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Tag: auburn blvd

Prominent gateway arch, signal proposed for Auburn Blvd

A photo of a recently completed archway in Hayward was modified by City staff to show how a similar arch could look on Auburn Boulevard with “City of Citrus Heights” superimposed on top of the arch. // Courtesy, City of Citrus Heights

A new gateway arch and signal light on Auburn Boulevard has been proposed by City staff to welcome drivers and pedestrians to the city and help define the border between Roseville and Citrus Heights.

Two different gateway sign options were presented by City staff during a council meeting on Feb. 11, with one design sporting an integrated traffic signal and arch, and the other featuring a small “welcome” marker in the median strip, similar to others around the city. In a slide presentation, a photo of an archway in downtown Hayward was modified to show how the arch could look on Auburn Boulevard, with staff superimposing “City of Citrus Heights” on top of the arch.

Citrus Heights Development Specialist Devon Rodriguez told council members the proposed location would be in front of the Kmart and Smart & Final shopping center on Auburn Boulevard, between California Burger and Wells Fargo. She said the design options were being shared with the council to receive general direction and feedback, with no vote required at the current stage.

Business owner comments

A total of three business owners spoke at the meeting during public comment, all in favor of the Hayward-style arch.

[Photos: see additional arch and median style options here]

“We overwhelmingly liked the gateway archway, especially the one in Hayward,” said Richard Hale, Chairman of the newly formed Auburn Boulevard Business Association and owner of Walt’s Auto Service in Citrus Heights. He said City staff had shown various options to his association, and business owners preferred how signal lights were incorporated into the Hayward archway.

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Kimberly Berg, who owns the Citrus Heights Car Wash at the corner of Antelope Road and Auburn Boulevard, told council members that the arch would make a “great statement” and create a “memorable experience” for those coming into the city from the freeway or Roseville.

Council members respond

Several members of the council expressed a preference for the integrated signal and archway, although questions were raised about cost, and whether a new stoplight would be too close to existing traffic signals.

“I know that the center median option is going to be very inexpensive compared to the [archway],” said Councilmember Mel Turner, who said he preferred the arch design but wanted to see the costs involved before giving a recommendation. “[The arch] is a statement; it’s great, it’s fantastic — but the cost, I’m assuming, is also fantastic.”
Rodriguez replied that detailed figures for cost comparison had not yet been assessed, pending direction from the council on which option was preferred -- but several figures were presented by the City's principal civil engineer, Kevin Becker. Becker told council members he hoped the integrated archway and signal would run about $650,000, citing the cost of a typical traffic signal running about $420,000. He also said the Rusch Park arch, which does not have an integrated light signal, cost about $210,000. By comparison, the cost of the "Welcome to Citrus Heights" sign in the median strip on Greenback Lane near Indian River Drive only ran about $35,000, according to City Management Analyst Regina Cave. Mayor Jeannie Bruins said a new light signal is planned for the location "no matter what," so she said cost comparisons would need to factor in the price of a separate stoplight for the median-strip sign option. Accidents from drivers turning on and off Auburn Boulevard in the area were cited by Rodriguez as the reason for a new traffic signal. Asked by Councilmember Sue Frost if the existing stoplight on Auburn Boulevard near Interstate 80 was too close to consider adding another signal, Rodriguez said the distance, about 600 feet apart, is far enough to add another signal. Based on feedback received from the council, Rodriguez told The Sentinel that staff will work on getting more detailed cost comparison estimates to present to council members at a later date. Background The gateway arch and signal is part of the City's plan for Phase II of the Auburn Boulevard Complete Streets Revitalization Project -- a project authorized in 2005 which envisioned a revitalized and enhanced section of Auburn Boulevard, from Sylvan Corners to Interstate 80. The project was broken up into two phases, with Phase I being completed in 2014 and Phase II still in its preliminary stages. Phase 1 focused on the area of Auburn Boulevard from Sylvan Corners to just past Antelope Road, and included undergrounding utility wires, adding bus pull-outs and nearly 10,000 feet of bike lanes and wider sidewalks, planting 230 new street trees, and installing energy-efficient street lights. Want to see more stories like this on The Sentinel? Click here to take our one-minute survey and let us know. According to City staff, Phase II will feature similar improvements, continuing from Grand Oaks Boulevard to the northern city limits. Rodriguez said staff estimate the entire Phase II improvements will cost around $15 million, with the majority of funding "ideally" coming from variety of sources, including federal funds, grants, and SMUD. The earliest date that Phase II construction work on Auburn Boulevard would begin is 2019, according to Rodriguez. Reader input: Share your thoughts about the new gateway signs/stoplight on our Facebook page.

