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Tag: Michael Nishimura

  • Citrus Heights City Council Election: Who’s funding who?

    Citrus Heights Council Candidates for 2022. Top left to right: Albert Fox, Manuel Perez, Jayna Karpinski-Costa (District 4). Porsche Middleton, Natalee Price (District 5). Lower, left to right: Michael Nishimura, Steven Durham, James Tipton, MariJane Lopez-Taff (District 2). // Compiled by M. Hazlip

    Sentinel staff report–
    Latest campaign finance disclosures show more than $100,000 has poured into the various races for Citrus Heights City Council this year, far more than the city has ever seen in recent years — despite elections shifting to smaller council districts within the city instead of being held at-large.

    The most money being pumped into the city’s three district races is in the southeastern portion of Citrus Heights, where Mayor Porsche Middleton is facing businesswoman Natalee Price in the race for District 5. As of Oct. 22, Middleton reported receiving over $37,000 in contributions so far this year, while Price reported just over $6,700.

    Middleton also reported early contributions over the past two years, bringing contribution totals to her 2022 election committee to more than $78,000. She and MariJane Lopez-Taff, in District 2, were the only candidates who reported early fundraising efforts prior to this year.

    Campaign disclosures are required by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for local candidates who raise or spend over $2,000. Two pre-election disclosure filings are required by the commission, with an additional requirement for candidates to file a separate form each time a donation of $1,000 or more is received.

    Below is a summary of the financial filings for each of the nine candidates’ running for Citrus Heights City Council in 2022, categorized by district.

    DISTRICT 2

    Steve Durham: No donations reported. Filed a sworn statement on Aug. 11, stating he anticipates receiving and spending less than $2,000 during the calendar year on the election.

    James Tipton. No donations reported. Filed a sworn statement on Sept. 27, stating he anticipates receiving and spending less than $2,000 during the calendar year on the election.

    Michael Nishimura. Reported receiving a total of $18,000 through Oct. 22, with $10,000 coming from personal loans and a pair of $4,000 donations appearing to come from family members with the same last name. Nishimura’s top recent expense listed was $2,005 to All Star Printing for postcard mailers. Total expenses listed were $8,354.

    MariJane Lopez-Taff. Reported receiving $4,635 through Oct. 22, with the top donation of $1,016 coming from Sondra Nunez, owner of Mountain Valley Petroleum, a fuel transportation company based in West Sacramento. She also received $734 in contributions last year. Total expenses listed were $3,862, with the top expense of $766 for campaign signs to buildasign.com.

    DISTRICT 4

    Manuel Perez-Salazar: No donations reported. Filed a sworn statement on Sept. 27, stating he anticipates receiving and spending less than $2,000 during the calendar year on the election.

    Jayna Karpinski-Costa: Reported personal loans to her campaign totaling $25,000 through Oct. 22, with no other donations except for a $275 nonmonetary contribution from District 5 candidate Natalee Price for social media management. A total of $5,747 in expenses are listed, with the top expense being $3,936 to Commerce Printing in Sacramento.

    Albert Fox. Reported receiving a total of $5,763 through Sept. 29, with an additional $300 reported through Oct. 22. A personal loan for $5,000 is listed as the top donation, followed by a $250 donation from Jerry Roach, who is listed as an individual with no occupational information. A total of $3,250 in expenses are listed, with the top expense of $1,656 being paid to All Star Printing in Citrus Heights for campaign material.

    DISTRICT 5

    Porsche Middleton. Reported receiving a total of $37,633 through Oct. 22, with an additional $32,391 raised in 2021. Middleton has three top donors who each gave the maximum annual limit of $4,900, including the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber PAC and Inter-State Cooperative, Inc., which lists an address of “The Sanctuary” cannabis dispensary in Sacramento. A personal donation of $4,900 from Citrus Heights resident and Google engineer James Prioleau is also listed. Prioleau also gave $4,900 to her campaign in 2021.

    Middleton’s 2022 election committee also received $8,675 in 2020, largely from an $8,500 donation from Citrus Heights Residents for Better Community, which The Sentinel previously reported was formed in 2020 to support Measure M and received donations from “The Sanctuary” and a company with a New Hampshire address listed as Ajala, Inc.

