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Tag: Albert Fox

  • Citrus Heights City Council Election: Who’s funding who?

    Citrus Heights Council Candidates for 2022. Top left to right: Albert Fox, Manuel Perez, Jayna Karpinski-Costa (District 4). Porsche Middleton, Natalee Price (District 5). Lower, left to right: Michael Nishimura, Steven Durham, James Tipton, MariJane Lopez-Taff (District 2). // Compiled by M. Hazlip

    Sentinel staff report–
    Latest campaign finance disclosures show more than $100,000 has poured into the various races for Citrus Heights City Council this year, far more than the city has ever seen in recent years — despite elections shifting to smaller council districts within the city instead of being held at-large.

    The most money being pumped into the city’s three district races is in the southeastern portion of Citrus Heights, where Mayor Porsche Middleton is facing businesswoman Natalee Price in the race for District 5. As of Oct. 22, Middleton reported receiving over $37,000 in contributions so far this year, while Price reported just over $6,700.

    Middleton also reported early contributions over the past two years, bringing contribution totals to her 2022 election committee to more than $78,000. She and MariJane Lopez-Taff, in District 2, were the only candidates who reported early fundraising efforts prior to this year.

    Campaign disclosures are required by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for local candidates who raise or spend over $2,000. Two pre-election disclosure filings are required by the commission, with an additional requirement for candidates to file a separate form each time a donation of $1,000 or more is received.

    Below is a summary of the financial filings for each of the nine candidates’ running for Citrus Heights City Council in 2022, categorized by district.

    DISTRICT 2

    Steve Durham: No donations reported. Filed a sworn statement on Aug. 11, stating he anticipates receiving and spending less than $2,000 during the calendar year on the election.

    James Tipton. No donations reported. Filed a sworn statement on Sept. 27, stating he anticipates receiving and spending less than $2,000 during the calendar year on the election.

    Michael Nishimura. Reported receiving a total of $18,000 through Oct. 22, with $10,000 coming from personal loans and a pair of $4,000 donations appearing to come from family members with the same last name. Nishimura’s top recent expense listed was $2,005 to All Star Printing for postcard mailers. Total expenses listed were $8,354.

    MariJane Lopez-Taff. Reported receiving $4,635 through Oct. 22, with the top donation of $1,016 coming from Sondra Nunez, owner of Mountain Valley Petroleum, a fuel transportation company based in West Sacramento. She also received $734 in contributions last year. Total expenses listed were $3,862, with the top expense of $766 for campaign signs to buildasign.com.

    DISTRICT 4

    Manuel Perez-Salazar: No donations reported. Filed a sworn statement on Sept. 27, stating he anticipates receiving and spending less than $2,000 during the calendar year on the election.

    Jayna Karpinski-Costa: Reported personal loans to her campaign totaling $25,000 through Oct. 22, with no other donations except for a $275 nonmonetary contribution from District 5 candidate Natalee Price for social media management. A total of $5,747 in expenses are listed, with the top expense being $3,936 to Commerce Printing in Sacramento.

    Albert Fox. Reported receiving a total of $5,763 through Sept. 29, with an additional $300 reported through Oct. 22. A personal loan for $5,000 is listed as the top donation, followed by a $250 donation from Jerry Roach, who is listed as an individual with no occupational information. A total of $3,250 in expenses are listed, with the top expense of $1,656 being paid to All Star Printing in Citrus Heights for campaign material.

    DISTRICT 5

    Porsche Middleton. Reported receiving a total of $37,633 through Oct. 22, with an additional $32,391 raised in 2021. Middleton has three top donors who each gave the maximum annual limit of $4,900, including the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber PAC and Inter-State Cooperative, Inc., which lists an address of “The Sanctuary” cannabis dispensary in Sacramento. A personal donation of $4,900 from Citrus Heights resident and Google engineer James Prioleau is also listed. Prioleau also gave $4,900 to her campaign in 2021.

    Middleton’s 2022 election committee also received $8,675 in 2020, largely from an $8,500 donation from Citrus Heights Residents for Better Community, which The Sentinel previously reported was formed in 2020 to support Measure M and received donations from “The Sanctuary” and a company with a New Hampshire address listed as Ajala, Inc.

    A total of $40,502 in expenditures are listed this year, with Middleton’s top recent expenditure being $6,097 to the United States Postal Service for postage/delivery services, and $10,500 to the American Leadership Forum last year.

    Natalee Price. Reported receiving a total of $6,707 in contributions through Oct. 22, with $1,850 coming from a personal loan to her campaign and the top contribution of $900 coming from District 4 candidate Jayna Karpinski-Costa’s committee, who has endorsed Price. A total of $6,717 in expenses are listed, with the top expense of $845 being paid to Brother’s Printing on Roseville Road for campaign material.

    The next FPPC reporting deadline for candidates is Jan. 31, 2023. To see all the candidates’ full campaign finance filings, click here.

    In contrast to prior years, Bret Daniels won election to his district seat in 2020 with around $3,000 in contributions and Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer won election with less than $2,000 reported in contributions the same year.

    Four years ago, when the city still held at-large elections, Councilman Steve Miller reported just over $10,000 in contributions to win re-election, and Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins reported around $16,000. Middleton, who won her seat on the council for the first time that year, reported more than $40,000 in contributions in 2018 to beat a pair of well-funded contenders.

