dev.citrusheightssentinel.com

Tag: christopher boyd

  • Outgoing Citrus Heights city manager says ‘its been an honor of a lifetime’

    Christopher Boyd speaks during his final council meeting as interim city manager on Jan. 27, 2022.

    Sentinel staff report–
    Christopher Boyd formally said farewell to the City Council on Thursday night, after serving for a decade as the city’s founding police chief and his subsequent service as city manager since 2016.

    “After 16-plus years of service, tonight’s my last council meeting, tomorrow’s my last day, and so I want to take this opportunity really to thank the council, the community, the staff for really the wonderful send-off, great celebration, kind words and the speeches and the gifts — its all been overwhelming and I’ve been really moved by it so much,” said Boyd in a brief statement at the close of the city’s Jan. 27 council  meeting. “It’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve here in Citrus Heights in the roles that I have.”

    Boyd also said he’s looking forward to the next chapter in his life, as well as looking forward to watching the city continue under the leadership of incoming City Manager Ashley Feeney.

    “He’s a tremendous guy and leader, and the city’s in very good hands there, so I look forward to watching his leadership and the top-shelf staff to support him, I couldn’t be more proud of all of them,” Boyd said of Feeney. “So, on behalf of my family and myself, thank you all very much, and so-long for now.”

    Council members also chimed in with short statements expressing gratitude for Boyd’s service in the city, both as the city’s police chief and as city manager.

    “We’ve bumped heads at times, and that’s okay, but we move forward,” said Councilman Bret Daniels. “I want to tremendously congratulate you for deciding to pull the plug at a young age and the opportunity that you have to spend time with your children, who are still in your home, and with your family and your wife and I hope you travel and just enjoy the fruits of that sacrifice.”

    Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins reflected on Boyd first being hired, when the city made its decision to for its own Police Department in 2006.

    “I’ll never forget the day we rolled out our Police Department, never forget the day we hired you as our police chief, and just to watch what you have done in these 16 years has been amazing. You’ve put our Police Department on the map and you have cemented our city on the map.”

    Mayor Porsche Middleton summed up Boyd’s service as “grit, grace, resilience,” adding that “the legacy you leave here is going to be phenomenal and it’s going to take us for the next 20 years and beyond.”

    Related: New city manager will help ‘write the future of Citrus Heights’

  • Citrus Heights city manager announces retirement. What’s next?

    Strategic planning, citrus heights, Chris Boyd, Jeff Slowey, Jeannie Bruins, Ron Lawrence
    File photo, City Manager Chris Boyd discusses objectives with other city leaders during a break-out small group session during a 2017 strategic planning meeting. // CH Sentinel

    Sentinel staff report–
    Citrus Heights City Manager Christopher Boyd on Thursday publicly announced that he will be retiring from his position as the top executive tasked with running the city, coming on the heels of the assistant city manager retiring earlier this year.

    “For quite a while now, I have been contemplating my next chapter,” said Boyd in a prepared statement, which said advance notice had been given to the City Council. “After 31 years of public service, I have decided it is time for me to focus on my family, so that my wife and I can enjoy the few short years we have left with our teenage sons before they are grown.”

    Boyd served as the original chief of police for the Citrus Heights Police Department, later replacing former City Manager Henry Tingle in 2016 upon Tingle’s retirement. Accomplishments listed by the city during Boyd’s term include undertaking “sizeable economic development projects including the Sunrise Mall Specific Plan, pushed forward revitalization efforts of the Auburn Blvd. corridor which was recently awarded $9 million in grant funding, realigned staffing for significant cost-savings, and more.”

    “Convincing Chris to move from Chief of Police to City Manager was one of the best things our Council has done for the City,” said Mayor Steve Miller in Thursday’s statement from the city. “Thanks to his leadership we have weathered a pandemic while keeping all our City service lines open, launched economic development plans to secure a bright future for our City, and undertaken massive efforts to balance our budget and remain committed to fiscal prudence. ‘Thank you’ just does not seem like enough.”

    From April: Discussion during Citrus Heights budget meeting gets heated

    Boyd also received criticism during his five-year tenure as city manager, facing a rocky relationship with the city’s newest two council members and also from some members of the public for his advocacy that the city make the historic move to go into debt for the first time in 2018 and his support of the Measure M sales tax increase proposed last year.

    Following Boyd’s official retirement date of May 11, the council will meet Thursday to consider hiring an interim city manager while also launching immediate recruitment efforts to find a permanent replacement.

