As we head into July, I want to wish everyone a joyful, meaningful, and safe Independence Day. The Fourth of July is a time to gather with family and neighbors, reflect on our nation’s founding values, and celebrate the freedoms we cherish. It’s also a time to show appreciation for the many individuals, past and present, who have helped protect our democracy.

As we enjoy these traditions, let’s also stay mindful of our shared commitment to safety, especially during fire season. Fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Placer County, and we urge everyone to celebrate responsibly, keeping your neighbors, our first responders, and our forests in mind.

Wishing you a safe and memorable Fourth of July filled with community, gratitude, and celebration.

Below are just a few of the great events happening across District 5. Enjoy the festivities, support local events, and celebrate safely!

In service,
Cindy Gustafson
Placer County Supervisor, District 5

Auburn – 4th of July Parade & Festival
📅 Thursday, July 4
🕙 10:00 AM Parade
📍 Downtown Auburn
• Join in the fun with a festive morning parade through downtown, followed by a community celebration in the Downtown Square. Enjoy live music, food vendors, games, a kids splash pad, and the return of Release the Quackin’ 2.0 Duck Derby!
• Fireworks at sundown at the Gold Country Fairgrounds.

Colfax – 3rd of July Celebration
📅 Wednesday, July 3
🕑 Festivities begin at 2:00 PM
📍 Historic Downtown Colfax
• Celebrate early with Colfax’s beloved tradition! Enjoy craft and food vendors, beer and wine, a free kids zone, games, contests, and parades at 6:00 and 7:00 PM.
• Fireworks begin at 9:15 PM.

Foresthill – Independence Day Festival
📅 Thursday, July 4
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Leroy E. Botts Memorial Park
• Enjoy a star-spangled day filled with live music, games, delicious food, and lots of community spirit! Admission is free and all are welcome.

Tahoe City – 4th of July Fireworks Show & Celebration
📅 Thursday, July 4
🕛 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Commons Beach & throughout Tahoe City
• Celebrate the 77th Tahoe City Fireworks Display with live music, family fun zones, face painting, t-shirts, food, and more. Free shuttle service will run from 4:00 PM to midnight.
• Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM from Commons Beach with satellite viewing spots across town.

Meetings/Events:

• 18 Internal Meetings
• 26 External Meetings
• 12 Board/Commission Meetings
• 4 MAC Meetings/ Forums/ Town Halls 
• 19 Events

Casework: Assisted 71 Constituents 

In an effort to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the health and safety of visitors and residents during Fourth of July celebrations, county officials are emphasizing two key rules: All fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Placer County, including the Lake Tahoe Basin, and alcohol is banned on the Truckee River from July 1-6. Due to Placer County’s vulnerability to damaging wildfires, the county has an ordinance that prohibits fireworks of all types, including those ‘safe and sane’ fireworks intended for home use that are sold at roadside stands throughout the region. LEARN MORE

What a great day in Auburn for the first-ever Wildfire Awareness Expo! The event drew a huge crowd and showcased why Placer County continues to be one of the most prepared counties in California. From helicopter water drops and fire engine tours to home hardening tips and defensible space education, residents of all ages had the chance to learn how to better protect their homes and neighborhoods. Thank you to CAL FIRE NEU, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and all our public safety partners for putting on such a valuable and fun event! WATCH VIDEO

In a proactive step to reduce the risk of brake-related fires along Interstate 80, Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson has brought together key public safety and transportation partners to address this growing concern and protect foothill and mountain communities along the heavily traveled corridor. A series of collaborative meetings have been held over the past nine months with the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, the California Trucking Association, CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service and the Placer Sierra Firesafe Council. The effort aims to improve brake safety awareness and reduce the frequency of dangerous brake fires, which threaten communities nestled along I-80. LEARN MORE

 I had the opportunity to join this year’s Placer County Forestry Tour, which highlighted some incredible local efforts to reduce wildfire risk and promote forest health. We visited Sugar Bowl Resort and the 40 Acre Conservation League to see firsthand how public-private partnerships are making a real impact on the ground. These efforts are essential to protecting our communities, watersheds, and landscapes. I’m grateful to all the landowners, agencies, and organizations working together to keep Placer County safer and more resilient. WATCH VIDEO

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

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution adopting a $1.37 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, emphasizing fiscal responsibility while investing in critical services, facilities and future growth. The balanced budget reflects an 11.7% increase from the prior year to meet the county’s growing service demands, particularly in west Placer. The budget supports the county’s eight Critical Success Factors, which guide priorities ranging from public safety to affordable housing, environmental stewardship and economic development. Nearly half the total budget is dedicated to public protection and health and human services, helping ensure safe, healthy communities throughout Placer County. 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