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Tag: Kathilynn Carpenter

  • Funding of business district cop at stake in renewal vote

    Funding of business district cop at stake in renewal vote

    Officer Jeff Schouten, right, stands outside Starbucks in the Marketplace at Birdcage, accompanied by Sgt. James Evans. // Mike Hazlip

    Sentinel staff report–
    The executive director of the largest business district in Citrus Heights is warning of potentially “catastrophic” impacts if an upcoming vote goes the wrong way.

    The Sunrise MarketPlace is made up of 400-plus businesses in the Sunrise-Greenback commercial corridor and was formed as a Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) in 1999. The district plays a supportive and marketing role for businesses, along with hosting events and most recently hiring a dedicated patrol officer to increase security in the district.

    Funding for the district comes from a property tax assessment paid by each of the roughly 80 property owners in the district, rather than being paid directly by business owners or coming from the city’s General Fund. Similar to a homeowners association, each property owner helps fund the PBID and likewise has a say in how that money will be spent to benefit their specific area.

    The arrangement has made PBIDs increasingly popular among cities as a way to enhance commercial areas while not raising taxes on residents. However, property owners can be harder to convince, as it means increased taxes on their properties, which can also be passed down in the form of increased rent for the businesses occupying the properties.

    In order for the tax to be levied, a majority of property owners in the district have to vote in favor of paying the assessment, with renewal votes historically coming up every five to seven years. Property owners are being asked to renew again this year for a three-year term, otherwise the Sunrise MarketPlace PBID will expire on Dec. 31, 2021.

    From January: Citrus Heights considering deep cuts to police in effort to balance budget

    “With the city proposing cuts to police and other city services, Sunrise MarketPlace is more important than ever,” said the district’s executive director, Kathilynn Carpenter, referencing the city’s budgetary troubles. “I sincerely believe that if we do not renew, it could be catastrophic to the area.”

    “Our banners and holiday décor (would) come down. The lights on the palm trees will be removed. We own the Santa Set and Tree at Sunrise Mall, this would be sold along with all assets,” Carpenter said in an email to The Sentinel. “There will be much fewer special events and no district-wide marketing, advocacy or economic development. Our business support would go away.”

    She also highlighted last year’s decision for the district to contract with the city to receive a dedicated patrol officer at an annual cost of approximately $177,000, paid for with district funds. Officer Jeff Schouten was chosen for the role, and began working in the area full time last May.

    Related: Meet the woman behind the largest revenue-generating district in Citrus Heights

    Carpenter said the district has seen an overall drop of 28% in persons crimes and 33% in property crimes, in comparing 2020 crime with 2019. She also said the officer has worked with businesses to clean up graffiti and vandalism, along with assisting in trespassing incidents.

    A police lieutenant told The Sentinel last year that the pandemic played a factor in the crime drop reported in the Sunrise MarketPlace, but credited the dedicated patrol officer as a significant factor in reducing crime. Carpenter said the dedicated patrol would be discontinued at the end of this year without funding, and said the city isn’t in a position to “backfill” funds.

    From September: Citrus Heights business district sees dramatic drop in crime

    City spokeswoman Nichole Baxter said in an email last week that the city “is in full, enthusiastic support of the PBID renewal,” crediting the district with supporting businesses and serving the community with events. However, the city and the Sunrise MarketPlace (SMP) board have had some disagreement in recent months over the latest renewal.

    Public records of meeting minutes requested and obtained by The Sentinel for the December meeting of the district’s PBID renewal steering committee indicate disagreement between board members and the city over how long the renewal term should be, and whether SMP should be named as the party charged with managing the business district.

    The board’s interest was for a longer 10-year renewal term in the interest of certainty, while the city’s interest was to see flexibility with a shorter term. Minutes indicate a compromise was set for a three-year renewal term, with SMP named as the Owners Association.

    Carpenter said the board wanted to see a longer term, noting the costs associated with renewing being around $100,000, plus staff time. Baxter said a “three year renewal term allows the district’s business community the ability to make important decisions as progress happens at the Sunrise Mall site,” noting the city’s plan to revitalize the 100-acre mall property.

    How much is the tax?
    The property tax assessment for the proposed three-year term is based on the square footage of the property. For retail, the assessment would be a little over 6 cents per square foot ($0.0669) and for office it would be a little over 3 cents per square foot ($0.0369).

    If the PBID is renewed, the assessment is anticipated to raise about $850,000 per year, with an additional $45,000 coming in from events, grants and other sources.