    Potential names to fill the interim or permanent position have not been made public, and an agenda packet for the May 13 City Council meeting includes no further details. In an email response, the mayor opted to not include names being considered for the interim position, but said the council “will discuss our options in closed session this Wednesday,” prior to Thursday’s public meeting.

    He also said, “I anticipate we will be very deliberate hiring a permanent City Manager.”

    Some who have been unhappy with Boyd’s leadership have advocated bringing back Tingle as city manager, including former councilwoman Jayna Karpinski-Costa.

    “Everybody loves Tingle and knows he was the best thing to ever happen to Citrus Heights,” she told The Sentinel on Saturday. “He’s more than qualified (and could) return us to a debt-free city with a big, healthy reserve. He could fix anything.”

    Contacted by phone Saturday, Tingle sounded caught off guard and told The Sentinel he hadn’t considered returning to a position with the city.

    “I’ve not given that any thought, I’m just enjoying my retirement,” he said. When asked specifically if he would consider returning for an interim city manager position, he said “probably not.”

    From 2016: Henry Tingle reflects on 17 years as Citrus Heights city manager

    Councilman Tim Schaefer, contacted for comment by The Sentinel on Saturday, declined to comment on Boyd’s retirement announcement or potential replacements, saying he was “not legally allowed to discuss terms or payment until there is not a city manager,” which won’t happen until Boyd formally retires Tuesday.

    The City Council will meet Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. via Zoom to consider an interim hire. Comments up to 250 words can be submitted in advance to cityclerk@citrusheights.net.

    Want to share your thoughts on the city manager’s retirement or replacement options? Submit a letter to the editor or opinion column for publication: Click here

  • Citrus Heights looking at options to make business licensing faster, easier

    city hall, Citrus Heights

    Sentinel staff report–
    The City of Citrus Heights is currently exploring options to streamline its business licensing process, with a goal to make licensing faster and easier for business owners in the city. Currently, business licenses in Citrus Heights can only be obtained and renewed each year by mailing in a check and application, or personally dropping it off at city hall.

    “Quicker, faster, cheaper, easier,” is how Senior Planner Casey Kempenaar summed up what he’d like to see happen with business licensing in Citrus Heights. Through implementing one of several online tech options currently being researched by city staff, he said he’d like to significantly cut down on processing time and make it so business owners won’t have to come to city hall to apply or renew a license.

    Kempenaar, who took charge of business licensing at city hall last month, said specific changes to the licensing process are yet to be determined, but the goal is to make the licensing process the “most-user friendly we can have.” He said some features being looked at are having an online payment aspect and a print-from-home option to print licenses.

    Kempenaar told The Sentinel on Wednesday that the city is currently looking at best practices being used by other cities, which vary widely in how they handle business licensing.

    Elk Grove already has an almost-entirely automated online business licensing system that enables most business owners to have a print-from-home temporary license in hand after submitting a short, 10-minute application online at www.ElkGroveCity.org.

    Other cities, like the City of Dana Point in Southern California, have free or low-cost “business registration” programs instead of licensing, which enable cities to collect demographic data about local businesses and assist officials in contacting business owners in the event of an emergency. Others require a revenue-based “Business Operations Tax” instead of a license, and others offer a lifetime business license rather than requiring annual renewal.

    The City of Lafayette in the Bay Area has not required businesses to be licensed ever since the city incorporated in 1968, and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors deleted its requirement for businesses to obtain a license in 1998.

    While not all cities require business licenses, Kempenaar said Citrus Heights’ purpose in licensing is “to ensure businesses are operating within our zoning requirements and located in places they should be, which protects the safety and welfare of those around them.”

    Asked how Lafayette handles zoning without requiring business licenses, Administrative Services Director Tracy Robinson told The Sentinel that businesses are still required to follow the city’s land use and zoning regulations.

    “It’s not been a problem,” said the Lafayette administrative director. “It’s not like we don’t control [zoning] just because we don’t have a business license fee.”

    Related: “Editorial: Citrus Heights is a business-friendly city; but it could do better”

    Licenses for most businesses in Citrus Heights currently cost $51 to renew each year, with an extra $25 processing fee charged for new businesses. Kempenaar said the city is not proposing any changes to fees or adding a new business tax.

    Local changes to business licensing are expected to be finalized and implemented sometime next year.

    Among other changes, business licensing in Citrus Heights recently changed from being under the city’s finance division and is now under the community and economic development division. The move was one of many internal changes made by City Manager Christopher Boyd after he replaced Henry Tingle as manager last October.

