The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has been awarded two Targeted Airshed Grants (TAG) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the generation of airborne particulate matter (PM). Approximately $812,000 of awarded funding will be passed through to the El Dorado County Department of Transportation (DOT) for new paving projects. Paving dusty dirt roads helps tremendously in eliminating particulate matter that occurs when a vehicle drives down the road. El Dorado County AQMD works to maintain the quality of air in our region, so they focus on areas that diminish air quality, including unpaved roads.

The unpaved portions of Sandridge, Oriental and Bear Creek roads will be paved with the first TAG grant. Afterwards, the unpaved portions of South Street, Luneman, Mount Murphy, Russel Hollow, Tullis Mine and Sweeny roads will also be paved with the second Tag grant. South Street, Oriental, Bear Creek and Luneman roads are located within Naturally Occurring Asbestos Areas, so paving will help prevent asbestos PM. Once completed these paving projects are estimated to reduce PM emissions from vehicle travel and windblown dust by 42 tons per year. The end result will be nicer roads and cleaner air to breathe.

Learn more about El Dorado County AQMD

El Dorado Transit is hosting a hiring event on February 24th, which includes an open house, tours and refreshments. Great opportunity for local residents to see El Dorado Transit operations and opportunities. The positions available for hire include Equipment Technician, Transit Operator and Transit Dispatcher. Special licenses or certifications does not preclude hiring, since training is available for most positions. El Dorado Transit currently offers a hiring incentive bonus of up to $1,000 for qualifying hires. For questions or more information, contact El Dorado Transit directly at (530) 642-5383 or by email at info@eldoradotransit.com.

When: February 24th, 2022, from 1pm to 7pm

Where:

El Dorado Transit

6565 Commerce Way

Diamond Springs, CA 95619

Find more opportunities with El Dorado Transit

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, sponsored by the United Way, is offering free tax preparation services for residents whose annual income is $66,000 or less. The volunteer tax counselors are trained and certified by the IRS to provide free tax preparation services. Federal and State tax returns will be electronically filed using TaxSlayer tax preparation software. To make a tax preparation appointment call (530) 497-0380 and leave a message with your contact information, or email eldorado.vita@gmail.com. A representative will call you back to schedule the tax preparation appointment.

When: Until April 15th 2022, every Friday from 9am to 3pm

Where:

Placerville Senior Center

937 Spring St

Placerville, CA 95667

Learn more about VITA Free Tax Prep

On February 8th, Supervisor Turnboo brought forth an agenda item as an additional effort to encourage FEMA to provide Individual Assistance to victims of the Caldor Fire. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to determine next steps in the process to receive FEMA Individual Assistance. El Dorado County will team up with interested stakeholders within the local community, county and state government to form a united and strong effort to receive FEMA Individual Assistance. This action taken by the Board represents another attempt by El Dorado County to convince President Biden to keep his promise of helping victims of the Caldor Fire.

The Caldor Fire recovery process has begun slowly. Many residents participated in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program by filling out a Right of Entry (ROE) form. Residents can track the progress of Caldor Fire debris removal as it begins moving through different phases. In addition, El Dorado County provides Weekly Status Reports regarding Caldor Fire recovery operations. U.S. Forest Service and CAL-FIRE also provide Caldor Fire recovery updates. For comments or questions about the Caldor Fire Recovery process, contact EDC Caldor Recovery at (530) 621-5101 or by email at edccaldorrecovery@edcgov.us.

Learn more about Caldor Fire Recovery

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is the primary electric utility company for many residents of El Dorado County. PG&E offers many rebates on energy efficient products (including generators) that may help increase the standard of living at a fraction of the cost. Rebates are provided for Multifamily Properties, Smart Thermostats and Back-Up Power. Visit the PG&E Marketplace to search and compare energy efficient products. The Qualified Products List (*.xlsx), Backup Power Generator And Portable Battery Qualified Products List (*.xlsx) and Residential Rebates Catalog (*.pdf) are also available. Read Frequently Asked Questions about PG&E rebates, begin Rebate Application or contact the Smarter Energy Line at (800) 933-9555 to complete the process over the phone. Options for Solar Power through PG&E are also provided as an alternative power generation source.

Learn more about PG&E rebates

El Dorado County accepts certain household hazardous waste from local residents. The Environmental Management Department provides information regarding what constitutes household hazardous waste, and the proper ways of disposing the waste. On February 19th, El Dorado County will host another household hazardous waste collection event by appointment only. To participate in the upcoming waste collection event, please contact the Environmental Management Department directly by phone at (530) 621-5300 or by email at hhw@edcgov.us to schedule an appointment.

When: February 19th 2022, from 9am to 12pm

Where:

Fire Station 86

3670 Bass Lake Road

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Scheduled Appointment Required.

Learn more about Hazardous Waste Collection