Tim Schaefer, businessman and current 2016 Citrus Heights city council candidate. Photo submitted by candidate
Note: In the interest of providing voter information and fair election coverage, The Sentinel has given all eight Citrus Heights city council candidates an equal opportunity to submit 100-word written statements on a variety of local issues. Tim Schaefer’s full responses can be found below. See other candidate responses in the article: “Citrus Heights city council candidates on the issues, in their own words”
Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Homelessness is ranked among the top issues faced by businesses and residents in Citrus Heights. What is your plan to address this and what role do you see private organizations playing? (Be specific)
“The city’s role in the homeless issue is to coordinate with other cities in the region to support programs and agencies for documenting the homeless. Two existing programs are Homeless Assistance Resource Team and the Winter Sanctuary program, which is limited to 20 homeless participants. With about 200 homeless people in the city, this limited space serves two purposes. It creates a bit of a competition which helps to identify the individuals who are truly ready to take advantage of available services and secondly it makes facility security more manageable. This program should be expanded to more than just the winter months.”
Measure B would raise the sales tax by half a cent throughout Sacramento County to pay for roads and Regional Transit projects. If the vote were held today, would you vote “yes” or “no” on Measure B, and why?
“I am opposed to Measure B. Previous Measure A (1988) and Measure A (2004) are nearly identical to Measure B, with the exception that Measure B has some very expensive projects such as extending light rail to Elk Grove and the airport and a 33-mile expressway between Highway 99 and Folsom. Yet it is being ‘sold’ as surface street repairs. Both previous Measure A tax increases have fallen short with very few of our streets receiving repairs.”
One of the City’s strategic planning goals is to enhance public safety. What specifically would you advocate doing to enhance public safety in Citrus Heights?
“Public safety can be enhanced in many areas such as countering the recent influx of early-released prisoners with enhanced officer interaction. Our city would also benefit from increased officer involvement with the community through additional neighborhood watch programs. Current staffing levels do not allow officers to attend neighborhood watch meetings. Both of these plans would require increasing the number of active officers in our police department.”
Body-worn cameras have been praised by many as a way to increase accountability and decrease false claims against police. Do you believe CHPD should implement body-worn cameras within the next two years? Why, or why not?
“CHPD is on the right track and they require our full support. I believe body cams bring as many problems as they solve. Due to the narrow camera angle, there is no guarantee body cams really clarify situations. There is also the problem of when the body cams need to be turned off, such as when protecting the identity of the victims of battery or sexual assault. Storage and security of the video is expensive. Due to these issues and others, I believe the routine use of body cams would be of limited benefit to the community.”
Many of you have advocated for a fiscally conservative policy and maintaining the City’s history of operating debt free. What is your specific plan to address the growing cost of pensions and maintaining a balanced budget with healthy reserves?
“This is a concern for every government agency in California. We will need to work with the public unions to reduce the creation of more liabilities for new employees moving forward. While our existing council has been consistently fiscally conservative they have also added to our pension liabilities by approving many pay increases. Unfortunately these two issues are on a collision course. There are some tough decisions ahead and for this reason, I believe the voters needs to elect someone that is ready to tackle these issues head on and stand up to the pressures and powers that be.”
In August, the city council voted 4-0 to oppose Proposition 64, which would legalize recreational marijuana in California. Do you agree with the council’s decision?
“I believe there is a very simple question about this proposition. Does passage of this proposition make life better in Citrus Heights and California? I believe the objective answer to this question is ‘no.’ I agree with the city council’s decision.”
It is well-known that many homeowners choose to ignore required building permits while doing remodel or construction work on their properties, citing permit costs or “excessive regulations.” What would you do to address this?
“Previously permits were issued by the county and enforcement was poor. Now that permits are issued at the city level, the process is easier and we have the opportunity to work toward an improved balance between customer service, building permit compliance and code enforcement. I would encourage the city manager to appoint a building department community advocate to help find the appropriate balance.”
What, if any, are two existing city regulations/codes that you think should be changed, and why?
