Category: Uncategorized

Last week the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve another step in regulating short-term rentals in Eastern Placer County. While some think it didn’t go far enough, others feel it went too far. What is clear from all the feedback we have received during the seven-month process, this is only one step in further addressing the issues, and certainly not the final step. In fact, the Board agreed that continued monitoring and adjustments will be required in the future.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS ARE NOT NEW

The majority of single-family homes and condominiums in Placer County have always been owned by people who reside outside of the area. For over 50 years rental properties were primarily managed by real estate firms, and some even included rental offices at or near the entrances to the development or subdivision. Those (what we now call) short-term rentals have been a vital part of our regions’ economy for decades, and for much of that time there was very little concern or opposition to those activities within the community.

WHAT HAS CHANGED

Why has this topic now caused such divisiveness in our region as well as many other resort communities? There are many opinions, but here are some observations:

• Reduction in full-time residency – over the last twenty years we have seen a slow but very significant change in our community. Many in the generation of people who raised families here and owned/operated our core businesses retired and moved or took one of several cyclical opportunities to cash out of their primary homes and move away. For the most part, those families were not replaced by full-time residents because housing prices had escalated far beyond wages in the region.
• The advent of online rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Vacasa, etc.) has resulted in an increase in the number of units being rented and the volume of rental activity.
• Public demand for vacation home rentals versus hotel stays.
• Tremendous population growth in both Northern California and Northern Nevada has increased the overall visitation to the region. Overcrowding and demands on the region are impacted by this growth in day users. It is difficult to determine exactly how much is day use or increased overnight visitation, but the public perception is that it is all “too much”.
• A general polarization in our society with divisiveness, anger, and a lack of civility towards others.
• A global pandemic impacting almost every aspect of our daily lives.

WE ARE NOT ALONE

Changes like those we are facing in Eastern Placer County are occurring throughout the country, and many other resort communities are struggling to develop their own public policies to address these impacts of shifting population. Each community is addressing it somewhat differently based on specific circumstances. Short-term rental ordinances are being drafted or revised with tools such as moratoriums, caps, spacing requirements, and further restrictions. Placer County, like many other jurisdictions, has been adjusting to the rapid changes by documenting the impacts, researching best practices, and developing appropriate policies and enforcement.

EVOLUTION OF REGULATION ON SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Placer County started funding enforcement of STRs in November of 2016. We hired Host Compliance to track down STRs operating without paying transient occupancy tax (TOT). The goal was to get those units into compliance and into a tracking system that was needed to understand the magnitude of the challenge. This jumped TOT collections by over $3 million a year.

In the fall of 2019, at the direction of the Board, Placer County staff drafted the first ever Short-Term Rental Ordinance to address the growing complaints regarding such things as trash, noise, and parking. Along with those concerns, we began to hear an outcry about “over-tourism” including traffic impacts, crowded beaches and trails. A hotline was established, enforcement officers hired, and for the first time, citations and penalties were issued. Just three months after the Ordinance went into effect, Covid-19 arrived.

Almost immediately when the pandemic hit, migration from urban areas brought an enormous increase in day use, second homeowner occupancy, overnight visitors, and skyrocketing housing values. Besides the surge in numbers in our communities, it turned our existing housing crisis into an absolute emergency. Workers throughout the region were being displaced, as homeowners decided to cash-in on the increased housing values or use their homes in different ways. Many could work remotely, school remotely, and occupying their mountain home was a way to escape the risks of urban living during the pandemic. Not only did we have a shortage of workforce housing, but we also had a surge in population. Emergency actions were needed, and in the summer of 2021 the Board of Supervisors approved a moratorium on the issuance of any new short term rental permits.

Once the moratorium was adopted the Board set a time frame of March 31, 2022 by which time the issue had to be studied and revisions to the ordinance made. Of primary concern to many was whether there should be a cap on the number of short-term rentals allowed. The revised ordinance approved last week did institute a cap which will eliminate the growth in the number of short-term rentals. This will allow us time to study other aspects of the issue and work to expand critically needed workforce housing solutions. In addition to the cap, the ordinance also increases the safety requirements for each home, triples the fines for violations, and in general requires more from the operators of STR’s.
The final adoption of the Ordinance will be February 8, 2022, and implementation of the new Ordinance will begin April 1, 2022. County staff is planning to host a webinar to demo the new permit system and answer detailed questions. In addition, my office will organize a Town Hall meeting for early March.

