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  • See which roads in Citrus Heights are scheduled for resurfacing

    Citrus Heights District map
    A map of districts within Citrus Heights. // City of Citrus Heights

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Interested to find out which roads in Citrus Heights are slated to be paved over the next year?

    Sections of more than 100 roads in Citrus Heights are slated to be resurfaced this year and next, after the Citrus Heights City Council approved an $8 million contract with Valley Slurry Seal International, Inc. The resurfacing effort is part of the city’s Three-Year-Pavement-Preservation plan.

    The Sentinel has broken down the list of roads into five districts based on this district map. Below is a list of all the roads expected to be resurfaced through 2026, with available details if known. District 1 includes the majority of the 125 roads, with over 80 roads planned for resurfacing District 3 comes in second, while District 2 has only one major road resurfacing project planned. The list does not include any roads from District 5.

    The full list of roads in alphabetical order can be seen below, taken from a city staff report:

    District 1

    • Amsterdam Ave from Valeriana Ave to the southernmost end
    • Annwood Court from Brockwood Way to its end.
    • Antelope Road from western city limits, west of Saybrook, to Lauppe Lane (extends into District 4) This resurfacing is expected to be done at night.
    • Apache Way from Navion Drive to Skyline Drive
    • Ashmont Street from Burntwood Way to Stonehand Ave.
    • Basswood Way from Butternut Drive to Treebine Avenue.
    • Binet Drive from Mercedes Avenue to Greenback Lane
    • Bitterbush Way from Cornerstone Way to Zenith Drive
    • Blackstar Drive from Summerplace Drive to Zenith Drive
    • Bridgemont Way from Oak Bend Way to Van Maren Lane.
    •  Brockwood Way from Stonehand Avenue to Mesaview Drive
    • Brushcreek Court from Mountainside Drive to its end
    • Butternut Drive from Lichen Drive south to Villaview Drive
    • Buttonwood Way from Basswood Way to Treelark Way
    • Canevalley Circle from Mountainside Drive north to Mountainside Drive east
    • Carmelwood Drive from Summerplace Drive to Lichen Drive
    • Castleberry Circle from Villaview Drive west to Villaview Drive east
    • Convair Way from Navion Drive to Skylane Drive
    • Cobra Court from Blackstar Drive
    • Copa Court from Sandridge Way
    • Dancing Creek Court from Bridgemont Way.
    •  Geoffwood Court from Lonewood Way
    • Ebonywood Court from Brockwood Way
    • Erickwood Court from Brockwood Way 
    • Ironbark Court from Navion Drive to its end
    • Lichen Drive from Antelope Road to Whyte Avenue
    • Leaoak Court from Treebine Avenue
    • Lonewood Way from Antelope Road to Stonehand Avenue
    • Lovewood Court from Erickwood Court
    • Mar Vista Way from Glenhurst Way to Tupelo Drive
    • Maranta Court from Sunmist Way
    • Mesaview Drive from Brockwood Way to Summerplace Drive
    • Mimosa Court from Buttonwood Way5
    • Misty Wood Way from Sunmist Way to Sunburst Way
    • Mossview Way from Misty Creek Drive to Sunwood Way
    • Mugho Court from Navion Drive
    • Muschetto Court from Amsterdam Avenue
    • Myrtle Wood Court from Brockwood Way
    • Oak Bend Way from Wonner Way
    • Oak Branch Court from Wonner Way
    • Oak Myrtle Way from Buttonwood Way to Butternut Drive
    • Outlook Drive from city limits west of Villaview Drive
    • Pebblebrook Way from Sunmist Way to Twin Woods Way
    • Pebbletree Way from Ramblewood Way to Carmelwood Drive
    • Piper Court from Convair Way
    • Radford Street from Butternut Drive to Mannerly Way
    • Ramblewood Way from Summerplace Drive to Carmel Wood Drive
    • Ravencrest Way from Briartree Way to Summerplace Drive
    • Reina Court from Summerplace Drive
    • Sage Oak Court from Mossview Way
    • Skylane Drive from Navion Drive to Van Maren Lane
    • Summerplace Drive from Antelope Road to Zenith Drive
    • Sandwood Court from Brockwood Way
    • Serrano Court from Blackstar Drive
    • Tupelo Drive from Antelope Road to Daily Avenue (city limits)
    • Stonecrop Court to Lichen Drive
    • Sky Vista Court from Mar Vista Way
    • Skylane Drive from Navion Drive to Van Maren Lane
    • Softwood Court from Brockwood Way
    • Springleaf Court from Suburst Way
    • Starling Court from Zeith Drive
    • Starwood Court from Erickwood Court
    • Stearman Way from Navion Drive to Skylane drive1 
    • Kaestner Court to Lichen Drive
    • Tanbark Court to Navion Drive
    • Tanoak Way from Outlook Drive to Lichen Drive
    • Oakmyrtle Way From Buttonwood Way to Butternut Drive
    • Treebine Avenue from Lichen Drive to Buttonwood Way
    • Treelark Way from Lichen Drive to Butternut Drive
    • Treetop Court from Oak Bend Way
    • Treefoil Court from Butternut Drive
    • Tupelo Drive from Antelope Road to Daily Avenue (city limits)
    • Twin Brook Court from Oak Branch Court
    • Twin Park Drive from Sunburst Way to Wonner Way
    • Twin Wood Way from Sunmist Way to Sunburst Way
    • Twining Way from Villaview Drive to Radford Street
    • Viscount Way from Woodyard Way to Zenith Drive
    • Voyager Way from Navion Drive to Skylane Drive
    • Woodyard Way from Butteruut Drive to Outlook Drive
    • Yardgate Way from Viscount Way to Outlook Drive-
    • Zenith Drive from Outlook Drive to Butternut Drive
    • Whyte Avenue from Roseville Road to Crescendo Drive
    • Basswood Way from Butternut Drive to Treebine Avenue
    • Wildoak Drive from Mar Vista Way to Tupelo Drive
    • Willow Tree Way from Cloverleaf Way north to Cloverleaf Way south

