Sentinel staff report–
With the 20th anniversary of Citrus Heights becoming a city coming to a close at the end of 2017, several short videos reflect on the past 20 years and highlight improvements made since the city officially incorporated in 1997.
Both videos highlight improvements over the past two decades, including completion of the Sayonara Center and cleanup work on Sayonara Drive, the construction of a new city hall and community center on Fountain Square Drive, remodeling of San Juan High School, the new Sylvan Middle School, and the formation of the Citrus Heights Police Department in 2006.
The first video was released earlier this year, featuring commentary from former city leaders who recall Citrus Heights being treated by Sacramento County as a “forsaken community” — an area where low-income housing was dumped and county services were lacking. The six-minute video was produced by Webinet Media and concludes with former Congressman Doug Ose calling Citrus Heights “a success story.”
The second video was published on the city’s website last week and features a four-minute slideshow paired with a song titled “Limitless.” The video primarily includes recent photos from 2017 and was compiled by Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Janet Schaefer, who was recognized during the city’s Dec. 14 council meeting for her efforts in producing videos for the city, often using volunteer hours to do so, according to City Manager Chris Boyd.
After the video was played during the December council meeting, newly appointed Mayor Steve Miller said it gave him “goosebumps.”
A new Sutter Health walk-in clinic opened on Dec. 12 at 5406 Sunrise Blvd. in Citrus Heights. // CH Sentinel
Latest local news briefs include Sutter’s new walk-in clinic opening on Sunrise Boulevard, Citrus Heights police making multiple arrests during their latest checkpoint operation, Regional Transit unveiling a new on-demand transit test program in Citrus Heights, local Christmas lights featured on TV, high winds knocking over a large tree, and more.
RT unveils on-demand transit test program in Citrus Heights Seeking to stay competitive with the rising popularity of Uber and Lyft, Sacramento Regional Transit unveiled a new “microtransit” pilot program for Citrus Heights during Thursday night’s council meeting at city hall. RT’s Deputy General Manager Mark Lonergan told the council the program will focus on the existing City Ride service in Citrus Heights and will allow riders to download an app or make a phone call to book a ride the same day, rather than the current system which requires booking a day in advance.
Transit agencies have long-struggled with offering efficient services in suburban areas, but RT is hopeful its partnership with TransLoc to provide on-demand service will help improve service and efficiency where fixed-routes have struggled. “It’s a great opportunity to really try something at a very minimal cost that has a huge, huge potential to be a real game-changer in communities where, you know, traditional fixed-route frankly hasn’t cut the muster,” Lonergan said. If everything goes as planned, RT says the pilot program will launch in February of next year.
Christmas lights in Citrus Heights highlighted on CBS 13 Extravagant light displays on Orelle Creek Court in Citrus Heights made it on the region’s top 12 list for CBS’s “12 Daves of Christmas,” with reporter Dave Bender. A total of three segments were posted on CBS 13’s Youtube page last week, all highlighting Orelle’s array of light displays. The entrance to the court off Old Auburn Road is marked by a massive tree at the corner, lit by thousands of white lights each year, which the station reported takes one resident about 17 hours to put up. Other displays include nativity scenes, Star Wars inflatables, a walking minion, and new this year — a “Toys for the Troops Kids” drop-off area. (See videos: segment 1, segment 2, segment 3)
Frost announces new location, times for Citrus Heights community meetings Mark your calendars for evenings on the third Thursday in January, March, May, September, and November. Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost, who represents Citrus Heights and surrounding areas at the county level, announced her 2018 community meeting schedule last week — along with the new time and location of 6 p.m. in the city hall conference room at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. Prior meetings were typically held mornings at Denny’s restaurant on Sunrise Boulevard, until the restaurant abruptly closed in July. Based on community input, the meetings have also switched from Friday morning’s to Thursday evenings.
Since being elected last year to replace former Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan on the county board, Frost has continued MacGlashan’s tradition of holding “community cabinet” meetings in various parts of the county as a way to communicate with constituents and answer questions.
CHPD makes multiple arrests during latest DUI checkpoint Police Sgt. Kristopher Frey reported that a Dec. 15 DUI checkpoint operation in Citrus Heights resulted in 1,034 vehicles being stopped, with three DUI arrests made and two additional arrests made of vehicle occupants with outstanding warrants. Officers also issued a total of 20 citations, the majority being issued to unlicensed drivers or those with a suspended license. Seven vehicles were impounded, and another three were stored, according to police.
