Councilmember Schaefer read a proclamation recognizing September 20–26 as National Forensic Science Week. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - At the Sept. 9 meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council, they issued a proclamation recognizing Sept. 13–19 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. 

Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff read the proclamation, stating that “millions of American adults lack foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, limiting their ability to participate in today’s rapidly evolving economy.” She stressed the importance of programs dedicated to teaching these vital skills in order to “build the tools needed for lifelong success.”

Richard Judge of the San Juan Adult Education Center accepted the proclamation. The center serves approximately 3,000 students per year in English instruction, high school completion for adults, and workforce development programs. 

Councilmember Jayna Karpinski-Costa read a proclamation recognizing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, stating that it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, but survival rates are high with early detection and treatment. 

Kenneth Isaac with the Greater Sacramento Prostate Cancer Support Group accepted the proclamation. He said early detection can save lives, but many men ignore the symptoms and don’t seek treatment. 

Councilmember Tim Schaefer said, “It’s very treatable. There’s really no reason to die from this disease.” 

Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton read a proclamation recognizing September as Firefighter Appreciation Month and October 3 as California Firefighters Memorial Day. 

“The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assures the wellbeing of Citrus Heights’ residents and businesses through the tireless work of its staff among four local firehouses,” read Middleton, with the firefighters exemplifying “dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and willingness to put their lives on the line.” 

Representatives from Sac Metro Fire accepted the proclamation, and said they are grateful for the continued partnership with the City of Citrus Heights and the Citrus Heights Police Department. 

Councilmember Schaefer read a proclamation recognizing September 20–26 as National Forensic Science Week. He said the city’s “Crime Scene/Property Evidence Specialists are trained in physical evidence collection, preservation, and reconstruction of crime scenes to preserve evidence for future prosecution.” Their work is also vital in the “exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused of crimes,” read Schaefer. 

Representatives from the unit accepted the proclamation, and said they are very proud of the work they do. 

The council also considered a contract with American River Construction, Inc., to complete improvements at a city-owned building at 7555 Old Auburn Road.

The building is being leased to FieldHaven Feline Center under a pilot program, providing various veterinary services to the Citrus Heights community.

The proposed improvements to the building include replacing doors, windows, ceiling tiles, and the sealed concrete floor; upgrading plumbing, electrical, and lighting features; and constructing an ADA compliant restroom. These improvements will preserve the City’s assets by increasing efficiency and reducing future maintenance and replacement costs in the building. 

The funding for the project is already included in the approved two-year budget, and the proposed contract should not exceed $457,000 with an additional 10% budgeted for contingencies. 

The council voted 4-0 to approve the contract, with Councilmember Kelsey Nelson absent. 

Finally, the council considered whether to support a proposed resolution at the upcoming League of California Cities Annual Conference. The resolution focuses on restoring and strengthening local authority over housing and land use matters, through a state constitutional amendment or legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies. 

Councilmember Karpinski-Costa said Citrus Heights incorporated in order to have local control, but state legislation has been chipping away at that control over the years. 

The council consensus was for Vice Mayor Middleton to support the resolution as the city’s delegate at the conference. 

The next meeting of the Citrus Heights City Council is scheduled for Sept. 23.