From left are Citrus Heights Chamber Chair Dr. Gabrielle Rasi, Chief Deputy District Attorney Bret Wasley, Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick and Special Services Division Commander Kris Frey at the monthly ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on July 15.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – On July 15, community leaders, local officials and business professionals gathered at the Citrus Heights Event Center for the monthly ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon. The event, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by SMUD, featured guest speaker Chief Deputy District Attorney Bret Wasley who offered an in-depth overview of Proposition 36.

Brandon Rose, Director of SMUD’s Ward 1, opened the event with appreciation for the business community.

“I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce, and I want to thank all of you for being members,” Rose said. “You really do improve our economy and quality of life in the region.”

Rose emphasized SMUD’s long-standing partnership with local businesses and highlighted their Community Impact Plan, business walks and the SEED Program, an initiative that sets dedicated contracting goals for local small businesses.

“It’s in SMUD’s DNA to help you achieve your goals,” Rose said. “Serving Sacramento for over 75 years, we’re always looking for new ways to make an impact.”

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce new members were introduced at the monthly ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on July 15.

Moving along Wasley took center stage to discuss and update the community about the district’s efforts regarding Prop. 36, a new statewide criminal justice reform measure approved by California voters in 2024. Wasley emphasized the importance of reporting crime and urged community members to spread the word and educate those around you.

“This isn’t about politics it’s about public safety and apparently that resonated with the electorate because seven out of 10 voters in California voted for it,” Wasley said. “Prop 36 gives us new tools to break the cycle of serial crime driven by addiction and mental illness.”

Wasley explained that the measure allows prosecutors to elevate certain petty theft charges to felonies when offenders have prior drug possession convictions, giving courts the ability to mandate treatment or, if declined, impose stiffer penalties.

“Judges have discretion,” Wasley emphasized. “They must offer treatment first. But if someone refuses, then they face the consequences. It’s about accountability with compassion.”

He also addressed the issue of homelessness and the rising fentanyl crisis, noting that under Prop 36, prosecutors in Sacramento County can now pursue murder charges against fentanyl dealers.

“We have and we will,” Wasley said. “This is about taking the streets back while striking a balance. We need to balance the rights of the homeless with the business owner, with the citizens who need to walk down the street to feel safe.”

Citrus Heights Police Department Special Services Division Commander Kris Frey reinforced the importance of community involvement.

“If it’s not reported, it didn’t happen,” Frey said. “So, we encourage you guys if something happens, no matter how small, make sure we know about it.”

Chamber staff closed the luncheon with announcements about two major upcoming events.

“The Best of Citrus Heights celebration is on Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Event Center,” said Dr. Gabrielle Rasi. “Don’t forget voting ends July 31.”

Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick also announced the relaunch of Leadership Citrus Heights, a program designed to cultivate future community leaders.

“Applications are now open,” Merrick said. “We’ll be hosting an alumni reunion on Aug. 6. We are helping shape the next generation of leaders. Citrus Heights is a pro-business community.”

The next ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 12 at the Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, and feature Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney.

For more information on the Chamber and upcoming events visit https://chchamber.com/.