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Author: Sara Beth Williams

  • City says new placards will soon mark more historic points in Citrus Heights

    Auburn blvd 1928
    Auburn Blvd. facing north in the spring of 1928. Sylvan Cemetery is on the left. An Almond orchard is on the right. // Courtesy of Citrus Heights Historical Society.

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The city plans to install new placards along Auburn Boulevard, commemorating four historic points along the old Lincoln Highway route.

    In partnership with Andrew Saunders, Treasurer of CHANT Area 3 Neighborhood Association and member of the Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter, the city has identified four historical route points along Auburn Boulevard and plans to install historical placards to denote each location.

    The four locations include: Auburn Boulevard adjacent to Sylvan Cemetery District, Auburn Boulevard adjacent to 14-Mile House near Donegal Drive, Auburn Boulevard near 12-Mile House near Devecchi Avenue south of Greenback Lane, and Auburn Boulevard at the northern city limits.

    The fabrication of placards is already in progress, according to Citrus Heights General Services Director Regina Cave, who presented a preview of the new placards during a July 10 City Council meeting. 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.”

    Citrus Heights Historical Society President Larry Fritz said in an interview that the Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 and followed Auburn Boulevard from Sacramento, turned left at what is now Sylvan Corners, and traveled through Roseville to the city of Auburn.

    Along the route from Sacramento to the city of Auburn, there were once six different mile houses located in the vicinity of what is now Citrus Heights dating back to the 19th century. The houses were used as way stations where people traveling the two-day route could spend the night.

    “That’s how Citrus Heights got started,” Fritz said. The 14-Mile House is the only structure that has survived, and in the 1930s, a bar was built on the site of the original 12-Mile House, which is located near the western city limits.

    According to the Lincoln Highway Association, the Lincoln Highway was the first coast-to-coast transcontinental highway that traveled from New York to San Francisco. The Lincoln Highway Association pieced together existing roads to establish the route and has published a guide and other resources online to help motorists follow the route.

    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.”

    Related: The history behind those ‘Lincoln 40’ signs in Citrus Heights

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

    “The markers had a brass emblem of Abraham Lincoln, and they had an arrow to tell you which direction the highway went,” Fritz said, adding that a replica of a concrete marker stands at Sylvan Corners near the site where the original would have been built.

    The city will coordinate the installation of the Historic Lincoln Highway placards in the coming months, Cave said, adding that she hopes the placard to be placed at the northern city limits can be incorporated into a planned archway and monument welcoming residents to the city of Citrus Heights.

    Several City Council members complimented the design, and Mayor Bret Daniels said it would “look great” incorporated into the new monument.

    Also on The Sentinel: The story behind the towers at Sylvan Corners

  • Real Estate Bargains: What can you buy for under $400K in Citrus Heights?

    Real Estate Bargains: What can you buy for under $400K in Citrus Heights?

    4 bedroom home on Sierravale way
    This 4-bedroom home on Sierravale Way sold for $375,000 in July, 2024. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Soaring housing prices have made it a challenge for buyers seeking a single-family home for under $400,000, but in Citrus Heights there’s some options available.

    Recently, a four-bedroom, two bath, 1,500-square-foot home on Sierravale Way just sold for $375,000 on July 11. The property was listed “as is.”

    According to Erin Stumpf, a real estate broker with Coldewell Banker who covers Sacramento County, there have been 281 sales of single-family homes under $400,000 since April 18. During the same period, nine sales of single-family homes sold in Citrus Heights for under $400,000.

    “Primarily the homes under $400,000 that have closed recently in Citrus Heights are “fixers” of varying levels,” Stumpf said in an email, explaining that lower-priced properties tend to require anywhere from minor repairs like new flooring or paint, to major renovations, like new HVAC units, roofing, or siding.

    Currently, Trulia lists three single-family homes for sale for under $400,000. One has no air conditioning, according to the property’s listing information.

    Stumpf also said homes selling for $400,000 may be smaller in size.