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT — FUTURE CHANGES, REVISIONS, MEASURING SUCCESS

The full Board also joined me in supporting the establishment of a stakeholder group to research other suggestions we received, including but not limited to:

• Geographic limits or spacing requirements in specific locations.
• Limits on number of rental nights per year.
• Potential differences in regulations between regions based on current or revised zoning.
• Increasing the speed and response to issues of enforcement; and,
• Establishing measurements of success.

The above, and other suggestions made by the community, require more detailed study and analysis. Some may require significant changes in zoning, new forms and methods of enforcement and other more complicated changes. Depending upon the nature of the changes identified, requirements for additional public notification and process may be required before implementation.

Placer County staff and my office will continue to work with community members and stakeholders to study all suggestions and make refinements to both the ordinance and our processes on a regular basis, while also supporting increased opportunities for our workers to live here. With this action, we have taken the next step in the evolution of STR regulation. To some this may seem like a small step, and to others a very significant change. Finding a balance that meets the desires of all is not at all easy but working together I am confident that we will find the best solutions for our community.

In service,
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson

TO REPORT A VIOLATION:
Contact our 24/7 hotline at 530.448.8003

 CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLACER COUNTY’S SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM

Contact information:

 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov

District Director Sophie Fox: sfox@placer.ca.gov

Deputy District Director Katelynn Hopkins: khopkins@placer.ca.gov

Assistant District Aide Lindsay Thayer: lthayer@placer.ca.gov

COVID-19 HEALTH WARNING
THE SURGE IS VERY REAL HERE IN PLACER COUNTY

Last Friday, Sutter Roseville Medical Center experienced their busiest day in their history, driven by the surge in Covid-19 cases. Placer County’s Director of Health and Human Services Dr. Rob Oldham provided the Board with an update indicating the situation from hospital executives in the region is “dire”.

The bottom line: the surge is very real here in Placer County. As of Tuesday, Placer County reported 204 confirmed cases in the hospital with 45 confirmed cases in the ICU. In addition, our 7-day test positivity rate was 10.9% with our 7-day average daily case rate coming in at 31 cases per 100K – far surpassing the surge we experienced last winter. Visit the Placer County Covid-19 Dashboard for more information on current stats.

On Monday, Chair of the Board Robert Weygandt and I toured Sutter Roseville Medical Center with their entire management team. Let me paint a picture of what we witnessed first-hand: the lobby and hallways were full of non-critical patients waiting to be seen because all their rooms were full to capacity because with Covid-19 patients. In addition, the challenges of the very dedicated and tremendously overworked medical staff were clearly evident and expressed over and over throughout our visit.

The Delta variant is very different, much more contagious and our hospitals are seeing younger patients admitted. The staff indicated that stays of those admitted are longer and therefore beds are full without space for others who need them. Nearly 90% of those currently hospitalized with Covid are unvaccinated, and of the remaining 10% of patients who had been vaccinated, most had known pre-existing conditions. Vaccines are proven to work to prevent illness and reduce the severity of illness. They are readily available, free of charge. If you’re not already vaccinated, I encourage you to CLICK HERE to schedule your vaccination appointment today!

Please follow Placer County’s guidelines and new warnings below. Wear a mask to not only protect yourself – but your family, friends, and our entire community. Please be mindful – let’s work together to keep our kids attending school in person and Placer County strong and healthy.

In service,
Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor

SUTTER ROSEVILLE MEDICAL CENTER

Brian Alexander | CEO

Like other health systems, we are seeing a significant rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, which is requiring us to activate components of our surge plan as we did during previous surges. We’ve learned much about this virus over the past 18 months, including how to respond when there is a rise in admissions. While the region is seeing some of the highest hospitalization rates to date, we are prepared to further adjust operations so that we can continue to care for patients. Our teams are highly trained and it is extraordinary to see them continue to respond with professionalism and compassion.

While we remain prepared to manage the increase in patients, we need community members to understand the important role they can play in reducing the rate of transmission: follow public health guidance on masking and physical distancing, and for those eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best step we can take to put this pandemic behind us.