    To learn more about each candidate, see prior story: Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

  • Where do Citrus Heights council candidates stand on Measure A, road funding?

    Where do Citrus Heights council candidates stand on Measure A, road funding?

    Citrus Heights Council Candidates for 2022. Top left to right: Albert Fox, Manuel Perez, Jayna Karpinski-Costa (District 4). Porsche Middleton, Natalee Price (District 5). Lower, left to right: Michael Nishimura, Steven Durham, James Tipton, MariJane Lopez-Taff (District 2). // Compiled by M. Hazlip

    Sentinel staff report–
    Eight of the nine candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights City Council this year have confirmed they are opposed to the 40-year Measure A sales tax proposal appearing on the November ballot, although some expressed openness to consider a local tax to fund road repairs in the future.

    Measure A seeks to raise $8.5 billion in revenue over the next 40 years to fund transportation and roadway projects in Sacramento County, through a half-percent sales tax increase that would raise the sales tax from 7.75% in Citrus Heights to 8.25%.

    According to an impartial county counsel analysis of Measure A, revenue from the tax would be allocated with 47.25% going to fund “local street and road repairs and improvements,” 25.11% going towards Sacramento Regional Transit, 22.43% for “congestion relief improvements,” 3.05% for senior and disabled transportation services, 2.16% for air quality programs, and a maximum of 1% on administration costs through the Sacramento Transportation Authority.

    Each candidate was asked the following question: The City of Citrus Heights estimates a backlog of $82 million in road repairs, with the average roadway condition (PCI) expected to drop from 51 down to 43 (or worse) over the next five years. Do you support the new half-percent Measure A sales tax proposal as a way to fund road improvements in Citrus Heights and the county? If so, why. If not, what do you propose instead for funding road repairs and maintenance.

    Candidates were asked for responses as part of a three-question Q&A, with their answers posted in full below, if responses were within the 100-word limit per question.

    DISTRICT 2

    Michael Nishimura, District 2:
    I do not support Measure A because the County has bigger issues outside of Citrus Heights, and the money will not be fairly disbursed within the City. Especially with the southern part of the County growing so quickly.

    If we are going to create a transportation tax, We should do it locally as a city where we have control over how it is spent. And, if we were to impose a tax, the City should create a long term plan and be totally transparent about it. Much like the Citrus Heights Water District is doing with its 2030 project to replace its aging water mains system.

    MariJane Lopez-Taff, District 2:
    Do we really want to support a sales tax increase when everyone is suffering from a recession? We are trying to attract more businesses to Citrus Heights, not make it more difficult to do business here. This is not the time for this type of tax.

    I would rather wait 2 years for the economy to settle, check the pulse of the local economy, then, possibly propose a tax measure that would be similar to Measure M (2020) with a 10-year lifespan – enough time to measure effectiveness and, if effective, an extension could be proposed.

    Steve Durham, District 2:
    I vehemently OPPOSE Measure A. The Measure’s backers presenting it as a half-percent increase in the sales tax rate is purposely misleading. It, actually, increases the amount of actual sales tax dollars we pay by 6.5%! (Just divide 8.25 by 7.75). Measure A is primarily backed by housing developers in Rancho Cordova! They want us to help fund the infrastructure roads that they are supposed to build! We already have laws that direct 50% of state excise taxes (and 2.25% local sales taxes) on gasoline to LOCAL roads and surface transportation.

    *Editor’s note: Candidate James Tipton did not submit responses to The Sentinel’s questionnaire.

    DISTRICT 4:

    Jayna Karpinski-Costa, District 4:
    No on Measure A. It’s a tax for 40 years — not likely to see improvements in Citrus Heights too soon. Less than half goes to roads… The streets targeted in Citrus Heights are Madison Avenue and other large arteries with no money for local neighborhood streets.

    We voted no on Measure K and Measure M which would have dedicated 100% to Citrus Heights. Why would we tax ourselves for work outside our city? This year Citrus Heights finally gets nearly $7 million in property tax revenue. We’ll start fixing our streets, one pothole at a time without new taxes.
    *Edited due to word count exceeding 100 words.

    Albert Fox, District 4:
    I do not support county-wide tax programs. Proponents promise much but deliver less than our contributions. Distributions favor the larger population areas. We have 4 major North/South and 3 major East/West traffic routes plus I-80.

    Taxes or bonds fund road repairs and infrastructure improvements. We either take what is given by joint tax propositions or we take ownership of our cities future and find a local tax increase that meets voter approval. We need council members dedicated to improving our city who sit on the advisory committees and boards to negotiate support our projects.
    *Edited due to word count exceeding 100 words.

    Manuel Israel Perez-Salazar, District 4:
    I don’t agree with any new taxes because inflation has already made it more difficult to live so I don’t see taking more money from our citizens. A budget over hall (sic) to see where we can reallocate funds.

    DISTRICT 5:

    Natalee Price, District 5:
    How were our roads allowed a backlog of $82 million? I do not support Measure A. It is unclear how much this tax will benefit the streets of our residents if the tax use is county-wide, and it is not solely for road repair/maintenance. Furthermore, with post-pandemic inflation, now is not the time to hit taxpayers with a tax increase.

