CHARLES STONE
Candidate for Citrus Heights City Council
Proven Leadership. Trusted Service. A Safer Citrus Heights.
Why I am Running
I am running for the Citrus Heights City Council because I believe our city has the potential to move in a better direction and I want to be part of that change. As a resident of Citrus Heights for the past 25 years, I have watched our community grow, but I have also watched public safety decline while city leadership has made questionable budget priorities.
On July 8, the incumbent mayor representing District 2 voted to reduce the Police Department by nine positions. At the same time, the City Council maintained a reserve fund equal to approximately 17% of the City's budget, while the City Manager expressed a goal of increasing reserves to 25% of the annual budget. I believe public safety should be the City's highest priority, and when crime is rising, reducing police staffing sends the wrong message.
According to AreaVibes, in August 2026 it Citrus Heights currently receives a D- crime rating. In 2024, the city experienced 3 homicides, 55 rapes, and more than 1,200 other reported crimes. Many of these crimes remain unsolved. I requested the City's official police statistics for both 2024 and 2025 because residents deserve transparency and honest discussions about public safety.
I believe we can protect taxpayers while also ensuring our Police Department has the staffing and resources necessary to keep our neighborhoods safe. As your City Council member, I will make public safety my top priority and advocate for responsible budgeting that puts residents first.
Crime Rating
according to AreaVibes.
The Facts
Homicides
in 2024
PUBLIC SAFETY SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY
Reported Rapes
in 2024
Other Crimes
Reported in 2024.
Police Positions Reduced
9 police positions were reduced on July 8, 2026 by the incumbent mayor. (Information on Page 14 of Source)
Charles Stone is a member of the California National Guard, use of his military rank, title or photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of War or the Department of Army.
About Me
My family and I have proudly called Citrus Heights home for the past 25 years. My wife, Shannan, and I have been married for 27 years, and together we have raised two outstanding sons.
I graduated from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 2002 and was admitted to the California Bar in 2003. In 2000, I began my career with the California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control as an Investigator. I served the people of California for 26 years before retiring in 2025.
In 2007, I accepted a commission in the California Army National Guard Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG). During my military service, I deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009 to 2010. Throughout my career, I served as a Trial Counsel (prosecutor), Trial Defense Counsel, Command Judge Advocate, Defense Investigator, and Staff Judge Advocate. I currently hold the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Service to our country continues to be a family tradition. My oldest son serves in the Nevada Army National Guard and is currently deployed to the middle east with the United States Army. My youngest son is a senior at Colorado Mesa University as a wrestler.
Serving veterans has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Since 2010, I have been an active member of the American Legion and most recently served as Commander of American Legion Post 637. During my two years as Commander, our post helped 74 veterans obtain assistance, resources, and support. As an attorney, I have also helped numerous veterans secure the VA benefits they earned through their service.
Public service has been the foundation of my career—as an environmental investigator, military officer, attorney, and veterans advocate. I am running for City Council because I believe that same commitment to service can help restore accountability, strengthen public safety, and ensure Citrus Heights remains a city where families can thrive.