“One area I think we could improve is traffic safety around our schools. This is of great concern for parents and they have brought that concern to me. I would propose a heightened awareness campaign for traffic safety and a doubling of traffic fines in school zones.”
Citrus Heights 2016 City Council candidates, from left to right. Top: Rick Doyle, Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Porsche Middleton. Bottom: Tim Schaefer, Marcel Weiland, Michael Nishimura, Bret Daniels. // CH Sentinel
Updated Oct. 23, 12:21 a.m.–
In the interest of providing voter information and fair election coverage, The Sentinel has given all eight Citrus Heights city council candidates an equal opportunity to submit written statements on a variety of local issues. Seven of the eight candidates submitted statements by the Oct. 22 deadline, and links are provided below to each candidate’s responses.
Questions included topics of homelessness, enhancing public safety, body cameras, marijuana regulation, fiscal policy, and Measure B. Although agreeing on many issues, candidates hold opposing views on Measure B and police-worn body cameras, and also have differing approaches to enhancing public safety and addressing homelessness.
The top four candidates for city council listed by likely voters interviewed by The Sentinel Monday were Jeff Slowey, Marcel Weiland, Tim Schaefer, and Rick Doyle. // CH Sentinel
Updated Sept. 22, 7:17 a.m.–
A survey of likely voters who attended a Monday-night Citrus Heights city council candidate forum narrowed a field of eight candidates down to four — with attendees notably naming the youngest candidate in the room among their top picks.
Asked to list the top three candidates who stood out for their performance during the two-hour forum, attendees repeatedly named Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey and 26-year-old Marcel Weiland among the top performers of the evening. The only other two candidates to make it into the “top three” list of any of the dozen attendees interviewed by The Sentinel were Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle and businessman Tim Schaefer.
While Slowey, Doyle and Schaefer all hold significant experience, the surprise candidate of the night was Weiland, who is lesser-known and half the age of most of the eight candidates running. With only one exception, the dozen people interviewed all included Weiland in their top three list, often referring to him as “the young guy” and commenting positively on his youthful perspective.
“He is young, but he didn’t talk like he was young,” said 77-year-old Susan Allen, who listed Weiland in her top three, along with Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey and Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle. Asked why she named Weiland, Susan and her husband Forrest both called him “articulate,” and said he “didn’t waffle on any of the questions.”
The 26-year-old Weiland grew up in Citrus Heights near Tempo Park, was homeschooled, graduated from Santa Clara University, served as a legislative analyst with former state Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, and currently works as a director at a financial tech company in Auburn. His experience includes competing in speech and debate during his high school and college years, earning a degree in political science, and notably running against then-state Senator Darrell Steinberg for a senate seat in 2010 at the age of 20.
While making it into the “top three” in the minds of many forum attendees, Weiland faces a tough challenge as voters ultimately have to narrow their choices down to the top two, with only a pair of seats up for election on the five-member city council this November. Candidates Slowey and Doyle will make for a tough race, as each have many more years of local leadership experience, are well-funded, and boast a long list of endorsements.
Schaefer also poses a credible threat and boasts a long history of neighborhood association involvement, formerly serving as the vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), which hosted the Sept. 19 candidate forum. The 55-year-old ran for city council in 2014 on a “Save City Hall” platform to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall, but lost the election by a margin of about 800 votes.
Candidate Bret Daniels, who previously served on the council for six years, has also demonstrated past leadership and an ability to win elections — but wasn’t mentioned by any of the attendees interviewed by The Sentinel.
Forum attendee Jayna Karpinski-Costa, who serves as president of the SOAR Neighborhood Association, named Schaefer in her top three list, along with Slowey and Weiland. Others like Kathy Kellogg said she had a hard time narrowing the list down to three.
“Gosh, there was so many good ones — only three?” asked the 60-year-old, who told The Sentinel she was still undecided about who to vote for. Kellogg ended up listing Slowey, Doyle and Schaefer, citing their experience, but added that Weiland would be a good pick “if you put him with someone who has experience.”
