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The People are the Key to Placer's Greatness!
 November 1st 2025
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Hello District 4 Neighbors & Friends,
I hope this message finds you well as we move into November. A quick update before we dive in: Thursday's Municipal Advisory Council meeting has been cancelled due to no items, we will have an item in December to discuss.
I’m pleased to invite you to join me for a Supervisor “Forum & Coffee” with our First Responders. We’ll meet at The Flower Farm in Loomis at 9am on Friday, November 14, to chat, connect and show appreciation for those who protect our community.
I want to acknowledge the strain many residents and nonprofits are feeling right now due to the federal government shutdown. Local organizations are seeing increased demand, especially around food assistance. In Placer County our partners such as Feeding the Foothills (formerly Placer Food Bank) are on the front lines, distributing millions of pounds of food and serving tens of thousands of families across the region. (feedingthefoothills.org) We also have the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet serving Central Placer from Loomis to Emigrant Gap, helping households make ends meet with 12-meal grocery parcels each month. (auburnfoodcloset.org) I encourage everyone who has capacity to support these vital efforts, and for anyone feeling the strain to reach out, we are here to help.
On that note, housing remains front and center. Across our cities and unincorporated areas, we face mandates around affordable housing, zoning, and meeting state and regional demands. My stance that growth must preserve the charm of Placer County while growing strategically means ensuring infrastructure, roads, water supply, fire safety, and community character are preserved even while we meet housing needs.
Heads up: don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight. While the extra sleep is nice, the earlier darkness means our afternoon commutes and school-pickup times become riskier. Please drive with extra caution, and if you or you know a young person riding an e-bike, take a moment to reinforce traffic rules: obey stop signs, ride in bike lanes, wear helmets and stay visible. Safety matters now more than ever.
Finally, I’d like to recognize the excellent work of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on state-park lands from Granite Bay Beach up toward Loomis. Their collaborative efforts together with our office, Senator Roger Niello, and Assemblyman Joe Patterson, have helped reduce fire-risk and eased insurance-cancellation concerns for homeowners in our wildfire-prone zone. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of that partnership.
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, I want to express how grateful I am to serve as your Supervisor. It is an honor to work alongside you in building a district that cares for its neighbors, supports its first responders, and prioritizes respectful, responsible growth.
Wishing you and your family a safe, warm and joyful start to the holiday season. I look forward to seeing you at The Flower Farm on November 14.
Warm regards,
Suzanne Jones
Supervisor, Placer County District 4
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Granite Bay Shaded Fuel Break Project Strengthens Fire Safety Across District 4
 As many of you know, wildfire preparedness remains one of our top priorities in Placer County. I’m proud to share that our region is making significant progress along the state border of District 4, where multiple partners have come together to enhance public safety and protect both our homes and natural resources.
The Granite Bay Shaded Fuel Break Project is a major step forward in creating a stronger line of defense between the wildland areas surrounding Folsom Reservoir and nearby residential neighborhoods. The goal is to establish and maintain a Shaded Fuel Break (SFB) which is a strategic reduction of vegetation that retains large, healthy trees while selectively removing smaller trees, dense brush, and ladder fuels.
The result is a park-like landscape with a partially open canopy that helps prevent ground fires from climbing into the treetops, reducing fire intensity and increasing the likelihood of successful suppression before flames reach our neighborhoods.
This project covers federal lands owned by the Bureau of Reclamation within 450 feet of homes along the reservoir’s edge. The effort is currently centered around the Mooney Ridge, Hidden Lake Estates, and Vogel Valley areas of Granite Bay and will continue along Horseshoe Bar Road northward toward Auburn, where it will connect with the existing Auburn Shaded Fuel Break.
What makes this work especially impactful is the level of collaboration behind it.
Reclamation is partnering with the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit’s Placer Fire Center in Christian Valley, where 15- to 20-member crews use hand tools and chippers to manage vegetation and distribute mulch that suppresses regrowth and conserves soil moisture, all at no cost to Reclamation.
Additionally, a new partnership with the Placer Resource Conservation District (RCD) and the Placer County Probation Department has introduced another effective model. Probationary crews, supported by RCD staff and equipment from the Placer County Chipper Program, are performing similar vegetation management tasks and again, at no cost to the project thanks to CAL FIRE funding and the County’s Alternative Sentencing Program.
Looking ahead, Reclamation plans to maintain the treated areas through a combination of hand crews and prescribed goat grazing, ensuring that the benefits of this work are sustained well into the future.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the partners and residents who continue to support and participate in local fire mitigation efforts. Together, we are building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Placer County.
Also, Mark your calendar for Saturday October 3rd 2026 for a First Responders event at Granite Bay Park (corner of Barton/Douglas Blvd) with multiple FireWise HOA communities and stakeholders to join us.