    District 2

    • Oak Avenue from Sunrise Boulevard to Wachtel Way. Likely resurfacing work will be completed at night, the city said.

    District 3

    • Stock Ranch Road from Sylvan Road to Fountain Square Drive
    • Binet Drive from Mercedes Avenue to Greenback Lane
    • Bremen Drive from Greenback Lane to Van Maren Lane
    • Burnham Drive from Binet Drive to Mercedes Avenue
    • Carlow Drive from Donegal Drive to Bremen Drive
    • Cavan Drive from Donegal Drive to Bremen Drive
    • Chivalry Way from Auburn Boulevard
    • Crosswoods Circle from Crosswoods Parkway to Crosswoods Parkway
    • Crosswoods Parkway from Auburn Boulevard to Crosswoods Circle
    • Dawn View Court from Twin Wood Way
    • Dearborn Drive from Mercedes Avenue
    • Donegal Drive from Auburn Boulevard to Van Maren Lane
    • Greenback Frontage Road from Brookhaven Way to Brooktree Drive
    • Greenback Frontage Road from Brooktree Drive to Peolria Drive
    • Greenback Frontage Road to Paris Street
    • Gallant Drive from Chivalry Way north to Chivalry Way South
    • Hyssop Court from Gingerblossom Drive
    • Janet Drive from Auburn Boulevard Frontage Road to Somersworth Drive
    • Lettrim Court from Louth Way
    • Longford Drive from Donegal Drive to Bremen Drive
    • Louth Way from Donegal Drive to Bremen Drive
    • Mercedes Avenue from Burnham Drive to Van Maren Lane
    • Paris Street from Mercedes Avenue to Greenback Lane
    • San Tomas Drive from Auburn Boulevard to Crosswoods Circle
    • Le Havre Way from Binet Drive to Mercedes Avenue
    • Le Mans Avenue from Paris Street to Binet Drive
    • Shalimar Way from Paris STreet to Le Mann Avenue
    • Steffano Court from Louth Way
    • Sutro Court from Gallant Circle
    • Woodside Drive from Sylvan Road Gate, east of Thalia Way

