Tag: Scott Smith

  • Republic Services accused of leaving mess after bulk cleanup

    Republic Services accused of leaving mess after bulk cleanup

    File photo of a Republic Services bulk waste clean up in Citrus Heights, 2022. // M. Hazlip

    By Mike Hazlip—
    A crew from Republic Services, which handles waste collection for the City of Citrus Heights, reportedly left broken glass scattered over a large area on a residential court near Sunrise Boulevard and Locher Way during a recent bulk pickup, drawing the ire of at least one resident on the court.

    In an email to Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney on Thursday, resident Scott Smith said broken glass was left “all over our court,” including the street, gutters, and sidewalks.

    “Since broken glass is a dangerous hazard, I had to change my plans and spend about an hour of my time doing what I could to clean it up,” Smith said in the email, which he shared with The Sentinel.

    In a statement emailed to The Sentinel Friday, a Republic Services representative said the company was notified of the problem and has removed the debris.

    “Republic Services was notified of the issue and has since removed the debris in mention,” the statement said. “We are committed to keeping our communities clean and are sending out a street sweeping truck this weekend to further ensure the area has been cleaned to the satisfaction of our valued customers.”

    Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber told The Sentinel on Friday that city staff had contacted Republic Services and was assured they are resolving the issue.

    In a followup email, Smith said Republic Services contacted him Friday by phone to say they had scheduled a street sweeper to be sent to the court on March 18.

    “Of course that’s very appreciated,” Smith said. “Though they haven’t said they’re doing anything to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.”

    Want to share your thoughts about waste collection in Citrus Heights? Click here to submit a letter to the editor.

  • LETTER: Sunrise Mall’s new owner should be watched carefully

    Citrus Heights Sunrise Mall
    File photo, Sunrise Mall. // Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Letter submitted by Citrus Heights resident Scott Smith–
    [RE: New owner buys up Sunrise Mall for $25.6M, but questions remain; Jan. 17th]  A commercial real estate investment and management firm that buys a major mall that is in decline, and does not deny claims of being an “absentee landlord” and “slumlord,” is very likely a “absentee landlord” and “slumlord.”

    So Mayor Jeannie Bruins, as well as the Citrus Heights Sentinel, should take a much more proactive and aggressive approach if they want the Namdar Realty Group to be a good owner and steward of something as critical to Citrus Heights as Sunrise Mall.

    The Sentinel’s policy is to publish every letter that comes in. No other letters were submitted from readers on this topic.  Click here to submit a letter to the editor.

    Additional comments from readers on Facebook:

    Jamie L. — I hope the fireworks come back! We miss having a good spot to go to that’s local for 4th of July.

    Jesse R. — We need to tear it down and rebuild it. Maybe make it bigger, if not add another story to it. This mall hasn’t changed since ‘Nam and the business and jobs it could bring are endless… Let’s make the mall great again.

    Susan J. — Modernize it, Refresh it, Update it! Make the Citrus Heights Mall a place of destination. Bring in merchants of quality, good restaurants. Taker example from The Fountains & Palladio’s.

    Phillip B. — The new owners give me little hope of success from their track record.

    Sue A. — Sadly, I don’t see this continuing as a profitable mall for Citrus Heights. I remember “back in the day” when this mall brought Sac County lots of $$, and was a bonus point for Citrus Heights to become a city and regain funds.

    Mark E. —  I would like to see something go in the old Sears facility, especially something to do with education for youngsters.

    Share you own thoughts on this story on The Sentinel’s Facebook page, or in a letter to the editor. Click here to submit a letter to the editor.