Finally, please don’t delay in seeking care. Sutter network hospitals, walk-in care clinics, and medical foundation offices are open and providing high-quality care to patients. Safety precautions at Sutter hospitals remain in effect to help protect the health of patients, clinicians and staff, which includes some visitor limitations, universal masking and requiring physical distancing where possible.

KAISER PERMANENTE, ROSEVILLE

Kimberly Menzel | Senior Vice President and Area Manager

This past week, our Roseville Medical Center surpassed the daily peak from last winter’s surge for the number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to our hospital. Based on each of the prior surges, we anticipate hospitalizations will continue to increase over the next three weeks in Placer County.

Roughly 90% of the patients with COVID-19 receiving care in the Kaiser Permanente Roseville hospital—including those in intensive care—are unvaccinated. It is clear vaccination against COVID-19 prevents most infections and reduces severe illness from this virus, and reduces the need for hospitalizations. Widespread vaccination in conjunction with health and safety protocols such as social distancing and mask wearing is our best hope of stopping this current surge and ultimately ending the pandemic.

We urge everyone to help end the pandemic and provide relief to our hospitals, physicians, nurses, and care teams by immediately getting the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, free of charge to all.

NEWS RELEASE: PLACER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES NEW COVID-19 HEALTH WARNING

AUBURN, California – The Delta surge has resulted in record numbers of COVID-related hospitalizations this week and is leaving our local hospitals with less room to absorb more patients requiring hospitalization. Hospitals in Placer County are providing critical care in areas not typically designed for that purpose, report a high level of acuity in their patients, and are experiencing strains on their workforce. COVID patients occupy nearly one third of licensed beds, a higher share relative to hospitals in other communities.

Beyond hospitalizations, cases in school settings are rising too among students and staff, resulting in increasing numbers of classroom outbreaks that, in some cases, have led to the temporary cancellation of in-person instruction. School-related cases were uncommon and largely isolated with previous COVID-19 variants, yet early signs point to more students and staff who are turning up positive as a result of a COVID exposure.

To preserve critical infrastructure that serves all, including hospitals and schools, Placer County Public Health is advising residents regardless of vaccination status to use high-quality masks while in all indoor settings to protect against the highly infectious Delta variant.

“Our individual actions during this Delta surge are impacting everyone, including those seeking health care or in-person instruction,” said Interim Health Officer Dr. Rob Oldham. “Placer County Public Health stands behind organizations who take precautions to support our community’s efforts to preserve key infrastructure such as implementing universal indoor masking, which is much less disruptive than other restrictions experienced during the pandemic.”

To provide a sufficient layer of protection, residents are also advised to use higher quality masks, like a surgical or KN95 mask. Higher quality masks were largely in short supply during the beginning of the pandemic but are now more readily available at local drug stores or online.

For those who are 12 and older and unvaccinated, talk to your doctor right away about questions you have about COVID-19 vaccines. Most patients currently hospitalized locally for COVID-19, including those in the intensive care unit, have not received a COVID-19 vaccination. While vaccination may not fully prevent infection, it’s one of the best tools we have to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Please visit myturn.ca.gov to schedule your appointment today.

PLACER EXPERIENCING URGENT SHORTAGE OF POLL WORKERS

With just weeks remaining until the September 14 California gubernatorial recall election, the Placer County Elections Office is facing a shortage of volunteers to serve in precincts throughout the county. READ MORE

CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RECALL ELECTION SEPTEMBER 14

Registered voters in Placer County should start checking their mailboxes for the September 14 California gubernatorial recall election voter information guide and vote-by-mail ballots. READ MORE
 

Contact information:

 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov

District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov

District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.ca.gov

Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.gov

A LETTER FROM YOUR DISTRICT 5 SUPERVISOR

Dear Residents:

Since making my decision on the Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails Expansion Reduced Project, I have received many emails and calls expressing views of either anger or gratitude. While I can’t respond to each person individually, I want to explain my thinking to the people of District 5, and provide some background as to how I arrived at my decision.

Even before I took office, the Hidden Falls Regional Trails Expansion Project has been a very divisive issue. One side supports expansion of protected open space and trails, while the other side remains concerned with safety, traffic, and fire issues in the surrounding neighborhood. Over the last 18 months, both sides have weighed in with hundreds of emails and calls. I was able to tour the site and meet with constituents from all sides of the issue, with staff, with users, and with residents in the surrounding area.