While Weiland’s youth played a big role in likely voters’ minds, Doyle’s experience won the respect of many attendees interviewed afterward, with his record as a 39-year resident of Citrus Heights and a six-year member of the City’s planning commission. He also boasts the endorsement of the entire city council, outgoing Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, and all but one of his fellow planning commissioners.
Vice Mayor Slowey also earned respect from attendees as the only incumbent in the race, running on his record as a 13-year veteran council member and taking credit for helping Citrus Heights operate as a city with no debt. “If you like what’s going on in the city, I had a big part to do with a lot of that,” he said in his opening statement.
The remaining three candidates in the race are restaurant manager Michael Nishimura, engineering consultant Porsche Middleton, and Construction Board of Appeals member Amor Taylor. The trio will face a difficult time getting their message out as they are the only candidates who chose not to pay the $700 cost to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter.
The trio were also the only candidates who signed a campaign finance form declaring they do not intend to raise or spend more than $2,000 in the election. A review of the past two Citrus Heights city council elections found that winning candidates have all raised over $10,000 — with some candidates spending over $20,000.
Candidates will have a second chance to win over more voters at another forum set for Oct. 6, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce at San Juan High School.
On the Issues The Sept. 19 candidate forum was attended by about 70 people and featured a series of 13 rapid-fire succession questions by moderator Matt Lesenyie, who teaches at UC Davis and is a Ph.D. candidate. Topics ranged from code enforcement, to development approaches and how to stimulate community involvement.
Candidates took seats at chairs usually occupied by city council members during council meetings, each hopeful their answers would bring them one step closer to a four-year seat in the same chair. While many answers lacked specific action plans and uncovered only mild disagreements among the candidates, several issues drew a bit more heated and diverse comments from the eight candidates.
Bret Daniels Daniels, 56, who is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputy and former Citrus Heights council member, distinguished himself with a focus on law enforcement, advocating for more officers on the streets and calling public safety the “number one role of government.”
He also criticized the city for failing to listen to the community at times and called an idea floated by Commissioner Doyle to consider new residential dwellings on top of businesses “crazy.” Daniels also took aim at the high cost to taxpayers for Regional Transit services, claiming it would be cheaper to pay for Uber or Lyft to drive RT riders around.
Porsche Middleton
Middleton, 32, spoke most passionately on education and said when she moved to Citrus Heights two years ago with her family and two small children, she “almost didn’t settle here because of the school system.” She, along with Slowey and Schaefer, made the case that improved schools would attract young families to the city, which in turn would reduce blight and enhance the economy.
Tim Schaefer A question about past neighborhood involvement brought out the strengths of Doyle, Slowey, Taylor, Daniels, and Schaefer, while the rest admitted to little or no past involvement in their neighborhood associations. Schaefer served as the past vice president of REACH and also helped lead other neighborhood groups and efforts. As an opponent of new taxes, he questioned whether Measure B would actually repair roads in Citrus Heights and also criticized the new city hall project for draining reserves that could have been spent on roads.
Schaefer also took a controversial jab at Middleton for saying she didn’t attend her neighborhood association meetings because she was working and had small children at home. “The meetings are once a month,” he said. “One time a month, that’s it… it’s not that hard to go to a meeting — it’s a great experience.”
Marcel Weiland
Weiland staked out homelessness as his top issue to address, calling it a “growing issue” that would only get bigger and more expensive to address in the future. He cited a police department study that found over 30 percent of calls for service to the Citrus Heights Police Department are homeless-related and said more collaboration needs to be done with private organizations and groups like the Homeless Assistance Resource Team and food closets. As the youngest candidate running, Weiland also said he would be the best candidate to represent the next generation and the future of Citrus Heights.
Michael Nishimura
Nishimura, 53, listed homelessness and the condition of public streets as his top issues during the forum. He spoke positively of how the city is currently run and said he would continue what is already being done by the City, stating that the image of Citrus Heights has improved over the past 20 years. Regarding traffic, Nishimura advocated accessibility to businesses and voiced concern about people avoiding shopping at Sunrise Mall due to traffic on Greenback Lane and Sunrise Boulevard.