    A small craftsman home on Leonard Avenue, listed by Century 21 Select Real Estate, is also selling for under $400,000. The home was built in 1928 and has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and just 690-square-feet of living space.

    According to data from the National Association of Realtors, the median price for an existing home—one that’s already standing, not new construction—was $387,600 in the US as of November 2023.

    Comparatively, the median home value of single-family homes in California is $814,000, according to data from the California Association of Realtors, while the median value for condos and townhomes in California is $655,000.

    There are far more opportunities for home ownership with properties that are condos or half-plexes, Stumpf said. In the last four months, 33 condos, half-plexes and townhomes sold in Citrus Heights for under $400,000, according to Stumpf.

    “These types of properties can be an excellent way to get into homeownership at a lower price-point, with the property being in superior condition, and having more amenities,” Stumpf said.

    Stumpf said her first home was a townhome in Citrus Heights, which she eventually sold and used the net proceeds to purchase another home.

    “Everyone has to start somewhere and that type of move-up scenario is very common,” she said.

    In Citrus Heights, several condos and townhomes are listed for $400,000 or less, including a three-bedroom, three-bath home, which recently dropped in price from $425,000. The property on Castillo Court boasts 1,900-square-feet of living space and a two-car garage, however, the home is located in a housing community, which requires an additional monthly Home Owners Association fee of about $500 per month.

    According to Sacramento real estate blogger and appraisal expert Ryan Lundquist, HOA communities offer a more “controlled environment” where things like curb appeal and what homeowners can do inside their house are regulated. While many dislike the additional rules found in many HOA’s, advantages include, having landscaping and house repairs done for you, having access to a community clubhouse or pool, and some “higher-end” HOA communities can help control blight and create an “appealing community,” which Lundquist writes, can greatly influence property value.

  • Citrus Heights bakery operated by former Ettore’s pastry chef

    Pastry Chef José Tellez
    Pastry Chef and owner José Tellez stands in front of Pastry Heaven European Bakery. // SB Williams

    By Nadezhda Otterstad–
    For nearly two decades, Pastry Chef José Tellez has been serving his sweet creations at Pastry Heaven European Bakery, located on the outskirts of Citrus Heights in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center.

    Among familiar desserts like bear claw pastries, cinnamon rolls, and croissants, customers know Tellez for his custom cakes created for special events. Beautiful three-tier cakes can be seen on Pastry Heaven’s website and social media pages, with seemingly endless choices.

    Tellez’s interest in advancing his career as a pastry chef started with a single gingerbread house that he was asked to make at the San Jose bakery where he was first employed.

    “After the bosses saw what he could do, they encouraged him to progress, and he started to work his way up to assistant pastry chef,” his son David Tellez told The Sentinel.

    These days, the bakery Tellez runs with his family is frequented by loyal customers. Bakery staff say about 50 cakes per week are made on site, with popular picks being a Fruit Basket cake and a Napoleon cake. Croissants are also a popular choice.

    Tellez has been in the bakery industry for 30 years, according to the bakery’s website. Previously, he worked as an assistant pastry chef at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, as well as pastry chef at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento, head pastry chef at the Grand Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento, and at Sacramento’s famous Ettore’s Bakery.

    At some point, the path to entrepreneurship made more sense, and according to his son, Tellez spent a year from 2003 to 2004 baking from his home garage.

    “Dad gained his loyal clients starting at church, [and through] word of mouth, said the younger Tellez. “We still have these same clients to this day that keep our business going.”

    In 2005, Tellez’s father opened a shop unofficially in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center, right before the recession hit. Tellez shared that it was a difficult time for businesses.

    “The neighboring businesses in the same strip mall never filled up after the recession. They stayed vacant,” Tellez said.

    Pastry Heaven European Bakery is located at 8069 Madison Ave., at the corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Madison Avenue. The bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Guest Opinion: California’s Air Resource Board is off the rails

    By Sue Frost–
    I would love to be able to drive an affordable car that hovers over traffic and runs on a spoonful of tap water, but since that technology doesn’t exist, it would be crazy to impose regulation on consumers.

