News Briefs: Council applicants, fire, cellphone tickets, paralyzed man

Latest local news briefs include DUI arrests at a weekend checkpoint on Antelope Road, an update on who has applied for the city council vacancy, a report on April’s distracted driving crackdown, local ladies raising funds for veterans, and a fire at a Citrus Heights assisted living facility.

Two DUI arrests made during weekend checkpoint on Antelope Road
A DUI checkpoint operation held Friday night on Antelope Road near Rusch Park resulted in two DUI arrests and 24 citations issued for those driving without a license or with a suspended license, according to a report provided by Sgt. Kris Frey. Another eight citations were also issued for other violations and an additional misdemeanor arrest was made for an unspecified charge. Police said a total of 940 vehicles were stopped during the six-hour operation, and five vehicles were also towed in connection with citations for suspended driver’s licenses. The checkpoint was funded by a grant through the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Metro Fire douses blaze at Citrus Heights assisted living facility
Firefighters responded to the scene of a fire at an assisted living facility in Citrus Heights Tuesday evening, according to a May 2 tweet from Metro Fire. The fire resulted in sprinklers being activated at the location, with officials reporting the blaze had been extinguished shortly after 7 p.m. The location is believed to be a senior care home on Canelo Hills Drive, near Oak Avenue, but Metro Fire did not list a specific address.

Local American Legion unit distributing red poppies in May to raise funds
Ladies from the local chapter of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 637 will be in front of the Citrus Heights Sam’s Club distributing bright red poppies in exchange for a donation, according to a news release from the unit. The group was reportedly in front of the store last week and tentatively announced plans to continue on May 8 and 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Community members are encouraged to wear the poppies all through May and especially on Memorial Day weekend “to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” the group said.

Citrus Heights PD crackdown leads to 196 citations for cell phone use
As part of a month-long National Distracted Driving Awareness effort in April, the Citrus Heights Police Department reported conducting 20 separate distracted driving operations totaling 151 hours. A total of 269 vehicles were stopped, with 196 citations issued for cell phone use and an additional 50 citations issued for other violations, police said. Eight suspended drivers were also cited in the operation, along with one criminal arrest.

Update: local man paralyzed in Hawaii recovering; plans marriage next year
After being paralyzed from the neck down during a body surfing accident in Hawaii last year, Citrus Heights resident Mike Droter is reportedly making progress in recovery and is hopeful to stand at the altar when he marries his fiancee next year, according to several recent news reports. Fox 40 reported that with physical therapy, “Droter is able to eat without assistance and talk. He can even move his arms and legs, all things doctors were certain he would never be able to do again.” His fiancee Jordan Lovas started a new GoFundMe page to help raise funds to cover more physical therapy, which she says insurance does not cover due to Droter’s use of a ventilator. (See GoFundMe page)

City clerk: only one applicant for city council received so far
A week after announcing a two-week filing period to apply for a vacant seat on the Citrus Heights city council, only one application has been received. As of Friday afternoon, City Clerk Amy Van told The Sentinel the only application received was from Albert Fox, who currently serves on the city’s planning commission. The deadline to apply is May 11 at 5 p.m. To qualify, city council applicants must be at least 18 years old and be a resident and registered voter in the City of Citrus Heights. (See related story: How will the vacancy on Citrus Heights’ council be filled?)

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Also in the news last week:

• Yellow Yo: new frozen yogurt shop opens in Citrus Heights
• 2017 Citrus Heights Police Logs: graffiti, bad food, assault, grand theft
• Guest Column: Sylvan Cemetery is running out of room, but there is a solution

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