City of Citrus Heights Government News Digest

In recent years, city-funded “Navigators” have been credited with helping connect homeless in Citrus Heights with housing and support.

The Citrus Heights City Council unanimously approved a required letter that will allow for a proposed beer house to obtain a license to sell alcohol. A public hearing held prior to the May 25 vote was uneventful, with only one public comment voiced.

City Manager Ash Feeney told a neighborhood group last week that city staff are working “daily” to find another nonprofit to fill the role of Sacramento Self Help Housing, which Citrus Heights contracted with to provide “navigators” for residents experiencing homelessness.

Vice Mayor Bret Daniels formally announced that he will again run for the congressional seat held by Ami Bera. Daniels, a Republican, said he will fight to lower taxes, reduce “unnecessary regulations,” champion manufacturing, and strengthen the military.

The Citrus Heights City Council on May 25 is scheduled to discuss Humle Beer House, a proposed craft beer taproom at Sylvan Corners. The establishment plans to offer up to 22 taps of craft beer, with hours beginning no earlier than 11 a.m. and closing no later than 9 p.m. on weekends.

The Citrus Heights City Council reviewed the budget proposal for the next two years, and also approved the hiring of a consultant to manage grants. The city’s sales tax is no longer going to Sacramento County, which has allowed for a surplus.

Live entertainment, food trucks, and a fireworks show are coming to Citrus Heights on July 1, as the city announces plans for its first-ever “Stars & Stripes Celebration” at Van Maren Park.

The Citrus Heights City Council has approved a new program aimed at attracting new businesses to the area, with $1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The city of Citrus Heights recently reported the largest number of accessory dwelling unit permit requests to date, with 33 filed in 2022. The increase is due in part to relaxed local and state laws.

The Citrus Heights City Council approved a contract for up to $60,000 to evaluate the feasibility of annexing four new areas into the city limits, moving the ball forward on an idea decades in the making.

Following a performance review, the Citrus Heights City Council voted to approve a $12,000 bonus for City Manager Ash Feeney. A report noted the council’s “positive evaluation” and said his contract does not have any “automatic cost-of-living allowances or any built-in raises.”

The Citrus Heights City Council last week agreed to begin a formal selection process to determine a name for the an unnamed green space area on Greenback Lane.

Community leaders joined friends and family to celebrate the life of former Steve Miller, following his unexpected death last month. Among the speakers was former councilwoman Jeannie Bruins who spoke of Miller’s 17 years as a Citrus Heights councilmember and mayor.

Following a hearing, the Citrus Heights City Council opted to postpone a vote on a proposal designed to address a rapid increase in massage establishments and curb concerns of illicit activity.

The Citrus Heights City Council last month voted unanimously to approve an agreement with Habitat for Humanity to develop low-income housing on Sayonara Drive, with part of that agreement including the sale of 12 vacant lots for $1 each.

The City of Citrus Heights Beautification Crew recently worked hard to clean up areas of the city, as they've done regularly since forming in January. The crew currently consists of two people and hopes to grow.

The city of Citrus Heights will host an upcoming meeting on March 29 to share information about non-profit funding opportunities through American Rescue Plan Act money.

The City Council on March 23 will decide whether to form a new citizens’ advisory committee to examine the feasibility of a new Citrus Heights school district.

Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Bret Daniels is hoping to gain enough support to oppose a youth tackle football ban.

The Citrus Heights Planning Commission is expected to discuss the potential of mixed-use housing on a 2-mile stretch of Auburn Blvd.

Citrus Heights City Council voted in favor of a new ordinance prohibiting parking of commercial vehicles on all public roads, with several exceptions.

Council members Bret Daniels and Tim Schaefer both have new titles on the Citrus Heights City Council, following a vote Dec. 8.

With 2,000 uncounted ballots left, Citrus Heights City Council Districts 2 and 5 remain uncalled. District 2’s Marijane Lopez-Taff has a small lead over Michael Nishimura. In District 5, incumbent Porsche Middleton leads by 30 votes over Natalee Price.

Prompted by school shootings across the U.S., the city is studying the feasibility of putting a police officer on every public school campus in the city.

The latest vote count totals released Nov. 22 show Mayor Porsche Middleton has regained a slight lead of 29 votes in the race for Citrus Heights City Council District 5.

The latest vote tally released Nov. 18 shows the race for the District 5 Citrus Heights City Council seat is now tied, with each candidate receiving the same number of votes.

Walt’s Auto Service on Auburn Boulevard is under new ownership after three decades of operation.

A key part of Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights has a new owner, just as plans are moving along to redevelop the aging shopping center into housing, retail, restaurants and an entertainment center.

As part of a residential development agreement, KB Homes is finishing construction on Mitchell Village Park, with a mile-long trail and access to Arcade Creek.

The latest campaign finance disclosures show more than $100,000 has poured into the various races for Citrus Heights City Council, far more than the city has ever seen in recent years—despite elections shifting to smaller council districts within the city instead of being held at-large.