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Dedicated Leader | Champion of Education | Committed to our Heritage
 November 15th 2023
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Dear District 4 Residents,
As we express our gratitude to our veterans this month, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our service men and women and the veteran first-responders who continue to dedicate themselves to our community. Many of you know I come from a military family. Growing up in a household that revolved around my father then husband being enlisted we frequently moved. Many of the learnings I picked up on this journey shaped my values and outlook today. Now as your Supervisor I am humbled to say the sacrifice and commitment of our Veterans is not unnoticed in my office, and we are truly grateful.
Thank You for Your Engagement with my staff! I am grateful to each resident who reaches out, keeping me informed about neighborhood happenings. I do my best to attend community meetings and events, participating in discussions with residents to hear what happens in your neighborhoods. The information I gather ends up in daily briefings with county staff and stakeholders. Thanks to your insights for helping me navigate unseen challenges. With your help I ensure our community thrives and our district's voice stays strong.
These discussions span various topics, from traffic impacts and land use to public safety and behavioral health programs, to support for small businesses and nonprofits. These conversations are more vital than ever as we gear up for the County General Plan update—a roadmap for the next 25 years of growth.
Shaping the Future of Placer County, with its vibrant community of over 400,000, is evolving. The last comprehensive update to our General Plan was in 1994, and it's time for a refresher. Our journey begins with auditing the current plan, early outreach, identifying key issues, and preparing for broader public involvement.
In our planning, we're incorporating an environmentally conscious touch through the Placer County Conservation Plan (PCCP), protecting our ecological diversity while fostering compatible growth in western Placer County and preserving the heritage in the foothills.
This transparent and inclusive process requires diligence and collaboration in developing a plan which will govern our growth and affordability of its services for the next 25 years. It is my effort to bring government to you, not wait for you to contact me.
As we embark on this exciting journey, your input will be crucial. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved and have your voice heard. Together, we'll shape the future of Placer County!
Thank you for being an integral part of our community.
Best Regards,
Suzanne Jones
District 4 Supervisor
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Roseville celebrates veterans
 To commemorate Veterans Day, the City of Roseville hosted the family-friendly "Honoring our Veterans" event on November 9.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including live music by guitarist and singer Jimmy Ashley, kids' activities, and an array of food trucks as part of Food Truck Mania. Food vendors extended special discounts to military personnel with a valid military ID. The family-oriented activities included oversized Jenga and Connect Four, and for the kids, there were art stations featuring coloring sheets, Veterans Day hat making, and crafting cards for military personnel, which will be sent in care packages.
The event also served as a collection point for care package donations destined for troops overseas. These packages include essential items like socks, underwear, lip balm, sunscreen, chips and salsa, nuts, cookies, beef jerky, non-melting candy, trail mix, and more.
Veterans received special recognition through The Wall of Honor, featuring submissions from veterans, families, and friends. Notable figures, such as Roseville local Nicholas Busse, who participated in the Memorial Day march last May, were highlighted on the wall, as reported in a prior Gold Mountain News article.
Additionally, two organizations, Placer Veterans Stand Down and Sacramento Blue Star Moms, attended the event to provide community resources for military members and veterans.
Placer Veterans Stand Down (PVSD) is committed to offering free services to veterans and their families in the county. Services encompass medical, dental, vision, employment, clothing, and more, with a particular focus on low-income and homeless veterans. PVSD announced plans for a three-day event scheduled for May 14-16 next year, inspired by the Stand Down concept developed during the Vietnam War. The event will provide veterans with medical care, dental care, vision care, food, legal services, housing and employment assistance, pet care, clothing, coats, sleeping bags, and camaraderie.
To support this event, PVSD is seeking monetary or in-kind donations, and those interested in contributing can contact them at 916-251-9249.
Sacramento Blue Star Moms, a group comprised of mothers of military personnel, shared information about their organization at the Honoring Veterans event. Dedicated to serving the nation and supporting their children in the military, the Blue Star Moms prepare military care packages. An upcoming care package event is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Roseville Veterans Hall (110 Park Drive). Items requested for the care packages include tuna, chili, nuts, protein bars, trail mix, beef jerky, ramen, razors, and more.
Donations can be made by visiting the wishlist at myregistry.com/organization/sacramentobluestarmoms-rocklin-ca/3234049
Human Resources recently partnered with Sacramento Blue Star Moms, a veteran service organization, to coordinate a countywide donation drive in honor of Veterans Day. From granola bars to toothpaste, Placer County filled 14 large boxes to supply care packages that will be shipped to deployed servicemembers across the globe.
