New projects will likely bring hundreds of new homes, units to Citrus Heights

Sentinel staff report–
As California struggles with a housing shortage crisis, developers are still finding vacant spots in Citrus Heights to tuck new housing into — with several hundred homes and housing units either approved or proposed to be constructed in the near future.

The most major project currently under review is a 260-unit proposal off Arcadia Drive, near Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane. The project is set to be considered for approval by the city’s planning commission this Wednesday.

Other housing projects in the city include a 42-unit development behind Bearpaw’s corporate headquarters at Sylvan Corners that was approved earlier this year, along with a 23-home development off Sunrise Boulevard at 7878 Lawrence Ave. — although that project appears to have stalled sometime after it was approved in 2016. Work has also begun on a 46-home development at 5555 Mariposa Ave., and a proposal is currently under review to build eight new single-family homes on a small lot next to Walmart on Auburn Boulevard.

First on schedule for completion is Watt Communities’ new Mariposa Creek development, a project that will bring…

Q&A: What’s the latest news in last year’s fatal robbery at Rite Aid?

Sentinel staff report–
The fatal robbery at a Citrus Heights Rite Aid last November drew attention from around the region as police searched for three suspects who robbed the store and knocked over an 87-year-old woman as they were fleeing the scene. She later died from her injuries.

So are there any new developments in the case?

Michael Wells, investigative services lieutenant for the Citrus Heights Police Department, told The Sentinel last weekend that investigators are “still actively working on leads for the two outstanding subjects.” Police previously announced the arrest of the first suspect, Kimani Eli Randolph, who was arrested in Las Vegas about 10 days after the robbery and is believed to be the one who physically pushed the woman down while fleeing the store.

According to court records, the 21-year-old suspect was initially slated to have his trial begin next week on July 18, but he will now face trial in…

The Civic Minute: what’s happening at Citrus Heights City Hall (July 12)

During the Citrus Heights City Council’s July 12 meeting, city leaders will hear an update on the police department’s efforts surrounding the Fourth of July, as well as consider approving a $250,000 request by the police chief for purchasing new police vehicles. Among other items, the council is also slated to vote on accepting a pair of transportation-related grants amounting to $376,000.

Here’s a brief summary of what’s included in the 90-page agenda packet, followed by vote highlights from the most recent council meeting:

–$196k grant. The council will vote on formally accepting a $196,000 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant to cover about 90% of the cost to prepare a “Safe Schools Corridor Plan” around three schools located on Carriage Drive and Lauppe Lane. A city staff report says the schools have experienced a 25% increase in enrollment over the past three years, which has “contributed to already high peak vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle and parking demands, increased vehicular speeds, midblock and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, and school ingress and egress concerns.”

–$180k grant. The council will also vote to…