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Amor Taylor on the issues, in her own words

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?

“None at this time.”

>>See other candidate responses: “Citrus Heights city council candidates on the issues, in their own words”

October 23, 2016
Judge denies motion to halt Citrus Heights city hall demolition

A computer rendering of the new three-story medical office building on Greenback Lane, approved by Citrus Heights council members on March 26, 2015.

A Sacramento Superior Court judge denied a motion Friday that sought to temporarily bar the City of Citrus Heights from proceeding with plans to demolish its existing city hall and allow Dignity Health to construct a three-story medical office building (MOB) in its place, according to court documents.

Norman Hill, who heads up the group suing the City over the MOB and city hall project, said his “Preserve Our Civic Center” group sought a temporary restraining order after learning the City had planned a July 18 “Cash & Carry” day to liquidate various items and decor from the existing hall’s property. He said Judge Timothy Frawley ultimately rejected the group’s motion for a 10-day restraining order, after finding “the balance of the equities came out in favor of the City” and determining such an order would present a “great hardship for the City.”

City representatives were unavailable for comment by phone and email over the weekend.

The POCC lawsuit, initially filed in April, asks the court to declare the city council’s March 26 approval of the new hall and MOB project to be “invalid and void,” and that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the project “fails to satisfy the requirements of [the California Environmental Quality Act].” It also asks the court to order a “new legally adequate” EIR for the project, and require suspension of all contracts related to construction on the project until alleged violations of CEQA are addressed, according to court filings.

[Learn more: Lawsuit filed against Citrus Heights over MOB, new hall]

Although unsuccessful in temporarily halting progress on the city hall demolition, Hill said his group plans to continue with the lawsuit against the project, estimating it could take until early 2016 to get a final decision from a judge. The retired environmental attorney and Citrus Heights resident said he’s currently awaiting a “big pile” of documents to be released by the City in response to a Public Records Act request.

Note: this story will be updated Monday to include comments from the City, if reached.
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July 19, 2015
Council honors Citrus Heights police sgt. for ‘heroic actions’

Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost speaks to police Sgt. David Gutierrez during a May 14 council meeting where the sergeant was recognized for “heroic actions.” Photo courtesy, Sac Metro Cable 14.

Updated May 16, 5:01 p.m.–
During a council meeting Thursday, City leaders recognized Citrus Heights Police Sergeant David Gutierrez for “heroic actions,” after reports recently came to light about three situations where the sergeant responded to critical situations while off-duty, including pulling a trapped woman from a flaming vehicle before it exploded.

Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd told council members of the first situation where Gutierrez was traveling on Grant Line Road in 2009 with his wife, daughter and newborn baby, when a driver made a sudden u-turn and the truck in front of Gutierrez’s car slammed into the side of the turning vehicle. Boyd told the council Gutierrez quickly grabbed a first aid kit and ran to the accident, finding a woman pinned inside and bleeding from her head, along with a young boy and a screaming two-year-old covered in glass.

While the sergeant’s wife called 9-1-1, Boyd said Gutierrez found that the young girl’s hand had been trapped between her car seat and a smashed-in door. After forcing the door open, he pulled both children to safety while medical personnel and others soon arrived to assist in the effort, according to Boyd, who said he learned details of the event from the sergeant’s wife.

Two years later, Gutierrez and his family were traveling on Highway 50 to go see Disney on Ice when a “giant modular home” being pulled by a truck tipped over sideways and skidded across the road, with the truck landing upside down and badly smashed. Boyd told the council Gutierrez pulled over and was able to kick open the passenger side door as the truck burst into flames. The off-duty sergeant found a woman upside down inside with a “huge gash to her head,” and was able to pull her to safety as a bystander doused the flames with a fire extinguisher.

Boyd said the third incident occurred last November when Gutierrez was driving with his wife and daughter on California’s Highway 89. After turning off Interstate 5 onto the dark, two-lane highway, they encountered brush on the road and observed a black SUV crashed into a tree with sparks coming from the engine. As his wife called 9-1-1, Boyd said Gutierrez got out and was almost hit by a motorist who was swerving to avoid the brush. After removing the brush hazard to avoid another accident, the police chief told council members Gutierrez ran to the crashed vehicle and found a woman with her leg pinned under the dashboard.

