Latest local news briefs include a downed high-voltage power pole causing a backup on Greenback Lane, the recent passing of a local businesswoman and a 60-year resident, a Republican state senator who represents Citrus Heights showing his support for In-N-Out amid calls for a boycott, and a report from the latest DUI checkpoint on Auburn Boulevard.
In-N-Out: ‘No boycott here!’ says senator who represents Citrus Heights
Following calls by some to boycott In-N-Out Burger over the company’s donation of $25,000 to the California Republican Party, Senator Jim Nielsen, who represents Citrus Heights in the California State Senate, posted a photo on social media Thursday showing himself holding a burger from In-N-Out, along with a half-dozen take-out bags and fries from the restaurant. “Enjoying our favorite fast food restaurant, In-N-Out Burger, at the Capitol today. No boycott here!” the senator wrote in a post accompanying the photo. The photo rapidly went viral, gathering nearly 5,000 shares and more than 300 comments by Saturday. (See post)
One arrested during recent DUI, drivers license checkpoint in Citrus Heights
Police reported a total of 735 vehicles were stopped and one misdemeanor DUI arrest was made during an Aug. 25 DUI and drivers license checkpoint held on southbound Auburn Boulevard near Greenback Lane. Additionally, 36 citations were issued for various code violations, some of which involved driving without a license or with a suspended license. Police also impounded five vehicles and administered eight sobriety field tests. The checkpoint was funded by a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Downed wire on Greenback Lane backs up traffic, knocks out power
Citrus Heights police advised drivers to expect long delays on Saturday near Greenback Lane and Dewey Drive after a vehicle collided into a high-voltage utility pole and knocked out power to the signal at the intersection. Police posted a photo on Twitter showing the wooden utility pole blocking two lanes of traffic, with the pole appearing completely sheered off at the base and an SUV stopped nearby. The photo later appeared to have been removed.
According to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s outage map, the incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. As of 7 p.m. Saturday, SMUD estimated power would be restored to the area by 11 p.m. Police said no injuries were involved in the collision. (See tweet)
Obituaries: Local businesswoman, 60-year resident among recent departures
Kim Y. Gaston, who operated several tailor shops and opened her first shop in Citrus Heights, passed away on Aug. 5, 2018. According to her obituary published in the Sacramento Bee last week, she was born in South Korea in 1939 and came to Sacramento in 1987, opening “Alterations to Go” in the Birdcage shopping center two years later. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, along with her three children. (See obit)
Margaret “Maggie” Scott, of Citrus Heights, was born in 1931 in Alabama and passed away Aug. 27 after a 7-year battle with Alzheimer’s, according to her obituary. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Citrus Heights at 10 a.m., on Sept. 5, followed by a reception at the church hall. (See obit)
Geraldine “Jerry” SoRelle was a 60-year resident of Citrus Heights and passed away on August 21. Her obituary says she was born in 1927 and had worked as a beautician for 55 years. She is survived by her daughter and son, along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Citrus Heights. (See obit)
More Briefly:
- $7k donation. The GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club donated $7,000 to the Citrus Heights Police Foundation on Thursday to be used for officer and staff wellness. (See more)
- Racism accusation. Several news outlets reported on a story of a woman who said a Citrus Heights Raley’s cashier called police and accused her of shoplifting because she was black. (See CBS)
- Prostitution sting. Citrus Heights police aided in a multi-agency prostitution sting operation on Aug. 27 and Aug. 29, leading to the arrest of 16 “Johns” who authorities said were seeking to pay for sex. (See news release)
- City profile. A community profile of Citrus Heights was published in the SacBee on Saturday, highlighting various aspects of the city and quotes from city officials. As of Saturday evening, the article was only available in print and not online.
