An aerial view from Google Earth of the area proposed to be developed along Auburn Boulevard.
Following a developer winning approval from the Citrus Heights Planning Commission earlier this month to add more restaurant tenants in front of Costco and Walmart on Auburn Boulevard, over 100 comments from Sentinel readers on Facebook poured in with suggestions on which restaurants would make a good fit. Popular choices ranged from Jack’s Urban Eats, In-N-Out Burger, Fresh Choice and “anything but fast food.”
But what’s really coming to the area? As of last week, property spokesman John Stock said two restaurant tenants are confirmed, but he wouldn’t say who. The property’s leasing broker, CBRE Senior Vice President Jon Schultz, also told The Sentinel that new tenant announcements would not be made until next month.
The only public announcement has been from resident and former Citrus Heights Construction Board of Appeals member Amor Taylor, who announced last year she would be opening a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt shop in the new shopping center. She later backed out of plans to open the shop, but said earlier this month that a Menchie’s will still be opening in the center under different ownership.
Taylor also previously told The Sentinel that a Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant would be opening in the shopping plaza, but the company has not publicly confirmed a lease has been signed.
In June, the media division at Five Guys corporate office replied to an inquiry from The Sentinel, stating, “Thanks for reaching out about Five Guys opening in Citrus Heights. We are unable to comment on locations until there is a signed lease in our system. As of today, we do not have a fully executed lease in our system for Citrus Heights. Please feel free to reach back out for an update.”
A followup inquiry on Sept. 21 was not responded to by Saturday.
Here’s some reader comments from The Sentinel’s Facebook page:
Natalie W. — A breakfast spot or like a Black Bear Diner would be good. Or a cafe or mimosa spot. We don’t have enough good breakfast/brunch spots.
Luanne L. — Locally owned, mom and pop type places. No chain restaurants. Ethnic foods of all types. Vegetarian would be wonderful.
Debbie S. — I hope it’s something good. Not McDonald’s, Taco Bell, etc.
Jason B. — Be nice to see Costa Vida closer to home. And Pei Wei used to be in Rocklin years ago, a fast-casual shoot off from P.F. Chang. Please no fast food!
Angela L. — In and Out and Jacks Urban Eats please and thank you.
Andie M. — I’d love to see Fresh Choice make a comeback!
Ellen P. — Hope they get the parking right. Applebee’s is cramped parking and you take your life in your hands trying to make a left-hand turn, or even a right-hand turn with people speeding off Auburn to get Costco gas! At most times Costco’s parking lot is packed front, side and back. Walmart parking is no better.
Angela O. — Cafe Rio would be great. A poke place would be nice. An Ettore’s-like place. Wouldn’t mind a second location for Rocklin’s Koja Kitchen. I could go on.
Sarah B. — How about less retail and more family businesses. Things like Wacky Tacky, Skyzone, etc.
Kathy K. — We have plenty of Starbucks… would like a Peet’s.
Michael T. — I would like to see a Whole Foods like the one in Oxnard, CA.
Sharon D. — Pita Pitt, Jersey Mikes, Jack’s Urban Eats, Chipotle.
Marueen P. — Heard Cracker Barrel was coming to our Area. That would be a great spot.
Click here to read more comments or post a comment on The Sentinel’s Facebook page.
Newly appointed Citrus Heights Councilman Albert Fox is sworn in by City Clerk Amy Van on Friday, as Vice Mayor Steve Miller and Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins look on. // CH Sentinel
In 2005, Citrus Heights resident Albert Fox applied to fill a vacancy on the city council, but didn’t get appointed. More than a decade later, he applied again and was appointed on Friday to fill the vacancy left by Councilman Mel Turner, who passed away last month.
The 71-year-old has become a familiar face to city government since moving to Citrus Heights 16 years ago, serving on the city’s planning commission since 2011. Now retired, Fox formerly served in state law enforcement and also served on the committee responsible for recommending Citrus Heights form its own police department.