    What’s Next?
    The Sunrise MarketPlace is currently in the process of reaching out to property owners in the district to receive petitions in support of renewal. Petitions must be received from property owners paying a combined total of more than 50% of the assessment.

    If enough petitions are received by the end of April, the city would then send out an official ballot to every property owner in the district. If there are more “yes” votes than “no” votes, weighted by assessed value, the PBID will be renewed. That vote must be completed by mid-July, in time to send assessment data to the county, Carpenter said.

    As of the end of February, the executive director said $162,000 worth of petitions had been received, well-short of the approximately $440,000 needed. According to a visual on SMP’s website, that number has since increased to about $205,000.

    Carpenter said it can be difficult securing petitions from landlords who don’t live or work in the district. In personally been reaching out to property owners, she said it often means “you’re talking to an asset manager out of state.”

    The renewal this year was anticipated to be more difficult due to the pandemic’s negative impact on businesses, but Carpenter noted the PBID successfully renewed during the Great Recession a little over a decade ago. She remains optimistic for another renewal this year.

    “Probably our police officer will make the difference; because having the full-time, on-duty officer has made a big difference,” she said.

    Editor’s note: If you value The Sentinel’s local news coverage and want to see more stories like this, please consider becoming a subscriber. Click here to see subscription options.

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: food drive, obituary, STA, pastries

    Citrus Heights News Briefs: food drive, obituary, STA, pastries

    Food drive organizer Kathilynn Carpenter, right, stands in front of a load of donated frozen turkeys, along with Mikhaila Freas, left, and Julie DePrada. // Image courtesy, SMP

    Latest local news briefs include an obituary for a 90-year-old Citrus Heights resident, a food drive collecting over 1,700 items, the STA appointing a new executive director, and a local pastry shop being feature on CBS 13.

    Sunrise MarketPlace food drive collects over 1,700 items
    A food drive held in the Sunrise MarketPlace on Saturday to benefit in-need families for Thanksgiving resulted in a total of 1,766 items being donated, along with several hundred dollars in cash donations, according to lead organizer Kathilynn Carpenter. She said food donations included 52 frozen turkeys, along with canned food, boxes of mashed potatoes, gravy mix, pasta and stuffing. Donations were delivered to the Sunrise Christian Food Ministry for distribution. The event partnered with KHITS and also received help from Rotary Passport volunteers.

    Obituary: Patricia Jean Strautman (1930-2020)
    90-year-old Patricia Strautman of Citrus Heights passed away on Nov. 18 surrounded by her family, according to an obituary published in The Sacramento Bee on Sunday. Strautman had eight children and was affectionately known as “The pregnant lady on the corner.” Her life revolved around “God, Family & Bingo.” A graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery at noon on Nov. 28th. (See full obituary)

    Citrus Heights pastry shop featured on CBS 13
    Pastry Heaven on Madison Avenue was featured in a four-minute segment on CBS 13 last week, with local chefs showing how to make an Apple Gallette pastry. (See video)

    STA appoints new executive director
    The Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of a replacement for its current interim executive director Will Kempton. The new director, Sabrina Drago, served as the Sacramento lead for an international engineering firm, WSP USA, and is expected to take the helm on Dec. 11. The STA is made up of county supervisors and city council representatives from the Sacramento region and oversees the region’s $4.4 billion local transportation sales tax program, funded by the original Measure A.

  • Art masterpieces popping up in unusual spots around Citrus Heights

    Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” painting is now displayed on a wrapped utility box in the Marketplace at Birdcage in Citrus Heights. // Mike Hazlip

    By Mike Hazlip–
    In recent months, nearly two dozen green utility boxes in a heavily trafficked commercial district in Citrus Heights have been transformed to display works of art.

    Kathilynn Carpenter, executive director of Sunrise MarketPlace, said her business improvement district has been working with SMUD on the “Masterpieces in the MarketPlace” project that features local artists, as well as famous iconic works.

    The newly completed utility boxes can be seen throughout the Sunrise MarketPlace, a district made up of more than 400 businesses in the commercial corridor near Sunrise Mall. 

    “The project transforms functional, practical utility boxes into works of art and converts parking lots into free, public art galleries,” said Carpenter, noting that Citrus Heights is the first area to have a large number of boxes decorated with a consistent theme.

    As of April, a total of 21 utility box wraps have been completed as part of the first phase of the project. Goals of the project include improving the aesthetic environment, increasing access to famous artwork, and providing opportunities for local artists. 

