Category: Letters to the Editor

Latest reader voices include responses to the city council’s 4-1 vote in favor of mandatory rental inspections, with some arguing inspections are needed to protect tenants and crack down on slumlords, while others argue the move is a government overreach that will cause landlords to pass added costs on to renters.

Question about code enforcement and rental inspections
[RE: Citrus Heights council votes 4-1 to move forward with mandatory rental inspections]  Since those calling to complain about possible code enforcements cannot see inside the house or apartment, and they are usually not qualified to determine if the property is safe inside and all utilities functioning properly, how does this ordinance address the 1,300 calls to code enforcements? Usually code enforcements have to do with the outside of the dwelling. Unkept front yards, weeds and grass long and dry and fire hazards, cars on side walks, garbage/ garbage cans left out, construction without permit, new fences and other unsightly items usually get code enforcement calls.
-Jim Monteton, Citrus Heights

From Facebook:

Jackie H. — I think this is needed, but I also know rents will get raised even higher. I’ve lived in a duplex neighborhood for 23 years because, for the size, we couldn’t afford to buy a house and our rent was manageable. Our place was built in the 70’s and has never been inspected. We finally got our a/c unit replaced after 23 years (they installed an incorrect unit as we were moving in) and now our rent has been raised to reflect this. The siding is badly warped with holes in places and peeling, pulling away in others. Our fence is the original one and is also in desperate need of fixing. Our property manager and owners have viewed these issues and neither are concerned with fixing it. They would rather put quick-fix bandages on the worst of the problems than fix it… I’ve lived here a lot of years and have maintained it like my own home, but there are some things we simply can’t do and getting maintenance from my owners or property manager takes legal threats to make happen. I wish I could move, but the fact is that even with my horrible management and recent rent raise, I can’t afford to move.

Ashley S. — [D]epending on the standards they set, some landlords may avoid the area to avoid mandatory fixing costs. It’s not just the $95/year. It’s also whatever “violations” are required to be fixed or updated. Depends what they’ll be able to cite you for and the cost of citations as well. Just another perspective. I don’t agree one way or the other.

Lora G. — Maybe this will help keep the riff-raff out of renting residential homes with no accountability from the owner. We have owners that rent out to all sorts of shady characters with no concern to the long time residents who own their homes. The homes and yards at these rentals are not maintained and look trashed, abandoned and derelict. Dead trees, shrubs and dead three-foot tall weeds. Paint peeling off, and downed decrepit fences. Rats and multiple non-working cars parked on the street and driveway.

Larry T. — It ain’t none of their business I don’t know why they’re sticking their heads somewhere they don’t belong. The city should have nothing to do with privately owned domiciles, and apartments and duplexes.

Elyse M. — This will not improve anything in the city of Citrus Heights… just like it didn’t improve anything in Sacramento… What this is, is purely a revenue generator.

Pam N. — It’s about time; I really think it should be yearly, vigilantly, and if they raise the rent after repairs, fine the owner and make it hurt. Make [the] fine very high!

Cassandra N. — This increased cost will be pushed on the renters here… so, no, I’m not on board.

Mary A. — A lot of rentals are infested with so many bugs and no one does anything. It’s time, for the price that is being charged, to make things right .

Sue A. — Unfortunately the RENTERS will be paying for this one way or another! Rents are already unbelievably high!

Want to share your own thoughts? Post a comment on our Facebook Page, or click here to submit a letter to the editor.

By Citrus Heights resident Lynn Avery–
Several citizen groups and community supporters have been discussing ideas for the old Sylvan Middle School property. There are also rumblings that private business entities are looking at the land for commercial ventures.

That acreage was used for a “SCHOOL” (to educate our children) and filled a true and important need and for posterity of our city. There are many areas for “sports complexes” in our city perimeters — already in place. We have enough burger joints, pizza parlors, and fast food restaurants to service two cities.

