Latest local news briefs include the closure of a popular Christmas tree farm in Citrus Heights, an autism-friendly Santa event selling out at Sunrise Mall, over 100 animals finding new homes thanks to a donation in memory of a Citrus Heights woman, and a suspected drug dealer being arrested just four days after police released photos of him.
Abel’s Christmas Trees in Citrus Heights closes after more than 60 years
The former lot for Abel’s Christmas Trees at 7424 Sunrise Blvd. will lie dormant for the first time in many years, after owners of the popular seasonal tree business announced on Nov. 16th that a decision was made to discontinue selling trees. “To all our loyal customers (who feel like family to us) we are closing after three generations of selling Christmas Trees. It was a very hard decision to make and we will miss all of you,” reads a statement online posted by owners Cal and Janis Abel. “To all of our family and staff who have made the Christmas season very enjoyable, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
A reason for the closure was not listed, but business appeared to have been doing well at the location, with the lot completely selling out of trees by mid-December last year. According to the the tree lot’s website, Abel’s Christmas Trees opened in 1955 and served the Sacramento region for more than six decades. The 2.35-acre former Christmas tree lot now lies dormant, with its future unknown. The large parcel is owned by the Abel family, according to Sacramento County records.
Salvation Army “Can Tree” goes up at Sunrise Mall
A huge, 15-foot-high Christmas “tree” built entirely of donated cans is now complete and on display at Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, soon to be distributed by The Salvation Army to provide food for needy families in the Sacramento region. Since 1983, the Sacramento Association of Realtors has helped build the tree, which is made of about 18,000 cans. According to a Fox 40 news report on the “can tree,” the realtor’s association has raised over $118,000 for the Salvation Army this year. (See Fox 40 story)
Autism-friendly Santa event sells out in Citrus Heights
A sensory-friendly experience for children of special needs to take photos with Santa at Sunrise Mall has already sold out online, but a mall spokeswoman said walk-ins are still welcome. The special photo sessions are organized in partnership with Autism Speaks and are scheduled for 9-10 a.m. on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 only. Sunrise Mall Marketing Manager Susie Rodgers told The Sentinel in an email: “Although the reservation system is full, walk-ins/families with special needs are welcome. We will accommodate them.” Photos will be taken in the JC Penney Court inside the mall. (Learn more)
Suspected drug dealer arrested 4 days after police release images
Four days after Citrus Heights police released images of 45-year-old Hwan Jordan, the suspected drug dealer was behind bars. According to Sacramento County Jail records, Jordan was arrested by county sheriff’s deputies on the morning of Nov. 19 and is currently being held without bail in the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove. He is charged with the import, sale and transportation of controlled substances, as well as felony and misdemeanor charges of “unlawful use of personal identifying information.” His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 12th.
Over 100 animals find new homes, thanks to donation in memory of Citrus Heights woman
The Sacramento SPCA reported on Wednesday that a total of 127 animals found their new homes in just over a week, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who gave to the animal shelter in memory of her animal-loving friend, Cheryl Lynn Keay, a 60-year-old Citrus Heights resident who passed away last year. The SPCA had initially anticipated the donation would allow free pet adoptions through the end of the year, but due to unexpected demand the adoptions have now returned to original pricing.
According to the Sacramento SPCA website, the organization does not receive government funding and relies on private donations and fees to operate. Adopting a cat ranges in price from $45-85, with the exception of Black Friday, where the SPCA discounted adoptions of black cats to just $5, calling the special “Black Furday.” Dog adoptions range in price from $100-150.
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