    A total of $40,502 in expenditures are listed this year, with Middleton’s top recent expenditure being $6,097 to the United States Postal Service for postage/delivery services, and $10,500 to the American Leadership Forum last year.

    Natalee Price. Reported receiving a total of $6,707 in contributions through Oct. 22, with $1,850 coming from a personal loan to her campaign and the top contribution of $900 coming from District 4 candidate Jayna Karpinski-Costa’s committee, who has endorsed Price. A total of $6,717 in expenses are listed, with the top expense of $845 being paid to Brother’s Printing on Roseville Road for campaign material.

    The next FPPC reporting deadline for candidates is Jan. 31, 2023. To see all the candidates’ full campaign finance filings, click here.

    In contrast to prior years, Bret Daniels won election to his district seat in 2020 with around $3,000 in contributions and Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer won election with less than $2,000 reported in contributions the same year.

    Four years ago, when the city still held at-large elections, Councilman Steve Miller reported just over $10,000 in contributions to win re-election, and Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins reported around $16,000. Middleton, who won her seat on the council for the first time that year, reported more than $40,000 in contributions in 2018 to beat a pair of well-funded contenders.

    To learn more about each candidate, see prior story: Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

  • Meet Michael Nishimura, candidate for Citrus Heights Council District 2

    Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2022 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights City Council. The questions are designed to give each of the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.

    Michael Nishimura, District 2

    Mike Nishimura

    Why are you running for City Council? I am not a polished politician, and I’m not doing this as a stepping stone to further my political career or to boost my ego. I believe my knowledge and experience will be an asset to the city and I am doing this as a public servant, to try and make the city a better place to live and do business.

    What are two aspects you like most about living in Citrus Heights?

    This is my home and love everything about living here. It has been a very safe community and a good place to work and raise my family.

    What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?

    I want to drive economic development in the City. This enables us to enhance ; our Police, public safety, infrastructure, road improvements, homeless issues etc. I would also like to improve our community engagement and vibrancy, This will help make our City more attractive to potential businesses and homeowners.

    What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?

    • “Wooden on Leadership” by John Wooden. I have always admired John Wooden’s accomplishments, but more importantly, the morals and ethics he followed to accomplish them.
    • I am almost through the new book “Becoming The City Of Citrus Heights” by Miranda Culp with Bill Van Duker. I thought I always understood the passion and intensity of the members of the Citrus Heights Incorporation Project, but now I understand a little bit more of the tenacity it took for incorporation. I now understand why there were tears in Jean Duncan’s eyes when the new City Hall was dedicated.

    What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?

    Honesty, Integrity and Common Sense.

    What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?

    I am currently on the City’s Planning Commission, I spent twelve years on the board of the Sunrise Marketplace PBID, I have been a member of the Citrus Heights Water District’s Customer Advisory Committee (CAC) since its inception, current President of REACH, former President of Neighborhood Area Nine (SONA), member of the CHASEN board, PTA President, 10 years as a volunteer wrestling coach at Bella Vista High School, former member of the Advisory Committee for San Juan High School’s Culinary Arts program, many hours volunteering for the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART)…
    *Edited due to length.

    City Council members are paid a small monthly stipend of $600 for their service. If elected, how do you plan to balance work life elsewhere with council responsibilities?

    I am not doing this for the money. My wife passed away last December and our kids are grown now, so my family life does not require nearly as much time as it did when we were raising a young family, other than the Saturday afternoons I get to spend with our granddaughter Miranda. Now that I am no longer working 60-80 hours a week managing restaurants, I believe I can work my 30 hours a week for the school district and still be able to do a good job for the City of Citrus Heights.

    Key Endorsements: (did not respond)
    Key donors: (Did not respond)

    Campaign website: michaelnishimura.com

    *Editor’s note: James Tipton, Marijane Lopez-Taff and Steven Durham are also running for District 2. To read more about each candidate, see article: Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

  • Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

    Election 2022: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?

    Citrus Heights Council Candidates for 2022. Top left to right: Albert Fox, Manuel Perez, Jayna Karpinski-Costa (District 4). Porsche Middleton, Natalee Price (District 5). Lower, left to right: Michael Nishimura, Steven Durham, James Tipton, MariJane Lopez-Taff (District 2). // Compiled by M. Hazlip

    Sentinel staff report–
    A total of nine residents are running for three seats up for election this year on the five-member Citrus Heights City Council — and at least two new faces will join the council, due to a pair of current members retiring.

