While the weather temperatures don’t reflect it yet, October has arrived.  The weather has been wonderful for many outdoor activities, but please continue to heed the warnings – fires are still a serious threat. We need to stay vigilant for the next month or two.    

I am very pleased to report that thanks to the dedicated staff at Placer County along with the support of the Board of Supervisors, we have received significant grant funding to improve our communities’ connectivity, safety, and protection of open space.    

Expanded Broadband

We are expanding broadband infrastructure throughout Placer County, particularly in underserved areas of District 5 with a newly awarded grant of $23.7 million from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This funding will significantly expand broadband services along the Interstate 80 corridor, bringing high-speed internet access to underserved communities like Applegate, Colfax, Cape Horn, Magra, and Alta. The Placer County Board of Supervisors took action to accept this vital grant, which will help bridge connectivity gaps for approximately 3,825 rural households and businesses.

The expanded broadband infrastructure will enhance economic opportunities and improve access to education, healthcare, and essential services for residents in these areas. This is part of Placer County’s broader Broadband Equity Program, launched in 2020, which aims to provide reliable internet access to over 17,000 underserved homes and businesses. Previous phases of the program have already improved connectivity for households in Auburn, North Auburn, Penryn, and other areas, with this latest project marking another milestone in our commitment to digital inclusion. By expanding broadband access, we are investing in the future of our rural communities and ensuring that all residents, regardless of location, have the opportunity to participate in today’s digital world.

Baker Ranch/Shirtail Canyon Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention

We have also made significant progress in forest health and wildfire prevention with the Baker Ranch and Shirtail Canyon projects. Placer County has been awarded $1.5 million in federal funds to accelerate the implementation of the Baker Ranch/Shirtail Canyon Wildfire Defense Planning and Analysis Project. This project focuses on large-scale fuel reduction efforts in the Foresthill Divide area, particularly in high-risk zones like Shirtail Canyon, where dense vegetation increases wildfire vulnerability. Key efforts will include strategic thinning of overgrown vegetation, controlled burns, and the creation of community firebreaks to mitigate fire risks. These initiatives are essential not only for reducing immediate wildfire threats but also for promoting long-term forest health, biodiversity, and sustainability. For our community, this means safer homes and businesses, as well as the continued preservation and enjoyment of our beautiful wilderness areas.

Open Space – Mourier West

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has approved several key steps toward preserving the 264-acre Mourier West Property through the Placer Legacy program. A Use of Funds Agreement with the Placer Conservation Authority (PCA) has been approved, allocating $41,301 in local non-mitigation funds to facilitate the acquisition of this valuable property. The Mourier West Property, rich in sensitive species resources such as vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, and riverine/riparian habitats, is vital to the county’s conservation goals.

This acquisition is a part of the larger Placer County Conservation Program (PCCP), which was adopted in 2020 and aims to protect natural resources while ensuring sustainable development. With over $3.2 million in state conservation grants from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Wildlife Conservation Board, this funding will enable the purchase of Mourier West, a critical part of the county’s open space strategy.

By preserving this property, the county will not only protect sensitive habitats but also contribute toward the long-term success of the PCCP’s Conservation Strategy. This area will join over 3,368 acres of conserved lands in the immediate vicinity, enhancing wildlife corridors and environmental preservation efforts. The approved Use of Funds Agreement, along with a fiscal year 2024-25 budget amendment, will allow for the deposit of funds into escrow and further the county’s goal of maintaining open spaces for future generations to enjoy.

None of these projects would have happened without dedicated, professional County staff who are committed to serving each of YOU! 

In service,
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson

Meetings/Events:

•  19 Internal Meetings
•  31 External Meetings
•  7 Board Meetings
•  3 MAC Meetings
•  17 Events

Casework: 84 Constituent Cases 

With residents and businesses facing dire insurance affordability challenges, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution asking California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for homeowners and commercial property insurance.  In a letter sharing the resolution with the governor and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the board called for the state to “take immediate emergency regulatory and legislative action to strengthen and stabilize California’s marketplace for homeowners insurance and commercial property insurance.” “We’re all well aware of the critical impacts the loss of insurance has on homeowners and now businesses, as well,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “It’s truly a crisis. Placer County, we believe, is the top county in the state for non-renewals. I know that our county and our residents are doing everything they can and they want to do more. But they need to have that recognized. If they’re going to harden their homes, and do their defensible space, they need insurance breaks.” LEARN MORE

