File photo. Jeannie Bruins, shown speaking at a forum last year, was voted in as mayor of Citrus Heights on Thursday. //Courtesy, Metro Cable
Citrus Heights council members unanimously voted this week to select fellow councilwoman Jeannie Bruins to serve a one-year term as mayor of the city, replacing outgoing Mayor Sue Frost.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as your mayor in Citrus Heights,” said Frost, before officially swapping chairs with her successor at the beginning of Thursday’s council meeting. “I’m very pleased to turn over the mayor’s hammer to a well-qualified, multi-time past mayor of Citrus Heights.”
Bruins, who’s served as the city’s mayor in both 2006 and 2011, kept her comments short after taking her new seat.
“It’s truly an honor again to serve as your mayor, and I look forward to a good year ahead,” said Bruins, thanking her fellow council members, and then moving forward with the night’s agenda.
According to her bio on Citrusheights.net, Bruins is a 30-year resident of Citrus Heights, a 22-year member of the local Rotary Club, and an active member of Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville. She also has two sons, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Prior to winning a seat on the city council in 2002, Bruins was involved in bringing cityhood to Citrus Heights — successfully co-chairing the 1996 “Yes on Measure R” campaign to incorporate the city. Most recently, she was re-elected to her fourth term on the council in 2014, garnering the most votes out of five candidates running for three spots open that year.
Although not specifying any goals for the upcoming term during Thursday’s council meeting, Bruins ran her 2014 campaign on a platform of fiscal responsibility, strong law enforcement, and a focus on economic development.
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Councilman Jeff Slowey, who was selected to serve as vice mayor on Thursday, said outgoing mayor Frost will be recognized at the council’s next meeting in January.
In a short comment during the Dec. 10 council meeting, Frost described her past year as “amazing,” highlighting new businesses, road improvements, an inaugural “We Support Our Police Week” in October, and budget reserves available for projects like the new Dignity Health medical office building and city hall project.
Updated Nov. 14, 2:08 p.m.–
Want to know what happened in town the past week? From a local Veterans Day march and ceremony, to an update on efforts to curb prostitution at Citrus Heights massage parlors — here’s a quick summary:
Police: Over 70 citations issued in 4-hour traffic operation About a dozen motorcycle officers from around the Sacramento region teamed up with the Citrus Heights Police Department’s traffic unit Tuesday, issuing more than 70 citations in four hours, according to CHPD Lt. Ryan Kinnan. The “Regional Traffic Enforcement Day” was scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, with officers targeting areas of higher safety concern, including the construction zone along Sunrise Boulevard near Antelope Road. Kinnan said common violations included speeding and distracted driving. Police said the enforcement day is part of a regional effort that focuses on a different part of the greater-Sacramento area each month.
Veterans honored at Citrus Heights ceremony, march About 150 community members, veterans, and City leaders 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 ceremony featured patriotic and military melodies from the Folsom Express men’s choir, and speeches from various veterans and dignitaries who praised military men and women for their optimism, service, and sacrifice. (See full story and slideshow)
Metro Fire: Sunrise Mall temporarily evacuated after fire Sunrise Mall was evacuated for about 30 minutes on Thursday due to a small bathroom fan fire in the service area, according to Metro Fire’s official Twitter account. The fire was contained to a small area behind one of the Mall’s restaurants, and was reopened by about 1:30 p.m. A monthly board meeting of Sunrise Marketplace directors was also disrupted due to the evacuation, according to a report by councilmember Jeannie Bruins at Thursday’s city council meeting. Fire officials estimated the damage to be around $5,000. (See photo below)
City council extends ban on new massage permits, citing continued prostitution concerns Citrus Heights council members unanimously voted Thursday night to approve a one-year extension on a 2014 interim ordinance barring issuance of new massage permits, with police reporting nine massage parlors in the city have had their licenses revoked over the past year for prostitution activity. Several council members questioned whether an additional year was necessary and reasonable for the city’s law-abiding massage parlors, as the moratorium also bars existing massage businesses from expanding. City Attorney Ruthanne Ziegler clarified to council members that the ban would be for “up to a year,” as the council has discretion to lift the ban at an earlier date. She advised approval of the full year, in light of state law only allowing for the existing “urgency measure” to be extended for a maximum of one year, with no opportunity for further extension.
