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Category: Letters to the Editor

  • LETTERS: Reaction mixed on city’s decision to raise speed limits

    Latest letters from Citrus Heights residents express both support an opposition to the city’s decision to raise speed limits on four sections of roadway.

    See Nov. 1st article: Speed limits on these 4 roads will soon be increased in Citrus Heights. Here’s why

    Already too many roadway injuries, fatalities
    I just read the article about raising the speed limits in Citrus Heights again for the third time and cannot believe what I am reading. This is concerning. The three named areas of raising the speed are three areas of high pedestrian fatalities in the last 5 years (one of whom was my son).

    Was the number of deaths and injuries not computed in this decision or was this based solely on the 85th percentile figure? Is this what the residents want? Why was this not brought up for the vote ?

    Regarding “a staff recommendation,” one city engineer and one policeman brought this up and the council unanimously approved it with limited discussion. I don’t think raising the speed limit will reduce pedestrian fatalities. Please, Citrus Heights council, make this make sense to me.
    -Lisa Downing, Citrus Heights

    Raising speed limit is a bad idea
    I live on Antelope Road and it’s already a speedway. Realistically speeds are 50-60 mph down this road. Motorcycles are even worse. They race each other from Auburn to Sunrise all the time. What’s also bad are the number of people that walk down Antelope Road. Portions have no sidewalks. Whoever thought this was a good idea has lost their marbles.
    -Sue Stack, Citrus Heights

    How about changing city’s ‘welcome’ signs next?
    I was pleased to see the city is finally raising the speed limit on several sections of roadway that were long overdue for a change. Now if we could just come up with a friendlier slogan on Citrus Heights city limits signs.

    Visitors greeted with, “Welcome to Citrus Heights, SPEED LIMITS STRICTLY ENFORCED, doesn’t exactly start people out with a warm, fuzzy feeling when they enter our city, and lets be honest, those speed limits are not really being “strictly” enforced, either. There must be a more welcoming message we can give to visitors. Suggestions?
    -Charles Kohler, Citrus Heights

    Speeders should be cited instead
    The drivers already go too fast on Antelope Road. By highering the speed limit the drivers are going to drive freeway speeds. How is that safe for anyone especially kids always walking and riding their bikes?? Mesa High School is right off of Antelope Road. How can that be safe?? Can’t even turn onto a street without almost getting rear-ended. Citrus Heights Police should be citing speeders. I do not agree with this at all.
    -Camellia Ringo, Citrus Heights

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  • LETTER: Measure M is a smart move. Here’s why I support it

    By Kimberly Berg–
    For the past 17 years, I have owned Citrus Heights Car Wash, and was thrilled to purchase a home here 6 years ago. I support Measure M. I have personally seen how the city has responsibly managed taxpayer money, balanced their budget, and kept their promises.

    The city anticipates that 1% sales tax increase will generate $12 million, costing consumers ONLY an extra $4 – $8 per month. Is this a smart Return on Investment?

    As a business owner, the safety of my business and customers is very important. This increase will help fill 17 vacant positions in the police department, improve emergency response times, our streets, and help reduce and prevent homelessness. You can’t even hire a private patrol company or get alarm monitoring for $8 a month!

    I worry about the pandemic’s impact on our city and the economic consequences. With more of our residents losing their jobs and potentially becoming homeless, I want our city to offer resources that could help them stay in their homes, and keep our city safe.

    I trust the elected officials when they tell me every penny will ONLY be spent in Citrus Heights, that the proceeds will be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant, then reviewed annually by a Citizen’s Oversight Committee, with public disclosure.

    I think $8 a month is a SMART VALUE for what we’ll be getting to keep our city safe! I hope you will join me in supporting Measure M.

    More letters:

    Not in favor of paying more taxes
    As a resident of Citrus Heights for the last 12 years , I can’t help but think that if the city is in need of more revenue, why can we not support more of our struggling business. Even before Covid, the many shops and restaurants were failing, we could not even support or revitalize our once great Sunrise Mall.

    Now, instead you want to convert it to housing ( which will bring more money I’m sure, but it will also bring more demands on our city. Even major chains can’t do business here! Logan’s, El Torino, CoCos, Denny’s !
    Instead we watch as they fall by the wayside and invite another new building and business to join the already failing business!

