District 5 Newsletter | Restoring Healthy Forests and Protecting our Communities 

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DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER | JUNE 5

Restoring Healthy Forests and Protecting our Communities 

cindy gustafson

Summer is almost upon us, and it's critically important that we all are prepared for fire season.  While the County has many resources to assist you in your personal preparedness, it is also important that we are all helping restore our forest ecosystems.

Last week I attended the first annual Forestry Tour with several of the other Supervisors, County staff, and our valued partners.   The event was a strong success and served as an invaluable platform to showcase forestry projects along the I-80 corridor, shedding light on the significance of forest management practices. With a focus on high fire risk areas and fuel reduction methods, the tour aimed to educate and engage decision-makers at local, state, and federal levels.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of CAL FIRE, Placer County, Placer County Fire Safe Councils, and our dedicated partners. Their contributions have been instrumental in realizing the vision of a healthier, safer forested landscape for generations to come.

Placer County has 57,000 acres of diverse forestland, ranging from majestic valley oaks to towering conifers. We have the highest number of habitable structures in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) of any county in the State, and the USFS ranks us the third highest in the State for the number of dead trees.  These factors indicate the critical importance of addressing our forestlands.  Two years ago we established a new position in the County – Regional Forest Health Coordinator - making Placer the first county in California to have such a position.  Under the Department of Agriculture Parks and Natural Resources, Kerri Timmer works to develop and support forest health projects, engage partnerships, and seek out funding to expand the efforts to protect our communities.

One of our most important partners is the Placer Resource Conservation District (RCD).  Its collaboration with private landowners, local organizations, and public agencies is recognized as a model across the State and the Nation.  Placer RCD is at the forefront of promoting sustainable forest management practices. Through action, education, and outreach initiatives, they are committed to enhancing forest health and resilience against the looming threats of climate change and wildfires.

From conservation projects that harness the power of partnerships to large-scale endeavors aimed at bolstering community well-being, to chipping crews which assist individual property owners, Placer RCD's impact is seen all across the county. Their dedicated staff, alongside their partners, work tirelessly to support ongoing projects while spearheading new endeavors that benefit our communities.

As we move forward, we need to stay dedicated to returning our forest lands to the resilient and healthy ecosystems that once existed. Together, we can strive for a future that minimizes catastrophic wildfires and protects our homes and communities.  

In service,
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson


D5 MAY MEETINGS/EVENTS + CASEWORK SUMMARY

May 2024

Meetings/Events:

  •  20 Internal Meetings
  •  38 External Meetings
  •  4 Board Meetings
  •  6 MAC Meetings
  •  16 Events

Casework: 87 Constituent Cases


CA FAIR PLAN TESTIMONIALS

Our office receives complaints about the California FAIR Plan and the cost of insurance on a weekly (or daily!) basis, and we completely understand your frustration. I wish we had more control over the skyrocketing costs, but unfortunately the Insurance Commissioner sets the policies. I have sent numerous letters, requests for meetings, etc. in order to advocate for the residents of Placer County, but we’ve had little success getting through to Commissioner Lara.

If you’ve had your insurance cancelled or your premiums have gone up a significant amount, please send my office an email. We will compile the responses and share them with the Insurance Commissioner’s office in the hopes that we can pressure him to make the necessary changes to bring the costs back to a reasonable level.


EVENTS, NEWS & RESOURCES

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPOINTS NEW COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CEO

The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Acting County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny as the county’s next CEO and authorize a three-year employment agreement. “I speak for the entire Board of Supervisors when I say we are confident we have selected the best leader to guide our organization into the future,” said Board Chair and District 4 Supervisor Suzanne Jones. “Daniel has proven himself well qualified to manage county business efficiently and professionally and has easily gained the respect of numerous county partners. We are fortunate to have such an excellent candidate in our midst.”  LEARN MORE


PLACER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MOVES FORWARD WITH REZONE

Rezone

The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action  to rezone 13 privately-owned sites throughout the county to help meet state requirements for high-density multi-family housing. The public hearing included a detailed staff presentation, three rezoning options and 89 public comments on the Housing Element Sites Rezone program. Undertaking the rezone program was required as part of Placer County General Plan Housing Element, which is a document that outlines the county’s housing goals, policies and objectives. Within Placer County’s current 8-year housing cycle, it was required to have zoning in place to accommodate an additional 1,219 housing units to maintain compliance. Jurisdictions that fall out of compliance could face stiff penalties from the state, including the loss of local land-use authority, and financial fines. “The only reason I think any of us would vote for anything today is to keep some amount of local control,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “I think we all would prefer not to let either the state or builders make the decision for us on such an important issue.”  LEARN MORE


WESTERN D5 WEBINAR | TUESDAY JUNE 18 AT 6 PM

Western D5

We invite you to attend an informative webinar featuring updates from key agencies including Placer County Community Development Resource Agency, Placer County Sheriff's Office, CAL FIRE, Health and Human Services, The Department of Public Works and more. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and engage with your community leaders.

