El Dorado County District 2 Newsletter

On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence as a declaration of the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. We honor the Fourth of July as Independence Day for the United States of America. The American War for Independence was waged by determined people who sought to ensure our freedoms today. Founding Fathers that supported revolution were the robust group responsible for defending against the greatest army of the time to provide us the opportunities we have today. Remembering how the United States of America began as a Republic is important for us as we endeavor to create a better future for our children. The lessons we learn from our national history provide greater understanding of where we came from, so we can better decide the future of our Republic. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also remember how we first began by announcing to the world that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights and how people defended those same Rights against all odds, for us.

Learn more about the Declaration of Independence

Supervisor Turnboo attended Eileen Till’s 105^th birthday party at Blissful Gardens in Cameron Park. In attendance was Harrison Zea of Assemblyman Joe Patterson’s office, District 2 Supervisor George Turnboo, Blissful Gardens staff, as well as many friends and family. Eileen was presented with a letter from Governor Gavin Newsome congratulating her on such a long life. Assemblyman Joe Patterson and Supervisor Turnboo also provided certificates of recognition to Eileen for her achievement. The birthday celebration was a festive event with numerous cakes and gifts. The staff at Blissful Gardens did an excellent job hosting the landmark event.

On June 6, 2023, the EDC Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an Authority to Construct Permit to Gold Seal Industries (GSI) for the construction of a portable anhydrous pyrolysis facility that will convert excess forest biomass into a liquid biofuel.  Beginning in Summer 2024, the facility will be initially located in the ElDorado National Forest in southern El Dorado County to support the Caldor Fire recovery effort.  The initial processing site is located near existing burn piles with available inventory of 80-100,000 tons of biomass.  Up to 130 tons of biomass will be processed into approximately 5,000 gallons of B100 Biodiesel fuel on a daily basis.

he GSI system uses electromagnetic induction to thermally decompose biomass in a non-reactive and oxygen free environment.  Steam and heat recovered from the process will be used in microturbines and heat exchangers to produce the power to maintain the process temperature of 1,200 – 2,000 ⁰F.  This anhydrous pyrolysis process converts the biomass into solid biochar, condensed liquid, and synthetic gas (syngas) products.  A subsequent Fischer-Tropsch process converts the syngas into a sulfur free biodiesel. 

El Dorado County Fire Safe Council is a Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to protecting the people of El Dorado County (EDC) and their property from the effects of catastrophic wildfire through education, cooperation, innovation and action. In El Dorado County District 2 there are currently seven Fire Safe Councils (FSC): Royal Equestrian Estates HOA FSC, Greater Cameron Park Area FSC, Logtown FSC, Sand Ridge FSC, Aukum Fairplay FSC, Grizzly Flats FSC, and Omo Ranch FSC. The local Fire Safe Councils provide a more unique opportunity for residential involvement in specific regions to ensure safety for families and properties. Firewise Certification through FSC can provide communities with more affordable fire insurance rates. FSC groups reach out to government at all levels for grant funding and to identify projects that need management. Education and programs are a fundamental part of Fire Safe Councils, which includes Residential Hazard Tree Removal Program, Chipping Program and Defensible Space Program. El Dorado County Fire Safe Council has a wealth of knowledge to help residents remain prepared for the dangers of wildfire.

A Board of Directors runs the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council and facilitates Associate Councils. The EDC FSC works with many partners ranging from USFS and CAL FIRE to Animal Services and El Dorado Disposal. Education and community outreach are top priorities for Fire Safe Councils. They assist in residential responsibilities managing lands and creating defensible spaces. In an effort to continue living in rural regions the FSC educates and informs residents who may have little knowledge of what it means to live with wildfire threats. For more information, including forms, maps and assistance programs, contact EDC FSC at (530) 647-1700.

Learn more from El Dorado County Fire Safe Council

El Dorado Community Foundation (EDCF) is a Non-Profit Community Foundation that serves El Dorado County residents. EDCF has established several funds to support families and communities in our region. EDCF accepts monetary donations from members of the community and provides a Giving Guide for donation options. They work with partners that further connect, educate and serve El Dorado County residents. EDCF provides grants, scholarships, and other funding for special circumstances such as community emergencies. There are Nonprofit Resources with request allowances to help organizations reach their target audience and community events that always bring people together. For more information about EDCF, their operations or events, contact EDCF directly at (530) 622-5621 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or by email at info@eldoradocf.org. EDCF offices are located at 312 Main Street, Suite 201 in Placerville, CA.

Learn more from El Dorado Community Foundation

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, D-Jackson, representing Senate District 4, is thrilled to announce the successful passage of a three-party agreement on the State Budget Bills. The budget allocates almost $50 million to Senate District 4, supporting vital initiatives and infrastructure projects in the region.

“This budget provides critical funding for various projects that will positively impact our community without increasing taxes. We must stand united as a district and ensure we receive our fair share of resources and investments," stated Senator Alvarado-Gil.  

The highlights of the budget allocations for El Dorado County include:

• Funding to sustain the Grizzly Flats Community Services District through three years of operations and maintenance budget shortfalls for the water district following the Caldor Fire, which destroyed a significant portion of Grizzly Flats in November 2021.
  
  
• $1 million El Dorado County Fire Protection District for initial project funding to bring the Placerville Combined Fire and Police Public Safety Building to fruition.
  
  
• $40 Million for the Food Production Investment Program at California Energy Commission. This substantial investment will bolster food production initiatives, promoting sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector across the district.
  
  
• $2 million for the Child Welfare Disaster Response Account. This funding will provide essential support for Foster Youth during disasters, ensuring the welfare and safety of these vulnerable children across the district.
  
  
• Providing millions of dollars in savings to local governments through the reinstatement of Streets and Highways Code Sections 114.5, which will cap indirect costs for highway work.

"These comprehensive initiatives cover a broad spectrum of areas, including the support for fire-ravaged communities like Grizzly Flats, the advancement of food production, and the protection of Foster Youth during emergencies,” stated Senator Alvarado-Gil. “The funding allocated to the El Dorado County Fire Protection District is of utmost importance, as it will undoubtedly bolster emergency response capabilities while supporting the courageous individuals who safeguard our community. Witnessing the tangible outcomes of the efforts put forth by my team is truly gratifying, knowing that these allocations will significantly enhance the overall quality of life for the residents of Senate District 4.”

"After so many roadblocks, persistence has finally paid off. I am incredibly grateful to Senator Alvarado-Gil for her efforts to help the people of Grizzly Flats. This funding for the Grizzly Flats CSD supports important infrastructure needed to rebuild the community. This is only the beginning, and we are so fortunate to have Senator Alvarado-Gil’s partnership and persistence in advocating for our county,” stated George Turnboo, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors District 2.