CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – At the March 11 meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council, they considered an Economic Development and Participation Agreement (EDPA) with The Mettle Shop to support the redevelopment of a portion of the Sunrise Mall site. 

The proposed project would redevelop 13.75 acres of the site into the Sunrise Sports Center, a multi-sport arena designed as a regional destination for ice sports, field sports, live entertainment and community recreation.

City Manager Ash Feeney said redevelopment of existing sites can be challenging, but this project is “a great match.” 

Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff said, “This is pretty close to a magic wand moment.”  

Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton agreed it was a “once in a generation opportunity.” 

The council voted unanimously and enthusiastically to approve the agreement. 

The council also considered Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments. 

Staff said the city is currently relying on cash reserves to fund some services. However, this is expected due to the timing of some revenue collections.

The total proposed budget amendments will increase General Fund revenue appropriations by $1.18 million. Overall expenditures are currently trending below budget, with a $522,850 adjustment recommended to align expenditures with current operational needs. 

The city ended fiscal year 2024-25 with net positive ending reserve of $35.3 million, and fiscal year 2025-26 is projected to end with $35.4 million reserve. 

Vice Mayor Middleton thanked staff for the report, which shows “in very real terms, what we’re doing, how we’re doing, so we can best decide how to move forward. I love to see that we’re doing so well.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the mid-year budget adjustments.

The council then discussed the timeline for a possible renaming of Sayonara Drive, to reflect the revitalization of the neighborhood through the Habitat for Humanity project currently underway. 

Staff explained that the area has historically had a negative reputation, with high rates of crime, overcrowding, traffic concerns, deferred building maintenance and absentee property ownership. With the new improvements to the street, council requested consideration of a new name to reflect this new chapter. 

If council decided to move forward with the change, staff said it would best be completed by June, when the first Habitat for Humanity tenants will receive their keys. Under the proposed timeline, notification of the potential change would begin this month to gauge support from owners and tenants on Sayonara Drive. Name recommendations would be accepted through April 17, and outreach would also include a community meeting in April. A list of potential names would be presented to council for final selection in May. Council would also decide whether the change would apply to the entire street, or a smaller section localized to the Habitat for Humanity homes. 

Mayor Lopez-Taff said, “I think it’s going to be revitalizing for that particular neighborhood to rename themselves.” 

Councilmember Jayna Karpinski said it could be a hassle for residents to go through all the paperwork to change their address. She asked what would happen if the majority of those residents didn’t support the change. City Manager Ash Feeney explained that the council can take public opinion into account, but ultimately the council has the authority to change the name. 

Mayor Lopez-Taff suggested they let this process run its course and gather public input before having a more in-depth discussion. The council consensus was for staff to move forward with the public engagement process. 

The city held a Council Strategic Planning Session on March 18, replacing the March 25 meeting. The next regular meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council is scheduled for April 8.