Boyd said the off-duty sergeant noticed the woman going into shock and diverted her gaze from a small fire that had begun in the engine compartment, directing her to focus on his face. Showing the council a photo of the flaming vehicle, Boyd said Gutierrez was able to pull the woman through the passenger side window just before a “deafening explosion filled the night and the Jeep went up in flames.”

“This woman could have burned to death if he had not driven down that road that day,” Chief Boyd told the council of Sergeant Gutierrez. “He represents humility, understands personal sacrifice, and knows that his purpose is to assist others and never hesitate to help when the need arises.”

Gutierrez was introduced to an applause, with Councilman Steve Miller calling him “super-Dave.”

“I was amazed and proud and honored that one of our CHPD — even on his off-times — is a hero, running into the danger and saving lives,” Mayor Sue Frost told Boyd and Gutierrez. “And I have to say that your wife probably is a very courageous woman to go on vacation with you now.”

The sergeant spoke briefly, commenting that it was “an extreme honor” to be recognized, but said he didn’t see it as an act of heroism. “It’s just something I think we should do for people that can’t help themselves,” he said.

Gutierrez also received the 2015 “Service above self” award from the Sacramento Rotary Club for his actions, after being nominated by the Citrus Heights Police Department.

May 16, 2015
Citrus Heights this week: what’s happening around town

Updated April 21, 5:46 p.m.–
Wondering what’s going on in Citrus Heights this week? From community events to city council and planning commission meetings, there’s a lot going on around town.

This week’s local activities offer a variety of free options, with the annual Pet-a-Palooza event expected to draw thousands of pets and people to Rusch Park on Saturday, along with the Citrus Town Center’s family-fun Spring Celebration and Metro Fire’s CPR training at the Sunrise Mall.

Those hoping to make it to all three events may encounter some scheduling difficulties, as all of them are planned for the same day: April 25.

Pet-a-Palooza will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, while the two-hour Spring Celebration is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and the nearby CPR training offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On an event flier, Metro Fire says participants can learn how to save a life “in just 5 minutes,” so it shouldn’t be hard to squeeze in a quick trip if you’re trying to make it to multiple events.

[Full story: Metro Fire to offer free CPR training at Sunrise Mall on April 25]

There’s also two events this Friday, with Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan inviting residents to her 7:30 a.m. monthly “Community Cabinet Meeting” at the Citrus Heights Denny’s, and Gun Owners of California holding its annual crab feed at the Citrus Heights Community Center beginning at 5:30 p.m.

[Related: County Rep reaches out to Citrus Heights residents]

For those interested in local government, the Citrus Heights Planning Commission will be meeting this Wednesday at 7 p.m., and the city council will meet the following evening.

Planning commission members will hold several public hearings concerning electronic signs at Antelope Crossing, development of 23 residential lots at Sunrise Boulevard and Lawrence Avenue, and a Design Review Permit for a new Applebee’s on Auburn Boulevard. Commissioners will also be asked to approve a staff update to the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program.

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

Prior to its usual 7 p.m. meeting, City Council members will be holding a public study session at 6 p.m. on Thursday to assess a salvage plan for city hall, in light of the council’s recent approval for a new city hall and medical office building.

[Document: April 23 City Council Agenda , April 22 Planning Commission Agenda]

The council will also be asked to receive and file the City’s Quarterly Treasurer’s Report and authorize the city manager to apply for Homeless Veterans Support Program Funding. An annual report from the Sunrise Marketplace is also on the agenda, as well as consideration of a commercial lease agreement for an Auburn Boulevard property.

<<Want to tell us about an upcoming local event, or don’t see an event you think should be on here? Click to contact us.>>

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—
Additional info:

Pet-a-Palooza: see story, “Pet-a-Palooza 2015 coming to Rusch Park April 25”

Spring Celebration: see story, “Event: Citrus Town Center kicks off season with free family fun”

CPR training: “Metro Fire to offer free CPR training at Sunrise Mall“

April 21, 2015
Council votes 5-0 for new city hall & MOB; lawsuit threatened

An artistic rendering of the new $22 million Citrus Heights city hall, to be located just North of the Post Office. // Courtesy, Capital Partners Development Co.