    Local History: How this clock ended up in front of this Citrus Heights home

    Among the iconic works is Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” at Birdcage and Renoir’s “Chrysanthemums” at Citrus Town Center. Sunrise Mall features “Summer Nights” by local artist Nicole Alvarez, and “A Tribe Called Fleye” by Aik Brown, another local artist.

    A pair of utility boxes outside JC Penney now displays artwork. // Mike Hazlip

    Public meeting minutes from the MarketPlace board of directors list an original plan to announce the project this spring through a mixer with the Crocker Art Museum. Carpenter said the Marketplace is now working to create a virtual tour online because of current COVID-19 restrictions. She  hopes the project will help art education and serve as a way for teachers to utilize the tour and website “as a tool to teach kids about art in a fun way.”

    The initiative is part of a SMUD project rolling out across Sacramento. Carpenter said SMUD approached the MarketPlace to participate in the program, but the Marketplace paid all costs associated with the program and worked with SMUD to select the artwork. 

    Carpenter said the total cost to date is $45,000, which includes finding and paying for the art work, preparing it for printing, and installation. According to SMUD, the community-owned utility does not profit from the fees, which are between the wrap vendor and the applicant.

    Plans for phase two are now underway and Carpenter said local artists looking to be featured are encouraged to submit their work by email to kathilynn@sunrisemarketplace.com. More information can be found at www. sunrisemarketplace.com/masterpieces.

    Editor’s Note: This story was written by Mike Hazlip, who has joined the Citrus Heights Sentinel as a general assignment news reporter.

    Mike is a CSU Sacramento graduate, where he worked on the staff of The Hornet newspaper and received bachelor’s degrees in both photography and graphics design. He and his family are proud to be residents of Citrus Heights.

    We welcome Mike to the staff of the Citrus Heights Sentinel and sincerely thank our subscribers for making this possible.

  • Citrus Heights City Council approves first-ever $12M line of credit

    Credit, Citrus Heights
    Citrus Heights Councilman Bret Daniels speaks prior to a 5-0 vote to approve a $12 million line of credit for the city. // Image credit: Metro Cable 14

    Updated 7:23 a.m., Nov. 18–
    Sentinel staff report–  Citrus Heights City Council members on Thursday night unanimously voted to approve a $12 million revolving line of credit, making it the first time the city has ever authorized incurring debt in its 21-year history.

    City Manager Christopher Boyd, who in 2016 assured that the city would “never go into debt,” said access to the new line of credit will put the city in a position “to invest in our community for return” and also allow “a nimble and flexible way” to get by until the city receives a long-anticipated boost from property tax revenue in four years. Assistant City Manager Ronda Rivera said the funds will be drawn on for both “unanticipated operating or known operating deficits that we have and capital needs as they come up.”

    According to a 10-year projection presented to the council, without the line of credit, the city’s current reserves of $5.3 million were projected to dwindle to about $350,000 by fiscal year 2021-22, before increasing to more than $4 million beginning the following fiscal year when the city begins receiving its property tax revenue. An updated projection, accounting for the line of credit being used, showed reserves only dropping to $2.9 million before rising to almost $5 million the following year.

    The city’s share of property taxes is currently about $5.6 million, but as part of a 25-year “revenue neutrality” agreement with Sacramento County, Citrus Heights has reluctantly had to fork those funds over to the county each year — a condition imposed to allow the city to incorporate in 1997. After an unsuccessful attempt to strike a deal with the county to get early access to the funds, the city pursued a line of credit as the most “cost effective” alternative.

    The revolving line of credit with Western Alliance Bank is structured as a site lease with the Community Center pledged as collateral and comes with an interest rate of 4.4% on $4.5 million, and 6.09% on the remaining $7.5 million. An interest rate of 0.25% will be charged for any undrawn amount.

    “Good faith estimates” included in the council’s Nov. 15 agenda packet state that if funds borrowed are paid in full at the end of the 20-year sublease, the city would pay about $9 million in interest, although that amount will be less if prepayments are made by the city. The city plans to pay any debt off by September of 2024.

    The line of credit will enable the city to fund two “big ticket” expenses — purchasing the old Sylvan Middle School property and helping fund the second phase of improvements on Auburn Boulevard, according to Mayor Steve Miller. The city recently announced around $16 million in outside funding is available for the Auburn Boulevard project, which will extend roadway improvements from Rusch Park to the Roseville border, but the city needs to put forward about $4.5 million in matching funds.

    The mayor has said the city’s intention with the old Sylvan school property is to buy it from the San Juan Unified School District and then sell it to a private party, in order to “have a full say in what happens there.”