Amor Taylor Taylor, 51, listed homelessness and public safety as her top issues, and also praised the work of faith-based communities in Citrus Heights. She said she began serving on the Construction Board of Appeals due to the her knowledge of construction and access, as a person with a disability. She envisions a city with more shopping areas and businesses to compete better with Roseville.
Jeff Slowey Slowey, 55, called Citrus Heights “the best-kept secret in Sacramento County” and spoke positively of a “city awareness” campaign effort to brand the city as an attractive place to live, work, and play. The current councilman and vice mayor stressed the importance of good schools as the top issue to fix in Citrus Heights and said the San Juan Unified School District could “do better.” He also acknowledged the growing problem of homelessness in the city, but said, “you’re not gonna solve it in Citrus Heights, you’re going to solve it regionally.”
Rick Doyle Doyle, 72, focused on code enforcement several times during the forum, calling blight in the city “a cancer.” Although cautioning that “we certainly do not want to be the gestapo,” Doyle said the police department could host a code enforcement month where code violation issues in neighborhoods could be cracked down on using smartphone picture submissions. He also said the City’s economic development should be “more proactive than reactive,” in order to attract new businesses and developments, like the Dignity Health medical office building set to be built in place of the old city hall.
Tim Schaefer, businessman and current 2016 Citrus Heights city council candidate. Photo submitted by candidate
Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2016 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights city council. The questions are designed to give each of the eight candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Tim Schaefer, businessman | Age: 55
Basic bio: “Moved to Citrus Heights from Santa Cruz in 1990. I grew up in Santa Cruz CA, 2 years community college, served as V.P. Resident Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, Parkoaks Neighborhood President. Family: Engaged, 4 grown children, three grandchildren.”
Why are you running for city council?
“I have volunteered in the city for many years. I see that there are serious issues that need addressing. I.e., poor performing schools, crumbling roads and a growing homeless population. I will offer a fresh perspective on these long standing issues. I will represent the citizens of Citrus Heights with fiscal restraint and integrity.”
What are three things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
1) Citrus Heights has a very unique sense of community and family. 2) I like friendly people that live here. 3) The police department.
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
1) Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged. “I don’t necessarily follow her atheist views and utilitarian philosophy but I understand the caution she expresses about over regulation, but it was a great story about the characteristics and drive of the entrepreneurial spirit.”
2) Dale Carnegie’s “How to win friends and influence people”, this classic book’s message is about treating people with respect and courtesy.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council, if elected?
1) Be fiscally responsible, 2) consider the impact of the current decision as well as the impact and implication for future generations.
What are the top three things you’d like to change in Citrus Heights, if any?
1) Increase opportunities for income growth for young families. 2) Improve Citrus Heights Schools. 3) Reduce the crime rate. All three of thing are connected.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
“Volunteer, Parkoaks Neighborhood, Vice President & President. Volunteer, Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights V.P. Volunteer, Leader in Save City Hall, movement that ultimately contributed to the new city hall location. Volunteer for Arcade Creek Preserve and Stock Ranch Preserve.”
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?
“Life is a balancing of Family, business and community activities. My children are grown and I enjoy spending time with our grandchildren. I will do what other council members have done before me – find the right balance.”
Citrus Heights 2016 city council candidates, from left to right. Top: Rick Doyle, Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Porsche Middleton. Bottom: Tim Schaefer, Marcel Weiland, Michael Nishimura, Bret Daniels. // CH Sentinel
Updated Sept. 11, 12:58 a.m.–
This November, Citrus Heights voters will have an opportunity to select two candidates from a diverse and crowded race of eight local residents who are all seeking a seat on the city council.
Candidates range in age from 26 to 72 years old, each with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Sentinel gave each candidate the opportunity to submit written answers to a series of seven identical questions for a candidate profile. Their answers are linked below and published word-for-word, as long as responses were kept under 100 words.