Currently in the Sylvan Corners area there are at least seven of these establishments within a 1/8th mile circumference, plus one restaurant. The fast food availability at the Walmart/Costco complex offers several more — plus, now the newest plan is to put three more fast food joints in front of Costco/Walmart. Has our city and planning commission gone crazy by approving this “carnival of food?”

Why don’t we entertain a new and positive idea for the enhancement of our city? How about the city buying the property? How about building a “Performance Arts Center?” All of our surrounding city neighbors have done it.

We have talked about elevating our city’s image. Let’s offer some higher level cultural opportunities. We shouldn’t have to lose our students and families to other areas where cultural arts are offered.

Enough of tax-based businesses! Let’s look to the future of our youth and local talent and encourage the arts — not everyone is interested in sports or fast food. Maybe some food for thought?

Want to share your own thoughts on the future of the old Sylvan site? Click here to submit a letter to the editor.

Latest letters and comments from Sentinel readers continue to discuss potential future uses for the old Sylvan Middle School property and also express praise for volunteer Ron Fern and his beautification efforts along Auburn Boulevard.

Thanks to volunteer for making Auburn Blvd more beautiful
[RE: Meet the man who’s beautifying Auburn Blvd one flower at a time; Feb. 24]  Thank you for your story on Ron Fern. My wife and I have wondered who was doing the work of maintaining the flowers along that part of Auburn Boulevard. We appreciate his work and wanted to thank him for the beautification of the roadside. His work has a contribution to Citrus Heights and to public enjoyment of beauty. Thank you Ron.
-Norman Hill, Citrus Heights

A mural along Auburn Blvd would be great
[RE: Meet the man who’s beautifying Auburn Blvd one flower at a time; Feb. 24]  I love what this man has done on Auburn Boulevard. Every time I drive by when the flowers are blooming I silently thank him. However, I recently thought how nice it would be to have a nicely painted fence behind his flowers, since the fence has been painted different colors I’m assuming because of graffiti. The article indicates there may be something in the future for a plan to paint this fence. Even if it was painted a solid color, it would improve the looks. But having high school kids paint a mural would be even better. Citrus Heights City Council, can you help make this happen?
-Joan Bippus, Citrus Heights

From Facebook:

RE: Community survey seeks input on future use of old Sylvan Middle School site

Justin H. — I know it has been discussed before and the city stance is that youth sports facilities will not generate revenue, which I do understand. However, the youth sports facilities in Citrus Heights are all very dated, possibly the best park for baseball/softball Rusch Park has adult leagues most nights and weekends. To not have the option on the table to take this opportunity and turn it into a youth facility for current and future youth in Citrus Heights is a travesty. Softball and soccer use this facility currently year round, and an updated new facility would generate a lot of interest. Housing or more retail space (with locations empty right across the street already and more going in front of Walmart and Costco) seems disingenuous and a money grab. I am all for making money, but… quality of life and activities for the current residents in this city should be taken into account.

Brian W. — We don’t need more housing or stores. We need more family things to do in this city. I was raised and been here for 38 years now and I have seen this city grow, houses been built and stores come and go. When was the last time this city thought of the residents that already live here and built something family friendly that we all can enjoy. A sports complex would be great, with some BBQ’s and kids play area, etc.

Laurin L. — Low income subsidized housing is not the answer. A park is not the answer. That’d be a magnet for transients and homeless. A multi-use sports facility would be welcomed by many!

Wendy S. — The youth are starving for a sports facility that is a healthy place — a Sunrise Soccer Club player was accidentally stabbed with a hypodermic needle at one of the parks. Any of the soccer fields at any of the schools and parks are full of pot holes. There is no place for any softball as all the fields are taken up by baseball and adult leagues. A sports complex would bring some revenue in — local sports clubs would be able to host games, tournaments, etc. SJUSD doesn’t have the money to do anything with this property. The city should build something that will benefit the youth of Citrus Heights.

Want to share your own thoughts? Post a comment on our Facebook Page, or click here to submit a letter to the editor.