Asked for comment following his appointment, Fox said he was “surprised, excited (and) looking forward to the challenge.”
According to a bio included in his application, Fox has also been a college instructor and served in parent-teacher committees in the Fresno City Unified School District and the Buckeye School District in El Dorado County.
In a May 26 interview at city hall with council members, just prior to being appointed, Fox said one of his goals would be attracting young families to Citrus Heights by focusing on housing and schools.
City council members also interviewed eight other residents who had applied to fill Turner’s vacant seat, taking about two hours to have questions answered about public safety, debt, priorities, and whether there was any disagreement with past decisions made by the council.
Familiar faces among the applicant pool included Rick Doyle, Marcel Weiland, Amor Taylor and Porsche Middleton — all of whom ran for city council last year. Jim Monteton, who serves on the board of the Sylvan Cemetery District and ran for city council in 2010, also applied for the position.
Three new faces in the applicant pool were Patrick Moneybrake, Cynthia Kennedy, and Naveen Habib. According to their applications, Kennedy works with the Sacramento County Office of Education, Habib is a senior account executive with Lucas Public Affairs, and Moneybrake is the owner of a Citrus Heights-based chimney cleaning business. (See full applications)
The council made its decision by an initial round of voting to narrow the list of applicants from nine down to three. With each of the four council members writing down their top two picks, the field was narrowed to Fox with three votes, and Porsche Middleton and Marcel Weiland tying with two votes each.
A motion was then made to appoint Fox, who was approved 4-0.
“It was a tough decision because among the other eight applicants, some were equally qualified,” said Mayor Jeff Slowey. “At the end of the day I think the right decision was made.”
Vice Mayor Steve Miller also called the decision difficult and said he was “impressed with everybody.” However, he said Fox stood out from the list because “he was ready to hit the ground running.”
Miller, who applied for the same vacant seat as Fox in 2005, was successfully appointed to the council the same year and has won re-election for each successive term. He encouraged the eight applicants who weren’t appointed to continue involvement in the community, citing his own history of losing a race for city council in 2004 before being appointed the following year.
Other council members also encouraged the applicants to remain involved, with Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins reflecting on the advice she gave to Turner when she heard he was interested in running for city council. “You need to be known in your own community first,” she recalled telling him.
Bruins offered two tips to the room of applicants and about 40 other community members and city staff who attended the May 26 meeting where Fox was appointed. “Get involved in your neighborhood association and take the [chamber of commerce] leadership program,” she said.
Tonya Wagner, who attended Friday’s meeting and formerly served as president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, also expressed hope that the other applicants who applied for the vacant seat would remain active and “not just disappear from view.”
Wagner said she was satisfied with Fox’s appointment and credited him with being an engaged member of the community who “knows the issues the city faces.”
Fox will serve on the council through the end of Turner’s term in December, 2018.
Vacant lots in front of Costco and Walmart in Citrus Heights have remained dormant for years. // CH Sentinel
Note: This story originally ran in The Sentinel’s April 2 Weekend e-Edition. Click here to sign up to receive our free Weekend e-Edition each Sunday.
Wondering what’s going on with those vacant pads in front of Costco and Walmart on Auburn Boulevard?
Although development at the Stock Ranch Plaza appears to have stalled since Applebee’s Bar & Grill opened in late 2015, CBRE Senior Vice President Jon Schultz, the property’s leasing agent, told The Sentinel in an update last Thursday that construction of a new building at the site is “ready to launch.” He also said several deals are currently pending with multiple future tenants.
Schultz said development at the site has been delayed due to some pending traffic flow redesigns in the parking lot, which he described as minor modifications to help with traffic. Senior Planner Casey Kempenaar, with the City of Citrus Heights, confirmed the city had recommended traffic flow improvements at the location and said the planning division is currently reviewing a submitted plan that addresses circulation and environmental issues.
The proposed modifications, as shown on the city’s website, indicate minor changes to the main traffic loop and also show “enhanced pavement” at stop signs and areas where pedestrians would likely be crossing traffic.
