Amanda Camacho in currently serving as board president of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. // M. Hazlip
By Nadezhda Chayka Otterstad–
34 year-old Amanda Camacho first moved to Citrus Heights from the Cameron Park area a decade ago, where she now serves as board president of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Reflecting on her path to Citrus Heights and involvement with the Chamber, Camacho told The Sentinel in an interview Wednesday that she and her husband saw Citrus Heights as a good fit for their goals of becoming first-time home buyers and becoming debt-free in their 40s. The two both own businesses, she as a realtor, and he as a home painter.
“Citrus Heights in itself really supported that growth for us at that time of our lives, and so that kind of brought me to almost wanting to show others and give back to the community,” Camacho said.
Her initial interest in the Chamber was the Education Committee, stemming from her experience moving out and getting her own place when she was still a senior in high school.
“I was really interested in seeing how I can bridge a connection between business owners I knew and some local juniors and seniors in high schools that needed to have a really quick and deep connection to someone that they could do more for: an entrepreneur, or internship… versus going to a local retailer or fast food place,” Camacho said.
“I got to know a lot of people within the Chamber, and then becoming the president became a natural good fit with what I was already doing for the community,” she said.
Becoming the Chamber’s president during the pandemic, Camacho says the organization has had to get more creative than in the past. Among other changes, the Chamber had to shift to virtual meetings and monthly luncheons, and has also planned an upcoming drive-in concert fundraiser at Sunrise Mall on May 22.
Camacho says her goal as president is to “bring in systems and strategies so that beyond my presidency when I leave there will be a good support, good processes for the Chamber to continue to grow.”
“I’m just trying to give a foundation. And I’m excited to help the next incoming president. I think we can do really great things here in Citrus Heights.”
Sentinel staff report– Citrus Heights Mayor Jeff Slowey kicked off a 45-minute virtual “State of the City” event on Tuesday night with highlights of the year, including the city’s COVID-19 response and efforts to address budget issues.
In a month-by-month summary of 2020 so far, Slowey noted the city’s emergency declaration in March amid the spread of the coronavirus, along with passage of a temporary outdoor dining ordinance and the launching a “Love Local” campaign to encourage supporting businesses in Citrus Heights.
Slowey also highlighted progress on the Sunrise Tomorrow vision to reimagine the aging Sunrise Mall and welcomed the recent openings of Chando’s Tacos and Hobby Lobby. He also noted the council in July voted 4-1 to place Measure M on the ballot, “with the goal of funding Citrus Heights projects.”
Slowey’s speech was followed by a several-minute recorded video with comments from city staff.
Boyd then addressed the city’s process of adopting three-year goals and setting six-month strategic objectives. The city’s three-year goals are to maintain fiscal stability, improve streets and infrastructure, diversify for a changing economy, enhance and expand public safety, and improve community vibrancy and engagement.
The city manager zeroed in on economic development, highlighting a vision for Sunrise Mall that includes office, retail and restaurants, along with two hotels and over 1,100 residential units. The development of a Specific Plan to guide development at the mall is currently in the Environmental Impact Report stage.
“Revitalizing our mall site will create a economic engine, helping to secure our city’s future,” said Boyd. “But most importantly these efforts will create a new heart for Citrus Heights and reestablish the area as the destination for families to gather, shop, work and play.”
Boyd also highlighted a similar vision for Sylvan Corners, which the city purchased and hopes to sell to a developer.
Noting funding concerns even before COVID-19, the city manager said leaders have always known there would be a time when the city budget would be “very tight” and said the city saved over $1 million during the last fiscal year, which was largely through a hiring freeze on unfilled positions.
Boyd and Slowey both appeared to be using a teleprompter, with each sticking to a tight script. Viewers tuning in via Zoom were able to participate in several live polls during the event, and a video with community members’ perspectives on the city was shown featuring Michael Retzlaff, Cara Richey, Caryl Balko, Kevin Miles, and Amanda Camacho.
Police Chief Ron Lawrence also took to the podium at City Hall during the broadcast and said during the pandemic his officers have focused on education rather than enforcement, along with helping pass out thousands of free masks to local businesses. He also highlighted the Police Department’s “pathways” programs, such as Explorers, which he said have led directly to hiring.
Lawrence said in the past four years the police department has “reduced the overall crime rate in Citrus Heights by an amazing 18 percent,” with last year seeing the “lowest crime rate since the department’s inception.”
Lawrence said the department has had to cut back on several initiatives due to budget constraints and hinted at a need for more funding to maintain services.
The Sentinel reached out on Wednesday to each of the four candidates running for a seat on the City Council this year for an opportunity to respond to the State of the City address. Only one candidate responded by press time Thursday morning.
“It is amazing that we have been able to accomplish so much, especially in the area of reduced crime, with resources being limited,” said Councilman Bret Daniels, who is running for the newly created District 1 seat. “It also demonstrated what we can accomplish by simply continuing to tighten our belt until we begin receiving another $6 million a year in property taxes in 2022.”
Daniels was the only sitting member of the council to vote to oppose Measure M. Nicole Castor, the other candidate running for the District 1 seat, is also opposed to Measure M.
The measure is a proposed one-cent-per-dollar sales tax increase which, if passed, would raise an estimated $12 million per year and bring the sales tax rate in Citrus Heights to 8.75%, up from the current 7.75%.
Proponents say the city is in need of additional revenue to maintain local control and fund city services, citing a drop in sales tax revenue and demand from residents for services. Opponents say the city has mismanaged funds and can wait until an additional $5-6 million in property tax revenues come to the city in fiscal year 2022-23, following the expiration of a 25-year “revenue neutrality” agreement with the county that was a condition of Citrus Heights becoming a city in 1997.
Mayor Slowey wrapped up Tuesday’s broadcast by urging residents to vote and noted that Measure M and two City Council district elections are on this year’s ballot. He also noted he is retiring from the City Council this year, after serving on the council since 2003.
“My hope is that everyone who has watched tonight’s broadcast will feel called to join city officials and staff by sharing your voice, getting involved and connecting with us,” said Slowey. “That would be a wonderful legacy for me to leave.”
A recording of the State of the City address can be viewed on YouTube. (see video)