Updated Mar. 27, 2:26 p.m. —
Citrus Heights council members voted unanimously Thursday night to approve a long-debated $53 million proposal to tear down and relocate the City’s existing hall and replace it with a three-story medical office building (MOB) — rejecting a proposal and lawsuit threat by a resident group proposing a less-imposing two-story design.

“Mr. Hill, I’m sorry that you feel the way you feel,” Councilman Jeff Slowey told Norman Hill, who heads the resident group Preserve Our Civic Center. “But threats, they don’t bother me in the least bit. If you wanna go to court I say bring it on — but bring your checkbook.”

Hill, a retired environmental attorney, has promised litigation in the past and reiterated his “compromise” offer Thursday night, which seeks to lessen the environmental and visibility impacts of the proposed medical building by increasing the setback away from Greenback, and lowering the height. He said by adopting his proposal, the City could avoid litigation and still get a new hall and two-story medical building.

“I recommend that you take a hard look at this proposal, or we will meet again to discuss it at a settlement conference in a CEQA lawsuit,” Hill told council members prior to the vote, referencing requirements in the California Environmental Quality Act he says the City hasn’t met.

City staff and council members believe the City has followed CEQA requirements, with environmental consultant Katherine Waugh addressing findings covered in a several-hundred page Environmental Impact Report on the project. Waugh told council members the report found “no significant effects” to the environment on either of the building projects – as long as a list of mitigation measures are followed.

Hill’s proposal was given significant discussion during the three-and-a-half-hour hearing Thursday night, but City staff said it wouldn’t work for parking, due to the larger footprint being required to maintain the building’s square footage with a two-story design. Legally, the City requires one parking spot per 225 square feet, and staff said that doesn’t allow for enough parking with Hill’s proposal.

Hill said the City could gain extra parking needed by utilizing its new Green Parking Lot and modifying the police department parking area, although Police Chief Christopher Boyd told the council such an arrangement would not be “workable” or safe for his department’s need for secured parking.

[See renderings of the new city hall here: GALLERY: Artistic Images of Proposed New City Hall]

Although about half-a-dozen residents spoke out against the project during the hearing, Councilman Steve Miller said public comment has “flipped” from being 9-out-of-10 opposed to the project, after the City switched its focus away from a smaller hall location on Antelope Road last year.

Lead opponent Tim Schaefer commented in past meetings that the new 10.9-acre Stock Property is “a super-positive development” for the hall proposal, and others have commented favorably that the new location would keep City services in close proximity off Fountain Square Drive. The Stock Property is located just a half-block away from the existing hall, and staff say it’s large enough to allow for a utility yard and future expansion.

[From last year: New City Hall Site Option Draws Support, While Medical Building Criticized]

Concerns about increased traffic, a shrinking $26 million City reserve, and construction noise have continued to be raised by opponents, while supporters have billed the project as good for jobs and a cost-efficient way to replace an aging hall without incurring debt. The project was supported Thursday night by representatives from the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Sunrise Marketplace business improvement district.

“I think the time is right, the price is right,” said Councilman Miller prior to casting his vote in favor of the proposal, adding that it’s still an “emotional” decision for him. “I imagine if we bring this place down I’ll shed a few tears, but this is an opportunity for growth for our city and renewal.”

Miller acknowledged the new three-story medical building would make for a “stark” transition from Greenback Lane’s residential zone into its commercial zone, but said “I think this is just too good of a deal to pass up.”

That deal was described by Monica Alejandrez, assistant to the city manager, as “an extremely rare opportunity” for the City, resulting in a “direct investment” of $53 million into Citrus Heights. She said the hall is estimated to cost “no more than $22 million,” with Dignity Health’s new medical building costing about $31 million.

Under the terms of the deal approved Thursday, Alejandrez said the net impact of the new hall to the City’s general fund will only be about $8.9 million after 15 years, largely due to $6.9 million in lease payments coming from the medical building, as well as projected energy savings from a new, more efficient facility.

[Read the lease terms here: http://www.citrusheights.net/844/Project-Documents-and-Reports]

That $6.9 million lease payment from Dignity Health, as well as the promise of 170 new medical-related jobs, has been a significant consideration factor since the deal began being discussed in 2013.

“When you can get more than a fourth of [the new hall] paid for, I think that’s a good deal,” said Councilman Slowey during the meeting. He added that the new hall wouldn’t be under consideration at this point without the Dignity Health lease offer being made on the City’s property. Staff said the assessed value of the existing hall has dropped from a high of over $5 million, to a most recent low point of under $2 million in 2014.

[For background on this story, see: “Planning Commission votes 5-1 for new hall & MOB; lawsuit threatened]

Council members acknowledged both pros and cons to the project, but Mayor Sue Frost said she “doesn’t see how the negatives even stack up” in comparison.

“I think the positives way outweigh the negatives for our City to bring Dignity [Health] to Citrus Heights,” said Frost, although acknowledging that feedback from residents has helped improve the project’s design and location.

“I do want to thank all of our residents who have engaged in the public process,” said Frost, referencing comments received since discussion began about the project more than a year ago. “Without you it wouldn’t have the face that it has, and it wouldn’t be as good as it is.”

The new hall will be constructed by Capital Partners Development Co. and is estimated to take 12 to 14 months to complete, according to Rod Johnson, who initially proposed to develop the Stock Property for the City.

Following Thursday’s vote, Frost said leases will be executed and City staff will begin searching for a temporary location, with demolition and construction work beginning as early as this summer.

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March 27, 2015
Arts, planning commissioners appointed; some vacancies left

Two board positions remain unfilled after Citrus Heights city council members voted to fill 11 of 13 vacancies on several City boards and commissions during last week’s council meeting.

Civic Center direction sign, stock photo. Citrus Heights Sentinel

Vacancies for the positions were created after 13 terms expired at the end of 2014 on the City’s Construction Appeals Board, Planning Commission and History & Arts Commission, with new appointees serving terms ranging from two to four years in length.

A lack of applicants for the City’s Construction Appeals Board left council members with only one choice to pick, while selections for the two other commissions were a bit more competitive.

Planning Commission:
City council members re-appointed Al Fox, Leah Cox, Trish Dawson and Michael Lagomarsino to the Planning Commission, as well as unanimously ratifying council member Jeanie Bruins’ nomination of newcomer Russell Blair to take the fifth open spot on the commission. The remaining three applicants — Simon Levison, Matthew Gross and Matt Hedges — did not receive enough votes to serve another term.

The seven-member Planning Commission meets twice a month and hears land-use related projects and “reviews proposed ordinances and other issues relating to the implementation of the City’s General Plan,” according to the City’s website. The commission also makes recommendations to the city council, as it did with the city hall relocation proposal.

History & Arts Commission:
Bob Gerould, Jessica Mang and Jackie Robinson were all unanimously ratified by city council members to serve four-year terms on the seven-member History and Arts Commission, with a majority also selecting Larry Fritz and Evie Turner to serve two-year terms. The meeting agenda showed Levison also applied for this position, but did not receive any votes from council members.

The History and Arts Commission works to promote cultural arts in Citrus Heights as well as assisting “in the preservation and enhancement of historical buildings and artifacts.”

<<See prior story here: Council to appoint 13 board positions in January>>

Construction Appeals Board:
The council unanimously appointed Franklin Tilley to the Construction Appeals Board, with City Clerk Amy Van telling the council that although there were three open positions, Tilley’s application was the only one received. She said the City would continue receiving applications to fill the spots, and council member Miller requested staff look into the possibility of working with other cities to create a regional appeals board, citing the board’s infrequent meetings and the past difficulty the City has had in finding appointments.

The five-member Construction Board of Appeals meets on an “as-needed” basis to hear complaints from those aggrieved by a decision of the City’s chief building official, and “assists in determining suitability of materials and methods of construction, as well as interpreting technical codes.” Applicants for the board must be “qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction.”

An application form for the Construction Board of Appeals is available here: http://www.citrusheights.net/DocumentCenter/View/72

January 15, 2015
Meet your new mayor: Q&A with Sue Frost

A new year in Citrus Heights brings with it a new mayor for the city. In this exclusive Sentinel email interview with newly appointed Mayor Sue Frost, we cover everything from what her cat’s name is to what leaders she most admires.