    An increase in residency and commercial properties secures more tax revenue without increasing taxes on already financially burdened residents. With the City slated to finally receive property taxes, I propose we really press into development to fund road repairs.

    Porsche Middleton, District 5:
    We have to take a different approach to road repair because the current formula does not maximize our limited number of dollars. Measure A is not the best solution to funding road maintenance since the City will only receive a small portion of this regional tax.

    A better solution would have been a measure allowing us to keep 100 percent of the revenue generated to fund road maintenance and repair. The council is working on that by exploring allocating more funding to arterial roads traveled by more drivers while paving courts.

    *Editor’s note: Additional questions asked to candidates regarding public safety and homelessness are slated to be published in The Sentinel’s upcoming midweek and weekend e-editions.

  • Meet Albert Fox, candidate for Citrus Heights Council District 4

    Meet Albert Fox, candidate for Citrus Heights Council District 4

    Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2022 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights City Council. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.

    Albert Fox, District 4

    Al Fox
    Albert Fox

    Why are you running for City Council? We are in an important transition time for our city government. We have a new City Manager, two seats on the council have no incumbent running in this election and we have new district rather than at-large geographical areas to consider. District 4 has the largest available residential, business and commercial development opportunities outside the Sunrise Market Place. I have been a strong presence in the district, I know many of our residents and business owners and I have 30 years of proven leadership skills in government, education and business.

    What are two aspects you like most about living in Citrus Heights?

    First, I enjoy the centralized location between shopping, dining and entertainment. Two hours drive from mountain resorts to coastal beaches.

    Second, we have the most cost-effective housing market in the region and the potential of residential developments to accommodate a wide range of single and multi-family homes in at all price levels. Young families can afford to live and grow here.

    What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?

    First, continue to support the rebuilding of our local economy, Sunrise mall properties redevelopment and Auburn Blvd. improvements are central to that growth.

    Second, capitalize on the new SJUSD District designation that provides us a seat at the table for the first time in 20 years. Citrus Heights will now have our own district trustee on the board as well as having the ability to build strong relationship with the trustees from Areas 4 and 5 that each have a small portion of our city. Our schools deserve far better representation than we have experienced in the past.

    What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?

    The Bible. I find it a great text on human history, human behavior and psychology of interpersonal relationships. Many of our legal precedents are based upon the same principles that existed in ancient times.

    Becoming The City of Citrus Heights, by Miranda Culp, in collaboration with Bill Van Duker. Reading the political drama, the oppositions back room dealings and the strength of determination by those who founded our city, it is hard not to be reminded of the ‘Can Do” spirit upon which much of our country was founded.

    What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?

    Honesty, Integrity, and what is best for our community.

    What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?

    Member of Rotary of Citrus Heights, working on projects including the Little Neighborhood Libraries, The Rotary Club Crab Feed. Member of the Citrus Heights Police Foundation. Heights Church Project Coordinator Outreach to Schools, I worked with all 12 school campuses in Citrus Heights providing more than 600 headset/microphone units to first, second and third grade students for use during remote leaning campus closures. Provided 600 McDonald $5 Arch Cards for student performance incentive gifts. Provided 80 Samsung E-Tablets for use in the student libraries of San Juan and Mesa Verde and Sylvan Middle School.

    City Council members are paid a small monthly stipend of $600 for their service. If elected, how do you plan to balance work life elsewhere with council responsibilities?

    I am retired and spend much of my time in local volunteer efforts. I found in my prior two years on the city council that I am able to focus upon council related duties and responsibilities without the limitations created by full- time employment.

    Key Endorsements:
    • Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce
    • Jack Duncan, Retired Business owner and Planning Commissioner
    • Steve Miller, Council Member and former Mayor

    Key Donors:
    • Citrus Heights Chamber PAC
    • Jack Duncan

    Campaign website: ajfox.org

    *Editor’s note: Manuel Salazar and Jayna Karpinski-Costa are also running for District 4. To read more about each candidate, see article: Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

  • Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

    Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

    Citrus Heights Council Candidates for 2022. Top left to right: Albert Fox, Manuel Perez, Jayna Karpinski-Costa (District 4). Porsche Middleton, Natalee Price (District 5). Lower, left to right: Michael Nishimura, Steven Durham, James Tipton, MariJane Lopez-Taff (District 2). // Compiled by M. Hazlip

    Sentinel staff report–
    A total of nine residents are running for three seats up for election this year on the five-member Citrus Heights City Council — and at least two new faces will join the council, due to a pair of current members retiring.

    Council districts 2, 4 and 5 are all up for election, with only District 5 having a current council member vying for the seat: Porsche Middleton. Council members Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller are both not on the ballot, leaving the District 2 and District 4 seats up for a newcomer to join the council.

    The Sentinel asked each candidate to submit a 100-word biographical statement, which is included word-for-word below, unless edited due to excessive length. Their statements and campaign websites are provided below.