  • Annual report: overall crime up 4% in Citrus Heights

    Citrus Heights crime
    A slide presented to city council members during their March 9, 2017, council meeting shows a comparison between 2015 and 2016 crime in Citrus Heights. // Source: CHPD

    Motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, and arson all saw at least double-digit increases in Citrus Heights during 2016, while robbery and homicides saw double-digit drops, according to the latest annual crime report delivered to council members by Police Chief Ron Lawrence earlier this month.

    The annual report used crime data from “Part 1” of the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which tracks eight categories of crimes that are broken down into property crimes and persons crimes. Property crimes include burglary, larceny theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson, and persons crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

    Part 2 crimes are considered less serious and are only required to be reported if there is an arrest, according to the FBI’s website.

    Largest local increases in crime were in the motor vehicle theft category, which rose 39 percent in the year-over-year comparison presented. Arson cases also more than doubled, rising from six in 2015 up to a total of 16 last year, while robbery dropped by 22 percent and homicides dropped from five in 2015 down to three last year, according to the report.

    The homicide category of the UCR statistics does not typically include officer-involved shootings, since the FBI tabulates such shootings as “justifiable homicides,” after a law enforcement investigation. As reported in an extensive story in The Sacramento Bee on March 12, Citrus Heights had one homicide involving a police shooting in 2015, and two in 2016.

    Lawrence, who replaced former Police Chief Christopher Boyd in October last year, highlighted “deficiencies” in year-over-year comparisons, as did several council members who focused on a 10-year crime trend showing categories of major crime are at one of their lowest points in the history of the police department, which was formed in 2006. From 2006 to 2016, Lawrence reported an overall drop in Part 1 crimes by 22 percent.

    “I think the citizens are 100 percent behind you,” Mayor Jeff Slowey told the police chief after hearing the March 9 report. “So even when there’s a little blip on the radar that doesn’t always look good, everyone’s always out there doing their best.”

    Councilman Bret Daniels called the crime statistics “a little disappointing that there’s even a slight little spike,” but he said “it could mean that we just did better last year.”

    Daniels also questioned the chief about the significant rise in vehicle theft and asked what could be done in response. Lawrence said such thefts are “up all over the state” and said vehicle thefts notably rose after prison realignment in 2011, which is often blamed for releasing prisoners on the streets.

    According to Lt. Jason Russo, the department plans to launch a theft prevention program targeted at Honda owners to encourage use of a steering wheel lock. He said 90’s model Honda’s are the most commonly stolen vehicles, with thieves often stealing the cars using shaved keys.

    *This story originally appeared in The Sentinel’s March 19 e-Edition. Read part two of this article in our upcoming March 26 edition for additional statistics and a look at CHPD’s crime reduction strategies. Click here to sign up for our Weekend e-Edition

    Crime overview
    A slide showing a 10-year overview of total Part 1 crimes in Citrus Heights, from 2006 to 2016. // Source: CHPD

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

    Save

  • Citrus Heights council appoints police chief as new city manager

    Citrus Heights, police chief
    File photo, Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd. // CH Sentinel

    The Citrus Heights city council has selected Police Chief Christopher Boyd as the new city manager, replacing Henry Tingle who announced his retirement earlier this year.

    “I am pleased to announce that our city council unanimously voted to offer the position of city manager to our now police chief, Chris Boyd, and he has accepted,” Mayor Jeannie Bruins said after a 15-minute closed session vote during a July 14 city council meeting.

    In a short speech following the announcement, Boyd said he was “humbled by [the] appointment” and the council’s confidence in his leadership.

    “It’s been a tremendous 10 years of being the police chief and I love this city,” said Boyd, who will take his official seat as manager on Oct. 1 of this year. “We’ve been able to accomplish so much and I really look forward to the next decade and beyond.”

    The 49-year-old police chief credited his team of officers and staff for helping him run the police department over the past 10 years and also credited outgoing City Manager Henry Tingle for “all his support and mentorship and leadership.”

    [follow text=”Get news updates:”]

    In a news release about Boyd’s appointment, Mayor Bruins said the city “really couldn’t ask for a more ideal candidate.” She said Boyd is well-versed on issues facing the city and “understands the community and local challenges.”

    “His experience affords him a vantage point many city managers do not have,” said Bruins. “We are confident the City of Citrus Heights will continue to be in very good hands.”

    Boyd has served as chief of police for the Citrus Heights Police Department since its formation in 2006. He also served a one-year term as president of Cal Chiefs, a statewide association representing more than 300 police chiefs across California.