More briefly:
New Sutter Health walk-in clinic opens in Citrus Heights. Sutter’s new walk-in health clinic opened on Dec. 12 at 5406 Sunrise Blvd., in the new shopping center at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue. (See prior story for more)
New Citrus Heights mayor and vice mayor selected. The city council unanimously voted on Thursday to have Steve Miller serve as the city’s mayor for the next year, along with Jeannie Bruins as vice mayor.
Fox40: High winds knock over large tree in Citrus Heights neighborhood. See picture below
High winds knocked down this tree at (swear I’m not making these street names up) Butternut Drive & Mistletoe Way in Citrus Heights. @FOX40pic.twitter.com/vK1aytKWfB
View of the fountain outside the new city hall in Citrus Heights. // CH Sentinel
Sentinel staff report–
Want to better understand local government and develop more leadership and management skills? The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce will soon be launching its 2017 Leadership Citrus Heights classes, with a goal of developing local community leaders, activists, visionaries and advocates at all levels.
Past graduates of the program can be found in various positions of leadership throughout the city, including current city council members Steve Miller and Albert Fox, as well as newly appointed planning commissioner Porsche Middleton, who graduated from last year’s program.
Meeting once a month from October through June, the $495 course promises to take aspiring leaders through an inside look at how city government works, along with a crash course in the history of Citrus Heights, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and more. A finalized schedule has not yet been released on the Chamber’s website, but a draft schedule published in June listed the following topics:
History of the City of Citrus Heights incorporation, cityhood, and ethics
Stress and Time Management, City of Citrus Heights quality of life
Economic & Community Development, conflict resolution
History of Citrus Heights: arts & history, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning
Public Safety: Citrus Heights Police and Metro Fire, code enforcement
Mock City Council Experience, public speaking, and project management
City, County Management & Finance, effective communication
History of Citrus Heights Business Districts & Associations
Community Partners, The Fish, bus tour of Citrus Heights
Councilman Miller said taking the Leadership Citrus Heights course in its inaugural year back in 2003 “lit a fire” under him, with one instructor telling him words he still remembers today: “You need to step outside your comfort zone and see what is and what can be.” Miller, who led students in the class on a bus tour of the city earlier this year, said the course helps develop personal, professional, social and city-wide leadership skills — and it likely played a role in helping him get appointed to the city council in 2005.
“Half the battle in leadership is showing up,” the councilman said. “It actually might be 100 percent of the battle.”
The course was first brought to the city under the leadership of Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins, who said she began working in 2001 to launch the program — modeling the class after a similar program offered by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce. She said the class continued to be held yearly until around 2012 and was later re-started in 2016 under the leadership of both Bruins and former councilman Mel Turner.
“It mattered because we saw some really solid leaders come out of this,” said Bruins. “It piques interest and helps people understand why things are the way they are.”
Classes are typically up to 25 students in size, with meetings to be held on the first Wednesday of each month at a room in city hall. The Chamber’s Renee Larscheid confirmed on Thursday that enrollment in the course is still open, with the deadline to enroll being Aug. 31 this year. Scholarships are also offered for one high school student from each high school in Citrus Heights.
Classes are scheduled to begin on Oct. 4, 2017 and conclude with a June 6 graduation next year, according to an information packet. Classes are typically held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch included mid-day. Larscheid said applicants do not need to be Chamber members and are also not required to live in Citrus Heights.
Updated 11:21 a.m. —
Voters in Citrus Heights gave a nod of approval to their current city councilmembers Tuesday, with all three incumbents leading challengers by 3 percent or more, according to the latest election results from the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters. “IT’S OFFICIAL: 3/3 Gets the job done,” incumbent Steve Miller posted on his Facebook page around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning, with 65 out of 65 voting precincts reporting. “Thank you for your votes and kind support.”
Jeannie Bruins staked out a significant lead above the rest, gaining 25 percent of the vote, with Mel Turner coming in second with 22 percent. Steve Miller is in third place, beating challenger Tim Schaefer by about 800 votes, as of the latest County numbers released at 12:33 a.m., Wednesday.
Public disclosure filings show Turner received the most total contributions this year, reporting over $21,000, with Miller reporting slightly over $12,000 and Bruins around $10,000. Schaefer came in far behind, reporting total contributions of just $3,250 and Bridget Duffy announced early on she was intentionally not raising funds.
In mailers and public statements, incumbents largely focused on their past record, while challengers distinguished themselves by opposition to a new city hall building and criticism of incumbents for supporting a 2012 tax measure.
More than 12,000 undervotes have been reported so far for the council race, with undervotes occurring when a voter skipped over the city council part of their ballot, or selected just one or two candidates instead of the full three selections allowed in the race. Undervotes for local races are typically high, as past election results indicate many voters only make a choice in well-known national and statewide races and choose to leave other “down-ticket” races blank.
