I wrote this as we experienced yet another significant storm moving through our area. While we welcomed our record snowfall and rain after (4) years of persistent drought, it also came with much colder temperatures and low snow impacts. Tahoe is buried in snow with approximately 100 inches of new snowfall in the region over the last seven days, creating delays and shortages for the region. These combined require much more emergency preparations, operations, and services than we have seen in recent years. The significant weather has resulted in a deterioration of many of roadways – significant potholes are evident. Our office has been working with both Caltrans and our Department of Public Works to address concerns with roadway conditions and rest stop closures. Potholes can be temporarily patched during cold and wet conditions, but permanent repairs require temperatures above 50 degrees, dryer weather, and temporary lane closures. The rest stops on I80 have had repeated closures. Snow removal is only one of the issues. Sewer line repairs and a reduction in the level of the treatment ponds is needed. The weather this winter has not allowed these areas to be addressed in a timely manner. If there are serious concerns with a particular location – please let our office know and we will make sure State and County staff are notified. Another major storm is forecasted for this weekend so expect further travel delays and potential roadway closures on regional roadways. Please stay informed and make sure to visit our ReadyPlacer Dashboard for up-to-date road conditions and weather advisories. WATCH VIDEO

Last week I visited with volunteers interested in protecting the historic lime kilns located along the Bear River. A unique part of California’s history, the kilns are located on private property that was fairly undisturbed for the last 120 years. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please contact Jim Wood of the California Lime Kiln Conservancy. 

I was also invited to speak at the Auburn Rotary Club and once again was so very impressed with the service ethic shared by the Rotary Club (and so many other local service organizations) to making lasting impacts in our communities and throughout the world. Two thoughts that they reminded me of: “be curious not judgmental”; and let us all contribute “Happy bucks” for all that we must be grateful for in our County, our State and in our nation.

As I described in more detail in the last newsletter, we are also continuing to work on efforts with our homeless that are located at the Placer County Government Center. As of this writing all those unsheltered individuals still on the site have moved into the Mobile Temporary Shelter (MTS). 47 of the 50 tents are occupied and the rules put into place are being followed. The former location will remain fenced off with the remaining belongings for 90 days as required. The residents are being encouraged to remove their remaining items as required. The Placer County Probation Department, HHS and First Communities (contractor) are at the site and providing support and enforcement as required.

Looking ahead at our upcoming March meetings, County staff is working on a wide variety of items including: forest health update and demonstration; beekeeping code amendments; disaster preparedness; budget preparation for 2023-24; as well as a potential staffing increase for our Board of Supervisors’ offices. Please visit our website to view specific agendas. 

The Placer County Board of Supervisors acted on Tuesday, February 14 to appoint North Auburn resident Mark Watts to the Placer County Planning Commission, representing District 5. Watts has served locally on the North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council and has decades of experience as a lobbyist and governmental relations consultant in Sacramento with a focus in the areas of transportation, public policy and governance. He is currently co-principal at Watts & Hartmann LLC providing lobbying services and strategic political advice along with day-to-day management of the firm. LEARN MORE 

Mark is a highly qualified professional with decades of experience in state government as well as working with local governments on transportation issues. As chair of the North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council, Mark demonstrated his respect for the public process and thoughtful approach on a variety of planning issues. Mark and his wife have residences in Auburn and Tahoe and he's very knowledgeable of the issues facing our foothill and Sierra communities.