    In comments made during the meeting, councilmembers Bret Daniels and Jeff Slowey both said they “reluctantly” were voting for the line of credit, in light of the city’s long tradition of operating without debt. Four members of the public also addressed the council during the meeting to express their general support or opposition to the proposal.

    Resident David Warren spoke during public comment and warned that another economic recession could hinder the ability of the city to repay the debt and said the council should specifically limit the use of credit for capital improvements, rather than operating expenses, arguing that “operating expense should never be something you use a line of credit for.”

    “If the city borrows money and goes into debt and it has a compensating asset, then the city’s books remain in balance,” said Warren. “If instead we are spending it for operating expenses, the city’s books go out of balance because we will have a debt without a corresponding asset.”

    The final wording of the agreement allows for the line of credit to be used for both “operating and capital funding needs.”

    Bill Van Duker, sometimes called the city “Godfather” for his role in helping with the incorporation process, also spoke during public comment and told the City Council that it was known “from day one” that there would come a time when the city would reach a “crossover point” before the end of the 25-year agreement with the county, where expenses would exceed revenues. He said if former City Manager Henry Tingle were here today, “we would still be in exactly the same position.”

    EDITORIAL: Council should re-watch tribute to ‘Tightwad Tingle’ before $12M vote

    Several other council members and the assistant city manager also referenced the “crossover point,” which was initially projected to be reached in 2010, according Councilman Jeff Slowey. However, with frugal management under Tingle’s leadership, the city steered away from debt and amassed $33 million in reserves by 2012 — enabling the city to spend $21 million in reserves on the new city hall in 2016.

    That move to purchase the new city hall was criticized by Councilman Bret Daniels, who has frequently voiced his opposition to the city draining its reserves on the new hall.

    “We’re having [this] discussion today because of the decision to build this building and spend the general fund reserve to do that,” said Daniels. “If that had not occurred, we wouldn’t be having this meeting tonight. We would have a nice healthy reserve and we would be able to make it over those next five years or so.”

    In the end, Daniels said he would “very reluctantly” support the line of credit in order to “return back to taking care of some of our different needs,” primarily referencing roads.

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

    Vice Mayor Jeannie Bruins, who co-chaired the cityhood effort in 1996 and has served on the council since 2002, called the city’s move to incur debt for the first time a “very big paradigm shift” and said “we all hoped that this day would never come.” She said she was supporting the proposal due to its “very limited scope” and the goal “to get debt-free again as soon as we can.”

    Councilman Slowey said in comments before the vote that future council members could make different decisions about how the line of credit is spent, noting governmental misuse in funding is common across the country. As he will be retiring from the council in two years, he said voters will need to keep council members “on their toes to make sure that they’re held accountable for how that money is spent.”

    “I’m reluctantly going to support this, just because, again, it’s always nice to go everywhere and say your debt free,” said Slowey. “But, I think that fiscal frugality will continue to play on our part so that we will use that money wisely and only when we need to.”

    Related: Middleton set to join Miller, Bruins on Citrus Heights City Council

    Porsche Middleton, who won election to the City Council on Nov. 6 did not vote on the matter, as she will not officially replace Councilman Al Fox on the council until next month. Both Fox and Mayor Miller supported the $12 million line of credit.

    Two other members of the public also spoke during the meeting, Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter and resident Kelly Severin. Carpenter focused her comments in support of the city investing in capital projects on Auburn Boulevard and Sylvan Corners, while Severin cautioned about taking on debt and said the city would be better off continuing its “pay-as-you-go” approach to projects, even if it would mean waiting four years for the city to receive its property tax revenue.

    Funding from the line of credit is expected to be available by the end of this month, on Nov. 29, according to the city manager’s office.

    What do you think of the City Council’s decision? Share your thoughts in a letter to the editor: click here.

  • Sunrise MarketPlace director receives Stones ’21’ award for making a difference

    Kathilynn Carpenter, Stones 21
    Kathilynn Carpenter, executive director of the Sunrise MarketPlace, poses for a photo during an award ceremony at Stones Casino. // Image courtesy, SMP.

    Sentinel staff report–
    Kathilynn Carpenter, who has spearheaded local solutions to homelessness and serves as executive director of the Sunrise MarketPlace in Citrus Heights, was recognized for her community leadership last week with an award from Stones Casino.

    The Stones “21” award is annually presented to a Citrus Heights community member who has shown “exemplary commitment and dedication to the advancement of the City of Citrus Heights, a history of leadership, and demonstrated a passion for making a difference.” Last year’s award went to Citrus Heights City Manager Christopher Boyd, with the late Councilman Mel Turner being the first recipient of the award in 2016.

