District 4 Update from Supervisor Jones
As we move into the holiday season, our region has plenty happening, and many ways to stay connected, contribute, and stay safe.
Tuesday the 2nd is Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Generosity and community support. It’s a perfect opportunity to look around at the nonprofits and community organizations doing vital work in District 4 and offer your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word. Your help could make a big difference this season.
This time of year, when many people are shopping for gifts, meals, or essentials, please consider supporting our local businesses. Buying from small shops, boutiques, local cafés, and service providers has a powerful ripple effect.
More of each dollar spent stays in our community than when you shop online. That helps support local jobs, keeps services alive, and preserves the character of our mountain and foothill towns. You can explore our local businesses and share your favorites at the Placer County portal: https://engage.placer.ca.gov/shop-placer
Attention all drivers: this season, travel safely and responsibly. Busy shopping areas near the Galleria Mall, early winter sunsets, and occasional fog can make driving tricky. Give yourself extra time, keep a safe following distance, and remain alert at all times. Above all, please obey the speed limit and remember hands-free is the way to be. Let’s arrive home safe for the holidays.
This fall I toured several high-traffic, accident-prone areas across Granite Bay and other parts of District 4 with county staff to survey traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Our review covered major corridors and intersections that have seen increasing volume and concern.
From that survey we identified several priorities: revisiting traffic light timing, evaluating the need for new signals at key intersections, reviewing landscaping in medians along Douglas Boulevard for improved sight lines, and improving sidewalk access from the CVS area to Folsom Lake.
We are especially pleased that funding is already secured for 2026 to build a new sidewalk segment between Oak Knoll and Solie Road. That will close a critical pedestrian gap and make the neighborhood safer for walkers, runners, families, and those accessing local amenities.
These efforts reflect our commitment to safer roads, safer travel for pedestrians especially around schools, shopping zones, parks and to ongoing attention to infrastructure that supports daily life in District 4.
Please join us this Thursday evening, December 4 at 6:00 PM at the Granite Bay Library for our next Supervisor Forum. This is an opportunity to hear updates on local projects, ask questions, and share your priorities for our community.
Looking ahead, please mark your calendar for our Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 9 or Tuesday, December 16 in Auburn. If you prefer to watch from home, the meetings will be streamed live at:https://www.youtube.com/@placercomeetings
Thank you to everyone in our community for the care, energy, and participation you bring every day. This season, whether you give your time, support a small business, attend a community event such as our inaugural Christmas tree lighting on Sunday December 7th at 5pm at Quarry Ponds, I am wishing you all a meaningful December. I look forward to working together in the coming year to build a safer, more connected, and vibrant Placer County.
Suzanne Jones
Placer County Supervisor, District 4
  Join Supervisor Forum via Zoom here: https://placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/94671999070
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The City of Roseville is launching two new incentive programs in early 2026 to encourage redevelopment and investment along the Douglas-Harding, Douglas-Sunrise, and Atlantic Street corridors.
The Development Impact Fee Credit Program and the Façade and Frontage Improvement Program will help reduce financial barriers and support revitalization. Learn More
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The Placer County Board of Supervisors will review three appeals related to the proposed Hope Way Apartments during its regular meeting on Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. at the Placer County Health and Human Services Building in Auburn. The appeals challenge the Planning Commission’s Oct. 16 decision on the 240-unit affordable housing proposal by USA Properties Fund. The commission previously denied the project’s design review agreement while approving most of the requested development waivers. All appeal documents and project details are available on the project’s webpage, with the full board agenda to be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting. LEARN MORE
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Thank you to the Flower Farm in Loomis for hosting our November Supervisor Forum, where we heard from PCTPA and AIM Consulting on electric vehicle usage and charging needs in rural Placer County.
We also appreciate the Newcastle Methodist Church for welcoming the Newcastle Community Association and providing space for quarterly forums, including updates on PCWA and SPMUD infrastructure improvements.
Thanks to these business partners we are able to provide a space for residents to gather and connect with local government.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Tracy Randall (916) 791-7059
Trandall@southplacerfire.org
SOUTH PLACER FIRE DISTRICT APPOINTS NEW CHIEF UPON CHIEF’S RETIREMENT
Nov. 19, 2025, GRANITE BAY/LOOMIS, CA - On Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, the South Placer Fire District (SPFD) Board of Director’s congratulated Chief Mark Duerr who announced on Nov. 6, 2025, he would retire on Dec. 31, 2025. After a closed session meeting that evening, SPFD Board Chair Tracy Randall also announced the Board of Directors had unanimously appointed Deputy Chief Darin Snedeker to be the next SPFD Chief effective Jan. 1, 2026, pending finalization of a contract.
Chair Randall noted the valuable contributions Chief Duerr made to the district since he was appointed Chief in September 2021.
“Chief Duerr was hired during a challenging time for the district,” said Chair Randall. “As an example, he improved the allocation of resources to help stabilize district finances and instituted measures to ensure new development pays its own way for the additional service demands created by growth in commercial and residential building within the District.”
Chair Randall added, “We’re very grateful for Chief Duerr’s contributions and accomplishments during his tenure as Chief for SPFD.”
Chief Duerr has resided in Placer County with his wife and three children for over 20 years. He came to SPFD from the Stockton Fire Department where he worked for more than 22 years, promoting through the ranks from firefighter/paramedic, to engineer, captain, battalion chief, division chief and ultimately the deputy chief of administration.
“It’s been my sincere pleasure to serve as chief for the Granite Bay and Loomis communities,” said Duerr. “While I will be retiring at the end of this year, the strength of SPFD lies in the professionalism of our firefighters and staff who serve and protect our community with great dedication.”
In promoting Deputy Chief Snedeker to Chief, the SPFD Board noted his exemplary reputation in the region. Chief Snedeker is a 20-year resident of Granite Bay. He and his wife are raising two children who attend school in Granite Bay, while participating in athletics and after school activities in Loomis. Chief Snedeker began as deputy chief at SPFD in August of this year.
He has over 25 years of experience in fire service, beginning as a seasonal firefighter for CalFire, where he later became a firefighter paramedic. Before becoming deputy fire chief at SPFD in August of this year, he had a career with the City of Sacramento Fire Department spanning over 20 years, beginning again as a firefighter, then becoming a firefighter paramedic, captain, and battalion chief.
“Chief Snedeker is known for his leadership and has special expertise in operations and training. We are pleased he is a member of our team,” said Chair Randall. “Chief Snedeker’s appointment helps make the District well poised to face the challenges facing fire districts in Placer County and throughout California.”
“As a resident of the SPFD, I am excited to bring my passion for fire service to my own community,” said Chief Snedeker. “I look forward to working with SPFD firefighters, staff, the Board and community members to ensure the highest level of fire protection and public safety for the SPFD.”
The South Placer Fire District Board will be working closely over the coming months with both Chiefs Duerr and Snedeker to ensure a smooth transition.
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Local Shoutout! Trailside Bikes, your local bike rental and repair shop in Granite Bay, located at 7120 Douglas Blvd, close to the entrance to the state park. You can rent a high quality mountain bike, electric mountain bike, or gravel bike for a few hours and ride right from the shop parking lot into the state park trail system and connecting trails. Or rent for a day or more and transport the bike to the many other great trails nearby. If you have your own bikes, bring them in for repairs, tune-ups, parts and supplies, or just friendly advice on the local trails. You can browse and reserve bikes and get more information at https://www.trailsidebikesgb.com
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