Sue Frost shares an exchange with outgoing mayor Mel Turner, after being selected as the new mayor during a December council meeting.

What’s your history in Citrus Heights?
“I moved to Citrus Heights with my family when I was 8 or 9 years old. Prior to that I lived in Orangevale, Ca. I went to Skycrest, Kingswood School and San Juan High School. I graduated my junior year in high school at the age of 17 and went straight on to college. I lived in southern California briefly and later moved around to Riverside, Morro Bay, Monterey, Folsom — even Roseville, Carmichael and other areas.”

“I was married in 1984. While I lived in Folsom for over 20 years, my husband and I owned real estate and a business in Citrus Heights. I’ve always been connected here and I have lived ‘or’ worked in Citrus Heights for more years than not. Many of my current neighbors were here during my young years when their children and all of us would play kick the can in the neighborhood court, Marco Polo in the swimming pool, and go to school together.”

What college did you attend?
“I attended Pacific Union College in Napa, majoring in nursing and physical education. I graduated with an Associate of Science in nursing as an RN and later specialized as a California Certified Emergency Nurse. During my high school and college years I worked at a summer camp in northern California where I did everything from garbage detail to canoe instructor, camp counselor, lifeguard, girls director and camp nurse.”

What are you passionate about?
“I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, gardening, family and friends. I am passionate about justice and liberty.” Frost also said she has a passion for sustainability, emphasizing it “can apply to all areas of our lives: our personal or business budget, the land, our world.”

What kind of volunteer work have you been involved with?
“Some recent volunteer affiliations have included: Citrus Heights Green Team, Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association, Rotary, Sacramento Association of Realtors, Placer Sustain. My volunteer activities declined during my first couple years as an elected official.”

How long you’ve been married?
“30 years to Jack Frost. We have been through much, and he is my dearest friend.”

Do you have any children?
“Yes. I was blessed with a second family home. I am a step-mother to Tracy Frost and Ben Frost. We had many wonderful years filled with joy and challenge. I have learned so much from both of them. Ben is married to Cathy Frost and lives in New Hampshire. Tracy lives in Honolulu.”

Any siblings?
“I have an older sister and brother who live in the Sacramento region.”

Do you have some pets?
“I have a cat named George. He was my mom’s cat, and when she passed away I promised her I would care for him. He’s wild and hard to get close to, but he is a sweet cat and good mouser.”

What type of music do you like?
“Soft rock, rock ‘n roll, classical, jazz, orchestra, alternative, some country… I have broad taste in music, but soft rock and alternative are probably my favorites.”

Where’s the furthest you’ve traveled from Citrus Heights?
“Southern Spain, Canary Islands… Wonderful month away to Europe’s ‘Hawaii.’ Met many locals, played golf and ate so much good food!”

Which leader(s) in the last 100 years do you look up to most, and why?
“Ronald Reagan – He told the truth about what government’s purpose should be. He advanced policies that supported small businesses and promoted economic development. He understood the need for America to strengthen our defense.”
“Martin Luther King – In the face of injustice, he courageously led his people to fight with non-violent civil disobedience. A movement that began to correct an injustice and changed our world for the better.”

Which book has had the most influence on your life?
“I think the Holy Bible. Although there are so many books that have expanded my understanding and influenced me.”

When did you first consider running for public office?
“In the summer of 2012 when my husband came home and stated that one of the council members in Citrus Heights had asked if his wife would consider running for office. I was then approached by some citizens who encouraged me to run. I gave it considerable thought. I met with some council members to learn more about the job. I believe I was called to run for public service.”

<<See related story: “Council votes in Sue Frost as new Citrus Heights mayor”>>

Did you have any previous experience in leadership prior to running for city council?
“Most of my leadership experience is within the private business realm, and I entered into public service in 2012 for the first time. I served as senior vice president over Sales & Marketing for a national banking firm (Equipoint Financial Services). I am president of Frost Enterprises, Inc., [formerly] a full-service mortgage bank and currently a real estate and investment company. I have served on multiple boards including profit, nonprofit and property ownership association boards. I also served on the Area 11 Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association Board and served on committees at the Sacramento Association of Realtors.”

As mayor, what do you look forward to most in 2015?
“Working with our REACH (Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights) members to bring a Community Leadership Summit to Citrus Heights.”