    District 4

    • Antelope Road from Western city limits, west of Saybrook to Lauppe Lane (extends from District 1 into 4) This resurfacing is expected to be done at night.
    • Rollingwood Boulevard from Antelope Road to Auburn Boulevard
    • Sara Lynn Way from Pratt Avenue
    • Sycamore Drive from Mariposa Avenue eastward
    • Summer Avenue from Rusch Drive to Oak Forest Street
    • Pratt Avenue from Carriage Drive to Auburn Boulevard
    • Pimienta Drive from Carriage Drive to Sadro Street
    • Poplar Avenue from Antelope Road
    • Deville Oaks Way from Sandalwood Drive to Deville Oaks Way north
    • Ripplewood Court from Pratt Avenue
    • Rollingside Court from Twin Park Drive
    • Sadro Street from Pratt Avenue to Kanai Avenue

  • Auburn Blvd. construction project in Citrus Heights nearing halfway point

    Temporary Bright orange sign that reads "Business Open. Driveway Here."
    Bright orange temporary signs have been placed along the construction zones on Auburn Blvd. // SB Williams.

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Phase 2 of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project is nearing its projected halfway point, and progress is continuing on schedule, according to the city.

    Citrus Heights General Services Director Regina Cave reported at the end of May that all of the joint trenching is done, and utility companies are currently dropping lines into the ground. Simultaneously, contractors are working on the west side of the boulevard, working on civil improvements like sidewalk construction. Once utility companies complete undergrounding utility lines, construction will move to the east side.

    Project costs are expected to remain at approximately $35 million, the city reported in its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program report, with $14 million of that cost being spent this year and another $4 million in the following year. The major capital works project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.

    History of the project

    Since construction began at the end of July in 2024, at least one lane has remained closed—even outside construction hours. While the city has noted on social media posts that businesses along Auburn Boulevard are still open, many residents have expressed frustration, calling traffic “a nightmare” and describing lane closures as “inconvenient.”

    In comments on social media, some drivers have said they were purposely avoiding the area until the work is complete, due to traffic backups.

    Businesses have consistently complained about the construction, telling The Sentinel the constant construction along points of entry creates confusion for customers, and at least one business has said customers frequently call asking if their store is still open.

    To address questions and concerns, the city said it is holding weekly drop-in office hours at Rusch Community Park’s Community Center from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Thursday during the construction project, where construction management team members will be on hand.

    Residents can also contact the city’s General Services Department at (916) 727-4770 or email ABC2@citrusheights.net to schedule a meeting.

    Detour signs have also been placed along neighborhood streets near Auburn Boulevard to help drivers circumvent problematic areas, and the vehicle gate leading from the neighborhood into and out of Rusch Park has also remained open.

    As well, bright orange signs with directional arrows indicating that businesses are open have been placed at entrance driveways.

    Business owners also complained of impacts to their establishments during construction on the first phase of improvements on Auburn Boulevard over ten years ago but celebrated the completion of the project in 2014.

    Planned improvements in the second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street project 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, and enhancing transit stops for ADA compliance.

    The city also plans to construct a “Welcome to Citrus Heights” gateway structure at the northern city limits and complete a full roadway overlay and new striping.

    More information about the Auburn Boulevard Complete Street Project Phase 2 can be found on the city’s website.

  • Citrus Heights: 5 new restaurants to try in 2025

    Citrus Heights: 5 new restaurants to try in 2025

    Los Nogales Mexican Restaurant is located at 7150 Auburn Blvd. // SB WIlliams
    Los Nogales Mexican Restaurant is located at 7150 Auburn Blvd. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Whether you’re craving classic Mexican food, Asian cuisine, or something entirely new, we’ve rounded up five new spots that deserve a place on your must-try list.

    Caravan Uzbek Cuisine: Located at 7084 Auburn Blvd., #160, the Uzbekistan-inspired cuisine officially celebrated its grand opening at a new, larger location at Sylvan Corners on May 21. Previously located at the corner of Antelope Road and Sunrise Boulevard, Caravan Uzbek had been featured as one of Assemblyman Josh Hoover’s Small Business of the Month. Caravan’s menu features traditional foods from Uzbekistan, with influence from various regions of the country, including Samarkand, Tashkent, and Bukhara.

