Citrus Heights News Briefs: appeal denied, local jobs, felony arrest

Latest local news briefs include the city council denying a neighborhood group’s appeal against a 42-unit townhouse project near Sylvan Corners, Citrus Heights police arresting a man for vehicle theft and felony evasion, Dos Coyotes hiring in Citrus Heights and volunteers helping clean creeks and plant new trees.

City council denies appeal against Bearpaw townhouse project, imposes new conditions
On April 12, the Citrus Heights City Council voted 4-0 to deny a neighborhood association’s appeal against a 42-unit townhouse project near Sylvan Corners that was approved by the planning commission in January. During a public hearing held prior to the vote, several community members spoke out both for and against the project. Council members ultimately sided with the primary property owner, Tom Romeo, stating he has a right to do what he wants on his property — but the council also voted to impose four additional conditions on the project that addressed several concerns raised by neighbors.

Additional conditions include a requirement that the project’s southern access onto Sylvan Road be only used for pedestrians and emergency vehicles, making the only entry and exit point for vehicles being on Old Auburn Road. Additionally, a requirement for more screening trees near adjacent homes was added, as well as a condition that the pool area be moved as far away as feasible from adjacent homes. A restriction that no oak trees be planted on the site was also added, due to one of the adjacent neighbors being allergic to oak trees. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, president of the neighborhood association who filed the appeal, told The Sentinel the city didn’t go far enough in imposing conditions to address parking, privacy, and other concerns. Her guest opinion column about the project can be read here.

CHPD arrest man for vehicle theft, DUI, felony evasion of police
On Thursday, Citrus Heights police reported locating a stolen vehicle and arresting a 34-year-old man on several felony and misdemeanor charges, including being in possession of a stolen vehicle, evading police, violation of parole and driving under the influence of alcohol. Online inmate records indicate the suspect, Sammy Lenz, is also charged with driving with a license that was suspended or revoked due to prior DUI or drug offense.

Police posted a photo of Lenz on social media on Thursday, with the words “in custody” listed below his face. The department said officers reunited the stolen vehicle with its rightful owner. Lenz is currently ineligible for bail due to a parole hold. (See Tweet)

Dos Coyotes hiring for all positions in anticipation of May opening
The soon-to-open Dos Coyotes Border Cafe in Citrus Heights is actively seeking job applications for all positions. A woman seated under a “now hiring” canopy set up outside the cafe at 5450 Sunrise Blvd. on Friday said the restaurant is looking to hire about 40 staff members, with job opportunities including cashiers, bartenders, kitchen staff and line cooks.

According to Dos Coyotes’ website, the new Citrus Heights location is scheduled to open in May. Job applications are available online at Doscoyotes.com/employment.

Volunteers clean creeks, help plant 24 new trees at local park
The Sunrise Recreation and Parks District credited 50 volunteers with helping plant 24 new trees at San Juan Park on Saturday morning, posting a photo of the group hard at work on the district’s social media account. The District said volunteers also helped clean the creek, apparently in conjunction with Creek Week.

On Thursday, the Citrus Heights City Council officially proclaimed April 6-14, 2018, as Creek Week, a proclamation issued annually by the council. The effort is promoted and coordinated by the Sacramento Area Creeks Council each year. Learn more at www.creekweek.net.