The People are the Key to Placer's Greatness! 

February 1st 2025

Dear Residents and Friends of District 4, With the arrival of February and the rainy weather, I’m excited to start another term serving as your elected supervisor. As I reflect on my first term, I want to express how valuable the conversations I’ve had with many of you, particularly during the election, have been. It’s clear that the needs of our community are evolving, and I’m committed to being here for you every step of the way. District 4 stretches from the Roseville Galleria area to the county line, including Granite Bay, Unincorporated Loomis, and the southern parts of Penryn and Newcastle. As I’ve learned from the diverse needs across these areas, we’re seeing positive changes—greater prosperity, improved safety, and stronger communities. But, like any growing region, we also face new challenges, such as increased traffic congestion and insurance concerns. Meeting these challenges requires thoughtful, collaborative solutions, and I’m focused on making sure we’re using our resources wisely and working together to support our neighborhoods. One pressing issue our community, and our state, is facing is the insurance crisis. While there’s only so much we can control, we can still take steps to reduce risk, especially when it comes to fire prevention. I’ve been actively working with various stakeholders to ensure our wildlands are properly managed to minimize the threat of wildfires. From home hardening to state-level land management, I’m engaging with others to ensure we’re all doing our part to protect our homes, businesses, and families. Preparedness is key to safeguarding our way of life. To help you stay ready, here are some great resources to assist with planning: • Firewise USA • Emergency Preparedness • Placer Alert  Another important step toward public safety is ensuring that rural residents have reliable internet access. I’m pleased to share that Placer County has approved a $23.7 million contract with Astound Broadband to bring high-speed internet to over 3,800 homes and businesses along the I-80 corridor, including Applegate, Cape Horn, Magra, Dutch Flat, and Alta. This initiative, funded by the California Public Utilities Commission, is part of our ongoing Broadband Equity Program, which has already helped expand access in Auburn, Penryn, and Sheridan. Current projects are underway in Newcastle, Loomis, and South Auburn, with plans to connect over 17,000 homes and businesses in total. As always, if you ever need to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact my office. I also encourage you to get involved in the conversation at our First Thursday MAC meetings. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity to stay informed and contribute to discussions that shape our community. On a final note, did you know that the Grand Jury plays a crucial role in making sure local agencies are running efficiently? Their annual report includes valuable insights, and you can find a section about MACs on page 86. In Granite Bay, our MAC meetings are among the most well-attended in the county, and I thank you for being part of the effort to make our community thrive. Let’s continue working together to ensure that the future of District 4 remains bright and that the quality of life we enjoy today is preserved for generations to come. With love, Supervisor Jones

Reminder! Granite Bay MAC Meeting – February 6, 2025

The Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 6, at 6:00 PM at the Granite Bay Library and online via Zoom. Meeting link & details here.

Agenda Highlights:

• Public Safety Updates – Reports from the Sheriff’s Office, CHP, and Fire Departments.
• Action Item: Review of a Granite Bay Congregate Living Health Facility proposal for an 18-resident care home.
• Informational Items:
  • Twin Rocks Winery – Request to add a restaurant and sell olive oil.
  • Sheba Estates Development – Reapplication for a six-lot residential project.
  • Placer Rides Program – Transportation assistance for seniors and those in need.
• Supervisor’s Report – Updates from county leadership.

Top Stories

Placer County appoints Director of Human Resources Joe Ambrosini

Placer County has appointed Joe Ambrosini as its new Director of Human Resources, where he will lead 57 staff members and manage a $7.7 million budget, plus $18.2 million in proprietary funding.

Ambrosini previously served as Human Resources Director for the City of Long Beach, overseeing a team of 85 HR professionals supporting 6,100 city employees. Before that, he was the Director of Human Resources for Cosumnes Community Services District in Elk Grove.

“Joe brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role with Placer County, and we’re pleased to welcome him back to the region,” said County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny. “His deep ties to the community will ensure he delivers exceptional service in attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce.”

Ambrosini will collaborate with the County Executive Office, elected officials, and the public to enhance employment services and workforce development.

“It was an honor to serve the City of Long Beach, and I’m thrilled for this next chapter in Placer County,” Ambrosini said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to support employees and residents alike.”

Placer County’s 3,000 employees serve over 400,000 residents across 1,500 square miles, from the Sacramento Valley to North Lake Tahoe.

Learn more about Placer County Human Resources: Placer County HR.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved $1.5 million in grant awards to four local nonprofits working to prevent and address the impacts of domestic violence and human trafficking. Stand Up Placer was awarded $950,000, Crisis Intervention Services was awarded $300,000, Child Advocates of Placer County was awarded $100,000 and Kids First – Child Abuse Prevention Council of Placer County was awarded $150,000. Placer launched the new Placer County Domestic Violence / Human Trafficking Prevention Grant program in October 2024. Applications were accepted in November 2024 and reviewed by a panel comprising staff from the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Health and Human Services Department and the County Executive Office. Applications from 15 eligible organizations were received, and the panel recommended four of them for grant funding. Learn More

PCWA Approves Major Projects for 2025 The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors has approved two major projects and awarded a construction contract for 2025 in the Middle Fork Project area. $6.8 million modernization of French Meadows Campground, benefiting local visitors. $12.7 million upgrade to North and South Fork Long Canyon diversion dams, improving water supply, hydropower efficiency, and maintenance costs. Ben Ransom, PCWA’s environmental services manager, stated, “The campground modernization benefits locals, while the Long Canyon upgrades improve water management and ecosystem support.” The campground’s water system will also be completely overhauled, replacing all pipes for better reliability. Funded through PCWA’s Middle Fork Project, these upgrades ensure long-term sustainability. These projects align with PCWA’s 40-year FERC license, delivering lasting environmental and community benefits. Important Notice for Campers: The French Meadows Campground will be closed for the 2025 season due to renovations. However, alternative campgrounds and day-use sites remain available. For details and reservations, visit middleforkfun.com.

