Members of the Citrus Heights Chamber leadership class for 2025-26 pose for a group photo. The cohort will share their class project with the public at their “Rooted in Unity” event. Photo courtesy of Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Members of the Citrus Heights Chamber’s Leadership Citrus Heights (LCH) program are looking forward to sharing their 2025-26 class project with the public as they look to the unveiling of both a new community mural project and the installation of a publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device in Rusch Community Park.

Their special celebratory event, “Rooted in Unity,” will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 12 at Rusch Community Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd., and includes an evening of food, art and community, celebrating “community strength, unity and impact.”

Hosted in partnership with Citrus Heights Arts and Sunrise Parks and Recreation, this special event showcases a class project of improving Rusch Park through the installation of a new mural and Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 

Guests will enjoy a reception tailored for local business leaders, featuring live music from a quartet jazz band and an art gallery showcasing work from local artists. 

The evening also includes a silent auction, along with food and drinks provided by a variety of local vendors. All proceeds raised through the event will be donated back to the Citrus Heights community to support future projects and initiatives.

Tickets cost $35 per person for general admission, which include appetizers, two drink tickets, live music and an art showcase and are now on sale.

“Event dress is business and/or business casual, and sponsor packages are available, said Makenna Gwaltney, executive director of the Fieldhaven Feline Center, which is scheduled to open this summer in Citrus Heights. Gwaltney serves as the publicity chairperson for the Citrus Heights Chamber 2025-26 Leadership Class.

The specific theme of the mural which will be painted on the exterior walls of the Rusch Park Dance Studio was coordinated by Rayford and Citrus Heights Arts whose participating muralists have completed a number of splashy, creative murals along Auburn Boulevard.

The external location in Rusch Community Park where the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will be placed is still being finalized, Gwaltney said.

AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The device is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

The device is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions on how to use it in case of an emergency. Knowing how to use an AED could make a difference in saving someone's life.

The Chamber’s Leadership Citrus Heights (LCH) program, which met one day a week for half a day starting in September 2025, took its candidates through various leadership training sessions throughout the city over a nine-month period. City Councilmember Porsche Middleton is a past graduate.

“LCH is a dynamic, hands-on program designed to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge, connections, and skills needed to create lasting impact in our community,” said Citrus Heights Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick.

The first September session was led by Merrick at Citrus Heights City Hall. In subsequent sessions, Merrick said that participants gained “in-depth insight into how local government, education, public safety and business work together to help support a thriving community in Citrus Heights.”

“The 2025-26 Leadership Citrus Heights class brought together a diverse mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, non-profit leaders and residents all of whom are all passionate about community leadership,” she said.

Sessions were held at a wide range of locations throughout the city, including a Metro Fire Station. Prominent guest speakers were featured in each session who provided opportunities for class participants to build connections with “local leaders, business owners and changemakers,” Merrick said.

In each session, participants were given opportunities to grow as a community leader while gaining behind the scenes access to the institutions which drive Citrus Heights forward.

The Citrus Heights Chamber Leadership Program seeks to provide “opportunities to develop practical skills in leadership, collaboration, public speaking and problem-solving,” Merrick said.

To purchase tickets to the leadership program’s “Rooted in Unity” event on May 12, or to learn more, visit: members.chchamber.com/chamber-calendar/Details/leadership-citrus-heights-25-26-rooted-in-unity