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Category: Letters to the Editor

  • Community Voices: Traffic, body cams, movie grill, Rite Aid arrest, DUI checkpoints

    Community Voices: Traffic, body cams, movie grill, Rite Aid arrest, DUI checkpoints

    Latest letters and comments from readers discuss the new Studio Movie Grill planned for the old Kmart building, body cameras, DUI checkpoints, traffic and noise concerns, as well as the Rite Aid robbery and last month’s officer-involved shooting near the Ranch Motel.

    Body cameras help increase trust and transparency with police
    [RE: Supervisor Frost: 3 reasons why I support body cameras]  I recently read Supervisor Frost’s opinion column on body cameras and I completely agree with the reasons that she has listed. I am glad that law enforcement in our area is moving into that direction. I highly respect our law enforcement officials, but I believe that power is dangerous when left unchecked. The more transparency we have, the more will we be able to trust those who wear the badge.

    I am wondering where we are with the Citrus Heights Police Department. Does our CHPD have a position on body cameras? Will our city also be moving in that direction? If not, I am curious to know if the leadership in our city and police department have stated as to why that is.
    -Oleg Shishko, Citrus Heights

    New stadium at Sunrise Mall will be great; but noise and traffic are concerns
    [RE:     Sunrise Mall to get new 2,500-seat stadium for outdoor concerts, events]  This would be a boon for Citrus Heights. I’ve read concerns about local crime resulting from this, but crime is something that is part of living in a community. My concern would be the noise generated and how that would affect local residents. Traffic concerns would be something to consider as well. These concerns will impact the duties of the Citrus Heights Police Department and ultimately the cost for this will be the responsibility of Citrus Heights taxpayers.
    -Peg Wright, Citrus Heights

    From Facebook:

    [RE: Plans submitted for new Studio Movie Grill in Citrus Heights]
    Tara W. — This is awesome! We’re so ready for our neighborhood to get some much needed love!

    Larry T. — Awesome, we have a Moviepass card and go to the one in Roseville three times a week. Love it.

    [RE: Police announce DUI Checkpoint in Citrus Heights this weekend]
    Christina P. — They need to stop posting them on Birdcage and Greenback. EVERYONE knows that they post a checkpoint at this spot ALL the time. I heard they finally hit Antelope and Auburn Road… that was a smart move since most wouldn’t expect that. And EVERYONE that knows bout Citrus Heights, all should already know ANY Friday and Saturday nights, they can be doing them. They don’t necessarily give a heads up, but it should just be expected, especially on those days. I’ve never been one to drink and drive — I think it’s ridiculous to put yourself and everyone on the road at risk — however, tons of my friends when I was younger partied and, even now, they still avoid those spots for that reason. Because it’s always in the same two general areas (Sunrise and Oak, Greenback and Birdcage).

    Dustin I. — Sounds like a big waste of taxpayers money… 164,000 dollar’s spent and not one DUI arrest and they inconvenienced 844 other drivers, only to get 12 non-alcohol related minor infractions… No genius, but it’s easy to see this is a waste of my tax dollars.

    [RE: Citrus Heights police announce arrest of suspect in fatal Rite Aid robbery]
    Robin K. — I think it is sad all around. This young man trying to steal drugs. Runs into a woman and takes her life. I’m glad you caught him. I hope he’s sorry for his actions. I’ll pray for his and her loved ones.

    Dillon T. — It’s always a black guy. 9 times outta ten. This is why we have to profile. Good ones, tell your brothers they are making you look terrible... And yet it’s “racist” to profile. I’d rather be racist than dead. Let’s not be intimidated into accepting things at our own expense.

    James F. — One less thug off the streets. Let’s pray the trial is not in San Francisco or he’ll be set back free.

    [RE: More details emerge in officer-involved shooting near Citrus Heights motel]
    Bonnie P. — Coming from an LEO family I knew that there had to be a reason the officer had to shoot him. An officer is trained to not shoot a running felon unless he/she is fearing for their life. Good job officer!

    Aj M. — Yeah what ever. The officer knows he messed up and now says, ‘oh, he had the gun and I was scared.’