    Council districts 2, 4 and 5 are all up for election, with only District 5 having a current council member vying for the seat: Porsche Middleton. Council members Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller are both not on the ballot, leaving the District 2 and District 4 seats up for a newcomer to join the council.

    The Sentinel asked each candidate to submit a 100-word biographical statement, which is included word-for-word below, unless edited due to excessive length. Their statements and campaign websites are provided below.

    District 2 Race:

    Steven Durham. “I will turn 76 by Election Day. I grew up in Massapequa, NY, but most of my adult life, I’ve lived in California. My wife, Sharon and I retired to Citrus Heights in 2017, after 30 years in Orange County. I have 3 degrees: BA in Geology (Hofstra, 1970), MA in Urban Geography (South Carolina, 1972) and MBA in Marketing (Harvard Business School, 1975). (George W. Bush was a Harvard classmate!). My 40-year business career includes Marketing (General Mills), VP Advertising, Sr. VP Mergers & Acquisitions, Sr. VP Sales for a Television network, and COO for a 1,000-person tech support company.”
    Website: not submitted.
    Full candidate profile: Meet Steven Durham

    MariJane Lopez-Taff. “MariJane Lopez-Taff (aka Jane Taff) is a 49-year-old San Francisco native who discovered Citrus Heights while looking for a safe community to move to with her then fiancé in 2000.  Jane is a Certified Professional Life Coach serving business owners in the areas of Leadership, Management and Communication since 2011. Her professional career in non-profit fundraising and volunteer management began at the age of 17 and she has been involved in both paid and volunteer community organizations since such as the Citrus Heights Chamber, ABBA, Women’s Club and Soroptimists. Jane supports a thriving Citrus Heights community – safe streets, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility.”
    Website: voteforjane.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet MariJane Lopez-Taff

    Michael Nishimura. “I have lived in the City of Citrus Heights for forty years. Currently, I sit on the City’s Planning Commission, I am the President of the Resident’s Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights
    (REACH), I am on the Board of Citrus Heights Areas Seven, Eight, Nine (CHASEN), I am a volunteer Wrestling Coach at Bella Vista High School, and I am active with Citrus Heights HART acting as coordinator for one week of its Winter Sanctuary. I sat on the Board of the Sunrise Marketplace PBID for 12 years while I was the General Manager of the Elephant Bar Restaurant…”
    Website: michaelnishimura.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Michael Nishimura
    *Editor’s note: Nishimura did not submit a bio statement by deadline. However, in the interest of informing residents, his statement above is taken from his official ballot statement and shortened due to length.

    James Tipton. “My name is James J. Tipton, I am a 28 year old Native American from the Wiyot tribe in Loleta, California. I am a Christian conservative and I do not stray from my beliefs to obtain votes. I grew up in Sacramento County, in a middle class household. I have worked extensively in both legal and government fields. I am a local business owner and second amendment advocate. I support our law enforcement and would like to see an increase in police funding. I am community focused and accountable to my constituency.”
    Website: None currently
    Full candidate profile: *Did not submit response.

    District 4 Race:

    Albert Fox. “Retired law enforcement and 21-year resident. Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration. College Director of Criminal Justice. Graduate of Citrus Heights Leadership Academy, the Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee; member and chairman of the Planning Commission and appointed City Council member. During COVID I coordinated a charitable effort in support of 12 local schools to improve distant learning for students and families through our Impact Campaign. Our campaign supplied equipment, headphones, e-tablets, gift cards and supplies. to the Elementary, Middle and High Schools. I look forward to serving Citrus Heights District 4.”
    Website: ajfox.org
    Full candidate profile: Meet Albert Fox

    Jayna Karpinski-Costa. 31 years in Citrus Heights, married to Ted Costa, no children, lots of critters. Professional: Veterinarian and attorney. Education: B.S., Colorado State University, Microbiology, cum laude 1974. D.V.M., Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1980. J.D. University of Santa Clara School of Law, 1986. Leadership Experience: Elected to Citrus Heights city council in 2004 and 2008, served as Mayor in 2011; served on several regional boards during this time. Since 1998, served as president of Sylvan Old Auburn Road Neighborhood (Area 10). Represented People’s Advocate in the US Supreme Court to defend Prop 13.
    Website: www.drjayna.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Jayna Karpinski-Costa