    But that is exactly what the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is doing by pushing tough environmental rules they claim will reduce pollution from boats, trucks, and trains, aiming for a carbon-neutral future. These new regulations rely on technology that doesn’t currently exist, so their justification is based more on science fiction than practical reality.

    In January, CARB started implementing the California Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation. This builds on their earlier Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. Both are designed to force companies to replace current fleets with zero-emission vehicles. California has 13 ports and moves millions of tons of produce to markets every year—including those that supply essential goods to cities like Citrus Heights—so it plays a huge role in the U.S. transportation system.

    The controversy gets even worse when we look at the rail sector. Last fall, CARB wanted to bring in stricter pollution standards for all trains in California. They hoped to force rail companies to use advanced technologies that aren’t yet practical or affordable. New locomotives could cost $4 to $5 million each, which might bankrupt smaller rail companies and would raise the cost of everything from produce to blue jeans.

    Trains account for less than 0.5% of air pollution—so even if the technology worked and was affordable, the impact would barely be measurable. These regulations could also disrupt supply chains since different states would need to swap out locomotives at California’s border to meet these new rules.

    During a Congressional hearing, a representative from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District claimed that trucks might be cleaner for transporting freight than trains, contrary to long-established facts. This statement indicates bureaucrats favor trucking over rail services, paradoxically increasing truck traffic and undermining purported environmental benefits of reducing train operations—all while the state continues to pour billions of dollars into the ill-fated California High-Speed Rail. It just doesn’t make sense.

    CARB defends these regulations by comparing current train emissions to the future performance of an imaginary electric freight truck fleet envisioned by the new ACF rule. There are a host of problems with this pie-in-the-sky analysis:

    • California does not produce nearly enough electricity to support an electric truck fleet (or an electric train fleet.)
    • California does not have the charging infrastructure needed to deliver electricity to support the imaginary fleet.
    • Electric Trucks have an optimal range of 250-300 miles, but truckers currently average over 500 miles per day. The technology exists to replace the neighborhood Amazon delivery truck with an electric version, current technology can’t replace the long-haul freighters who deliver the goods to the Amazon warehouse.
    • California has over 400,000 heavy freight trucks delivering goods across the state – and fewer than 4,000 are electric (mostly for short-range delivery). There is not enough manufacturing capacity to replace all 400,000 heavy trucks.
    • CARB has no viable plan for the disposal of old diesel trucks and engines they are trying to regulate out of existence.

    The real problem with CARB’s approach is that unelected bureaucrats are imposing massive new regulations based on science fiction and driven by activist ideology rather than engineering or common sense—and without input from those directly impacted. These speculative regulations pose a threat to the viability of existing transport systems, would drastically increase the costs of energy, food, and other goods, and raise concerns about the equitable and effective governance of environmental policies.

    As debates continue and the EPA considers CARB’s waiver request, the decisions made will significantly influence the future of national transportation and economic stability.

    Sue Frost, supervisor
    Sue Frost

    I want cleaner air, but rather than relying on slogans and science fiction, we should concentrate our resources on proven methods we already know will reduce emissions – like improving roads and highways to reduce traffic jams and modernizing ports and freight transfer stations so trucks are not forced to idle for hours waiting for loads.

    Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost formerly served as a Citrus Heights councilwoman and currently represents District 4, which includes Citrus Heights.  She can be contacted at (916) 874-5491, or SupervisorFrost@saccounty.net.

    Want to share your own thoughts on this topic or another local issue? The Sentinel welcomes guest opinions of all viewpoints. Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here

  • Investigation continues over ‘suspicious’ death in Citrus Heights house fire

    Home on Oak Grove following a housefire
    A home on Oak Grove Avenue in Citrus Heights was damaged by a house fire on June 7, 2024.

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was found inside a burning home last month remain unclear.