February 17, 2016
Citrus Heights Applebee’s opens Dec. 23, raises $1,941 for charity

A new Applebee’s along Auburn Boulevard will open on Wednesday, according to a company executive. //CHSentinel

Updated Dec. 27, 2:04 a.m.–
A new Citrus Heights Applebee’s restaurant in front of the Auburn Boulevard Costco store opened its doors to the general public for the first time on Wednesday with 806 diners served, according to a company spokesperson.

An invitation-only fundraiser held the day prior to the official opening reportedly raised $1,941 for a childhood cancer research foundation, according to an Applebee’s news release issued Wednesday. Marketing Coordinator Donna Malmlov said select diners were invited to come try out the menu “on the house” Tuesday, with a suggested $5 donation benefitting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the result of our event,” said Megan Biagi, the new Citrus Heights Applebee’s general manager. “It surpassed what we had hoped for, so this is really great…this will help a lot of sick kids!”

Although originally planning for a November opening, and then a Dec. 21 opening date, Apple NorCal Director of Operations Cas Banaszek told The Sentinel via email Monday that the date was pushed to Dec. 23 due to construction delays. He also said “rain didn’t help.”

Apple NorCal, a franchise operating several dozen Applebee’s restaurants in Northern California, selected Citrus Heights for a new restaurant due to the city’s “excellent demographics,” according to a company spokesperson in February.

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Banaszek said standard daily operating hours for the new restaurant are 11 a.m. to midnight, but doors closed early for Christmas Eve and remained closed for Christmas Day.

As previously reported on The Sentinel, Applebee’s takes up one of 10 new commercial pads in the zone along Auburn Boulevard referred to in City plans as the “Auburn Commerce District” or Stock Ranch Plaza. According to Citrus Heights Planning Commission documents, the remaining area in front of Costco and Walmart is designated for eight retail spots and one more restaurant.

As of last month, City Senior Planner Casey Kempenaar said no other businesses are confirmed to be locating in the Plaza’s remaining commercial pads — although there has been interest from several “nationally known” restaurant chains and a bank, according to a planning commission report earlier this year.

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 “announced withdrawal of its development plans in the United States,” according to the City.

Further development in the Stock Ranch Plaza remained dormant until April 2015, when the City gave approval for Applebee’s to begin construction.

Applebee’s “neighborhood bar & grill” markets itself as a casual-dining, family-friendly restaurant, and has grown to almost 2,000 locations since launching nearly 30 years ago.

December 21, 2015
Woman hit while crossing Auburn Blvd suffers major injuries

A portion of Auburn Boulevard was blocked off by Citrus Heights police Monday night, as officers investigated a vehicle versus pedestrian collision. //CHSentinel

Citrus Heights police said an elderly woman was hit by a car while trying to cross Auburn Boulevard near Antelope Road Monday night — with nearby church-goers saying she was leaving a memorial service when she was struck.

Police Sgt. Chad Morris said the collision occurred around 9 p.m. outside the Sierra Oaks apartment complex, at the corner of Sycamore Drive and Auburn Boulevard, where responding officers found the woman lying in the roadway with major injuries. Morris said the woman was “unconscious, but breathing,” and was transported to a hospital by medical personnel, where she is currently listed in “serious condition.”

By about 9:30 p.m. Monday, nearly a dozen officers were observed on scene, with “do not cross” tape surrounding a large area near Sycamore Drive, where a small amount of shattered glass, vehicle debris, and several pieces of clothing were seen lying in the roadway. Sgt. Morris said the vehicle involved sustained “fairly significant” front-end damage, although the car was still drive-able, and the driver was cooperative.