    Related: Citrus Heights Uzbek restaurant relocates to Sylvan Corners—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Los Nogales: The new Mexican restaurant is located at 7150 Auburn Blvd., across from the Whatsupstairs thrift shop. Previously, the site was home to Gilberto’s Tacos, which closed last year.

    Related: New restaurant takes up former Gilberto’s Tacos location—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Teriyaki Madness: Teriyaki Madness now takes up the space of a former Starbucks adjacent to Barnes & Noble, which closed in October 2021. A wall now separates the bookstore from the restaurant, with several tables stretching toward the back of the restaurant.

    The fast-casual restaurant menu features “build your bowl” options, where customers can build a teriyaki bowl out of a selection of ingredients, including a variety of meats and bases such as white rice, fried rice, or noodles. Appetizers, sides, and drinks are also available. Teriyaki Madness is located at 6121 Sunrise Blvd.

    Related: New teriyaki restaurant opens in Citrus Heights—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Yummy Buffet Grill and Sushi: The new buffet officially opened in mid-December 2024 in the same shopping center as Sam’s Club, offering a variety of Japanese, Chinese, and American cuisine choices, according to staff, including salad bars and a full buffet line of various types of sushi rolls. Yummy Buffet is located at 7217 Greenback Lane.

    Related: New Asian Buffet opens on Greenback Lane—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    West Coast Sourdough: The sandwich shop’s menu items include sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with kids’ meal options, the company’s website shows. The website advertises its sourdough bread as being “completely natural & 100% free of preservatives,” with ingredients listed as “just flour, water, & salt.” West Coast Sourdough opened after Thanksgiving and is located at 6920 Auburn Blvd., Suite 150.

    Related: West Coast Sourdough finally opens in Citrus Heights after delays—Citrus Heights Sentinel

  • Two new murals unveiled at Sylvan Corners to kick off new Citrus Heights arts district

    A mural painted by "Mammoth."
    A mural painted by “MAMMXTH.” on the wall of DarkHeart Brewing, Monday, June 16, 2025. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Two new murals have been added to Sylvan Corners in an unveiling of a new local arts district.

    Local muralist Amie Nowell spent last week and over the weekend painting a large-scale mural on the wall of Ciro’s Pizza, officially unveiling the new “CH40 Arts District”, an arts initiative spearheaded by Citrus Heights Arts founder GiGi Rayford.

    Nowell, who painted a 41-foot mural at the corner of Oak Avenue and Wachtel Way in Citrus Heights almost a year ago, returned from studying at the University of Hawaii to paint the first mural for the new arts district.

    “Now we get to show the world how awesome we are,” Nowell told a local news station while finishing up the final touches on the mural.

    A second mural was added by an artist who goes by “MAMMXTH”, pronounced Mammoth, painted on the wall of DarkHeart Brewing over the weekend. The smaller mural showcases in bright colors what the corner of Sylvan Road and Auburn Boulevard could have looked like in the past when Highway 40 was still operational. Mammoth told local news outlets he tries to add historic or unique elements to all his pieces and spent time researching by looking at past photographs.

    Monday morning, Rayford, Nowell, Mammoth, and councilmember Porsche Middleton spoke with local news outlets about the new district, saying that the new murals give viewers a chance to connect with and learn about Highway 40, also known as Lincoln Highway, a trans-continental highway which follows Auburn Boulevard. The new arts district is modeled after the 40 West Arts District in Denver, Colorado, which is also located on the Highway 40 route.

    Mammoth’s and Nowell’s murals are two of 11 planned murals for Auburn Boulevard, according to Rayford, who said she anticipates the murals to be completed by October. Rayford said Nowell will paint another, but the location was not yet available.

    Related: New mural underway at Sylvan Corners – Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Tell us your opinion: The Sentinel welcomes letters about local issues. To submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here.