    Citrus Heights Police General Investigations Sergeant Eric Dias confirmed the identity of the man killed in a house fire on Oak Grove Avenue on June 7 as 61-year-old George Benson. The death is being called suspicious, according to the Police Department. Sacramento County Coroner’s Office records confirm the victim’s identity and date of passing. The cause of death is listed as undetermined.

    Sacramento Metro Fire District and the Police Department responded to 7545 Oak Grove Ave. off Auburn Boulevard on June 7, just before noon and arrived to find a fire in progress. After the fire was extinguished, a deceased person was found inside the home. No other structures were threatened or damaged during the fire.

    A Sacramento Metro Fire District Fire Incident Report obtained by The Sentinel indicates that engines arrived to find “a one-story house with heavy fire coming from the front window and front door on the Alpha side.”

    While putting out the fire, crews discovered a deceased victim inside the living room of the residence. Primary and secondary searches were completed, and there were no other victims, according to the report.

    Signs of multiple fire starts were noted by the interior crews, the report reads. After the scene was stabilized, Command ordered all personnel out of the building to maintain the integrity of the scene for investigation. Arson and Police investigators were called in to investigate the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deceased.

    Metro Fire officials confirmed with The Sentinel on Friday that the fire is being investigated as arson at this time.

    Oak Grove Avenue was blocked off for hours following the scene of the fire, while investigators continued working throughout the day. Dias said in the weeks following the fire, the Police Department spent time interviewing people and collecting evidence in order to determine what happened.

    Dias told The Sentinel on July 19 that the Police Department is seeking more public information regarding the unsolved case and is asking anyone who has information to contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers, at 1-800-AA-CRIME. Residents can also submit anonymous tips through the Crime Stopper’s website. The Citrus Heights Police Department also has a tip line, which residents can call, at 916-727-5524.

    Family members of Benson declined to provide a comment to The Sentinel.

  • 2024 Citrus Heights Police Log Spotlight: July 11-17

    Sentinel staff report–
    The latest police logs in Citrus Heights show a drop in animal control calls, theft, incidents of violence and threats and traffic accidents while showing an increase in 911 hangups, vehicle violations, homeless-related calls, vandalism and disturbance calls.

    A summary of the most recent seven police logs are listed below, from July 11-17, 2024.

    • Animal control: 54 (down from 56)
    • 911 hangups: 58 (up from 37)
    • Code enforcement: 33 (same as prior week)
    • Traffic accidents: 33 (down from 34)
    • Vehicle violations: 255 (up from 230)
    • Theft: 32 (down from 37)
    • Homeless-related: 30 (up from 24)
    • Vandalism: 4 (up from 3)
    • Violent/threats: 35 (down from 38)
    • Disturbance: 108 (up from 89)
    • Suspicious circumstances: 182 (up from 167)
    • All incidents: 1,352 (down from 1471)

    See full police activity and arrest logs on the city’s website: click here.

    Citrus Heights police resumed publishing of daily incident logs in March 2023. The department notes that its logs “are not intended as a full and complete list of all police activity,” with some information not displayed for legal reasons, such as arrests of minors. As such, police advise that summary totals based on public logs may differ from weekly incident and arrest totals posted by police on social media.

    The department notes on its website that: “All arrested suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Additionally, the original crimes, nature of offenses, and charges may be amended or dismissed as further information is made available.”

    Editor’s Note: police log summaries are published with assistance from AI, but edited by humans. Please contact us if you spot an error.

  • Auburn Blvd: Long-awaited 2nd phase of major roadwork to begin Monday

    lane closed road sign
    Lane closures will occur only in areas along Auburn Boulevard with active construction. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    After more than ten years of designing and planning, the second phase of construction along Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to begin Monday, July 22, the city announced last week.

    Authorized in 2005, the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project envisioned a revitalized and enhanced section of Auburn Boulevard, from Sylvan corners to Interstate 80. The nearly two-mile-long project was broken into two phases, with Phase 1 covering the section from Sylvan corners to Rusch Park,  just beyond Antelope Road, and Phase 2 covering the remaining section of boulevard up to Interstate 80. Phase 1 construction took three years to complete, according to City Engineer Leslie Blomquist.