Morris said a preliminary investigation indicated that neither drugs, alcohol, nor speed were a factor in the collision, but he said the woman was crossing the street in an area where there was no crosswalk within several hundred feet. He said the northbound lanes of Auburn Boulevard would be closed for “several hours” Monday night, to allow for a comprehensive investigation of the scene.

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Several attendees of an evening memorial service at Bible Baptist Church on Auburn Boulevard said the woman who was hit had just left the service early, hoping to get home in time to see her grandchildren.

In September, another pedestrian was hit while crossing Auburn Boulevard several blocks away, and two others were killed on Auburn Boulevard earlier this year. Police previously reported a total of five people have been killed on Citrus Heights roadways this year — up from zero in 2014.

[Related: CHPD hopes to reduce fatalities with $236k traffic safety grant]

In a news release last week, Citrus Heights police said they are hopeful a recently awarded $236,000 traffic safety grant will help the Department curb a “particularly alarming” increase in pedestrian and bike-related fatalities on city streets.

November 24, 2015
Opening date set for new Citrus Heights Applebee’s

A banner on a construction fence along Auburn Boulevard announces a new Applebee’s restaurant coming soon.

Updated Dec. 18, 6:14 p.m.–
Citrus Heights residents will soon be able to dine at a new Applebee’s restaurant on Auburn Boulevard, located on one of the long-empty pads in front of Costco and Walmart.

Although originally planning for a November opening date, and then Dec. 21, Apple NorCal Director of Operations Cas Banaszek told The Sentinel via email that the new Citrus Heights Applebee’s is planning to open on Dec. 23.

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Apple NorCal, a franchise operating several dozen Applebee’s restaurants in Northern California, selected Citrus Heights for a new restaurant due to the city’s “excellent demographics,” according to a company executive in February.

The 5,400-square-feet restaurant will take up one of 10 new commercial pads in the zone along Auburn Boulevard referred to in City plans as the “Auburn Commerce District” or Stock Ranch Plaza. According to Citrus Heights Planning Commission documents, the remaining area in front of Costco and Walmart is designated for eight retail spots and two restaurants — one of which is Applebee’s.

As of Oct. 28, City Senior Planner Casey Kempenaar said no other businesses are confirmed to be locating in the Plaza’s remaining commercial pads — although there has been interest from several “nationally known” restaurant chains and a bank, according to a planning commission report earlier this year.

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 “announced withdrawal of its development plans in the United States,” according to the City.

Further development in the Stock Ranch Plaza remained dormant until April 2015, when the City gave approval for Applebee’s to begin construction.

Applebee’s “neighborhood bar & grill” markets itself as a casual-dining, family-friendly restaurant, and has grown to almost 2,000 locations since launching nearly 30 years ago.

October 28, 2015
New Citrus Heights retail, restaurants planned for Auburn Blvd

A conceptual view of the Auburn Commerce District, as shown in Citrus Heights Planning Commission documents.

Updated August 3, 9:17 a.m.–
Wondering what’s coming to those long-vacant lots in front of the Auburn Boulevard Costco and Walmart?

After many years of vacancy, development is finally underway on the 10-pad, 12-acre zone along Auburn Boulevard, with Citrus Heights Planning Commission documents showing plans for two new restaurants and a number of smaller retail stores to complete the area known as the “Auburn Commerce District.”

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 “announced withdrawal of its development plans in the United States,” according to the City.

Further development in the Auburn Commerce District remained dormant until April 2015, when Applebee’s received approval to construct a new restaurant. The company expects the new location to open by November.

[Related: New Applebee’s bar & grill to open in Citrus Heights]

Although official announcements have not been made regarding which retail and restaurant establishments will take up the remaining pads available, Citrus Heights City Manager Henry Tingle said at least three businesses were in “negotiation” for spots at the beginning of this year. An April staff report to the city council also indicates a bank has expressed interest in opening a branch at the location, and recent amendments to the Stock Ranch Guide stated an intent to attract a drive-thru restaurant.