  • Former sports bar in Citrus Heights set to become coffee shop

    The site of an old sports bar on Mariposa Avenue is being transformed into a coffee shop.
    The site of an old sports bar on Mariposa Avenue is being transformed into a coffee shop. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The former 10th Inning sports bar on Mariposa Avenue is currently getting a face lift.

    The building located at 7753 Mariposa Ave. is under construction with plans to become a new coffee shop, the city confirmed Wednesday. Currently, the siding has been removed, and a pile of debris from the demolition of a wall can be seen on the premises.

    Following the sale of the property in 2021, construction activity has been observed off and on at the former 10th Inning sports bar site.

    City spokeswoman Nichole Baxter confirmed in April 2021 that an application for a business license at the site was filed by “Station Coffee Roasters.” The applicant was directed to obtain building permits for a change of use. But while construction activity was occurring in 2021, no permit had been issued, the city said in a previous report.

    A “Stop Work Order” was issued by the city on Nov. 17, 2021, for “working without the benefit of required permits” at the site.

    Related: Former Citrus Heights sports bar building listed for sale at $275k—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Plans for a permanent Station Coffee Roasters location in Citrus Heights were officially announced in a video post on the company’s Instagram account in April 2024, with the owners stating in part, “It’s been a long time coming, but we’re on the track, and we can’t wait to serve you!” The company’s video post shows the building of the former sports bar in the background, and one of the owners indicated that a building permit had finally been obtained and demolition was to begin shortly.

    The Community Development Department confirmed in a statement last Wednesday that a permit has been issued to convert the space into a coffee shop.

    “While the project has encountered some structural challenges in the field, the applicant is actively working with our plans examiner and senior building inspector to develop a solution,” the city said, adding that the permit is active and progress is continuing on the building’s transformation.

    The building was built in 1951 and is situated in what was once one of Citrus Heights’ first commercial districts, along with Hall’s Furniture and other shops.

    In the 1950s, the shopping area on Mariposa Avenue near Antelope Road was a spot where residents could get gas, drop off mail, and shop for clothes, furniture, and more. A small, two-story post office opened in 1947 in a back area next to Hall’s, run by the postmaster who also owned Wood’s Variety store in the same shopping center.

    Hall’s Groceries & Meats also opened next door to the furniture store but was sold by the Hall family in the 1960s and continues to operate as a small grocery store today. A pair of Texaco gas pumps was also located outside Hall’s.

    Station Coffee Roasters doesn’t list any permanent locations on their website but will frequently travel to vendor fairs to sell coffee and merchandise, according to the company’s Facebook page.

    A post from December 2024 reads in part, “We are so grateful for your support, trust, and encouragement this last year! You inspire us to keep growing and delivering our best every day. We have a lot coming next year and we hope you’ll join us for the ride!”

    The coffee roasting company sells bags of freshly roasted coffee beans, including Brazilian, Colombian, and Nicaraguan. Beans come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate-mixed berry-almond, honey-apricot-pecan, strawberry-peach-cocoa, and other unique flavors.

    The company also recently launched a new coffee bean subscription program.

    The owners of Station Coffee Roasters could not be reached for comment before press time.

  • Victim in fatal crash identified as Citrus Heights resident

    Victim in fatal crash identified as Citrus Heights resident

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    New details have emerged in the death of a woman who was involved in a solo-vehicle crash in Rancho Cordova on Saturday afternoon.

    The woman who died from her injuries was identified as Maria Lourdes Martinez, 55, of Citrus Heights, according to local news reports. Martinez died after her vehicle veered from the road and struck a concrete divider wall in a canal. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Sunrise Boulevard and Bosphorus Drive in Rancho Cordova, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

    Officials with Sac Metro Fire said Saturday evening that the woman was the only occupant in the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. California Highway Patrol of East Sacramento is in charge of the investigation.

    Martinez was traveling south on Sunrise Boulevard when, for unknown reasons, she lost control of her vehicle, CHP said. The vehicle reportedly veered right and struck the divider.

    Sunrise Boulevard southbound was closed from Chrysanthy Boulevard to Justinian Drive due to the crash for at least two hours, according to CHP.

