Voting is a necessary part of being a Citizen. In a Republic, every individual vote is equally important. Make sure your voice is heard by remembering to vote in elections. El Dorado County Elections works tirelessly to ensure credible and fair elections, which includes an auditing process known as a Risk Limiting Audit (RLA). Elections headquarters are open to the public with tours and demonstrations being made available when appropriate. Voting is available at several vote center locations or a mail-in ballot can be deposited at one of many drop box locations.

Due to the Caldor Fire, evacuated post offices are holding mail for local residents at the Diamond Springs Post Office.

Read Caldor Wildfire related voting information

For over 20 years the Food Bank of El Dorado County has helped our neighbors who struggle to make ends meet. The Food Bank has relationships with many local non-profit organizations, businesses and government agencies to ensure people are fed. In addition to the Emergency Food Assistance Network, they have also started a Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors over 60, free farmer’s market events, and the No Vet Goes Hungry Program. The Food Bank welcomes visitors and volunteers who want to help feed people, and there other ways to give help as well. If you or anyone you know, is in need of food, contact the Food Bank of El Dorado County for assistance.

Food Bank of El Dorado County
4550 Business Drive
Cameron Park, CA 95682

Website: https://www.foodbankedc.org
Phone: (530) 621-9950
Hours: (M-F 8:30-12:00, 12:30-3:00)

Learn more about how the Food Bank operates

El Dorado Community Foundation has established a Caldor Fire Fund to support families impacted by the Caldor Fire. Depending on evacuation orders and availability, funds will be prioritized accordingly. El Dorado Community Foundation accepts monetary donations to help victims of the Caldor Fire. All donations to the Caldor Fire Fund will be unrestricted. They offer a Caldor Fire Relief Fund Application for those impacted to receive monetary help. A tutorial video is available to help residents understand the application process. Due to the high volume of applicants, an estimated wait time of 10 days is expected to receive a response.

Direct all questions to bill@eldoradocf.org.

Learn more from El Dorado Community Foundation

El Dorado County opened a Local Assistance Center (LAC) on August 27th to provide County and State services, information and resource referrals those impacted by the Caldor Fire. County representatives will be available to assist residents. County departments on hand include: County Assessor, Recorder-Clerk, Library, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Planning and Building, and Elections. State level representatives are expected to attend as well. The LAC is located at Folsom Lake Community College, El Dorado campus, in the Fitness Center Building.

Location:

Fitness Center Building

6699 Campus Drive

Placerville, CA 95667

Hours:

Friday (8/27) 10am – 5pm

Monday (8/30) 10am – 5pm

Tuesday (8/31) 10am – 5pm

Wednesday (9/1) 1pm – 7pm

Thursday (9/2) 10am – 5pm

Friday (9/3) 10am – 5pm

Learn more about recovery resources from El Dorado County

While we prepare our return to properties that have been evacuated, there are several important things to keep in mind. Roads affected may be unstable or blocked by debris. Landscapes affected may be prone to debris flows or flash flooding. Damaged trees and structural damage may be weakened, if not destroyed, and could be unstable or hazardous. Electrical equipment and power lines may be downed or damaged, and should be avoided. Keep watch for burning embers that could spark another fire. Form a new evacuation plan, and have everyone involved know the evacuation plan, just in case of an emergency.

Ensure fire officials tell you it is safe to return home before you do.

Learn more about returning home from CAL-FIRE

District 2 Planning Commission Member Cheryl Ann Bly-Chester, who was appointed by Supervisor Turnboo, is subject to removal without explanation. At the August 31st Board of Supervisors meeting, Agenda Item #43 will be voted on to remove Cheryl from the planning commission. Supervisor Turnboo is vehemently opposed to removing Cheryl Ann Bly-Chester from the Planning Commission.

The text of the Agenda Item #43 is as follows:

“El Dorado Ordinance Code Section 2.20.010 - Term of office states: “Members of county boards, commissions and standing committees shall take office upon their appointment and qualification for the board, commission or committee. Except as otherwise provided in this Code, or in the bylaws or resolutions adopted by the Board of Supervisors, each member of the board, commission or committee shall hold office during the term of office of the supervisor nominating the member. The term of office of any member of the county board, commission or committee shall also expire at any time a vacancy occurs in the office of the supervisor who nominated the member, provided that the member may continue to serve on the board, commission or committee until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. All such appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect those boards, commissions and committees, the term of membership of which is controlled by State or Federal law.” (Emphasis added.)

Ordinance Code Section 2.20.620 expressly makes Section 2.20.010 applicable to the Planning Commission: “The term of office of each member of the Planning Commission shall be as prescribed by Section 2.20.010. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.”  Section 2.20.630 goes on to address removal of a member of the Planning Commission: “Any member of the Planning Commission may be removed by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors.”

After reviewing Ms. Bly-Chester’s conduct while on the Planning Commission, Supervisor Novasel is recommending the Board remove Cheryl Ann Bly-Chester District 2 Planning Commissioner from the El Dorado County Planning Commission”.

Cheryl has been working hard to preserve our rural lifestyle as a member of the planning commission, and wants to continue her work. Cheryl is an environmental engineer, local resident and dedicated to improving El Dorado County for the future. Cheryl needs our public support to remain as the District 2 Planning Commissioner.

Read Agenda Item #43 on County of El Dorado Legistar