The City Council recognized February as Black History Month, honoring African Americans for their artistic contributions to society. (Left to right) City Manager Ashley Feeney, Councilmember Tim Schaefer, Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Mayor Bret Daniels, Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff, and Councilmember Porsche Middleton. Photo provided by the City of Citrus Heights 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - At a recent meeting, the Citrus Heights City Council issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month. Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff read the proclamation and explained that since 1926, Black History Month has served as a time to recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts, said Lopez-Taff, “which showcases the historical and contemporary influence African Americans have made in the areas of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression.”

African Americans have given “valuable and lasting contributions to our community, through an abundance of artistic mediums that empower one another and uplift our communities in social, spiritual, political, and economic spaces,” read Lopez-Taff. “As a result of their determination, hard work, and perseverance, African Americans have merited exceptional success in all aspects of society.”

Diane Ebbitt-Reihle was honored for her work as executive director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce by the City Council and members of staff. Photo provided by the City of Citrus Heights

Lopez-Taff said the Council encouraged residents to reflect on the “challenges and triumphs of African Americans and look ahead to improve society so that we live up to the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice.”

The Council also recognized Diane Ebbitt-Reihle for her service as executive director of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, as she recently stepped down from that role to take a new position as the district manager for the Carmichael Improvement District.

Councilmember Tim Schaefer read the proclamation, which detailed Ebbitt-Reihle’s service at the Chamber in her position as executive director since 2020 and serving on the Chamber Board for many years before that.

Ebbitt-Reihle built and maintained relationships with Chamber stakeholders and the community, organizing ribbon cuttings, mixers, luncheons, and events. She was a valued partner with the City’s Economic Development Department, helping to implement programs to assist businesses with COVID-19 support and recovery. And she was instrumental in the creation of the Best of Citrus Heights program, which celebrates local businesses in 40 different categories.

City Attorney Ryan Jones accepted a proclamation from the City Council recognizing his promotion to colonel with the California Air National Guard. (Left to right) City Manager Ashley Feeney, Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Councilmember Tim Schaefer, City Attorney Ryan Jones, Mayor Bret Daniels, Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff, and Councilmember Porsche Middleton. Photo provided by the City of Citrus Heights

Ebbitt-Reihle’s “outstanding service and commitment to the City of Citrus Heights, her strong support of the Citrus Heights business community, and her love for and devotion to our community have made Citrus Heights a better place to live,” read Schaefer, and he wished her “great fortune on her new endeavors.”

Ebbitt-Reihle accepted the proclamation, and said leaving that position was “a very hard decision,” but she couldn’t turn down the offer of higher pay. She said she truly enjoyed working with the City of Citrus Heights and its business owners, so she has now moved into a home in Citrus Heights to stay connected to the community. She looks forward to joining her local neighborhood association and attending Council meetings as a Citrus Heights resident.

Councilmember Porsche Middleton said she knew when Ebbitt-Reihle started as executive director “we had something magical in you. You were so proactive and instrumental, in my opinion, in reactivating our businesses during a time when things were just haphazard.” She said Ebbitt-Reihle’s creativity made a significant impact on the city.

Councilmember Lopez-Taff said, “I know how hard you worked, and you gave your all to the Chamber…The energy that you brought to the job; it wasn’t just a job to you.”  

Mayor Bret Daniels said, “Your fingerprints are all over Citrus Heights…so the impact that you’ve made will live long, live on forever in so many different things, so many different events.”

The final proclamation recognized City Attorney Ryan Jones for his promotion to colonel with the California Air National Guard. Jones graduated from University of California Los Angeles, before beginning work on Capitol Hill with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. He attended Pennsylvania State Dickinson School of Law, and was selected for direct appointment into the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. Jones was stationed for four years at Charleston Air Force base in south Carolina on active duty in the legal office and as Area Defense Counsel.

After leaving active duty, Jones remained affiliated with the Air Force as a reservist and member of the California Air National Guard, where he is currently the staff judge advocate at the joint force headquarters air component, providing legal counsel to adjunct generals and other senior leaders. Jones is responsible for the oversight of legal matters involving five wings and over 4,800 military and civilian personnel serving at 10 locations in California.

Mayor Daniels commended Jones for his promotion and said his “judicial integrity, exceptional character, commitment to selfless service to the United States of America and the state of California has significantly contributed to excellence in City legal representation, providing solid foundation and infrastructure for its residents.”

City Attorney Jones accepted the proclamation and said, “I really appreciate working for a city and a city council that’s so supportive of the military, in a community that’s so supportive of the military. It’s my pleasure to work for the military, but my main job is to do this — is to be here and serve the people of Citrus Heights. So, I’m really grateful for that, and grateful that I can do a little bit of both, and you’re willing to honor that and respect it.”

Councilmember Middleton grew up with a father in the military, so she said she knows “the dedication it takes to get here…I am so very, very proud of you for doing that. And so proud that you are part of our City Council.”

Councilmember Schaefer said that the role of the city attorney is to give good advice that keeps the City out of legal issues, in order to protect the City’s financial security: “There were some times when it was really tough, and we’ve had to make some really difficult decisions, and we’ve enjoyed Ryan’s guidance through that.”

Mayor Daniels thanked Jones for his legal work for the City, and especially his work for the California Air National Guard: “Thank you for its impact on America’s freedom.”