    Manuel Israel Perez-Salazar. “My name is Manuel Perez. I am 40 years old, married for 21 years and have 3 kids. I have lived in Citrus Heights for the last 20 years.  I grew up in Sacramento and moved here when I met my wife. I have been a Class A driver for 19 years, I attended ARC for EMT, I  have been a volunteer at the Marysville PD since 2018, also completed the Citizens Academy, I was also on the Construction Board of Appeals for Citrus Heights.  When you see me around please say hello, I look forward to getting to know everyone.”
    Website: none currently.
    Full candidate profile: Meet Manuel Salazar

    District 5 Race:

    Porsche Middleton. “Growing up the middle child of nine and traveling all over the United States, my roots in service to others began in childhood. My family has served our country for several generations, including my late father, SGM Rayford. My husband of nearly 15 years and I have called Citrus Heights home for seven years, raising two boys who attend schools in our city. For the last four years, I have served as a councilmember and Mayor of our city, proudly earning my master’s degree while educating my two boys at home during one of the most challenging times in recent history.”
    Website: www.porschemiddleton.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Porsche Middleton

    Natalee Price. “As a mother, I am committed to giving Citrus Heights a safe, sustainable future with improved quality of life for its residents. A 7-year member of Lions Club International and a 10-year resident of Citrus Heights with a BA in Cultural Anthropology. Since 2008, my local restaurant, Taste of Tuscany, has been a community resource. Securing partnerships during COVID-19, I co-designed and implemented a community grocery program feeding over 10,000 people and earning a 2020 ‘Kindness Matters’ service award, one of 20 given globally. With proven management and leadership qualities, a vote for Natalee Price is right for Citrus Heights.”
    Website: www.nataleepriceforcitycouncil.com
    Full candidate profile: Meet Natalee Price

    The Sentinel will be continuing local election coverage over the next two months leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8, 2022. Future articles will address each candidate’s position on various local issues.

    See all candidate answers to three top local issues:

    Publisher’s note: Want to support our efforts to provide residents with unbiased news coverage of local races in Citrus Heights? Consider a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4.99/mo. (Click here to see subscription options)

  • Two on Citrus Heights council won’t be seeking another term

    2018 city council, Citrus Heights election
    File photo, 2018. (left to right) Steve Miller, Porsche Middleton, and Jeannie Bruins.

    Sentinel staff report–
    Three seats are up for election on the Citrus Heights City Council this year, and at least two of those seats will see new faces join the council, as a pair of long-tenured council members have both announced they will not seek another four-year term.

    The City Council seats for districts two, four, and five are up for election on Nov. 8 this year, with those seats currently being at-large seats held by Mayor Porsche Middleton and council members Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller. Both Miller and Bruins have said they are retiring from their positions on the council.

    Bruins announced last month during a prospective candidate forum that she will not be seeking a sixth term in office. She was first elected in 2002, six years after the city incorporated, and subsequently won re-election every four years over the past 20 years.

    Miller announced in a July 23 news release that he will be seeking a position on the San Juan Unified School District’s governing board and will not seek re-election to the City Council, after serving in that position since 2005.

    “It has been a pleasure and blessing serving on our city council for the past 17 years and I am proud of everything we have accomplished,” said Miller, highlighting the formation of a police department and building of a new City Hall. “…I am comfortable stepping down knowing our finances are solid, the Sunrise Mall redevelopment plan is in place, and our city is moving forward under the leadership of our new City Manager, Ash Feeney.”

    Related: Want to run for Citrus Heights City Council? Here’s what you should know

    Commenting on his bid school board, Miller said he wants “to make Citrus Heights schools the number one choice for our parents and students.”

    Miller is seeking a newly created seat on the SJUSD board, which the board recently voted to expand to seven members, up from five. One of the new seats, Area 7, encompasses most of Citrus Heights, and is the seat Miller is running for.

    The race to fill Miller and Bruins’ seats on the City Council is still taking shape, with residents having until Aug. 12 to submit nomination papers to run for one of the seats on the council. Mayor Porsche Middleton has announced she will seek another four-year term on the council, seeking to represent District 5 in the southeastern area of Citrus Heights.