Schultz confirmed nine pads are to be developed and leased at the site, but said he couldn’t make “any particular announcements” about which businesses would be opening at the site.
The latest site plan submitted to the city also shows nine buildings, ranging in size from a 2,300-square-feet restaurant along Auburn Boulevard, to various retail buildings that range from 5,000 to 8,500 square feet. Another large 34,000-square-feet building is also shown on the site plan, located on the eastern side of the existing entry road in front of Walmart.
Amor Taylor, who ran for city council last year and currently sits on the city’s construction board of appeals, previously announced during her campaign that she would be opening up a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt shop in one of the vacant pads in front of Walmart. In an interview with The Sentinel last month, she confirmed plans to open the new location and is hopeful for a grand opening in 2018.
Taylor said a Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant would also be opening in the shopping plaza, but future tenants were not able to be confirmed with Schultz and the city confirmed no permits have been submitted for any of the pads, as of last month.
Although the site plan only indicates one future restaurant in the plaza, Schultz said the plaza is “not really limited” to a sole restaurant. As previously reported on The Sentinel, 2015 amendments to the Stock Ranch Guide for Development indicated an intent to attract a drive-thru restaurant at the plaza.
Background
New construction in the commercial-zoned district is governed by the Stock Ranch Guide for Development, passed by the city council in 2001 and most recently updated in 2015. Development of the area began with Costco in 2003 and Walmart in 2005, followed by city council approval in 2008 for a 14,000 square feet Fresh & Easy store — but those plans fell through when Fresh & Easy’s parent company withdrew its development plans in the United States entirely.
Further development in the plaza remained dormant until April 2015, when Applebee’s received approval to construct a new restaurant.
A conceptual view of the Auburn Commerce District, as shown in planning commission documents from 2015. Some changes have been made since then. // Courtesy, City of Citrus Heights
Amor Taylor, businesswoman and current candidate for Citrus Heights city council. // CH Sentinel
Note: In the interest of providing voter information and fair election coverage, The Sentinel has given all eight Citrus Heights city council candidates an equal opportunity to submit 100-word written statements on a variety of local issues. Amor Taylor’s unedited responses can be found below. See other candidate responses in the article: “Citrus Heights city council candidates on the issues, in their own words”
Amor Taylor, 51, serves on the City’s Construction Board of Appeals and plans to open a Menchie’s frozen yogurt franchise in Citrus Heights next year. She previously served as director of public policy services for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Homelessness is ranked among the top issues faced by businesses and residents in Citrus Heights. What is your plan to address this and what role do you see private organizations playing? (Be specific)
“I believe we can reduce homelessness by addressing the needs of those who seek help. Their most immediate needs are meals and a place to shower. I would like to see a place where they can receive a meals on a regular basis rotating with private organizations and volunteers to assist, then be directed to local services and resources for assistance and a possible work program. As mentioned in Roseville, where they are assisting with street cleaning and other jobs. If an individual had $6, it’s not likely they will take a bus downtown to get services. It’s meeting them where they are.”
Measure B would raise the sales tax by half a cent throughout Sacramento County to pay for roads and Regional Transit projects. If the vote were held today, would you vote “yes” or “no” on Measure B, and why?
“I would support Measure B to begin to repair our much needed roads, infrastructure, and making regional transit improvements for those that use it.”
One of the City’s strategic planning goals is to enhance public safety. What specifically would you advocate doing to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?
“I have noticed an increase in police presence in our community in recent months. That’s a positive. I believe that blighted neighborhoods draw increased crime. Clean streets, bright street lights in the evening, maintaining our properties, knowing your neighbors, and taking an active role in neighborhood associations are critical to the safety of all residents.”
Body-worn cameras have been praised by many as a way to increase accountability and decrease false claims against police. Do you believe CHPD should implement body-worn cameras within the next two years? Why, or why not?