Poll workers at a precinct near Old Auburn Road and Mariposa Avenue said voter turnout was higher than in the June Primary election, and said about two-thirds of voters on their list were vote-by-mail. An election report for the precinct showed 201 voters cast a ballot in-person on Tuesday, and an additional 107 vote-by-mail ballots were dropped off during the election.
Although ballots mailed in early have already been counted, vote-by-mail ballots dropped off at the polls, as well as others like provisional ballots, are still to be counted.
Elected councilmembers will each serve a term of four years on the five-member city council. The other two members currently on the council will be up for election in 2016.
*Editor’s note: stay tuned for more exclusive local election coverage.
Looking to find out more about who’s running in the local Citrus Heights city council election?
The five Citrus Heights city council candidates sit alongside a League of Women Voters moderator during an October 11 voter forum.
With the election coming on Tuesday, we’ve updated this candidate forum story from October with separate audio clips for each of the eight questions candidates were asked.
Candidate answers show their greatest difference to be on plans for an estimated $18.9 million new city hall, with challengers Tim Schaefer and Bridget Duffy against the proposal, while incumbents Steve Miller, Mel Turner and Jeannie Bruins spoke favorably of the plan to build a new hall during the forum — although Bruins said she’d wait for a traffic study and Environmental Impact Report before committing to a final decision.
Candidates were also divided during the forum on whether they supported a failed 2012 tax increase known as Measure K, with Miller, Turner and Bruins saying they supported it to help pay for roads and police services, while Schaefer and Duffy said they opposed the tax measure.
*Editor’s note: to listen to the candidates’ full answers to any of the eight questions asked, click on the audio below:
1. Public Safety: “Two days ago, the Citrus Heights city council voted unanimously to oppose Prop 47, with our Police Chief stating that the proposition would ‘virtually assure’ the release of 10,000 inmates into local communities. What is your position on Prop 47, and what is your plan to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?”
Candidate answers (5:01)
2. New City Hall Proposal “What is your position on the City of Citrus Heights’ proposal to relocate city hall and can you tell and explain why this is — or is not — beneficial to taxpayers?”
Candidate answers (5:27)
3. Taxes: “The local tax increase known as Measure K was shot down by Citrus Heights voters in 2012 — although it was supported by councilmembers at the time. Would you support future tax increases, and did you support Measure K? Why, or why not?”
Candidate answers (5:47)
4. Special Interests: “Each election, there’s a lot of talk about special interests controlling candidates. On October 6, you all filed a campaign disclosure form, showing who donated to you and how much. Take a minute to share with voters who your top two donors are, and how these donations would — or would not – have an influence on decisions you would make.”
Candidate answers (5:01)
5. Homelessness: “Vice Mayor Sue Frost has said she questions whether it is the proper role of government to solve the problem of homelessness – or whether most aspects of the problem are best solved by private charity. Given the complaints about homelessness in Citrus Heights, what do you believe the proper role of government is in regard to homelessness in our community?”
Candidate answers: (5:58)
6. Schools: “Although the City and San Juan Unified School Districts are two different government entities, many citrus heights residents have expressed concern about the plans for Sylvan Middle School. What role, if any, should city councilmembers have in this matter?”
Candidate answers (5:46)
7. Business: “Citrus Heights has sought to create a City that is business-friendly, with stores like Stein Mart opening earlier this month and HD Supply opening next week. What specifically would you do to keep and attract businesses in Citrus Heights?”
Candidate answers (5:50)
8. Measuring Success: “If you are elected — or re-elected — to the city council, how will you personally measure your success as a councilmember after four years?”
Although mild for the most part, accusations of “backroom deals,” poor decisions and “PR mistakes” highlights some of the controversial remarks made during a second candidate forum for the Citrus Heights city council race, Thursday night.
Councilman Steve Miller responds to a question at Thursday night’s candidate forum, as challenger Bridget Duffy listens.
“I think we’ve done a heck of a job,” said current mayor and candidate Mel Turner, highlighting the opening of Stones Casino, which he says created jobs for 51 Citrus Heights residents. “No, we’re not perfect — yes, we can improve.”
Turner’s current colleagues Jeannie Bruins and Steve Miller likewise focused on their accomplishments while in office and expressed support for continuing in the same direction, while challenger Bridget Duffy criticized the council’s support of a failed 2012 local tax measure to pay for roads and more police.
“What kind of report card you would give your city council that’s in place today?” Challenger Tim Schaefer asked the audience, urging a vote for a “fresh perspective” on the council. “We’ve talked about economic development, we’ve talked about jobs, and I can’t say that I’ve seen much of that change in the last 12 years.”