    This is only my observation, however it’s one I feel is very valid. So, no, I’m not in favor of paying additional taxes when it should be coming from other sources.
    -James Cowger, Citrus Heights

    I’ll be shopping elsewhere if Measure M passes
    Dear Mr. Hancock, I could not agree more to your article on measure “M” . You beat me to the punch, as my family will be shopping elsewhere for ALL our needs if measure “M” should pass. Please Citrus Heights residents. Read, read, read the pro’s and con’s to this issue.
    -Thomas Milton, Citrus Heights

    Measure M is needed
    There is never a good time to ask people to pay more taxes. Citrus Heights made the bold step to become independent in 1997. We have almost fulfilled all of our financial responsibilities that came with it. Measure M will help fill in the gaps where funding is sorely needed. Please support Measure M by voting YES in Nov. 3 and keep Citrus Heights moving forward.
    -Lisa Glaser, Citrus Heights

    Want to share your own thoughts on this topic or another local issue?The Sentinel’s policy is to publish every letter received. Click here to submit one

  • LETTER: Citrus Heights needs Measure M

    By Stephanie Glaser, Citrus Heights–
    Residents in Citrus Heights are strong supporters of public safety, vibrant neighborhoods and economic opportunity. That’s why there is so much community support for Measure M, which will provide the resources needed to continue to fund these local priorities and ensure local control of our city’s future.

    Citrus Heights has a long history of being self-reliant and fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars, having balanced its budget 18 years in a row. But the current pandemic-induced recession has put our city in shut down mode. The city has frozen hiring, made cuts to city services, and layoffs of city staff and police officers are looming ahead of us.

    Measure M: Citrus Heights council votes 4-1 to put $12M sales tax increase on ballot

    The pandemic has forced many households and business owners to make financial sacrifices. City government is also becoming leaner and more efficient. But, ultimately, Citrus Heights residents have to ask themselves if maintaining our public safety and other essential city service is worth an additional penny of sales tax. I believe the answer is a resounding yes.

    We cannot rely on the state or the federal government to maintain our streets, keep our community safe, or revive our beloved Sunrise Mall. But by putting skin in the game, Measure M will help Citrus Heights get its fair share of government matching funds to improve our community.

    Critically, Measure M helps stop the bleeding. Unlike typical government revenue, every single penny of voter-approved Measure M funds is guaranteed to stay here in Citrus Heights. It cannot be taken away by the state and spent elsewhere.

    That’s why I’ll be supporting Measure M this November and I’m urging my neighbors to do the same.

    LETTER: If Citrus Heights sales tax goes up, it’s worth it to shop in Placer County

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  • LETTERS: Measure M is ‘penny wise and dollar strong’

    LETTERS: Measure M is ‘penny wise and dollar strong’

    By Tolya L. Thompson–
    As a small business owner, I support Measure M on this November’s ballot. I have been in business in Citrus Heights for 16 years, and I know the value of economic growth and opportunity for our community. Voting YES on Measure M will allow the City of Citrus Heights to maintain the essential city services we all count on and support local economic development.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our personal lives and our small businesses, resulting in a devastating economic emergency greater than any we have seen in our lifetimes. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They provide good-paying jobs and sales tax revenue that support public infrastructure and core municipal services.

    Every business and resident in Citrus Heights will benefit from Measure M and the improved services and infrastructure it will fund.

    Locally-controlled funds are more important than ever. Without local funds on the table, our city is not eligible to compete for most federal and state matching funds needed for road repair and other infrastructure improvements.

    I have poured everything I have into my business and this community. As a resident and business owner, my support of Measure M is not lightly given. I will stay engaged with the city to ensure that that the new revenue is spent in the manner proposed and serves the community as a whole by keeping our tax dollars local.

    If you support our small business community and want to see us make it through this economic crisis, please vote YES on Measure M.

    MORE LETTERS:

    Measure M is important
    Measure M is very important. I will lose my place to live being on Social Security, I know people working who can’t afford it.
    We need this. Even the Bay Area has it. The next thing you’re going to find is everyone moving out of state.
    -Carol Toffey, Citrus Heights

    Measure M will help preserve our quality of life
    The City of Citrus Heights rightfully prides itself on prudent fiscal management and its ability to deliver quality public services that the community relies on. Locally-controlled funding is critical to maintain these services – especially during these uncertain times.