    Rochelle C. — Good job CHPD! Don’t worry about the haters. We know you protect and serve the people even if they don’t appreciate it. And to all the haters out there: don’t call 911 if you ever have an emergency. But if ya do, they will still show up to help even though the rest of us wish they wouldn’t and let ya suffer.

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

  • Letters: homelessness, mental health, solutions

    Letters: homelessness, mental health, solutions

    Latest letters and reader comments discuss homelessness in Citrus Heights, along with several ideas for funding and potential solutions.

    Being homeless isn’t the problem; illegal activity is
    [RE: Guest Opinion: What if your son or daughter became homeless? Nov. 11]   I am a community member trying to protect my daughter from the illegal activity that many of the homeless in our community are committing. My daughter shouldn’t have to see the penis of a man urinating in public, even though he is someone’s son. She shouldn’t have to witness a woman shooting up in the parking lot of a store, even though she is someone’s daughter. As a mother, I am doing this to protect my child from other people’s grown children. If you have to have it explained to you that it’s not the fact that they are homeless that’s the issue, then you are not listening.
    -Jennifer Spurr

    Mental health needs funding, but lifestyle choices also have consequences
    [RE: Guest Opinion: What if your son or daughter became homeless? Nov. 11]       I agree with some, but not all of the points outlined in Mr. Warren’s opinion piece regarding homelessness. We clearly do not have enough mental health services available. Foster youth aging out of the system with no support is definitely a problem. These things should be funded and addressed. However, I can tell you where most sons and daughters who are not mentally ill or foster youth would go if they became homeless. They would go home to parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends.

    Most of us have lived lives that would give us somewhere to go, at least temporarily while we get back on our feet. However, many of the homeless have made choices that have made them unwelcome in the homes of their parents, siblings, extended family and friends. I personally do not feel that the community in general, and children in parks in particular, should bear the burden of the choices made by drug addicts and criminals. If a person’s family and friends, who know their character and behavior, don’t choose to live with them, I would prefer not to live with them in my neighborhood either.
    -Rebecca Holt

    Homeless, drug addicts make me want to leave Citrus Heights
    [RE: Two fires ignite at homeless camp near Citrus Heights homes, Oct. 29]   We moved to Citrus Heights in Spring 2014 and it was an overall nice area. Now it seems like the homeless and druggies and criminals are enclosing our nice city from all sides: Auburn Boulevard, Antelope Road, by Walmart, Jack in the Box, and on and on. It makes me not want to live here anymore.
    -Roxanne Gray

    Additional comments from Facebook:
    Kris H.– Why don’t they use money in their bank account for the City of Citrus Heights and buy a lot and purchase some tiny houses, with some rules attached, and give these poor sons and daughters some place to go? But nobody thinks of positive feedback on the homelessness.

    Linda M.– There should not be “residents” in our public parks. Most of them are homeless for a reason. Drugs, alcohol, mental illness and/or the inability or unwillingness to hold down a job… The homeless that became homeless through no fault of their own and are working to get back on their feet instead of just looking for a handout or stealing from the people whose tax dollars pay for these parks… they are the minority.

    Joseph P.– Heck, let them have a park, but station police there over every shift. Confront the wrong doers. Enforce the laws, not just whatever seems convenient. Actually get out and do checks. When I was a teen, I couldn’t even walk through a park without cops rolling by talking with all of you. Now it takes 45 minutes to respond to a drive-by shooting.

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

  • Letters: housing, kneeling controversy, free speech, old Sylvan site

    Letters: housing, kneeling controversy, free speech, old Sylvan site

    Latest letters and reader comments address the proposed 261-unit housing development near Sunrise Mall, ideas for development at the old Sylvan Middle School site, and reactions to the mayor’s remark on the “kneeling” controversy.

