By Mike Hazlip—
Trash and other debris has been an ongoing problem at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Antelope Road, near Walgreens, prompting complaints and involvement from the Police Department.
A pile of debris was seen on Aug. 10 taking up a portion of one parking space near the Sunrise Boulevard entrance to the center and the concrete walkway around Walgreens is stained. More debris was seen near the dumpster bins and a spare tire was near the drive-thru entrance, along with shopping carts piled with personal belongings on the sidewalk.
Questions to the local Walgreens were all referred to the company’s corporate office, which last week acknowledged receipt of The Sentinel’s request for comment, but did not provide further information by press time Wednesday.
Several days after inquiries from The Sentinel, a local Walgreens representative who could not be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media said efforts were underway to clean the property. Trash and debris were removed by Aug. 16, and he said plans are in the works for Walgreens corporate office to schedule a pressure washing of the building and concrete apron.
He believes recent vandalism is in retaliation for reporting loitering incidents to police.
Employees at two other businesses at the center confirmed to The Sentinel that homeless activity has been an ongoing issue for the property.
In an Aug. 16 email to The Sentinel, Citrus Heights Police Services Supervisor Debra Nathan confirmed officers have responded to the center multiple times in the last two months. Police responded to about five calls for loitering in that time, Nathan said.
Most of the individuals had left the area by the time officers arrived, but officers made one arrest for shoplifting, and the homeless navigator contacted some individuals to offer resources, Nathan said.
“[T]he Walgreens management team and corporate office have been cooperative and were quick to respond and remove the trash and debris left behind on their property,” she said.
Public information from the Sacramento County Assessor shows the center is sub-divided into three parcels, with Walgreens occupying its own parcel. Nathan said the property owners are within their rights to remove any debris on their property.