In response to the concerns expressed by the neighbors, the County parks staff proposed a reduced project as a compromise. The reduced project was a 63% reduction in parking spaces and a generally corresponding reduction in traffic and visitation during peak days from the initial proposal. While I believe the technical issues raised were adequately addressed, for some, the concerns and fears about any project remained.

Acquiring land to protect it for public use is a worthwhile effort and so much of the legacy of our nation and our state, is its national, state, regional and local parks. Quality of life is measured by many factors – but parks and open space are one of the most important. Throughout California, as our population swells, pressures for housing continue to mount. Many of our historic large privately-held parcels are disappearing, divided into smaller and smaller properties. Thankfully, Placer County leaders have been working to address these growing pressures. Beginning in 1991, volunteers in Placer County created the non-profit Placer Land Trust “. . . to permanently protect natural and agricultural lands for current and future generations”. To assist in this mission, in 1998 the Board of Supervisors formed Placer Legacy to provide funding and public mechanisms. To date over 12,000 acres of Placer County lands have been permanently protected.

Throughout my campaign, and since taking office, I have been committed to finding balance, especially during these divisive times. I committed to listen to all sides and consider all issues. Ultimately my vote to support the reduced project at Hidden Falls was informed by many, and I believe represented the best balance of all interests. This compromise requires that the many who will benefit from this open space must work diligently to minimize the impacts and issues for the neighbors.

Protecting our future means government, parks users and neighbors must come together. We should respect other points of view and concerns. Government, elected by the majority, can’t forget the impacts to the individuals of its decisions. In this situation, adaptive management must be used to ensure that we adjust to issues and needs as they arise.

A few of the items I raised at the meeting were:

• Using technology, the reservations system and other methods to educate park users on traffic safety, respect for the neighbors, stewardship of the park, and user preparedness
• Requiring reservations more days of the week including full-time if necessary
• Increased rangers and enforcement
• Increased traffic warnings and enforcement
• Continuing the closures on high fire threat days
• Adding more closures if needed

In weighing all of the factors and casting my vote, I emphatically committed that I would stay involved to ensure that the reduced project for Hidden Falls Regional Park, including the Twilight Ride entrance project for 54 auto parking spaces and 20 equestrian trailer spaces would be developed, maintained and operated in a manner to minimize the impacts to those neighbors. [Read Press Release]

While there has been much hard work to date on both sides of the issue, now the really tough work begins – working together, to address the concerns of all interests, to protect Placer County’s future.

– Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor

Contact information:

 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov

District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov

District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.ca.gov

Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.gov

As you can imagine many people are calling, writing and emailing in search of more information on when they can get vaccinated. I understand that this is an extremely frustrating time for all of us – so I am hoping to help explain what we know, and just as importantly what we don’t know. Information changes rapidly but here is where we stand as of today.

The limitations on vaccinations is entirely due to limitations on the supply of doses. Placer has been allocated an average of 4,343 doses of the Covid-19 vaccination (first and second) per week. To give you an idea on how far that goes, there are approximately 80,000 Placer residents who are 65 or older – not to mention the thousands of healthcare workers and others that fall into the Phase 1a category as well. At this pace, it would take us 4-6 months to vaccinate our most vulnerable and our essential workers. We do know that more vaccine is on the way and we are actively fighting to secure as much as we can for our residents. As soon as we get it – we get it out. Unfortunately none of us believe this is fast enough.

Placer County does have capacity to give the vaccines once we receive more doses. Placer County Public Health and Safeway alone currently have the capability to administer around 7,400 per week and other health providers throughout the county have the capacity to administer thousands more. Also, Public Health continues to cultivate partnerships with other pharmacies to further expand capacity as we receive more vaccines.

As we see additional doses become available, more appointments for vaccines will also be available to community members. One of the best ways to be notified when large new batches of appointments are made available at county clinics and about progression through the vaccination phases is to sign up for text alerts. To do that, text PLACERVACCINE to the number 898211.

The Placer County vaccine website is also updated as new information becomes available. You can also check this page for answers to some additional frequently asked questions.

I know this is a challenging time, but please be patient and have confidence that more vaccines are coming. I encourage you to sign up for text alerts and to continue to check the website – I will also continue to update you through newsletters as we have more information to share.