“Yes, as it protects our police force, our community, and our residents.”
Many of you have advocated for a fiscally conservative policy and maintaining the City’s history of operating debt free. What is your specific plan to address the growing cost of pensions and maintaining a balanced budget with healthy reserves?
“It goes without saying that the city has shown its fiscal responsibility by operating debt free. It is important to rebuild our reserves, while maintaining financial commitments to funding pensions if that is the case, and balancing the budget at the same time.”
In August, the city council voted 4-0 to oppose Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana in California. Do you agree with the council’s decision?
“At this time, I am undecided. Every morning, my teens and I smell weed in two areas on the way to school. Whether they are recreational users or individuals with medical cards, I don’t know. However, I think people will continue to find ways to smoke recreational marijuana whether Prop 64 passes or not.”
It is well-known that many homeowners choose to ignore required building permits while doing remodel or construction work on their properties, citing permit costs or “excessive regulations.” What would you do to address this?
“Council should review local building codes to decide if minor projects may be done without permits or inspections. For example, non-electrical projects under a certain dollar amount.”
What, if any, are two existing city regulations/codes that you think should be changed, and why?
Citrus Heights 2016 City Council candidates, from left to right. Top: Rick Doyle, Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Porsche Middleton. Bottom: Tim Schaefer, Marcel Weiland, Michael Nishimura, Bret Daniels. // CH Sentinel
Updated Oct. 23, 12:21 a.m.–
In the interest of providing voter information and fair election coverage, The Sentinel has given all eight Citrus Heights city council candidates an equal opportunity to submit written statements on a variety of local issues. Seven of the eight candidates submitted statements by the Oct. 22 deadline, and links are provided below to each candidate’s responses.
Questions included topics of homelessness, enhancing public safety, body cameras, marijuana regulation, fiscal policy, and Measure B. Although agreeing on many issues, candidates hold opposing views on Measure B and police-worn body cameras, and also have differing approaches to enhancing public safety and addressing homelessness.
The top four candidates for city council listed by likely voters interviewed by The Sentinel Monday were Jeff Slowey, Marcel Weiland, Tim Schaefer, and Rick Doyle. // CH Sentinel
Updated Sept. 22, 7:17 a.m.–
A survey of likely voters who attended a Monday-night Citrus Heights city council candidate forum narrowed a field of eight candidates down to four — with attendees notably naming the youngest candidate in the room among their top picks.
Asked to list the top three candidates who stood out for their performance during the two-hour forum, attendees repeatedly named Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey and 26-year-old Marcel Weiland among the top performers of the evening. The only other two candidates to make it into the “top three” list of any of the dozen attendees interviewed by The Sentinel were Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle and businessman Tim Schaefer.
While Slowey, Doyle and Schaefer all hold significant experience, the surprise candidate of the night was Weiland, who is lesser-known and half the age of most of the eight candidates running. With only one exception, the dozen people interviewed all included Weiland in their top three list, often referring to him as “the young guy” and commenting positively on his youthful perspective.
“He is young, but he didn’t talk like he was young,” said 77-year-old Susan Allen, who listed Weiland in her top three, along with Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey and Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle. Asked why she named Weiland, Susan and her husband Forrest both called him “articulate,” and said he “didn’t waffle on any of the questions.”
The 26-year-old Weiland grew up in Citrus Heights near Tempo Park, was homeschooled, graduated from Santa Clara University, served as a legislative analyst with former state Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, and currently works as a director at a financial tech company in Auburn. His experience includes competing in speech and debate during his high school and college years, earning a degree in political science, and notably running against then-state Senator Darrell Steinberg for a senate seat in 2010 at the age of 20.
While making it into the “top three” in the minds of many forum attendees, Weiland faces a tough challenge as voters ultimately have to narrow their choices down to the top two, with only a pair of seats up for election on the five-member city council this November. Candidates Slowey and Doyle will make for a tough race, as each have many more years of local leadership experience, are well-funded, and boast a long list of endorsements.
