Councilwoman Porsche Middleton speaks during a Jan. 12, 2023, council meeting. // Image credit: Metro Cable 14
By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Mayor Tim Schaefer began the first council meeting of 2023 by recognizing outgoing mayor and current District 5 councilwoman Porsche Middleton for her service as the city’s mayor last year.
During the Jan. 12 meeting, Schaefer commended Middleton on a “phenomenal” year. Vice Mayor Bret Daniels also shared his gratitude for her “hard work and enthusiasm,” adding that he appreciated her staying on top of everything as the city and state were coming out of the pandemic.
Middleton served a one-year term as mayor in 2022, with the position being chosen annually by the five-member council, who selects one member from among their ranks to serve as mayor each year.
Schaefer presented Middleton with a commemorative gavel, after he and Daniels thanked her for her service as mayor.
“It was a tremendous honor, and I am deeply humbled to have served as your mayor,” Middleton said. “I’m very thankful for the support I got from the community.”
Middleton was the first African-American woman to serve as mayor of Citrus Heights, according to her online biography. Middleton first ran for City Council in 2016, but lost and was then appointed to the Planning Commission in 2017. She subsequently ran for council again in 2018 and won.
During the November 2022 elections, Middleton competed in a heated race to retain her seat on the council against challenger Natalee Price, fighting to represent District 5. In the end, less than 30 votes separated the two, with final election results from Sacccounty.gov showing Middleton won with 2,004 votes to Price’s 1,978 votes.
According to the city’s website, Middleton is a governor’s appointee to the California Housing Partnership board and serves on the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps Board.
Her bio states she previously served as deputy director for Sacramento Self Help Housing, which assists the homeless in finding stable housing. According to Middleton’s website, in 2018, the Sacramento chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. awarded her with a “Woman in Politics and Government” award.
Businesswoman Natalee Price, left, is in a close race with Mayor Porsche Middleton, right, for Citrus Heights City Council District 5. // Images courtesy, candidates
Sentinel staff report–
Less than 30 votes separate Citrus Heights Mayor Porsche Middleton and challenger Natalee Price in the race for the District 5 council seat.
Latest election results, as of 1:30 p.m. Thursday, show Middleton ahead with 51% of the vote and Price trailing at 48%. Total votes counted so far only amount to 1,291, with 659 votes going to Middleton and 632 votes going to Price.
The next update in vote counting is due to be released this Friday at 4 p.m. by Sacramento County Elections officials.
As of Thursday afternoon, Middleton had not released a public statement about the election results on either social media or in a news release. Neither candidate immediately responded to an email inquiry on Thursday.
Price posted an update Wednesday on her Facebook Page offering a thank-you note to supporters, but not indicating victory or defeat.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me with a yard sign. Thank you to everyone who shared my information with others,” wrote Price. “Thank you to everyone that took time to engage, to ask questions and share ideas. I am grateful for every vote. I am grateful for you.”
The candidates ran on opposite platforms, with Middleton highlighting work the city did while she has been on the council and Price criticizing the status quo.
Middleton, who has been a council member for four years, said in a Sentinel questionnaire that she was running for re-election “to continue moving our city forward,” noting “We have improved our roads, strengthened public safety, and supported our business community.”
Price, who owns the restaurant Taste of Tuscany, said she was running because she watched “as we lost our problem-oriented police force, our motor patrol disappeared, drug use became highly visible, hypodermic debris and litter accumulated, homelessness climbed, and both community pages and neighborhood meetings were riddled with unheard voices.”
The two also earned split endorsements from current council members, with Price being endorsed by Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer and Councilman Bret Daniels, while Middleton won endorsements from Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins and Councilman Steve Miller.
The race for District 5 has far-exceeded the other district races in fundraising, with The Sentinel reporting last week that Middleton had raised over $37,000 in contributions this year, compared with Price at just $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.
In the city’s two other district races, Jayna Karpinski-costa has a significant lead in District 4 with 48% of the vote, followed by Albert Fox at 32% and Manuel Israel Perez-Salazar at 19%. In District 2, Michael Nishimura is leading at 35%, followed by MariJane Lopez-Taff at 31%, Steve Forrest Durham at 17% and James Tipton at 15%.
The Sentinel will publish updated results in local races for school board and city council this weekend.
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.
