Over 100 years ago, our Country began recognizing the first Monday in September as Labor Day, paying tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. While Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, I want to remind you that our fire season is FAR from being over. Until we begin to see some rain and snow, I will continue to push out wildfire information. Let’s work together to keep Placer County educated, informed, prepared, and SAFE!

Insurance

On August 16th, 2024, Commissioner Lara issued a press release for public input for the new wildfire modeling regulations. The Department of Insurance will hold a virtual public hearing to take input on the proposed regulation on September 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. Residents are encouraged to submit written comments to CDIRegulations@insurance.ca.gov. 

My office initiated an emergency resolution for the Board to consider at our September 10^th meeting. The resolution requests emergency action for homeowners and commercial property insurance. We hope the momentum continues to build to get more political support for meaningful change.

More help could be on the way. Earlier this month Placer County was recognized for our commitment to wildfire planning best practices, receiving the 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community designation by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. That could result in priority consideration for specific wildfire prevention grants and potential homeowners insurance discounts.  

I80 Vegetation Management and Truck Fires

Our office has organized a meeting with Congressman Kiley, Senator Dahle, Assemblymember Dahle, Caltrans, CHP, CAL FIRE, and county staff to discuss solutions to the recent influx of truck fires along I80 near Dutch Flat and Alta. We will continue to advocate for increased vegetation management so we can minimize the threat of catastrophic wildfire.

As always, please reach out to our office with any questions. 

In service,
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson

Meetings/Events:

•  19 Internal Meetings
•  29 External Meetings
•  7 Board Meetings
•  5 MAC Meetings
•  10 Events

Casework: 71 Constituent Cases 

As residents of Placer County, we’re fortunate to live alongside some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife in California. This incredible natural heritage enriches our lives and enhances our community. But with this blessing comes a responsibility: to protect and preserve the wildlife that makes our region so unique. At Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR), we take this responsibility to heart, working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release thousands of animals each year—right here in Placer County. READ MORE

County staff will present the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan project to the Planning Commission September 5, 2024. The hearing will take place at the North Lake Tahoe Event Center, and will begin promptly at 9 a.m. The Planning Commission will consider certification of the final Environmental Impact Report and approval of project entitlements. The Planning Commission recommendations will be presented for Board of Supervisors decision later this year, date and time to be determined. All letters, written materials, studies or reports, should be delivered to the Clerk of the Board at 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603, or emailed to Planningcommission@placer.ca.gov.
LEARN MORE + VIEW PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Small businesses in Placer County are invited to attend a free seminar designed to help our local companies understand current California and federal accessibility requirements. Our Building Services Division will provide the latest updates to state and federal laws to ensure local businesses meet the standards for access – such as door widths, path of travel requirements, signage and readily achievable barrier removal.

When: September 12th | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Placer County Health & Human Services Center or
Virtually via Zoom.
To Register: Email your name and contact information to building@placer.ca.gov

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $237 million in third and fourth round grants for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. This program expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California. This continues a rolling process of awards and recommendations, highlighting the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All. Awardees include: $142 million for 11 Last Mile Federal Funding Account broadband infrastructure grant projects in 7 counties including Placer.  Currently, the total amount in grants recommended and awarded is $434 million for projects in 22 counties. For a full list of recommendations and awards to date, visit the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage. LEARN MORE

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has expanded eligibility for the Eastern Placer Defensible Space Fuels Reduction Program, making it easier for residents to access critical wildfire prevention funds. The $175,000 grant, provided by the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, offers up to $5,000 per property owner to hire a contractor for defensible space work.  The program helps property owners comply with the county’s Hazardous Vegetation Ordinance and reduce wildfire risk. To qualify, residents in eastern Placer County must now meet income eligibility at or below the median income or be aged 65 or older, or be disabled. “Expanding eligibility for this important program is crucial to protecting our communities from wildfire,” said Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “By making it easier for more residents to create defensible space, we’re taking a proactive step to increase safety and reduce the risk of property loss.” LEARN MORE

The Placer County Water Agency is pleased to share that PG&E has partially fixed its water delivery infrastructure, and is asking customers to continue conservation efforts while Rollins Lake reservoir replenishes. PCWA asks all customers to maintain their conservation efforts and reduce water use through at least mid-September. This is essential as we navigate the hot summer months and work towards a stable water source at Rollins Reservoir. The reduced deliveries of untreated water will continue until Rollins Reservoir recovers. LEARN MORE

The Placer County Board of Supervisors  continued its commitment to wildfire resilience in the region by awarding a contract to MarkIt! Forestry Management LLC to help mitigate wildfire severity around the French Meadows Reservoir. MarkIt! Forestry Management LLC, based out of Colorado, emerged as the lowest bidder for the contract, securing the project with a funding allocation of $1,524,702. The award is part of the French Meadows Ecological Forest Restoration Project – a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the natural landscape’s health and reducing the risk of severe, damaging wildfires. “I am happy to share that nearly 60% of the French Meadows Project has been completed to date,” said Placer County Regional Forest Health Coordinator Kerri Timmer. “That equates to 4,271 acres out of the planned 7,218 acres of treatment to create healthier forest conditions.” LEARN MORE

Placer County is thrilled to announce the expansion of operating hours at two of its major library locations, Rocklin and Auburn. Both libraries are now open seven days a week, providing increased access to a wealth of resources and services for the community. The change underscores the library’s mission to connect people and strengthen community for a better future. “Bringing more time for exploration, research and fun to our community is at the heart of what we do,” said Placer County Library Director Mary George. “We are excited to provide these expanded hours that help make our libraries more accessible and inviting to all residents. This expansion reflects our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our community and supporting lifelong learning in Placer.” Both the Auburn and Rocklin Libraries will be open on Sunday' s from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Monday's from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. LEARN MORE

Congratulations to Facilities Management and County Executive Office teams, developer Griffin Swinerton and design firm Gensler on their recent Award of Merit for design work on The Strand in North Auburn. The project is part of the master planning of potential private development within the Placer County Government Center. The American Institute of Architects California 2024 Urban Design Awards recognizes planning excellence in the creation, improvement and sustainability of our physical environment. This is an annual state-wide competition with only nine urban design projects awarded by a jury of design and planning professionals. LEARN MORE

We live in a beautiful, but fire danger critical area - it is ALL our responsibility to ensure we are fire-prepared.  Please be vigilant with your actions and evacuation plans. SIGN UP FOR PLACER ALERT - it is the single best way to stay informed in an emergency.

IMPORTANT WILDFIRE RESOURCES: 

• Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council
• Ready for Wildfire Webpage
• Defensible Space Information 
• Prepare for Quick Evacuation 
• Build an Emergency Kit 
• Sign up for Placer Alert
• Watch the 2024 Fire Season Outlook Video