    No other drivers or vehicles were known to have been involved, and it’s unclear whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

  • 2024: Snapshots of Citrus Heights through the lens of our photographers

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Through the lenses of our staff and freelance photographers, The Sentinel has covered business, crime, civic and community events that have impacted our local city and the community beyond.

    The following is a selection of 15 photos that have captured some of the 650-plus local news stories covered throughout 2024.

    Pastry Chef José Tellez
    Top story of 2024: Pastry Chef and owner José Tellez stands in front of Pastry Heaven. // SB Williams

    Pastry Chef and owner José Tellez stands in front of Pastry Heaven European Bakery, located on the border of Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center. Tellez was once a former Ettore’s pastry chef. Read the full story here.

    The Goodwill store at 7120 Auburn Blvd. closed in January. // M. Hazlip

    Goodwill Industries closed in January 2024 after 20 years in operation at the prominent and highly visible corner of Auburn Boulevard and Old Auburn Road. Later in the year, Bearpaw Outlet and DarkHeart Brewing reclaimed the vacant space. Read the full story here.

    Neighbors help load branches from a fallen tree on Rollingwood Boulevard during a February 2024 storm.

    During high winds on Feb. 4, 2024, a large tree fell across Rollingwood Boulevard, blocking traffic and impacting properties both across the street and diagonally. Photo shows the fractured tree, which fell overnight, and neighbors assisting to clean up the debris so that traffic could pass through. Read the full story here.

    Citrus Heights Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber moderates a cannabis workshop held at City Hall on April 3, 2024. // M. Hazlip

    Dozens of people filled seats in the council chambers where a public workshop regarding adding an ordinance to allow cannabis dispensaries in Citrus Heights was held on April 3, 2024. Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber moderated the event. Read the full story here.

    Vacant food court at the Sunrise Mall
    The food court at the Sunrise Mall is vacant and dark except for a mobile coffee cart. // Sara Beth Williams

    Photo shows a vacant food court within Sunrise Mall in mid-April 2024, except for the Espresso Bar coffee cart. Tragically, the coffee cart has also closed as of mid-November 2024. Read the full story here.

    Press Conference in downtown, June 5, 2024
    City officials from Sacramento joined representatives of Sacramento Steps Forward at a June 5 press conference announcing a 29 percent decrease in people experiencing homelessness. // M. Hazlip

    State and City officials and representatives, including former Mayor Darrell Steinberg, joined representatives of Sacramento Steps Forward at a June 5 press conference in Downtown Sacramento announcing a 29 percent decrease in people experiencing homelessness in the county. A point-in-time count of unhoused individuals found just over 60 homeless individuals in Citrus Heights, a number homeless advocates found hard to believe. Read the full story here.

    Stars and Stripes 2024
    Fireworks can be seen from City Hall during the Stars and Stripes celebration 2024. // M. Hazlip

    Freelancer Mike Hazlip captured a photo of kids on bikes watching aerial fireworks over Citrus Heights City Hall during the second annual Stars and Stripes community Independence Day celebration on June 29, 2024, which saw nearly double the attendance from 2023. Read the full story here.

    A car smashed through Baba Smoke N' Vape on Aug. 6
    A car smashed through Baba Smoke N’ Vape on Aug. 6. // SB Williams

    A stolen vehicle smashed through the front of a local smoke shop early in the morning of Aug. 6, taking out the entire storefront. The owner estimated overall damage was $30-40,000. Read the full story here.

    The landscaping is now barren along Auburn Blvd. // SB Williams
    The landscaping was removed along Auburn Blvd during Summer 2024. // SB Williams

    The long-awaited second phase of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets project began in the summer. A lone construction sign stands in a barren landscape once filled with greenery in the Grand Oaks Shopping Center on Auburn Boulevard, following a mass removal of trees and shrubbery. Read the full story here.

    Jerry Garcia Memorial 2024
    A memorial for Jerry Garcia drew an estimated 350 people on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. // SB Williams

    A memorial for Jerry “Garsh” Garcia, a long-time coach for the Citrus Heights Little League, drew an estimated 350 people to Garsh Field at Rusch Community Park on Aug. 31, 2024. Garcia passed away in July and many said he left a legacy. Read the full story here.