The temporary ordinance was first enacted in December of last year, following police sting operations uncovering prostitution at several local establishments. City staff said the temporary ban is still needed to protect “health, welfare and safety,” while a comprehensive new ordinance is crafted in accordance with a new massage-related law, AB 1146. A March meeting has also been scheduled to gather input and feedback from business owners and community members about the new ordinance. (For context, see initial story)
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Sunrise Mall reportedly sold to new owner; redevelopment likely The 1.1 million-square foot Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights sold to a New York real estate group this week, according to The Sacramento Bee. Although no official statement was posted on the Mall’s web site, contact information on the site reflected the Spinoso Real Estate Group’s new ownership of the property. The ownership change is anticipated to bring major changes to the Mall, but specific plans are largely speculative, as new owners could not be reached for comment by various news outlets.
Image of fire damage at Sunrise Mall, Thursday. Source, Metro Fire.
Updated August 24, 5:05 p.m.–
Looking for some local events coming up? Citrus Heights happenings this week include a community Q&A forum with the mayor and Congressman Ami Bera, a kid-friendly safety fair, a city council meeting, and several other events.
SUNDAY, Aug. 23– BloodSource will wrap up its three-day blood drive at Sunrise Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The nonprofit’s “bloodmobile” donation buses will be parked near the Elephant Bar parking lot off Sunrise Boulevard.
TUESDAY, Aug 25– A community forum will be held at 6 p.m. in the Citrus Heights Community Center, hosted by Congressman Ami Bera in conjunction with Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost and Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan. Speakers will provide an update on federal, county and city issues, with time allowed for Q&A at the end, according to Mayor Frost. (Learn more)
THURSDAY, Aug. 27– The second city council meeting of the month will be held at 7 p.m. in the Citrus Heights Community Center, with council members set to consider approval of a $442,700 contract with AMPCO Contracting to demolish the old Citrus Heights city hall campus.
FRIDAY, Aug. 28– Sacramento-Yolo Vector Control District Manager Gary Goodman will be the guest speaker for County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan’s “community cabinet” meeting this month at the Denny’s on Sunrise Boulevard near Greenback Lane. The supervisor’s monthly meetings are held at 7:30 a.m. on the fourth Friday of most months and typically feature a guest speaker and a county government update from MacGlashan. (See flier)
SATURDAY, Aug. 29– The Citrus Town Center will hold its annual Safety Fair on Saturday afternoon, promising face painting, train rides and kids entertainment – as well as free bike & car seat safety checks from the Citrus Heights Police Department. The event is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Center’s shopping plaza at the corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard. (Learn more) [follow text=”Follow local news:”]
[Don’t see an event you think should be on here, or have an upcoming event you want to let us know about?Click here to contact us.]
Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd highlighted details from a study on body cameras last week. (File photo, CHSentinel)
Updated Aug. 20, 8:58 a.m.–
Body-worn cameras on police officers could likely become a future reality in Citrus Heights, Police Chief Christopher Boyd told somewhat-wary city council members in a presentation last week that summarized pros and cons his department had identified in a council-requested study on the issue.
“I do think this is likely in our future,” the police chief said regarding body cameras, indicating it’s the direction law enforcement is moving toward. “I think there’s a lot of good reasons to have the technology, but I think there’s a lot that needs to evolve in the technology itself.”
Citing general benefits found during his department’s study, Chief Boyd told council members various agencies have reported improved accountability, performance and police behavior after introducing body-worn cameras, with other benefits including better evidence-gathering and the possibility to prevent or resolve “frivolous complaints” against officers. But the chief said the study also found camera benefits differ from department to department, largely depending on the level of trust between the community and police.
Addressing several concerns about the technology, Boyd highlighted privacy issues involved in entering a private home with a camera rolling, the possibility of witnesses being unwilling to cooperate on camera, and the potential for “massive releasing” of video records under California’s Public Records Act. He estimated that requests for public records of the video footage would be “enormous,” and said additional staff time and costs would be involved to “review, redact and scrub” the records of any non-releasable portions prior to release.
The chief also told council members body-worn cameras could send a signal to officers that there’s a lack of trust within the department, but said “most all” of his officers would “embrace” the technology, if implemented. He said the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) tested out various body cameras for several months in studying the issue, but currently have none in use.
City Attorney Ruthann Zeigler also added her perspective during Boyd’s presentation, telling council members there’s “a tremendous number of unanswered questions” about the use of body cameras — referencing privacy issues, public records requests, and concerns about recording minors.
