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Category: Letters to the Editor

  • LETTER: It’s time to address repeat dumping on Sayonara Drive

    LETTER: It’s time to address repeat dumping on Sayonara Drive

    File photo, a sign posted on a vacant lot on Sayonara Drive prohibits dumping. // CH Sentinel

    Letter by Timothy Jackson–
    I have lived in Citrus Heights over 20 years. I have served in the community on Planning Boards and in neighborhood associations. I have never been so ashamed of the city’s actions as I have over the last year with the creation of a city dump on Sayonara near Sunrise Blvd.

    Over the months, an increasing amount of trash has been illegally dumped on the street not always by residents of the apartments on Sayonara, but by others outside the area that have found a “FREE” dumping place.

    The city has become a forgiving overseer and has paid to have the continual dumping cleaned up. At what cost and how long will this continue? It has gotten worse! Within a day after the cleanup has occurred, new piles appear with more sanitation issues with the material being dumped.

    There has got to be a better way to deal with this. We are caring intelligent people that live in Citrus Heights. Can’t we come together and solve this unsightly sanitation issue?

    *Editor’s note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No other letters/comments on this topic were received as of March 10, 2023. The Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor up to 250 words in length. To submit one online, click here.

  • LETTER: How about enforcing existing laws before passing new ones?

    Editor’s note: This letter was written in response to an article published on Feb. 25th: Citrus Heights passes parking ban for commercial vehicles on all streets

    By Mark Mitchell, Citrus Heights–
    The city just came up with another ordinance, not allowing semi tractor trailers to park on public streets. Good job, that’s great, but how about enforcing the laws that are already on the books? Like parking vehicles in your front yard on the grass or the dirt? Or how about the trailered boats that sit on our city streets or in neighborhoods?

    Here’s an ordinance/law that works in Orange County, in Southern California.  It would employ a few folks, and help in beautifying the city.

    Here it is: on street sweeping day twice a month, there’s signs posted on entrances to all neighborhoods, (OK, the start-up costs), street sweeping will be the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you’re caught on the street when the sweeper drives by the new city employee who follows the sweeper, takes a picture of the violator’s car license plate, and slaps a $25 ticket on the windshield.

    Win, win, win situation, unless you’re the one getting a ticket. The city gets cleaner, the city employs a few more people, and the fines help defer the cost of the sweeper and their assistant.

    And by the way, not sure if anyone’s even happy with whoever’s sweeping the streets now, because after they’re done, I’m cleaning up after them! Can’t make this stuff up.

    And don’t even get me started about the trash pickup day… I’m sure that I’m not the only one picking up after they come by!

    *No other letters on this topic were received as of March 3, 2023. The Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor submitted by residents about local issues and does not censor letters based on viewpoint. To submit a letter online, click here.

  • LETTER: Police should resume publishing logs

    Editor’s note: This letter was written in response to an article published on Feb. 11th: Could Citrus Heights police logs return in 2023?

    By Carol Alexander, Citrus Heights–
    I for one was disappointed that the police stopped posting the logs of what was happening on a daily basis some years ago. I thought it was a valuable tool for the public to realize the hot spots of crime in the neighborhoods and be aware of being more careful and vigilant for their safety.

    Many residents read these and found them valuable. Please consider going back to posting these and make it happen for those of us who want to be more aware of how to protect ourselves from these hot spots.

    Other letter(s):
    I am definitely in favor of publishing police logs. We hear sirens frequently and would like to know whats going on in the area, if there are any reasons for concern. -Margie Cook

    *No other letters on this topic were received as of Feb. 15, 2023. The Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor up to 250 words in length. To submit one online, click here.

  • LETTER: City should consider ‘silent fireworks’ show instead

    Editor’s note: This letter was written in response to an article published Jan. 28, 2023: Citrus Heights council votes 3-2 to fund fireworks show, patriotic event

    By Kim Davis, Citrus Heights–
    I’m glad the City of Citrus Heights has approved bringing back the fireworks show. I’m sad because I know the stress it brings to many both people and animals due to the noise that comes along with the beautiful displays of light.

    Why not do silent fireworks? This could be a win-win for everyone. My dog would not have to be tranquilized, and veterans that suffer from PTSD would not have to flee to the mountains to escape the horrific memories of war.