*Update, August 3, 2015: Since publishing this story, The Sentinel was informed by Citrus Heights Senior Planner Casey Kampenaar that Applebee’s is still the only business confirmed to be taking up one of the new pads alongside Auburn Boulevard.
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June 14, 2015
11 arrested in Citrus Heights Memorial Day weekend DUI crackdown

A sign on Auburn Boulevard alerted drivers of a Saturday DUI Checkpoint during a Memorial Day weekend crackdown in Citrus Heights.

Citrus Heights police were busy over Memorial Day weekend, reporting a total of 11 arrests, 13 vehicle tows and 37 citations issued during a two-night “Avoid the 15” DUI crackdown operation — with officers as far as Elk Grove coming to the city to help in the effort.

Kicking off the weekend with a Friday-night “saturation patrol,” officers from Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove and Sacramento police departments assisted in a four-hour crackdown effort, with roving patrols pulling over 69 vehicles and administering 11 field sobriety tests, according to Sergeant Gutierrez with the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD). Police said the operation resulted in five DUI arrests and four arrests for “non-DUI related crimes,” as well as 29 citations being issued for various violations — with about half from driving unlicensed or with a suspended license.

Officers set up a multi-agency DUI Checkpoint the following night on Auburn Boulevard near Twin Oaks Avenue, with CHPD reporting a total of 871 vehicles passing through the checkpoint. Gutierrez said two arrests were made and eight citations were issued. More than twenty officers were observed taking part in the effort, coming from Rancho Cordova and Sacramento police departments, as well as officers from Los Rios and the Sacramento County Probation Department.

[Want to know why police advertise DUI checkpoints in advance? See story: CHPD wins $182k grant for more DUI checkpoints, safety enforcement]

The county-wide “Avoid” Task Force plans to organize checkpoints and DUI patrols again during Independence Day and Labor Day holidays, according to a press release from the Sacramento Police Department.

Law enforcement agencies receive funding for the task force by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

May 27, 2015
Skate park competition draws young contestants to Rusch Park

A young contestant shows off some scooter skills at the 2015 Rusch Park Scooter Competition.

Updated May 18, 11:01 a.m.–
Showing off scooter skills and performing tricks before a three-judge panel, about 40 contestants took part in the second annual Rusch Park scooter competition over the weekend.

“This is a great opportunity for kids in non-traditional sports to get out and show their skills,” said organizer Charles Stone, who was billed as “the brainchild” behind the competition.

The four-hour Saturday event was open to contestants 18 and under, with participants competing for prizes and the opportunity to win gold, silver and bronze medals for performing tricks like “whip-front scooter flip” and “buttercup.”

Victor Rodriguez, with the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, reported no injuries took place during the event, and said he hopes to host the competition two times a year in the near future.

The event was sponsored by the Citrus Heights Police Activities League and the park district.

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May 13, 2015
For-profit donation center benefits local non-profits

Large signs and sleek logos seek to drive donors to the Citrus Heights “ReUseIt” drop-off center near the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road.

Originally published April 19, 2014
Updated April 25, 11:42 p.m. —
You’ve probably seen them near the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road – big green and black signs with huge white letters advertising a donation drop-off center.

The “ReUseIt” donation center in Citrus Heights was the first location the company opened back in 2012, according to Stuart Bassett, who’s worked at the Auburn Boulevard location since its grand opening.

A big emphasis for the company is its support of local charities, as indicated by its mission statement and the hard-to-miss “LOCAL” written in capital letters on almost all of the company’s marketing material.

“You know where your money’s going,” said Bassett, seeking to distinguish his company from the competition by highlighting the local support.

Although it turns out “local” includes the greater-Sacramento area, ReUseIt has hosted donation drives for Pet Owners Of Citrus Heights and Holy Family Catholic School, and welcomes other local nonprofits to explore partnership opportunities in organizing a donation drive.

On a typical weekday, Bassett says he’ll see about 10 cars roll in to drop off donations, with about 30 on weekends. Accepting standard items like usable clothing, shoes, toys, books, and small appliances, he said donors should just be sure not to drop off cans or bottles, as well as large furniture and mattresses – all of which are items they’ve chosen not to accept, or that state law restricts them from handling.

As with all business, ReUseIt faces a competitive market with various organizations trying to attract customers who will donate their unused items.