    District 2 Race:

    Steven Durham. “I will turn 76 by Election Day. I grew up in Massapequa, NY, but most of my adult life, I’ve lived in California. My wife, Sharon and I retired to Citrus Heights in 2017, after 30 years in Orange County. I have 3 degrees: BA in Geology (Hofstra, 1970), MA in Urban Geography (South Carolina, 1972) and MBA in Marketing (Harvard Business School, 1975). (George W. Bush was a Harvard classmate!). My 40-year business career includes Marketing (General Mills), VP Advertising, Sr. VP Mergers & Acquisitions, Sr. VP Sales for a Television network, and COO for a 1,000-person tech support company.”
    Website: not submitted.
    Full candidate profile: Meet Steven Durham

    MariJane Lopez-Taff. “MariJane Lopez-Taff (aka Jane Taff) is a 49-year-old San Francisco native who discovered Citrus Heights while looking for a safe community to move to with her then fiancé in 2000.  Jane is a Certified Professional Life Coach serving business owners in the areas of Leadership, Management and Communication since 2011. Her professional career in non-profit fundraising and volunteer management began at the age of 17 and she has been involved in both paid and volunteer community organizations since such as the Citrus Heights Chamber, ABBA, Women’s Club and Soroptimists. Jane supports a thriving Citrus Heights community – safe streets, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility.”
    Website: voteforjane.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet MariJane Lopez-Taff

    Michael Nishimura. “I have lived in the City of Citrus Heights for forty years. Currently, I sit on the City’s Planning Commission, I am the President of the Resident’s Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights
    (REACH), I am on the Board of Citrus Heights Areas Seven, Eight, Nine (CHASEN), I am a volunteer Wrestling Coach at Bella Vista High School, and I am active with Citrus Heights HART acting as coordinator for one week of its Winter Sanctuary. I sat on the Board of the Sunrise Marketplace PBID for 12 years while I was the General Manager of the Elephant Bar Restaurant…”
    Website: michaelnishimura.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Michael Nishimura
    *Editor’s note: Nishimura did not submit a bio statement by deadline. However, in the interest of informing residents, his statement above is taken from his official ballot statement and shortened due to length.

    James Tipton. “My name is James J. Tipton, I am a 28 year old Native American from the Wiyot tribe in Loleta, California. I am a Christian conservative and I do not stray from my beliefs to obtain votes. I grew up in Sacramento County, in a middle class household. I have worked extensively in both legal and government fields. I am a local business owner and second amendment advocate. I support our law enforcement and would like to see an increase in police funding. I am community focused and accountable to my constituency.”
    Website: None currently
    Full candidate profile: *Did not submit response.

    District 4 Race:

    Albert Fox. “Retired law enforcement and 21-year resident. Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration. College Director of Criminal Justice. Graduate of Citrus Heights Leadership Academy, the Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee; member and chairman of the Planning Commission and appointed City Council member. During COVID I coordinated a charitable effort in support of 12 local schools to improve distant learning for students and families through our Impact Campaign. Our campaign supplied equipment, headphones, e-tablets, gift cards and supplies. to the Elementary, Middle and High Schools. I look forward to serving Citrus Heights District 4.”
    Website: ajfox.org
    Full candidate profile: Meet Albert Fox

    Jayna Karpinski-Costa. 31 years in Citrus Heights, married to Ted Costa, no children, lots of critters. Professional: Veterinarian and attorney. Education: B.S., Colorado State University, Microbiology, cum laude 1974. D.V.M., Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1980. J.D. University of Santa Clara School of Law, 1986. Leadership Experience: Elected to Citrus Heights city council in 2004 and 2008, served as Mayor in 2011; served on several regional boards during this time. Since 1998, served as president of Sylvan Old Auburn Road Neighborhood (Area 10). Represented People’s Advocate in the US Supreme Court to defend Prop 13.
    Website: www.drjayna.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Jayna Karpinski-Costa

    Manuel Israel Perez-Salazar. “My name is Manuel Perez. I am 40 years old, married for 21 years and have 3 kids. I have lived in Citrus Heights for the last 20 years.  I grew up in Sacramento and moved here when I met my wife. I have been a Class A driver for 19 years, I attended ARC for EMT, I  have been a volunteer at the Marysville PD since 2018, also completed the Citizens Academy, I was also on the Construction Board of Appeals for Citrus Heights.  When you see me around please say hello, I look forward to getting to know everyone.”
    Website: none currently.
    Full candidate profile: Meet Manuel Salazar

    District 5 Race:

    Porsche Middleton. “Growing up the middle child of nine and traveling all over the United States, my roots in service to others began in childhood. My family has served our country for several generations, including my late father, SGM Rayford. My husband of nearly 15 years and I have called Citrus Heights home for seven years, raising two boys who attend schools in our city. For the last four years, I have served as a councilmember and Mayor of our city, proudly earning my master’s degree while educating my two boys at home during one of the most challenging times in recent history.”
    Website: www.porschemiddleton.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Porsche Middleton

    Natalee Price. “As a mother, I am committed to giving Citrus Heights a safe, sustainable future with improved quality of life for its residents. A 7-year member of Lions Club International and a 10-year resident of Citrus Heights with a BA in Cultural Anthropology. Since 2008, my local restaurant, Taste of Tuscany, has been a community resource. Securing partnerships during COVID-19, I co-designed and implemented a community grocery program feeding over 10,000 people and earning a 2020 ‘Kindness Matters’ service award, one of 20 given globally. With proven management and leadership qualities, a vote for Natalee Price is right for Citrus Heights.”
    Website: www.nataleepriceforcitycouncil.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Natalee Price

    The Sentinel will be continuing local election coverage over the next two months leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, 2022. Future articles will address each candidate’s position on various local issues.

