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Citrus Heights marching band unveils dinosaur made of old instruments

Citrus Heights Community Marching Band Director Kathy Cook with husband, bill, next to “Brassie” the dinosaur. // Photo courtesy, CHCMB

By Hazel Ford–
A community marching band in Citrus Heights has added a giant dinosaur to its formation. “Brassie the Brassaurous” is over seven feet tall and 18 feet long, and is a tyrannosaurus-shaped statue made from 45 different “extinct” musical instruments.

Brassie was built in about a week’s time by Bill Cook, the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band’s co-program director, along with part-time help from the band’s music director, Kody Tickner.

“I just started laying out old instruments and used my construction experience and knowledge to put everything together,” Cook said in a Sept. 15 news release. He said the idea to build Brassie came after he saw a dinosaur made out of tuba parts on Facebook and also because the band has a “Jurassic” theme for 2017.

“We sometimes purchase or get donations of used musical instruments and some of them turn out to be broken and beyond repair,” said Bill’s wife, Kathy, who co-founded the band in 2005 and serves as the main program director.” Those are what we used for Brassie.”

The dinosaur is scheduled to make its debut appearance at an upcoming performance at Bella Vista High School, where the marching band will perform the Jurassic Park theme song, flowing from this year’s theme: “Don’t let music go extinct.”

The all-volunteer marching band currently has 70 members of all ages, the youngest being six years old and the oldest aged 87. With 60 musicians, nine flag carriers, and a drum major, the community band boasts a wide range of ability.

Founded 12 years ago when the Citrus Heights Parade Committee was in need of a marching band for the annual Red, White, and Blue Parade, the band started with 25 experienced adult musicians and an eight-year-old baton twirler, according to the news release. In 2013 the band received a Heroes and Human Services Award presented by former County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, and most recently the band’s name appeared among the “top 20 accomplishments” in a list published by the City of Citrus Heights earlier this year.

Following their mission statement — “Keep music alive for all ages!” — the band welcomes new members at all levels of experience and will provide musical instruments and limited musical instruction if needed. However, the group says potential band members “should be able to read music.”

The local marching band is a non-profit organization funded in part by its annual spring-time Spaghetti Feed and October Howl-O-Ween events. The band also raises money through community donations and bi-annual yard sales.

The band now performs at more than 20 events a year in Citrus Heights and nearby communities, including annual performances at the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony each December and a “flash-mob” performance inside the Citrus Heights Walmart during the Christmas season.

Watch video: Citrus Heights Marching Band ‘Flash Mobs’ Walmart

The band’s upcoming performance at the Bella Vista High School Community Show will be at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30, at 8301 Madison Ave. After its debut at the high school, Brassie will be showcased at the community marching band’s fall and winter shows, including the Oakmont Competition at Oakmont High School on Oct. 14, and the Folsom Fall Festival at Folsom High School in November. In between shows, the band says Brassie is scheduled to be on display at city hall in Citrus Heights.

Those interested in supporting or joining the band are invited to contact Kathy Cook at (916) 725-0198, or abusycook@aol.com.

September 17, 2017
2017 marks 20 years since Citrus Heights became a city, celebrations planned

An image from the front page of the Sunday Neighbor section of the Sacramento Bee from 1996, following the vote to make Citrus Heights a city. The image was posted on the City of Citrus Heights Twitter page earlier this year.

Updated Dec. 31, 10:31 p.m.–
January 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Citrus Heights becoming a city, following a decade-long battle with the county that began in the 80’s and concluded with an election victory in the 90’s when voters approved cityhood by 62 percent.

According to the city’s website, plans for a year-long celebration of the city’s 20th birthday include a “block party” at Van Maren Park in June and a different theme for each month of 2017 to highlight various aspects of the city, such as “top 20” city landmarks and “top 20 things you love about Citrus Heights.”

January’s theme is the top city awards and accomplishments, with fiscal responsibility and forming the city’s own police department named among the top 20 items. The year-long celebration is scheduled to officially kick off at the first council meeting on Jan. 12.