    In an interview with the Sentinel, Blomquist said planning for the second phase of construction began even before the first phase of construction along the corridor was complete, and that 10 years is standard for a project of such magnitude. The Auburn Boulevard revitalization project is “the largest capital improvement project the city has undertaken” according to the press release.

    “There are a lot of moving pieces,” Blomquist said in reference to the planning for this second phase, adding that project planning experienced delays during the pandemic.

    Once designs and planning were complete, the city found that costs all around had significantly increased, due to the pandemic, inflation, and other associated factors Blomquist said. The original target budget for the project was $23 million, according to a video posted by the city in 2021. Now the budget for construction sits at roughly $35.5 million. Acquiring more grant funding for the project forced implementation to be delayed, Blomquist said.

    In February 2024, construction bids came back at nearly $10 million over budget, forcing yet another four-to-five-month delay while the city reevaluated the design plan.

    In reevaluating the design plan amid construction costs, the city has chosen to implement 24-hour lane closures of one lane in each direction in sections of  active construction. Blomquist said implementing 24-hour lane closures will save nearly $3 million over the course of the project.

    Another benefit, Blomquist added, was the increased productivity and efficiency for construction crews, as traffic cones and signs will not have to be set up and torn down each day, resulting in an estimated two extra hours of construction work per day.

    The city estimates that the revitalization project will be completed in the fall of 2026, however, according to a city news release, factors like weather, unknown underground conditions, and coordination between multiple project stakeholders and utility companies could delay completion of the project.

    Blomquist emphasized that only sections under active construction will be closed and said businesses along the boulevard will remain open. “Business Open” signage will be placed at all open driveways informing residents of safe access points to and from private properties and businesses, the city said in its release.

    Planned improvements include undergrounding of overhead utilities, installation of bicycle lanes and wide sidewalks, upgrading traffic signals to meet current standards, increasing safety and visibility through decorative street lighting, beautifying the corridor with new landscaping and trees, replacing old storm drain infrastructure, enhancing transit stops for ADA compliance. The city also plans to erect a “Welcome to Citrus Heights” gateway structure at the northern city limits, and complete a full roadway overlay and new striping.

    “We’re going to see significant safety improvements,” Blomquist said, explaining that safety enhancements are not only designed to benefit drivers and reduce the chances of potential collisions, but enhancements like landscaping buffers between the street and sidewalks and new bike lanes will benefit pedestrians and bicyclists as well.

    Blomquist said the improvements will create a more “appealing” and walkable boulevard, with new decorative street lighting and trees along the boulevard.

    “We’re hoping that we can invite more people to come visit Citrus Heights,” Blomquist said.

    Beginning in late August, the city announced team members for the Auburn Boulevard Project will host office hours at Rusch Community Park for business owners, residents and travelers to discuss the project’s developments. Specific dates and times weren’t immediately available and will be shared in the coming weeks, the city said. Until the August office hours begin, city staff are available to set up calls or meetings as needed.

  • Citrus Heights city manager promises ‘increased accountability’ after court ruling on camping

    Citrus Heights city manager promises ‘increased accountability’ after court ruling on camping

    File photo. Personal belongings and tarps were set up along Sunrise Boulevard near Old Auburn Road in December, 2022. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The Citrus Heights City Manager last week celebrated the “landmark” City of Grants Pass v. Johnson Supreme Court decision in a message to residents.

    In his July 10 quarterly message, Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney opened by acknowledging the “tremendous efforts” and ongoing work within the city in addressing and preventing homelessness. 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.

    Feeney stated that the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, clarifies that the Eight Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishment” clause is not applicable to public camping ordinances, and the court’s decision allows cities to have “greater authority in managing public spaces.”

    In a 6 to 3 decision, 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 controversial 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.

    Feeney emphasized that the decision in favor of Grants Pass “reaffirms” that local governments have the right to implement solutions “tailored to their unique circumstances.”

