The Citrus Heights City Council recognized October as Domestic Violence Action Month and presented a proclamation to representatives from WEAVE, a nonprofit that provides supportive services for domestic violence survivors. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – During its Oct. 22 meeting, the Citrus Heights City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 19 to 25 as United Against Hate Week. Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff read part of the proclamation, “The City of Citrus Heights is a community that respects diversity and affirms our commitment to safety and belonging of all residents.” 

“Hate presents a threat to communities everywhere and creates an atmosphere of fear and division,” read Lopez-Taff. The United Against Hate campaign “embodies our collective commitment to fostering an environment where every member of our community can live, work and flourish without fear of hatred.”

Lopez-Taff said the city is “dedicated to preventing and opposing hate and intolerance in our communities,” and that “education, compassion, critical thinking, and cooperation are keys to unlocking understanding and embracing differences between people.” 

She said the week is an opportunity for residents, businesses, community leaders, schools and faith organizations to work together “toward a safer and more welcoming future.” The City Council encouraged all residents to reaffirm the “shared values of inclusivity, compassion and respect.” 

Police Chief Alex Turcotte spoke on behalf of first responders and all government and social services entities that serve this community: “We’re here tonight to wholeheartedly support this proclamation. … We’re here to serve every member of the community and to protect every member of the community. No one should have different services because of their race, creed, national origin or any of those great differences that make us unique.” 

“So not only are we working hard to protect folks, we want to make sure people feel free access to services, that they’ll come forward if they need assistance, they know that we’re here for them, and that we’ll do what we can to provide the best service possible for any member in our community,” said Turcotte.  

Assistant Fire Chief Michael Johnson echoed those sentiments, stating the fire department’s mission is to “provide professional and compassionate service to all of the citizens of Citrus Heights.”

“We show up and treat everyone with respect no matter where or who,” Johnson said. “We stand in support of this proclamation.” 

Councilmember Tim Schaefer said, “Hate is a thing that’s in our community, unfortunately. We really need to be conscious of that as we speak. Our words are important, and we shouldn’t be promoting hate in any way, shape, or form.” 

Councilmember Porsche Middleton reminded the public that respect needs to be used in personal interactions as well as online. She said actions and words have an impact. 

Vice Mayor Lopez-Taff was clear: “Hate has no place here in Citrus Heights.” 

The council also recognized October as Domestic Violence Action Month. Councilmember Middleton read the proclamation, stating the importance of addressing domestic violence through prevention, intervention and treatment  for both survivors and perpetrators. The city’s proclamation aims to increase awareness about domestic violence, which Middleton said is a national issue affecting families, schools and communities. 

Accepting the proclamation were representatives from the local nonprofit WEAVE organization, which provides crisis intervention services for domestic violence survivors. Kristi Kiefer, WEAVE’s community intervention coordinator, said the organization appreciates the proclamation as well as the city’s ongoing partnership through a domestic violence advocate embedded in the Citrus Heights Police Department.

Councilmember Schaefer said it’s important to maintain this support system for women in the community and Lopez-Taff agreed that WEAVE’s work is difficult but vital. Middleton said WEAVE works to keep people safe and their services “are tremendously impactful.”

The council also issued proclamations recognizing October as both National Manufacturing Month and National Community Planning Month, and the second week of October as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week. 

Next, the council reviewed the draft for the 2026 Annual Action Plan and Funding Recommendations for the Community Development Block Grant Program. This required document outlines how the city will use these federal funds, administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to invest in programs, services and projects benefitting low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible programs can include housing rehabilitation, public infrastructure and public services for vulnerable populations.

Based on the amount awarded in prior years, the city expects to receive about $600,000 for 2026, although the federal government has not yet released the official funding amounts. Of the expected total, 15 percent ($90,000) can go to public services, 20 percent ($120,000) to program administration and the rest ($390,000) to capital projects. 

The council’s Quality of Life Committee, comprised of Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and Councilmember Kelsey Nelson, reviewed public service applications and recommended the following allocations: $20,000 to Campus Life Connection for the Sayonara After School Program; $16,000 to Meals on Wheels for its senior nutrition program; $24,444 to Community Link Capital Region and Project Sentinel for the renters helpline; and $29,556 to Sunrise Christian Food Ministry for its emergency food closet. 

If the city receives more or less funding than expected from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, staff will proportionally adjust the allocated amounts. 

For capital projects, staff recommended the $390,000 go toward the city’s pavement resurfacing project, with a focus on accessibility improvements to sidewalks, installing ADA compliant pedestrian ramps and repairing or replacing damaged sidewalks.

Representatives from the selected service organizations shared how the approved funding will impact their programs. The item will be held for a final council vote at the Nov. 12 meeting. 

The council then considered the designation of an official Citrus Heights Arts District, in order to enhance community vibrancy and engagement by supporting local art in public spaces. An Arts & Culture 2x2 committee (comprised of Councilmembers Middleton and Nelson) was established to bring recommendations to the full council. 

The committee identified Auburn Boulevard, from the Sylvan Community Center to the northern city limits, as a potential area for the Arts District. Through reinvestment and strategic community partnerships, this corridor could become a cultural and creative destination in the city. 

The council voted 3-0 to approve the Citrus Heights Art District, with Nelson and Karpinski-Costa absent. 

The council considered amendments to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code regarding Buildings and Building Regulations and Fire Prevention and Protection, in order to align with updates to the California Code of Regulations. 

Collaboration with Sacramento Metro Fire ensured code compliance, as well as flexibility for local businesses for infill and redevelopment projects. 

Councilmember Middleton said, “Thank you so much for working to streamline the process so businesses can actually get into these older buildings and not have to do all these massive upgrades that impede the whole point of bringing businesses to our community. I know it was a difficult needle to thread, and I’m just so excited you guys figured out a way to do that.” 

The amendments were approved 3-0. 

The next meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council is scheduled for Nov. 12.