Jeff Slowey, 55, is a vice president for Bank of America and has served on the city council since 2003. He is the only incumbent running in the election, as current councilwoman Sue Frost gave up her seat in order to run for Sacramento County Supervisor this year. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Bret Daniels, 56, is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy and current president of “Our Fallen,” a local nonprofit that works to help families of fallen officers. Daniels previously served on the Citrus Heights city council from 1999 until he resigned in 2005, citing personal and family reasons. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Marcel Weiland, 26, grew up in Citrus Heights, worked in the state capitol, and earned a degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He currently works as director of institutional alliances at Riskalyze, a financial tech company based in Auburn. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. He also heads up a local neighborhood watch group and has served as a volunteer with the Citrus Heights Police Department since 2008. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Porsche Middleton, 32, serves as a project manager at “A Project Ahead,” an engineering consulting company based in the Sacramento area. She moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama two years ago. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Amor Taylor, 51, serves on the City’s Construction Board of Appeals and plans to open a Menchie’s frozen yogurt franchise in Citrus Heights next year. She previously served as director of public policy services for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Michael Nishimura, 53, is the general manager of the Elephant Bar restaurant in Citrus Heights. He also serves on the board of directors for the Sunrise Marketplace and an advisory committee for the Culinary Academy at San Juan High School. (Click to read full candidate profile)
Updated Aug. 24, 5:05 p.m.–
With the Aug. 17 filing deadline now passed, a total of eight Citrus Heights residents have qualified to run for one of two city council seats up for election this November.
Names confirmed for the November ballot include current Vice Mayor Jeff Slowey, Planning Commissioner Rick Doyle, former councilman Bret Daniels, and Construction Board of Appeals Member Amor Taylor. The former vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights, Tim Schaefer, will also appear on the ballot, along with Porsche Middleton, Michael Nishimura, and Marcel Weiland.
The candidates will face off in the Nov. 8 election, with the top two earning four-year seats on the five-member city council. Based on past elections, candidates will likely need to receive 8-10,000 votes in order to win.
Only five of the eight candidates chose to pay the optional $700 cost to include a 200-word candidate statement in the November election sample ballot, which is direct-mailed to each voter.
Vice Mayor Slowey, 55, will be the only incumbent listed on the ballot, as current councilwoman Sue Frost gave up her seat in order to run for Sacramento County Supervisor this year. Slowey works as a vice president for Bank of America and was appointed to the city council in 2003. He won subsequent elections in 2004, 2008, and 2012.
Bret Daniels, 56, is a former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy and current president of “Our Fallen,” a local nonprofit that works to help families of fallen officers. Daniels previously served on the Citrus Heights city council from 1999 until he resigned in 2005, citing personal and family reasons.
Marcel Weiland, 25, grew up in Citrus Heights, worked in the state capitol, and earned a degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He currently works as director of institutional alliances at Riskalyze, a financial tech company based in Auburn.
Tim Schaefer, 55, is a sales engineer with Ellison Technologies and has also served in various leadership positions in local neighborhood associations. In 2014, he spearheaded a “Save City Hall” effort to oppose the plan to tear down and move the old city hall.
Rick Doyle, 72, is a retired Farmers insurance agent and currently serves on the City’s planning commission. More than a year out from the election, he was the first to officially file his intention to run for city council and has earned the endorsement of a majority of current council members, including Mayor Jeannie Bruins.
Porsche Middleton, 32, told The Sentinel she recently moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama with her husband and children. Although she did not file a candidate statement, Middleton told The Sentinel she is currently a project manager at “A Project Ahead,” an engineering consulting company based in the Sacramento area.
Amor Taylor, 51, was appointed to serve on the City’s five-member Construction Board of Appeals in 2013. She also did not file a candidate statement, but told The Sentinel she previously served for eight years as director of public policy services for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and plans to own and operate a Menchie’s frozen yogurt franchise in Citrus Heights, slated to open next year.