    See all candidate answers to three top local issues:

    Publisher’s note: Want to support our efforts to provide residents with unbiased news coverage of local races in Citrus Heights? Consider a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4.99/mo. (Click here to see subscription options)

  • Guest Opinion: Measure M tax is needed for the future of Citrus Heights

    Guest Opinion: Measure M tax is needed for the future of Citrus Heights

    By Albert J. Fox–
    Reading recent guest articles and social media content regarding the Citrus Heights proposed Measure M has been concerning. It appears some of our residents are not seeing the positive benefits or future growth potential of Measure M.

    Many were residents who were against cityhood, against starting our own Police Department, against building the Community Center and finally the City Hall and the Dignity Health Medical Office Building projects. But we have now seen how these successful endeavors have brought benefits and positive change in the social and economic growth to Citrus Heights.

    I had hoped those issues were behind us. But ironically, life in the Rearview Mirror tends to blur our focus and prohibits a vision for future growth and economic stability.

    Measure M is a tax proposal that completely benefits the City of Citrus Heights. The funding is not shared with, controlled or managed by any outside group or government agency.

    It is one-cent tax paid by residents and non-residents who shop and dine in our city. It is not a regional tax and funds cannot be spent projects outside Citrus Heights.

    This is completely opposite of county-wide sales tax propositions such as Measure A. Those tax dollars went into a fund managed by the Sacramento Transportation Authority and we should in theory have received 50-60 cents of each dollar we paid.

    However, we never received the bulk of the funds due us and are now looking at fiscal year 2025 before we receive full funding. Yet we continue to pay the half-cent sales taxes towards that measure.

    Guest Opinion: a new ‘forever tax’ isn’t the answer for Citrus Heights

    In a newspaper article a taxpayer advocate outlined several regional transportation tax proposals, including a new measure in Sacramento County, that have been removed from the ballot. The key to the argument is these were regional road tax funding proposals. The simple fact is those and prior tax measures failed to provide road repair funding the communities being taxed were promised.

    A former Citrus Heights council member recently wrote that based upon their experience on the council there is no need for the proposed tax measure. What is not said is that those experiences were from a time when the Sunrise Mall and other major big retailers provided significant sales tax income that allowed Citrus Heights to build the savings surplus that carried our city through several years without loans or tax increases. A view from The Rearview Mirror.

    Now is the time for viewing our city through The Windshield. Measure M will generate the funding necessary to build for the future of our community.

    In studies and outreach sessions undertaken by the city, the residents have responded with a wish list of projects, shopping, entertainment and recreational facilities that are important for Citrus Heights families.

    The Sunrise Mall property is just one such multi-use proposal on the list and the city has responded. The future of the Sunrise Mall under new ownership and with significant efforts by our city leadership promises to once again be a focal point of economic, recreational and residential growth and stability for Citrus Heights.

    Measure M tax dollars will provide funding to build the envisioned public venues, help meet the needs for road repair and resurfacing projects in our neighborhoods, provide matching funds required to apply for state and federal grants, and save funds for future projects like an animal shelter or community recreational complex.

    As voters we ask for accountability. The city proposes an Independent Citizen Oversight, mandatory financial audits and transparency for Measure M funding expenditures.

    Measure M is a long-term view for the future of Citrus Heights. Let’s look at our future through the Windshield of possibilities and not the Rearview Mirror presented by some. We need to stay #CITRUS HEIGHTS STRONG!

    Al Fox
    Albert Fox

    Albert Fox is a former member of the Citrus Heights City Council, appointed in 2017 to fill the vacancy left by the late Councilman Mel Turner.

    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: Sunrise Mall needs a high rise hotel, entertainment options

    Letter submitted by Citrus Heights resident Andy Garcia–
    [RE: City takes next step towards major redevelopment of Sunrise Mall; Oct. 13th] I believe we should have a Hilton hotel or a high rise hotel that can hold tourists by the top right side of the mall or the bottom right side. The mall should also have an updated movie theater like Century Arden 14 and XD, a grocery store, a new store to replace Sears like Dick’s Sporting Goods or a new fashion store, and a new Cheesecake Factory and live event center.

    Make the mall two stories, or three if needed, and add stores like True Religion, Guess, Gap, Toys R Us, Disney, Build-A-Bear, and Lego. Add a merry-go-round and games for kids, along with a bar area in the mall with high-end restaurants. No housing. Only hotels in the area, not inside.

    Add a nice playground next to the women’s Macy’s entrance outside. This will make kids want to come. Couples will come because of the bar and shops and entertainment. Single people because of the movies and shops, and families just because it’s a one-stop shop.

    This will make home prices go up and bring developers to the area. It will also have a positive impact by giving a ton of jobs to homeless and will bring more customers to nearby local restaurants.

    This will make Sunrise great again.

