The Harmer family is known for their extravagant float entries in the Citrus Heights Red, White & Blue Parade. Pictured, a Flintstones-themed float by the Harmer family won the Mayor’s Award in the 2017 parade. // CH Sentinel
Letter submitted by Wayne Harmer, Rancho Cordova–
[RE: Citrus Heights says 2019 Red, White & Blue Parade won’t be happening; Feb. 3rd] Some of you may know me and my family. I go by the tag, Float Master. I am very sad of the news that one of the best-organized parades in Northern California, has been canceled. We spend six months building our parade float, and our first stop is Citrus Heights, California.
I have been to many parades, including military parades, in my life, and I have never seen ANY issue the way this parade has been run. We were towing our float at 10 mph, 15 miles each way, to be in your parade. As I said, My family is very sad.
That being said, this year we are doing the 80-year anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, complete with my little sister as the witch (fits her), and a large water fountain, man behind the curtain, a flying monkey, (grandson) and a real-looking, spinning Tornado. Please let us know, if your parade is back on! Thank you… The Harmer Family.
Other Letter(s):
By Julie Naughton, Citrus Heights–
I used to be proud of our city… a family place that engendered respect for country, community and traditional notions of good. Moves like ending our annual parade is a step toward creating a cold, bland, liberal landfill for wannabe suburbanites with superficial values. WHAT IS THE POINT?
What do you think of the city’s decision to discontinue the Red, White & Blue Parade? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here
File photo, 2015 Red White & Blue Parade on Sunrise Boulevard. // CH Sentinel
Letter submitted by Jim Monteton, Citrus Heights– [RE: Citrus Heights says 2019 Red, White & Blue Parade won’t be happening; Feb. 3rd] I liked our Red White and Blue Parade and the timing in between Flag Day and the Fourth of July. It always made me feel like our city was satisfying two salutes to our nation’s history, our patriotism and our veterans all in one event.
We used to have a great Fourth of July event at the Sunrise Mall — and it’s gone too. So now, unlike all other cities, we will go through the year without celebrating anything that is America. Funny, I thought Citrus Heights was different. I guess Christmas and the tree lighting will be next to go.
OTHER LETTERS & COMMENTS:
Why not build senior communities in place of mall?
[RE: New owner buys up Sunrise Mall for $25.6M, but questions remain; Jan. 17th] Why don’t developers turn abandoned shopping malls into senior communities? Housing, shopping, groceries, doctor offices, etc. Have solar to handle power bills. Open stores to the outside so others can go to the coffee shop or stores. It’s a controlled environment. Perfect to house senior retirement condos. Put a Walmart at one end. –Kevin Scroggins, Folsom
From Facebook:
Harlan H. — I can remember when Citrus Heights was full of family fun. Birdcage walk with all the attractions, birds etc. Dick Cable with his fun with the kids, etc. that all went away. Then the fireworks. That went away too. Now we are losing the parades? Come on. Why are we losing all the things Citrus Heights was known for?
Eileen L. — Very sad that another Family event disappears. It showed the younger generation community spirit, the value of respect (clapping and supporting) for the folks who walked with pride. It’s disappointing that youngsters won’t know how to imagine something they could make for future events outside of electronic devices. It’s a loss for the community.
Linda F. — This is WRONG! The community loves the Red, White and Blue Parade! If Sunrise Boulevard is not the best venue, then find another street!
Want to share your thoughts on the parade or another local issue in Citrus Heights? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here
A conceptual view provided by the developer shows plans for a 47-unit apartment complex at 7424 Sunrise Blvd. // Image courtesy: Jamboree
Letter submitted by Citrus Heights resident John Telling–
[RE: Low-income supportive housing project to move forward in Citrus Heights; Jan. 17th] The 47-unit development on Sunrise Boulevard is said to have a cost of about $22 million. That is about $468,000 per unit, which is not “low-income” housing by any standard, especially not in 95610, where the median home price is probably lower than that.
What Citrus Heights government should be considering: the impact on existing residents, since that is whom you represent; the value for the money spent, since it appears there will be no return; and the ultimate plan for Citrus Heights, which should be to make the city a pleasant and safe place to live.
A satellite view from Google Maps shows Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights. // Image credit: Google Maps
Latest letters from readers suggest redevelopment options for the aging Sunrise Mall, including mixed-use or completely replacing the mall with a college campus.
Mixed-use at Sunrise Mall would be great for housing
Since lack of housing is critical in our city and lack of space for new housing. I would make sense to use the Sunrise Mall location for a mixed use facility. First level walkable businesses with several levels of condos or apartments above with gated resident parking behind. Businesses to support the residents needs as well as drive by customers.
-Lisa Frazelle, Citrus Heights
How about a college campus in place of Sunrise Mall?
I would love to see a college campus built where Sunrise Mall is now. It would bring people to the area to support nearby businesses. I don’t know if a private school, a community college, or a CSU would be best, but regardless it would be a great investment for the area.