    Measure M on this November’s ballot will help preserve Citrus Height’s quality of life, prevent property crimes, and maintain our roads. Every penny of will stay in Citrus Heights and will be used for essential city services and programs.

    It will provide additional funding for law enforcement personnel to reduce property crimes and keep neighborhoods safe, ensuring that Citrus Heights remains a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

    The city will be able to expand services for our seniors who use the community center and our youth who receive meals, educational support and participate in summer programs at the Sayonara Center.

    Measure M will be a critical source of local funding that will be protected by ironclad taxpayer safeguards, including an independent citizens’ oversight committee and annual audits which will ensure that our tax dollars are appropriately spent to improve our city
    -Erika Smith, Citrus Heights

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  • LETTERS: Measure M, sales tax, defunding police

    LETTERS: Measure M, sales tax, defunding police

    Latest letters from Citrus Height Sentinel readers include varying views on the proposed Measure M sales tax and commentary on efforts across the nation to defund police departments.

    Sales tax proposal is a bad move
    I am 45 year resident of Citrus Heights. I am not a politician. I am astonished that the City Council would put a tax increase on the November ballot. The city has a high population of seniors living on a fixed income and low income families.

    The pandemic and increased cost of living is already placing a burden on this population. The city has lost several major businesses. A sales tax increase could cause residents to shop in the surrounding areas, shuttering even more businesses (decreasing income).

    The city will receive up to $6 million additional revenue from property taxes beginning in 2023. I urge the City Council to reconsider this sales tax increase, possibly removing from the ballot.
    Marilyn Miller, Citrus Heights

    Sales tax is worth it, if roads get fixed
    As I drive down San Juan Avenue daily I am reminded how in need of repair the roads are. If a .01 tax is all that is needed so my teeth stop rattling I think it would be worth it.
    Brian F. Bartholomew, Citrus Heights

    I voted for Measure K, but won’t for Measure M
    It’s easy to spend other people’s money, as in the the Sylvan Corner property that the City Council decided to purchase late in 2019. Now you want us to pay for your mistake. I voted yes for the last measure to get roads repaired, and that was voted down. I’m not willing to pay for the mistakes being made by our past and present leaders of our city. Good luck getting this measure passed.
    -Mark Mitchell, Citrus Heights

    Tax increases are pushing residents to leave the state
    Now and forever more do I and my wife oppose your poorly timed and unnecessarily burdensome taxes. Trying to nudge even harder to get people to leave Citrus Heights? This is how the state is losing tax base to low tax/no tax states. Good luck to those who cannot leave! All you will have soon are the rich and poverty stricken on the government dole.
    Steve Harper, Citrus Heights

    Efforts to defund police are stupid
    I can’t believe that some people want to defund the police. That’s just plain stupid. I proudly wear my blue band to show my respect for law enforcement. There are very bad people out there who want to harm you or take what you have worked for.

    Law enforcement can be a thankless task at times. Are there bad cops? Of course there are, just as there are bad teachers, bad lawyers, bad plumbers-just about every profession or trade has bad apples. However, most are good honest people doing their best.

    Being in law enforcement is a tough way to live. These men and women see the worst of human behavior. But like most of us, they are doing their best in the face of horror and madness. I know I sleep better knowing there are folks out there that are on duty to protect me, my family and my friends.
    Pat Lueckert, Citrus Heights

    The Sentinel welcomes letters and guest opinion columns about local topics. Our policy is to publish every letter received. To submit one for publication, click here.

  • LETTER: If Citrus Heights sales tax goes up, it’s worth it to shop in Placer County

    A slide presented during a July council meeting shows the City of Citrus Heights is projected to have ongoing revenue shortfalls, in the absence of cuts or increased revenue.

    By Alan Utzig, Citrus Heights–
    [RE: Citrus Heights council votes 4-1 to put $12M sales tax increase on ballot; July 26th] Council members should keep in mind that Placer County is only a few minutes away. There are places in Placer County that would have a sales tax difference of 1.5%, making it a worthwhile trip, especially for a larger purchase. So the City of Citrus Heights would get nothing and Placer County would get some new customers.