“Our county employees never fail to impress us with their wonderful generosity!” said Judy McKeig, executive assistant with Human Resources. “I know our troops will greatly appreciate their efforts during this holiday season.”
“We have partnered with Placer County for over five years now and their generous donations not only help fill our Christmas boxes, but sometimes stretch into our March boxes as well. They're very, very generous and we are so happy to have them partnering with us for this endeavor for our troops." said Debbie Konvalin, president of Sacramento Blue Star Moms.
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Consultant PlaceWorks selected to help Placer County update General Plan
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AUBURN, Calif. -- Placer County took another step toward updating its General Plan today as the Board of Supervisors took action to approve a $3.5 million contract with a consultant team headed by PlaceWorks Inc. to assist county staff with the comprehensive General Plan update.
The county’s General Plan is a policy document used by the public and decision makers to set a new vision for the unincorporated area of the county in areas such as land use, housing, mobility, natural resource protection, climate change, environmental justice and more through the year 2050.
With over 400,000 people, Placer County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country. The state of California requires a general plan to guide long-term growth and development. The last comprehensive update to the Placer County General Plan was in 1994.
"The General Plan update is a great opportunity for the community to discuss and engage on a broad range of issues -- housing, land use, zoning, transportation, environmental quality, conservation – and reaffirm our values and priorities as a county,” Board Chair and District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes said.
The process, which is expected to take 3 ½ years, will include multiple opportunities for community input through surveys and community workshops beginning in early 2024. There will also be public updates at the county’s municipal advisory council, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings.
The community can get involved by visiting the General Plan website and access information about public meetings and workshops will be posted throughout the process. The site also has an email signup page for those interested to request updates on the process.
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California Lawmakers Express Concerns Over State's Fire Insurance Plan
California lawmakers are raising concerns about the state's approach to addressing the insurance crisis, and the Placer County community of Foresthill is among those feeling the impact.
The withdrawal of insurance providers from California, citing the frequency of large fires, has created significant challenges for communities vulnerable to wildfires, Foresthill being one of them.
Representative John Garamendi, a California Democrat, notes, "You have insurance providers pulling out of California saying, 'There's too many big fires,' and California has big fires, no doubt about it. But for the last two years, there haven't been big fires."
Garamendi is part of a group of 32 lawmakers expressing concerns about the state's sustainable insurance strategy. In response, they have sent a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, urging him to analyze the market and take corrective actions.
In areas like Foresthill, insurance rates have surged, and increased risk assessments are affecting other regions. Garamendi raises crucial questions, stating, "Do rates need to be raised? Do they need to be doubled and quadrupled as presently happens across the state? Do policies need to be canceled? If so, why?"
This issue lies at the heart of the matter, a challenge that the California Department of Insurance (CDI) acknowledges and believes can be mitigated. CDI spokesman Michael Stoller suggests that in the coming months, the department will approve insurance companies to offer discounts. The CDI disagrees with watchdogs who argue that the deal is favoring insurers.
"What you're going to see in the coming months is the department approving insurance companies to offer discounts," Stoller stated, emphasizing that Californians need more regulatory tools, not fewer.
As both sides grapple with consumer concerns, Garamendi shares, "32 members of Congress are being hammered by our constituents saying, 'What's going on here?'"
The CDI promises relief through new initiatives, with industry projections suggesting implementation between this year and 2026.
Take a look at the CBS News report California Lawmakers Express Concerns Over State's Fire Insurance Plan
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 Parent Support Group
For Parents and caregivers with children, teens and young adults experiencing mental health challenges. This Zoom meeting is facilitated by Parents who welcome you to join:
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86026950603
Meeting ID: 860 2695 0603
For registration and additional information:
Vicky Linderholm | (530) 368-5017 | VLinderh@placer.ca.gov
Wreaths Across America seeks to ID unmarked veterans’ graves in Newcastle Cemetery District
In a poignant expansion of its mission, Wreaths Across America commemorated veterans at the Newcastle, Ophir, Gold Hill, and Rocklin cemeteries for the first time in 2022.
While many graves are marked by headstones or documented records, there are poignant stories of over 1,000 veterans interred in these combined cemeteries, some of whom remain unknown. The organization extends an invitation to those who may know or have loved ones not identified as veterans to contact the cemetery or reach out to Joanne English for the identification process.
Wreaths Across America champions the remembrance of veterans, regardless of their branch of service—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, POW/MIA, or Space Force. The organization is committed to ensuring that no one is forgotten, reinforcing its dedication on December 16, celebrated as National Wreaths Across America Day this year.