Schaefer also poses a credible threat and boasts a long history of neighborhood association involvement, formerly serving as the vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), which hosted the Sept. 19 candidate forum. The 55-year-old ran for city council in 2014 on a “Save City Hall” platform to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall, but lost the election by a margin of about 800 votes.
Candidate Bret Daniels, who previously served on the council for six years, has also demonstrated past leadership and an ability to win elections — but wasn’t mentioned by any of the attendees interviewed by The Sentinel.
Forum attendee Jayna Karpinski-Costa, who serves as president of the SOAR Neighborhood Association, named Schaefer in her top three list, along with Slowey and Weiland. Others like Kathy Kellogg said she had a hard time narrowing the list down to three.
“Gosh, there was so many good ones — only three?” asked the 60-year-old, who told The Sentinel she was still undecided about who to vote for. Kellogg ended up listing Slowey, Doyle and Schaefer, citing their experience, but added that Weiland would be a good pick “if you put him with someone who has experience.”
While Weiland’s youth played a big role in likely voters’ minds, Doyle’s experience won the respect of many attendees interviewed afterward, with his record as a 39-year resident of Citrus Heights and a six-year member of the City’s planning commission. He also boasts the endorsement of the entire city council, outgoing Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, and all but one of his fellow planning commissioners.
Vice Mayor Slowey also earned respect from attendees as the only incumbent in the race, running on his record as a 13-year veteran council member and taking credit for helping Citrus Heights operate as a city with no debt. “If you like what’s going on in the city, I had a big part to do with a lot of that,” he said in his opening statement.
The remaining three candidates in the race are restaurant manager Michael Nishimura, engineering consultant Porsche Middleton, and Construction Board of Appeals member Amor Taylor. The trio will face a difficult time getting their message out as they are the only candidates who chose not to pay the $700 cost to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter.
The trio were also the only candidates who signed a campaign finance form declaring they do not intend to raise or spend more than $2,000 in the election. A review of the past two Citrus Heights city council elections found that winning candidates have all raised over $10,000 — with some candidates spending over $20,000.
Candidates will have a second chance to win over more voters at another forum set for Oct. 6, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce at San Juan High School.
On the Issues The Sept. 19 candidate forum was attended by about 70 people and featured a series of 13 rapid-fire succession questions by moderator Matt Lesenyie, who teaches at UC Davis and is a Ph.D. candidate. Topics ranged from code enforcement, to development approaches and how to stimulate community involvement.
Candidates took seats at chairs usually occupied by city council members during council meetings, each hopeful their answers would bring them one step closer to a four-year seat in the same chair. While many answers lacked specific action plans and uncovered only mild disagreements among the candidates, several issues drew a bit more heated and diverse comments from the eight candidates.
Bret Daniels Daniels, 56, who is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputy and former Citrus Heights council member, distinguished himself with a focus on law enforcement, advocating for more officers on the streets and calling public safety the “number one role of government.”
He also criticized the city for failing to listen to the community at times and called an idea floated by Commissioner Doyle to consider new residential dwellings on top of businesses “crazy.” Daniels also took aim at the high cost to taxpayers for Regional Transit services, claiming it would be cheaper to pay for Uber or Lyft to drive RT riders around.
Porsche Middleton
Middleton, 32, spoke most passionately on education and said when she moved to Citrus Heights two years ago with her family and two small children, she “almost didn’t settle here because of the school system.” She, along with Slowey and Schaefer, made the case that improved schools would attract young families to the city, which in turn would reduce blight and enhance the economy.
Tim Schaefer A question about past neighborhood involvement brought out the strengths of Doyle, Slowey, Taylor, Daniels, and Schaefer, while the rest admitted to little or no past involvement in their neighborhood associations. Schaefer served as the past vice president of REACH and also helped lead other neighborhood groups and efforts. As an opponent of new taxes, he questioned whether Measure B would actually repair roads in Citrus Heights and also criticized the new city hall project for draining reserves that could have been spent on roads.
