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Dedicated Leader | Champion of Education | Committed to our Heritage
 March 15th 2024
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Wonderful residents of District 4,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready to embrace the beauty of spring and the joyous spirit of St. Patrick's Day this Sunday. As we don our green attire and celebrate with friends and family, let's also remember to carry forward the essence of community. Remember, no matter how you choose to celebrate, do it with joy and safety in mind.
Did you know that March is Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month? This is a time for us to recognize and support the vibrant individuals in our community who live with I/DD. Amid discussions on housing rezoning, a request has emerged from parents within the I/DD community. They suggest considering the needs of those with special needs in our planning, proposing that some rezoned areas could serve as dedicated spaces for individuals with I/DD. While specific proposals are still on the drawing board, this dialogue opens a valuable pathway for learning, advocacy, and inclusive action. Continue this story further in my newsletter.
Furthermore, Placer County recently held an event at Sierra College to celebrate the crucial role of Arts & Culture in driving the region's economic prosperity, spotlighting the connection between artistic expression and economic growth. The ceremony started with a tribute to Twiana Armstrong, Chair of the Arts Council Board, for her leadership that has enriched the local arts scene.
The event focused on the dual impact of the arts: their aesthetic value and their significant economic contribution, highlighted by the county's participation in the "Arts & Economic Prosperity 6" study, led by Randy Cohen. This study underlines the arts as key to Placer County's economic and cultural vibrancy, supported by the Arts Council of Placer County (ACPC), which has helped make the county's cultural landscape thrive and attract wider attention.
The gathering emphasized the importance of continued recognition and investment in the arts as essential to the county's economy and community well-being. Appreciation was shown for everyone involved in the event's success, setting the stage for a vibrant cultural and economic future in Placer County.
Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts, was then introduced. Known for his advocacy and research, Cohen's work has significantly promoted the arts in America, showcasing their economic impact and fostering public support. His contributions make him a key figure in discussions on the synergy between arts, culture, and economic development.
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I also want to shout out to the Roseville Chamber for hosting a great Ribbon Cutting event this week in Roseville at Sonrisa Senior Living, Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. With the growing population of senior citizens living in Placer County, places like this provide a great space for residents to stay close to their families as they age.
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As you know I always encourage our residents to be part of the conversation. Whether you prefer to join in person or from the comfort of your home, your participation is invaluable. Our next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 9:00 AM. You can attend in person at the Placer County Administrative Center, famously known as "The Domes," located at 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603. Alternatively, you can watch the meetings online at https://www.Placer.CA.Gov/BOSLive. Your insights, questions, and feedback are what help us make Placer County a better place for everyone.
As we step into the latter half of March, let’s carry forward the spirit of community, awareness, and cultural appreciation. From celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to advocating for our friends and neighbors with IDD, and embracing the transformative power of the arts, there’s so much we can do together.
Wishing you a month filled with joy, growth, and meaningful connections.
Supervisor Jones
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Housing Needs Discussion
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all the calls and emails concerning Site 26, as well as the inquiries about other sites across the county. I recognize that the project we are undertaking is not only challenging but also rapidly approaching its deadline. The effort and dedication each one of you has shown in navigating between the property owner's rights, public demand and future of our community are truly commendable.
A special thanks to Kally for her exceptional efforts in fielding an array of questions. I am Cc'd on her responses and aware of the work she is putting into documenting your concerns. It’s indeed part of my role as an elected official to address these inquiries, yet when a staff member steps up to assist in this capacity, on top of her daily responsibilities, it underscores the extraordinary commitment you have to our mission. Please acknowledge that we as a county have not faced a housing mandate this severe and are learning as we go.
Remember, we are human, doing our best with the resources we have and each day we gather more feedback helping us update planning and decision-making process.
Our role as a board is not only to direct but to collaborate as a bridge between you, the residents, and staff. It's equally essential for our planning and housing team to explore every possible scenario diligently. Our collective goal is to make Placer County not just a place for all to live, but a great place for us to live.