Sentinel staff report–
The City of Citrus Heights hosted its third annual State of the City address on Thursday last week, with Mayor Porsche Middleton highlighting month-by-month accomplishments from the past year and City Manager Ash Feeney giving a look at the future.
Middleton highlighted progress at Sunrise Mall, with the approval of a plan to guide redevelopment of the site and the most recent news of an application being submitted to the city showing a potential hotel at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane. She also noted the city returning to its debt-free status, the launch of a new organic waste recycling program, and the award of a contract for the 2.9-mile Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail Project.
“I’m so proud of what we continue to build together. We continue to take charge of our own future, captain our own ship, manifest our own destiny,” said Middleton in closing her 20-minute speech. “There are still many challenges ahead yet, but our position is strong and our sense of true community is stronger… the best is yet to come.”
Following Middleton’s speech, the city manager shared a brief history of how he came to the top executive position in Citrus Heights and reflected on his first 100 days. Feeney shared his four-prong focus area work plan currently under way, with focus areas being: community connection, infrastructure, economic development, and community image.
Feeney also presented an update on the city’s budget and fiscal outlook, highlighting the help of American Rescue Plan Act dollars and the city finally receiving its share of property taxes after 25 years. He said the city will be putting more money towards roads, with an additional $2 million from the General Fund going towards infrastructure, beginning in fiscal year 2023, and another $4 million the following year.
The city manager also highlighted a new “beautification crew” to clean up blight and improve community image, as well as the city’s recent work to partner with CalTrans and regional partners to clean up homeless camps.
Feeney’s speech concluded with a short video of highlights from Sunday Funday, with comments from council members.
The 2022 State of the City address was held at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Oct. 20, with the event also being live-streamed on the city’s Facebook page. A recording is viewable here.
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–
Eight of the nine candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights City Council this year have confirmed they are opposed to the 40-year Measure A sales tax proposal appearing on the November ballot, although some expressed openness to consider a local tax to fund road repairs in the future.
Measure A seeks to raise $8.5 billion in revenue over the next 40 years to fund transportation and roadway projects in Sacramento County, through a half-percent sales tax increase that would raise the sales tax from 7.75% in Citrus Heights to 8.25%.
According to an impartial county counsel analysis of Measure A, revenue from the tax would be allocated with 47.25% going to fund “local street and road repairs and improvements,” 25.11% going towards Sacramento Regional Transit, 22.43% for “congestion relief improvements,” 3.05% for senior and disabled transportation services, 2.16% for air quality programs, and a maximum of 1% on administration costs through the Sacramento Transportation Authority.
Each candidate was asked the following question: The City of Citrus Heights estimates a backlog of $82 million in road repairs, with the average roadway condition (PCI) expected to drop from 51 down to 43 (or worse) over the next five years. Do you support the new half-percent Measure A sales tax proposal as a way to fund road improvements in Citrus Heights and the county? If so, why. If not, what do you propose instead for funding road repairs and maintenance.
Candidates were asked for responses as part of a three-question Q&A, with their answers posted in full below, if responses were within the 100-word limit per question.
DISTRICT 2
Michael Nishimura, District 2:
I do not support Measure A because the County has bigger issues outside of Citrus Heights, and the money will not be fairly disbursed within the City. Especially with the southern part of the County growing so quickly.
If we are going to create a transportation tax, We should do it locally as a city where we have control over how it is spent. And, if we were to impose a tax, the City should create a long term plan and be totally transparent about it. Much like the Citrus Heights Water District is doing with its 2030 project to replace its aging water mains system.
MariJane Lopez-Taff, District 2:
Do we really want to support a sales tax increase when everyone is suffering from a recession? We are trying to attract more businesses to Citrus Heights, not make it more difficult to do business here. This is not the time for this type of tax.
I would rather wait 2 years for the economy to settle, check the pulse of the local economy, then, possibly propose a tax measure that would be similar to Measure M (2020) with a 10-year lifespan – enough time to measure effectiveness and, if effective, an extension could be proposed.
Steve Durham, District 2:
I vehemently OPPOSE Measure A. The Measure’s backers presenting it as a half-percent increase in the sales tax rate is purposely misleading. It, actually, increases the amount of actual sales tax dollars we pay by 6.5%! (Just divide 8.25 by 7.75). Measure A is primarily backed by housing developers in Rancho Cordova! They want us to help fund the infrastructure roads that they are supposed to build! We already have laws that direct 50% of state excise taxes (and 2.25% local sales taxes) on gasoline to LOCAL roads and surface transportation.
*Editor’s note: Candidate James Tipton did not submit responses to The Sentinel’s questionnaire.
DISTRICT 4:
Jayna Karpinski-Costa, District 4:
No on Measure A. It’s a tax for 40 years — not likely to see improvements in Citrus Heights too soon. Less than half goes to roads… The streets targeted in Citrus Heights are Madison Avenue and other large arteries with no money for local neighborhood streets.
We voted no on Measure K and Measure M which would have dedicated 100% to Citrus Heights. Why would we tax ourselves for work outside our city? This year Citrus Heights finally gets nearly $7 million in property tax revenue. We’ll start fixing our streets, one pothole at a time without new taxes. *Edited due to word count exceeding 100 words.
Albert Fox, District 4:
I do not support county-wide tax programs. Proponents promise much but deliver less than our contributions. Distributions favor the larger population areas. We have 4 major North/South and 3 major East/West traffic routes plus I-80.
Taxes or bonds fund road repairs and infrastructure improvements. We either take what is given by joint tax propositions or we take ownership of our cities future and find a local tax increase that meets voter approval. We need council members dedicated to improving our city who sit on the advisory committees and boards to negotiate support our projects. *Edited due to word count exceeding 100 words.
Manuel Israel Perez-Salazar, District 4:
I don’t agree with any new taxes because inflation has already made it more difficult to live so I don’t see taking more money from our citizens. A budget over hall (sic) to see where we can reallocate funds.
DISTRICT 5:
Natalee Price, District 5:
How were our roads allowed a backlog of $82 million? I do not support Measure A. It is unclear how much this tax will benefit the streets of our residents if the tax use is county-wide, and it is not solely for road repair/maintenance. Furthermore, with post-pandemic inflation, now is not the time to hit taxpayers with a tax increase.
An increase in residency and commercial properties secures more tax revenue without increasing taxes on already financially burdened residents. With the City slated to finally receive property taxes, I propose we really press into development to fund road repairs.
Porsche Middleton, District 5:
We have to take a different approach to road repair because the current formula does not maximize our limited number of dollars. Measure A is not the best solution to funding road maintenance since the City will only receive a small portion of this regional tax.
A better solution would have been a measure allowing us to keep 100 percent of the revenue generated to fund road maintenance and repair. The council is working on that by exploring allocating more funding to arterial roads traveled by more drivers while paving courts.
*Editor’s note: Additional questions asked to candidates regarding public safety and homelessness are slated to be published in The Sentinel’s upcoming midweek and weekend e-editions.
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.
Porsche Middleton, District 5
Porsche Middleton
Why are you running for City Council? Currently, I serve as Mayor of Citrus Heights and have been on the council for the last four years. Working with my colleagues, we have improved our roads, strengthened public safety, and supported our business community. I am running for re-election to continue moving our city forward.
What are two aspects you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
Our city is one of the region’s most affordable places to live. It remains a close-knit community due to the engagement of our Neighborhood Associations and numerous nonprofit organizations. We are fortunate to have diverse and engaged business districts providing residents with impactful events and fantastic food options.
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights if any?
Bringing back our Problem-Oriented Policing model is something that I believe would have a significant impact on community safety. Having officers dedicated to interacting with the community is a proven model for reducing crime and the fear of crime.
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
I read a lot and the books that recently impacted me are Profiles of Courage by John F. Kennedy and Leadership Secrets from the Bible by Lorin Woolfe. Both books have themes around the humble courage, and strong faith needed to be an effective leader, especially during times of change or difficulty.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
Growing up in a military family, I have fond memories of my dad, SGM Rayford, asking three questions when I had to make a decision. Is it necessary? Does the solution fit the problem? Can you stand by your decision even if many do not agree with you? This not only works for guiding my votes at council meetings, but I also use it in my life whenever I make decisions.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches, or service organizations in the community?
My roots in community service and giving to those in need began in childhood, and it is something that my husband and I teach our two boys. We have participated in numerous projects, including leadership roles in Rotary and Kiwanis. We have organized food drives for our local food closet, participated in our church’s community events, and handed out school supplies, backpacks, and free haircuts to students in our city.
