Updated 9:32 p.m.-- Citrus Heights police have arrested a man suspected of gaining access into homes by posing as a fireman in uniform, allegedly to perform smoke detector inspections, according to a press release tonight from the department. "We want to remind the public to be mindful of public safety impersonators," Citrus Heights police said in the release. "If there is any question as to the true identity of any public safety officer, citizens are encouraged to call the police." Police said they responded to a report at Sunrise Vista Mobile Home Park on Friday regarding suspicious activity with a man in a Sacramento Fire uniform, saying they later found he had stolen items from at least two homes. On Saturday, police said "additional victims came forward with new information," leading investigators to identify and arrest a 30-year-old firefighter from Roseville, who they said was "confirmed to be a current Firefighter/Paramedic with Sacramento City Fire Department."

An attic fire caused extensive damage to a Citrus Heights home early Saturday morning, occurring just feet away from the Oak Avenue fire station. Although aided by crews from as far as Folsom, firefighters from Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District's Station 28 didn't have to travel far to respond to the scene around 5:30 a.m., blocking most of Oak Avenue off with at least five fire trucks and several vehicles from the Citrus Heights Police Department. Sac Metro's public information officer tweeted there were no injuries from the fire, but that "extensive salvage" was required to save belongings. Damage appeared to be primarily on the inside, although a charred hole could be seen in the roof from the outside the home...

Updated Dec. 10, 1:20 p.m.-- Rain held off as about 1200 people gathered outside city hall in Citrus Heights for the annual Christmas tree lighting Thursday night, followed by an evening of family-friendly activities and performances in the Community Center next door...

Updated 6:14 p.m.-- Mariposa Avenue has been re-opened. Previous update-- A section of Mariposa Avenue has been closed after Citrus Heights Water District crews tore a large hole in the pavement to allow for an emergency repair on a water main that broke at the intersection of Cook Lane, near Old Auburn Road. By 11 a.m., crews had uncovered the damaged water line, buried several feet under the intersection -- and had hauled off several truck loads of dirt and broken up pavement. A foreman on scene said he expects repairs to be finished by 5 p.m. Thursday, and will re-open Mariposa Avenue after the access hole in the intersection is patched and dried. He was unsure how many homes were affected by the breakage, but said water was turned back on by noon, Thursday...

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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. The Christmas "CanTree" is an annual fundraiser put on by the Sacramento Association of Realtors (SAR), which says its helped raise over $2 million to help local efforts to feed those in need, since launching in 1983. After breaking a record last year with a $90,000 donation, this year, the group says it has a goal of raising $100,000. The Association says donated food will be distributed to needy families and individuals through The Salvation Army’s Holiday Food Basket and year-round food assistance program, beginning December 27...

The City of Citrus Heights is partnering with the community this year to help provide food, household items, toys and clothes to families in need through its annual Holiday Referral Program. "This unique community-involved program was created to help families who have experienced a hardship or critical event in their life over the past year," said Citrus Heights Police Department Sergeant Mike Wells in a press release about the program. "We rely heavily on the community to help make the effort a success." Last year, organizers said the program brought together over 40 clubs, business groups, churches, schools and residents to help nearly 400 adults and children in Citrus Heights -- and are again seeking those willing to donate items, adopt a family or volunteer this year...