Frost also said she hopes to expand relations with other regional leaders and continue former mayor Mel Turner’s efforts to develop young leaders through the “Shadow Program.”

Mayor Frost can be contacted by email at Sfrost@citrusheights.net, or by calling (916) 207-7960.

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January 2, 2015
Citrus Heights bans new massage permits; cites prostitution

Neon sign, massage sauna, 2005. Photo credit, Justin Cormack (cc-by-sa-2.0)

Following undercover sting operations in the past month resulting in two arrests for prostitution, Citrus Heights council members unanimously passed an “urgency ordinance” last week declaring a 45-day moratorium on most new massage parlors, citing the need for “detailed study of possible adverse affects” and time to pass new comprehensive regulations in light of a new state law.

“[T]he city council finds that the establishment of new, and the relocation or expansion of existing, massage establishments or businesses offering related services prior to the completion of the City’s review poses a threat to the public health, safety and welfare,” a portion of the new ordinance reads, citing instances of prostitution, risk of blight and “other illegal activity” at massage establishments in the past.

[Update: “Citrus Heights extends massage moratorium thru 2015″]

In addition to receiving numerous complaints, City staff said code enforcement inspections at local massage establishments also found cases of unlicensed therapists, locks on massage room doors, and “inappropriately dressed” therapists.

Additionally, Community and Economic Development Director Rhonda Sherman told council members that Citrus Heights has more than doubled its massage parlor establishments, going from 20 in 2008 up to almost 50, with another two “in the pipeline.”

Sherman’s report brought strong reaction from at least one council member, as well as a comment from the police chief.

“Did I hear the numbers correct? I mean we’re 15-and-a-half square miles, 84,000 people — did I hear you say 50, as in roughly ‘five-zero’?” council member Jeff Slowey asked Sherman. “I think that’s plenty of helping hands in this city right now… that’s just ridiculous.”

Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd affirmed Slowey’s comments, calling the steep rise in massage parlors “outrageous,” adding the urgency ordinance was “very necessary.”

“We have way, way more than really anyone we compare with,” Chief Boyd said regarding the number of local massage parlors compared to other cities, although stating he wasn’t sure why. “We need to change this back to local control so we can get a handle on it.”

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The temporary ban comes in anticipation of AB 1146, set to take effect January 1, which returns much of the discretionary power cities and counties once had to regulate massage parlors. According to City Attorney Ruthann Ziegler, this regulatory power of cities was taken away by the legislature with the passage of SB 731 in 2008, and city leaders across the state blame the law for the proliferation of massage parlors in recent years.

The temporary ordinance acknowledges “most massage establishments throughout the City are operated lawfully and professionally,” and contains over a page of exceptions to the ban, including massage for athletic or physician-related purposes and an allowance for existing massage establishments to renew their permits.

The ban will expire on January 25, but staff said they anticipate requesting an extension to allow time for further study and passage of a comprehensive new ordinance.

Folsom and Elk Grove also passed similar moratoriums last week, as have other cities across the state.

December 18, 2014
RESULTS: voters re-elect Citrus Heights council; Schaefer trails by 3%

Updated 11:21 a.m. —
Voters in Citrus Heights gave a nod of approval to their current city councilmembers Tuesday, with all three incumbents leading challengers by 3 percent or more, according to the latest election results from the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters.
“IT’S OFFICIAL: 3/3 Gets the job done,” incumbent Steve Miller posted on his Facebook page around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning, with 65 out of 65 voting precincts reporting. “Thank you for your votes and kind support.”

Jeannie Bruins staked out a significant lead above the rest, gaining 25 percent of the vote, with Mel Turner coming in second with 22 percent. Steve Miller is in third place, beating challenger Tim Schaefer by about 800 votes, as of the latest County numbers released at 12:33 a.m., Wednesday.

Public disclosure filings show Turner received the most total contributions this year, reporting over $21,000, with Miller reporting slightly over $12,000 and Bruins around $10,000. Schaefer came in far behind, reporting total contributions of just $3,250 and Bridget Duffy announced early on she was intentionally not raising funds.