Schaefer also took a controversial jab at Middleton for saying she didn’t attend her neighborhood association meetings because she was working and had small children at home. “The meetings are once a month,” he said. “One time a month, that’s it… it’s not that hard to go to a meeting — it’s a great experience.”
Marcel Weiland
Weiland staked out homelessness as his top issue to address, calling it a “growing issue” that would only get bigger and more expensive to address in the future. He cited a police department study that found over 30 percent of calls for service to the Citrus Heights Police Department are homeless-related and said more collaboration needs to be done with private organizations and groups like the Homeless Assistance Resource Team and food closets. As the youngest candidate running, Weiland also said he would be the best candidate to represent the next generation and the future of Citrus Heights.
Michael Nishimura
Nishimura, 53, listed homelessness and the condition of public streets as his top issues during the forum. He spoke positively of how the city is currently run and said he would continue what is already being done by the City, stating that the image of Citrus Heights has improved over the past 20 years. Regarding traffic, Nishimura advocated accessibility to businesses and voiced concern about people avoiding shopping at Sunrise Mall due to traffic on Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard.
Amor Taylor Taylor, 51, listed homelessness and public safety as her top issues, and also praised the work of faith-based communities in Citrus Heights. She said she began serving on the Construction Board of Appeals due to the her knowledge of construction and access, as a person with a disability. She envisions a city with more shopping areas and businesses to compete better with Roseville.
Jeff Slowey Slowey, 55, called Citrus Heights “the best-kept secret in Sacramento County” and spoke positively of a “city awareness” campaign effort to brand the city as an attractive place to live, work, and play. The current councilman and vice mayor stressed the importance of good schools as the top issue to fix in Citrus Heights and said the San Juan Unified School District could “do better.” He also acknowledged the growing problem of homelessness in the city, but said, “you’re not gonna solve it in Citrus Heights, you’re going to solve it regionally.”
Rick Doyle Doyle, 72, focused on code enforcement several times during the forum, calling blight in the city “a cancer.” Although cautioning that “we certainly do not want to be the gestapo,” Doyle said the police department could host a code enforcement month where code violation issues in neighborhoods could be cracked down on using smartphone picture submissions. He also said the City’s economic development should be “more proactive than reactive,” in order to attract new businesses and developments, like the Dignity Health medical office building set to be built in place of the old city hall.
Amor Taylor, businesswoman and current candidate for Citrus Heights city council. // CH Sentinel
Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2016 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 eight candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Amor Taylor, businesswoman | Age: 51
Basic bio: “I have lived in an unincorporated neighborhood of Citrus Heights for 20+ years. I sold my primary residence and moved 1 mile, to be within city limits. With a strong desire to serve, I stepped out in faith. From Boonton, NJ, I have a BA from Belmont Abbey College and an MA in HR from USF. As the previous Director of Public Policy Services for CFILC, I helped to educate policy makers about the need for Universal Design in new construction, which led to the passage of AB 1400 and AB 2787. My husband passed 5 years ago, I have two teens.”
Why are you running for city council?
“With a background in public policy, a business owner and an individual with a disability, I feel I have a unique perspective.”
What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
“The community, the friends, the business services.”
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
“Rick Warren’s ‘Purpose Driven Life’ and Joyce Meyer’s ‘Be Anxious for Nothing.’ Five years ago, I lost my husband of 18 yrs and 2 months later, I lost my mom. I could have been anxious about a lot. Instead, I moved through the grief process, focusing on the positive, being purposeful, having faith and trust and support of friends.”
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?
“Is what is being voted on good for the city Citrus Heights? Is it financially good for the city? As a council, are we doing the most good, for the most people?”
What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?
“It seems our teens who are not involved in sports or after school activities need something productive to do until their parents are home from work. Many teens are from single parent families. They need a safe meeting place for friends. Parks are not for teens. Teens are smoking weed at our parks. Would like to see this change. It seems that less people are shopping at our Sunrise Mall, or Malls in general. Lots of people walk the mall in the morning for exercise. Good health is important. Would love to see this area grow and change with the times.”