    As of Monday at 3:30 p.m., the City Clerk’s Office reported that a total of six residents have pulled papers to run for City Council. MariJane Lopez-Taff and Michael Nishimura are seeking the District 2 seat, Manuel Perez and Jayna Karpinski-Costa are seeking the District 4 seat, and Natalee Price and Porsche Middleton are seeking the District 5 seat.

    None of the six residents who pulled papers so far have filed the required nomination papers, but candidates still have a little over two weeks to do so.

    The other two current members of the council representing Districts 1 and 3, Bret Daniels and Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer, are not up for election until 2024. Daniels and Schaefer both won election two years ago in the first election held by district. The remaining three at-large seats are transitioning to district seats this year.

    While Citrus Heights previously held its elections “at-large,” where anyone in the city could run for a position on the council, a district-based system was created in 2019 after the city was threatened with a lawsuit. Cities around the state have made similar changes in their election systems, when faced with lawsuits alleging that at-large voting disenfranchises minorities and violates the California Voting Rights Act.

    Previously, all of the voters in Citrus Heights could vote on all five positions on the council, whereas voters can now only vote for candidates in the district of the city where the voter lives.

    To see a district map of the city, see prior story: Filing period to run for Citrus Heights City Council opens

  • Three new faces join influential Citrus Heights Planning Commission

    From left to right: Paul Makhnovskiy, Talaya Turner Mike, and Michael Nishimura, have been appointed as Citrus Heights Planning Commission members. // Youtube

    Sentinel staff report–
    The Citrus Heights City Council last week appointed three new residents to join the city’s seven-member Planning Commission, which plays a key role in approving projects and often serves as a stepping stone to higher office.

    New members include Paul Makhnovskiy, Talaya Turner Mike, and Michael Nishimura. Tom Scheeler will also serve another term on the commission after being nominated by newly seated Councilman Tim Schaefer.

    Makhnovskiy is a 15-year resident of Citrus Heights, who previously applied for a seat on the commission before being selected this year. He holds a Masters in Business Administration and works as an information technology specialist with CalPERS. His application lists a goal to encourage “the use of vacant lands within the city to create additional homes.”

    Turner Mike is the daughter of former Councilman Mel Turner, who passed away in 2017 while serving a second term in office. She grew up in Citrus Heights and returned last year. She holds a BA in communication and currently serves as a records clerk with the City of Rocklin Police Department. Her application lists a goal to see Sunrise Mall become a popular destination again, and help businesses thrive.

    Nishimura is a 30-year resident of Citrus Heights who served as the manager of Elephant Bar at Sunrise Mall for 20 years and has also served as President of the Sunrise Oaks Neighborhood Association. His application lists a goal to see redevelopment of Sunrise Mall and Auburn Boulevard.

    From 2019: Street dedication memorializes legacy of late Citrus Heights councilman

    The trio of new members will join four existing members: Marcelle Flowers, Janelle Ingle, Andrew Van Duker, and Tom Scheeler. With the new additions, the commission is now made up of all relatively new members, with the longest-tenured members only serving since 2019.

    The Planning Commission meets up to twice a month and is tasked with making decisions on land-use related proposals, approving or denying subdivision requests, holding public hearings and reviewing proposed ordinances. The commission also makes recommendations to the City Council on major projects, as it did for the new City Hall and Medical Office Building project and the 260-home Mitchell Village development off Arcadia Drive.

    Historically, the Planning Commission has served as a stepping stone for leaders to gain experience before moving up to an elected position on the City Council, as was the case with Councilman Tim Schaefer in 2020 and Councilwoman Porsche Middleton in 2018.

    During their Jan. 14 meeting, the City Council also appointed Marcus Bergman to the five-member Construction Board of Appeals. The appeals board meets rarely and only on an as-needed basis to hear complaints from those aggrieved by a decision of the city’s chief building official and also assists in matters related to materials and methods of construction, as well as interpreting technical codes.

    There are two remaining vacant positions on the appeals board, which were left unfilled due to Bergman being the only person to apply. Those interested in applying can submit an application to the City Clerk’s office, at cityclerk@citrusheights.net. (See application form)

  • Meet Michael Nishimura, candidate for Citrus Heights city council

    Michael Nishimura, Mike Nishimura, Citrus Heights city council
    Michael Nishimura, restaurant manager and current 2016 Citrus Heights city council candidate. Photo submitted by candidate

    Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2016 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights city council. The questions are designed to give each of the eight candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word. 