Boyd said new local policies to handle these concerns could be crafted, but cautioned that cities could end up with “very little local control,” pending the outcome of body camera legislation currently in the California legislature that could end up dictating such policy at the state level.
“I think we have an interest to wait and to watch and see how police might ultimately be regulated under new laws enacted with this kind of technology,” Boyd told the council. “It might be in our interest to make sure we know, before we own technology subject to regulation – what that regulation might be.”
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Boyd said estimated costs involved would include $64,000 to purchase cameras for 80 officers, $250,000 for related staff and IT technician costs, and an annual cloud-storage cost of about $100,000. For an alternative cost of about $300,000 every five years, Boyd said the City could purchase its own servers to host the estimated 300 terabytes of data needed to store and backup video footage. The chief said actual costs were difficult for his department to estimate, citing unknowns like how much staff time would be involved in responding to public records requests, how long videos would be required to be stored, and under what conditions body cameras would need to be recording video.
Council members react:
Although no action was planned or taken on the body camera issue following the police chief’s August 13 council meeting report, all five city council members expressed their reservation over implementing the technology in Citrus Heights, citing concerns like cost and questioning if the cameras are really necessary.
“In Citrus Heights we really don’t have the problems they have in Baltimore or Ferguson,” Mayor Sue Frost said during the meeting. “I don’t ever get complaints about how our police act in our community – I get compliments.”
“I’m not a fan of body cameras at this point,” said Councilman Mel Turner, commenting that the push for body cameras seems to be a reactionary approach to what’s going on in other parts of the country. “I like to take the proactive approach, which is to make sure we hire the right officers in the first place, so we don’t have to have these problems.”
“If you’re having a problem, I would be all for it,” said Councilman Jeff Slowey. “But knowing – at least today – that we’re in a good place with our police department, I personally would be a little hesitant to jump out and spend that kind of money.”
Council members had previously requested the police department study the costs and ramifications of body-worn cameras following national discussion on the topic over the past year, according to Mayor Frost. She said no action related to implementing cameras is anticipated in the near future.
Citrus Heights city council members unanimously voted Thursday night to select Sue Frost to replace Mel Turner as mayor of Citrus Heights, choosing Jeannie Bruins to serve as vice mayor for a one-year term as well.
Former Mayor Mel Turner shakes hands with council member Sue Frost, as she officially took the seat as mayor of Citrus Heights, Thursday night.
“I’m extremely proud and honored to serve as the mayor of Citrus Heights,” said Mayor Frost just after officially being voted in as mayor by her fellow council members. “I want to thank the citizens of Citrus Heights for the opportunity to be a public servant.”
The new mayor listed several priorities for the coming year, including continuing the former mayor’s efforts to foster new leaders through the “Shadow Program,” and collaborating with citizens through the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights — proposing a new “citizens leadership council.” She also expressed a desire to expand relations with regional leaders, continue to support local police, promote economic development and continue the City’s “tradition of fiscal responsibility.”
Council members also offered praise to former mayor Turner for his work over the past year, with Jeff Slowey giving Turner “kudos” for the way he responded to several controversies over his term as mayor.
“There was a couple of tough issues that came up this year,” said Slowey, likely referring to citizen uproar over a creek trails project and complaints over a new city hall proposal. “You handled them very well.”
Joining the council in 2012, Frost is the newest member of the council to serve as mayor, with her four colleagues all having served at least one term as mayor in the past. Her colleague Vice Mayor Bruins is the council’s longest-serving member, joining the council in 2002.
The five-member council is in charge of making all policy determinations in the city of Citrus Heights, and votes in a new mayor and vice mayor from among its ranks each year. The council also appoints the city manager, city attorney, and members of advisory boards and commissions.
*Editor’s note: Check back this week for a follow-up “Meet your new mayor” profile story.
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.
Although mild for the most part, accusations of “backroom deals,” poor decisions and “PR mistakes” highlights some of the controversial remarks made during a second candidate forum for the Citrus Heights city council race, Thursday night.
Councilman Steve Miller responds to a question at Thursday night’s candidate forum, as challenger Bridget Duffy listens.
“I think we’ve done a heck of a job,” said current mayor and candidate Mel Turner, highlighting the opening of Stones Casino, which he says created jobs for 51 Citrus Heights residents. “No, we’re not perfect — yes, we can improve.”
Turner’s current colleagues Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller likewise focused on their accomplishments while in office and expressed support for continuing in the same direction, while challenger Bridget Duffy criticized the council’s support of a failed 2012 local tax measure to pay for roads and more police.