The fight for cityhood
Up until 1997, Citrus Heights was an unincorporated part of Sacramento County, like Orangevale and Antelope, but a group of business owners and residents formed the Citrus Heights Incorporation Project (CHIP) in the 80’s, seeking more local control through cityhood.

Specific issues listed as reasons for incorporation are detailed on the city’s website and include a desire by residents and community leaders for “increased land use controls and public services,” in light of “spiraling” population growth. Growing problems with auto theft, burglaries and vandalism, and a limited number of sheriff’s deputies patrolling the area were also a key issue.

However, the cityhood effort was met with opposition from Sacramento County leaders.

According to a timeline published in the Nov. 10, 1996 edition of the Sacramento Bee, a petition for cityhood was filed by CHIP in 1986 — but the County Board of Supervisors narrowly defeated a resolution calling for a cityhood election.

Related article: Mayor reflects on fight to make Citrus Heights a city

The county also filed a lawsuit against the incorporation effort, but lost at the state supreme court level in 1992. The case was then filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, but the court declined to hear the case.

Following discussion and an agreement with CHIP and the county, supervisors voted unanimously to not oppose cityhood in 1996 — as long as the city agreed to compensate the county for tax revenue it would lose. The compensation agreement has meant Citrus Heights has given up its portion of property tax to the county for the past 20 years, and it is required to continue to do so for a total of 25 years.

On Nov. 5, 1996, voters approved the “Yes on R” cityhood measure by 62 percent and also elected their first city council. The first five council members were William Hughes, Alma Kenyon, Roberta MacGlashan, Tim Raney, and James Shelby.

Related: Citrus Heights Police Dept celebrates 10-year anniversary

A decade after cityhood, Citrus Heights formed its own police department, which has been credited with consistently reducing crime in the city and has won statewide recognition with a pair of James Q. Wilson community policing awards.

Cityhood efforts have become more rare across California in recent years, with Citrus Heights being one of just 12 cities that have incorporated in the past two decades. By comparison, during the 80’s alone, a total of 34 cities incorporated in the Golden State, according to the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions.

Citrus Heights is credited with paving the way for two other cityhood efforts in the region. Elk Grove soon followed Citrus Heights in becoming a city in the year 2000, and Rancho Cordova incorporated as a city in 2003.

December 28, 2016
Local Elections: County supervisor debate set for March 15

An event flyer announces an upcoming debate for candidates running for Sacramento County Supervisor District 4.

Candidates for Sacramento County Supervisor District 4, which covers Citrus Heights, are scheduled for a debate inside the Harris Center at Folsom Lake College on Tues., March 15.

The debate is hosted by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m., with former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinnis moderating the event.

Candidates on schedule for the evening include Citrus Heights Council Member Sue Frost, Folsom City Council Member Kerri Howell, teacher Gary Blenner, former deputy sheriff Gary Burns, Folsom Cordova School Board Member Teresa Stanley, and candidate Michael Kozlowski.

The six candidates are all seeking to fill a spot on the Supervisor board left by Roberta MacGlashan, who announced last fall she would not be seeking re-election.

Additional candidates are still able to enter the race, as the deadline to submit nomination papers to run for Supervisor District 4 was extended until March 16 at 5 p.m., according to a news release issued by elections officials on Friday.

[Map: click to see which areas Sacramento Supervisor District 4 covers]

Supervisor District 4 includes Citrus Heights, Folsom, and a portion of Rancho Cordova. The District also covers the communities of Antelope, Elverta, Gold River, Orangevale, Rancho Murrieta, and Rio Linda.
—
If you plan to go:

Supervisor Debate
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Date: Tues., March 15, 2016
Harris Center, Folsom Lake College
10 College Pkwy
Folsom, CA

March 12, 2016
Citrus Heights This Month: what’s happening in March

The Citrus Heights Marching Band plays for a sold-out crowd during their 2015 Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. The Band’s 2016 fundraiser is set for March 19. // CH Sentinel

Local events and activities on tap this month in Citrus Heights include free film showings, a choir concert, several dinner fundraisers, an Easter egg hunt, and more.

