At the Feb. 11 meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council, Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff read a proclamation for Black History Month stating that the city’s strength and distinction comes from the diversity of cultures and traditions celebrated by its residents. The proclamation was accepted by Lisa D. Taylor of the Purple Pageant. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The Citrus Heights City Council recognized February as national Black History Month. Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff read the proclamation at the Feb. 11 meeting, stating that the city’s strength and distinction comes from the diversity of cultures and traditions celebrated by its residents.

African Americans have made enduring contributions to “the identity, culture and economic status of our communities,” and earned success through “determination, hard work and perseverance” in all aspects of society, read Lopez-Taff. Celebrating Black History Month “strengthens our community by fostering mutual respect, cultural awareness and civic pride, while honoring the individuals whose leadership, creativity and resilience continue to inspire future generations.” 

The proclamation was accepted by Lisa D. Taylor of the Purple Pageant. Lopez-Taff called the Purple Pageant “inspirational,” as it empowers, educates and encourages young women through leadership and service to the community. 

During council comments, Councilmember Tim Schaefer announced that he’s been experiencing health issues, revealing a recent leukemia diagnosis. Schaefer said it is “hairy cell leukemia,” which is “very survivable.” Schaefer said, “I just want to be up front with folks and say, yes, I’ve missed a few meetings due to this, but I’m going to be okay.” He will be starting chemotherapy soon and has no plans to resign: “I plan on being around a long, long time.”

The council considered two requests under the History and Arts Grant program. 

Royal Stage requested $5,000 to support their Heart of Arts project, which would offer free and discounted performing arts opportunities for children, teens and women in Citrus Heights. The grant would help them ensure equitable access to the arts, by supporting marketing, outreach and scholarships. 

The Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project requested $20,000 toward the Wall that Heals, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica that will be located in the veterans’ section of Calvary Cemetery in Citrus Heights. 

This will be the first replica west of Missouri with official support from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Carved from India Black Granite, it will be engraved with the names of the 58,318 soldiers who died in service during the Vietnam War. 

The value of this project has been estimated at almost $7.4 million, but with donations of land, time and labor from the cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the City of Citrus Heights, and contractors and suppliers, the current funding need is around $3.3 million. They hope to finish fundraising this summer to begin construction, with a goal to complete it in time for a grand opening on Memorial Day 2027. 

The council voted unanimously to approve both History and Arts Grant requests.  

The council held the second reading for a proposed ordinance establishing a commercial property re-occupancy program, which would require owners of vacant commercial buildings to register with the city, maintain the property and pay annual fees. However, fees would be waived for owners who register within 60 days of vacancy and meet maintenance standards. 

The council discussed the ordinance in detail at the prior meeting, and since then, Councilmember Schaefer said they’ve heard some opposition to the plan – but no suggestions for other options.

“We have a problem. … These are blighted properties, these are properties that no one is doing anything about, and this will address those issues. If you’re taking good care of your property, this won’t cost you a nickel.”

Schaefer said he doesn’t like that they have to impose this plan, but it’s a “reasonable measure” that will address blight and help to reduce commercial vacancies over time. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the second reading. 

They also considered establishing a Youth Advisory Commission, providing an increased opportunity for civic engagement for young Citrus Heights residents. 

The staff recommended a commission of 13 students in eighth through 12th grade that would meet once a month during the school year. Students would serve one-year terms, with a maximum of two years on the commission. They would advise the council on policies, programs and initiatives impacting youth, participate in community projects and city events, serve as ambassadors for city programs and present an annual report to the city council. 

The council unanimously approved the commission and agreed that it should have at least one student from each school with eligible grade levels. Students from private schools or homeschooling within the city would also be eligible to apply. 

The next meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council is scheduled for Feb. 25.