“What kind of report card you would give your city council that’s in place today?” Challenger Tim Schaefer asked the audience, urging a vote for a “fresh perspective” on the council. “We’ve talked about economic development, we’ve talked about jobs, and I can’t say that I’ve seen much of that change in the last 12 years.”
Sponsored by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, each of the five city council candidates were asked a series of nine questions, all focusing on local issues and candidate qualifications and goals.
During opening statements, Miller emphasized his family focus and 30-year marriage, while Bruins highlighted her experience and involvement in the early cityhood effort. Schaefer and Duffy both focused on their opposition to a new city hall and concerns with budgetary issues, and Turner cited his “servant leadership” philosophy and 30-year residency.
Updated audio on Oct. 29, 1:58 p.m. —
A Citrus Heights city council candidate forum was broadcast live on Metro 14 television Saturday, revealing significant differences between the five candidates on a variety of local issues, with each candidate also being asked to tell voters who their top two donors were.
The five city council candidates, seated next to a League of Women Voters moderator at Saturday’s forum.
Hosted and moderated by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, two media panelists asked a series of eight questions to the candidates, ranging from if-and-why they would support a local tax increase, to whether they support the controversial proposal to move and build a new city hall and allow a medical office building in its place.
*Editor’s note: see audio below and check back soon for our exclusive highlights on how candidates Mel Turner, Tim Schaefer, Bridget Duffy, Steve “Sparky” Miller, and Jeannie Bruins answered the media panelists’ questions listed 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?”
Want to know more about who’s running for Citrus Heights city council this year?
With candidate forums set for October 11 and October 16, voters in Citrus Heights will soon have a chance to learn more about the five candidates running for three city council seats in the November 4 election.
Signs for candidates in the Citrus Heights city council race are seen outside Walmart on Auburn Boulevard.
Contestants include current council members Jeannie Bruins, Mel Turner and Steve Miller, with businessman Tim Schaefer and homemaker Bridget Duffy entering the race this year, both known for their public opposition to moving city hall.
The first forum has been organized by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, and will be a one-hour event held at the Board of Supervisors chambers in Sacramento, with live stream video available on Metro Cable 14. Candidates will respond to various questions offered by a panel of media members and the League, and will also be offered one-minute opening and closing statements.
The second forum is set for October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Citrus Heights city council chambers, and is hosted by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), a non-partisan organization led by the city’s neighborhood association leaders. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Danielle Joesten from the Department of Government at California State University, Sacramento.
The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is October 20.
Candidate Forums:
Citrus Heights City Council
Sponsor: League of Women Voters Saturday, October 11, 2014 1:30 p.m.
Board of Supervisor Chambers (or live online: http://www.sacmetrocable.tv/)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Sponsor: Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights Thursday, October 16, 2014 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. City Council chambers
7117 Greenback Ln.
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Sue Frost (left) and council member Jeannie Bruins (right) accept the 2014 “Growing Greenprint” award from the Sacramento Tree Foundation. // Photo courtesy of City of Citrus Heights.
The City of Citrus Heights received the 2014 “Growing Greenprint” award from the Sacramento Tree Foundation this month, in recognition of the City’s “noteworthy contributions” toward building a better urban forest.
“We are honored to receive the Growing Greenprint Award,” said Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Sue Frost, who accepted the award on behalf of the City. “We appreciate Sacramento Tree Foundation who has played an important role in helping our city achieve our greenhouse gas reduction goals.”
Contributing factors that led to the award include the City’s establishing of urban forest policies, developing community partnerships, working to create an Urban Forest Management Plan and the City’s planting of approximately 150 new trees in 2013.
Emphasizing the benefit of trees in the city, the vice mayor explained the role of trees in promoting clean air, protecting against harmful UV rays and helping to filter and retain water.
The City’s General Plan also cites the benefit of shade trees in reducing building energy use – a fact which SMUD has recognized as well, offering free shade trees to residents through a partnership with the tree foundation.
This year, the City is continuing its green efforts through a Green Parking Lot Demonstration and Monitoring Project which includes the planting of 65 native trees.
“We all know ‘Trees are a blessing,’ and we look forward to continuing our efforts to replenish our wonderful tree canopy,” said Frost.
For more information about the award, or to participate in the free Shade Tree program, readers can visit http://www.SacTree.com/.
