors. Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen food truck will be on site and snow cones and slushies will also be available, said Area 6 Treasurer Ruth Fox. There will also be a Cornhole competition, with prizes for winners, and the Citrus Heights Police Department will be on site demonstrating the use of police drones. Ascension Lutheran Church is located at 7607 Garden Gate Drive.

    Sunrise Pointe Apartments: The Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL) will be partnering with the Sunrise Pointe community for this year’s National Night Out. Citrus Heights Police Commander Kris Frey said PAL will be hosting an interactive booth featuring a coloring station and a variety of games for children to enjoy. Sunrise Pointe’s management will be organizing a barbecue for all residents and visitors who attend the event. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Sunrise Pointe Apartments, located at 7424 Sunrise Blvd.

    According to the city’s website, other events will be held in the following neighborhoods:

    • Parkoaks Neighborhood
      6031 Ridgeview Ct. || 6-9 p.m.
    • Lakeview Village Mobile Home Park
      6211 Summerset Ln. || 6-8 p.m.
    • Arborelle Apartments
      8007 Sunrise Blvd. || 3:30-6 p.m.
    • Woodmore Oaks Neighborhood Watch
      7-Eleven Store || 5:30-9:30 p.m.
      6840 Woodmore Oaks Drive

    National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. According to Natw.org, National Night Out was introduced in August of 1984 through an already established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the nation. The first annual National Night Out involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

  • Montessori school plans to serve diverse community in Citrus Heights

    A new Montessori preschool plans to take residence in the vacant Sears Parts & Service building. // Image: City Project Map

    Updated Aug. 1, 4:55 p.m.–
    By Sara Beth Williams– Business owners Natalia and Max Boyko are proposing to transform the former Sears Parts and Service building at Sunrise Mall into a center for learning, serving children from age two to 12.

    As previously reported, city documents indicate that a minor use permit application for Sunrise Montessori occupy the building at Sunrise Mall, is currently under review.

    The former 12,000-square-foot building has been newly remodeled, according to leasing documents. According to the proposed site plan documents, the layout for the new preschool will include two classrooms for five and six-year-olds, two classrooms for three and four-year-olds, one classroom for two and three-year-olds, and two classrooms for six to twelve-year-olds.

    The plans also call for the construction of a 4,500-square-foot playground area, offices, a break room area, and restroom facilities.

    In an interview on Wednesday, Natalia Boyko told The Sentinel that she has a “huge wait-list” of families seeking daycare in the area around the Sunrise Mall, including families from Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks.

    The Boykos are part of the Ukrainian community, Natalia Boyko said, and work with refugees from Ukraine and Russia to try and provide daycare. Boyko owns another childcare center called Advanced Early Childhood Education, as well as her own in-home daycare, which she operates in Fair Oaks. According to the childcare center’s website, the Advanced Early Childhood Education Center is the first full-service, nonprofit preschool for Russian-speaking children.

    Boyko said the new school is seeking to offer childhood education classes as well as kindergarten and after-school care, with time for homework. Boyko added that the school hopes to provide organic foods from local farmer’s markets, and said there will be no TV or video games.

    “It will be for everybody,” Boyko said, noting she is planning to have teachers who speak several languages, including English, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, and Romanian. Boyko said families can have children placed in English-speaking-only classes if they wish, and that all teachers will assist non-English-speaking students in learning English.

    In a letter submitted to the city, the Boykos said the school plans to support and sponsor children who “might otherwise miss out due to economic constraints” by offering scholarships and sponsorship programs.

    “We are dedicated to leveling the playing field, ensuring every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, is given the chance to discover their talents, develop virtues, and flourish in an environment of enriched learning,” the letter states.

    City documents show the school is proposed to have 18 staff members and up to 173 students. Boyko wants to open the new preschool “as soon as possible” and is aiming for Jan. 1, 2025.

    *This article has been updated with the proper title of the Sears building, along with an image from the city’s project map.

  • Citrus Heights mayor says governor’s homeless directive won’t make ‘one bit of difference’

    Citrus Heights mayor says governor’s homeless directive won’t make ‘one bit of difference’

    File photo, a notice posted by Citrus Heights police near the site of a homeless camp on Mariposa Avenue gives 72 hour notice for property to be removed before being confiscated. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order last week directing state agencies to develop policies to address homeless encampments with “both urgency and compassion” is being criticized by Citrus Heights Mayor Bret Daniels.