    Bill van Duker
    Bill Van Duker (left) and Uddhav “Gary” Giri stand in front of the new Minuteman Press as Van Duker passes the business on before retirement. // M. Hazlip

    With nearly five decades in the printing business behind him, Bill Van Duker stopped the presses at All Star Printing as he turned a page to a new chapter, in 2024. Read the full story here. In the photo, Van Duker (left) and Uddhav “Gary” Giri stand in front of the new Minuteman Press as Van Duker passed the business on before retirement.

    The Citrus Heights Rotary Foundation donated $100,000 on Oct. 23 to the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project nonprofit during a Citrus Heights Rotary Club meeting. // SB Williams
    The Citrus Heights Rotary Foundation donated $100,000 on Oct. 23 to the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project nonprofit during a Citrus Heights Rotary Club meeting. // SB Williams

    The Citrus Heights Rotary Foundation donated $100,000 on Oct. 23 to the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project nonprofit during a Citrus Heights Rotary Club meeting. The nonprofit veterans organization plans to construct the first permanent 80 percent-replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on the west coast. Read the full story here.

    Vehicles line up to drop off ballots at Citrus Heights City Hall on Nov. 5, 2024. // M. Hazlip

    Freelancer Mike Hazlip captured vehicles lining up to drop off ballots at Citrus Heights City Hall for the general election on Nov. 5, 2024. The election resulted in a new face on the City Council, with Kelsey Nelson taking the seat formerly held by Bret Daniels. Read the full story here.

    An unknown suspect drove their vehicle through JC Penny at the Sunrise Mall on Sunday, Dec. 16, causing destruction. // Mike Hazlip
    An unknown suspect drove their vehicle through JCPenny at the Sunrise Mall on Sunday, Dec. 15, causing destruction. // Mike Hazlip

    A photo captured the aftermath of a vehicle that drove through the exterior entrance of JCPenney at Sunrise Mall on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. Police say an unidentified male stole a pickup truck, rammed through one entrance, stopped to steal jewelry, and drove out through another entrance. Read the full story here.

    Brewery owners Rick and Cynthia Lee stand in front of an interior wall decorated with pirate ships inside DarkHeart Brewing
    Brewery owners Rick and Cynthia Lee stand in front of an interior wall decorated with pirate ships inside DarkHeart Brewing, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. // SB Williams

    DarkHeart Brewery owners Rick and Cynthia Lee stand in front of an interior wall decorated with a pirate ship and helm inside DarkHeart Brewing, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, one day after opening. The nano brewery is the first local in-house brewery in Citrus Heights in more than 10 years. Read the full story here.

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  • Four cafes and coffee shops to try in Citrus Heights

    A coffee served at Greenhouse Cafe. // SB Williams
    A coffee served at Greenhouse Cafe. // SB Williams

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Whether you’re looking for a drink to-go or a relaxing place to sit and take a breather from the holiday hustle and bustle, check out these four cafes and coffee shops in Citrus Heights.

    Java Cherry: Java Cherry serves coffee and tea in a “homey” atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Reviewers have complimented the welcoming atmosphere and the variety of drink choices available, including seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes. The menu also features pastries and homemade coffee cake. Java Cherry has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and is located at 6720 Van Maren Ln., operating from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, according to Yelp. It is closed Sundays and Mondays.

    The Greenhouse Café: The Greenhouse Café located at 8493 Auburn Blvd. has been described as a “classy” café that serves both coffee and a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating and reviewers have described the service as “friendly” and “attentive.” Menu items include an assortment of coffee drinks including mochas, cappuccinos and lattes, as well as a variety of teas. The Greenhouse Café has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

    The Lodge Coffee shop: The Lodge coffee shop, located at 8191 Auburn Boulevard is the kind of place locals know about, and out-of-towners only find by accident. The iconic A-frame building has been a fixture in Citrus Heights for the past six decades. The café serves breakfast and lunch staples such as steak and eggs, pancakes, homemade hash browns, and of course, coffee and tea. Veterans also receive a discount. The Lodge has a 3.7-star rating on Yelp and is open from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.