    Michael “Mike” Nishimura, restaurant manager | Age: 53

    Basic bio: “I grew up in Sacramento and have lived in Citrus Heights for over 25 years. I am currently the General Manager of the Elephant Bar Restaurant in Citrus Heights where I have been for the last 12 years. Previously, I had worked for El Torito Restaurant on Sunrise Blvd for 8 years… My wife Terrie and I are approaching our 20th anniversary and we have a daughter Samantha who just turned 19 and our son Timothy who just turned 17. I also have a step-daughter, Ashley who purchased her first home in Citrus Heights just a few years ago.”

    Why are you running for city council?

    “I am new to this, but with the City’s 20th anniversary approaching, Henry Tingle’s retirement and with Chief Boyd moving on as City Manager, I believe that we, as a city, are approaching a very important crossroads towards our future and I would like to ensure that we continue to move in the right direction.”

    What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?

    “It is very affordable and everything is so convenient here. The Police Department has done a terrific job in keeping our neighborhoods safe. And it has just been a perfect place to raise our family.”

    What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?

    “’Green Eggs and Ham’ That was my daughter Sam’s favorite book and I really miss the times I would spend reading with my kids when they were younger. More recently, I have been studying up on the history of Citrus Heights and I have found the ‘Images of America Citrus Heights’ book by Jim Van Maren to be very interesting.”

    What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?

    “Is it good for the City, People and Businesses of Citrus Heights? Is it fiscally sound for the City? How will it affect our future?”

    What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?

    “Finding a solution for the homeless population we are starting to see. Continued improvement on our streets and traffic situations. Finding a way to attract more business into the City.”

    What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?

    “I was PTA President when my kids were in elementary school. I have been a volunteer wrestling coach for both of my kids at the youth level all the way up to High School. I am on the Advisory Committee for San Juan High School’s Culinary arts program. I have been on the Board of Directors for the Sunrise Marketplace Business Improvement District for the last ten years. I am also looking into joining Rotary International’s Passport Club.”

    City council members are paid a small monthly stipend of $600 for their service. If elected, how do you plan to balance work life elsewhere with council responsibilities?

    “I’m definitely not doing this for the money. Time will be the biggest challenge, but I do have the support of my family and employer so I am confident I will be able to balance work and family life with council responsibilities.”

    >>See other candidate profiles: “Meet the 8 candidates running for Citrus Heights city council”

  • Meet the 8 candidates running for Citrus Heights city council

    Rick Doyle, Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Porsche Middleton, Tim Schaefer, Marcel Weiland, Michael Nishimura, Bret Daniels
    Citrus Heights 2016 city council candidates, from left to right. Top: Rick Doyle, Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Porsche Middleton. Bottom: Tim Schaefer, Marcel Weiland, Michael Nishimura, Bret Daniels. // CH Sentinel

    Updated Sept. 11, 12:58 a.m.–
    This November, Citrus Heights voters will have an opportunity to select two candidates from a diverse and crowded race of eight local residents who are all seeking a seat on the city council.

    Candidates range in age from 26 to 72 years old, each with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Sentinel gave each candidate the opportunity to submit written answers to a series of seven identical questions for a candidate profile. Their answers are linked below and published word-for-word, as long as responses were kept under 100 words.

    >>Also read: “Likely voters list 4 top candidates after Citrus Heights council forum”

    Jeff Slowey, 55, is a vice president for Bank of America and has served on the city council since 2003. He is the only incumbent running in the election, as current councilwoman Sue Frost gave up her seat in order to run for Sacramento County Supervisor this year. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Bret Daniels, 56, is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy and current president of “Our Fallen,” a local nonprofit that works to help families of fallen officers. Daniels previously served on the Citrus Heights city council from 1999 until he resigned in 2005, citing personal and family reasons. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Marcel Weiland, 26, grew up in Citrus Heights, worked in the state capitol, and earned a degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He currently works as director of institutional alliances at Riskalyze, a financial tech company based in Auburn. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. He also heads up a local neighborhood watch group and has served as a volunteer with the Citrus Heights Police Department since 2008. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    Porsche Middleton, 32, serves as a project manager at “A Project Ahead,” an engineering consulting company based in the Sacramento area. She moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama two years ago. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    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)

    Michael Nishimura, 53, is the general manager of the Elephant Bar restaurant in Citrus Heights. He also serves on the board of directors for the Sunrise Marketplace and an advisory committee for the Culinary Academy at San Juan High School. (Click to read full candidate profile)

    >> Get local election updates: Sign up for The Sentinel’s free Weekend Edition

  • 2016 election: Citrus Heights city council race begins to take shape

    2016 election: Citrus Heights city council race begins to take shape

    Updated Aug. 24, 5:05 p.m.–
    With the Aug. 17 filing deadline now passed, a total of eight Citrus Heights residents have qualified to run for one of two city council seats up for election this November.