Placer County is now the top-ranked county in the United States and California for the number of communities participating in the Firewise USA program. With a total of 98 Firewise USA Communities, Placer County has solidified its position as a leader in wildfire prevention. "Placer County's success in becoming a Firewise USA leader is a direct result of the collective efforts of our community members,” said Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “Their commitment to wildfire prevention and willingness to take action have made a significant impact. I enthusiastically applaud everyone’s participation, dedication and hard work." The Firewise USA program takes a local, proactive approach to wildfire prevention, reducing the risk of property damage and protecting lives. LEARN MORE

Another significant boost to broadband connectivity is headed for Placer County’s rural communities. The county has been awarded a grant of $23,752,674 from the California Public Utility Commission to expand broadband services along the Interstate 80 corridor, spanning the communities of Applegate, Colfax, Cape Horn, Magra and Alta. “The CPUC grant will play a pivotal role in expanding broadband infrastructure and closing the digital divide in Placer County,” said Placer County Chief Information Officer Jarrett Thiessen. “This investment will not only enhance economic opportunities but also improve access to education, healthcare and essential services for residents in these underserved areas.” The project will bring reliable broadband services to approximately 3,825 additional rural households and businesses. LEARN MORE + VIEW PROJECT DETAILS AND MAPS

Additional wildfire resiliency is on the horizon for Foresthill and the Foresthill Divide, with the Placer County Board of Supervisors approving an agreement to accept Congressionally directed federal funding for the area. Placer was awarded $1.5 million in federal funds to accelerate the implementation of the Baker Ranch/Shirttail Canyon Wildfire Defense Planning and Analysis Project. The project will assess wildfire risk across 50,000 acres of non-federal forest and wildland-urban interface lands in the Foresthill Divide area, help develop a comprehensive treatment plan for forest resilience and complete environmental reviews for one or more individual projects to expedite implementation.  The project’s goals are to reduce forest density, remove excess flammable materials, improve overall forest health and mitigate tree diseases caused by invasive insects. LEARN MORE

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the solicitation for bids and the resulting execution of a contract for the Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails Expansion Project Phase 2.  This project will provide trail connectivity between the existing Hidden Falls Regional Park trail system and the parking area currently being constructed at 5345 Bell Road.  “As great as Hidden Falls is today, with 1,200 acres of open space and 30 miles of trails, we are excited for the public to see the extraordinary scenery on 600 new acres of oak woodland and eight miles of new trails that lead from rugged canyons to ridgeline vistas of the snow-capped Sierras,” said Placer County Parks Administrator Andy Fisher. LEARN MORE

The Placer County Superior Court held a status conference regarding the potential placement of state-designated Sexually Violent Predator William Stephenson. William Stephenson appeared virtually with the Department of State Hospitals and their contractor, Liberty Healthcare. DSH reported they are currently assessing an undisclosed location in Placer County. DSH reported that once the state completes their site assessment, they will schedule a housing meeting.  The Placer County District Attorney’s Office, joined by Placer County and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, filed with the court a motion seeking a finding of ‘extraordinary circumstances.’ This motion would authorize the Department of State Hospitals to look both in Placer and Sacramento Counties. LEARN MORE

Despite continued weather challenges the total gross value of agricultural crops and products increased 1% in Placer County for 2023. Rice, along with beef cattle, poultry, nursery products and walnuts, were among Placer County’s top five highest-gross-value crops. The total value of agricultural crops and products for 2023 was $89,659,831, an increase from 2022’s value of $88,852,432. “While the total value is slightly above the historical average, each crop has its own unique story,” said Placer County Agricultural Commissioner and Department of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources Director Josh Huntsinger. “Almonds, for example, fell out of the top five due to post-COVID supply chain disruptions and market oversaturation. The timber industry also faced challenges following the 2022 Mosquito Fire, which led to significant salvage logging.” 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 

There are several open opportunities on local committees and commissions in District 5, offering a chance to get involved and help shape important decisions in our community. If you're passionate about making a difference, consider applying and contributing your voice to local governance.
LEARN MORE + APPLY TODAY

• COLFAX CEMETERY DISTRICT
• DONNER SUMMIT MAC
• FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
• LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD