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Category: Letters to the Editor

  • LETTER: Tiny homes on Sayonara? No Way

    LETTER: Tiny homes on Sayonara? No Way

    Letter by Jim Olson–
    [RE: Here’s what Citrus Heights candidates say about addressing homelessness; Oct. 18th]  I bought my home off of Larwin Drive back in the early 90s and was not told about the issues with the riff-raff on Sayonara Drive at that time. I suffered through a good 15 to 20 years of debris being thrown in my yard, including drug paraphernalia, and the destruction of my personal property and holiday decorations by the low-life’s that lived on Sayonara as they walked through my neighborhood to get to Tempo Park.

    With that said, I strongly oppose having tiny homes placed on Sayonara that will only attract similar types of people. I already see plenty of people pushing shopping carts and carrying large sacks of recyclables and riding their bikes by my house on their way to and from Tempo Park as it is! No thank you!

    And I’m sorry if this sounds like “not in my backyard,” but I’ve already served my time!

    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 Oct. 21, 2022. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: 9/11 event at Sylvan Cemetery brought tears to many eyes

    File photo, an attendee sits during a Sept. 11 memorial event at Sylvan Cemetery.

    Letter by Mark Mitchell, Citrus Heights–
    [RE: Sept. 11 memorial event to be held at Sylvan Cemetery]  I’d like to send out a special thank you to Jim Monteton, the organizer of the 9/11 Memorial event. The short ceremony only lasted about 30 minutes, but in that short period of time, everyone in attendance was able to honor the 2,977 lives taken on that tragic day.

    It started with the Pledge of Allegiance. Then it was The National Anthem and God Bless America, which were led by a guest singer.

    County Supervisor Sue Frost got up for a short speech and brought tears to many eyes. We got to hear the bag pipe player warm up before he developed a leak and couldn’t continue. There was also CHPD, who had two patrol officers, one sergeant, and a lieutenant who spoke, in attendance.

    The grand finale was the bugle melody Taps, played over the cemetery loudspeaker, in honor of innocent victims of 9/11/01, and the 1,400 veterans buried in our beautiful Sylvan Cemetery.

    God Bless America,
    Mark Mitchell

    Editor’s Note: In the interest of serving as a community forum for discussion, The Sentinel’s policy is to publish all letters received, regardless of viewpoint. No additional letters were received on this topic as of Sept. 21st. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: Speed bumps needed on San Juan Avenue to stop speeders

    Letter by Mark Mitchell, Citrus Heights–
    [RE: City continues work towards plan to repave, widen San Juan Avenue; Aug. 23rd]  Spending millions of dollars to buy property, add sidewalks, and lighting on San Juan Avenue seems to be an overreach once again by city leaders. I guarantee not one city council member has ever walked on that stretch of the San Juan Fwy. It’s FREAKIN scary how fast some of these “I D 10 T’S” go.

    I just talked yesterday to my USPS carrier whose route is the stretch from Crestline to Madison on San Juan Avenue. I’m walking my dog ready to cross over San Juan and head over by the elementary school just West of San Juan and here goes speed racer doing 60-70mph, easily, towards Madison. I just shake my head at these bozo’s.

    Then I see [my USPS carrier] walking towards the light at Crestline; he’s on the sidewalk, on the West side of San Juan. When I caught up to him I asked him if he saw speed racer, he said, “I didn’t know what to do, I was a little scared, I moved off the sidewalk further away from the street, and almost flew him the bird!” (For those unsure, it’s the middle finger)

    So I guess my point is, repave that stretch of San Juan and add some speed bumps along the way! That’ll slow them down or they’ll pay in car repairs!

    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 Sept. 3, 2022. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: Redirecting trail around Sundance Park makes the most sense

    LETTER: Redirecting trail around Sundance Park makes the most sense

    A screenshot from an interactive map posted on the city’s website, showing the path of a 2.9-mile trail to be installed in the northeastern area of Citrus Heights.

    Letter by Tom DiGiacomo, Orangevale–
    [RE: $10.4 million in funding approved for new 2.9-mile trail in Citrus Heights; Aug. 18th]  The trail project was approved, but Councilman Bret Daniels suggested a major point that will keep project within budget. Bret said the trail out of Tempo Park can be diverted down Fair Oaks Boulevard to Woodmore Oaks Drive, (rather) than to cross Fair Oaks Boulevard and go through Sundance Park.

    That means not having to build a controversial bridge and not having to send the trail down Highwood Way with blind turns, congestion, dark at night, dangerous! Added the four-way controversy stop at intersection.

    What does Citrus Heights Planning do with that suggestion, which makes most sense?