    Since we have many residents without income or limited income, this is not the time to raise taxes. I wish Henry Tingle was still here.

    Want to share your own thoughts on this topic or another local issue?Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here

  • LETTER: ‘Gestapo’ mask rule has no real exceptions

    Latest letters to the editor from Citrus Heights residents present varying perspectives in favor and against mandatory masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Gestapo mask rule has no real exceptions
    [RE: CHPD: Stores can arrest customers for trespassing if they don’t follow mask rules; July 5th] You have a statement that is a little misleading: “The police chief also cautioned that exemptions to the order exist, noting that businesses and others ‘should take care when dealing with a person who may have a legitimate need to not wear a face-covering or mask.’”

    I have a breathing problem that stops me from wearing a mask. If I don’t wear a mask I would be stopped at the door or prevented from shopping for groceries. I don’t have some button or pin that shows that I can’t wear a mask — so I wear a mask and hurry through the store as fast as I can.

    Friday, with so many people all in the store at the same time, caused me to be in a mask for almost an hour. I don’t have the virus, and even if I did the mask doesn’t stop it.

    In that hour, I almost passed out. But no one — absolutely NO ONE — cares. If they see you without a mask you are automatically the bad guy: someone trying to do them harm. So please, don’t tell people that there is any exceptions to Gestapo Mask rule. With the governor, there is no exceptions.
    –Jim Monteton, Citrus Heights

    Mask mandate should be enforced
    I agree there should be enforcement of mask wearing. It is a public health issue and wearing a mask does not protect the wearer, but protects others in the vicinity of the mask wearer. Don’t tell me about your rights not to wear a mask. I have a right to be in public where transfer of the virus is minimized.

    It is a duty, just as you have to pay taxes or have a drivers license. You can be arrested if you drive after imbibing in too much alcohol. We all have the right to be safe in public places. What you do in your own home is up to you.

    Also, if you wear a mask, cover your nose. Otherwise the mask means nothing. It might be uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as having COVID virus. There can be long term adversities after initial recovery.
    -Patricia Lueckert, Citrus Heights

    Hypocrisy among mask advocates
    [RE: Guest Opinion: Citrus Heights should fine people for not wearing masks inside businesses; July 5th] Did you ever notice the person that first says it has nothing to do with politics is the first to bring politics into the argument? I’ve read the last two guest columns where the author bloviates and then tries to use the word “science” without any facts like it’s a magical being.

    Then he tries to force his beliefs onto someone not employed by him nor related to him. How did that work out for you? Now he wants the police to force his beliefs onto others…

    The author didn’t want to take personal responsibility and stay home, or use curbside pickup. No, he insists to force his beliefs onto others. He insists others to take his health into consideration when he doesn’t himself.

    Granted, I do not condone, in fact I abhor browbeating workers trying to enforce a policy established by corporate, the poor worker bee had nothing to do with it but their job is on the line.

    Then he tries to find some judicial rulings that were decided over a hundred years ago. Court cases are a crap shoot, if SacRT can’t enforce homeless not to ride because they are covered in feces, and stores can’t enforce a dress code where pants are under someone’s buttocks, I doubt that an ambiguous order of a mask will stand a chance. I mean any lawyer would eat that alive, what size, thickness, certification, etc. Let alone ruling that a private citizen must wear something not provided by the state. What accommodations are made for the poor?

    Lastly you look at what the author does for a living, he’s a lobbyist. Now you know where the politics come into play…
    -Sam Smith, Citrus Heights
    *This letter was shortened due to length exceeding 250 word limit

    Want to share your own thoughts on this topic or another local issue? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here

  • LETTER: Why has wearing a mask become a political issue?

    By Michael Oxley, Citrus Heights—
    I’m a retired teacher, 70 years old next month, and am suffering with COPD. I try to take care of myself. I respect the COVID-19 precautions. But I do go to the grocery store because I just can’t get used to shopping with a checklist.

    I know, I’m a dinosaur, but I just like to feel and smell the produce. I like to pick my own cuts of meat. I like to compare brands and read ingredient lists. My question is: “Why has wearing a mask become a political issue?”

