Happy Spring! First and foremost, I am excited to announce my first Coffee with Shanti community meeting in West Roseville! Event details and RSVP information are included below.

We’ve been busy at the Board of Supervisors this month, and I’ve been enjoying the deliberations around a variety of topics. We recently approved a beekeeping ordinance that allows for hobby beekeepers within the unincorporated area of the County. The ordinance allows for up to five hives per acre, or up to two hives in residential neighborhoods. You can find more information on the ordinance by going HERE. If you live within city limits, you can reach out to your city offices to find out what the rules are in your jurisdiction.

We also approved the plans and specs for the Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails & Open Space Expansion Project. If you haven’t visited Hidden Falls, definitely add it to your bucket list. It’s an incredible asset in Placer County, just minutes outside of Lincoln and features 30 miles of multi-use trails. Stay tuned for more information as that expansion project moves forward!

Next, I would like to announce the arrival of our new Veteran Services Officer (VSO), Richard Johnson. Richard (who goes by Steve) spent over 21 years as an active-duty Airman, working on fighter and reconnaissance aircraft as a younger troop and then as a First Sergeant, where he spent almost a decade serving those who serve, by connecting them to resources and benefits. He retired from the Air Force in 2020 and has lived in the area since 2011, when he was first stationed at Beale Air Force Base. We’re very excited to have him on Team Placer! The VSO acts as a liaison between veterans and Veterans Affairs. He assists veterans and their families in completing benefit claims, represents them at VA hearings, advises them on what benefits are available and also connects them with resources. The goal is to help veterans receive their maximum benefits, and in Placer County, where we honor veterans, the VSO is vital!  

Lastly, I wanted to spend some time highlighting Small Business Week, which is coming April 30^th – May 6^th. We encourage you to show some love & support for our local businesses and “shop Placer!” I recommend checking out your local chamber’s website for ideas on businesses to support, as well as visiting the Visit Placer website, where you can sign up for the free Explorer Pass app which highlights more than 50 local businesses and gives visitors the chance to accumulate points and win prizes while visiting museums, breweries, wineries, and other attractions here in Placer.

Take a stroll through your downtown and wander through the businesses. Much of the time you’ll get the opportunity to chat with an owner and learn about their business. Pick up a gift for someone, enjoy a specialty coffee, lunch, or glass of wine, and help bolster our small businesses!

For perspective, 82% of Placer County businesses have less than 25 employees. This just goes to show that small business truly is the backbone of our economy! Be sure to visit the Shop Placer website and learn more about how you can support our county's vibrant small business community.

I hope you are able to savor this wonderful spring we are having and enjoy some fun activities here in Placer County!

Shanti Landon
Placer County Supervisor, District 2