    Daniels told The Sentinel that the state should have addressed the issue of chronic homelessness in California years ago, and said the governor’s order is a reaction to political pressure.

    “I think the governor is being disingenuous at best,” Daniels said on Friday following the announcement. “I don’t think his executive order will make one bit of difference in what we see in California.”

    According to the July 25 release, Newsom’s executive order directs the state to develop guidance to assist local governments in creating their own policies to address encampments, and encourages agencies to take advantage of state grant funding available through Proposition 1, which aims to expand the behavioral health continuum and provide care to individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

    The announcement comes on the heels of a 6 to 3 decision, where the Supreme Court voted in favor of Grants Pass, Oregon, on June 28, and wrote, “The [Grants Pass] public-camping laws prohibit actions undertaken by any person, regardless of status. It makes no difference whether the charged defendant is currently a person experiencing homelessness, a backpacker on vacation, or a student who abandons his dorm room to camp out in protest on the lawn of a municipal building.”

    The June 2024 decision overturned the 2018 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ previous Martin v. Boise decision, which had barred cities from enforcing public camping ordinances if there weren’t enough shelter beds for homeless individuals.

    “The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses,” Newsom said in the release.

    The governor’s executive order outlines “unprecedented investments” of $24 billion in funding across multiple agencies and departments, such as housing and homeless support services. However, a recent bipartisan audit on homelessness funding over the last five years found much of the state’s billions in funds earmarked to tackle homelessness have gone unaccounted for, or have been “inconsistently tracked.”

    According to local news reports, the audit analyzed five programs that received a combined $13.7 billion in funding and determined that only two of them were “likely cost-effective,” including one that converts hotel and motel rooms into housing and another that provides housing assistance to prevent families from becoming homeless.

    While Daniels is critical of the governor’s order, others like Sacramento Mayor Darrel Steinberg praised the guidance of Newsom’s executive order and said he believes in “compassionate enforcement.” Daniels announced earlier this year that he will be moving to Kentucky at the end of his term, citing an “overbearing government system” in California.

    As previously reported, in Citrus Heights, the city has been working with both police and county agencies to help combat and “break the cycle” of homelessness, according to City Manager Ash Feeney.

    In a July 10 quarterly message, Feeney called the city’s approach to homelessness “comprehensive” and outlined several collaborative efforts between the city, Citrus Heights Police Department, and Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services and Housing.

    In managing public safety and quality of life issues, the city has implemented the Beautification Crew, which works with the Police Department to address illegal activities such as illegal camping, unlawful storage of personal property in public spaces, illegal dumping, shopping cart abandonment, and chronic nuisance offenses.

    Feeney emphasized that the Police Department strives to connect unhoused individuals with services, but the department is also responsible for “bringing accountability through law enforcement” and emphasized that there will be “increased accountability for violations of the law,” following the Grants Pass court ruling.

    “Citrus Heights is committed to using this restored authority to balance compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness with the need to maintain public order and safety,” Feeney said.

    Want to share your thoughts on this story? Click here to submit a letter-to-the-editor.

  • House fire on Monday prompts lane closure on Sylvan Road

    Sacramento Metro Fire Engine
    Sac Metro Fire crews responded to a house fire on Sylvan Creek Ct. on Monday. // Sophia Otterstad

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    A fire broke out inside a home just after 10 a.m. Monday on a side street off Sylvan Road.

    Citrus Heights police officers blocked off one lane of Sylvan Road for at least an hour after the fire, with Sylvan Creek Court observed to be almost entirely blocked by emergency vehicles on Monday morning. At least five fire trucks, plus additional medic, police, and battalion chief units were among the responding crews. A Metro Fire support unit with decontamination equipment was also on scene.

    Damage to the home was largely held to the interior. Firefighters could be seen entering and exiting the garage, and a ladder was set up for roof access.

    Neighbors reported that fire could be seen coming from a window and that fire crews had to cut into the structure. Parker Wilbourn, battalion chief with Sacramento Metro Fire said cutting into rooftops helps to draw smoke out of the interior.

    Wilbourn said the fire was contained to a single room and part of the hallway, and one person was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to the hospital. Another occupant escaped without injury. CBS 13 reported a kitten inside the home was also rescued by firefighters.