    [Read more: Boyd recalls challenge, ‘honor’ of leading Cal Police Chiefs Assoc.]

    Earlier this year, the council selected Boyd to act in the capacity of the current city manager, following Tingle’s announcement of his plans to retire. Tingle’s official retirement date has been set for Sept. 30 of this year, but he has been increasingly absent from city meetings.

    [Read more: Citrus Heights city manager announces plans to retire]

    Tingle, 60, was appointed city manager in 1999 and has been praised by city and community leaders for his strong fiscal responsibility and keeping the city out of debt. His office also took a lead role in securing the new Dignity Health Medical Office Building and City Hall Project on Fountain Square Drive, which Tingle called “by far the largest project in the history of the City.”

    Reached by phone Friday, Boyd said Tingle has been “legendary” as manager, calling him “the greatest thing for Citrus Heights than probably anybody.”

    Boyd said his experience serving as police chief has helped him build connections and relationships that he believes are essential to being a successful city manager. He also said the police department, as the largest department in the city, “touches all areas of the city,” with involvement in community relations, public safety, permits, and code enforcement.

    According to the City website, the manager serves at the pleasure of the majority of the council and his office is responsible for “planning, supervising, and coordinating the City’s operations.” All department heads and key managers in the City report to the city manager.

    Boyd said his first task as city manager will be to select a new police chief, a decision he hopes to make before October.

    Chief Boyd currently lives in Granite Bay with his wife and two sons. According to the City’s website, he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Idaho, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Notre Dame.

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: water use, crime stats, council update

    Updated Feb. 27, 11:22 a.m.–
    Local news briefs this week cover latest water use figures, several police and fire reports, and an update from the Feb. 25 city council meeting.

    Citrus Heights Water District reports 35% overall conservation
    CHWD reported a 35 percent cumulative water savings from June 2015 through last month, according to figures released in a state report this week. Local water savings exceed the statewide average of 24.8 percent by more than 10 percent, and also exceeds the District’s state-mandated conservation goal of 32 percent. Conservation figures are based on a comparison with 2013 water use.

    Although overall savings are high, water use during January indicated a low-point in conservation efforts, with users only conserving 10.8 percent compared with January 2013.

    Fire at Citrus Heights apartment complex displaces residents; causes $275,000 damage
    A Sunday-night apartment fire near Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard displaced several residents and caused an estimated $275,000 of damage, according to a CBS 13 news report. Firefighters responded to the apartment on Shadow Lane after receiving a call around 10:15 p.m. No one was injured in the fire, but residents in several nearby units were reportedly displaced due to smoke and water damage.

    Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Ellis later told The Sentinel the cause of the blaze was determined to be combustibles stored inside a water heater located on the back deck. He said water heater areas should never be used for storage of other items and advised residents to have a readily accessible fire extinguisher in their home.

    City council appoints new History & Arts commissioner
    During a Feb. 25 council meeting, city council members unanimously approved the appointment of Christine Stein for a vacancy on the Citrus Heights History and Arts Commission. The appointment was made by Councilman Mel Turner and ratified by the council, after Commissioner Jacqueline Robinson resigned in January.

    [follow text=”Get local news:”]

    The seven-member Commission works to promote cultural arts in Citrus Heights as well as assisting “in the preservation and enhancement of historical buildings and artifacts,” according to the City’s website.

    Police Chief reports 14% holiday crime drop for 2015
    In a Feb. 25 report to city council members, Police Chief Christopher Boyd said 2015 holiday season crime in Citrus Heights dropped by 14 percent in comparison to 2014. An objective to reduce crime between November and December was listed in the City’s latest six-month strategic planning goals.
    Chief Boyd also reported other crime statistics, including an overall drop in crime of 29 percent since the formation of the City's police department nearly 10 years ago. (See full story next week). Police: Bicyclist hit by car on Antelope Rd suffers serious injuries A man in his mid-20's was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured while crossing Antelope Road at Zenith Drive on his bicycle Wednesday night, according to a police news release. An on-scene investigation caused the roadway to be closed for around eight hours, but police said officers were unable to locate any witnesses or surveillance video. Police said the 63-year-old driver involved had stopped his vehicle immediately and was cooperative with the investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact CHPD's Traffic Unit at (916) 727-5500.

