As Placer County celebrates its 175th anniversary, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and moments that have shaped our communities and think about what we want future generations to know about life here today.

To mark the end of this anniversary year, the County will seal a commemorative time capsule inside the Historic Auburn Courthouse on Saturday, October 10. The capsule will be housed in a historic 1878 safe and opened in 2101, Placer County’s 250th anniversary, offering future generations a glimpse into life in our county in 2026 through items such as newspapers, photographs, coins, and other mementos. I hope you’ll join us for this special celebration beginning at noon, with the ceremony at 1 p.m., followed by guided tours of the Historic Auburn Courthouse.

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By early 1849, the settlement that would become Auburn was known as “North Fork Dry Diggings” and “Wood’s Dry Diggings.” Merchants William Gwynn and H. M. House had established trading posts, and as the community grew, Samuel W. Holladay was elected its first official, known as the Alcalde, whose duties combined those of a mayor, sheriff, and justice of the peace.

By August 1849, community members were looking for a new name that reflected the settlement’s growing permanence. According to Holladay, he proposed “Auburn,” inspired by Oliver Goldsmith’s poem The Deserted Village. The name was quickly adopted, and Holladay helped spread it throughout the surrounding mining communities.

Auburn soon became an important center of government, serving as the seat of Sutter County before becoming the county seat when Placer County was established on April 25, 1851.

More than 175 years later, Auburn’s story continues to be shaped by the people who live here. On October 10, 2026, a time capsule will be sealed at the historic Auburn Courthouse, preserving a glimpse of our community today for future generations and Placer County’s 250th anniversary in 2101.

Photo: View of Auburn taken from the Courthouse, circa 1900. Placer County Museums Collection.

The past month we attended: 

• 24 Internal Meetings
• 29 External Meetings
• 10 Board/Commission Meetings
•  2 MAC Meetings/ Forums/ Town Halls
• 12 Community Events

We assisted: 65 Constituents

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Placer County voters should be on the lookout for their voter information guides and vote-by-mail ballot packets for the November 3, 2026 General Election. The guides include information about the offices and measures on the ballot, as well as vote center and secure ballot drop box locations throughout Placer County. Starting October 5, voters can also use Sign, Scan & Go! at the Elections Office to cast their ballot in person and watch it be counted. LEARN MORE

The community is invited to learn more about the proposed Sierra Nevada Olympic Winter Museum and Community Cultural Center at a virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. The proposed project in Olympic Valley Park would include a museum celebrating the legacy of the 1960 Winter Olympics and Sierra Nevada winter sports, along with community gathering and event space, a café and other visitor amenities. Placer County staff will provide information about the project and answer questions during the meeting. The Board of Supervisors is anticipated to consider the project’s land-use entitlements on October 20. LEARN MORE

Residents are invited to a wildfire resilience workshop on Thursday, October 8, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the HHS Building, 11434 B Ave. in Auburn (Cordova Room). The Regional Forest Health Community Protection planning team, local agencies, and fire resilience partners will discuss funding opportunities, treatment options, permitting and contractor considerations, and current Foresthill Divide wildfire resilience efforts. Learn how you can take action to protect your property and access resources to help. LEARN MORE

North Lake Tahoe residents are invited to connect with Placer County staff, learn about local projects and programs, and share their ideas at the next Discover & Discuss community event on Thursday, October 15. The free, open-house-style event will feature information on topics including housing, land use, transportation, public works, parks and trails, and the General Plan update, with Caltrans representatives also available to answer questions. Stop by anytime between 5 and 7:30 p.m. at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Food, Spanish interpretation and childcare will be available. LEARN MORE

Placer County is preparing to replace the existing single-lane bridge on Haines Road over the Wise Canal. Built in 1930, the bridge is nearing the end of its service life and is both structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The new two-lane bridge will provide a safer, more reliable crossing for residents, emergency responders, and other roadway users, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and requiring a detour of up to 11 months. LEARN MORE

California Clean Air Day is October 7, a chance to learn more about local air quality and take simple steps to help reduce air pollution. Whether it’s walking, biking, carpooling, avoiding unnecessary idling, replacing an old air filter, or choosing cleaner equipment, small actions can make a difference. Residents can also take the California Clean Air Day Pledge and participate in local events, including Placer Plug-In Day on October 3 at the First Congregational Church in Auburn and other Clean Air Day activities throughout the region. Learn more about clean air resources, take the pledge, and find local events to get involved. LEARN MORE