Citrus Heights News Briefs: citizenship ceremony, DUI checkpoint results, art show success

Latest local news briefs include results from a Saint Patrick’s Day DUI and drivers license checkpoint held on Greenback Lane, an 8-year-old receiving his citizenship certificate with plenty of fan-fare at a Citrus Heights school, record-breaking attendance reported for the Hidden Treasures art show at Sunrise Mall, and more.

8-year-old Citrus Heights student receives citizenship during school ceremony
A third-grader at Carriage Drive Elementary in Citrus Heights received his citizenship certificate in a ceremony held during a school assembly, Thursday. Eight-year-old Jems Berry, who was born in the Philippines, became a citizen after his mother was naturalized last year, according to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services news release. USCIS officers from the agency’s Sacramento field office participated in the ceremony, which they said provided “a valuable civics lesson” to the students assembled.

The ceremony included a USCIS officer leading Jems in a modified oath, followed by the presentation of a citizenship certificate that grants him all privileges enjoyed by a natural-born citizen. The oath was followed by applause and a rendition of “God Bless America” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag,” according to a statement provided by USCIS Public Affairs Officer Sharon Rummery. Jems’ mother, Jennifer Berry, told CBS 13 that the ceremony made for “a lifetime memory for my son to get his certificate in this school.” (Watch CBS 13 video coverage)

Police: 17 vehicle citations issued during checkpoint operation on Greenback
More than a dozen citations were issued for various vehicle code violations during a DUI and drivers license checkpoint held on Greenback Lane near Birdcage Street on Friday. Lt. Jason Russo reported that no DUI arrests were made during the six-hour checkpoint, but 17 citations were issued for violations including driving without a license or with a suspended license. Additionally, two sobriety field tests were administered, two vehicles were stored, and another was impounded. The checkpoint was funded by a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety.

‘Hidden Treasures’ art show beats record for attendance
The 4th annual Hidden Treasures art show drew a record number of visitors during its two-weekend display at Sunrise Mall this month, with estimated attendance over 1,000, according to Citrus Heights History & Arts Commissioner Christine Stein. The event is put on annually by the Commission and this year featured art from local residents, including paintings, photography, and sculptures. The event was also featured in at least two TV spots, including Good Day Sacramento and Fox 40. (See Fox 40 spot) (See Good Day spot)

Other local happenings over the past week included the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band’s annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at the Community Center on Saturday night and the annual Spring Carnival outside Sunrise Mall, which concluded on March 19.

Also published over the past week:

• Cold Case: 20 years later, DNA evidence ties man to rape of Fair Oaks teen
• CHPD: man killed after vehicle hits utility pole on Greenback Lane
• Letters: ARCO protests, future of Sylvan Corners, Movie Grill?

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