County updates septic rules to lower costs, make adding ADUs easier
Homeowners in Placer County will soon find it easier and more affordable to install or upgrade septic systems. Changes to septic rules are designed to lower costs, support ADU construction and modernize outdated requirements. Learn more
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How local businesses are adjusting to life in 2025 and beyond
We were proud to be a presenting sponsor for this year’s Placer Valley 2025 – the largest business summit in the region. Over 500 civic leaders, business owners and community members gathered last Friday in Roseville to gain valuable insights, network and elevate their business. Our Board of Supervisors Chair Bonnie Gore and new Roseville Chamber of Commerce CEO Ananda Rochita offered takeaways below:
🤝 Sights and sounds from the summit: Watch video
📷 Check out our photo gallery of the event: View photos
✅ Listen to Placer CEO Daniel Chatigny’s presentation: Watch video
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Fire Chief Brian Estes Announces Retirement After 35 Years of Service in Placer County
 After 35 years of firefighting and public service, Fire Chief Brian Estes has made the decision to retire at the end of this year. Estes has been the backbone of the Nevada Yuba Placer Unit and Placer County Fire Department, leading a significant part of California's firefighting efforts with a mix of dedication and innovation. Read More
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Phase 1 of Placer Parkway regional expressway moves forward
 Designs and specifications for Phase 1 of the long-anticipated Placer Parkway project - a new regional expressway in West Placer - have been approved by our Board of Supervisors. The $160 million project will go to bid in March. Read more
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Placer County Sheriff’s Office Cuts the Ribbon on New Mental Health and Vocational Training Facilities
Community leaders and county officials gathered to celebrate the completion of two major expansion projects at the South Placer Jail. The new 16,300-square-foot Mental Health Facility provides 45 treatment beds to support wellness and rehabilitation, while the 39,000-square-foot Vocational Training Facility offers education and job training opportunities for 120 individuals in custody, helping promote recovery, skill development, and successful reentry into the community
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EMERGENCY FOOD RESPONSE
Feeding the Foothills® is on the front lines of emergency food response/distribution.
To help raise funds to support our emergency food response efforts, click here.
COMMUNITY FOOD DONATIONS
We are vigilant about food safety and do not accept food donations from individuals or from food drives. You may donate funds specifically dedicated for Feeding the Foothills to purchase and distribute shelf-stable food and fresh produce, click here.
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Keeping Young Athletes Safe
With fall sports in full swing, it’s inspiring to see so many young athletes back on the field and court, learning teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Yet as exciting as competition can be, it’s equally important to ensure our youth are healthy and safe while they play.
I recently spoke with the team at Shriners Children’s Northern California, who treat more than 900 Placer County children each year — many with sports-related injuries. Their staff, including Dr. Nicole Friel, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, shared valuable insights on how parents, coaches, and athletes can work together to prevent injuries and promote long-term wellness.
Dr. Friel emphasized that sports are about more than game-day performance. Young athletes should train consistently, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and make rest a priority. Listening to coaches and recognizing when something doesn’t feel right are also key. For parents, it’s essential to watch for signs of overtraining or burnout and to seek medical guidance early when something seems off.
Preparation starts with a sports physical, which helps identify potential health issues before they become serious. Gradual conditioning, proper hydration, and rest days reduce the risk of injury while helping kids build strength safely.
Shriners also offers advanced technology like their Motion Analysis Center (MAC), which uses infrared cameras to create detailed 3D models of movement patterns. This helps pinpoint biomechanical issues and guide recovery after injury through their SMARTS (Shriners Motion Analysis Return-to-Sports) testing program.
What sets Shriners apart is its ability to perform specialized pediatric procedures that many insurance plans won’t cover — ensuring every child gets access to the care they need, regardless of financial barriers. It’s a remarkable resource for families in our region, and we’re fortunate to have such a world-class institution serving Northern California.
To learn more or refer a patient, you can contact Shriners Children’s Northern California directly at referrals.ncal@shrinenet.org.
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Loomis Town Manager Resigns
Wes Heathcock will depart from his position Friday after he resigned earlier this month. “It was a surprise to me when he resigned,” wrote Loomis Mayor David Ring in an email. “He has given me no information as to why he resigned or where he is heading next.”
Heathcock was appointed as the town government’s top leader in 2023 after he served for as a city manager for Colfax, according to Gold Country Media. He did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The Loomis Town Council is scheduled to meet Monday to approve a new interim town manager, according to an agenda. Council members will consider an employment agreement for Dirk Brazil, a retired annuitant.
Brazil, a UC Davis graduate, worked as an assistant Yolo County administrator from 2006 to 2014. He then became a Davis’ city manager for about three years. Since Brazil retired in 2017, he has worked in an interim capacity for the cities of South Lake Tahoe and Alameda. Brazil has more than 35 years of experience working for local and state governments.
Heathcock oversaw the opening of Costco in Loomis last year and other development projects throughout his time as town manager. “Wes has been very valuable to the Town during his time as Town Manager,” Ring wrote. “He will be missed.”
 Placer County’s Older Adult Advisory Commission is once again hosting the Comfort Stuffed Animals for Emergency Vehicles Drive this November!
Donate a new stuffed animal to help our first responders bring comfort to children and families during emergencies. We’ll celebrate their service at our First Responders’ Breakfast in December.
Learn more or get involved: olderadultsvcscommittees@placer.ca.gov
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
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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
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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.
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"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
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Learn more about Supervisor Jones: |
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