    261-unit housing proposal is exactly what Citrus Heights needs
    [RE: New map shows proposed 55-acre housing development in Citrus Heights, Oct. 12]  The Mitchell Farms housing proposal is EXACTLY what the City of Citrus Heights needs to attract young new families to our city. Watt Properties is EXACTLY the developer to bring new quality homes to the forefront and make our City shine with new designs and original floor plans unseen elsewhere. If the Environmental Impact Report, when published, shows a “less than significant” impact on our environment, then count me in as enthusiastically in support of this great project.
    –    Rick Doyle, Citrus Heights

    Grocery store, low-income housing would be good addition to old Sylvan site
    [RE: SJUSD moves forward with plan to sell old Sylvan school site, Oct. 14]  Addressing the old sylvan school property, my first thought would be expanding the cemetery. Other ideas would be a nice grocery store like Sprouts or New Seasons Market. A big water park would be nice — but not another WinCo or strip mall, especially since that is all coming in front of Walmart. If nothing else, some sort of shelter with counseling and other services for the homeless.

    I understand it’s right next to the school and homes, but as a city I feel we need something to help the citizens of our city. I have lived here since 1964 and I’ve watched a lot of growth here. I also lost my house in 2006 and I can’t even afford to rent here now. Maybe some low-income housing that would help some of us homeless in the area.
    -Janet Barlow, Citrus Heights

    Taking a knee is disrespectful; mayor doesn’t need to apologize
    [RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights mayor should apologize for ‘kneeling’ remark, Oct. 14]   That’s a whole lot of words to address an attempt at humor by our Mayor. It is this type of hypersensitivity that also divides our people. Let’s just all “lighten up a little.” Sorry to disagree with Mr. Warren but as a disabled military veteran, I do think it is disrespectful to “take a knee” during the national anthem and I believe there are a whole lot of people that agree with me. I don’t think the Mayor owes anybody an apology.
    -Tom Scheeler, Citrus Heights

    Citrus Heights mayor has free speech rights too
    [RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights mayor should apologize for ‘kneeling’ remark, Oct. 14]   The Mayor, in my opinion, quite correctly asserted his free speech rights. He did not abridge anyone else’s rights. He did not tell anyone they could not take a knee or otherwise peacefully protest. He did not make derogatory comments about anyone’s choice to take a knee. He simply expressed appreciation for people who respected a symbol of our country.

    As the mother of a 20 year old son serving in Afghanistan, I would also like to express my appreciation for everyone who shows respect for the flag. While I do not agree with everything this country does or is, I have great respect for what our country tries to be and for the people that die in its service. Every time I see a flag draped over a coffin, I am reminded of the importance of symbols. There are better ways to protest. Believe police don’t respect citizens of color? Become an officer. Believe schools don’t teach diversity? Become a teacher. Kneeling is an easy way out of protesting things you don’t like without putting in any effort to change them.
    -Rebecca Holt, Citrus Heights

    Additional comments from Facebook:
    [RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights mayor should apologize for ‘kneeling’ remark, Oct. 14]
    Mike H. — Do our elected officials check their own first amendment rights at the door? Certainly they are in the public eye and there is an expectation they will choose their words wisely and carefully, but do they forfeit their right to free speech altogether because they are a public servant? People from public school teachers to elected officials are being told they have to keep their personal opinions and beliefs to themselves because they represent all of us. By being censored however, in the end they represent none of us.

    Andy H. — Slowey always makes little barbs and remarks when publicly speaking, so I wasn’t surprised to hear him say it. Most of what he says makes people roll their eyes and shrug it off. It’s nice to see someone called him out for once. Should tell all members of the council that not only do Citrus Heights residents watch, we pay attention to what’s being said.

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

  • Letters: red light cameras, jaywalking, pedestrian barrier fence

    Citrus Heights traffic laws, red light cameras
    A traffic sign on Sunrise Boulevard advises drivers that Citrus Heights traffic laws are strictly enforced. One method used by police in the city is red light cameras. // CH Sentinel

    Latest letters and comments from readers focused on varying perspectives on pedestrian safety as well as the city’s move to add more red light cameras in Citrus Heights, with some claiming the cameras enhance safety and others claiming the cameras are money-grabbers that increase rear-end accidents.