In case you have not already provided comments, this notice is being provided as a reminder that the public comment period for the Housing Rezone Program Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is still open until 5 pm on March 18, 2024. Hard copies of the DEIR are available at all public libraries and the Community Development Resource Agency at 3091 County Center Drive in Auburn. In addition, the DEIR is available online at the following link: Housing Element Sites Rezone | Placer County, CA
Comments can be submitted via email to cdraecs@placer.ca.gov or in writing to:
Placer County Community Development Resource Agency
Environmental Coordination Services
3091 County Center Dr., Ste 190
Auburn, CA 95603
Thank you to those who have already provided your comments. Comments received on the DEIR will also be included in the Final EIR. Additional opportunities for public participation include a Planning Commission hearing tentatively scheduled for April 25 and a Board of Supervisors hearing tentatively scheduled for May 7.
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Loomis Planning Commission approves 2040 General Plan
After extensive discussions and late proposals, the Loomis Planning Commission approved the Town 2040 General Plan, marking a significant step towards future development. In a unanimous vote during their February 27 meeting, commissioners endorsed the state-mandated plan, signaling a culmination of a five-year effort. The plan now awaits the Loomis Town Council's final approval.
Key recommendations include re-zoning nine home parcels on Martin Lane and Betty Lane from "Tourist Destination" to "Rural Residential," addressing concerns raised by homeowners unaware of their previous business zoning until a recent RV park proposal. This zoning change aligns with neighboring areas, reinforcing the town's residential character.
However, the meeting also surfaced debates over the Town Mission Statement's shift from "slow growth" to "intelligent growth." Some residents, like Sonja Cupler, expressed strong opposition to the change, advocating for the preservation of the town's slow growth ethos. Nonetheless, Planning Director Christy Consolini explained the legal implications of such terminology, suggesting that the term "slow growth" could attract legal challenges from the state, as it has with other cities.
The discussion highlighted the delicate balance between growth management and legal constraints, with Commissioner Jean Wilson and Chairman Tim Onderko emphasizing the importance of cautious wording in official documents to avoid potential legal pitfalls. Onderko reassured attendees of Loomis's enduring small-town identity, regardless of regional growth forecasts.
Furthermore, the commission endorsed the General Plan's Environmental Impact Report, a comprehensive document available for public review, underscoring the plan's adaptability and the ongoing opportunity for community input on zoning and development issues. This approval represents a pivotal moment in shaping Loomis's future while preserving its cherished small-town character.
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Placer County takes step toward removing decades-old bridge debris from American River
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AUBURN, Calif. -- Placer County has taken another step toward removing metal and concrete bridge debris that has been sitting in the American River for 60 years.
The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action Tuesday to approve a contract with Dokken Engineering of Folsom for environmental consulting that will result in a plan to remove remnants from the state Route 49 bridge that was washed out after the Hell Hole Dam failed during a weather event in 1964.
Shortly after that incident, Congress approved construction of the Auburn Dam, and the decision was made to leave the bridge debris in place as it would have been covered by water deep in the Auburn Reservoir. The Auburn Dam, however, has never been built.
“This project is a true environmental remediation project,” said senior civil engineer Cheyenne Toney. “We’ve worked with the Protect American River Canyons group to obtain legislative action for state funding, and we’re pleased to be in a position to lead the removal of this debris that has been a safety concern for a long period of time.”
Under the $901,703 contract, Dokken will be tasked with helping the county work with other agencies that oversee water quality and land management to design a debris removal program and obtain permits for the work. The project will include strict requirements to ensure removal methods are safe for the environment and will not do damage to the river or riverbed.
Funding was secured in February 2023 through an $8 million transfer of Priority Legislative Budget Project Funds from Caltrans to the county.
The project is anticipated to begin in 2026.
For more information on the project, visit the Protect American River Canyons website by clicking here.
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March Proclaimed I/DD Awareness Month
 In the heart of Placer County, a story unfolds that touches the lives of 3,800 residents identified as intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD). Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this community, the county board has officially proclaimed March as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a significant step in highlighting the urgent need for support and understanding.