Event Details:

Date: June 18, 2024 | 6:00 PM
Zoom Link: Join Webinar
Webinar ID: 959 5626 9938

Mark your calendars and be part of this essential community event. We look forward to your participation!


NAVIGATING BUSINESS INSURANCE WEBINAR | June 26 AT 6:30 PM

Insurance Webinar

Placer County residents have faced increased uncertainty and pressure regarding homeowners and business insurance costs and coverages over the last few years. Join us for this free webinar to learn about insurance and disaster resiliency for Placer County home and business owners. Speakers will discuss important information about keeping your property safe and insured, updates about the FAIR Plan and tips if you are cancelled or not renewed. This webinar  will help you navigate the insurance market and provide insights on the benefits available to you right now. Featuring Keynote Speakers: Lisa Strange from the California Department of Insurance and Daniel Solomon from D.B. Solomon Public Adjustors Inc. LEARN MORE + REGISTER HERE


HIDDEN FALLS EXTREME WEATHER CLOSURE

Hidden Falls

Due to excessive heat and fire danger, Hidden Falls Regional Park will be closed Tuesday June 4, 2024 - Thursday June 6, 2024. The determination to close Hidden Falls is made in conjunction with the issuance of fire-related warnings issued by the National Weather Service and in consultation with Cal FIRE personnel. LEARN MORE


PLACER COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AGENCY NEEDS YOUR INPUT

Tahoe Transportation Agency

The Placer County Transportation Planning Agency is working to develop a plan for a regional network of safe, comfortable walking and biking facilities to connect us to the places we want to go and people we want to see. This study will focus on Placer County’s Western Slope, excluding the Tahoe Basin, and will include many ways to get engaged throughout the process.  This survey is intended to help us understand how you get around Placer County, how you want to get around, what concerns or frustrations you experience when traveling, and where you want to go. When you are answering the questions, please think about trips you take like getting to school, work, the grocery store, or for a stroll around the neighborhood as opposed to walking to the car or to get the mail. The deadline to compete this survey is June 28.  TAKE SURVEY


FREE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENTS FOR PLACER COUNTY RESIDENTS

Hazardous waste

We are pleased to announce two June Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events planned in District 5. 

June 15 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Colfax High School
June 22 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Foresthill High school

Acceptable items include: Paint, cleaners, oil filters, batteries, auto fluids, aerosol cans, sharps and medications, pesticides, fluorescent tubes and more.  Visit placer.ca.gov/recycle  for more information such as items not accepted, transportation requirements, and permanent drop-off locations. Proof of Placer County residency required. LEARN MORE


FREE HISTORY ALL SUMMER! PLACER COUNTY MUSEUMS ANNOUNCES HERITAGE TRAIL TOUR DATES

Placer Museums

Placer County Museums is excited to welcome everyone back to the Heritage Trail Museums Tour, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, with museums throughout Placer County offering free admission on select dates all summer. A total of 28 museums and historical sites from Roseville to North Lake Tahoe are participating in this year’s trail tour, June 1 through Aug. 31. “We are delighted to welcome everyone back to explore Placer County’s rich history with the Heritage Trail Museums Tour,” said Ralph Gibson, Placer County Museums administrator. “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors of all ages to experience the unique stories and cultural heritage of our region.” LEARN MORE


READERS OF ALL AGES INVITED TO 'CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE' AT THE LIBRARY THIS SUMMER

Summer reading challenge

The Placer County Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off June 4  and runs through July. This year’s theme is Choose Your Own Adventure. Participants of all ages can dive into realms of fantasy, quests and endless adventure. The first step is to sign up on the library's Beanstack page (web or mobile app) and choose a path: the Knight, the Wizard, the Faerie, the Pirate or the Mermaid. The summer reading challenge invites readers of all ages to track reading, participate in challenges, share reviews and earn tokens via the  digital platform. Every token earned can be traded at the Library Marketplace for prizes. LEARN MORE


WILDFIRE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Mosquito fire

The River Fire and Mosquito Fire are now distant memories but for two Placer residents the impacts are still being felt and their memories are now words of wisdom for others. We this video will spur you to prepare for the coming wildfire season by signing up for Placer Alert, preparing a Go Kit in the event of an evacuation and improving your defensible space so that firefighters have a greater chance to save your home. WATCH VIDEO


HIKE SAFELY THIS SUMMER

Heat Warning

As the temperatures rise and summer heat begins, Placer County is sharing this trail safety video advising residents to take safety precautions when hiking Placer County trails this summer. If the current heat doesn’t derail your plans, our first responders are urging hikers to get out early in the morning and take shorter trails to finish their hike before the main heat of the day. LEARN MORE + WATCH VIDEO 


CAL FIRE BURN PERMITS REQUIRED MAY 1 IN NEVADA, YUBA, PLACER AND SIERRA COUNTIES

Burn Permit

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)  Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit has announced effective at 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2024, all hazard reduction burning will require a permit in Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Sierra Counties. Burn permits must now be obtained online at https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov. Applicants can access the website to obtain a burn permit which involves watching a short educational video and submitting an application. The process provides the necessary information needed to conduct the burn safely, while minimizing the chance for fire escape. Permits must be in possession either by printed copy or digitally. Permits are valid beginning May 1 each year and require annual renewal. Permits are issued free of charge. LEARN MORE  