    MORE LETTER(S):

    Great opportunity for Citrus Heights
    This is a great opportunity for the community. This particular firm has a reputation of forward thinking and planning of complexes that accommodate immediate needs and future growth.

    Kudos to staff and the council for moving forward on the mall. We have waited too long for others, ie. land owners, to make changes and plan for the future that provide positive impact for the city.
    -Albert Fox, Citrus Heights

    Want to share your own thoughts about Sunrise Mall or another local issue in Citrus Heights? We publish every letter received. Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here

  • Al Fox on the issues, in his own words

    Al Fox on the issues, in his own words

    Note: In the interest of providing voter information and fair election coverage, The Sentinel has given all five Citrus Heights City Council candidates an equal opportunity to submit 100-word written statements on a variety of local issues. Al Fox’s word-for-word responses can be found below.

    Al Fox
    Albert Fox

    Al Fox, 73, is currently serving as a council member after being appointed in 2017 to fill a vacancy left by the late Councilman Mel Turner, who died last year. He has lived in Citrus Heights for 18 years and has been endorsed by Supervisor Sue Frost, Sheriff Scott Jones, and Connie Turner, who was the wife of Councilman Turner. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    One of the City’s three-year strategic planning goals is to enhance and expand public safety. What specifically would you advocate doing to accomplish this goal?

    “Public safety is more that just police services. I will strive to continually support our police department, to ensure they have the most current and technically advanced equipment available to meet their needs.

    “Public safety is also about meeting the needs of the community for housing, transportation, natural disaster preparedness and emergency services.  Not planning and designing our infrastructure, training our departments, and staff to meet these needs is not an option but rather a necessity.”

    Homelessness continues to be ranked among the top issues faced by businesses and residents in Citrus Heights. What additional actions do you believe should be taken to address this, and what role do you see private organizations playing?

    “Public private partnerships have been a tremendous success in addressing homelessness throughout California… Our city has a robust Navigator program that is making significant progress. Unfortunately, the number of homeless individuals continues to grow for a variety of reasons.

    “I believe continuing our current programs and investing in those services that provide affordable housing, medical, psychological and social services best fit our communities needs. I support the efforts of our staff and police personnel who continually seek to improve our efforts in serving these individuals and protecting the property, clients and staff of our businesses, and the safety of our homes.” (Shortened for length beyond 100-word limit)

    In August, the City Council voted 4-1 to pursue a $500,000 mandatory inspection program for thousands of rental homes/apartments in Citrus Heights. Do you believe the council made the right decision?

    “Many jurisdictions have successful rental housing inspection programs for their older apartment and single-family homes. Inspection programs will identify the aging rental housing inventories that are not maintained in structurally safe condition. These properties endanger the lives, health and safety of occupants and if left unresolved can have tremendous negative impact upon the values of the surrounding properties.

    “A properly administered inspection program can serve as a safeguard for owners and occupants, establish baseline reportable deficiencies and protect property owners from unwarranted claims. Courts have also held recently that local jurisdictions can be held liable for failure to provide protection of residents in unsafe housing environs.” (Shortened for length beyond 100-word limit)

    In four years, Citrus Heights will finally begin receiving its share of property taxes (estimated over $5 million/yr), due to a 25-year “revenue neutrality” agreement with the county as a condition of incorporation coming to a close. How do you think that money would be best allocated, and why?

    “The receipt of property tax income when added to the retail sales tax revenue will allow the city to better pursue our long-term streets and roads goals; provide much need matching funds to qualify for federal grant programs and infrastructure repairs. I will not support non frugal spending proposals that would include salary increases, unnecessary equipment purchases or long tern expenditure plans that would prevent us from replenishing our savings and remaining current on unfunded retirement liability payments.”

    Proposition 6 seeks to repeal SB 1, which increased gas taxes and vehicle licensing fees to help cover transportation-related projects. How will you vote on Prop 6 and what option(s) for road maintenance in Citrus Heights will you advocate for if SB 1 funding goes away?

    “SB-1 gas tax income has benefited our city and allowed us to continue with road improvement efforts. However, I do not support SB 1 as implemented by the legislature and governor.

    “The fuel tax increases have negatively impacted California low income families and seniors. California tax and spend mentality has overspent previous gas tax monies, moved funds to non-transportation items and refused to return the funds to transportation. I support the more moderate legislators who are seeking to reverse the negative impact of prior legislation and re-allocate existing road tax revenues to local jurisdictions.”

    Proposition 10 seeks to allow local governments to enact rent control on any type of rental housing. If Prop 10 passes, would you be in favor of implementing rent control in Citrus Heights?

    “I do not support rent control beyond the scope already provided in the law Prop 10 wants to overturn.  Rent control has never succeeded as intended, has created poverty pockets within communities and devalued the larger real estate market.

    “The cost of building new more modern multi family units will cost more than rental rates will support. Rent control laws also require new government bureaucracies to oversee and regulate.”

    Nearby cities of Roseville, Rocklin and Davis have voted to discontinue their redlight camera programs in recent years. If elected to the council, would you vote to renew the City’s contract with Redflex and continue redlight cameras in Citrus Heights? 

    “I support the red-light camera program we have in our city. Available statistics support the decrease in accidents and other incidents at those intersections where cameras are utilized. They also provide valuable investigative evidence in vehicle accidents investigations.”