The spotlight on I/DD awareness brings to the fore a long-standing issue that resonates across the nation: the dire need for long-term housing solutions. For years, families and individuals grappling with I/DD have encountered formidable barriers in securing suitable living arrangements, a situation that grows increasingly critical as parents of those with I/DD advance into retirement and assisted living facilities themselves. This pivotal life transition raises the pressing question: What becomes of our children when we can no longer be their primary caregivers?
In Placer County, this question has not gone unanswered. The county, along with various agencies, is actively exploring innovative solutions to address the housing crisis faced by the I/DD community. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 individuals who stand to benefit significantly from a housing solution tailored specifically to their needs, which often extend beyond the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The quest for appropriate housing is more than a matter of accessibility; it's about creating environments that foster independence, security, and a sense of community for those with I/DD. These individuals require living spaces that not only accommodate physical needs but also support their development and integration into the wider community.
Efforts are underway to engage stakeholders at all levels in a collaborative push towards creating such spaces. From specialized housing projects to inclusive community initiatives, the goal is to ensure that residents with I/DD have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives with dignity and respect.
The proclamation of March as IDD Awareness Month in Placer County serves as a beacon of hope, not just for the local community but as an example for regions facing similar challenges nationwide. It underscores the importance of acknowledging the unique contributions of individuals with I/DD and the collective responsibility to ensure they are not left behind.
As the community rallies during this awareness month, the message is clear: the time to act is now. Through sustained advocacy, innovation, and partnership, the vision of inclusive, long-term housing for individuals with I/DD inches closer to reality. In doing so, Placer County not only addresses an immediate need but also paves the way for a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Click to Futureforourkids.org for more details about the Disability Housing Alliance, parent support and advocacy for I/DD.
SVP Update
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Placer County seeks community input on wildfire mitigation strategies at upcoming forums
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AUBURN, Calif. -- Placer County residents are invited to participate in a series of upcoming community forums focusing on mitigating wildfire risk to communities, improving water quality and protecting recreational opportunities and other critical assets.
The forums will focus on Land Tender, a digital platform facilitating community involvement in land management scenarios. Through Land Tender, residents can contribute their perspectives to shape the county's approach to managing forested areas and mitigating wildfire risks.
Hosted by the Placer County Regional Forest Health Division, these forums will provide residents with an opportunity to share what is most important to them regarding the protection of property, water systems, transit routes, recreation areas and more from the risk of severe wildfire.
Information collected from residents will help clarify priorities and speed up planning for preventative projects like thinning hazardous and overgrown timber, clearing fuels from roadsides and conducting prescribed burns.
"Resident input is crucial as we develop a comprehensive action plan for wildfire and forest health throughout the 75% of Placer County that is either forested or made up of communities adjacent to forest land," emphasizes Kerri Timmer, Placer County regional forest health coordinator. "These forums offer a constructive platform for community members to contribute their valuable insights, which will directly shape our county's strategy for managing our forests and mitigating wildfire risks."
Land Tender Community Forum Schedule: *Community members are invited to attend any meeting location.
Foothill Community Forum Date: Monday, March 18 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Placer County Community Development Resource Agency Building Planning Commission Hearing Room, 3091 County Center Drive, Auburn Tahoe Community Forum Date: Wednesday, March 27 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: North Tahoe Event Center 8318 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach
Virtual Session Community Forum Date: Tuesday, April 2 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Online via Zoom (*Open to all participants from all zones) https://placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/92559592689 *Please note, the virtual session and in-person meetings will have the same information
Summit - West Community Forum Date: Monday, April 29 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Veterans Memorial Hall 24601 Harrison St., Foresthill The countywide initiative aims to complement existing and future neighborhood and community-level wildfire resilience plans, fostering a comprehensive approach to wildfire preparedness across the forested portions of Placer County. For more information about the Land Tender Community Forums, visit the Placer County Regional Forest Health website, https://www.placer.ca.gov/9582/Forest-Health, or contact the Regional Forest Health Division at 530-889-7372 or PlacerRFH@placer.ca.gov.