    The Nov. 7 ceremony was held at Stones Casino where Carpenter received the award surrounded by family, friends and community members. A resolution highlighting Carpenter’s past two decades of service in Citrus Heights was read by Stones Partner Kermit Schayltz and she also received certificates of recognition on behalf of Sen. Jim Nielsen and Assemblyman Ken Cooley, according to a Sunrise MarketPlace news release about the event.

    “Citrus Heights is a great community and we all work together as a team,” Carpenter said in accepting the award. “We’re completely united in our desire to continually improve our community.”

    Carpenter has served as executive director of the Sunrise MarketPlace since its inception two decades ago. The MarketPlace is a business improvement district made up of more than 400 businesses in the Sunrise-Greenback corridor.

    Several years ago, she helped lead the effort to bring a homeless “Navigator” to Citrus Heights, which helps connect homeless individuals with housing and services. She also helped form the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) and is currently a board member and past Chair of the Citrus Heights Chamber, where she was named 2002 Business Person of the Year.

  • Sunrise Mall to get new 2,500-seat stadium for outdoor concerts, events

    Sunrise Mall to get new 2,500-seat stadium for outdoor concerts, events

    Sunrise Mall, stadium, Citrus Heights
    A photo taken several years ago during a prior concert at Sunrise Mall. A newly approved pop-up stadium will be similar in design and appearance. // Image courtesy, Sunrise Marketplace

    Sentinel staff report–
    Citrus Heights will soon have a new venue for outdoor events and concerts, following the unanimous approval of a $300,000 grant by the city council on Thursday to pay for a new 2,500-seat “pop-up” stadium at Sunrise Mall.

    The stadium proposal was initiated by the Sunrise MarketPlace and is part of a four-year $2.6 million investment the marketplace and mall have planned to attract consumers to Citrus Heights’ primary shopping district along Sunrise Boulevard.

    “It really fills a gap in the current market that we have,” City Development Specialist Devon Rodriguez told council members in a staff report, calling the 2,500-seat venue an “ideal” size for many events. “There’s a lot of venues and a lot of larger venues but there’s no venues that are of this size.”

    The stadium will feature a similar format to an outdoor stadium used for Sunrise Mall’s past concert series in 2012 and 2013, with a fenced venue and a village with food and beverage options. Events could include concerts, sports tournaments, craft and fair events, graduations, and other uses.

    Beginning in 2018, the stadium will be set up outside Sunrise Mall from May through September. Components of the stadium will also be able to be moved to other areas of the Sunrise Marketplace, but grant terms will restrict use to events within city limits of Citrus Heights — and the city will also be able to use the stadium for branding.

    About a dozen people spoke during public comment, all of whom were in favor of the stadium proposal and many of whom wore blue Sunrise Marketplace shirts in a show of solidarity. Notable community members and representatives were among speakers, including Chamber of Commerce and business representatives, as well as city “godfather” Bill Van Duker.

    “I believe it will put the city on the map,” said Van Duker, noting other cities have attractions like Roseville’s fountains and Saturday-night concerts. “I don’t want the epitaph of this city to be we had great reserves and smooth streets, but no vision.”

    Van Duker’s comments were echoed by others, including Fair Oaks resident Janet Mercado who spoke of positive memories about past fireworks display and concerts in the Sunrise Marketplace that drew her to shop and visit Citrus Heights.

    Responding to Mercado, Mayor Jeff Slowey said with a smile, “We’ll do our best to make sure Citrus Heights can start taking your Fair Oaks money again here in town.”

    Two regional events organizers also spoke in favor of the proposal, including EZ Events, Inc. owner Darlene Lyons.

    “We’d love to bring more events to Citrus Heights,” Lyons said during public comment. “But one of our challenges is the lack of a large event venue and especially a gated venue.”

    The proposal also won the support of Councilman Bret Daniels, who is often a lone “no” vote on fiscal issues.

    “Usually when people pay taxes… they don’t probably think that their money might go towards a project that results in people going to concerts and things like that,” said Daniels, noting that the amount contributed by the city is about 12 percent of the marketplace’s multi-million dollar effort. “But every now and then some things come along and public-private partnerships makes a lot of sense.”

    Daniels called the stadium plan “extremely good,” a sentiment expressed by other council members as well.

    Also on The Sentinel: Two Citrus Heights companies listed among fastest-growing in region

    Although speaking in support of funding the stadium, the mayor, as well as Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins, pushed back a bit on security aspects of the stadium — seeking to ensure the city wouldn’t be hit with any surprise bills for extra police services needed if an event went sour.

    Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter responded to the concerns about security, replying in public comment that “we would pay for that; that would not be a city cost.” Under the approved proposal, the city’s only expense is a one-time $300,000 cost for purchasing the stadium, while ongoing costs and marketing will be the responsibility of the marketplace.

    Sunrise MarketPlace will be contributing $1.6 million to the four-year $2.6 million marketing and operations effort related to the stadium, and Sunrise Mall will be chipping in $664,000. The city’s $300,00 portion will come from the city’s economic development fund, with funds replenished through several hundred “sewer credits” that the city is able to liquidate, according to city staff.

    Following 5-0 approval from the city council on Thursday, Carpenter said the next step will be drafting a “more robust” agreement with the city, followed by the new stadium venue popping up next year.

    What do you think of a new stadium at Sunrise Mall? Click here to have your thoughts published as a letter to the editor.

  • Old Logan’s to be demolished, replaced with new restaurants & retail on Sunrise

    Logan's, Sunrise Blvd
    A developer has proposed demolishing the old Logan’s restaurant on Sunrise Blvd. in order to construct a new 10,000-square-feet building closer to the street.

    Sentinel staff report–
    Following the closure of the old Citrus Heights Logan’s Roadhouse restaurant on Sunrise Boulevard earlier this year, the property’s new owner is proposing to demolish the old building and construct a new 10,000-square-feet retail and restaurant center situated closer towards the street.

    Although permits and approval from the planning commission have yet to be acquired, Jimboy’s Tacos has already signed a lease to be one of four likely future tenants at the location, according to Aaron Dan of Lockehouse Retail Group, the leasing agent for the property. He told The Sentinel on Thursday that negotiations with several other tenants are also underway.

    The new center is proposed to replace the old 8,500 square feet building with a modern four-tenant layout, featuring 99 parking spots in the rear and storefronts “right up on Sunrise.” Proposed sizes range from 2,100-square-feet to a larger 3,800-square-feet space, with some spaces divisible to 1,000 square feet, according to a leasing brochure.

    Dan said construction would likely begin by the end of the year, “assuming no hurdles” with permits or entitlements. He estimated construction to be completed in time for delivery to tenants early next year.

    Kathilynn Carpenter, who serves as executive director of the Sunrise Marketplace business improvement district, called the development proposal a “positive addition” to the area and said the building layout closer to the street would help improve the appearance and visibility for future tenants.

    Related: Outdated strip mall on Sunrise Blvd undergoing major face-lift

    After Logan’s Roadhouse Corporation filed for bankruptcy last year, the local franchisee initially posted a notice on the front door stating the Citrus Heights location would remain open. However, doors on the restaurant permanently closed earlier this year.

    Sacramento County property records show the 1.5-acre parcel at 5511 Sunrise Blvd. was sold to a company managed by investor Myron Zimmerman in February for $2.3 million. Zimmerman’s Bay Area-based investment firm, Myron Zimmerman Investments, specializes in managing and developing commercial properties around the United States, according to the company’s website.

    Alison Bermudez, an associate planner with the City of Citrus Heights, said the city is currently working with the developer on the design proposal and is awaiting submission of revised plans. She said the project will require a hearing before both the planning commission and city council, but said a hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

    Image: See rendering of proposed 10,000-square-feet building on Sunrise

    Nearby improvements are also underway, with an outdated strip mall across the street next to Nations undergoing a major face-lift in recent months. The project is scheduled to be completed this year, with future tenants including Dos Coyotes Border Cafe and Pizza Rev.

    Related:

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  • Citrus Heights seeks to address area homelessness

    Homelessness, Homeless, Citrus Heights
    File photo, homeless individuals shown sleeping outside the former Linda’s Pizzeria on Greenback Lane, shortly after the business permanently closed. // CH Sentinel

    Updated Feb. 8, 4:06 p.m.–
    Seeking to address growing concerns about homelessness in Citrus Heights, city council members heard a pair of reports last week on recent outreach efforts to the area’s homeless population.

    The reports were delivered during a Jan. 28 council meeting and focused on local efforts by the Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), along with an update on efforts to connect the area’s homeless population with resources through a part-time “navigator.”

    In a 20-minute report, HART Chairwoman Kathilynn Carpenter, who also serves as executive director of the Sunrise Marketplace business district, highlighted the local efforts of HART, as well as financial impacts of homelessness on local businesses, residents, and taxpayers.