    “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, adding that homelessness is a “multifaceted issue,” and associated policies and responses are “diverse and evolving.”

    Feeney outlined several collaborative approaches that the city has taken to both address, prevent, and “break the cycle” of homelessness. 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 said the Police Department strives to connect unhoused individuals with services, but noted the department is also responsible for “bringing accountability through law enforcement” and said there will be “increased accountability for violations of the law.”

    In 2023, during an annual presentation to the City Council, the Police Department and General Services reported that 76 tons of trash and debris were taken off the streets by the Beautification Crew, along with over 1,500 shopping carts.

    To help combat homelessness, Feeney said the city now works in collaboration with Sacramento County to help connect unhoused individuals with county programs and services.

    In October 2023, the city began utilizing Community Health Workers as part of a street outreach team in partnership with Community HealthWorks. Citrus Heights utilizes two part-time Community Health Workers who connect with and provide unhoused individuals with various services, including medical assistance, food, clothes, emergency shelter, and transportation to necessary appointments. In the first seven months of operation, the program has enrolled 95 individuals in services and temporarily or permanently housed 24 individuals, he said.

    Despite these efforts, the city has been criticized for its response to homelessness, including during public comment at a July 10 council meeting where advocates urged for humane treatment and safe places for homeless to sleep. Residents also frequently appear before the City Council to complain about homeless camps and other related issues, urging more action from the city.

    Feeney concluded his message by outlining several ways the community can help.

    To help connect an unhoused individual to resources residents can call 2-1-1 and press 8 for information on services and to connect with a Community Health Worker.

    Workers are also available on Mondays at Living Water Church located at 7605 Lauppe Ln. from 1 pm to 3 pm., and on most Tuesdays, workers visit the Stock Ranch Nature Preserve located at 7000 Auburn Blvd., from 3-4 p.m. to connect with the unhoused.

    Residents can report illegal camping or dumping by calling the Citrus Heights Police Department. For crimes in progress, or if residents witness dangerous or suspicious activities, residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1.

    Lastly, Feeney said residents can volunteer with the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) and get involved with the Citrus Heights Collaborative.

    Feeney regularly releases quarterly city manager messages at various times throughout the year. In March 2024, Feeney discussed infrastructure, and in December 2023 Feeney discussed community image.

  • 7 local pizza places to try in Citrus Heights

    Whole pizza with bite in slice
    File photo, pizza. // Pixabay

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    While Citrus Heights boasts several mainstay national pizza establishments that offer places for residents to gather together, we’ve collected a list of seven independent and smaller chain pizza restaurants and listed them by rank, based on online reviews.

    Delish Pizza: 8128 Auburn Blvd.

    Delish has six locations in California and one in Kentucky, according to its website, and offers several types of pizza, including a Garlic Supreme, Garlic Chicken, Epic Veggie, and the Spartan pizza. The restaurant also has a Create Your Own Pizza option.

    Alongside pizza, Delish offers calzones, wings, salad, pasta dishes, and dessert. Customers can order online for delivery or pickup. Delish on Auburn Boulevard has a 4.8-star rating on Yelp and a 5.0-star rating on Google.

    Benji’s Woodfire Pizza: 7530 Auburn Blvd.

    Andray Mikayelyan, owner of Benji’s Woodfire Pizza, told The Sentinel in an interview that his pizzeria started in his garage in 2021. Benji’s Woodfire Pizza boasts hand-stretched, authentic Neapolitan pizzas, according to its website, and offers classic pizzas like pepperoni and carnivore pizzas, along with Margherita, Bianco, and Prosciutto Special pizzas. Mikayelyan says proceeds help fund The Father’s Lighthouse, a home for fatherless boys. The restaurant also offers catering services and has a 4.8-star rating on Yelp and a 4.9-star rating on Google.

    916 Pizza: 6916 Sunrise Blvd.

    This locally owned pizza place is operated by two Italian brothers and boasts a long list of signature pizzas, including regulars like pepperoni, vegetarian, and Hawaiian, and unique pizzas like the Capriccioso Pizza, a Pulled Pork Pizza, and Chicken Pesto Pizza. 916 Pizza has a 4.7 rating on Yelp and Google.

