(Premium) Citrus Heights News Briefs: Chamber, award, Moe’s closes, stolen car

Latest local news briefs include a restaurant closure at a newer shopping plaza in Citrus Heights, a running vehicle stolen from a Citrus Heights driveway, Stones Casino awarding City Manager Christopher Boyd, a new executive director named for the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, and several local stories on Christmas charity, marble collecting, and youth leadership.

Moe’s grill closes doors after just a year in Citrus Heights
Moe’s Southwest Grill has closed its doors for good in Citrus Heights, just a year after opening in the new Capital Nursery Plaza at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue. Although a specific reason for the closure was not disclosed, a message posted at the location says, “We regret to inform you that we decided to permanently close our doors. We thank you very much for your patronage over the last year.” According to a report in the Sacramento Business Journal on Friday, two other Moe’s locations in the region also recently closed — leaving the Atlanta-based chain with only one remaining location in California, although a map on the company’s website indicates Moe’s still boasts over 700 locations nationwide.

Last year, a company spokeswoman told The Sentinel that Moe’s Citrus Heights location was part of an 18-unit deal signed by a franchise group, HKMII, which had plans to develop restaurants in Sacramento and Santa Cruz. The group also owned the now-closed Moe’s at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Cirby Way. Moe’s restaurants feature Subway-style meal creation, with orders custom-made at a counter in front of patrons. Meal selections range from quesadilla’s to tacos and salads, with grass-fed steak and organic tofu options advertised on the menu as well. The Citrus Heights location had received online reviews averaging between three and four stars, out of five.

Running vehicle stolen from driveway; later found
In a Fox 40 news video published last Sunday, a Citrus Heights man said his wife’s vehicle was stolen from their driveway while she left the vehicle running and went back inside the home. A minute later, she came back to an empty driveway, but the vehicle was found several days later in a Citrus Heights apartment complex with the only damage being loss of paperwork inside.  “It could have been worse, but I want people to not make the same mistake we did,” resident Mike Marshal told the TV station. (See video)

New leader named for Citrus Heights Chamber
The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors this week announced the selection of Cendrinne DeMattei as the new executive director for the organization. DeMattei had been serving as the Chamber’s interim executive director since July and is a familiar face to the organization as a long-time Chamber member and active participant.

According to a bio provided to The Sentinel, DeMattei holds a degree in management and boasts an extensive background in organizational development, program design and implementation. She also has experience working in banking, telecommunications and residential real estate industries, as well as recent experience as a small business owner. DeMattei resides in the Sacramento area and has been married for over 20 years.

City manager receives “21” Award from Stones Casino
Citrus Heights City Manager Christopher Boyd received Stones Casino’s second annual “21” Award during a ceremony at the casino on Thursday night. In a resolution recognizing Boyd, the casino said he had “demonstrated exemplary commitment and dedication to the advancement of the City of Citrus Heights, a history of strong, effective leadership, and a passion for making a difference.” Boyd is the second city official to receive the award, with the late Councilman Mel Turner being the first recipient of the award last year.

Boyd previously served as chief of police for Citrus Heights since the inception of the department in 2006, before becoming city manager last year to replace Henry Tingle who retired from the position after 17 years. Ron Lawrence, who took Boyd’s position as police chief last year, said in a Twitter post that Thursday’s award was “a well deserved recognition to a great leader.” Citrus Heights Councilman Albert Fox also replied with a tweet about Boyd, saying: “Dedicated to our community and our employees. That’s leadership.” (See photos)

Also in the news:

• Grandma Marble –  A 78-year-old Citrus Heights woman was featured on Saturday in a Sacramento Bee story that showcased the woman’s extensive collection of more than 20,000 marbles. (See story)
• Youth leadership – A video published last month shows highlights from San Juan’s Youth Action Summit held at Citrus Heights Community Center. (See video)
• Christmas charity – Citrus Heights Saw & Mower was featured in a “27 Days of Christmas” radio giveaway on 98 Rock this week, where the local mower shop was credited with partnering with the radio station to help a woman get a lawnmower and yard tools for her son. (Click to listen to the segment)