    Wilbourn reported that dispatching decontamination units is a standard procedure to reduce cancer exposure.

    The fire remains under investigation.

  • SJUSD school board to vote on potential $950M bond measure for Nov. ballot

    SJUSD school board to vote on potential $950M bond measure for Nov. ballot

    San Juan Unified School District
    San Juan Unified School District. File photo. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    During a special meeting on Tuesday, the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education is scheduled to vote on whether to place a $950 million local bond measure on the November ballot.

    School board members at the July 30 meeting will consider a recommendation to adopt Resolution No. 4144, “ordering an election to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds” in the amount of $950 million. The funds would be used for upgrading aging classrooms and restrooms, fixing leaking roofs, removing asbestos, lead, and mold, and upgrading safety and security measures according to the agenda packet. Funds would also go toward teacher retention efforts and attracting quality teachers.

    Funding would come from property taxes, levied at $60 per $100,000 of assessed value, which would be collected until fiscal year 2054-55, according to an official estimate included in board documents.

    According to the agenda packet, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz, and Associates (FM3 Research) conducted a district-wide community survey of 648 likely voters from July 10 – July 15. Survey findings showed the proposed bond would draw 62 percent of likely “yes” votes and 32 percent of likely “no” votes, with 5 percent undecided and a margin of error of 4 percent.

    When asked how San Juan Unified School District is doing at managing its finances, 23 percent of respondents rated that the district was doing a “good” or “excellent” job, and 43 percent said the district doing “poor” or “only fair” in managing finances. Another third of respondents, 35 percent, replied they didn’t know enough to rate the district’s financial management.

    The district’s school board special meeting will be held Tuesday, July 30 at 5 p.m. at the San Juan Unified District Office, located at 3738 Walnut Ave., in Carmichael.

    Public comment can be made in person during the board meeting. Comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

    Members of the public may submit written comments by using the comment form located on the district website, with written comments are limited to 1,500 characters. Board members can also be emailed directly: boardmembers@sanjuan.edu.

    During the special meeting, public comment will only be permitted on the items currently listed on the agenda. Comments regarding other items should be submitted during the next regular board meeting scheduled for Aug. 13.

    To place the measure on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot, the seven-member board must vote two-thirds in favor, and the measure must subsequently be approved by at least 55 percent of voters.

    *This article has been updated to reflect the correct dollar amount of the bond measure of $950 million.

  • Private school seeks to open in former Sears Auto building at Sunrise Mall

    The building which formerly held Sears is under review to become a preschool. // SB Williams
    The building which formerly held Sears is under review to become a preschool. // SB Williams

    Correction: This story has been updated to clarify that the school is proposed to take up the former Sears Parts and Service building, not the main retail building.

    Updated Aug. 3, 11:36 a.m.–
    By Sara Beth Williams– The building formerly home to Sears Parts and Service in Citrus Heights could soon house a new Montessori preschool.

    City documents submitted on June 25 show that Sunrise Montessori School plans to take up residence in the vacant space formerly filled by Sears Auto. The school would not fill the main Sears building, but would take up a smaller building in the parking lot that once served as a parts and service building for Sears.

    Sunrise Montessori plans to use the new location as a preschool, with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., documents show. Programs include preschool, daycare, kindergarten, and after-school care for elementary children aged six to 12. The school lists an occupancy of 173 students and 18 adult staff.

    Floor diagrams show the site broken into several classrooms for two to three-year-olds, three to four-year-olds, and five to six-year-olds, along with office space, and a 4,500-square-foot playground.

    According to a letter of intended use by Sunrise Montessori, the company would also offer scholarships and sponsorship program opportunities for low-income families.

    Real estate mogul Ethan Conrad, owner of the former Sears building along with several other real estate properties in the city, told The Sentinel via email that he is in the process of amending the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan to allow for the “logical retail uses of this property and the adjacent property.” Conrad also said he has several pending sales transactions and leases “to highly desirable retail tenants.”

    Previously, the 10 acres of land had been listed for sale for two years at the price of $16.3 million, according to commercial real estate site LoopNet.

    Sears closed its doors in 2018 and has remained vacant, except for seasonal use during Halloween. Just one month after acquiring the former Sears property, Conrad listed it for sale, along with leasing options.