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“Through Bayside Citrus Heights, as a food bank volunteer, I am in community each week, picking up donations at various Starbucks, 7-11 and Chipotle. Through Holy Family Church, as part of a ministry to the sick, I have brought communion to individuals at Manor Care. As part of a ministry to individuals with disabilities, I have provided rides to individuals who may not have any other way to get to work, or driving a single mom to her out patient surgery because her car has just overheated. The small things we do can often make a big difference. I am also part of the Homeless Assistance Resource Team.”
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?
“My understanding is that most council members work full time. While my Menchies (frozen yogurt) franchise is planned for spring of 2017 in Citrus Heights, if elected, I will be hiring an individual to assist me.”
Citrus Heights 2016 city council candidates, from left to right. Top: Rick Doyle, Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Porsche Middleton. Bottom: Tim Schaefer, Marcel Weiland, Michael Nishimura, Bret Daniels. // CH Sentinel
Updated Sept. 11, 12:58 a.m.–
This November, Citrus Heights voters will have an opportunity to select two candidates from a diverse and crowded race of eight local residents who are all seeking a seat on the city council.
Candidates range in age from 26 to 72 years old, each with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Sentinel gave each candidate the opportunity to submit written answers to a series of seven identical questions for a candidate profile. Their answers are linked below and published word-for-word, as long as responses were kept under 100 words.
Jeff Slowey, 55, is a vice president for Bank of America and has served on the city council since 2003. He is the only incumbent running in the election, as current councilwoman Sue Frost gave up her seat in order to run for Sacramento County Supervisor this year. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Bret Daniels, 56, is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy and current president of “Our Fallen,” a local nonprofit that works to help families of fallen officers. Daniels previously served on the Citrus Heights city council from 1999 until he resigned in 2005, citing personal and family reasons. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Marcel Weiland, 26, grew up in Citrus Heights, worked in the state capitol, and earned a degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He currently works as director of institutional alliances at Riskalyze, a financial tech company based in Auburn. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. He also heads up a local neighborhood watch group and has served as a volunteer with the Citrus Heights Police Department since 2008. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Porsche Middleton, 32, serves as a project manager at “A Project Ahead,” an engineering consulting company based in the Sacramento area. She moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama two years ago. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Amor Taylor, 51, serves on the City’s Construction Board of Appeals and plans to open a Menchie’s frozen yogurt franchise in Citrus Heights next year. She previously served as director of public policy services for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Michael Nishimura, 53, is the general manager of the Elephant Bar restaurant in Citrus Heights. He also serves on the board of directors for the Sunrise Marketplace and an advisory committee for the Culinary Academy at San Juan High School. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Updated Aug. 24, 5:05 p.m.–
With the Aug. 17 filing deadline now passed, a total of eight Citrus Heights residents have qualified to run for one of two city council seats up for election this November.
Names confirmed for the November ballot include current Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey, Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle, former councilman Bret Daniels, and Construction Board of Appeals Member Amor Taylor. The former vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, Tim Schaefer, will also appear on the ballot, along with Porsche Middleton, Michael Nishimura, and Marcel Weiland.
The candidates will face off in the Nov. 8 election, with the top two earning four-year seats on the five-member city council. Based on past elections, candidates will likely need to receive 8-10,000 votes in order to win.
Only five of the eight candidates chose to pay the optional $700 cost to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter.
Vice Mayor Slowey, 55, will be the only incumbent listed on the ballot, as current councilwoman Sue Frost gave up her seat in order to run for Sacramento County Supervisor this year. Slowey works as a vice president for Bank of America and was appointed to the city council in 2003. He won subsequent elections in 2004, 2008, and 2012.
Bret Daniels, 56, is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy and current president of “Our Fallen,” a local nonprofit that works to help families of fallen officers. Daniels previously served on the Citrus Heights city council from 1999 until he resigned in 2005, citing personal and family reasons.
