Introduction to Citrus Heights, California
Citrus Heights is a California city located in Sacramento County, and situated between downtown Sacramento and Roseville. Centrally located between the region's major freeways, Citrus Heights provides close access to Interstate 5, Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highway 99. The Sacramento International Airport is located approximately 20 miles away. Nearby universities and colleges include: California State University, Sacramento; University of California, Davis; American River College; Sierra College; National University; Golden Gate University; Lincoln Law School; and McGeorge School of Law.
Citrus Heights incorporated in 1997, making it only the fifth city in Sacramento County. The process of incorporation was a long and somewhat contentious one. In 1974, a Community Planning Advisory Council was formed to provide for orderly growth of the area. The proposed solution to achieving orderly and efficient development was to incorporate, rather than annex Citrus Heights into the city of Sacramento. This proposal faced opposition during the 1970s and 1980s by the County Board of Supervisors, resulting in a battle between the city of Sacramento and the Citrus Heights Incorporation Project (CHIP) on whether the choice of incorporation should be put on the ballot. In 1993, the issue was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, whose decision to not hear the case effectively upheld the State Supreme Court ruling that only residents of the proposed city should be allowed to vote on incorporation. On November 5, 1996, the voters of Citrus Heights approved the measure handily, with 62.5% of the votes.
Things to do in and around Citrus Heights
Citrus Heights is home to a robust retail industry. The Sunrise Mall, located in the center of the city, is newly remodeled with major specialty and department stores. The Sunrise Marketplace is a growing venue offering a wide variety of dining, service and retail establishments.
Citrus Heights also offers residents proximity to the legendary recreation centers of Lake Tahoe (approximately 90 miles to the east) and the Napa Valley wine country. In addition, Citrus Heights is situated near the major metropolitan area of Sacramento (a 15-minute drive away) and within a two-hour drive of San Francisco. Some of the attractions in nearby Sacramento include:
- California State Capitol
- California State Railroad Museum
- Sacramento Convention Center
- Sacramento Zoo
- Old Sacramento
- Crocker Art Museum
- Discovery Museum
Sacramento County is also home to several professional sports teams:
- Basketball: Sacramento Kings (NBA) and Sacramento Monarchs (WNBA)
- Pacific Coast League Baseball: Sacramento River Cats (Minor League AAA affiliate of the Oakland Athletics)
- Soccer (World Indoor Soccer League): Sacramento Knights
