Citrus Heights News Briefs: Pet-a-Palooza, police activity, city hall update

Updated April 23, 8:02 p.m.–
Local news briefs for the third week in April include thousands coming to Rusch Park for Pet-a-Palooza 2016, an update on the new city hall and medical office building projects, and police efforts to crack down on illegal massage parlor activity and distracted driving.

Pet-a-Palooza draws thousands to Rusch Park
Thousands of pets and people took over most of Rusch Park on Saturday for a day of pet friendly activities, food, and live performances from big name musicians. Activities at the event included a popular obstacle course for dogs, pet adoption area, beer garden, and a kids area with a climbing wall.

Although Pet-a-Palooza is largely focused around dogs each year, other pets in attendance included a few pot-belly pigs on leashes, and even a skunk and crocodile that were brought out on stage during a “Wild Things” exotic animal presentation. The event took place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was sponsored by CBS Radio and the Sunrise Recreation and Park District. Organizers label the event “Sacramento’s biggest free pet event,” with annual attendance estimated between 7,500 and 10,000 each year.

Update: Citrus Heights police join ‘zero tolerance’ effort against distracted driving
Police said a total of 82 citations for distracted driving have been issued in Citrus Heights so far this month, as part of a local and national effort to end the dangerous driving habit during the month of April. The effort included a “zero tolerance” crackdown on April 20, where officers were deployed during higher-traffic times to specifically focus on distracted driving violations, according to Citrus Heights Police Sgt. Janet Schaefer. She said “the only true ‘smart’ phone is one that is out of a driver’s hands.” (See full story)

New city hall ahead of schedule, MOB to break ground in May
The City of Citrus Heights is tentatively scheduled to take occupancy of its new city hall in early August of this year, according to the latest update provided to The Sentinel by Monica Alejandrez, assistant to the city manager. The August date is about a month ahead of schedule, as estimates earlier this year put the completion date around mid-September. The City says plans for a dedication ceremony and public grand opening are being discussed.

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Panattoni Development is anticipated to break ground on the medical office building at the corner of Greenback Lane and Fountain Square Drive in May, according the City’s latest update. (See full story next week)

City council to hear reports on finances, massage parlor monitoring
Citrus Heights council members will hold a regular council meeting on April 28, with items on schedule including a quarterly treasurer’s report and a police department report on efforts to monitor “illegal massage parlors” in the city. The meeting agenda also lists a public hearing regarding a license request for In & Go Market on Fair Oaks Boulevard to sell distilled spirits. Additionally, the council will consider approving a $638,000 bid from Sierra National Construction for a sidewalk and lighting-related project known as the Antelope Road Safe Routes to School Project. (See agenda packet)

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