    I dated a vet and on July 4th we were at the zoo when fireworks went off and he dropped to the ground, something I will never forget, and an understanding of the pain war continues to be relived every time fireworks start, whether it be July 4th or December 31st. Please City start a new tradition and look into silent fireworks.

    *Editor’s note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No other letters/comments on this topic were received as of Feb. 3, 2023. Prior published letters on this topic can be viewed here. The Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor up to 250 words in length. To submit one online, click here.

  • Citrus Heights Letters: Fireworks, homeless, library

    Citrus Heights Letters: Fireworks, homeless, library

    Editor’s note: This letter was written regarding an article about homelessness at Sylvan Oaks Library. For context, see story: Sylvan Oaks Library criticized for response to homelessness, camping

    By Barbara L. Babcock, Citrus Heights–
    My daughter is one of the homeless people that often stays at the Sylvan Library. She has an addiction, which contributes to a mental illness and Multiple Sclerosis which she is not getting treatment for.

    I have tried to get her to go to recovery, but she won’t. I am grateful there were places she could stay out of the rain, kind of. Unfortunately, she has been doing this life so long she has forgotten how to pick up after herself and leaves her trash everywhere.

    I think many of these people are choosing to live like this and have had the opportunity to get their lives together. Sure, there are some who aren’t capable, but the only way to tell is to force rehabilitation on them to see who can get their life together and who truly has physical and mental issues that need some creative solutions.

    I agree you can’t tell a person they can’t have a piece of ground to lay your head down. That is not humanity. Boundaries need to be set, and if they can’t follow they need to move on.

    Other Letter(s):

    Let the fireworks begin
    In response to Roger Klausler, July 4, 1776, is a date worth celebrating as a community, which takes precedent over each of our individual wishes and wants. That date set off the chain of events that now guarantees Mr. Klausler the right to speak out in dissent — and my right to speak out in support—of fireworks, street projects, homelessness, or whatever else is on our minds. That is, indeed, worth celebrating. Let the fireworks begin!
    -Doug Thorn, Citrus Heights

    *Editor’s note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No other letters/comments on this topic were received as of Jan. 28, 2023. The Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor up to 250 words in length. To submit one online, click here.

  • LETTERS: ARPA funds weren’t meant for ‘frivolous’ fireworks show

    LETTERS: ARPA funds weren’t meant for ‘frivolous’ fireworks show

    *Note: These letters and comments were received following publication of a letter on Jan. 24, 2023. Additional context can be found in prior article: Citrus Heights council to consider $80k proposal to bring back fireworks show.

    Letter by Roger Klausler–
    How can the city dare to use $80,000 in ARPA funds to resurrect a frivolous display of smoke and noise that pollutes the air and frightens animals in the guise of “bringing our community back together” after a difficult 3 years?

    ARPA funds are to be used to support public health expenditures; address the negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency; replace lost public sector revenue; provide premium pay for essential workers; and invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

    But instead of delegating $80,000 toward addressing any of those goals, the city wants put on a fireworks display–a serious betrayal of the public trust.

    Other letters/comments:

    I agree with a previous writer, Linda Sue Arrowwood, that spending $80K for fireworks is not in the best interest of the community, especially when there are so many other issues that could use these funds. I have nothing to add to her article; she seems to have covered it all. -Meryl

    There is no good reason to use $80,000.00 for a fireworks show. That is not why we the taxpayers. -Margaret

    I totally agree with Linda in regards to wasting money on a 20-minute display when you could find so many better ways to use 50k or whatever the cost. Those shows, as far as I’m concerned, are better left to Cal Expo where they can handle the traffic with their abundant overpriced parking. Besides that, just go out on your front porch and watch your neighbor light off some bombs!! How about fixing the potholes and put a little extra effort into it. It just seems they put an oversized blob of asphalt in the pothole and drive away, to let the cars smooth it out. -Mark

    I can think of better uses for the pandemic fund money than a fireworks show! -Lee Ann

    *Editor’s note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No other letters/comments on this topic were received as of Jan. 25, 2023. The Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor up to 250 words in length. To submit one online, click here.

  • LETTER: City shouldn’t use ARPA funds for fireworks show

    *Editor’s note: This letter was written in regards to an article published Jan. 23, 2023, Citrus Heights council to consider $80k proposal to bring back fireworks show.

