CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On Monday, August 2, at an informal gathering held in the concession lobby of the former Sunrise Mall Theatre, more than 70 business and community members met to hear Congressman Dr. Ami Bera along with local and county leaders talk about the past, present and future of Citrus Heights (CH).

Sponsored by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, the meeting provided a place for elected officials to meet and visit with business and community leaders to develop valuable relationships.

The chamber’s immediate past president, ilene Martzen, introduced the seven speakers. Each was given three minutes to talk, making for a fast-paced informative half hour.

Congressman Ami Bera shared that he had secured almost $600,00 in the House to support construction of a new groundwater well in Citrus Heights for safe, reliable, clean drinking water. On that subject, Citrus Heights Water District president David Wheaton also emphasized the importance of clean water saying, “Water is the substance of community and of the world economy.”

Bera said another $16 million will help restore some of the city’s lost law and safety positions and will help the city accelerate out of the pandemic, getting our kids back to school as soon as possible.

Mayor Steve (Sparky) Miller was enthusiastic about the ongoing plans for redevelopment of the Sunrise Mall, possible renewal of the Public Business Improvement District, and a new program, Connect Citrus Heights, to bring together all the “movers and shakers” of CH service organizations, youth groups, nonprofits, neighborhoods, and other volunteers in an effort to connect and make each other stronger.

Sue Frost, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, said her priorities are also helping businesses and getting our children out of isolation and back in school. She is amazed at the resilience of the children and businesses coming out of the pandemic. Another priority of the board is the homeless situation in the county.

Sacramento District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, a Sacramento native, said her office is working hard to fix the problems created by the EDD fraud. She is also working to halt the release of over 70,000 inmates, many violent and repeat offenders, ordered by the Department of Corrections, with little public notice. Schubert notes that the homeless situation has been exacerbated by the zero-bail policy, affecting quality of life in most cities. “If we can’t get a handle on dealing with mental health and drug addiction, we will continue to have these economic challenges throughout this state and country” 

San Juan Unified School District Vice President Dr. Michael McKibbin, and SMUD Director Brandon Rose also spoke.

Following the speakers, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Diane Ebbitt-Riehle thanked all for attending.

Sponsors for the evening were California American Water, SMUD, City of Citrus Heights and Republic Services.