Citrus Heights Community Newsletter
News You Can Grow With
Gateway Activation Project — Community Meeting
The City of Citrus Heights invites community members to a Project Update Community Meeting for the Gateway Activation Project. The meeting will highlight planned multimodal improvements along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way and provide an update on progress.
Project staff will share updates, explain the environmental review process, and answer questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more and share input.
Date: Thursday, March 5
Time: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Location: Big Oak Mobile Home Park, 8300 Old Auburn Rd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Applications Open for Final Habitat for Humanity Homes
The final 15 homes of the Citrus Heights Habitat for Humanity project are accepting applications. Qualified first-time homebuyers can apply to the affordable homeownership program featuring a 30-year, 0% interest equivalent mortgage.
Application window: Feb 1 – Mar 25 (closes 4:00 p.m.)
Free info session: Fri, Feb 6 at 6:00 p.m. (arrive by 5:30)
Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Dr
Neighborhood Area Awareness Month — Wrap-Up
That’s a wrap on the second annual Neighborhood Area Awareness Month! Throughout January, the City highlighted each Neighborhood Area and the many ways neighbors are coming together to build community, enhance safety, support local schools, and give back.
Neighborhood Areas help neighbors connect, share ideas, address local concerns, and work together to improve quality of life citywide.
Your Love Local Valentine’s Guide
Valentine’s Day is a perfect chance to plan something meaningful right here in Citrus Heights — while supporting the local businesses that make our community special.
Flowers: Awesome Blossom, Flora Belle Florist, Flower Power Florist & Gifts
Coffee & pastries: Sweet Music Studio Cafe
Fun date night: Steve Cook’s Fireside Lanes, Sunrise Rollerland
Relax & unwind: DarkHeart Brewing, Rafa Sauna Lounge
Sweet finish: Kobing Dessert Studio
Citrus Heights Serves
In Citrus Heights, service is a strong part of our culture — and this year’s mayoral focus is Citrus Heights Serves. This month highlights another powerful form of service that sometimes goes unrecognized: supporting local businesses.
Last Chance to Nominate a Legacy Business
The final day to submit nominations for the Business of Distinction: Legacy Business Award is February 6. This category honors Citrus Heights businesses with 15+ years of service and meaningful community connection.
Save the Date: REACH Community Potluck Dinner
REACH (Resident Empowerment Association of Citrus Heights) invites the community to its annual Community Potluck Dinner on March 9, 2026.
A Zest for Community celebrates connection, engagement, and getting involved close to home. Bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy conversation, door prizes, and raffle prizes.
Doors: 5:30 p.m. • Dinner/program: 6:00 p.m.
Message from Ash Feeney Tap to expand
December Business Bulletin Tap to expand
December Business Bulletin:
A Citrus Heights Business Resource
Public Safety
Holiday Season Support for Local Retail Centers
This holiday season, Citrus Heights Police Department is expanding safety coverage and beautification support as part of the Holiday Safety Plan to help keep your centers welcoming and well-patrolled during peak shopping weeks. Statewide changes under Proposition 36 strengthened penalties for repeat theft and expanded how incidents can be grounded when offenders return to shopping centers.
These updates have helped Citrus Heights Police Department address retail theft more effectively, and officers are maintaining a stronger presence in shopping centers as holiday activity increases. At the same time, weekend beautification crews are addressing litter, carts, and visible blight quickly so common areas stay clean. These combined efforts, supported by consistent reporting from businesses, contributed to this year's drop in illegal camp calls, loitering, and number of abandoned carts.
Continued reporting remains essential. Even if an issue does not require an immediate response, the information helps CHPD identify patterns and allocate resources effectively.
- Emergencies or crimes in progress: 9-1-1
- Non-emergency issues: (916) 727-5500
- Crime prevention support or safety assessments: pop@citrusheights.net
Illegal Dumping Prevention Resources
Business owners put significant effort into keeping their properties clean and welcoming, and Citrus Heights aims to support that work. Illegal dumping is prohibited under City Code and enforced in partnership with the Police Department. Clear signage can help discourage unwanted activity before it occurs and can prompt quick reporting from the public.
The City offers Illegal Dumping Prevention signs that reinforce expectations for the area and serve as a simple deterrent, particularly in locations that are less visible after hours. If you are interested in signs, you may schedule a pickup time with our team. Signs are available on a first come, first served basis, with a limit of two per business.
Recommended placement: near dumpsters, in loading or service areas, behind buildings, or along the edges of parking lots where dumping is more likely to occur.
Learn more: Illegal Dumping Enforcement (City website)
Business Support & Skills Development
Get Ready for 2026 With SBA Business Training Sessions
The SBA continues to offer a wide range of free trainings that support small business growth and day-to-day operations. Upcoming sessions cover topics like getting started with a business plan, understanding federal contracting, learning about state certification pathways, and preparing a strong nomination for the National Small Business Week Awards. These workshops are designed to give business owners practical tools they can apply immediately and are a helpful way to build new skills for the year ahead.
Federal contracting workshops introduce the basics of selling goods or services to the federal government, which can open the door to steady, large-scale purchasing opportunities.
Helpful links: SBA Events • Find Your Local SBA Office
Business Recognition
Business Highlight: Narenj Mediterranean Grocery
Narenj Mediterranean Grocery recently expanded its Citrus Heights location, adding a deli serving shawarma, falafel, and kebabs.
The expansion complements the store’s existing selection of Middle Eastern groceries, including sweets, spices, and produce. Be sure to visit Narenj Mediterranean Grocery at 7700 Sunrise Blvd, Suite 1300, Citrus Heights.
Business of Distinction Awards Returning in 2026
As the year comes to a close, Citrus Heights extends appreciation to the local businesses that continue to serve our community during the busy holiday season. In January, we will reopen nominations for the next Business of Distinction Award cycle.
Learn more: Business of Distinction
Business Check-In
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Business Check-In Survey
Launched in October 2025 as part of the Economic Development Work Plan, the survey helps the City stay grounded in the real, day-to-day experiences of businesses operating in Citrus Heights. The feedback we received on workforce needs, access to financing, technical assistance, and the overall business climate is already helping inform how the Economic Development team prioritizes programs, outreach, and support tools.
The summary below highlights what we heard. If you have additional insights, questions, or experiences you’d like to share, email aaguirre@citrusheights.net.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
— C.S. Lewis
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