Sponsored by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, each of the five city council candidates were asked a series of nine questions, all focusing on local issues and candidate qualifications and goals.
During opening statements, Miller emphasized his family focus and 30-year marriage, while Bruins highlighted her experience and involvement in the early cityhood effort. Schaefer and Duffy both focused on their opposition to a new city hall and concerns with budgetary issues, and Turner cited his “servant leadership” philosophy and 30-year residency.
Updated audio on Oct. 29, 1:58 p.m. —
A Citrus Heights city council candidate forum was broadcast live on Metro 14 television Saturday, revealing significant differences between the five candidates on a variety of local issues, with each candidate also being asked to tell voters who their top two donors were.
The five city council candidates, seated next to a League of Women Voters moderator at Saturday’s forum.
Hosted and moderated by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, two media panelists asked a series of eight questions to the candidates, ranging from if-and-why they would support a local tax increase, to whether they support the controversial proposal to move and build a new city hall and allow a medical office building in its place.
*Editor’s note: see audio below and check back soon for our exclusive highlights on how candidates Mel Turner, Tim Schaefer, Bridget Duffy, Steve “Sparky” Miller, and Jeannie Bruins answered the media panelists’ questions listed below.
1. Public Safety: “Two days ago, the Citrus Heights city council voted unanimously to oppose Prop 47, with our Police Chief stating that the proposition would ‘virtually assure’ the release of 10,000 inmates into local communities. What is your position on Prop 47, and what is your plan to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?”
Candidate answers (5:01)
2. New City Hall Proposal “What is your position on the City of Citrus Heights’ proposal to relocate city hall and can you tell and explain why this is — or is not — beneficial to taxpayers?”
Candidate answers (5:27)
3. Taxes: “The local tax increase known as Measure K was shot down by Citrus Heights voters in 2012 — although it was supported by councilmembers at the time. Would you support future tax increases, and did you support Measure K? Why, or why not?”
Candidate answers (5:47)
4. Special Interests: “Each election, there’s a lot of talk about special interests controlling candidates. On October 6, you all filed a campaign disclosure form, showing who donated to you and how much. Take a minute to share with voters who your top two donors are, and how these donations would — or would not – have an influence on decisions you would make.”
Candidate answers (5:01)
5. Homelessness: “Vice Mayor Sue Frost has said she questions whether it is the proper role of government to solve the problem of homelessness – or whether most aspects of the problem are best solved by private charity. Given the complaints about homelessness in Citrus Heights, what do you believe the proper role of government is in regard to homelessness in our community?”
Candidate answers: (5:58)
6. Schools: “Although the City and San Juan Unified School Districts are two different government entities, many citrus heights residents have expressed concern about the plans for Sylvan Middle School. What role, if any, should city councilmembers have in this matter?”
Candidate answers (5:46)
7. Business: “Citrus Heights has sought to create a City that is business-friendly, with stores like Stein Mart opening earlier this month and HD Supply opening next week. What specifically would you do to keep and attract businesses in Citrus Heights?”
Candidate answers (5:50)
8. Measuring Success: “If you are elected — or re-elected — to the city council, how will you personally measure your success as a councilmember after four years?”
Want to know more about who’s running for Citrus Heights city council this year?
With candidate forums set for October 11 and October 16, voters in Citrus Heights will soon have a chance to learn more about the five candidates running for three city council seats in the November 4 election.
Signs for candidates in the Citrus Heights city council race are seen outside Walmart on Auburn Boulevard.
Contestants include current council members Jeannie Bruins, Mel Turner and Steve Miller, with businessman Tim Schaefer and homemaker Bridget Duffy entering the race this year, both known for their public opposition to moving city hall.
The first forum has been organized by the Sacramento League of Women Voters, and will be a one-hour event held at the Board of Supervisors chambers in Sacramento, with live stream video available on Metro Cable 14. Candidates will respond to various questions offered by a panel of media members and the League, and will also be offered one-minute opening and closing statements.
The second forum is set for October 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Citrus Heights city council chambers, and is hosted by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), a non-partisan organization led by the city’s neighborhood association leaders. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Danielle Joesten from the Department of Government at California State University, Sacramento.
The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is October 20.
Candidate Forums:
Citrus Heights City Council
Sponsor: League of Women Voters Saturday, October 11, 2014 1:30 p.m.
Board of Supervisor Chambers (or live online: http://www.sacmetrocable.tv/)
Sacramento, CA 95814
Sponsor: Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights Thursday, October 16, 2014 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. City Council chambers
7117 Greenback Ln.
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