On this day, over 2 million volunteers and supporters will unite at more than 4,000 locations across all 50 states to "Remember, Honor, and Teach." The ceremony schedule for December 16th is as follows: Newcastle Cemetery at 11 a.m., Gold Hill at 1 p.m., Ophir at 2 p.m., and Auburn starting the day at 9 a.m.
Wreaths Across America continually seeks volunteers to partake in the wreath-laying process on-site, and in January, these wreaths are collected and recycled by dedicated volunteers.
Crucially, fundraising efforts are paramount to ensuring that every veteran's grave receives a wreath. A wreath can be purchased for $17, and various sponsorship plans offer the community an opportunity to join hands in furthering Wreaths Across America's mission in Newcastle.
For more information and to contribute, visit WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA - Newcastle-Rocklin-Gold Hill Cemetery District (nrgcemetery.com). Join in this noble cause and be a part of the cherished tradition of honoring and remembering our veterans by reaching out to local area representative JoanneEnglish59@gmail.com
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Holiday donation opportunities offer opportunity to support foster children, families and animals in need
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AUBURN, Calif. -- As the season of giving begins, Placer County Health and Human Services is highlighting a few opportunities to support local children and others in need.
Human Services is accepting winter clothing donations for kids and teens in need through November 22 at several locations throughout the county: gloves, socks, beanies and knit hats, scarves, thermals, coats, jackets and any other outerwear. The clothes will be handed out to children at the agency’s Dec. 1 “Resource Express Event,” which will take place at the Auburn Boys and Girls Club (679 Lincoln Way). The event is open to all families in Placer County and will feature resources, food trucks, giveaways, games, holiday photos, fun and education for families in Placer County. View flyers (English, Spanish and Russian). Organizations interested in hosting a booth may contact humanservicesoutreach@placer.ca.gov.
Each year Placer County also works to collect gifts for foster children and other children served by HHS. Each child is asked what they’d like for Christmas and then the request is notated on a tag. This year, The Goularte Group is helping organize the drive for Placer County. Those interested in purchasing gifts for local foster children can visit this website to select a child and sign up. A holiday event will take place Dec. 9 at the Loomis Train Depot, 5775 Horseshoe Bar Road. Unwrapped gift donations will be collected from donors at this time and holiday celebrations will take place. More information is available by calling 916-741-0616 or at www.holidaymiracleprogram.com.
Finally, donations are greatly appreciated at the Placer County Animal Services shelter: new/used (clean) towels and blankets (especially soft throw blankets), as well as treats and toys for dogs, cats, bunnies and other pets. Information about monetary donations and wish lists are available on the PCAS website. The shelter’s annual Holiday Giving Tree donation drive will begin after Thanksgiving and run through the New Year holiday, enabling shelter visitors to select a tag featuring a shelter pet and donate the items that they have requested.
“We’ve seen so much generosity from our community over the years, and it truly makes a difference in the lives of local families and animals,” said HHS director Dr. Rob Oldham. “We’re grateful for support this year to brighten the holiday season for everyone in Placer.”
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Risk Management receives statewide award for innovation and excellence
 Placer County’s Risk Management Division has received one of six statewide EAGLE Awards for “Innovation & Excellence in Development & Implementation of Risk Management Programs.” The prestigious award was presented to the Risk Management team for its project “Road Show” by Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management, or PRISM, the county’s risk management solutions provider.
This marks the second EAGLE award the organization has granted the division—the first being in 2019 for “Best Practice.” Rick Bush, chief member services officer at PRISM, presented the custom stained-glass award before the community during the Oct. 31 Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting.
“The EAGLE Award is a way for PRISM to recognize our members and best practices for putting together incredible programs,” Bush said. “You are one of six entities that won an award out of 2,100 agencies. It is kind of a big deal.”
In 2022, Risk Management’s award-winning “Road Show” provided over 700 county employees with training in best practices for vehicle accident avoidance and prevention.
“It’s a neat program,” said Assistant Risk Manager Jim Kotey, a key player in the project’s success. “It’s exciting and dynamic. We’re trying to be proactive rather than reactive… and now we’re seeing the benefits from it.”
Since implementing the program, Placer County has experienced a decrease in at-fault accidents over the last three years.
“What we’re trying to do is meet and greet all employees in the county…, building those bridges from the onset,” Kotey said.
Handmade by a PRISM family member, the department’s new “Innovation and Excellence” award depicts a bridge spanning turbulent waters, symbolizing recent challenges in the insurance industry. With the image comes a reminder of the need for communication.