  • Citrus Heights city manager announces plans to retire

    Citrus Heights city manager announces plans to retire

    City Managery Henry Tingle, Citrus Heights
    File photo, Citrus Heights City Manager Henry Tingle addresses a group in 2014 for the Sayonara Center Bus Unveiling // Courtesy, City of Citrus Heights

    City Manager Henry Tingle announced this week he will be retiring from his long-held position in Citrus Heights at the end of 2016.

    In an email to The Sentinel, Mayor Jeannie Bruins praised the city manager for being “largely responsible” for the City’s financial success, calling Citrus Heights “the only known city in California that operates debt-free while continuing to improve the quality of life” for residents.

    On Friday, Tingle declined an interview request to discuss his 15-plus years of service in the City, saying he preferred an interview closer to his actual retirement at the end of the year.

    According to the City website, the manager serves at the pleasure of the majority of the council and his office is responsible for “planning, supervising, and coordinating the City’s operations.” All department heads and key managers in the City report to the city manager.

    Tingle’s leadership has largely been looked on favorably by the community, although his advocacy for the new city hall approved last year stirred some controversy among residents.

    [From 2015: Council votes 5-0 for new city hall & MOB; lawsuit threatened]

    Tim Schaefer, vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), commended Tingle for doing “an exemplary job” over 16 years, although Schaefer himself had been a vocal opponent of the new city hall. The resident leader credited the city manager with helping bring in a “top notch police chief” and the formation of the City’s own police department in 2006.

    REACH President Tonya Wagner, whose organization represents the City’s 11 neighborhood associations, said she was surprised by Tingle’s retirement announcement. She described him as being “pretty low-key” and said he’s always been easy to talk to, but is known to not prefer public speaking.

    [follow text=”Get local news:”]

    The outgoing city manager is also known for his strong fiscal responsibility, recently summarizing one of his principles as “I hate debt.” His office also took a lead role in securing the new Dignity Health Medical Office Building and City Hall Project on Fountain Square Drive, which Tingle called “by far the largest project in the history of the City.”

    [Related: Citrus Heights leaders break ground on new city hall project]

    According to a 2008 California City Management Foundation newsletter, Tingle received a BA at Sonoma State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.  Prior to becoming Citrus Heights’ city manager in Oct. 1999, Tingle served as deputy city manager of Richmond, beginning in 1995.

    In Dec. 2015, a Sacramento Bee article listed Tingle as one of California’s top 50 highest-paid local government officials in 2014, receiving a total pay of $282,311 that year.

    A permanent replacement for the outgoing city manager has not been announced, but the city council has responsibility for appointing a successor. Police Chief Christopher Boyd will reportedly fill in for Tingle as-needed this year, according to Melanie Randel, Boyd's executive assistant. City council members reportedly had "mixed feelings" when Tingle told them of his plans to retire, but Mayor Bruins said she's "happy he can retire with years ahead to enjoy it, because he deserves it." "He is a wonderful city manager, loved by so many people in the community and revered by the city council he serves," the mayor said in her email to The Sentinel on Saturday. "He has become my friend and I will miss him when he retires."

  • Citrus Heights leaders award Walmart staff for heroic rescue

    Citrus Heights Police Chief Chris Boyd, Metro Cable 14
    Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd recognizes Walmart employees during a Dec. 10 city council meeting. // Courtesy, Metro Cable 14

    During a Dec. 10 city council meeting, Citrus Heights Walmart employees were recognized for their role in helping lift a car off an elderly woman after she was run over and pinned under a vehicle last month.

    Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd told council members that a four-door Nissan sedan had run over an 85-year-old woman just after she exited the Auburn Boulevard Walmart store on Nov. 9, with the collision leaving her body “completely concealed” under the car.

    A group of Walmart employees responded to the scene and lifted the car off the woman, who was then pulled to safety. The victim suffered severe injuries, including a broken clavicle and rib, a collapsed lung, and bleeding around the heart – but is reportedly recovering well and is “already up and walking around,” according to the police chief.

    Boyd told council members that “quick thinking and proactive intervention” on the part of  responding store employees “most certainly saved a fellow citizen’s life.”

    [Related: Council votes in Jeannie Bruins as new Citrus Heights mayor at Dec. 10 meeting]

    Nearly a dozen Walmart staff members were given certificates by the police chief and city council members during the meeting, with those recognized including Store Manager Nick Gonnella and Front-end Manager Nicodemus Hatchett.

    [follow text=”Get local news:”]

    Newly seated Mayor Jeannie Bruins called the Walmart team’s response a “phenomenal act of heroism,” and said the group will also be recognized at a more formal police awards ceremony in 2016.