    She referenced results of a recent “business walk,” conducted by the City and Chamber of Commerce, which found the majority of 77 businesses contacted had listed homelessness as “an issue.” Carpenter said problems have included loitering, public urination, shoplifting, camping, restrooms being used as showers, and customers being driven away.

    She also highlighted “public-sector” costs of homelessness on law enforcement, court costs, hospitalization, and other public services. Although police believe there are just a little over 50 homeless persons in Citrus Heights, Lt. Jason Russo previously told city leaders that the police department receives “quite a few” calls for service related to homelessness, documenting a total of 1,585 calls during a six-month period in 2015.

    Homeless Assistance Resource Team efforts

    Carpenter said HART was formed towards the end of 2014, with a mission to “craft and implement long-term solutions to a long-term problem” of homelessness, through public-private partnerships. The group has since applied for nonprofit status and holds regular meetings at noon on the fourth Thursday of each month, at Holy Family Catholic Church.

    According to Carpenter, HART is currently planning a “Stand Down” event for homeless veterans on March 30, which will offer haircuts, counseling, and a variety of services “for one day, in one place.” Additionally, she said HART supports a food bank and is working with the local farmers market to set up a table for collecting food donations.

    Carpenter also said her group reached out to two other HART groups in the region that operate winter homeless shelter programs, arranging for Rancho Cordova’s HART to provide shelter for Citrus Heights homeless during most of the winter. She said various churches alternate in providing shelter with Rancho Cordova’s program and said the Citrus Heights HART has a goal to have a similar program in place by 2017.
    As part of the shelter arrangement, she said Holy Family church offered to provide temporary overnight shelter for Rancho Cordova and Citrus Heights homeless from Jan. 17 to 24, with about 25 to 30 people participating. Ages ranged from seniors over 60-years-old, to a pregnant woman with a young child -- with participants receiving dinner, toiletries, first aid kits, clothing, and connection with services. "We’re developing a winter shelter subcommittee so that we can have more churches next year and have our own Citrus Heights winter sanctuary," Carpenter told city council members. "We'll be doing a lot of church outreach so we can make that happen." [follow text="Get local news:"] Although largely supportive of HART's report, mention of a winter shelter in Citrus Heights did not sit well with at least one city councilman. “I am not, and I'll say it again, I am not in favor of building a shelter," said Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey, believing that a shelter would only attract more homeless to the area. "If you build it, they will come, is my philosophy." Carpenter clarified to the council that her group is not proposing to build a permanent shelter, but rather a rotating, seasonal shelter, facilitated by churches or other volunteer groups. She also shared her own "paradigm shift" about being a person who was "always calling police" on the homeless, to becoming a person who focused more on long-term solutions. "I had to have the paradigm shift that that doesn't work; it's very temporary," Carpenter told the council. She now believes connecting homeless individuals with available services and resources, in addition to enforcement of existing laws, is “the most cost-effective model” to addressing homelessness. Obstacles faced The Citrus Heights HART leader also said the "biggest obstacle" her group has faced is the lack of social services in communities outside Sacramento's "urban core." She said a "mind-numbing bureaucracy" has made it "nearly impossible" to efficiently connect homeless with services available in downtown Sacramento, especially with limited funding and time. Other obstacles brought up during the meeting included the cost of rent, lack of a phone or transportation to get to a job or appointments, mental illness, and criminal history causing rental applications to be denied. Carpenter also said the majority of homeless in Citrus Heights won't ever leave the area "because they are connected to the city," either by having a family member in the area or having grown up here. She requested the city council's help in advocating for "satellite services" in Citrus Heights and other communities like Fair Oaks and Orangevale, which she said are "all experiencing the same issues we are." Homeless navigator's report Following Carpenter's report, council members heard a report from navigator Fatima Martinez, who works with HART to help connect homeless individuals with available resources -- with an end goal of helping homeless access permanent housing. The one-year navigator pilot program is funded by a $10,000 grant from the City, which pays for a navigator from Sacramento Self-Help Housing to be on the job six hours a week in Citrus Heights. The program has been in operation for about six months. Martinez reported engaging 19 homeless individuals, five of whom declined an opportunity to participate in services like general assistance, bus passes, free government cell phones, motel vouchers and transportation. Of the 14 homeless individuals who agreed to participate, Martinez said four were connected with Rancho Cordova’s winter sanctuary, two were permanently housed, and three were temporarily housed. She also said several received bus passes and hotel vouchers, and one received a free government cell phone. Council members respond Commenting on Martinez's report, Vice Mayor Slowey called her work a "phenomenal success," adding that he had initially been skeptical the $10,000 grant would create any results. "Clearly we ought to get you more money some way, some how," said Slowey, suggesting his fellow council members and city staff work "to find a way to make that $10,000 closer to 50." Several other council members also expressed support for the work of HART, along with a few questions about specific aspects of the navigator's work. Mayor Jeannie Bruins also commented positively about a homeless assistance group called The Gathering Inn, based in Roseville, which operates a year-round shelter. Looking ahead, the City's Community and Economic Development Specialist Katherine Cooley, who works closely with HART, said the navigator pilot program plans to continue with current funding for the next six months. She said additional data would be collected and made available at the conclusion of the pilot program. Note: this is the first article in a series on community issues. Follow future stories about homelessness and other local issues by signing up for The Sentinel’s free Weekend Edition. Save