MOSQUITO RIDGE ROAD REOPENS FOLLOWING 2022 MOSQUITO FIRE

mosquito ridge

Tahoe National Forest plans to reopen Mosquito Ridge Road on May 23, 2024. The road was severely impacted during the 2022 Mosquito Fire and sustained additional damage during the record winter storms that followed. Significant re-engineering was needed to repair drainage, grading, retaining walls and road surface. Tahoe National Forest reminds drivers that there are inherent risks on traveling on forest roads and through post-fire areas. It is vital that motorists drive carefully and heed safety protocols. Although significant road repair work has been completed, more road maintenance is scheduled to occur over the next six months. The road will remain open however travelers may encounter periodic but temporary road maintenance and construction delays. LEARN MORE


FREE ADOPTIONS, ‘DOGGY SPEED DATING’ AND MORE AT UPCOMING PLACER COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES EVENT

animal services

Placer County Animal Services will be hosting a special event for California Adopt-A-Pet Day on Saturday, June 1, at their Auburn shelter, featuring free adoptions and fun activities to help you get to know adoptable animals like “Doggy Speed Dating.” Adoptions are sponsored by CalAnimals and partners including ASPCA. If unable to attend the June 1 event, PCAS will also be offering discounted $5 adoptions throughout the month of June in an effort to reduce overcrowding at the shelter heading into the summer months. “Our shelter is at capacity with dogs, and we urgently need the community's support to find loving homes. Adopting a shelter dog not only saves a life but also helps us make space for more animals in need,” said Katie Ingram, the shelter’s program manager. For the past two years the shelter has taken in an average of 130 dogs per month, 25% higher than in the five years prior. Meanwhile, the average time spent in the shelter has nearly doubled for dogs. LEARN MORE


RECENT WASTE TIRE AMNESTY EVENTS IN DISTRICT 5 REPORT GREAT SUCCESS!

Tire Waste Amnesty

We are pleased to report that our three Waste Tire Amnesty events that took place in District 5 (Foresthill, Meadow Vista and Auburn) took in 1,273 tires – saving our residents money, keeping our roadsides and forests cleaner and abating mosquito habitats. We hope the success will translate into more partnership events with the Bureau of Land Management – allowing Placer County and our hauler, Recology to use BLM funds to benefit our community again in the future! Here's a break down if the tires collected at each station:

Meadow Vista transfer station: 206
Foresthill transfer station: 190
Auburn transfer station: 893



APPLY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NORTH AUBURN MAC

North Auburn MAC

Join the North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) to make a difference in your community! We are seeking dedicated residents, property owners, or business owners from Districts Three and Five to advise the Board of Supervisors on key local issues such as land use, transportation, and general county information. As a MAC member, you'll have the opportunity to provide valuable insights and recommendations to help shape the future of North Auburn. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors, your involvement ensures that local concerns are heard and addressed. Get involved and make your voice count! LEARN MORE + APPLY TODAY


APPLY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE GREATER AUBURN AREA FIRE SAFE COUNCIL

Auburn Fire Safe Council

Join the Greater Auburn Fire Safe Council and play a vital role in protecting our community from wildfire risks! We are currently seeking a dedicated resident from the Greater Auburn Area or Auburn city limits to join our council. Appointed by the Board of Supervisors and the City of Auburn, members serve two-year terms and work to educate the public, identify high-risk areas, and promote fire safety. Your involvement will be crucial in creating and implementing a Community Fire Safe Plan and fostering cooperation with public and governmental agencies. Help us make Auburn a safer place to live.  LEARN MORE + APPLY TODAY


Placer Alert

Placer Alert notifies residents about emergency events and other important public safety information via phone call, text or email. 
SIGN UP


211 logo

Free, confidential, multilingual and available 24/7. Connect to resources for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, heat safety resources and more. Your source for non-emergency disaster information.
LEARN MORE


Ready placer clear

Visit our ReadyPlacer Dashboard for up-to-date road conditions, reported downed trees, what to do during a power outage and other winter preparedness tips.


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East Placer Bulletin


UPCOMING
MEETINGS & EVENTS

June 5
Tahoe Transportation Board Meeting

June 6
Sierra Nevada Conservancy 

Olympic Valley Town Hall

June 10
Meadow Vista MAC

June 11
Board of Supervisors

June 12
LAFCO 

June 13
North Tahoe RAC

June 18
D5 Town Hall

June 19
Supervisor Chat

June 20
Tahoe Conservancy

June 21
Tahoe Fund Board Meeting

June 24
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Reception

June 25
Board of Supervisors

June 26
TRPA

[VIEW PLACER'S
ONLINE CALENDAR]


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Placer Business Resource Center

North Tahoe Community Alliance

Sierra Small Business Development Center

California State Treasurer's Office