In mailers and public statements, incumbents largely focused on their past record, while challengers distinguished themselves by opposition to a new city hall building and criticism of incumbents for supporting a 2012 tax measure.

More than 12,000 undervotes have been reported so far for the council race, with undervotes occurring when a voter skipped over the city council part of their ballot, or selected just one or two candidates instead of the full three selections allowed in the race. Undervotes for local races are typically high, as past election results indicate many voters only make a choice in well-known national and statewide races and choose to leave other “down-ticket” races blank.

Poll workers at a precinct near Old Auburn Road and Mariposa Avenue said voter turnout was higher than in the June Primary election, and said about two-thirds of voters on their list were vote-by-mail. An election report for the precinct showed 201 voters cast a ballot in-person on Tuesday, and an additional 107 vote-by-mail ballots were dropped off during the election.

Although ballots mailed in early have already been counted, vote-by-mail ballots dropped off at the polls, as well as others like provisional ballots, are still to be counted.

Elected councilmembers will each serve a term of four years on the five-member city council. The other two members currently on the council will be up for election in 2016.

*Editor’s note: stay tuned for more exclusive local election coverage.

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http://bit.ly/ElectionSurveyCitrusHeights

November 5, 2014
2014 Citrus Heights Council Candidates Differ on Taxes, New City Hall

Looking to find out more about who’s running in the local Citrus Heights city council election?

The five Citrus Heights city council candidates sit alongside a League of Women Voters moderator during an October 11 voter forum.

With the election coming on Tuesday, we’ve updated this candidate forum story from October with separate audio clips for each of the eight questions candidates were asked.

Candidate answers show their greatest difference to be on plans for an estimated $18.9 million new city hall, with challengers Tim Schaefer and Bridget Duffy against the proposal, while incumbents Steve Miller, Mel Turner and Jeannie Bruins spoke favorably of the plan to build a new hall during the forum — although Bruins said she’d wait for a traffic study and Environmental Impact Report before committing to a final decision.

Candidates were also divided during the forum on whether they supported a failed 2012 tax increase known as Measure K, with Miller, Turner and Bruins saying they supported it to help pay for roads and police services, while Schaefer and Duffy said they opposed the tax measure.

*Editor’s note: to listen to the candidates’ full answers to any of the eight questions asked, click on the audio below:

1. Public Safety: “Two days ago, the Citrus Heights city council voted unanimously to oppose Prop 47, with our Police Chief stating that the proposition would ‘virtually assure’ the release of 10,000 inmates into local communities. What is your position on Prop 47, and what is your plan to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?”

Candidate answers (5:01)

2. New City Hall Proposal “What is your position on the City of Citrus Heights’ proposal to relocate city hall and can you tell and explain why this is — or is not — beneficial to taxpayers?”

Candidate answers (5:27)

3. Taxes: “The local tax increase known as Measure K was shot down by Citrus Heights voters in 2012 — although it was supported by councilmembers at the time. Would you support future tax increases, and did you support Measure K? Why, or why not?”

Candidate answers (5:47)

4. Special Interests: “Each election, there’s a lot of talk about special interests controlling candidates. On October 6, you all filed a campaign disclosure form, showing who donated to you and how much. Take a minute to share with voters who your top two donors are, and how these donations would — or would not – have an influence on decisions you would make.”

Candidate answers (5:01)

5. Homelessness: “Vice Mayor Sue Frost has said she questions whether it is the proper role of government to solve the problem of homelessness – or whether most aspects of the problem are best solved by private charity. Given the complaints about homelessness in Citrus Heights, what do you believe the proper role of government is in regard to homelessness in our community?”

Candidate answers: (5:58)

6. Schools: “Although the City and San Juan Unified School Districts are two different government entities, many citrus heights residents have expressed concern about the plans for Sylvan Middle School. What role, if any, should city councilmembers have in this matter?”

Candidate answers (5:46)

7. Business: “Citrus Heights has sought to create a City that is business-friendly, with stores like Stein Mart opening earlier this month and HD Supply opening next week. What specifically would you do to keep and attract businesses in Citrus Heights?”

Candidate answers (5:50)

8. Measuring Success: “If you are elected — or re-elected — to the city council, how will you personally measure your success as a councilmember after four years?”

Candidate answers (5:44)

November 3, 2014