DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER 

Investing in Public Safety and a Stronger Placer County

One of the most important responsibilities we have as a County is setting a budget that reflects our community’s priorities, and in Placer County that starts with public safety. At this week’s budget workshop, we heard updates that reflect both the progress we’ve made and the emerging issues facing us.  Public safety continues to the county’s top priorities, and that’s reflected in how we allocate resources to support staffing, invest in facilities and equipment to keep our communities safe while also focusing on prevention, accountability, and long-term solutions.

What stood out most wasn’t just the numbers, it was how closely our public safety partners work together to protect our residents.  Our Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, and Probation Department aren’t operating in silos, they’re in constant communication, sharing resources, and tackling challenges as one coordinated team. That collaboration is what allows us to send a strong message that Placer County is not a place you will get away with crime.

We’re seeing that impact in real, measurable ways.

The Placer County Sheriff's Office continues to deliver strong results. Fentanyl-related deaths have dropped significantly from 46 cases in 2023 to 12 in 2025, showing that enforcement, education, and community awareness efforts are making a real difference. Deputies have also taken down large-scale criminal operations, including a recent multi-agency drug trafficking takedown involving 25 locations and resulting in 20 arrests, along with the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, firearms, and cash. At the same time, the Cold Case Team is bringing long-overdue answers to families, identifying multiple previously unknown individuals and helping secure a conviction in a decades-old homicide through advancements in DNA technology.

At the District Attorney’s Office, the focus is on both accountability and prevention. Their team has secured four of the seven fentanyl-related murder convictions across the entire state.  They also are continuing to expand their pursuit and prosecution of organized retail theft and human trafficking cases.  Their proactive outreach efforts are critical to public safety. Campaigns focused on fentanyl awareness, online safety for children, teen dating violence, and elder protection are reaching residents across our county and helping prevent victimization before it happens.  These unique outreach efforts are being duplicated by other jurisdictions throughout the State.

Our Probation Department is a key part of that larger system, working every day to break cycles of crime and support rehabilitation. Over the past year, more than 300 youth have successfully completed probation or diversion programs, keeping them on track and out of deeper involvement in the justice system. In total, probation supervised over 6,400 individuals, completed more than 19,000 reports for the courts, and conducted over 52,000 contacts in the community. Programs like the Chipper Program and work crews are also making a visible impact, removing over 4,000 tons of material, supporting fire prevention efforts, and improving neighborhoods across Placer County while giving participants the opportunity to give back.

All of this work reflects a balanced approach, strong enforcement, smart prosecution, and meaningful rehabilitation, supported by a budget that prioritizes what matters most to our residents.

I’m grateful every day for the people leading this work and for the collaborative approach that makes Placer County such a special place to live, work, and raise our families.

In service,
Cindy Gustafson
District 5 Supervisor 

DISTRICT 5 NEWS

As many of you saw in last month’s announcement, we are saying goodbye to a valued member of our team, Bridget Powers, who is retiring from our District 5 team after many years of dedicated public service. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions to our office and our community, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter. Read more about Bridget’s career and impact in our full announcement here. I’m also excited to share more about the individual who will be stepping into this role.  Lisa Mara brings more than 25 years of experience across local, state, and federal government, along with a strong background in community outreach, public policy, and constituent services. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Congressman Doug LaMalfa, where she managed district operations and worked on a wide range of issues impacting Northern California. Lisa’s career has been defined by her ability to build relationships, navigate complex issues, and deliver results for the communities she serves. She has extensive experience working with local governments, law enforcement, and community leaders, and understands how to move projects forward while keeping people informed and engaged. She also has direct experience in District 5, having previously served as a Field Representative for Supervisor Bruce Kranz. In that role, she worked closely with residents, supported Municipal Advisory Councils, and helped address a variety of local issues. That familiarity with the district will allow her to step in and begin supporting our community right away. Bridget leaves big shoes to fill, but I am confident that Lisa’s experience, leadership, and commitment to public service will serve District 5 well.  Lisa will be joining Sophie Fox, Alina Prescott, and Caden Woo in continuing to support the residents of District 5!