    Tax money better spent on repairing streets, not barrier fences
    [RE: “City pursues barrier fence to reduce pedestrian collisions near Greenback/Auburn,” June 24]  I simply don’t subscribe to this notion that the city must assume responsibility for protecting thoughtless, risk-taking people from injuring themselves. There’s a law against jaywalking, so let’s improve its enforcement. Meanwhile, the sight of long stretches of utility fencing blighting our streets diminishes the impression of a safe and welcoming community. Taxpayer money would be better spent on repairing our crumbling neighborhood streets… a worthy project we could all benefit from.
    Thomas Fox, Citrus Heights

    Red light camera systems are a joke
    [RE: “Citrus Heights to add more red light cameras at intersections, but do they work?,” July 23]  This is a joke. There are so many millions of people that don’t even put plates on the front of their car so they can purposely run through red lights, or — like my neighbor — she’s had her car for three years and she still has the plate from the dealer on it because she loves to run red lights and speed. There’s also the people that have those covers over their plate so it makes it blurry if the camera takes a picture. It’s a joke. The system is a joke. They don’t ever do anything about it. People drive around with their tags expire for years at a time and they never get pulled over.
    Annette Asplund, Citrus Heights

    From Facebook:

    Kelly K. — They do work! I have had two red-light tickets in Citrus Heights. I totally was surprised because I thought I was completely stopping on a right-hand turn. It has made me drive more cautiously especially after paying almost $1,000 in fines. And they really can’t scam you out of any money because they have it on video tape. You can view the video and then decide whether or not to fight it.

    Keri L. — They don’t work. I have witnessed dozens of these cameras just go off when it is their own green light or just go off when no one is there. It does not serve the purpose of safety, just a money grabber.

    Marty C. — My opinion is let’s put more officers on staff and lower unemployment. I’ve seen traffic violations happen right in front of current officers and because there is not enough on staff, the smaller violations get overlooked for more serious crimes. Citrus Heights police rock; there just aren’t enough of them. I would prefer officers over cameras.

    Dawn Y. — I’ve been rear-ended because of them! So you pay money if you don’t stop and you pay with your neck/back if you do!

    Laurie L. — Why the increase in injury accidents where cameras are? People don’t want to run the light and get fined, so they stop quickly — causing the person in the car behind them to rear-end them because they planned on running the light.

    Dustin E. — Makes sense for left hand turns, complete money grab for people making a right hand turn.

    Mary K. — I am all for it. I am sick and tired of the red light runners.

    Beverly C. — Thankfully I see Citrus Heights as a “stepping stone”, and things like this are why this city can’t be in my bigger goals in life. Citrus Heights has been a learning tool of things to avoid when our next chapter starts. For now, I’ll get my kids through school… but, I can’t see this place being long term. Even Roseville knew when to put tax paying residents above a cash grab. I’ve seen those lights go off when cars don’t move, or for wrong direction. Maybe officers doing their jobs would be better? I’ve seen bicycle riders or jaywalkers in front of police cars driving down the road

    Aimee P. — They don’t really work, but hopefully it will help deter some of the people. Citrus Heights seems like one of the worst places for red light offenders but this is a nice revenue generating scheme for the city I suppose.

    Colleen A. — I don’t even run a yellow light because of these. It works for me.

    William E. — They don’t work. They’re unconstitutional. I got a ticket from avoiding a rear-end collision. Had to pull forward when a van almost rear ended me; I still stopped, but was over the line. Plus the cross walk markings were so faded away couldn’t see where the line to stop was. Went to fight the ticket after watching my video at the police station. They didn’t care. Also, if you plead not guilty to the ticket they make you prepay the fine before you go to court $500. If you win, they say they have up to 3 months to pay you back your money. So this is pure manipulation by legal system to make it hard for a person to fight it. Then, your car insurance goes up for the points on your license. It’s a win-win for insurance companies and municipalities. The police should issue tickets not cameras. Then, when you go to court you can face your accuser. Refute your case in court with a person. Those cameras are money makers. They also have been re-calibrating the seconds between yellow and red lights, shaving off milliseconds based on your speed to increase the percentage of issuing more tickets. Hasn’t anyone ever notice how fast a yellow light advances?

    Kris H. — They’re a waste of time, and just make people put their foot through the floor board to try to get through that light! And gonna get more people either hurt severely or worse…

    Matt S. — I stop at red lights so they don’t bother me. I think it does work as a deterrent.

    Alex G. — Money grab for the city that’s all. No real public safety value. They’ve just found another revenue stream instead of raising property taxes or sales tax.

    Chris F. — No, they should not be installed and the current ones need to be removed. They are not safe and not voted on by the residents.