    Ciro’s Pizza Café: 7521 Old Auburn Rd.

    Ciro’s strives to create “artisan-crafted” dishes, according to their website. The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of specialty pizzas, buffalo wings, sandwiches, calzones, and artisan flatbreads. Ciro’s also has a Create Your Own pizza option, and the restaurant offers low-calorie cauliflower crusts created with mozzarella, rice flour, egg whites, starch, sugar, yeast, salt, brown rice, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Ciro’s has a 4.4-star rating on Yelp and Google.

    Giant Pizza: 6401 Antelope Rd., # C

    Giant Pizza, located on Antelope Road, offers customers large 16-inch pizzas beginning at $17.99. The restaurant’s pizza choices include a Giant Combo, Vegetarian, Giant Supreme, All Meat Lovers, a Greek Pizza, and a Garlic Lovers Pizza. Customers can also create their own pizza. The menu also includes a variety of sides, including wings, chicken tenders, salads, and more. Giant Pizza has two other Sacramento locations. The location in Citrus Heights has a 4.3-star rating on Google, and a 3.2-star rating on Yelp.

    Italian Brothers Pizza and Pasta: 7664 Greenback Ln. 

    This locally owned restaurant offers pizza, sandwiches, calzones, salads, and desserts. The restaurant’s pizzas include the New Yorker pizza, Garlic Combination, Calabrian pizza, Pesto Chicken, and Pesto Vegetarian pizzas, among others. Customers can order online, and the restaurant also offers catering services. Italian Brothers has a 4.1-star rating on Google and a 3.6 rating on Yelp. As of July 2024, the restaurant was advertising a $9.99 takeout special for a 1-topping pizza.

    NY City Pizza: 6240 Greenback Ln.

    NY City Pizza has a range of menu offerings, including a heart-shaped pizza with five toppings, which runs for $64.99. Other pizzas include a Greek pizza, Chicken Supreme, Chicken Gourmet, The Works, and Mexican, Fajita, and California-style pizzas. The restaurant runs specials during the week on meals and also offers online ordering. NY City Pizza has a 4.0-star rating on Google and a 3.7-star rating on Yelp.

  • New thrift store to fill former Dollar N More storefront in Citrus Heights

    The Family Outpost
    The Family Outpost is finishing its final set up of merchandise inside before its planned opening Aug. 1. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Another new thrift store plans to open in August in the space formerly filled by Dollar N More.

    The Family Outpost plans to hold a grand opening on Aug. 1, according to store owner Dustin Powell.

    The previous tenant, Dollar N More, closed earlier this year. Rome Real Estate Group confirmed on June 18 on social media that The Family Outpost had signed a lease for the property at 7601 Sunrise Blvd. Suite 11.

    The Family Outpost thrift store plans to sell everything from clothes and shoes to household goods, toys and sports equipment, Powell told The Sentinel, adding that he also has a large quantity of furniture that is currently stored at an offsite location. Powell said he would still like to sell furniture through the store using a photo catalog system.

    “There’s still a lot to finish,” Powell said. Currently, several metal shelves are filled with knickknacks, household items and picture frames, while a large quantity of clothes, shoes and many other items remain in tubs and bags, still to be sorted and arranged. The store also has open-face refrigerators in operation, filled with cold drinks.

    “We’re getting our signs made, our business cards, our work shirts, all done from the guy just a couple of doors down,” Powell said, referring to SJ Graphics, which has operates in the same plaza.

    Powell says he personally loves thrifting and visited other thrift stores in the area to get an idea of what opening his own store could look like. After visiting several other similar stores, Powell said he wants to be aware of those with disabilities and create enough space for people in wheelchairs to navigate throughout the store.

    The former 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 in the Citrus Heights Plaza shopping center at the intersection of Old Auburn Road and Sunrise Boulevard. Neighboring businesses include Rangoon Grocery, 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.