    Names confirmed for the November ballot include current Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey, Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle, former councilman Bret Daniels, and Construction Board of Appeals Member Amor Taylor. The former vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, Tim Schaefer, will also appear on the ballot, along with Porsche Middleton, Michael Nishimura, and Marcel Weiland.

    The candidates will face off in the Nov. 8 election, with the top two earning four-year seats on the five-member city council. Based on past elections, candidates will likely need to receive 8-10,000 votes in order to win.

    Only five of the eight candidates chose to pay the optional $700 cost to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter.

    Vice Mayor Slowey, 55, will be the only incumbent listed on the ballot, as current councilwoman Sue Frost gave up her seat in order to run for Sacramento County Supervisor this year. Slowey works as a vice president for Bank of America and was appointed to the city council in 2003. He won subsequent elections in 2004, 2008, and 2012.

    Bret Daniels, 56, is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy and current president of “Our Fallen,” a local nonprofit that works to help families of fallen officers. Daniels previously served on the Citrus Heights city council from 1999 until he resigned in 2005, citing personal and family reasons.

    Marcel Weiland, 25, grew up in Citrus Heights, worked in the state capitol, and earned a degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He currently works as director of institutional alliances at Riskalyze, a financial tech company based in Auburn.

    Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall.

    Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. More than a year out from the election, he was the first to officially file his intention to run for city council and has earned the endorsement of a majority of current council members, including Mayor Jeannie Bruins.

    Porsche Middleton, 32, told The Sentinel she recently moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama with her husband and children. Although she did not file a candidate statement, Middleton told The Sentinel she is currently a project manager at “A Project Ahead,” an engineering consulting company based in the Sacramento area.

    Amor Taylor, 51, was appointed to serve on the City’s five-member Construction Board of Appeals in 2013. She also did not file a candidate statement, but told The Sentinel she previously served for eight years as director of public policy services for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and plans to own and operate a Menchie’s frozen yogurt franchise in Citrus Heights, slated to open next year.

    Michael Nishimura, 53, is the general manager of the Elephant Bar restaurant in Citrus Heights. Although he did not file a candidate statement, Nishimura told The Sentinel via email Saturday that he also serves on the board of directors for the Sunrise Marketplace and an advisory committee for the Culinary Academy at San Juan High School.

    *Note: The Sentinel will begin publishing a series of in-depth profiles on each of the eight candidates next week. Find out more about the candidates and get all The Sentinel’s local stories delivered to your inbox each Sunday: subscribe to our free Weekend Edition.

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: chickens win, K9’s, arson, election update

    Citrus Heights News Briefs: chickens win, K9’s, arson, election update

    Local news briefs for the second week in August include a unanimous city council vote to allow backyard chickens in Citrus Heights, arson fires near Greenback Lane, a new police K9 dog added to the force, and an update on local elections.

    Citrus Heights police welcome new K9 dog to force
    The Citrus Heights Police Department announced the graduation of its newest police K9 dog this week. The department said 14-month-old “Blitz” is a German Shepard who’s father, “Bodie,” was severely injured in 2012 after being shot by a car-jacking suspect while serving as a K9 for the Sacramento Police Department. According to a news release, police have organized a reunion for the father-son pair next week where the two dogs will share a graduation cake and Bodie “will pass on the torch for Blitz to work hard and keep the community safe.

    City council votes 5-0 to allow backyard chickens
    Citrus Heights council members unanimously voted in favor of dropping a restriction on hen-keeping in the city, following a public hearing on Thursday night. Existing regulations banned hens from being kept on residential lots under 10,000 square feet in size, but the new ordinance wording will allow up to six hens to be kept on any size lot. About a half-dozen speakers addressed the city council during the Aug. 11 hearing, all of whom expressed support for dropping the restriction on hen-keeping. No one spoke in opposition to the proposal.