    Yuriy G. — One reason I am glad I moved away from those after paying over $1k in fines.

    Ted P. — They can install as many as they want as far as I’m concerned. And the warning signs? Get rid of them.

    Jim L. — Terrible… they often encourage drivers to speed up and blast through the intersection, and the fines are outrageously expensive.

    Read all the comments or share your own on The Sentinel’s Facebook page. Letters can also be submitted for publication by clicking here.

  • Letters to the Editor: Mel Turner’s passing, appointing replacement

    Mel Turner, Citrus Heights, Melvin Turner
    Citrus Heights Councilman and former mayor Mel Turner, pictured during a December 2014 council meeting. // CH Sentinel

    Latest letters from the community reflect on former Councilman Mel Turner’s life and also discuss who his replacement on the council will be. Submit your own letter by clicking here.

    Mel Turner was one-of-a-kind and will be missed
    (RE: City leaders, community mourn passing of Citrus Heights Councilman Mel Turner, April 20) I met Mr. Turner at a neighborhood barbecue when he was a candidate for city council. He was definitely one-of-a-kind and touched everyone he met with his kind face and warm heart. Our hearts go out to his family, we are in tears. Peace be upon all of us, my friend — you will be missed.
    -Alfred Sanchez, Citrus Heights

    City council should appoint Weiland to honor voters’ wishes
    (RE: “How will the vacancy on Citrus Heights’ city council be filled?,” April 28) I have reviewed the list of very qualified applicants to replace Mel Turner on the council and I believe any of them would provide excellent representation of the fine citizens of Citrus Heights. Ideally, it would be my request to allow the voters to decide Mr. Turner’s replacement in a Special Election. I was present when the city council made its decision and fully understand why the council elected not to pursue that option considering the exorbitant cost involved.

    Considering the significant advantage an incumbent has when seeking re-election, the council should give very careful consideration to the wishes of Citrus Heights voters. In lieu of a special election I strongly urge the council to give great deference to the results from the recent election held just six months ago. Using this logic, I believe Marcel Weiland should be appointed to fill the vacant seat.
    -Tim Schaefer, Citrus Heights

    *Note: Schaefer also ran for city council last year and placed fifth out of eight candidates; Weiland placed third. He and Weiland were later appointed to the planning commission earlier this year.

    Want to submit your own letter to the editor on a current local issue? Click here.

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  • Letters: ARCO protests, future of Sylvan Corners, Movie Grill?

    ARCO, Barghausen Consulting
    A rendering of the proposed new ARCO in Citrus Heights, as seen from Sunrise Boulevard. // Image courtesy, Barghausen Consulting

    Updated March 18, 1:20 a.m.–
    Latest letters from the community discuss the controversial proposal to build an ARCO gas station and car wash on Sunrise Boulevard, as well as offer more ideas for the now-demolished middle school property at Sylvan Corners.

    Sylvan Corners needs a market that residents can walk to
    [RE: More Letters: residents continue discussion about future use of old Sylvan] I have been in Citrus Heights since the late 1970’s and the one thing I miss most is having a market I can walk to for groceries. The last market to leave was Tom Thumb Market at Antelope and Sunrise. I believe Sylvan Corners would be an ideal spot for many to shop. Yes, there is Walmart down the street from there, but the parking lot alone makes it difficult to walk. Maybe a Trader Joe’s or Sprouts Market, something with fresh foods.

    I live between Mariposa Avenue, Sunrise Boulevard, and Antelope Road — a grocery store wasteland for walking. Considering a market would help bring more shoppers to a rising area of shops already at the corner.
    –    Laura Alvarez, Citrus Heights

    Sylvan Corners would be better for dining, retail
    [RE: More Letters: residents continue discussion about future use of old Sylvan] I have read many comments about turning this area into a sports complex. Why not turn Rusch Park and or C-bar-C into a sporting complex and use Sylvan as a retail area. A WinCo store and In-N-Out Burger, maybe some other dining restaurants and even a movie theater? Movie Grill?