    By Linda Sue Arrowwood–
    I am thoroughly against any funds used for this proposal. The pandemic relief fund or American Rescue Plan funds should be used to support the people and businesses affected by the pandemic and current impacts on infrastructure in Citrus Heights.

    There are numerous ways to help people and businesses that should be considered before any entertainment funding that is not beneficial to our community.

    For example… Grants for local businesses to help with expenses greatly affected by the pandemic and inflation. Assistance for our local homeless population. Maybe a port-o-potty in high traffic areas, trash service, or a hot meal once a week.

    Help our senior citizens with limited incomes buy food or pay a utility bill. Fund a grant to assist our local marching band with expenses or a local nonprofit to benefit children.

    At the very least, fix some potholes or help those who need to remove storm-damaged trees and debris.

    We don’t need a show that will increase animal escapes and the burden to collect, house and take care of them. And the veterans in our community don’t deserve to be reminded of the horrific costs of war.

    Help fund something to assist Police Department personnel, like body armor or mental health assistance for police officers and their families…

    Come up with something that isn’t a frivolous party expense. $80,000 is way too much money for a 20-minute show.

    Maybe poll our citizens what they think would benefit our town by using the funds as they were intended.

    *No other letters on this topic were received as of Jan. 23, 2023. This letter was edited due to length going beyond 250-word limit. The Sentinel welcomes letter to the editor up to 250 words in length. To submit one online, click here.

  • LETTER: Safety upgrades at schools should have happened years ago

    *Editor’s note: This letter was written in regards to an article published Jan. 14, 2023, Citrus Heights Police Chief says cost could run $2.5M to put cops in schools.

    By Mark Mitchell–
    I really have a hard time believing that our schools need more money to upgrade fencing and other aspects of keeping kids safe. It’s 2023, this should have taken place years ago.

    Every school should have someone in charge with the kids overall safety in mind. Oh that’s right, they all do, it’s called a principal. In fact, every school has multiple people who should have the kids safety in mind, they’re called teachers!

    It boils down to the old adage, “if you see something or hear something that doesn’t seem right, or doesn’t look right, then say something!” If you have to, write it down, make a log of what it is that concerns you, and maybe all of us can make Citrus Heights and its schools a safer place to live, and to learn!

    Be safe out there,

    Mark Mitchell, Citrus Heights resident since 1990.

    Note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No additional letters were received on this topic as of Jan. 20, 2023. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: It’s time to bring back police logs in Citrus Heights

    By Leon Barrow, Citrus Heights–
    [RE: Citrus Heights PD won’t be posting police logs anymore. Here’s why; Dec. 1, 2019]  Now that Citrus Heights is receiving my property tax, I believe they have enough money to get the Police Logs going again. I don’t believe it’s too cumbersome and time consuming for somebody to publicize the crime reports for Citrus Heights.

    From the article on Dec. 1, 2019: “Police Communications Supervisor Chela Cottrell confirmed the decision in a reply to an inquiry from The Sentinel on Wednesday.”

    “The department determined that the reports have become too cumbersome and time consuming for staff to continue to produce,” she said in an email. “In an effort to streamline to process, call information is available on our website and can be found by navigating to the crime map located under the crime prevention tab on the homepage.”

    …The community crime map is a joke and I don’t believe it’s updated on a daily basis.

    Editor’s Note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No additional letters were received on this topic as of Dec. 10, 2022. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: Citrus Heights Water District rate increase won’t raise bill by much

    Letter by Ray Riehle, Orangevale–
    [RE: Citrus Heights Water District seeks 20% increase in water usage rates; Nov. 19th] The headline may be potentially misleading, but the customer bill will not increase by 20%.

    The Usage Charge referred to in the Sentinel article is 35% of a customer’s invoice, and will increase by $0.24 per unit of water. One unit of water is 748 gallons. Our customers will pay one cent more for five gallons of water.

    For an average customer of CHWD who has a 1-inch meter and uses 20 units of water in a two-month billing period, the average bill would increase from $125.63 to $133.79 under the proposed rates for 2023, a 6.5% increase.

    If this proposal is adopted by the CHWD Board, the average CHWD water bill would remain 6.4% below the Sacramento regional average. More information about CHWD rates can be found at chwd.org/water-rates.

    Editor’s Note: The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No additional letters were received on this topic as of Dec. 1, 2022. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.