-Dylan Musgrove, Folsom
Joan B. —I want to spend my money where I live but after a recent visit to Sunrise Mall am doubtful that I will waste my time or money there. It has been in decline for several years and something needs to happen soon to revive this critical source of money to our city.
Linda D. —Make it like some of the the places in Folsom, shops, restaurants, entertainment…
Marc R. —If you really want to bring back the Sunrise Mall or any Mall for that matter the #1 thing that you should stop doing is buying your stuff online… If you think the Citrus Heights City Council is going to do anything proactive and in the best interest of the community regarding the mall I would not hold your breath.
Sandra M. —Spruce it up a little! Been there forever! Yes, way safer than Arden Fair mall!
Annette A. —I hope that it don’t become an apartment complex.
Letter submitted by Citrus Heights resident Scott Smith–
[RE: New owner buys up Sunrise Mall for $25.6M, but questions remain; Jan. 17th] A commercial real estate investment and management firm that buys a major mall that is in decline, and does not deny claims of being an “absentee landlord” and “slumlord,” is very likely a “absentee landlord” and “slumlord.”
So Mayor Jeannie Bruins, as well as the Citrus Heights Sentinel, should take a much more proactive and aggressive approach if they want the Namdar Realty Group to be a good owner and steward of something as critical to Citrus Heights as Sunrise Mall.
Jamie L. — I hope the fireworks come back! We miss having a good spot to go to that’s local for 4th of July.
Jesse R. — We need to tear it down and rebuild it. Maybe make it bigger, if not add another story to it. This mall hasn’t changed since ‘Nam and the business and jobs it could bring are endless… Let’s make the mall great again.
Susan J. — Modernize it, Refresh it, Update it! Make the Citrus Heights Mall a place of destination. Bring in merchants of quality, good restaurants. Taker example from The Fountains & Palladio’s.
Phillip B. — The new owners give me little hope of success from their track record.
Sue A. — Sadly, I don’t see this continuing as a profitable mall for Citrus Heights. I remember “back in the day” when this mall brought Sac County lots of $$, and was a bonus point for Citrus Heights to become a city and regain funds.
Mark E. — I would like to see something go in the old Sears facility, especially something to do with education for youngsters.
Letter submitted by Citrus Heights resident Ryan D. Sherrill–
[RE: Citrus Heights council votes 3-1 to approve executive pay raises; Dec. 16th] Pay raises should be put to the will of the voting public. If 3/4 of the voters believe these individuals deserve raises, then so be it. It’s just being proven time and time again that the City Council treats our tax monies as if we have unlimited funds and no other pressing needs.
Fiscal responsibility seems to be waning in our city and it’s just time to put the authority where it belongs, the tax payers.
File photo, a homeless man pushes a shopping cart along Greenback Lane. // CH Sentinel
Latest letters include various perspectives from residents and area homeless who share their thoughts on the “navigator program” in Citrus Heights, an effort designed to connect homeless with resources and help them get into housing.
I have a job, but I’m still homeless and the navigator isn’t much help [RE: I’m homeless, and the ‘Navigator program’ in Citrus Heights isn’t working; Letters, Dec. 9th]I would have to agree with the homeless man who states the navigator is a waste of time and money. My family is homeless and has been homeless for over a year. I met with the navigator, Toni, a few times. She’s a sweet person, nothing against her, but what she does, does nothing to help you get into a place. She sends you a handful of apartment names in the area, doesn’t tell you if there renting, they’re not any easier to get approved for… that’s it.
I have a job, I don’t make a million dollars, I make minimum wage and I can’t get approved for any housing because I don’t make three times the rent and I don’t have good credit! Nothing in my credit history is recently bad, actually I have one account in good standing that is the only thing in my credit, but places don’t accept that. I believe one time I was told if I could do a larger deposit, I said okay… but the larger deposit was $3,000. I’m a single mom… I don’t have $3,000. Besides that, they do nothing else to help.
-Candace O’Neil, Citrus Heights
Regarding helping those who want or need help, I guess being told by [an officer] to leave and move to a national park is very helpful. And destroying and/or stealing our belongings really is a good way to start in helping the homeless. I don’t want any help. I’ll be okay, I never asked for help. I’m just saying, ask any homeless person in Citrus Heights how many people they know that received real assistance from the navigator or police. Where is your money going? Not where they say it is. I hope I won’t be a target for speaking the truth. But when I am, it won’t be shocking. — Your local criminal third-class unwanted citizen. -Craig Douglas Hoppe, Citrus Heights
Police officers should treat homeless with more respect
[RE: Navigator program is working, but homeless have to want help; Letters, Dec. 16th] I read the article and Citrus Heights police response and it looks good in print, but the reality of it does not look good. I try to feed, clothe and do what I can for the homeless, and I’ve personally witnessed officers being very rude and making unnecessary derogatory statements. I realize that dealing with the homeless can be problematic, but I do believe it’s WHAT THEY’RE PAID TO DO. And anyone could find themselves in situations similar.