    Regarding the ARCO gas station proposal, considering there is a Costco and Sam’s Club close by whose gas is always cheaper, I see no need for this station. There was an ARCO on Auburn Boulevard at Cook Avenue. Why not update it and add a car wash if that is what they think will draw in the clientele? How about a daycare or Trader Joe’s instead?
    -Kay Davis, Citrus Heights

    New ARCO proposal symptomatic of negligent city planning
    [RE: Images of proposed Citrus Heights ARCO released; opposition continues] I fully echo the citizens protesting this (for profit) project. Our city council and planning department appear to only support high tax revenue plans, without taking an interest in the well-being and sanctity of our longstanding neighborhoods. The crime rate in that area is concerning without adding a strong magnet for an influx of customers for gas and booze late into the night.

    Having read all of the article in Sunday’s Bee regarding our police department, the low income of tax collection and monetary problems, it only brings to mind frivolous and negligent city planning. A 25-year deal with the county for no real-estate tax revenue, 22 million dollars spent on an unneeded city hall — while our roads and schools are in dangerous conditions? The city council and our “musical chairs” mayors must start listening to the citizens of Citrus Heights and not pander to the lure of inappropriate tax revenue. Aren’t we supposed to be a “City” (and all that implies) and not just fractured, clustered groups?
    -Lynn Avery, Citrus Heights

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  • More Letters: residents continue discussion about future use of old Sylvan

    Sylvan Middle School
    All building have now been demolished at the old Sylvan Middle School property at Sylvan Corners. // CH Sentinel

    With all buildings at the old Sylvan Middle School now demolished, latest letters from the community continue discussion about future uses for the site at Sylvan Corners. Comments focus on kid-friendly uses for the property, with a sports complex being a popular recommendation.

    A San Juan Unified School District surplus property committee has been charged with making an official recommendation to the school board. Appointments to the seven-member committee are slated for the upcoming SJUSD board meeting on March 14.

    A new sports complex would be an asset to Citrus Heights
    [RE: Letters: homeless shelter, cemetery expansion, Citrus Heights dog park?]  The old Sylvan site should be used for the children of the community. Currently, girls play softball during the spring and summer behind the site, and boys and girls use the site for soccer during fall and winter. To make a new expanded sports complex would greatly impact our youth and have an outlet for them. A nice snack bar and restroom facility with fields for recreational use would be an amazing asset to this city.
    -Justin Heeb, Citrus Heights

    Developments at old Sylvan should keep kids in mind
    [RE: Letters: homeless shelter, cemetery expansion, Citrus Heights dog park?]  Please be mindful that our local children and school are still nearby and only moved around the corner to the old elementary school. A cemetery is creepy, but would be a safe choice. We already have C-bar-C as a dog park. We should be raising up and building our neighborhood up, not dragging it down. We should be looking at successful communities, not mirroring the worst.
    -Beverly Clark, Citrus Heights

    Additional comments from Facebook:

    Robin S. — “I would like to be buried at Sylvan Cemetery, this is where I’ve lived for 20 years. My neighborhood. But by the time I die there will be no room. Is there any room now. They should expand. That would be great if my husband and our family could be there to rest. The other places are not my neighborhood.”

    Brian W. — “Sports complex is the best idea ever and it will pay for itself over the long haul. Think of all the tournaments: men and women, adults and kids, softball to baseball to soccer tournaments, plus a good snack bar that can make money. Throw in a nice big playground for the kids and some BBQ’s for all day fun at the park. I’ve been in Citrus heights for 36 years and tired of people going to Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln to use their complex and their playgrounds.

    Tina D. — “Sports complex would be fantastic! Even Mesa still needs a football field, even though they have plenty of space to put it on their campus… might as well utilize the now-empty lot for something for the kids so they can get off their smartphone, video games, etc. Enjoy the sunshine, the rain, all the stuff we endured as kids! Learn to be a kid without social media and all that ridiculous crap!”

    Want to submit your own letter to the editor on a current local issue? Click here.

  • Letters: homeless shelter, cemetery expansion, Citrus Heights dog park?

    Letters: homeless shelter, cemetery expansion, Citrus Heights dog park?