Goodwill Industries is one such competing organization, with several locations in Citrus Heights. Registered as a nonprofit with the Internal Revenue Service, Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada, Inc. appears to be doing well — reporting total revenue of $47 million in 2012, according to public tax documents filed with the IRS. The local Goodwill also reported paying six of its executives over $100,000 to oversee its 26 regional stores in 2012, with its CEO reporting total compensation over $480,000.

As a for-profit business, ReUseIt is not required to file similar public tax documents — but according to the company’s website, a minimum of 50 percent of all net profit is donated to local charities.

In May, the company has organized several drives with parent organizations at Citrus Heights schools, according to ReUseIt.org.

April 26, 2015
Citrus Heights council approves lease for temp city hall site

The new temporary home for Citrus Heights City Hall will be located in the Grand Oaks Shopping Center on Auburn Boulevard.

Updated April 25, 11:45 p.m.–
Plans for a new city hall moved forward Thursday night as Citrus Heights council members unanimously approved a lease agreement for a temporary hall to operate at a 12,500 square feet facility on Auburn Boulevard, allowing demolition to begin at the existing hall location.

The approved 13-month lease agreement with Anton and Ilham Saca Revocable Trust will run a total of just over $190,000 and includes an option for up to three two-month extensions, according to a report to the council by City Facilities and Landscape Manager Chris Meyers. The new city hall is expected to be completed by July 2016, but Monica Alejandrez with the city manager’s office said the extension options allow for any delays in the process.

Located near Rusch Park in the Grand Oaks Shopping Center at 7927 Auburn Blvd., the temporary site was recommended by City staff due to it needing “the least amount of interior work,” its current compliance with ADA, and it being large enough to house the entire staff, according to Meyers. Other benefits mentioned included the building’s single-story design and the location being in a commercial area, with convenient access.

Meyers said the existing hall on Fountain Square Drive will close its doors to the public on July 9, reopening July 14 at the new temporary location. All city staff will be relocated to the Auburn Boulevard location, with the exception of maintenance staff and some IT, who will be housed at the Citrus Heights Community Center, according to Meyers.

Although the new city hall and related medical office building projects were approved by the city council on March 26, the California Environmental Quality Act requires a 30-day waiting period to allow for challenges to the proposal, according to Alejandrez, who said that period expires on Monday.

“We’re operating under the assumption that there may not be one,” said Alejandrez, referring to lawsuit threat made by a resident group opposed to the new medical office building project. She said staff “haven’t really seen anything” regarding litigation at this point, but stated the City can continue making plans in the mean time.

[Related: Council votes 5-0 for new city hall & MOB; lawsuit threatened]

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April 25, 2015
Breaking: heavy police activity, SWAT team at Auburn Blvd tire shop

Citrus Heights SWAT team members near an entrance to S&S Tire on Auburn Blvd. //Citrus Heights Sentinel

Updated Feb. 17, 10:49 a.m. —
Auburn Boulevard was shut down around 8 a.m. Tuesday due to heavy police presence and SWAT team activity outside S&S Tire on Auburn Boulevard near Kanai Ave.

SWAT team members from the Citrus Heights Police Department armed with rifles, saws and other equipment were observed entering and exiting S&S Tire around 8 a.m., with CHPD’s recently acquired Mine Resistant Armor Protected (MRAP) military surplus vehicle parked outside.

By about 8:45 a.m., the SWAT team had packed up and left, the road re-opened and CHPD officers had left the scene, along with Sacramento Sheriff’s Department deputies who were observed to be assisting.

[See updated story here: 3 arrested for weapons violations in Citrus Heights SWAT raids]

According to Sergeant Mike Wells, the Department’s Investigative Services Division “was involved in an active investigation into illegal weapons sales,” and was able to obtain search warrants for multiple locations within Citrus Heights — one of which was S&S Tire.

[Related: Police close Auburn Blvd for 10hrs after Valentine’s Day crash involving pedestrian]

Wells said “due to the nature of the alleged violations,” CHPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) was used to execute the search warrants, and Folsom Police Department’s SWAT team and “support personnel from other local agencies also provided assistance.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Wells said “no additional information will be released at this time.”

February 17, 2015