    The Human Bean: One of 15 locations in California, the Human Bean is a stand-alone drive thru shop that serves a variety of coffee and tea drinks, including a variety of mochas, lattes, and breve drinks, along with cold brew choices and Chai, Matcha and other teas. The shop also serves several flavors of “Bright Energy” drinks and smoothies. The organization runs several fundraising event days throughout the year for special causes, including Earth Day, St. Jude, an annual Food Drive and Coffee for a Cure in October. The Human Bean is located at 7611 Sunrise Blvd. and is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily., with a 4.4-star rating on Yelp.

  • December Events: What’s happening this month in Citrus Heights

    File photo, hundreds came out to attend a tree lighting ceremony outside Citrus Heights City Hall on Dec. 6, 2023. // CH Sentinel

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    The holiday spirit is in full swing for December in Citrus Heights with a Best Lights contest beginning, community potlucks, Christmas parties, tree lightings, a community talent show, and an annual laser show and night market. Plus, kids have the opportunity to get photos with Santa all month long.

    Best Lights in Citrus Heights Contest: The City of Citrus Heights is hosting its annual Best Lights in Citrus Heights contest. Nominations open Nov. 30 and run through Dec. 7. Voting for the best displays begins on Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 14. Six different awards were handed out last year. For more information and how to nominate a property, visit the Best Lights in Citrus Heights information page here.

    Christmas Potluck: Citrus Heights Areas Two and Six are hosting a neighborhood area Christmas potluck on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Last names starting with A through L are asked to bring a main dish, and last names starting with M through Z are asked to bring a side dish. There will be ham and turkey as well as games. The dinner will be held at Twin Oaks Avenue Baptist Church, located at 7690 Twin Oaks Ave.

    Tree Lightings: The City of Citrus Heights is hosting an annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30-8 p.m. The event will feature a holiday sing-a-long, hot cocoa and cookies, train rides around City Hall, and Santa’s Workshop with activities for kids. City Hall is located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. For more information, visit the city’s event page.

    New this year, the Sunrise Recreation and Park District will host an inaugural tree lighting event on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Rusch Park. The event is scheduled to and feature hot coco, music, a mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa, and photo opportunities with Santa. Sunrise Recreation will also be accepting donations for NICU and PICU patients at local hospitals during the event. For more information, visit the event page here. Rusch Community Park is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.

    Friday Night Shine: Royal Stage performing arts is hosting a community talent show on Friday, Dec. 6, which features locals who perform songs, dances, and other special acts. The event is free and will run from 7-9 p.m. For more information or to apply to perform, visit the event page here. Royal Stage theater is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd., behind Macy’s Men’s.

    Laser Light Show and Night Market: The Sunrise Marketplace is hosting a laser light show and vendor night market on Dec. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Sunrise Mall. The event will feature craft vendors, a car show, kids games, food trucks, and a laser light show. For more information, visit the event page here. The Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.

    Santa Arrival. The Citrus Town Center will host a morning of holiday fun and festivities, including photos with Santa, face painting, letters to Santa, and interactive snow tables. The free event is slated for Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at 7925 Greenback Lane.

    Whoville Skate Party: Sunrise Rollerland is hosting a Whoville Skate party on Dec. 19 from 6-9 p.m. Along with skating to music, the event will include a hot chocolate bar, face painting, and a Who-Hair contest for a chance to win gift cards to Sunrise MarketPlace businesses. $10 Admission includes regular skate rental. For more information visit the event page. Sunrise Rollerland is located at 6001 Sunrise Vista Drive.

    Santa at the Sunrise Mall: Santa Claus will be at the Sunrise Mall from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24. Both walk-up guests and reservations are welcome. Santa is holding special events on different days of the week, including ugly sweater-themed photos on Thursdays and pajama party-themed photos on Tuesdays. For more information on the themed days and specific hours, visit the event page here. Click here to reserve your photo slot with Santa ahead of time. The Sunrise Mall is located at 6041 Sunrise Blvd.

  • 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.