Michael Nishimura, 53, is the general manager of the Elephant Bar restaurant in Citrus Heights. Although he did not file a candidate statement, Nishimura told The Sentinel via email Saturday that he also serves on the board of directors for the Sunrise Marketplace and an advisory committee for the Culinary Academy at San Juan High School.
*Note: The Sentinel will begin publishing a series of in-depth profiles on each of the eight candidates next week. Find out more about the candidates and get all The Sentinel’s local stories delivered to your inbox each Sunday: subscribe to our free Weekend Edition.
Local news briefs for the second week in August include a unanimous city council vote to allow backyard chickens in Citrus Heights, arson fires near Greenback Lane, a new police K9 dog added to the force, and an update on local elections.
Citrus Heights police welcome new K9 dog to force The Citrus Heights Police Department announced the graduation of its newest police K9 dog this week. The department said 14-month-old “Blitz” is a German Shepard who’s father, “Bodie,” was severely injured in 2012 after being shot by a car-jacking suspect while serving as a K9 for the Sacramento Police Department. According to a news release, police have organized a reunion for the father-son pair next week where the two dogs will share a graduation cake and Bodie “will pass on the torch for Blitz to work hard and keep the community safe.
City council votes 5-0 to allow backyard chickens Citrus Heights council members unanimously voted in favor of dropping a restriction on hen-keeping in the city, following a public hearing on Thursday night. Existing regulations banned hens from being kept on residential lots under 10,000 square feet in size, but the new ordinance wording will allow up to six hens to be kept on any size lot. About a half-dozen speakers addressed the city council during the Aug. 11 hearing, all of whom expressed support for dropping the restriction on hen-keeping. No one spoke in opposition to the proposal.
The ordinance changes are set to go into effect 30 days after a second reading is held at next month’s council meeting on Sept. 8. Roosters are unaffected by the ordinance change and are only allowed to be kept on lots over 20,000 square feet in size. At the council’s request, a staff report will be made at the end of 12 months to ensure the new regulations are not causing any unintended problems. (See latest draft wording)
Fires along I-80 near Greenback ruled arson
Several grass fires along eastbound Interstate 80 between Greenback and Madison Thursday afternoon were ruled arson by fire officials. Metro Fire said the largest blaze torched a half-mile stretch along I-80, with one of the fires jumping a wall into a yard. No homes were reportedly damaged. Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Fire’s Tipline at (916) 859-3775, or email arsontip@metrofire.ca.gov.
Deadline extended to run for city council; 5 qualified so far The deadline to file nomination papers to run for a seat on the Citrus Heights city council has been extended to Aug. 17 at 5 p.m., the city clerk’s office confirmed Friday. A deadline extension occurs any time an incumbent does not file by the original deadline. As expected, current Councilwoman Sue Frost did not file, as she gave up her seat to run for County Supervisor.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, City Clerk Amy Van said a total of five residents had qualified for the November ballot: Amor Taylor, Jeff Slowey, Rick Doyle, Marcel Weiland and Michael Nishimura. Porsche Middleton, who moved to Citrus Heights from Alabama recently, also returned nomination papers, but is still pending final signature verification. Four others have picked up nomination papers but have not turned them in: David Huber, Vincent Nicholas, Bret Daniels, and Tim Schaefer.
>>Find out more about each candidate and get all The Sentinel’s local stories delivered to your inbox each Sunday: subscribe to our free Weekend Edition.
A map of Citrus Heights, showing the city’s 11 different neighborhood areas.
Sentinel staff report–
Although many aren’t aware of it, for nearly two decades there’s been groups of neighbors all across Citrus Heights who regularly meet to improve the quality of life in their area and provide feedback and input to City staff and leaders.
A total of 11 different neighborhood areas make up the city of Citrus Heights, with each area having a neighborhood association to represent its members. Unlike fee-based homeowner’s associations, the neighborhood groups have no required dues — and anyone residing, working, or owning property within the neighborhood’s boundaries is able to be involved in the association.