PLACER COUNTY CELEBRATES 175 YEARS

As Placer County continues celebrating its 175th anniversary, residents are invited to explore the people, places, and moments that have shaped our communities. The County’s interactive timeline is updated regularly with new photos and stories, offering a fun way to connect our past to today. One upcoming opportunity to take part in this milestone year is the State of the County, happening May 6 at Sun City Lincoln Hills, where Chair Shanti Landon will share updates and reflections on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. LEARN MORE + EXPLORE THE TIMELINE

DISTRICT 5 HISTORY SPOTLIGHT

A look back at the people, places, and moments that shaped our communities

The town of Michigan Bluff began as Michigan City which sat perched on the canyon’s edge, 2,000 feet above the Middle Fork of the American River.  In 1852, one log cabin comprised the entire population of what would grow to become 2,000 residents by 1854.  Leland Stanford, already a famed lawyer, had come to California like many other hopeful gold seekers. In 1854, Stanford purchased the Empire Saloon and was appointed Justice of the Peace for Michigan City from 1854-55 during his brief residency on the Foresthill Divide.Extensive hydraulic mining on the hillsides just below Michigan City forced the entire town to pick up and move a half mile uphill in 1859. Michigan City was then renamed Michigan Bluff which still serves as a notable landmark along the Western States Trail. Photo: letter sheet (stationary printed used extensively by gold miners to send letters back home) showing an illustration of Michigan City from 1854.

D5 MEETINGS/EVENTS + CASEWORK SUMMARY

The past month we attended:  • 24 Internal Meetings • 41 External Meetings • 11 Board/Commission Meetings • 4 MAC Meetings/ Forums/ Town Halls • 15 Community Events We assisted: 52 Constituents VIEW CALENDAR + REQUEST ASSISTANCE

EVENTS, NEWS & RESOURCES

FREE OLD TOWN AUBURN WALKING TOURS

Placer County Museums will host free guided walking tours of Old Town Auburn on April 25 as part of the county’s 175th anniversary celebration. Led by knowledgeable docents, the tours will highlight the people, places, and stories that shaped the region, with departures throughout the day from the Historic Courthouse. The event also includes family-friendly activities, children’s crafts, and special access to the historic Old Town Post Office museum. Free walking tours are also offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. year-round. LEARN MORE

VOTING MATERIALS FOR JUNE 2 PRIMARY COMING SOON

The June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election is just a month away, are you ready to vote, Placer? State and county voter information guides have been mailed to all eligible voters, review them closely to see offices and measures on the ballot, your voting options, drop box and vote center locations, important deadlines and much more. Ballots will be mailed no later than May 4, so be sure to keep an eye on your mailbox. LEARN MORE

PLACER COUNTY TO EXPAND CODE ENFORCEMENT THIS EVENTS SEASON

Placer County Code Enforcement Services is reminding rural property owners and event hosts to review permitting requirements ahead of the upcoming events season. Beginning May 1, Code Enforcement Services will expand evening and weekend operations to respond to complaints and verify compliance. The county’s after-hours “Unpermitted Events Hotline” will operate weekends and holidays from 5 p.m. Friday to midnight Sunday through Oct. 31.  LEARN MORE

FREE NONPROFIT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

Local nonprofit leaders and community members are invited to attend the upcoming Board Essentials: Getting to Great Workshop on June 3 in Auburn. Hosted through the Placer Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Initiative, this free training is designed to strengthen board governance and provide practical tools for both new and experienced board members. Dinner is included, and anyone interested in serving on or supporting a nonprofit board is encouraged to attend. LEARN MORE

CONTACT INFORMATION

175 Fulweiler Ave. | Auburn, CA 95603
www.placer.ca.gov

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov
Chief of Staff Sophie Fox: sfox@placer.ca.gov
District Director Bridget Powers: bpowers@placer.ca.gov
District Representative Alina Prescott: aprescott@placer.ca.gov
District Aide Caden Woo: cadenwoo@placer.ca.gov