To continue to tear a person down in this situation doesn’t have to happen, but it does and is unchecked and out of control. To take out personal feelings or a bad day on an already down-and-out person is just a violation of the worst kind to a fellow human being. An officer should keep personal thoughts to themselves and just do the job they’re paid to do, period. The personal commentary is childlike and immature. Should a homeless person speak to an officer in the same manner, there would usually be severe consequences. Of course, this is accepted behavior for them to make the derogatory comments.
With no obvious solution in sight, maybe Phoenix Arizona’s solution to the homeless should be used as an example or guideline to follow, as it is very successful. As a community, let’s come together and genuinely help, instead of tear down and destroy a person who is already down-and-out — or is this the process of dealing with this situation in Citrus Heights? -Julie Nelson, Citrus Heights
I’m homeless and haven’t been offered anything
[RE: Navigator program is working, but homeless have to want help; Letters, Dec. 16th] I have been homeless for nine years in Citrus Heights. I have never been able to see the navigator, except talk on the phone with her one time in regards to my birth certificate. I was born in England, so to get ID, I need my passport or citizenship papers, which would cost $246. I have left multiple messages with the navigator and have gotten no response. So as far as funds helping the homeless, I haven’t been offered anything. I just get harassed by police, my belongings ruined, or threatened with jail. So I feel like they have failed me, but I’m only one person.
-Katy Elizabeth Ann Williams, Citrus Heights
I’ve never seen the homeless navigator I’ve been residing in Citrus Heights for four years and have been homeless all but three months and have only heard of, never seen or met, this navigator. The last time I was cited for camping, I asked the officer where the nearest shelter was and I was told to just get on my bike and pedal till I got out of Citrus Heights and then look for one.
-Louis Kwasigroch, Citrus Heights
Navigator services include, but are not limited to, housing resources, help with obtaining DMV identifications, help obtaining social security cards, attorney referrals, receiving food stamps, obtaining birth certificates, finding employment opportunities, securing medical insurance, and obtaining cell phones.
Our Navigator has permanently housed 130 individuals during 2018. Permanently housed means expected housing for at least 6 months. The Navigator makes every effort to follow up with the individuals.
There are two classifications of homeless, Class I and Class II. Class I homeless is defined as those who stayed in a car, park, on the street, or in a hotel with a hotel voucher the night before meeting with the Navigator. Class II homeless are those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Class II homeless are critically important because once an individual is homeless, helping them becomes much more challenging.
It is important to understand that an individual has to be willing to work with the Navigator to be able to receive resources available through the Navigator. There are many individuals the Navigator and our officers have provided resource information to, including the author of the “Letter to the Editor,” who have not yet attempted to connect with the Navigator.
We have reached out to The Sentinel and asked them to refer individuals to our Navigator if they are contacted by someone who is in need of housing assistance. The City of Citrus Heights and the Citrus Heights Police Department will continue to work diligently to help those in need of housing or other services available through the Navigator. For those who are not willing and continue to violate local, state, or federal laws, we will balance education with enforcement.
If you know anyone in need of housing in Citrus Heights, please contact our Navigator at (916) 533-3069.
A conceptual view provided by the developer shows plans for a 47-unit apartment complex at 7424 Sunrise Blvd. // Image courtesy: Jamboree
Latest letters to the editor address housing needs in Citrus Heights and the proposed 47-unit low-income housing project on Sunrise Boulevard.
Homes, condos for the middle class is what Citrus Heights needs
[RE: Low-income supportive housing for homeless proposed in Citrus Heights; Nov. 25] When will cities realize that developing land for either the rich or the poor is hurting the middle? Why not make land available at less-than-market rate so developers can make housing available for middle class people? $500,000 is not middle class in Citrus Heights. But it’s great for Bay Area transplant people who are bad for our real estate market.
Making cheap housing in our cities just invites more crime and lowers surrounding property values. Homes lose value when multi-family homes are built nearby. Citrus Heights is better off building condos in the $330,000 range, rather than crime magnet value-dropping hovels for the poor.
Erik Newman, Citrus Heights
Proposed low-income housing is a great idea [RE: Low-income supportive housing for homeless proposed in Citrus Heights; Nov. 25] I think this plan for low-income housing is a wonderful idea! Many working families aren’t making enough to make ends meet with the rising rental costs. I think it would benefit the city immensely!
-Tammy Fernandez, Citrus Heights
I’m not sure what they spend money on except to keep us as a criminal class on the crime logs, right along with theft, vandals, rape and murders. I don’t know why we get convicted or singled out as criminals before trial.
But other than that, who knows where the money is going. Sure ain’t to help any homeless in this city. It’s a “tremendous” failure.
