Latest local news briefs include Citrus Heights winning an award for its homeless navigator program, felony charges dropped against a suspect who was severely burned during an arrest in June, police hosting a “Coffee with a Cop” event at Starbucks on Sunrise Boulevard, and a local senator blasting the passage of several housing-related bills.
Citrus Heights wins statewide award for homeless navigator program
Citrus Heights was recognized by the League of California Cities this month for the city’s innovative navigator program, winning a 2017 Helen Putnam Award in the category of Housing Programs and Innovations. The city was recognized during the League’s Sept. 13 general session at the Sacramento Convention Center. A pilot program was first launched by the city in 2015 in partnership with the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team, a local nonprofit organization. After the program was credited with helping house the homeless, the city provided additional funding to expand the program.
Related: new police survey shows significant drop in homeless-related calls in Citrus Heights
The League of California Cities advocates on behalf of cities at state and federal levels and also provides education and training for city officials. The League’s annual awards seek to recognize “outstanding cities that deliver the highest quality and level of service in the most effective manner possible.”
Man burned on pavement during arrest released from jail; police chief defends officers
The 28-year-old man who allegedly resisted arrest and sustained severe burns during what police called “a prolonged struggle on the hot asphalt” in June was released from jail on Friday, according to a story in the Sacramento Bee. The release followed a decision by the District Attorney on Monday to drop fresh felony charges against suspect James Nelson and instead only charge him for a parole violation for the actions he is alleged to have committed at a Citrus Heights KFC restaurant on June 23, which included attempted robbery and grand theft, assault, being under the influence of drugs, and resisting arrest. (See SacBee story)
In a letter to Citrus Heights Police Chief Ron Lawrence that was obtained by The Sentinel, the District Attorney’s office said fresh charges were dropped due to Nelson’s conduct being “overall less serious than initially determined,” as well as “the unfortunate injuries Nelson suffered inadvertently during his arrest.” In response to the DA’s decision, Chief Lawrence told The Sentinel in a written statement: “The DA has charged Mr. Nelson with a violation of his parole stemming from the crimes he committed on June 23. While we are disappointed the DA chose not to pursue the fresh crimes along with a parole violation against Mr. Nelson, it is clear the DA concluded that the filing of criminal charges was appropriate and that the officers had probable cause to believe he committed those crimes and therefore the officers were legally justified in arresting him.”
Citrus Heights police reach out with local ‘Coffee with a Cop event
Citrus Heights police officers held a “Coffee with a Cop” event inside the Barnes & Noble Starbucks on Sunrise Boulevard Wednesday morning. Sgt. Jason Baldwin told The Sentinel about 20 people showed up to participate between 8-11 a.m., meeting with officers and asking questions. Baldwin said the coffee events are typically held quarterly at different locations in the city and are announced on the police department’s social media pages. He said the goal of the events is to “enhance community and communication” and give residents an opportunity to talk to police officers.
Local senator slams bills seeking to address housing shortage
California State Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), whose district includes Citrus Heights, released a statement on Friday slamming his Democrat colleagues for passing a package of six housing bills that would add $75 to $225 in fees to certain real estate transactions like refinancing, as well as authorize a new $4 billion bond, in an effort to fund more affordable housing in the state. The bills now move on to the governor’s desk for approval or veto.
Related: Citrus Heights working to increase affordable housing by easing building regs
Sen. Nielsen, an outspoken conservative on both fiscal and social issues, acknowledged California has a housing crisis, but said “there are too many fees and taxes associated with permitting and building houses.” He said the right solution would be to “lower permitting costs and remove these bureaucratic barriers so that builders are incentivized to build homes.” Last year, Nielsen joined Democrats in a bi-partisan vote for Senate Bill 1069, which eased regulations on in-law units and many secondary dwellings in an effort to create more affordable housing. (See Nielsen’s full statement)
Also in the news:
Latest local news briefs include Citrus Heights winning an award for its homeless navigator program, felony charges dropped against a suspect who was severely burned during an arrest in June, police hosting a "Coffee with a Cop" event at Starbucks on Sunrise Boulevard, and a local senator blasting the passage of several housing-related bills.
Citrus Heights wins statewide award for homeless navigator program--
Citrus Heights was recognized by the League of California Cities this month for the city's innovative navigator program, winning a 2017 Helen Putnam Award in the category of Housing Programs and Innovations. The city was recognized during the League's Sept. 13 general session at the Sacramento Convention Center. The city first launched the pilot program in 2015 in partnership with the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team, a local nonprofit organization. After the program was credited with helping house the homeless, the city provided additional funding to expand the program...
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