Marcel Weiland, 25, grew up in Citrus Heights, worked in the state capitol, and earned a degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He currently works as director of institutional alliances at Riskalyze, a financial tech company based in Auburn.
Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall.
Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. More than a year out from the election, he was the first to officially file his intention to run for city council and has earned the endorsement of a majority of current council members, including Mayor Jeannie Bruins.
Porsche Middleton, 32, told The Sentinel she recently moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama with her husband and children. Although she did not file a candidate statement, Middleton told The Sentinel she is currently a project manager at “A Project Ahead,” an engineering consulting company based in the Sacramento area.
Amor Taylor, 51, was appointed to serve on the City’s five-member Construction Board of Appeals in 2013. She also did not file a candidate statement, but told The Sentinel she previously served for eight years as director of public policy services for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and plans to own and operate a Menchie’s frozen yogurt franchise in Citrus Heights, slated to open next year.
Michael Nishimura, 53, is the general manager of the Elephant Bar restaurant in Citrus Heights. Although he did not file a candidate statement, Nishimura told The Sentinel via email Saturday that he also serves on the board of directors for the Sunrise Marketplace and an advisory committee for the Culinary Academy at San Juan High School.
*Note: The Sentinel will begin publishing a series of in-depth profiles on each of the eight candidates next week. Find out more about the candidates and get all The Sentinel’s local stories delivered to your inbox each Sunday: subscribe to our free Weekend Edition.
Tents dot the grassy fields of Rusch Park for the annual 2016 Community Camp Out event. // CH Sentinel
Latest local news briefs include results from a July 22 DUI checkpoint on San Juan Avenue, dozens of campers coming out to Rusch Park, latest news on the city council election, and an update on Black Bear Diner’s opening date.
Community Camp Out draws tents, campers to Rush Park Dozens of tents dotted the grass at Rusch Park Saturday night as more than 150 kids, parents and volunteers came out to the 15th annual Community Camp Out. With weather hitting over 100 degrees Saturday afternoon, participants enjoyed a dip in the pool as well as a water balloon toss and other activities. “Music Mike” kept the kids entertained around a campfire, and s’mores were also provided. After-dark activities on schedule included telescopes and star gazing, with lights out by 11 p.m. The annual event is hosted by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, in coordination with the City and the Sunrise Recreation and Parks District.
Police report results of July 22 DUI checkpoint Citrus Heights police conducted a scheduled six-hour DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on San Juan Avenue near Sperry Drive Friday night, beginning around 8 p.m. In an “after action” report, police said a total of 672 vehicles were stopped, with nine sobriety field tests conducted and no DUI alcohol or drug arrests reported. One person was arrested for a felony warrant during the checkpoint operation, and seven citations were issued for driving without a license or with a suspended license. One other citation was issued for an unspecified violation. (See original story)
Four residents take steps to fill two city council seats Following the July 18 opening of the nomination period for those seeking a spot on the Citrus Heights city council, four residents have already taken out nomination papers — with several more likely to follow before the deadline to file next month. As of Friday morning, current Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey, Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle, Construction Appeals Board Member Amor Taylor, and resident David Huber have all taken out nomination papers. Former councilman Bret Daniels and policy analyst Marcel Weiland announced their campaigns for city council on Facebook earlier this year, but have yet to take out papers. The deadline to apply is August 12, according to the city clerk’s office.
Black Bear Diner opening delayed
Residents hopeful to eat at a new Black Bear Diner will have to wait until September to nab a meal at the new restaurant being constructed at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue. Black Bear Operations Vice President Jerry Mercer told The Sentinel via phone Friday that the date had to be “pushed back a little bit,” citing construction still being underway. Mercer had previously told residents at a community meeting earlier this year that he expected the restaurant to open in July or August. As of July 22, he said construction is winding down and he expects an opening date “in 60 days.”
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