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 Mark your calendars for a night of networking, laughter, and goodwill at the "Comedy for a Cause" event, benefitting AllegiantVETS. This special occasion is set to take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
GRANITE BAY, Calif. — Walmart has announced the closure of its Granite Bay neighborhood market, scheduled for April 12. The store, situated on Douglas Boulevard and operational since September 2012, has not met the company's performance expectations.
The company assures that all current employees of the Granite Bay store will have the opportunity to transfer to other locations and will continue to receive their pay until June 14. For those choosing not to transfer, eligible employees will be offered severance packages post that date.
Walmart expressed its gratitude towards its Granite Bay customers for their patronage over the years and remains committed to serving them through its other seven stores in the vicinity, its online platform, and home or business delivery services.
For pharmacy customers, the Granite Bay store’s pharmacy team is prepared to assist with transferring prescriptions to any other Walmart pharmacy.
Walmart operates 309 stores and Sam’s Clubs across California, employing approximately 100,000 individuals. The Granite Bay location alone houses 81 employees. Despite this closure, Walmart has no further store closures planned in the region, underscoring its continued investment in California. Nearby supercenters for Granite Bay residents include locations on Lead Hill Boulevard in Roseville, Pacific Street in Rocklin, and Crossings Drive in Rocklin.
Sports
In an electrifying display of power and resilience, the Del Oro High School varsity softball team, known as the Golden Eagles, captured a significant victory against Woodcreek with a final score of 12-6. This triumph on Monday afternoon marks a pivotal moment in their season, turning the tide after a challenging start.
The Golden Eagles, facing an early setback with four consecutive losses against historically competitive teams, have since rallied to secure three consecutive victories. This turnaround is particularly momentous as they step into Sierra Foothill League play, underlining their growth and determination.
Coach Sean Erickson emphasized the importance of overcoming adversity and highlighted the team's journey from vulnerability to strength. According to Erickson, this evolution from a rocky start to a series of wins is testament to the team's character and commitment to improvement.
The match against Woodcreek was a showcase of Del Oro's burgeoning confidence and skill. Despite Woodcreek's early lead with a run in the first inning, Del Oro quickly responded, amassing a 6-1 lead by the end of the third inning. This early lead was a collective effort, featuring key contributions from players such as Sami Pinkham, Gabby Enyart, Aryn Brower, and a standout home run by Delaney Osborne.
Woodcreek, not to be underestimated, narrowed the gap in the fourth and sixth innings, demonstrating their tenacity and potential to upset Del Oro's lead. However, Del Oro's explosive sixth inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Kate Brown and a solo home run by Avery Enyart, decisively tipped the scales in their favor, extending their lead to 12-5.
This back-and-forth contest wasn't just about scoring runs; it was a testament to both teams' perseverance and skill. For Woodcreek, despite the setback, there's a sense of optimism about the season's prospects. Coach Gary Ibarra noted the challenges of limited practice due to unavailable fields but remains confident in the team's potential for a solid year.
Del Oro's victory is not just a win in the record books; it's a statement about their ability to unite, strategize, and execute under pressure. As they prepare for their upcoming game against Folsom, the Golden Eagles are riding a wave of momentum and camaraderie that could very well define their season.
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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!"
The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of the County and certain special districts. The Board enacts ordinances and resolutions, adopts the annual budget, approves contracts, appropriates funds, determines land use zoning for the unincorporated area, and appoints certain County officers, including the CEO and members of various boards and commissions.
Regular Meetings
The Board of Supervisors generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Placer County Administrative Center located at 175 Fulweiler Avenue in Auburn, CA. Please view the meeting calendar to verify meeting dates.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
Strategic Plan
Placer County has identified eight Critical Success Factors to help set the county’s priorities. Part of that effort includes an annual work plan that acts as a roadmap toward achieving our goals and is closely monitored by the board. In an effort to provide total transparency, the Placer County Strategic Work Plan is now available for public review, and we encourage residents to follow our progress through quarterly updates. Learn more about the critical success factors.
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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