    “It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Bruins. “This is what our city is all about.”

  • Veterans honored during Citrus Heights march, ceremony

    A four-member police "Color Guard" leads a march around the "Avenue of Flags" at Sylvan Cemetery, during a 2015 Veterans Day event. // Photo, Dorina Choban
    A four-member police “Honor Guard” leads a march around the “Avenue of Flags” at Sylvan Cemetery, during the 2015 Citrus Heights Veterans Day event. // Photo, Dorina Choban

    Updated Nov. 12, 11:43 a.m.–
    Veterans, City leaders, and community members gathered for a Veterans Day ceremony and solemn march at Sylvan Cemetery Wednesday, expressing appreciation for those who’ve served in America’s armed forces.

    The hour-long event began with a 10:30 a.m. march around the cemetery’s “Avenue of Flags,” led by a pair of Citrus Heights police motorcycles and four-member “Honor Guard,” followed by the local Boy Scouts Troop 228, and others. Marchers proceeded along the avenue, with stops for commemoration, reading of passages from the Bible, and prayer from Chaplain Jerry Smith of the American Legion Post 637.

    Marchers were greeted with sounds of “The Star Spangled Banner” being sung by the Folsom Harmony Express men’s choir, as the march concluded with a timely 11 a.m. ceremony under the cemetery’s central gazebo.

    “On this day, on this month, at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of WWI went silent, and we recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans,” American Legion Commander Paul Reyes told the group of about 150 attendees — his comment referring to the 1918 formal close of the first world war on the 11th day, of the 11th month, on the 11th hour, resulting in the date now recognized as Veterans Day.

    Commander Reyes praised veterans as “our finest citizens,” and his fellow Legionnaire Jim Monteton highlighted the optimism of veterans, beginning 239 years ago when America’s “rag-tag” forces stood up to powerful British forces, and won.

    [Additional photos: see slideshow below]

    Sharing highlights from history and appreciation for veterans, other speakers at the ceremony included Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd, County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, and Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost.

    “Veterans and their families have sacrificed themselves to preserve what we Americans cherish – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Mayor Frost told those assembled. “We are grateful for it, we won’t forget it, and we thank you.”

    Wednesday’s ceremony concluded with the reading of Psalm 91, a rifle salute from the local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the playing of taps.

  • Parade, parties highlight National Night Out in Citrus Heights

    Parade, parties highlight National Night Out in Citrus Heights

    National Night Out, Citrus Heights.
    Residents in the Greenback Wood neighborhood gather for an outdoor ice cream social and parade for National Night Out.

    Updated August 5, 11:30 p.m.–
    At least 13 different neighborhood groups held various outdoor social events around Citrus Heights Tuesday night, as part of National Night Out – an annual event focused on preventing crime by knowing and looking out for your neighbor.

    “It was wonderful out here tonight,” said Greenback Wood Neighborhood Watch leader Susan Jenkins, who noticed a rise in participation this year. “It’s so important for people to come out and meet the neighbors they haven’t met before… it’s so important for crime prevention.”

    Jenkins’ neighborhood celebration included free ice cream from a sponsor and a small parade led by a half-dozen Citrus Heights police vehicles and a Metro Fire ladder truck in the rear. The three-quarter mile parade looped through the Greenback Wood area, ending back up at the corner of Indian River Drive and Clay Basket Drive.

    Elsewhere around the city, Citrus Heights police tweeted out a photo of community involvement at the Woodmore Oaks Neighborhood Watch celebration along with another photo of a detective “serenading” a National Night Out crowd on his ukelele.

    Police Sgt. Michael Wells said the Citrus Heights Police Department was “very pleased” with the community turnout Tuesday night, previously telling The Sentinel that research indicates crime goes down when neighbors know and look out for each other.

    Police Chief Christopher Boyd and other law enforcement personnel made an effort to attend events throughout the city, according to Sgt. Wells, who commented that “everyone involved enjoyed great food and conversation with all of the neighborhood watch groups.”

    Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost called the night’s events a success and said she and other council members attended various National Night Out events around the city as well.

    “We are very fortunate to have a police force that is engaged, listening and actively helping us help ourselves,” said Frost.
    [follow text=”Follow local news:”]

    A National Night Out parade through the Greenback Wood neighborhood was led by Citrus Heights Police Department officers, Tuesday night.
    A National Night Out parade through the Greenback Wood neighborhood was led by Citrus Heights Police Department officers, Tuesday night.