Typical monthly meetings include “POP” updates from a Problem-Oriented Policing officer with the Citrus Heights Police Department, where residents are informed about recent crime statistics and trends for the neighborhood. A time for question-and-answer with the officer is also typically available, and it’s not uncommon to hear from a guest speaker like the mayor or police chief at a neighborhood meeting.
Formed in Dec. 1999 and modeled after Roseville’s neighborhood groups, each neighborhood area in Citrus Heights is distinct, with some areas more active than others. Each association also has its own set of unique bylaws to govern the group, with the exception of areas 7 and 8, which merged.
Although technically independent from the City, the neighborhood associations work closely with City staff for administration, operations, and improvement projects, according to the City website. Neighborhoods are also asked for feedback from the City on various projects and housing developments being proposed for their area, and each association is allocated annual Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP) funds from the City.
REACH
The neighborhoods are also aided by an umbrella organization called the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), which seeks to help the 11 areas collaborate together and encourage community involvement and participation, according to REACH Vice President Tim Schaefer.
Schaefer also said a key benefit of REACH is that its board is made up of members from each neighborhood area, so the group is aware and involved in “almost every level of what happens in each neighborhood.”
Currently, Schaefer said REACH is seeking to encourage participation from residents by re-branding neighborhood associations as "areas," in order to remove a connotation he said exists with many who assume the associations have restricted membership.
"If you live in an area, you are automatically a member," Schaefer emphasized, regarding neighborhood associations. "We are very inclusive. We want as much community participation as we can possibly generate."
[Click to find out which neighborhood area you're in and when it meets]Relationship with the City
In a phone interview with The Sentinel, Mayor Jeannie Bruins said she "absolutely" values REACH and considers the organization a great vehicle for creating leaders and giving the community a voice to be heard at the City level.
"[The associations] provide a forum for people in the neighborhood to come together to have a voice as a neighborhood group, because we as council members can't reach everybody,” said Bruins, who resides in area 7 & 8.
Schaefer said in general the City has been responsive to feedback received, citing several past examples of the City taking action on projects based on input from REACH and neighborhood associations. But the neighborhood VP also said he'd like to see some improvement in the relationship between the City and REACH, although he didn't address specifics.
Mayor Bruins acknowledged there's been some "growing pains" involving REACH and the City, and said a workshop has been scheduled for March 10 to discuss some proposed changes between the two parties. She said specifics couldn't be addressed until formally proposed at the meeting.
Funding & Projects
REACH is also responsible for allocating about $36,000 of funding from the City each year, about $15,000 of which goes to NIP funding for improvement projects, according to Schaefer. He said REACH often helps neighborhoods collaborate together and combine NIP funds for larger projects.
“We're very interested in quality of life,” said the 55-year-old REACH vice president, highlighting that NIP funds have been used in the past to install picnic tables and benches at Crosswoods Park. He also said around $12,000 of exercise equipment will be soon installed at San Juan Park, using combined NIP funds from several neighborhood associations.
REACH is also a public presence at many community events, including the annual Red, White & Blue Parade and the Community Camp Out at Rusch Park. The group is also known for holding local candidate forums on election years, and sends representatives to an annual "Neighborhoods USA" community-building conference.
Asked why someone should consider getting involved in a neighborhood association or REACH, Schaefer said it gives residents "a voice," as well as an avenue for expressing grievances or resolving issues in their neighborhood.
"It gives them a voice; not only with their neighbors, but also gives them a voice with the City."
[Click here to find out which neighborhood area you're in and when it meets]
A map of Citrus Heights, showing the city’s 11 different neighborhood areas.
The following is a list of meeting dates and times of the various neighborhood areas in Citrus Heights. All meetings are open to members of the public.