Here’s a few highlights of what’s on schedule in March:

‘Movie Madness’ Inside Out, March 1 — Sylvan Oaks Library will host its monthly “Tuesday Night Movie Madness” at 6 p.m., with a showing of Pixar’s PG-rated “Inside Out” movie. (Link)

Little League Opening Day, March 5 — The Citrus Heights Little League will kick off the season at Rusch Park with a team parade, barbecue, junior game, carnival games, raffle, and more. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (Link)

Mesa Verde Crab Feed, March 5 — A crab feed with a raffle and auction will be held at the Citrus Heights Community Center to benefit Mesa Verde’s “Safe & Sober Grad Nite.” The event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets run $45 in advance, or $55 at the door. (Link)

REACH Potluck, March 7 — The Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights will hold its annual potluck at the Citrus Heights Community Center, with the theme of goal-setting and volunteerism. The event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., with anyone in the community invited to bring a dish to share and “enjoy and evening of laughter, good food, and great people.” (Event flier)

‘Best of Citrus Heights’ Awards Luncheon, March 8 — Winners of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce’s business competition will be honored at a luncheon at the Community Center on Fountain Square Drive. The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with registration required. (Registration link)

Coffee, Donuts & a Movie, March 11 — Sylvan Oaks Library invites the community to “bring a friend” and enjoy “a classic movie, fresh donuts and coffee or tea,” with the film on tap this month being Warner Brothers’ “Little Nellie Kelly” (96 min, 1940). The event is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude by 3:15 p.m. (Link)
County Supervisor Candidate Debate, March 15 -- Candidates for Sacramento County Supervisor District 4, which covers Citrus Heights, have been invited to a debate hosted by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce at the Harris Center. The debate is open to the public and will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 10 College Parkway in Folsom. (Link) [follow text="Follow local events:"] Education Documentary, March 15 -- A documentary exploring education in the modern world will be shown at the San Juan High School Theater, followed by a panel discussion. The free showing of "Most likely to succeed" is put on by the San Juan Unified School District's office of Community Relations, and is scheduled for 6 p.m. at 7551 Greenback Ln. (Movie trailer) (Register) Spaghetti Fundraiser, March 19 -- The Citrus Heights Community Marching Band will hold its annual Spaghetti Feed fundraiser at the Community Center, beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are limited, and the event has sold out in the past. The band can be contacted regarding tickets at chcmb@hotmail.com (Band events page) Don't miss local news and events: click here to sign up for The Sentinel’s free Weekend Edition newsletter. Choir Concert, March 19 -- The Minnesota-based Martin Luther College Choir will hold a concert at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Citrus Heights, during a 10-day tour of Nevada, Arizona and California. The concert is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at 7869 Kingswood Dr. Community Meeting, March 25 -- County Sup. Roberta MacGlashan is scheduled to hold a “community cabinet” meeting at the Denny’s restaurant on Sunrise Boulevard near Greenback Lane. The supervisor’s monthly meetings are held at 7:30 a.m. on the fourth Friday of most months, and typically feature a guest speaker and a county government update from MacGlashan. Easter Egg Hunt, March 26 -- The Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights will hold its annual Easter egg hunt at Rusch Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community. (Event page) [Don’t see an event you think should be on here? Local events can be submitted via our contact page.]

March 1, 2016
Citrus Heights This Week: what’s happening in town (Aug.23-29)

Updated August 24, 5:05 p.m.–
Looking for some local events coming up? Citrus Heights happenings this week include a community Q&A forum with the mayor and Congressman Ami Bera, a kid-friendly safety fair, a city council meeting, and several other events.

SUNDAY, Aug. 23– BloodSource will wrap up its three-day blood drive at Sunrise Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The nonprofit’s “bloodmobile” donation buses will be parked near the Elephant Bar parking lot off Sunrise Boulevard.

