June marks the unofficial start of summer, a season we all love here in Placer County. With warm weather, longer days, and the return of outdoor recreation, it’s also the time when our focus must turn to something just as important: fire season preparedness.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several key conversations around public safety and fire resilience. On May 14, I was honored to speak at the CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department’s 2025 All Hands event, a gathering of dedicated fire professionals from across the region. I shared my deep appreciation for their service, and reiterated my continued commitment to supporting the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to keep our communities safe.

But safety starts with all of us. That’s why I encourage residents across District 5 to take time now to prepare for wildfire season. If you haven’t already, visit ReadyPlacer.org for important resources, including defensible space guidance, home hardening tips, the low-cost chipping program, burn permit info, and details on how to “Know Your Zone” in case of evacuation.

I also hope you’ll join us at two upcoming public events focused on fire preparedness:

Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation Town Hall
Tuesday, June 17, 6–8 PM
North Tahoe Event Center (Hybrid)
Hosted by our office in partnership with CAL FIRE, PCSO, local fire districts, and more, this event will bring together key agencies to answer questions and provide the latest on fire safety, evacuation planning, and emergency resources.
Join via Zoom | Webinar ID: 975 3778 3289

Wildfire Preparedness Expo
Saturday, June 21, 8 AM–12 PM
Station 10 (In-Person)
Hosted by CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire, this free, family-friendly event includes equipment displays, home hardening info, Fire Safe Councils, emergency prep tools, and even complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers! It’s a great way to meet your local fire and law enforcement partners and get equipped for the season ahead.

As always, thank you for staying informed, engaged, and proactive. Together, we can help protect what makes our communities so special.

In Service,
Cindy Gustafson
Placer County Supervisor, District 5 

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our District 5 team, Caden Woo, who joins us as our District Aide! Caden is a proud Placer County native and a third-year political science student at UC Davis. At just 21 years old, he brings with him a strong work ethic, a passion for public service, and a fresh perspective. Before joining our office, he spent nearly five years as a manager at Chick-fil-A and gained valuable experience working on local political campaigns throughout the county. Caden is eager to serve the residents of District 5 and to support the day-to-day work of our office. When he’s not assisting constituents or attending community events, you can find him enjoying the outdoors with his friends and family. We're thrilled to have him on board!

Meetings/Events:

• 25 Internal Meetings
• 33 External Meetings
• 5 Board/Commission Meetings
• 5 MAC Meetings/ Forums/ Town Halls 
• 13 Events

Casework: Assisted 92 Constituents 

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has approved updated eligibility guidelines for the county’s First-Time Homebuyer Program, offering up to $100,000 in down payment assistance to qualifying applicants. With over $2.6 million in funding available through state and federal housing programs, the initiative aims to make homeownership more accessible to individuals and families in Placer County.  To qualify, individuals must meet specific first-time homebuyer criteria and be pre-approved for a first mortgage. LEARN MORE

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has approved a $161,000 contract with Indigenous-led nonprofit The Sierra Fund to support wildfire resilience efforts in the Foresthill Divide. Funded by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, the partnership will strengthen implementation of forest health projects under the county’s 10-Year Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. The effort will integrate Indigenous knowledge and community engagement into every stage of planning and implementation. LEARN MORE

Construction is officially underway on the Yankee Jims Bridge Replacement Project, launching a three-year effort to improve safety and access in this remote part of Placer County. Supervisor Cindy Gustafson joined County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny, Public Works Director Derek Gade, CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Chief Brian Estes, State Parks Sector Superintendent Lauren Shoemaker, Sheriff’s Operations Commander Josh Tindall, and representatives from Congressman Kevin Kiley’s office to mark the start of construction on Friday, May 23. Supervisor Gustafson emphasized the project’s role in advancing the Board’s broader commitment to wildfire resilience, while Chief Estes highlighted how the new bridge will allow critical access for fire engines and other emergency vehicles. LEARN MORE

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has introduced an ordinance adopting updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for unincorporated areas, aligning with new state data and part of a broader effort to enhance wildfire resilience. These designations, moderate, high, and very high, reflect advanced modeling and climate data to identify areas most at risk. Supervisor Cindy Gustafson emphasized that the updates will help empower residents and builders to take proactive steps in wildfire safety. If approved, the ordinance will bring new requirements for defensible space, real estate disclosures, and building code compliance in hazard zones. A second reading is scheduled for June 10. LEARN MORE

Each year, lives are lost at the American River, often due to preventable mistakes. As summer heats up and more people head to the water, it’s important to remember the river is still fast, cold, and dangerous. Wear a life jacket, avoid alcohol, never swim alone, and keep a close eye on kids. A few simple precautions can make all the difference. Let’s enjoy the river safely and protect one another this summer. LEARN MORE

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. VIEW VACANCIES + APPLY TODAY