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 have been balancing work, the council, and my family for four years. There are always challenges to maintaining that balance, and I recognize the importance of each of these in my life. I am blessed to have a strong support system that makes doing this more manageable.
Key endorsements: Jeannie Bruins (Councilmember), Roberta MacGlashan (fmr. Councilmember and ret. Supervisor), and Doug Ose (ret. U.S. Congressman). Key Donors: “I am also proud to have support from Sacramento Area Firefighters and the Sacramento Association of Realtors.”
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)
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.”
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.
Cecil Dyer pictured in his barber shop after giving a hair cut to Emanuel Middleton, one of Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton’s sons. // Image courtesy, P. Middleton
By Mike Hazlip—
Longtime Citrus Heights resident Cecil Dyer was memorialized by a proclamation from the City Council on Thursday.
Dyer passed away in May and had served as the pastor of Living Word Christian Fellowship on Greenback Lane near Auburn Boulevard. He also opened All Welcome Barber Shop on Mariposa Avenue in 2011 and was active in local community organizations.
Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton said Dyer had been a family friend since she first moved to the area. She said Dyer was also her family’s barber.
“Cecil Dyer had a huge impact on my family when we first moved to Citrus Heights,” Middleton said during the May 27 council meeting. “He’s always been a huge supporter of everything that is great about Citrus Heights, and loved to see our community thrive and grow. He supports our Police Department, and our chamber. He was a very good man and we are very blessed of having him in our community.”
Dyer’s wife of 45 years, Gloria, was invited to give a statement to the council and said she was thankful for the city’s motion to honor her late husband.
“I am so appreciative of this honor bestowed upon the memory of my late husband,” she said. “He really has loved Citrus Heights, we’ve lived here for over 30 years and been active in the community. The people here have been so good to us.”
Dyer was also a veteran of the United States Army, and was active in the local veterans community, according to the city’s proclamation. He is survived by his wife and five children.
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Sentinel staff report– In an unusual split vote Thursday night Citrus Heights City Council members voted for Steve Miller and Porsche Middleton to serve one-year terms as the city’s mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
The annual nomination and ratification of council members to serve as mayor and vice mayor is typically a routine formality, without controversy. But this year, newly seated District 3 Councilman Tim Schaefer joined District 1 Councilman Bret Daniels in voting “no” on the nomination of Miller and Middleton.
Although no public discussion was made regarding the vote, Daniels told The Sentinel in a subsequent email that he was “intentionally being passed over” for a shot at mayor, noting that Miller had recently served as mayor in 2018.
Schaefer similarly alleged a “consistent movement to prevent a fair opportunity for all council members to serve as mayor” and said the council “seems to have forgotten that there are five council members, not three.”
Given an opportunity to respond, Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins, who made the motion to nominate Miller on Thursday, told The Sentinel in a brief statement that her decision was “because he is the most qualified councilmember to serve in that position during 2021.”
The position of mayor and vice mayor is largely symbolic, as Citrus Heights operates with a council-manager form of government where the mayor doesn’t wield more power than others. Council members typically rotate through the mayor and vice mayor positions, with Bruins, Miller and outgoing mayor Jeff Slowey each being selected to serve twice in the past six years.
Daniels, who was elected in 2016, has not served a term as mayor or vice mayor during that time, although he previously served as mayor when he served on the council in 2005, when he resigned while going through a divorce.
Daniels has had a rough relationship at times with his colleagues on the council, having his initial nominee for planning commission rejected by his fellow council members who refused to ratify his appointment in 2017.
He was later censured by his fellow council members in 2018 after police reports from 2008 and 2017 surfaced alleging he repeatedly pursued communication with a former high school girlfriend in a manner she called “creepy.” Daniels denied allegations of wrong doing and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office concluded that no criminal conduct occurred.
Miller was first appointed to the City Council to fill a vacancy in 2005 and was subsequently elected in 2006 and re-elected every four years. Middleton initially ran for City Council in 2016 and lost, but returned in 2018 to win a seat on the council.
Miller replaces Jeff Slowey as mayor, who opted to retire this year after serving 17 years on the council.
Thursday’s vote could be an indication that a more divided council will emerge from this year’s council elections.
Daniels and Schaefer previously joined forces in 2016, mutually endorsing each others campaigns for City Council that year. The two were also both outspoken critics of the Measure M sales tax, which failed this year, while the other three members of the council endorsed the measure.
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