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Dedicated Leader | Champion of Education | Committed to our Heritage
 February 15th 2024
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Dear Friends of District 4,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who participated in this week's board workshop, which lasted until 9:00 PM. Your engagement, whether it was through emails, calls, texts, public comments, or watching online, is truly appreciated. It's moments like these that showcase what good government looks like - where people are engaged, passionate, and included in the process.
As your County Supervisor, I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern is addressed. With a background in mediation, including being trained as a mediator and appointed to appellate court mediation program, I bring a unique skill set to this role, especially during this year as Board Chair. I believe in the power of listening and understanding all sides of the story, which is why I strive to create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
Effective communication is key in resolving conflicts and finding solutions that meet everyone's needs and interests. I work diligently to facilitate open dialogue, identify underlying issues, and brainstorm potential solutions. My goal is to inspire collaboration and cooperation among all parties involved. Later in this newsletter, I am advertising a Roundtable at Roundtable on February 21st. Please RSVP to help us plan.
The challenges we face in District 4 are diverse and complex. Using the southern part of our district as an example, on the 10-mile stretch of Douglas Blvd. we have a range of needs and wants. Starting on the western end with urbanesque shopping areas, surrounded with small and large businesses to communities experiencing homelessness near Interstate 80, and from corporate and medical offices as we go east towards Sierra College Blvd. Passing by Bayside, we begin to see established residential neighborhoods then end with the open space of Folsom Lake. If we then include Auburn Folsom Road from the southern end of Placer County to the most eastern part of my district in Newcastle, we expand on the socioeconomic diversity, commerce, and lifestyle within our district. I assure you my passion to address this multitude of needs, wants, and requirements, including state mandates, is something our office passionately works to balance.
I again thank those who participated in the housing workshop on Tuesday. This is not a simple task, and as Placer County continues to be an in-demand place to live, work and thrive, there is a wide range of opinions to consider. I am doing my best to ensure the housing rezone will be thoroughly worked through before any decision is finalized. I am dedicated to representing the interests of our community to the best of my ability and please should you need to reach me directly, email suzannejones@placer.ca.gov or contact my chief of staff at (530) 899-4010. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for District 4 and Placer County as a whole.
As a reminder our next Board of Supervisors meeting is on Tuesday the 20th Keep this link handy to view upcoming Agendas and Minutes 2024 | BOS - Placer County, CA
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Suzanne Jones
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Placer County unveils state-of-the-art Health and Human Services Center
 Placer County unveiled its new Health and Human Services Center at a ribbon cutting ceremony today on the Government Center campus. The center, a “one-stop” service center for Auburn and the foothills area, improves public access to services and replaces the multiple World War II-era facilities that had previously housed HHS programs ranging from mental health and substance use treatment to public benefits.
The facility consolidates existing staff and services from six divisions and is the county’s first zero-net-energy facility, generating as much electricity as it consumes over the course of a year using photovoltaic panels. HHS services from six divisions (Adult System of Care, Children’s System of Care, Public Health, Human Services, Environmental Health and Administration) will begin operation in the new building over the course of the next month. HHS also houses the county’s Animal Services team, whose animal shelter is located further down B Avenue.
"The HHS Center will help facilitate more accessible, efficient and effective services for our residents,” said District 4 Supervisor and Board Chair Suzanne Jones “Rather than traveling to multiple run-down buildings to access social services in the Auburn area, a resident can find them all in one place.”
“The thoughtful and inclusive design and construction processes have helped create an inviting, collaborative and state-of-the-art space,” said county Chief Executive Officer Jane Christenson.
A multi-year project that is a key component of the county’s Government Center Master Plan, the new center was collaboratively designed to streamline access to services. Its key features are both welcoming and cutting-edge: a central lobby, large training and meeting spaces for county and community use, a two-story open space area dubbed “Collaboration Street” that promotes integration between program teams, a play area for children, outdoor patios for visitors and county employees and a river-themed landscape entry.
“The county formed a strong partnership with our design-build team, with open communication and a shared commitment to resolving challenges collaboratively and creatively throughout the design and construction processes. The result is a beautiful and functional facility to serve the community into the next century,” said Department of Facilities Management Director Steve Newsom.
