The Delta surge has resulted in record numbers of COVID-related hospitalizations this week and is leaving our local hospitals with less room to absorb more patients requiring hospitalization. Hospitals in Placer County are providing critical care in areas not typically designed for that purpose, reporting a high level of acuity in their patients, and are experiencing strains on their workforce. COVID patients occupy nearly one third of licensed beds in Placer County. To preserve critical infrastructure that serves all, including hospitals and schools, Placer County Public Health has issued a new health warning urging use of higher-quality masks indoors and stressing the importance of vaccination. Learn More

Placer County was one of  four California counties included in a wildfire disaster declaration approved by the president this week. The federal action frees up much needed financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help people affected by the River Fire. Learn more

While our first responders are closely monitoring regional fires, no current fires are threatening Placer County. Our firefighters and first responders stand prepared should a new fire arise. It is still imperative to stay alert and be prepared heading into the weekend. We are also under a red flag warning which is a perfect time to go through our SIMPLE steps for emergency preparedness. Sign up for Placer Alert, include your Go Bag, monitor first responder social media, prepare for evacuations, learn wildfire safety tips and ensure you have a full tank of gas! Learn more

Residents can keep an eye on the Caldor Fire in El Dorado County by watching live camera feeds that are located throughout the Lake Tahoe region. Not only are these camera feeds an excellent tool for firefighters and first responders but they are also helpful for residents to keep updated on developing wildfires. Learn more

With just weeks remaining until the Sept. 14 California gubernatorial recall election, the Placer County Elections Office is facing a shortage of volunteers to serve in precincts throughout the county. Poll workers are still needed, including bilingual Spanish-, Tagalog-, Punjabi- and Korean-speaking volunteers. Sign up

Placer County’s process of redrawing its five supervisorial districts is underway. This process happens every ten years after the results of the decennial Census are published. We invite you to submit this survey to help inform Placer County in creating the new districts. Take survey Learn more about redistricting in Placer County, here.

The U.S. Small Business Association is offering a Virtual Business Recovery Center to provide personalized assistance to California businesses and residents affected by wildfires; as well as a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help complete the electronic loan application. The centers are open Monday - Friday, 5 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, please call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

Here at Placer County we all work together to help address issues surrounding drug use problems that affect our vulnerable communities. Our probation team works with mental health, drug treatment facilities, law enforcement and our District Attorney’s Office partners to ensure people are connected to the resources they need to make a positive change in their lives. From our drug court, to personalizing case programs, our county is working to make a difference. Learn more about the ACTion team and Drug Court programs.