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: shooting, homeless, marijuana, fire update

    Citrus Heights police shooting
    Citrus Heights police respond to a shooting at an apartment complex next to Kmart on Auburn Boulevard, Jan. 29. // CH Sentinel

    Local news briefs this week include local homeless outreach efforts, a Friday night shooting, local medical marijuana regulation, and an update on the cause of a Citrus Heights garage fire.

    Friday night shooting in Citrus Heights injures one; police investigating
    Citrus Heights police detectives are investigating a Jan. 29 shooting at an apartment complex next to the Auburn Boulevard Kmart, which sent one man to the hospital. In a news release issued Saturday morning, police said officers responded to a 911 call around 8:15 p.m. on Friday and found a man in his mid-twenties with an “upper body” gunshot wound, on the 7300 block of Auburn Oaks Court. The man was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery, and is currently in stable condition and expected to survive.

    Police said detectives are currently investigating the incident and request anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department at (916) 727-5500, or via an anonymous crime tips hotline at (916) 727-5524. The news release did not indicate any arrests have been made, but police said “there is no specific risk to the members of the community, as this incident appears to be isolated.”

    Metro Fire: space heater caused Citrus Heights garage blaze
    An early morning fire which torched a garage and vehicle last week was caused by a space heater, Metro Fire Captain Michelle Eidam told The Sentinel on Friday. The fire occurred around 2 a.m. on Jan. 21, inside a garage attached to a Twin Brook Court home, near Van Maren Lane. A next-door neighbor said she awoke to flames and “swarms” of firefighters who used saws to cut open the garage in order to gain access.

    Metro Fire also determined a space heater to be the cause of a house fire earlier this month in Antelope, according to a Fox40 news report. Fire officials recommend keeping space heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects, and to always use properly rated extension cords.

    City council hears update on local homeless outreach
    At a Thursday-night council meeting, City leaders heard a 20-minute report from the head of the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), a group formed in late-2014 to “craft and implement long-term solutions to a long-term problem” of homelessness, through public-private partnerships.
    HART Chairwoman Kathilynn Carpenter said she believes connecting homeless individuals with available services and resources, in addition to enforcement of existing laws, is "the most cost-effective model" to addressing homelessness. Carpenter, who also serves as executive director of Sunrise Marketplace, said her group has several events planned this year and seeks to launch a winter shelter in Citrus Heights by 2017, primarily through working with churches and other volunteer groups. Councilmembers also heard an update from "navigator" Fatima Martinez, who works with HART to help connect homeless individuals with available resources. The one-year navigator pilot program was funded by a $10,000 grant through the City, and has currently been in operation for six months. Martinez reported engaging 19 homeless individuals, 14 of whom agreed to participate in services like general assistance, bus passes, free government cell phones, motel vouchers and transportation. She said out of the 14 participants, four were connected with Rancho Cordova's winter sanctuary, two were permanently housed, and three are temporarily housed. (Full story coming next week with additional details and councilmember responses.) [follow text="Get news updates:"] Public hearing held on medical marijuana code amendment A public hearing on a medical marijuana code amendment was short and uneventful Thursday night, with no members of the public speaking in favor or against the proposed change during the hearing. According to City staff, the amendment made no changes to current marijuana cultivation regulations in the city, but protects local control by adding references to existing regulations into the zoning code's "land use" tables. City officials said motivation behind the amendment was a deadline set by Assembly Bill 243, which requires cities to have medical marijuana land use regulations in place by March 1, 2016, in order to retain local licensing authority over marijuana cultivation -- otherwise licensing power would reside at the state level only. Councilmembers passed the amendment unanimously. See what else happened over the past week: Citrus Heights This Week: what’s happening in town (Jan.24-30) [Related update on Fox40: Brother of Man Shot In Face During Robbery Speaks Out]