At 143,000 square feet, the building is designed to accommodate growth in the county for years to come.
“Demand for our HHS services is growing, as our community continues to grow,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “With the new HHS Center we are well positioned to meet residents’ needs.”
“This was an important and long-needed investment in our community and our Health & Human Services staff,” said District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes.
“Our dozens of programs share a common vision of building a healthier community, together,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, director of Health and Human Services. “The HHS Center brings us closer to that vision and will be a crucial hub of services for the future, not just for clients but for the many partners we work with to make Placer one of the healthiest places to live.”
MEDIA KIT: High-resolution images and video of the building and the ribbon cutting are available for media use only here. More will be added in the coming days. Please credit: Placer County.
Placer County Advances Regional Forensic Laboratory Project
 Placer County is making strides toward addressing critical gaps in its forensic analysis capabilities, with the Placer County Board of Supervisors officially greenlighting the first phase of planning for the District Attorney’s Office forensic crime laboratory project.
The monumental decision comes as a result of a collaborative effort between the Placer County District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Placer County Executive Office, and Sacramento State University, among others.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire expressed the significance of the partnership, stating, “This project reaffirms Placer County’s commitment to problem-solving. Currently, forensic testing is subject to state limitations, causing delays in justice. This lab will not only address our county’s needs but will also benefit the entire region, positioning Placer County as a leader in criminal justice innovation.”
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical importance of reducing the statewide backlog in forensic evidence processing. “Our county is a leader in public safety, but delays in forensic evidence results hinder investigations. This project will be a game-changer for the region, filling a crucial service gap.”
Key actions taken by the board include entering into an agreement with the California State University Board of Trustees to move into the preconstruction phase. This phase involves strategic planning, design creation, permit acquisition, and more.
The upcoming Sacramento State Placer Center, approved by the CSU Board of Trustees on Jan. 31, will follow a similar partnership model. The center will feature academic programs, conference facilities, libraries, and more, fostering community collaboration and innovation.
The anticipated 30,000-square-foot forensic lab will offer hands-on experience for forensic students and serve as a vital resource for local criminal justice needs. Currently, the District Attorney’s Office experiences delays of up to a year for forensic evidence results, hindering the justice process and impacting both victims and the accused.
The board has allocated $2.5 million for this historic project, marking a significant step towards fulfilling the Placer County Criminal Justice Master Plan’s goal of establishing a forensic crime laboratory.
For more information and to view the county’s full plan, visit: [Placer County Criminal Justice Master Plan.
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Grand Jury Seeking Volunteers
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Traffic Roundtable at Roundtable
Pizza Night with Supervisor Jones —a delightful gathering where cheesy slices and civic discussions collide!
Mark your calendars for an evening of delicious pizza and important updates on south Placer County’s traffic congestion relief plan!
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, February 21
🕠 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Roseville Roundtable, 8755-A Sierra College Blvd.
Come hear directly from District Four Supervisor Suzanne Jones as she shares insights and plans to tackle traffic congestion in our community.
Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by Monday, Feb. 19 to cherri@merakipublicaffairs.com to secure your spot!
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy great food, connect with your neighbors, and stay informed about important developments in our area. Will you join us?
Granite Bay Friends of the Library
 Proud moment celebrating the generosity of Friends of the Granite Bay Library!
I am honored to represent such an amazing community! I had the pleasure to be part of ceremony to celebrate a $15,000 donation to our beloved Granite Bay Library. Together, we're ensuring access to knowledge and resources for all.
If you have not yet visited the Granite Bay Library, here's a glimpse of the amazing amenities and services we offer:
💻 Computers & Technology:
- WiFi throughout the building and parking lot
- 4 Internet & Microsoft Office workstations
- 1 AWE Early Literacy computer
- 2 self-checkout machines
- 1 photocopier & 1 printer
🏫 Spaces & Equipment:
- Reservable community meeting room
- 2 study rooms
- Friends of the Library Book sale
- Bike racks
- Exterior drive-up book drops for 24/7 returns
- Automatic doors at entrance
💳 Other:
- Accepts Mastercard and Visa credit cards, as well as cash or personal check, to pay fines and fees.
