DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER 

Celebrate Freedom, Community, and a Safe Fourth of July

As we head into July, I want to wish everyone across District 5 a joyful, meaningful, and safe Independence Day. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s a chance to reflect on the values that continue to shape our nation and the generations of people who have worked to carry them forward. Here in Placer County, we also take pride in our own story as we mark 175 years of history, growth, and community.

The Fourth of July is a time to gather with family, friends, and neighbors to reflect on those shared values and to celebrate the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy today.

It is also an important reminder that we are firmly in fire season. Dry conditions across our region mean that even small sparks can quickly escalate into dangerous wildfire conditions. Fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Placer County, and we strongly encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and celebrate safely. Our forests, foothills, and mountain communities are especially vulnerable this time of year, and prevention remains one of our most effective tools to protect lives and property.

As we move through peak fire season, I also encourage residents to take advantage of two important wildfire preparedness opportunities this month.

Wildfire Preparedness Expo

This free community event will provide important wildfire preparedness information, including home hardening and defensible space resources, local Fire Safe Councils, equipment demonstrations, station tours, and family-friendly activities, including a free BBQ.

When: Saturday, July 11, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: CAL FIRE / Placer County Fire Station 10, 13760 Lincoln Way, Auburn

Eastern Placer Wildfire & Evacuation Preparedness Virtual Town Hall

Join me, along with representatives from CAL FIRE, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Emergency Services, and local fire districts for a community conversation focused on wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, emergency notifications, and available resources.

When: Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom | Webinar ID: 917 8154 5181

Taking small steps now, at home and as a community, helps protect lives, property, and the landscapes we all value.

As always, I want to thank our firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency personnel who are working throughout the holiday weekend to keep our communities safe.

If you are celebrating, please do so responsibly, keep pets secure, and remember that the safest fireworks are the ones we enjoy from a distance.

As you plan your holiday celebrations, you’ll find Fourth of July events happening across District 5 listed below.

In service,
Cindy Gustafson
Placer County Supervisor, District 5

Auburn – Family Fourth of July Celebration

Saturday, July 4
Parade at 10:00 AM
Downtown Auburn & Gold Country Fairgrounds
• Start the morning with Auburn’s traditional Independence Day parade through historic downtown, followed by a community celebration in the Downtown Square featuring live music, food vendors, games, and family activities.
• Fireworks at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in the evening (conditions permitting).

Colfax – 3rd of July Celebration

Friday, July 3
Begins at 3:00 PM
Historic Downtown Colfax
• A beloved community tradition featuring vendors, food, beer and wine, kids’ activities, contests, and a festive downtown atmosphere.
• Evening parades at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, with fireworks around 9:15 PM.

Foresthill – Independence Day Festival

Saturday, July 4
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Leroy E. Botts Memorial Park
• A family-friendly celebration with live music, food, games, and community fun throughout the day.

Tahoe City – Fourth of July Celebration

Saturday, July 4
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Commons Beach & Downtown Tahoe City
• A full day of live music, family activities, food vendors, and community celebration along the lake.
• Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 PM over Commons Beach, with shuttle service and viewing areas available throughout town.

PLACER COUNTY CELEBRATES 175 YEARS

As we celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary, it's also a fitting time to recognize Placer County's own milestone - 175 years of history, community, and progress. From the Gold Rush to today, our county has grown through the contributions of generations of residents who helped shape the communities we call home. Explore Placer County's interactive 175th anniversary timeline to discover historic photos, stories, and milestones that celebrate our shared past while looking toward the future. LEARN MORE + EXPLORE THE TIMELINE

DISTRICT 5 HISTORY SPOTLIGHT

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

The community of Last Chance was named in 1850 when a group of unsuccessful miners were getting ready to abandon their search for gold. As one of them hunted for food on their final day, he shot a small bird and when he went to collect it, saw a flash of gold glimmering in a nearby rock. The group named the site Last Chance in honor of their fateful and timely discovery. Last Chance is in a remote location above the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River. It sits at an elevation of over 4,500 feet and had a relatively short-lived but colorful history.  A water ditch was built in 1859 and by 1861, a stroll down Main Street passed by 25 houses, a saloon, butcher shop, and a store. Mining was the primary industry where several mines cut into the hillsides and were supported by timbers from a local sawmill. By 1880, there were seven saloons and a two-story hotel but as the gold diminished, so did the population. However, that did not stop the town from hosting a big annual Fourth of July  celebration for residents throughout the area for many more years. Today, this historic site is part of the Western States Trail. Photo: Fourth of July tug-o-war at Last Chance. 1895. Placer County Museums Collection.

D5 MEETINGS/EVENTS + CASEWORK SUMMARY

The past month we attended:  • 36 Internal Meetings • 30 External Meetings • 12 Board/Commission Meetings •  2 MAC Meetings/ Forums/ Town Halls •  9 Community Events We assisted: 73 Constituents VIEW CALENDAR + REQUEST ASSISTANCE

EVENTS, NEWS & RESOURCES

CELEBRATE THE FOURTH SAFELY

As you make plans for Independence Day, remember that all fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Placer County, including the Lake Tahoe Basin, due to the heightened wildfire risk. Enjoy one of the many professional fireworks shows happening throughout the county instead, and if you're spending time on the Truckee River, keep in mind that alcohol is prohibited on the river from July 1–6. Help keep our communities, visitors, and first responders safe by celebrating responsibly this holiday weekend. LEARN MORE

PLACER COUNTY NAMES NEW ASSISTANT CEO

Placer County has appointed longtime local government executive Sean Rabé as its next assistant county executive officer, bringing nearly two decades of municipal leadership experience across several California communities. Rabé most recently served as Auburn city manager and has also held leadership roles in Loomis, Colma, and Sutter Creek. He will begin his new role on July 12, supporting the County Executive Office in advancing regional priorities and countywide initiatives. LEARN MORE

CANDIDATE FILING OPENS JULY 13

The candidate filing period for the November 3, 2026 General Election opens July 13 and runs through August 7. Filing services will be available in Rocklin, with select dates in Auburn and Tahoe City for added convenience. A free candidate workshop for prospective candidates will also be held on July 18 to review the filing process and campaign basics. 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
Chief of Staff Lisa Mara: lisamara@placer.ca.gov
District Representative Alina Prescott: aprescott@placer.ca.gov
District Aide Caden Woo: cadenwoo@placer.ca.gov