    I generally shop at Raley’s. They have a deputy sheriff inside the store now. These sheriffs NEVER wear masks. I asked one a couple of weeks ago why she wasn’t wearing a mask and she said it “wasn’t required.”

    Because the pandemic has blown up in California, Governor Newsom instated the mask requirement. Today I asked the deputy why he wasn’t wearing a mask and he said that it interfered with talking on the radio. Bulls**t!

    Wearing a mask has become a divisive political issue, when it’s a really a MEDICAL issue. COVID-19 doesn’t care if you voted for Trump or Clinton or Stalin! YOU ARE ENDANGERING MY LIFE FOR YOUR DISTORTED POLITICAL VIEW!

    I read that our police chief won’t enforce the mask requirements. Thanks. I live here too! I pay taxes. I pay part of your salary and you vow you won’t protect me?

    Wearing a mask does little to protect the wearer. It’s for the other people. You are assaulting me, not declaring your “freedom!” Get some sense people!

    MORE LETTERS:

    Reviewed the proposed plan for the Citrus Heights Mall. The music venue would be better on the other side away from residential. Just a thought.
    -Judith Chandler

    Please do everything possible to get all Citrus Heights police in body cams. This is of most importance!
    -Mary Kneidl

    The Sentinel welcomes letters and guest opinion columns about local topics. To submit one for publication, click here.

  • LETTER: Thankful for Citrus Heights Police Department

    Letter submitted by Patricia Lueckert–
    [RE: Letter: ‘We’d be better off with county government’; May 24th] I don’t know how long letter-writer Mr. Allen has lived in Citrus Heights, but I have lived here since 1980. I remember when Sacramento County Sheriffs was our law enforcement, and it was pretty bad with long or no-show waits.

    I remember coming home from work finding my home had been burglarized. It took over 30 minutes for a response from law enforcement, and nothing was done except making my house filthy from hand-print powder. No one was caught and there were no follow ups.

    Another time, my daughter came home from work and saw a body on our lawn. She called dispatch who asked her to go out and see if he was alive.

    She was 18 years old at the time. My husband and I refused to let her go out and see. Still another long wait to find out it was a drunk.

    Citrus Heights was way down in response time because law enforcement was so busy in other parts of the county. I am very glad we incorporated and I appreciate out police department.

    It used to be that you saw very few police cars, and now I see them regularly. A big thank you to our city government and especially our Police Department!

    The Sentinel welcomes letters and guest opinion columns about local topics. To submit one for publication, click here.

  • Citrus Heights Letters: COVID-19, masks, police services

    Citrus Heights Letters: COVID-19, masks, police services

    Latest letters to the editor from Citrus Heights residents discuss COVID-19, stay-at-home orders, and police services.

    Residents not following stay-at-home orders
    Citrus Heights residents have not been following stay-at-home order at all; car washes have been open the whole lock down. This is sad no one has been enforcing the order.

    A lot of the people in this community believe the virus is fake, therefore they don’t care. This is the reason the virus is spreading. We need some action in the community.
    -Amanda Davidson, Citrus Heights

    Virus reaction is about political gain
    There is a lot of talk about deaths being recorded as COVID-19, whether it was the annual flu, heart attack, etc., and doctors are saying they are being pressured to list deaths as COVID-19. The people are losing their jobs and businesses to something which is believed to be for political gain and not about public safety.
    –David Harlan, Citrus Heights

    Happy to wear mask and gloves
    Go ahead and not protect yourself, I am happy to protect myself and mask and glove up — it’s my right to not catch your exposure of illness. So right-fighters, go without protection and hope you survive your choice.
    –Gail Bryning, Citrus Heights

    We’d be better off with county government
    It seems the usefulness of the City of Citrus Heights has come to an end. For too many years, the leaders and employees of the city have acted more for their own benefit than for the benefit of the residents of Citrus Heights.

    Police services could be better served by contracting with the more professional and capable Sacramento County Sheriff’s department. Once you remove police services, why have a city? Better representation? I would beg to have the kind of responsive government my friends have in the county.
    –Craig D. Allen, Citrus Heights

    The Sentinel welcomes letters and guest opinion columns about local topics. To submit one for publication, click here.