    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 Aug. 24th. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: Gas stations in Sunrise MarketPlace? No!

    LETTER: Gas stations in Sunrise MarketPlace? No!

    By Lynn F. Avery–
    [RE: City considering ban on new gas stations near Sunrise Mall; July 10th]  I’m a 32-year resident of Citrus Heights. I have seen the “marketplace” area evolve from a thriving Mecca of varied lively shopping experiences to a ghost-town of empty boutiques, interesting stores, upscale clothing for (men, women, children, avant-garde shops, bridal, tuxedos, and more). Also, shoe shops, jewelry shops-,high & low end, & International artifacts brought in happy customers. I apologize if excluding others.

    I could expand (or expound) on the intriguing and often how exciting it was –to go to SUNRISE MALL. It was decorated beautifully for every season with Christmas being extra special–families actually brought their children and families to experience and absorb the meaning of these special holidays.

    Customers had a choice of some nice restaurants -in the Mall and some close by. Some of the restaurants were destinations that added shoppers while in the Mall. There was a Movie Theater that provided entertainment for adults and children. What a loss!!! Maybe some of the ‘Big Box’ stores need to get ‘with it’ and decide how to appeal to the current change in shopping habits and adjust.

    Yes, Amazon has made a huge change in how we shop since COVID. I really believe that we, “CITRUS HEIGHTS,” have a chance to form how we develop our new city. WE could “think” smaller and “be” larger in the sales market and return to the appeal of enjoying shopping again-return to community.

    Gas Stations on Sunrise Market Place??? Hell no! Do you want to replicate Folsom Blvd., Auburn Blvd., Broadway (downtown Sacramento; Watt Ave), or a pleasant 1-2 mile drive through an attractive shopping district? Destination: Citrus Heights MARKET PLACE. Please think ahead.

    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 July 30. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTERS: ‘Do Not Block’ needed near Costco gas station

    LETTERS: ‘Do Not Block’ needed near Costco gas station

    A line of traffic outside the Costco gas station near Applebee’s, shown on March 18, 2022. // M. Hazlip

    By Dee Sherman–
    Once again, it took nearly half-an-hour attempting to exit the Applebee’s parking lot on Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights.

    This is due to the Costco traffic blocking the entrance while lining up to use Costco’s gas pumps. The remedy would be as simple as painting the asphalt with instructions, “Do Not Block” or “Yield,” or words to that effect!

    Costco has received frequent complaints about this on-going problem but has steadfastly failed to take remedial measures. In triple-degree heat, coupled with astronomical gas prices, having to stand idling for this easily remedied predicament is unconscionable of Costco management (IMHO)!!

    OTHER LETTER(S):

    Lack of police response to illegal fireworks?
    There is no safe space when you take away respect and responsibility from police. What did you expect???

    When everyone belittles and disrespects the police, how can you expect them suddenly to respond to your complaint??? You told them not to. Make up your mind, do you want police protection, or do you want them to go away???? You can’t have it both ways.

    To serve and protect is their motto, You don’t get to pick and choose what and where that falls. The letter of the law is clear, if you don’t like it, follow the rules to change it!

    Don’t condemn those that choose to uphold it when it does not fit your agenda. If someone is abusing their power, report it, HOLD those responsible for their indiscretions. Don’t blame an entire system off a few bad apples. Most want what is best for those they chose to protect.

    Don’t persecute all because of a profession, as you don’t want those persecuted blindly (race, religion or anything else). Let’s keep everyone safe from all the evil that is out there, no matter what the color, profession or anything else! – Kat, Citrus Heights

    Want to share your thoughts about a local news story? To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: New green bike lane on Mariposa is ‘dumb and dangerous’

    LETTER: New green bike lane on Mariposa is ‘dumb and dangerous’

    Freshly painted green can be seen marking a bike lane on Mariposa Avenue in Citrus Heights. // M. Hazlip

    By Mark Mitchell–
    [Citrus Heights now has its first green bike lane, with more coming; July 14th]  I live near Mariposa and Madison and frequently use the intersection to travel east or west on Madison Avenue. I’m not sure who came up with the final lane design at that intersection in regards to bicyclists and the new “green bike lane.” They probably have minimal experience riding a bike in city traffic.

    The first thing most bicyclists do when they come to an intersection that doesn’t have a car sitting there is they push the button, which triggers the signal, to change the light green for them. With the new design, the bicyclist if they stay in the “green” bike lane, it puts them in the middle of cars on their left side going straight into the Northridge Golf Club or making a left and heading eastbound on Madison, or on their right side is the cars making a right and heading westbound on Madison.