    Schools in Citrus Heights have long been criticized as under-performing. Although the San Juan Unified School Board is ultimately tasked with governing local schools, what role (if any) do you believe the City Council can play in improving education in Citrus Heights?

    “Our council committee and city staff is on the right course in working with the district executives and Board to improve education services to our community. We must have a partnership that will invest in improvement of student learning outcomes.

    “Together we are redirecting portions of the educational focus on career technical education for those students who will not attend college but need strong employability skills to meet the demands of our emerging economy. We must include technical and hands on training programs that utilize the curriculum and instructors from all the trade groups and specialties to give students the needed skill sets.” (Shortened for length beyond 100-word limit)

    Citrus Heights has striven to be a business-friendly city ever since its incorporation in 1997. What more do you believe could be done to attract new businesses and help existing businesses thrive in Citrus Heights?

    “As a city we must identify the changing dynamics of our business communities in an ever-increasing on-line business climate… Development discussions with our current business and property owners with a focus on multi-use facilities is imperative.

    “When I walk our neighborhoods and talk with our residents I hear one constant theme; ‘the need for a family friendly entertainment area within the retail and restaurant developments that promote activities such as the envisioned in the pop-up stadium proposal, former 4th of July fireworks and other holiday events.’ The key is to find the right combination to meet those expectations.” (Shortened for length beyond 100-word limit)

    Want to see where the other four candidates stand on local issues? Click here

  • Election 2018: Meet the 5 candidates running for Citrus Heights City Council

    Citrus Heights City Council Candidates, election 2018
    Citrus Heights City Council 2018 candidates, from left to right. Top: Steve Miller, Jeannie Bruins, Porsche Middleton. Bottom: Al Fox, Treston Shull.

    Updated Oct. 8, 5:10 p.m.–
    Sentinel staff report–
    Beginning Oct. 8, vote-by-mail ballots will be sent to registered voters, and those in Citrus Heights will have a chance to choose from among five candidates vying for three seats on the City Council this year.

    Three current council members, including the mayor and vice mayor, are all seeking to hold onto their seats, while two newcomers are seeking to add a fresh voice on the five-member council. Although several fringe candidates during the last City Council election two years ago only managed to pull a few percentage points, each candidate this year boasts strong endorsements from various officials and organizations.

    To give candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to residents and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background, The Sentinel gave each candidate the opportunity to submit written answers to a series of seven identical questions.

    Candidate answers are linked below and published word-for-word, as long as responses were kept under 100 words. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles as part of The Sentinel’s 2018 local election coverage.

    Steve Miller, 60, is currently serving a one-year term as the City’s mayor and is running for his fourth term on the City Council, after first being appointed to fill a vacancy in 2005. He has lived in Citrus Heights for 32 years and lists three of his fellow council members among his top endorsements. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Treston Shull, 34, currently serves as treasurer for the Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association and is seeking to be a new voice on the City Council. He has lived in Citrus Heights for five years and has earned endorsements from Supervisor Sue Frost, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC and the Sacramento County Probation Association. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Porsche Middleton, 34, was appointed to the City’s Planning Commission last year after a prior run for City Council in 2016 and is now seeking another chance to win a seat on the council. She has lived in Citrus Heights for four years and has earned endorsements from the California Apartment Association, Firefighters Local 522 and the Sacramento Association of Realtors. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Jeannie Bruins, 71, is currently serving a one-year term as the City’s vice mayor and is running for her fifth term on the City Council, after being first elected to office in 2002. She has lived in Citrus Heights for 34 years and has been endorsed by Supervisor Sue Frost, former Congressman Doug Ose, and Senator Jim Nielsen. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Al Fox, 73, is currently serving as a council member after being appointed in 2017 to fill a vacancy left by the late Councilman Mel Turner, who died last year. He has lived in Citrus Heights for 18 years and has been endorsed by Supervisor Sue Frost, Sheriff Scott Jones, and Connie Turner, who was the wife of Councilman Turner. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    The top three candidates who receive the most votes after the Nov. 6 election will each win four-year terms on the City Council. According to the City Clerk’s Office, Citrus Heights has 43,747 registered voters, as of July 3, 2018.

    Beginning this week, vote-by-mail ballots may be placed in a drop box in the lobby of Citrus Heights City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Citrus Heights City Council Chambers will also open as a Vote Center from Oct. 27 through Nov. 6, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends. On Election Day, Vote Center hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    *Correction: An initial version of this story incorrectly stated Bruins was seeking her fourth term on the City Council. She is seeking her fifth term.

    Related election articles:

  • Three more residents pull papers to run for Citrus Heights City Council

    Updated July 27, 6:01 p.m.–
    Sentinel staff report–
    As of Friday, there are now a total of nine residents who have taken the first step towards running for three city council seats up for election this year.

    Latest names to pull papers for council are David Warren, Treston Shull, and Anthony Gutierrez — in addition to six others last week.

    Shull currently serves as an at-large director on the governing board for the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights. According to his professional profile posted online, he also serves as treasurer for the Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association  and works as a labor relations representative for the Laborers Union. In 2014, he was one of four residents who applied for a vacant position on the Citrus Heights Water District governing board, but was not appointed.

