Your Voice Makes a Difference!
As we head toward the end of summer the overall number of issues our office is handling is not slowing down! In the last few weeks we have attended a number of Municipal Advisory Council meetings and heard from many about issues and concerns. The following are just a few of the examples of what our office is working on for you.

Increase in Truck Fires on Interstate 80
At the Weimar/Applegate/Colfax Municipal Advisory Council (WAC/MAC) meeting and later at the Board of Supervisors, Don Belden of the Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council presented the serious concerns about the increasing incidence of truck fires along Interstate 80. We are now working with both Caltrans and California Highway Patrol to address safety concerns including the high speed of the vehicles, and the dense vegetation in the right-of-way along both sides of I80 between the Summit and Meadow Vista. Our office and Placer County Fire are both submitting letters regarding these concerns. We will follow-up on this issue, as well as the previous letter we have sent on the deterioration of the I80 surface which has caused numerous broken windshields and flat tires.

Bear River Campground and Day Use Area
Also during the WAC/MAC meeting, Placer County Parks provided a report to the community on the direction the County was heading to not renew the operating agreement with the State for the Bear River Campground and Day Use Area. As a result of many concerns expressed and questions asked, our office immediately offered to facilitate a workshop with the public, the County and the State. The County has operated the property under an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife but does not operate any other properties owned by the State. County staff have been in discussions with the State to better understand their plans for the property’s management and maintenance. Community members will be invited to attend the workshop. Please email us if you would like to be informed of the time and date of the workshop. It will also be posted on our Parks and Open Space website.

Candidate Workshop on July 23
On July 23 I participated in the Candidate Workshop held by the Placer County Elections Office. There will be over 180 positions available on various local city councils, school boards, parks, fire, water and utility districts in Placer County this November. The workshop explained many of the details involved in running for public office including campaign financial disclosure filing, campaign techniques and working with the media. Guest speakers also included a successful candidate, a campaign consultant, a member of the media, Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco, and knowledgeable elections staff. Candidate filing for the November 2022 general election opened July 18 and closes at 5pm on August 12. LEARN MORE

Whether we are meeting with our agricultural representatives trying to develop a vision for the future of agriculture in Placer County, assisting special districts to secure State legislative help, convening partners on solutions to homelessness in our County, investigating code compliance concerns, or simply connecting with a bank whose ATM (the only in the community) was not working, our office stands ready to serve you however we can. Sometimes our role is small, sometimes large, but please know that Sophie, Katelynn and I stand ready to assist you in getting answers and facilitating solutions!

In service,
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson

I was honored to perform the official ribbon cutting ceremony on July 11 for the very first dog park in Foresthill. Placer County worked closely with Foresthill Parks and Recreation to establish this great new addition to the community, which is located in Memorial Park behind the pool, next to the children's playground. LEARN MORE

The Board of Supervisors Meetings on July 25 & 26 included several items that are specific to or impact various regions of District 5....

VIEW FULL AGENDA | JULY 25 RECORDING | JULY 26 RECORDING 

WHEN: August 11 | 10am - 2pm
WHERE: Maidu Community Center 
WHAT: Join Placer PROTECT & 30+ partners

LEARN ABOUT:
• Community resources
• Criminal prosecutions
• Senior scams
• Elder abuse + prevention
• Emergency preparedness
• Senior health + wellness
• ... and more!

OPPORTUNITIES:
• Paper shredding (2 box max) with AARP
• Free legal clinic with the Legal Services of Northern California
• Educational seminars
• Coffee with local officials

LEARN MORE

Placer County has joined Simplicity - a free smartphone app for local news and information. Just download the app, select your community and follow Placer County for push alerts on all the topics that interest you. LEARN MORE

Pioneer Community Energy heard from the community that energy bills can be a bit confusing, so they’re providing this video to help explain your savings and billing details. Pioneer customers in El Dorado and Placer County are expected to save 6% or more on electric generation rates in 2022. If you still have questions, their customer service team can walk you through your monthly savings; you can click here or call (844)YES-PIONEER. LEARN MORE

The Placer County District Attorney’s Citizens Academy is a nine-week program that will offer accelerated courses each week. Placer County citizens will be able to meet our team, learn about the District Attorney’s Office, its role within the criminal justice system and the services that are provided to the community. Space is limited and accepted participants will receive notification. Notification will also be made to those who were not accommodated. The course starts September 13 and will be held every Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m. through November 8 at the Rocklin Police Department Community Room. LEARN MORE

We live in a beautiful, but fire danger critical area - it is ALL our responsibility to ensure we are fire-prepared. Please be vigilant with your actions and evacuation plans. SIGN UP FOR PLACER ALERT - it is the single best way to stay informed in an emergency.

IMPORTANT WILDFIRE RESOURCES: 

The hi-lo siren was installed in Placer County Sheriff’s Office patrol units in 2019 to be used during emergency evacuations. The sound is different from the traditional police siren — it will ONLY be used in areas facing danger. LEARN MORE