TUESDAY, Aug 25– A community forum will be held at 6 p.m. in the Citrus Heights Community Center, hosted by Congressman Ami Bera in conjunction with Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost and Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan. Speakers will provide an update on federal, county and city issues, with time allowed for Q&A at the end, according to Mayor Frost. (Learn more)

THURSDAY, Aug. 27– The second city council meeting of the month will be held at 7 p.m. in the Citrus Heights Community Center, with council members set to consider approval of a $442,700 contract with AMPCO Contracting to demolish the old Citrus Heights city hall campus.

[Document: see full agenda packet for August 27, 2015 council meeting]

FRIDAY, Aug. 28– Sacramento-Yolo Vector Control District Manager Gary Goodman will be the guest speaker for County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan’s “community cabinet” meeting this month at the Denny’s on Sunrise Boulevard near Greenback Lane. The supervisor’s monthly meetings are held at 7:30 a.m. on the fourth Friday of most months and typically feature a guest speaker and a county government update from MacGlashan. (See flier)

SATURDAY, Aug. 29– The Citrus Town Center will hold its annual Safety Fair on Saturday afternoon, promising face painting, train rides and kids entertainment – as well as free bike & car seat safety checks from the Citrus Heights Police Department. The event is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Center’s shopping plaza at the corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard. (Learn more)
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August 23, 2015
Citrus Heights This Month: What’s happening in August

Looking for some local August events going on in Citrus Heights? Here’s a snapshot view of some upcoming events in town:

August 4: On Tuesday night, neighborhood groups around the country — including at least 13 in Citrus Heights — will host a variety of outdoor get-togethers to take part in the 2015 National Night Out. The 32nd annual event is a country-wide effort to help prevent crime by connecting neighbors and building local partnerships between communities and police.

[Learn more: Citrus Heights residents, police prep for National Night Out]

August 7: On Friday, the Citrus Town Center will host its final kids camp of the summer season, featuring a “Princess and Pirate Party” theme. The event will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the town center’s shopping plaza at the corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard, with free mini-train rides until 2 p.m. afterwards.

August 8: On Saturday night, the Citrus Town Center will host a free showing of the PG-rated “Strange Magic” animated movie, the last film of the season for the Center’s annual outdoor summer movie series. The showing will begin at dusk between the Dress Barn and Marshall’s stores, near the corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard.

August 10: On Monday, the Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL) will host a picnic event at the Rusch Park swimming pool from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The local nonprofit focuses on creating positive relationships between police officers and youth through hosting local events and activities. (See flier)

August 11: On Tuesday, the local Citrus Heights chapter of SCORE will host a free workshop on “How to develop an idea into a business.” The workshop will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at 6501 Sylvan Rd., in the Small Business Administration building. (Registration link)
Tuesday, 8/11, is also National Safe Digging Day — a day to raise awareness to possible dangers of digging and the importance of calling 8-1-1 before opening up the ground in a backyard or elsewhere. In July, Citrus Heights council members passed a resolution supporting the day.

August 15: Hot August Bites will again take over Rusch Park for a second annual night of entertainment, live music, food, raffles and swimming. The event premiered for the first time in 2014, and will take place this year from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (See event flier)

August 21-23: From Friday to Sunday, BloodSource will be holding a blood drive at Sunrise Mall in the Elephant Bar parking lot. The blood drive’s hours will be from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

August 22: Saturday will feature the 6th annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic and resource fair at Rusch Park. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is hosted by the GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club and the American Legion Post 637.

August 25: Congressman Ami Bera will reportedly be hosting a town hall event at the Citrus Heights Community Center on Tuesday. Stay tuned for additional details.

August 28: On Friday, Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta Macglashan will be holding her monthly “Community Cabinet” meeting at the Denny’s on the corner of Sunrise Avenue and Greenback Lane at 7:30 a.m. The supervisor and former Citrus Heights council member typically provides an update for residents on County issues affecting Citrus Heights and features a speaker from one of the various County agencies.

August 29: Saturday will feature the annual Safety Fair at the Citrus Town Center, with kids activities, fire trucks, safety displays and more. Stay tuned for more.
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August 2, 2015
Citrus Heights leaders break ground on new city hall project

Citrus Heights city leaders dug in a shovel Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on a new city hall.