    The ordinance changes are set to go into effect 30 days after a second reading is held at next month’s council meeting on Sept. 8. Roosters are unaffected by the ordinance change and are only allowed to be kept on lots over 20,000 square feet in size. At the council’s request, a staff report will be made at the end of 12 months to ensure the new regulations are not causing any unintended problems. (See latest draft wording)

    Fires along I-80 near Greenback ruled arson
    Several grass fires along eastbound Interstate 80 between Greenback and Madison Thursday afternoon were ruled arson by fire officials. Metro Fire said the largest blaze torched a half-mile stretch along I-80, with one of the fires jumping a wall into a yard. No homes were reportedly damaged. Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Fire’s Tipline at (916) 859-3775, or email arsontip@metrofire.ca.gov.

    Deadline extended to run for city council; 5 qualified so far
    The deadline to file nomination papers to run for a seat on the Citrus Heights city council has been extended to Aug. 17 at 5 p.m., the city clerk’s office confirmed Friday. A deadline extension occurs any time an incumbent does not file by the original deadline. As expected, current Councilwoman Sue Frost did not file, as she gave up her seat to run for County Supervisor.

    As of 5 p.m. Friday, City Clerk Amy Van said a total of five residents had qualified for the November ballot: Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Rick Doyle, Marcel Weiland and Michael Nishimura. Porsche Middleton, who moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama recently, also returned nomination papers, but is still pending final signature verification. Four others have picked up nomination papers but have not turned them in: David Huber, Vincent Nicholas, Bret Daniels, and Tim Schaefer.

    >>Find out more about each candidate and get all The Sentinel’s local stories delivered to your inbox each Sunday: subscribe to our free Weekend Edition.

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: city hall update, local UFC fighter, elections

    Citrus Heights City Hall
    A photo taken on Aug. 5 shows construction nearing completion on the new Citrus Heights City Hall. // CH Sentinel

    Local news briefs for the first week in August include a Citrus Heights fighter making it to the UFC, city hall construction nearing completion, a National Night Out wrap-up, and latest news on local elections.

    Finishing touches still being added to new city hall
    Sounds of banging hammers and cutting saws could be heard outside the new city hall on Friday as construction teams and landscapers focused on completing final stages of work on the new building. Project Manager Tyler Gahagan said the new hall is on track to open for business this Tuesday at noon, but some exterior work — including a 25-foot-wide fountain in front — won’t be fully finished until Aug. 19. To learn more about the new hall, see prior story: “New Citrus Heights city hall to open Aug. 9; tours planned.”

    Citrus Heights fighter makes it to UFC
    A local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Citrus Heights has made his way up the ranks to his first UFC fight. In an interview with the Folsom Telegraph published on Thursday, Max “Pain” Griffin said he was “speechless” after being contacted by the UFC — the world’s largest MMA promotion, featuring top-ranked fighters in the sport. The 30-year-old local fighter will face Colby Covington later this month on Aug. 20, at UFC 202 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Police, residents & city leaders come together for National Night Out
    Citrus Heights police said Tuesday’s National Night Out event drew more than a thousand local participants out to a total of 18 different neighborhood gatherings in the city, for an evening of community building and crime fighting. Lt. Jason Russo said over 50 police staff from ranks of all levels came out to the various events, including council members, commanders, and Police Chief Christopher Boyd. The annual effort is held across the country on the first Tuesday in August and seeks to prevent crime by connecting neighbors and building local partnerships between communities and police.

    Two more residents take steps to run for city council
    As of Thursday afternoon, two more residents picked up nomination papers to run for Citrus Heights city council — bringing the total number to seven people pursuing two seats up for election this November. According to the city clerk’s office, newcomers are businessman Michael Nishimura and social media specialist Vincent Nicholas.

    Candidates must still submit completed nomination papers by Aug. 12 in order to qualify for the November ballot, and so far, the city clerk says only two have done so: Amor Taylor and Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey. Others who picked up nomination papers but have yet to return them are Rick Doyle, David Huber, and Marcel Weiland.

    >>To read future stories with more information about each candidate, follow The Sentinel on Facebook and subscribe to our free Weekend Edition.