    Sylvan Corners, Citrus Heights. Photo credit: Luke Otterstad
    File photo, Sylvan Corners. // CH Sentinel

    Latest letters from the community discuss sheltering the homeless, the lack of a fenced off-leash dog park in Citrus Heights, and a suggestion for Sylvan Cemetery to expand onto part of the old Sylvan Middle School property. Submit your own letter to the editor about a current local issue by clicking here.

    Sylvan Cemetery could use room to grow at old school site
    (RE: Feb. 26 letters: ideas abound for future use of old Sylvan school property)      I know that growth to a cemetery doesn’t immediately spring to mind when thinking about Sylvan Corners and the use of the Sylvan school that is being torn down, but Sylvan cemetery, which is right next door to that property, does need to expand if it is to continue to support and provide for the citizens of Citrus Heights.

    Our cemetery has been part of this city since 1862 and within the next 5-10 years we will run out of room and will be forced to close. We’re not asking for the entire property – just an acre or two off of the north end of the school property.
    Jim Monteton, Citrus Heights
    Board Member, Sylvan Cemetery District

    Citrus Heights needs an off-leash park for dogs
    Last year, I asked the Sunrise Parks and Recreation District to create a fenced-in area within a park where a family can take their dog(s) to have off-leash play without the typical adversarial dog park environment. So far, funding has not come through for this. Being originally from Loomis, I am dismayed that there is nothing like this here. Many people take their dogs to our local parks for off-leash time so there is obviously a need for something like this. Citrus Heights needs to retain its small-town feel despite the growing population. That would be my suggestion.
    Cynthia Willmett, Citrus Heights

    Shelter is a great way to help homeless
    (RE: Feb. 22, Winter Shelter: churches, volunteers help homeless off Citrus Heights streets)      The winter shelter sounds like a wonderful program that I will be looking into more when I retire; I’m glad to hear that Citrus Heights homeless have somewhere to go. I see them under a cover at a church by my house and it’s sad to see when the weather is so cold and wet. We have had some issues with a few homeless people and have called the police, but most are just trying to survive. I’m close to Rusch Park, so we do see this everyday.

    Bless all who help the people in need. We don’t know their stories and should not judge people because they are homeless. My daughter ask for tarps and twine to help the homeless in Roseville and she can’t keep enough in stock. Some people would rather live on the streets, and this helps them when it rains.
    Connie Witherow, Citrus Heights

  • More letters: ideas abound for future use of old Sylvan school property

    Sylvan Middle School, demolition
    An excavator finishes demolition work on the first building to go at the old Sylvan Middle School in Citrus Heights on Feb. 7, 2017. // CH Sentinel

    Latest letters to the editor address aging commercial areas in Citrus Heights and suggest new uses for the old Sylvan Middle School property currently being demolished. Submit your own letter to the editor about a current local issue by clicking here.

    Citrus Heights commercial areas need revitalization to attract shoppers
    (RE: Feb. 18 letters: autism center, ARCO opposition, new WinCo at old Sylvan?)      I think the old school site at Sylvan Corners would be a wonderful site for a park/sports complex; you could walk across the street to get some ice cream or a sandwich. I live near Sunrise Mall and there are a few old parks in the area that are good for walking, but there’s even a new park in a bad area that is unsuitable for my taste. I travel to the many parks in Folsom or Roseville with my four grand children and take my dollars with me. An autism site would work in the ugly lot in front of Walmart. The old Kmart would be a perfect location for a WinCo, or anything but a hotel — that in itself is wrong on so many levels!

    There are places like the old roller rink in sunrise mall area, all the way to Sunrise Vista Avenue and even to Fair Oaks Boulevard, that needs to be totally reworked, revamped and revitalized to become a destination location. There’s a huge eyesore parking lot next to Fireside Lanes, or even the gross Grand Oaks shopping place, that could use a breath of fresh air. For that matter, any of the nasty places down Auburn Boulevard that I avoid like the plague.
    -Cindy Martin, Citrus Heights

    Citrus Heights need a sports complex, not a gas station
    (RE: Demolition of old Sylvan Middle School underway; what’s next?)  I think a sports complex would greatly benefit the youth of Citrus Heights. Not only will it allow teams a place to play, but the city as well can generate a profit by hosting sporting events there like softball or basketball tournaments. Mesa Verde is the only high school in the area without a playable football field, not to mention their baseball fields could use some help. I think the kids of Citrus Heights deserve a nice sporting facility. I disagree 100 percent with an ARCO being right next to the junior high. Time to invest in our kids!
    -Charlotte Romeo, Citrus Heights