🚌 Public Transportation Routes:
- Accessible by bus through Placer County Transit's Dial-A-Ride during certain hours. Visit Placer County Transit for up-to-date bus schedules.
ℹ️ About the Library:
Located in a serene setting, our library offers a quiet and inviting space to meet and study. Self-checkout, private study rooms, and a large community room are among the many amenities we provide.
🏛️ History:
The Granite Bay Library opened its doors on August 3, 1991, in a rented storefront. Through community efforts and funding, we moved to our current 10,240 square foot building in 1995. Artwork adorns our walls, celebrating our journey.
For more historical insights, check out the Friends of Granite Bay Library’s About page at: Granite Bay Library (ca.gov)
Placer OES Tour
 I had the pleasure to review strategies at the Palisades Tahoe World Cup and Real Time Crime Center Action Plan.
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211 Placer System Report
 The Placer County Board of Supervisors received a comprehensive update on the 211 Placer system during their recent session.
Launched in July 2020, 211 Placer serves as the county’s vital free, multilingual, and confidential information and referral system. Residents can utilize this resource to connect with a wide array of community and health services, including senior care, transportation, housing assistance, suicide prevention, and veteran services.
Katie Combs-Prichard, overseeing the program, highlighted 211 Placer's instrumental role during natural disasters like the River and Mosquito fires, diverting non-emergency calls from 9-1-1 and assisting with enrolling residents in special programs such as tax-help initiatives.
In 2023 alone, 211 Placer fielded an impressive 26,514 calls, addressing critical needs such as housing, utility assistance, and healthcare, while providing 35,414 resources to residents. Combs-Prichard emphasized the county's commendable performance in call volume per capita compared to larger counties and those with longer-established 211 services.
To enhance transparency and accessibility, a real-time data dashboard was introduced, offering insights into call data by region, need category, and referred agencies.
In recognition of its significance, the board unanimously proclaimed Feb. 11 as 211 Day in the county, aiming to celebrate the service's success and raise awareness about its importance.
Placer residents can access 211 Placer through various channels:
- Call: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-833-DIAL211; TTY: 1-844-521-6697) for language interpretation.
- Text: Text your zip code to 898211 for text alerts or specific needs.
- Online: Visit [211Placer.org](https://211connectingpoint.org/placer-county/) to access the searchable database and chat or email with specialists.
Let's continue to utilize and support this invaluable resource in our community!
Human Trafficking Enforcement
Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that this past week, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office participated in a weeklong statewide human trafficking operation called Operation Reclaim and Rebuild. The operation involved more than 95 federal, state, and local agencies across California. During this operation, 539 arrests and 65 rescues occurred statewide. We are proud to be part of such an impactful operation.
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Housing Rezone Continued
 To continue meeting state requirements while maintaining as much flexibility as possible, the Placer County Board of Supervisors took action on Tuesday to refine a list of properties for consideration within the county’s Housing Element Sites Rezone program.
During a six-hour workshop that included 58 comments from the public, board members emphasized collaboration and innovation to meet the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation requirements by a May 15 deadline, while remaining mindful of Placer County’s rural and suburban make-up.
All properties being considered for a rezone of their land to the RM30 designation, which would allow development of 20 to 30 housing units per acre, are owned by willing participants of the program
The board’s action Tuesday reduced an original list of 72 properties down to 19 properties for continued consideration as the county approaches a May 15 deadline for submission to the state’s Housing and Community Development department. The board directed staff to post updated signs on the 19 properties and to provide notices to neighboring property owners of the proposal.
The list of properties is not final. The board asked staff to continue looking for viable alternative sites, which may include amending the Sunset Area Plan to propose a county-owned site where developers have expressed interest in building multi-family housing.
“I think it’s important for our board to hear the voice of our community and maintain our flexibility as we continue to work through this important process,” said Board Chair and District 4 Supervisor Suzanne Jones. “We will continue to engage our community and explore all of the options we have to put us in the best position to meet requirements and serve our residents.”
The Rezone Program is part of the county’s 2021-2029 Housing Element, a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing and accommodating Placer County’s housing needs while ensuring equitable access to housing options. The county’s Housing Element requires completion of a rezone program by May 2024 to accommodate a shortfall of land identified for multifamily residential development.
The project comprises properties dispersed throughout unincorporated Placer County. The sites include locations in North Auburn, Dry Creek, Bowman, Penryn, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, as well as within the Lake Tahoe region outside of the basin.
The workshop, which includes staff’s presentation, public comment and the board’s deliberation, can be viewed by clicking here.
To view the list and area maps of properties under consideration for the Rezone Program, visit our Housing Element Sites Rezone Program website by clicking here.
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Draft report on Housing Element Sites Rezone program available for public comment through March 18
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AUBURN, Calif. -- A draft environmental report on the Placer County Housing Element Sites Rezone program is now available for public review and comment through March 18, including a public meeting Feb. 22 in Auburn.
The rezone program is part of the county’s 2021-2029 Housing Element, a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing and accommodating Placer County’s housing needs while ensuring equitable access to housing options. The county’s Housing Element requires completion of a rezone program by May 2024 to accommodate a shortfall of land identified for multifamily residential development.
The draft EIR includes 72 properties dispersed throughout unincorporated Placer County; however, not all properties subject to environmental review will be included in the program. Please note the public meeting is separate from the Housing Element Sites Rezone project workshop hosted by the Placer County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 13, where staff will recommend a final list of participating properties for board approval.
The sites include locations in North Auburn, Dry Creek, Bowman, Penryn, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, as well as south of Truckee within the Lake Tahoe region.
The draft EIR will be available at the following locations:
- Public libraries: Colfax Library, Foresthill Library, Granite Bay Library, Kings Beach Library, Rocklin Library, Roseville Library, Tahoe City Library, Lincoln Library, Loomis Library, Truckee public libraries
- Placer County Community Development Resource Agency in Auburn
- Placer County Development Resource Agency in North Lake Tahoe
- Placer County Clerk-Recorder’s office in Auburn
- Online at http://www.placer.ca.gov/9455/Housing-Elements-Sites-Rezone
The draft EIR identifies potentially significant impacts with respect to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, biological resources, cultural resources, noise, transportation, and tribal cultural resources. Most potentially significant adverse impacts are considered mitigable to less-than-significant levels.
A public meeting on the draft EIR will be held during the Feb. 22 Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Planning Commission Chambers, 3091 County Center Drive in Auburn. The final commission agenda will be posted at http://www.placer.ca.gov/agendacenter/planning-commission-53 up to one week prior to the meeting.
The Feb. 22 public meeting will be in person and online via Zoom. The Zoom link will be included in the final agenda at the link above.
Comments on the draft EIR can be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 18 via email to cdraecs@placer.ca.gov, via fax at 530-745-3080. Comments may also be mailed to:
Placer County Community Development Resource Agency Environmental Coordination Services 3091 County Center Drive, Ste 190 Auburn, CA 95603
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Placer County Chipper Program Special Offer
 In response to the recent storms' impact, the Placer County Chipper Program is extending a generous offer to residents. From Feb. 10 to Feb. 29, the program will provide one hour of free chipping service for any requests received during this period.
This presents an excellent opportunity for community members to take advantage of the residential chipping service at a reduced cost. Typically, homeowners are charged $80 per hour (with a one-hour minimum charge). However, as a proactive measure to facilitate cleanup efforts following the storms, the first hour of chipping will be offered free of charge for requests submitted by Feb. 29.
If you're interested in availing of this service or need more information, please visit Chipper Program
Please remember to submit a request only if your piles are ready for chipping.
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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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Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) Loomis Office 6140 Horseshoe Bar Road, Suite D Loomis, CA 95650 916-652-2400 (Non-Emergency)
South Placer Fire District 6900 Eureka Rd, Granite Bay, CA 95746 (916) 791-7059 southplacerfire.org
CAL Fire Nevada-Yuba Placer 13760 Lincoln Way, Auburn 95603 530-889-0111
California Highway Patrol - Auburn Area Office (220) 9440 Indian Hill Road Newcastle, CA 95658 (916) 633-3344 (Non-Emergency)
Placer County District Attorney’s Office 10810 Justice Center Drive Roseville, CA 95678
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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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