    Warren is a regular attendee and speaker at city council meetings and also serves as a legislative advocate at the State Capitol with Taxpayers for Improving Public Safety. He has regularly taken public positions on controversial topics, including writing in favor of raising local taxes to pay for road repairs, criticizing the city council for censuring Councilman Bret Daniels, and arguing in favor of Proposition 47, a statewide initiative that reduced some felony offenses to misdemeanors in 2014.

    Background information about the other candidate who pulled papers, Anthony Gutierrez, is not known, as is also the case with two other residents who pulled papers last week. More information about each candidate is typically available once election papers are submitted and are available for public review. The deadline to file necessary paperwork is Aug. 10.

    As reported last week, six others have also pulled papers, including all three current council members whose seats are up for election: Mayor Steve Miller, Vice Mayor Jeannie Bruins, and Councilman Al Fox, who was appointed last year to fill the vacancy left by the late Councilman Mel Turner. Planning Commissioner Porsche Middleton also pulled papers, as well as residents David Huber and William Crofton.

    Related: How much do Citrus Heights council members actually get paid?

    After pulling papers, those seeking to qualify for the ballot still have to collect a minimum of 20 valid signatures from registered voters and pay a $25 fee upon filing the signatures with the city clerk’s office. The clerk also checks to ensure candidates are at least 18 years old, are U.S. citizens registered to vote, and are residents of Citrus Heights.

    While the $25 fee is the only cost required to run, candidates can also opt to pay $650 to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter. As of July 3, the city clerk’s office reports there are 43,747 registered voters in the city.

    Related: Bret Daniels’ election to city council called ‘a shocker’ by Citrus Heights leaders

    In the past, winning candidates for city council have typically raised over $10,000 — although Bret Daniels’ election in 2016 was considered “a shocker” by many, including himself, when he pulled off an election win while raising just $3,100. He was outspent by two other candidates who lost, despite their raising more than three times as much as Daniels.

    The top three vote-getters on Nov. 6 will be seated at the city council’s first meeting in December.

    Want to follow local elections this year? Subscribe to The Sentinel to get exclusive local news delivered to your inbox each Sunday and Thursday.

  • Six residents pull papers to run for Citrus Heights city council, so far

    Six residents pull papers to run for Citrus Heights city council, so far

    Sentinel staff report–
    Less than a week after the filing period opened, six residents have already pulled papers to run for three seats up for election on the Citrus Heights City Council this year.

    As of mid-day Thursday, the city clerk’s office said all three council members whose seats are up for election had already pulled papers — and three other residents have also done so. More may also pull papers to run, as the filing period is open until Aug. 10.

    Document: See the 2018 City Council Candidate Packet

    The six who have taken the first step towards running for city council this year include Mayor Steve Miller, Vice Mayor Jeannie Bruins, and Councilman Al Fox, who was appointed last year to fill the vacancy left by the late Councilman Mel Turner. Planning Commissioner Porsche Middleton has also pulled papers, as well as residents David Huber and William Crofton.

    Both Miller and Bruins have handily won election and re-election to the council at least three times before, but as a newly appointed member, Fox will likely face a more uphill battle to hold onto his seat. The top three vote-getters on Nov. 6 will each earn four-year terms on the five-member city council.

    Middleton previously ran for council in 2016 and placed last of the eight candidates running, earning just over 2% of the vote, but she appears to be making a comeback since her last bid and could be among the top contenders this year. The 34-year-old moved to Citrus Heights four years ago and has served for the past year-and-a-half on the city’s planning commission and has also racked up a lengthy list of endorsements from organizations and officials in the region, including from Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) and the Wellstone Progressive Democrats of Sacramento.

    Little is currently known about the other two candidates, other than David Huber, who also pulled papers to run in 2016. He ended up not filing the papers that year and did not appear on the ballot.

    Of the candidates who ran in 2016, at least three have stated they will not be running again. Tim Schaefer, who placed fifth, is now seeking a spot on the San Juan Unified School District board, and Rick Doyle and Michael Nishimura both told The Sentinel they will not be running again this year.

    Related: How much do Citrus Heights council members actually get paid?

    After pulling papers, those seeking to qualify for the ballot still have to collect a minimum of 20 valid signatures from registered voters and pay a $25 fee upon filing the signatures with the city clerk’s office. The clerk also checks to ensure candidates are at least 18 years old, are U.S. citizens registered to vote, and are residents of Citrus Heights.

    While the $25 fee is the only cost required to run, candidates can also opt to pay $650 to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter. As of July 3, the city clerk’s office reports there are 43,747 registered voters in the city.

    Related: Bret Daniels’ election to city council called ‘a shocker’ by Citrus Heights leaders

    In the past, winning candidates for city council have typically raised over $10,000 — although Bret Daniels’ election in 2016 was considered “a shocker” by many, including himself, when he pulled off an election win while raising just $3,100. He was outspent by two other candidates who lost, despite their raising more than three times as much as Daniels.

    Winning candidates on Nov. 6 will be seated at the city council’s first meeting in December.

    Want to follow local elections this year? Subscribe to The Sentinel to get exclusive local news delivered to your inbox each Sunday and Thursday.