NOW READ THIS: Fire Safe Council Annual Report By: Jacqui Manning and Greg Zeman, Placer County Office of Emergency Services The Placer County Fire Safe Councils experienced another productive year in 2024. Fire Safe Council volunteers engaged in community outreach events and fuels reduction projects countywide. We invite you to explore the efforts undertaken to reduce wildfire risk within our community.an be a little longer than the other news items but should still be as short as we can make it. Read now

Features

New 837 Area Code Coming to Placer County

Placer County residents should prepare for a new area code starting Friday, Jan. 31. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced that the new 837 area code will overlay the existing 530 area code, which serves much of northeastern California, including most of Placer County and portions of 18 other counties.

Beginning Saturday, customers requesting new service or additional lines may be assigned an 837 number. Current 530 numbers will not change, but all local calls must be dialed using 1 + the area code + the phone number.

Key Facts:

• No changes to call prices, coverage, or existing numbers.
• Local calls remain local.
• Dialing 1 + 10 digits is required for local and long-distance calls.
• Three-digit services like 911 and 988 remain unchanged.
• Businesses and individuals should update their records to include the area code.
• Devices such as fax machines, security systems, and medical alert devices should recognize 837.

For more information, contact your phone service provider or visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

Share your vision: Placer 2050 visioning workshop schedule released

Placer County's Community Development Resource Agency is launching a series of in-person and online Placer 2050 General Plan Update visioning workshops beginning Feb. 26. The schedule will include online engagement activities. Read more

Health & Safety

Training opportunity for those interested in the criminal justice system / public policy As we head into a new year, we want to share with you an exciting opportunity to get involved in our county! Due to your interest in our community, we wanted to invite you to the Placer County DA’s Citizens Academy to learn more about the issue, laws surrounding the issue and what your county is doing to address it! You will be able to get a front row seat to the criminal justice system, meet the people working in the system, discuss current affairs topics and learn how you can get involved. This course is a must for any civically engaged resident wanting to make their community a better place to live, work, run a business, raise a family and retire! The Academy begins February 11, 2025, and ends on April 8, 2025. Sessions will be held each Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Placer County District Attorney’s Office at 10810 Justice Center Drive #240 Roseville, CA 95678. For all those interested, apply today at https://www.placer.ca.gov/DACitizensAcademy

South Placer Fire District Update

Comics

Business & Community

What’s our risk of wildfire in Placer County? Our fire chief explains

As local firefighters continue to support the wildfire fight in Southern California, hear from CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Chief Brian Estes about how wildfire risk in Placer County compares and what’s being done to reduce it.
Watch videos

Placer seeks $20M grant to expand supportive housing for homeless

Placer will be competing for $20 million in state funding to expand permanent supportive housing through purchase and renovation of a motel building in unincorporated Auburn. Housing would be paired with 24/7 onsite support. Learn more

Placer County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) Loomis Office 6140 Horseshoe Bar Road, Suite D Loomis, CA 95650 916-652-2400 (Non-Emergency)

South Placer Fire District 6900 Eureka Rd, Granite Bay, CA 95746 (916) 791-7059 southplacerfire.org

CAL Fire Nevada-Yuba Placer 13760 Lincoln Way, Auburn 95603 530-889-0111

California Highway Patrol - Auburn Area Office (220) 9440 Indian Hill Road Newcastle, CA 95658 (916) 633-3344 (Non-Emergency)

Placer County District Attorney’s Office 10810 Justice Center Drive Roseville, CA 95678

Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply

PLACER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Learn more about the Board of Supervisors, including information on upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings.

Municipal Advisory Council (MAC)

Placer County Resources

Find your Chamber of Commerce

Board of Supervisors Mission Statement:  To act as the legislative arm of county government and provide responsive leadership, governance, effective oversight of county services, and involve citizens and communities in processes that determine and enhance Placer County's future.

"The People are the Key to Placer's Greatness!"

The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of the County and certain special districts. The Board enacts ordinances and resolutions, adopts the annual budget, approves contracts, appropriates funds, determines land use zoning for the unincorporated area, and appoints certain County officers, including the CEO and members of various boards and commissions.

Regular Meetings

The Board of Supervisors generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Placer County Administrative Center located at 175 Fulweiler Avenue in Auburn, CA. Please view the meeting calendar to verify meeting dates.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Strategic Plan

Placer County has identified eight Critical Success Factors to help set the county’s priorities. Part of that effort includes an annual work plan that acts as a roadmap toward achieving our goals and is closely monitored by the board. In an effort to provide total transparency, the Placer County Strategic Work Plan is now available for public review, and we encourage residents to follow our progress through quarterly updates. Learn more about the critical success factors.

What Questions, Comments, Suggestions do you have...

Contact: District 4 Chief of Staff MichaelSpelis@placer.ca.gov ♦ (916) 719 -2955

District 4 Representative FUdvarhely@Placer.ca.gov ♦ (530) 906 - 3120

Learn more about Supervisor Jones: