Citrus Heights Community Newsletter
News You Can Grow With
Neighborhood Area Awareness Month
January is Neighborhood Area Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the people, partnerships, and local pride that make Citrus Heights’ seven Neighborhood Areas such an important part of our community.
Whether you’re new to Citrus Heights or have called it home for years, your Neighborhood Area is a great way to stay informed, share ideas, and help shape what’s happening close to home. Each area hosts regular meetings and offers opportunities to connect with neighbors, learn about City projects, and get involved in community efforts.
Throughout the month, the City will highlight Neighborhood Areas and the work they do to strengthen Citrus Heights. Follow along on social media, and find your Neighborhood Area here.
New Year, New Opportunity: The City of Citrus Heights Is Hiring
Start the new year with a fresh career opportunity! The City of Citrus Heights is hiring for a variety of positions at City Hall and within the Citrus Heights Police Department.
Openings highlighted in the newsletter include: Animal Services, Human Resources, and Engineering.
Business of Distinction: Nominate Today
The City is continuing the Business of Distinction program in 2026, beginning with the Legacy Business Award.
The Legacy Business Award celebrates businesses that have helped form the foundation of Citrus Heights. To qualify, a business must have operated in the city for at least 15 years, and honorees stand out through community connection, creating local jobs, and long-standing service.
Know a longstanding business that deserves recognition? Nominate them through the City’s program page.
Mayor’s Message
Dear Citrus Heights Residents,
It is an honor to serve as your newly appointed Mayor. As I begin this year of leadership, I am proud to introduce my mayoral focus: Citrus Heights Serves.
Service and volunteerism have always been at the heart of our community. This year’s focus is about honoring that spirit of service and intentionally connecting it to the future we are building together.
Pet Microchipping and On-Site Licensing Event
Citrus Heights Animal Services is hosting a final winter Pet Microchipping and On-Site Licensing Event to help residents keep pets safe and properly registered.
Event Details
- Saturday, January 10, 2026
- 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 7000 Auburn Boulevard (near the Costco parking lot)
This event offers free microchipping for Citrus Heights residents and on-site licensing assistance (a valid rabies certificate is required for licensing). Free rabies vaccination vouchers will be available for the first 50 attendees (sponsored by Sylvan Corners Pet Hospital).
What to Know Before You Go
- Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in secure carriers
- Proof of Citrus Heights residency is required
- Walk-ins welcome — no appointment needed
Volunteer in Citrus Heights This Year
Volunteering is a meaningful way to support your community, meet new people, and make a local impact in 2026. The City’s Volunteer Hub makes it easy to find opportunities that fit your interests and availability.
Current opportunities highlighted include adopting a portion of a City trail and supporting the Winter Sanctuary in partnership with Citrus Heights HART.
Get Involved with Big Day of Service 2026
Planning is underway for the 2026 Big Day of Service, bringing volunteers across Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Citrus Heights together for meaningful community projects.
Residents interested in becoming project leaders, supporting media/outreach, or helping behind the scenes are encouraged to attend the Community Interest Meeting.
Community Interest Meeting
Thursday, January 29, 2026 • 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Sunrise Community Church • 8321 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks
Big Day of Service is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
1,000 Volunteers Needed to Help Understand Homelessness in Sacramento Region
You’re invited to volunteer for Sacramento Steps Forward’s 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count — helping the region better understand and address homelessness.
- Understand why people become homeless
- Create better policies, programs, and services
- Track progress in reducing homelessness
- Support federal funding for shelters and services
The PIT Count runs 5:00–11:00 p.m. on January 26 and 27. Registration is required by January 15.
Volunteers receive brief training materials, meet at a central location, then canvass predetermined routes. Canvass volunteers must be 18+, able to travel by foot and car, and willing to use a smartphone and flashlight.
Meetings & Events
City Council Meetings
Wednesday, January 14 @ 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28 @ 6:00 p.m.
Please note that meetings are subject to change. Check CitrusHeights.net for updates. Location: City Hall, 6360 Fountain Square Dr, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.
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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