    No to big box store or ARCO at Sylvan Corners
    (RE: Feb. 18 letters: autism center, ARCO opposition, new WinCo at old Sylvan?)  I pray they don’t put anything like a 24-hour ARCO in this place. Those places tend to attract a rough crowd and it’s right next to a school. I would love to see a community-based area, maybe a square with a park for kids to play, a local restaurant or two, coffee shop, fountain, something of that sort to surround it. I’d love to see it stay local and not put a big box store in the area. Maybe a cool pizza place the kids can go visit after school.
    -Ashley Jensen, Citrus Heights

    Note: several letters mention a 24-hour ARCO gas station in the context of development at Sylvan Corners. Currently, an ARCO has been proposed at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Sungarden Drive, not at Sylvan Corners.

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  • More letters: autism center, ARCO opposition, new WinCo at old Sylvan?

    More letters: autism center, ARCO opposition, new WinCo at old Sylvan?

    Latest letters-to-the-editor include more comments from readers about potential new uses for the old Sylvan Middle School property and opposition to the proposed new ARCO gas station on Sunrise Boulevard. Submit your own letter to the editor about a current local issue by clicking here.

    Old Sylvan would be good spot for new WinCo Foods
    (RE: Demolition of old Sylvan Middle School underway; what’s next?) I think they should build a Winco Foods at the old Sylvan Middle School site. There’s a small WinCo in Orangevale and there’s one in Roseville and there’s one in Antelope, but we don’t have one in Citrus Heights.
    -Annette Asplund, Citrus Heights

    New autism center should be built in place of old Sylvan School
    (RE: Demolition of old Sylvan Middle School underway; what’s next?)  San Juan unified has a few programs in different schools, but the programs are simply not complete add they seem to have been slapped together in order for every school to receive finding while the programs are inconsistent and of children bounce around from school to school looking for adequate placement. An autism school that caters to all children in the spectrum with all services provided on campus: speech, occupational therapy, behavior, integrated listening systems, etc.
    -Beverly Spencer, Citrus Heights

    Build a sports complex or football stadium for Mesa Verde
    (RE: Demolition of old Sylvan Middle School underway; what’s next?) I would love the old sylvan campus to become a multi-use youth sports complex. Maybe even the new home for the Mesa Verde football stadium.
    -Micki Lorentty, Citrus Heights

    Please, no more retail at old Sylvan school
    (RE: Demolition of old Sylvan Middle School underway; what’s next?) I have lived here for 41 years and in my opinion this is one of the less high-traffic areas in Citrus Heights. For work, I travel through town and it can take as long as 40 to 50 minutes in the morning. Citrus Heights is known for the country feel it was years ago. Change is good. But please, my home town, don’t take that part away from our city. Add an outside theater for music or make this a place of sports activities for adults and kids, especially with it being near a school. I have such great memories here and our children need to as well.

    Outside sports would be a great way to give back to our great community and let kids feel what it was like for us as we played at Rusch Park. Outside sports is what our kids need — not more retail! Restore the old mall down the street for retail instead; that’s an eyesore and brings in bad traffic. Please take this into consideration. This is where we live.
    -Nicole Blevins, Citrus Heights

    Proposed ARCO doesn’t belong in middle of neighborhood
    (Re: Michael Sugden’s letter to the editor published Feb. 11, 2017) I am one of the “protesters” that Mr. Sugden refers to in his letter. While the “area” he references is designated as commercial, a 24-hour gas station with 16 pumps, a car wash and alcohol sales, is not just any commercial operation. A special use permit is required due to the many factors this type of operation encompasses.

    We are not trying to “control” the use of private property. We are opposing the approval of a special use permit for this type of business in the middle of our neighborhood. I wonder if Mr. Sugden would be so critical of our citizens’ efforts if this station were proposed directly across the street or behind his home? However, if he is willing to donate to the fund to “buy the property and turn it into something else,” I am willing to start the collection.
    -Sharon Puricelli, Citrus Heights

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