“This award is rewarding because our 20-minute spiel is making a lasting impression. We’re paying it forward and going out to the departments,” Kotey said.
“I wanted to acknowledge all your hard work. Risk Management is one of the most important teams that any agency can have,” said District 4 Supervisor Suzanne Jones. “I know how important the work you do is. You save the county a lot of money, and you solve a lot of problems. I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the county.”
Amidst the recognition, the Board of Supervisors and Risk Management team took a moment to celebrate Kotey’s retirement after his 17 years of service to the county.
“Congratulations on your retirement!” said Cassandra Lashmett, liability analyst with the Risk Management Division. “You set the standard for the rest of us, and it won’t be the same without you. Enjoy your next chapter with your family!”
To learn more about the Risk Management Division, visit its webpage herePlacer County Risk Management Division receives second statewide award for innovation and excellence.
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Placer County prepares for transition to Partnership HealthPlan in January
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AUBURN, Calif. -- Placer County is one of ten counties statewide transitioning to a new Medi-Cal managed care plan, Partnership HealthPlan, as of Jan. 1, 2024. Partnership will replace Anthem and California Health & Wellness as Placer’s managed care plan. Kaiser Permanente will also continue to serve some Placer Medi-Cal members.
The transition to Partnership is driven by a commitment to improve the quality of care and streamline access and service delivery for Placer County residents – along with a goal of more local voice informing the managed care system. With an ordinance passed this week by the county Board of Supervisors, Placer will join Partnership’s governing board, the Partnership HealthPlan of California Commission.
“Partnership has a long history serving California counties with proven results,” said Health and Human Services director and interim health officer Dr. Rob Oldham. “As we make broader efforts to streamline Medi-Cal services statewide, this is a key piece to ensure Placer residents receive the best care possible.”
This change will be automatic, and members do not need to take action. This does not affect members’ Medi-Cal coverage or benefits. Members’ Medi-Cal coverage and benefits will stay the same even if their Medi-Cal health plan changes.
In October, Medi-Cal members whose plan will be transitioning received a letter letting them know that these automatic changes are coming. In November and December, they will receive more information from Medi-Cal about their new plan and additional options. New Medi-Cal members are no longer able to enroll in the exiting plans.
Partnership HealthPlan is also working closely with local healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure a seamless transition and minimize any disruption to the services currently available to residents. This includes building relationships with clinics, primary care, hospitals, specialists, and other community-based organizations. Many of the providers who serve large numbers of Medi-Cal beneficiaries, including Chapa-De Indian Health and Western Sierra Medical Clinic, have already contracted with Partnership.
The Medi-Cal managed care plan transition comes as broader changes to California’s Medi-Cal system are underway through the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) program, which will support new services and shift funding structures from cost-based to value-based reimbursement.
For more information about Placer County's transition to Partnership HealthPlan, residents are encouraged to visit the links below:
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Local Vigilance Leads to Arrest of Thieves in Granite Bay
In a recent commendable collaboration between a Granite Bay resident and the Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), a series of thefts were promptly addressed, resulting in the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
The chain of events unfolded when a vigilant Granite Bay resident reported the theft of their Apple laptop from their car. Displaying remarkable cooperation, the victim worked closely with PCSO deputies, utilizing tracking software to pinpoint the stolen device to an address in Orangevale. In a synchronized effort with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, deputies successfully located the stolen computer, apprehending two suspects in the process. The arrested individuals were identified as 19-year-old Chazz Ortiz and 18-year-old Franjo Majstoric. The duo faces charges of grand theft and conspiracy. Subsequent investigations by PCSO's property investigations unit unearthed four additional victims targeted by these culprits.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to the community to exercise caution. Securing vehicles and relocating valuables are crucial steps in mitigating the risk of vehicle burglaries. As crimes of opportunity, locked and empty cars act as significant deterrents, dissuading potential burglars from attempting unauthorized access.
Let this incident underscore the importance of community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement. By staying alert and actively participating in the protection of our neighborhoods, we collectively contribute to maintaining the safety and security of Granite Bay.
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Board approves county parking ordinance amendment and updates fine amounts
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AUBURN, Calif. -- The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday amended the county’s parking ordinance to strengthen existing parking enforcement and increase parking fines countywide.
The changes go into effect Nov. 30.
The parking ordinance authorizes the county’s parking enforcement team to prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking or standing of vehicles on or along public roadways during posted times. The amendment expands the restrictions to prohibit parking on all or a portion of public sidewalks.
The amendment also adds a new restriction for vehicles parking on private property without the property owner’s consent. The county may enforce the private property parking restrictions through a written agreement and posted signage.
Placer County’s team will work alongside California Highway Patrol officers to enforce parking restrictions. The newly approved fine increases are primarily based on current fee structures used in the Town of Truckee, City of South Lake Tahoe and the City of Roseville. View the updated parking fine amounts here. Fine amounts escalate for the second, third and subsequent occurrences of each repeated violation.
The countywide ordinance will likely have the greatest impact in North Lake Tahoe as parking is limited and in demand during peak tourism seasons.
“I want to commend staff for this innovative program and their excellent work to address key issues in our region, like traffic congestion,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson at the Oct. 17 board meeting. “I know the community appreciates what we’re doing with parking enforcement and I know CHP is stretched far too thin to be the only enforcement arm out there. So it’s vital for us to have the ability to have our code enforcement team assist them.”
Parking management in Tahoe was originally recommended in the county’s Resort Triangle Transportation Plan, approved by the board in 2020. The plan encourages a shift toward alternative modes of travel and away from the use of personal vehicles. Learn more about the RTTP here.
“This is really a milestone for the program,” said Deputy County Executive Officer Stephanie Halloway at the Oct. 17 board meeting. “Our staff has done a great job listening to community feedback and developing a program that will really help us achieve our mission of decreasing dependency on personal vehicles. This program has been heavily supported, especially by our business community, here in North Lake Tahoe.”
Earlier this year, Placer County announced the introduction of the Parking Management Program, designed to further explore solutions to North Lake Tahoe’s parking challenges. The goal of the program is to more efficiently manage existing parking spaces in the region as well as reduce traffic congestion and its impact on the environment. Although still under development, the program will initiate paid parking in public lots within the Kings Beach town center and recreational beach sites and may establish residential permit parking zones.
Ultimately, this program has the potential to generate funding to pay for parking enforcement operations as well as fund alternative transportation enhancements in the local community, such as new bicycle and pedestrian facilities and expanding transit services. Learn more about the Parking Management Program here.
To report a potential parking violation, please contact the Truckee CHP at 530-563-9200 or the Placer County Department of Public Works in Tahoe at 530-581-6238 or in Auburn at 530-745-7565.
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Board of Supervisors approves cost-saving new alignment for planned Hidden Falls trail
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AUBURN, Calif. -- The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new alignment for a planned trail project at Hidden Falls Regional Park in North Auburn, resulting in significant cost savings.
The new alignment will reroute a trail through a previously acquired 140-acre open space parcel located adjacent to Hidden Falls, helping connect the park with the Placer Land Trust’s trail networks at Taylor Ranch and Kotomyan Preserve.
The improved trail realignment will be made possible through the acquisition of 6.8 acres of privately owned land adjacent to the expansion area. The land will be purchased for $100,000 with funding provided by the Sky View Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
“With the generous support of the Sky View Foundation and the actions of our board, the Hidden Falls Expansion Project was handed a big improvement to the quality of trail experience, emergency access, vegetation management opportunity, and preservation of wild stretches of Racoon Creek that will be visible from the new trail,” said Placer County Parks Administrator Andy Fisher. “We're thrilled to bring this dream to life for our residents and visitors.” With the new trail alignment, Placer County is able to forgo a prior $4.5 million plan to build 0.8 miles of trails and two bridges over Raccoon Creek.
A comprehensive fuel management plan is being prepared as part of the Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails Expansion Project, approved in March 2021. The plan will be fully implemented before the new trail and park features open.
Access to the expansion area will be facilitated through the existing parking lot located off Mears Drive, as well as a newly constructed Twilight Ride parking area. No additional parking areas are proposed with the new trail alignment approved Tuesday. The Twilight Ride parking area is under construction with opening anticipated for late 2024. For more information and updates about Hidden Falls Regional Park, visit https://www.placer.ca.gov/hiddenfalls.
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PLACER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Learn more about the Board of Supervisors, including information on upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings.
Learn more about Supervisor Jones
Municipal Advisory Council (MAC)
Placer County Resources
Support Your Chamber of Commerce
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"The People are the Key to Placer's Greatness!"
Board of Supervisors Mission Statement:
To act as the legislative arm of county government and provide responsive leadership, governance, effective oversight of county services, and involve citizens and communities in processes that determine and enhance Placer County's future.
What Questions, Comments, Suggestions do you have...
Contact: District 4 Chief of Staff MichaelSpelis@placer.ca.gov ♦ (916) 719 -2955
District Representative FUdvarhely@Placer.ca.gov ♦ (530) 906 - 3120
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