January 2021 D3 Newsletter Greeting

 Welcome to 2021! I know I am not alone in happily bidding farewell to 2020 and the many challenges it has brought us. In looking back though, I am inspired by the good work Placer County was able to accomplish despite the many obstacles of the past ten months.

From the beginning of the pandemic the Board of Supervisors made it a priority to continue county operations to the best of our ability in a safe manner. As a result, the Board of Supervisors approved several major projects and programs that have been in the works for years, including the Placer County Conservation Plan, the Hazardous Vegetation Ordinance, and the launch of 211 Placer. The Board also approved updates to the Tahoe Basin Area Plan that address housing, the Winery and Farm Brewery Ordinance and we celebrated the groundbreaking for Mercy Housing at the Placer County Government Center in North Auburn. These projects bring improved services and programs to Placer County as well as increased public safety, much needed housing, and economic opportunities. I am proud of the accomplishments of our staff and the Board of Supervisors during these difficult times.

As we move into 2021 the Board of Supervisors welcomes Supervisor Suzanne Jones to the Board. Supervisor Jones was elected in March to represent District 4, the seat previously held by Kirk Uhler since 2007. I am looking forward to serving with Supervisor Jones, who has been an active member of her community and the county for many years. I also want to thank Supervisor Uhler for his commitment to Placer County over the years and his dedication to ensuring the County’s fiscal stability. Although we did not always agree, I feel honored to have worked along side him in making Placer County a great place to live and work.

I think we can all agree that 2020 is one year we are happy to put behind us. We were only three months into 2020 when we began to feel the impacts of COVID-19 and we continue to feel the social, economic, and emotional effects of the virus today. It has had horrible impacts on so many in our community, and to those who have lost loved ones to this virus I extend my most sincere condolences.

I am looking to 2021 with hope for a better year. We have seen examples over the past year of how much human beings can come together to support one another during difficult times, and I hope we see more of that humanity in the future. I am also encouraged that the vaccine has been developed and is currently being administered to targeted groups. These vaccines will also be available to the general public in the coming months.

Please stay positive and let us all greet the New Year with a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life.  Remember we will all get through this together.

Warm Regards,

Supervisor Jim Holmes

The Placer County Veterans Services Office is developing a strategic plan to better serve local veterans and is asking Placer County's active duty service members and veterans for their input.  Learn more...