Updated July 16, 11:42 p.m.–
After more than two years of discussion, debate, and planning, Citrus Heights city leaders finally broke ground Wednesday in a ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on a new $22 million city hall.

“I want to thank all of you for being here to join us for this epic moment in our history,” Mayor Sue Frost told a crowd of about 150 people Wednesday morning, calling the city hall groundbreaking “an important step for our future.”

“This is by far the largest project in the history of the City,” Citrus Heights City Manager Henry Tingle told the crowd, who had assembled under a tent on a patch of dirt and crushed gravel at the site of the soon-to-be new city hall. He praised various City employees for their efforts in making the project go from a dream to reality, highlighting the work of his assistant, Monica Alejandrez, who spearheaded the effort.

“When this project is completed, there will be a plaque put on this building and it will have your mom’s name on it,” the city manager told Alejandrez’s two children who were present at the ceremony, seeking to highlight the significance of the project. “When you grow up and have your own families, you can bring her grandkids and show what their grandmother did many years ago.”

Former mayor of Citrus Heights and current Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan was also present for the ceremony, having been one of the City’s first five council members when the City was formed in 1997. MacGlashan called the project a “wonderful accomplishment” and noted it is scheduled for completion just prior to Citrus Heights’ 20th anniversary of becoming a city.

[GALLERY: Preliminary artistic Images of New City Hall]

Looking ahead, Capital Partners Developer Rod Johnson told the crowd the site would be transformed quickly, with “a flurry of activity” scheduled to occur next week. He said in a little over 12 months, community members can expect to be sitting outside in a “very beautiful quad area, looking at a state-of-the-art city hall.”

The new hall is part of a larger $53.2 million project approved by city council members in March, which includes a new three-story Dignity Health medical office building being constructed in place of the old city hall at the corner of Fountain Square Drive and Greenback Lane. The new hall will be constructed nearby on a 10.9-acre parcel next to the Post Office, just a block away from the original hall on Fountain Square Drive.

[From March: Council votes 5-0 for new city hall & MOB; lawsuit threatened]

The new city hall will feature a single-story, 35,000-square-feet design, with an adjacent 4,000-square-feet utility yard.

Demolition of the old city hall property will likely begin in mid-August, according to the city manager’s office.

July 15, 2015
Citrus Heights This Week: what’s happening around town (May 18-24)

A few highlights of events going on this week in Citrus Heights include a drought-related presentation from Citrus Heights Water District officials, a chance to learn how to play “pickleball” at Rusch Park, and a free event to help small business owners.

Tuesday: A free two-hour small group question-and-answer session with an experienced business counselor from SCORE will be held at the Small Business Administration building at 6501 Sylvan Rd. The “Sounding Board” session is designed for business owners or those in the process of starting a business, and will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday. (Register here)

[Learn more about SCORE: Local nonprofit offers small business owners free workshops, mentoring

Wednesday: The Sunrise Recreation and Parks District is inviting the community to come to a “Free Pickleball Clinic” for an activity they say is similar to playing ping pong on a tennis court, according to the District’s Facebook page. The event is open to all ages and will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Rusch Park this Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, officials from the Citrus Heights Water District will discuss new water emergency regulations during the Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association monthly meeting at Skycrest Elementary. Members of the public are invited, with refreshments beginning at 6:30 p.m.

[Document: Drought discussion flier]

Friday: Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta Macglashan will be holding her monthly “Community Cabinet” meeting at the Denny’s on the corner of Sunrise Avenue and Greenback Lane at 7:30 a.m. Macglashan typically provides an update for residents on County issues affecting Citrus Heights, as well as bringing in a speaker from one of the various County agencies.

Saturday: As happens every Saturday, rain-or-shine, those seeking farm fresh produce will find the Sunrise Mall’s Farmers Market open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot behind Sears this Saturday. The year-round market features produce, flowers, artisan cheeses, baked goods, grass-fed beef and “so much more.”

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May 18, 2015