AREA 1, Northwest Neighborhood Area
Meets third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Sierra Meadows Mobile Estates
7600 Daily Ave.
AREA 2, Rusch Park Neighborhood Area
Meets third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church
7607 Garden Gate Dr.
AREA 3, Citrus Heights Association Number Three (CHANT)
Meets second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Police Dept. Community Room
6315 Fountain Square Dr.
AREA 4, Arcade Creek Neighborhood Area
Meets first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Police Dept. Community Room
6315 Fountain Square Dr.
AREA 5, Park Oaks Neighborhood Area (PONA)
Meets third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Advent Lutheran Church
5901 San Juan Ave.
AREA 6, Sunrise Ranch Neighborhood Area
Meets fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Twin Oaks Ave. Baptist Church
7690 Twin Oaks Ave.
AREA 7,8 & 9 Citrus Heights Area Seven, Eight, Nine (CHASEN)
Meets third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Antelope Road Christian Fellowship
7951 Antelope Rd.
AREA 10, Sylvan Old Auburn Road (SOAR)
Meets fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Sylvan Community Center
7521 Community Dr.
AREA 11, Birdcage Heights Neighborhood Association
Meets third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Skycrest Elementary
5641 Mariposa Ave.
Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH)
Meets first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Police Dept. Community Room
6315 Fountain Square Dr.
REACH can also be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reach.citrusheights
*Dates and times provided to The Sentinel by the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights. The information is accurate as of Feb. 21, 2016, but subject to change. Email reach.chca@gmail.com for updated meeting time and location information.
File photo, Citrus Heights City Manager Henry Tingle addresses a group in 2014 for the Sayonara Center Bus Unveiling // Courtesy, City of Citrus Heights
City Manager Henry Tingle announced this week he will be retiring from his long-held position in Citrus Heights at the end of 2016.
In an email to The Sentinel, Mayor Jeannie Bruins praised the city manager for being “largely responsible” for the City’s financial success, calling Citrus Heights “the only known city in California that operates debt-free while continuing to improve the quality of life” for residents.
On Friday, Tingle declined an interview request to discuss his 15-plus years of service in the City, saying he preferred an interview closer to his actual retirement at the end of the year.
According to the City website, the manager serves at the pleasure of the majority of the council and his office is responsible for “planning, supervising, and coordinating the City’s operations.” All department heads and key managers in the City report to the city manager.
Tingle’s leadership has largely been looked on favorably by the community, although his advocacy for the new city hall approved last year stirred some controversy among residents.
Tim Schaefer, vice president of the Residents’ Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights (REACH), commended Tingle for doing “an exemplary job” over 16 years, although Schaefer himself had been a vocal opponent of the new city hall. The resident leader credited the city manager with helping bring in a “top notch police chief” and the formation of the City’s own police department in 2006.
REACH President Tonya Wagner, whose organization represents the City’s 11 neighborhood associations, said she was surprised by Tingle’s retirement announcement. She described him as being “pretty low-key” and said he’s always been easy to talk to, but is known to not prefer public speaking.
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The outgoing city manager is also known for his strong fiscal responsibility, recently summarizing one of his principles as “I hate debt.” His office also took a lead role in securing the new Dignity Health Medical Office Building and City Hall Project on Fountain Square Drive, which Tingle called “by far the largest project in the history of the City.”
According to a 2008 California City Management Foundation newsletter, Tingle received a BA at Sonoma State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. Prior to becoming Citrus Heights’ city manager in Oct. 1999, Tingle served as deputy city manager of Richmond, beginning in 1995.
In Dec. 2015, a Sacramento Bee articlelisted Tingle as one of California’s top 50 highest-paid local government officials in 2014, receiving a total pay of $282,311 that year.
A permanent replacement for the outgoing city manager has not been announced, but the city council has responsibility for appointing a successor. Police Chief Christopher Boyd will reportedly fill in for Tingle as-needed this year, according to Melanie Randel, Boyd's executive assistant.
City council members reportedly had "mixed feelings" when Tingle told them of his plans to retire, but Mayor Bruins said she's "happy he can retire with years ahead to enjoy it, because he deserves it."
"He is a wonderful city manager, loved by so many people in the community and revered by the city council he serves," the mayor said in her email to The Sentinel on Saturday. "He has become my friend and I will miss him when he retires."