    This is dumb and dangerous for both cars and bikes at the same time!

    First off, for the lone bicyclist sitting there with no cars, what triggers the light to change? And secondly, while sitting there in your car, if you’re the first one at the light making the left onto Madison Avenue, watching the traffic whizzing by at 50+ mph, and you can see a very tight right turn from westbound Madison onto Mariposa, that to me doesn’t look good for the person making the right on Mariposa, me sitting there, or the bicyclist waiting in the “green bike lane next to me!!

    Redo it and keep the bike lane next to the curb, please!

    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 July 22. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: Fireworks ban in Citrus Heights after 11 p.m. was a farce

    Letter by Joel M. Carsley, Citrus Heights–
    [RE: Fireworks were like a war zone in Citrus Heights; Letter, July 8th]  It was also a War Zone between Sylvan Road, Auburn Boulevard, Carriage, Raintree, Chivalry, Gallant Circle. Ninety-two missiles went off until 12:52 a.m., and that’s not counting the legal fireworks. No police present in this area and only one siren from an ambulance.

    There is laws on the books for quiet time from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and also another law on the books saying any person who maliciously and willfully disturbs another person by loud and unreasonable noise, yet the City Council approved fireworks until 11:00 p.m., which was a farce, as you can see so one paid any attention to it. You could look around the city and see all the air missiles.

    As a disabled person, and for my dog, it’s very disturbing. Where can we go? I can’t drive and taking my electric scooter out on Auburn Boulevard, it’s taking your life in someone else’s hands.

    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 July 16. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.

  • LETTER: Fireworks were like a war zone in Citrus Heights

    LETTER: Fireworks were like a war zone in Citrus Heights

    Stock photo, fireworks.

    By Violet Ables, Citrus Heights–
    On July the 2nd, 3rd, and the 4th, I called Citrus Heights Police on the illegal fireworks being set in a residential area behind Grand Oaks Shopping Center. It was like a war zone in my neighborhood. They would start around 8 p.m. and go until 1 a.m. in morning. Fourth of July was the worst.

    I live on Brook Dale Drive, and the street behind me, Grand Oaks Blvd. and down Oak Forrest, was the worst. It sounds like we were in a war and the smoke was strong from the illegal fireworks. Why is this allowed?

    We were very lucky a home did not catch fire and that a field behind the shopping center did not catch fire. I know the police did not respond because the people keep lighting them up.

    Related: Citrus Heights police make arrests, seize fireworks on July 4 weekend

    I have lived here 9 years, and this has never happened before. We need to do something about this so it doesn’t happen next year.

    We have the Fire Department on the corner of Grand Oaks and Oak Forrest. Why can’t the Fire Department write tickets to these people? They are the ones to clean up after these people that have no respect for their neighbors or the safety of others.

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

  • Citrus Heights Letters: traffic, marijuana, Starbucks

    Citrus Heights Letters: traffic, marijuana, Starbucks

    Latest letters from Citrus Heights Sentinel readers include discussion about traffic associated with development proposed on Auburn Boulevard, and thoughts on the benefits of recreational marijuana sales.

    Third lane onto I-80 may be needed with development
    [RE: Proposal seeks to demolish liquor store to build new Starbucks in Citrus Heights; May 5th]  As a resident and homeowner in Citrus Heights for 12 years, I travel up Auburn Boulevard most weekdays to get onto the freeway. I think it’s great that there are new shops, churches, stores, happening in this area.

    I just wanted to express a concern about the traffic getting on to Interstate 80, especially where they plan on the new church site and possible Starbucks near the freeway (read this last month)? I would hope the city will see that a third lane to get on 80/Reno or turn lane into these businesses may be required due to the backups already seen in this area. This already seems to be causing aggressive driving to ‘jump in” the long line due to slow ups from business goers versus freeway goers.
    -K. DeMarco, Citrus Heights

    Recreational marijuana sales come with obvious financial benefits
    [RE: Guest Opinion: Should Sacramento County legalize recreational cannabis? May 19th]     This has been studied to death. Many communities across the country have legalized the use and sale of marijuana and marijuana products. The financial benefits are obvious.

    The time has come to legalize and regulate something that the voters of this state said to do years ago.
    If it isn’t legalized here, people will just buy it elsewhere and we lose out on the money. So, yes, it does boil down to money and other considerations just don’t matter anymore.
    -Nancy Leitner, Citrus Heights

    *Editor’s Note: Plans for a new church to be located across from Rusch Park were dropped last month. See prior article: Church changes course on plan to build across from Rusch Park. To submit a letter to the editor online, click here.