Finally, a reminder to all of us – whether we’ve received the vaccine or not – please continue to work together and follow safety protocols. Please wash your hands, wear a face covering, and physically distance yourself from others.

– Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

GETTING VACCINATED

The Placer County Public Health Division is coordinating COVID-19 vaccine efforts in alignment with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 California Governor’s Vaccine Task Force, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Working Group. LEARN MORE

AVAILABLE CLINICS

SUTTER HEALTH
Sutter patients who are:

• Eligible health care personnel in Phase 1A
• Age 75 and older

KAISER PERMANENTE
Kaiser members who are:

• Eligible health care personnel in Phase 1A
• Age 75 and older

PLACER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
Placer County residents who are:

• Eligible health care personnel in Phase 1A
• Age 65 and older (The State/PrepMod is in the process of updating their web portal to reflect 65+ eligibility. Eligible residents in this category may proceed making an appointment and ignore messages to the contrary.)

SAFEWAY (various locations)
Placer County residents who are:

• Eligible health care personnel in Phase 1A
• Age 75 and older (Safeway is in the process of updating their web portal to reflect 75+ eligibility. Eligible residents in this category may proceed making an appointment and ignore messages to the contrary.)

TAHOE FOREST HEALTH SYSTEM
Placer County & Nevada County residents who are:

• Eligible health care personnel in Phase 1A
• Age 65 and older

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)
Veterans who are:

• Living in their long-term care facilities
• And VA health care personnel

The Placer County Health Division is kindly encouraging everyone to please arrive ON TIME (not early) for their appointments to alleviate unnecessary crowds. Also, please check on your eligible family, friends and neighbors to see if they need assistance making an appointment online.

[Click here to sign up for emergency notifications]

Contact information:

 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov

District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov

District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.ca.gov

Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.gov

AUBURN, Calif. — Public and private vaccine administration partners in Placer County are now offering COVID-19 vaccines in extremely limited supply to residents over the age of 65.

Vaccine is available in limited quantities through a Public Health clinic in south Placer; large hospital systems including Kaiser and Sutter; and pharmacy partner Safeway, whose locations span the county. Appointments are limited based on the availability of vaccine supply.

Vaccinations are by appointment only and proof of Placer County residency and age are required. Vaccinations open to the public include:

• Kaiser Permanente: Members age 65+ can call 866-454-8855 or visit the Kaiser Permanente website for more information. Information will be updated as it becomes available.
• Sutter Health: Sutter patients who are healthcare workers or aged 75+ can now schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
• Other regional health systems: Check with your provider.
• Public Health clinic and eight Safeway locations: Visit placer.ca.gov/vaccineclinics to view locations, appointment slots and make an appointment.

Additional vaccine sites will come online as the supply chain grows to meet demand. Currently there are 17 access points (including mobile efforts by CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate long-term care facility residents) offering vaccine to individuals in Phases 1A and those over 65 in 1B, with future groups in 1B tier 1 still to come. Phases and tiers of administration are determined by the state.

Any Placer health care workers in Phase 1A who have not yet been vaccinated can continue to make appointments via the above links as well. See a summary of 1A populations here. These residents are required to bring proof of employment.

“We do not have enough vaccine for everyone at this time, so we appreciate everyone’s patience as we advocate for more doses,” said interim health officer Dr. Rob Oldham. “Surprisingly, we have had some appointments left open at our clinic during 1A, so we do think it’s important to move forward and offer those slots up to those in the next phase per the state’s expanded definitions. But, supply will not yet meet demand and so we want to set appropriate expectations that this will not be an overnight process.”

Approximately one fifth of the Placer County population is over 65 – or 80,000 people. Vaccine production is slowly increasing in the United States, and Placer County is provided with only small amounts of vaccine each week. This week, for example, the county was allotted 2,925 first doses and 1,200 second doses, even though together Placer County Public Health and Safeway will have the capacity to administer 7,400 vaccines per week as of next week, meaning capacity currently exceeds supply. Weekly allotments of first doses from the state have been highly variable (ranging from just 100 first doses to around 3,000), adding challenges to local planning. Yet, health care and pharmaceutical partners are continually scaling up in anticipation of more doses.

To stay informed about vaccine availability and progression through the vaccination phases, residents can visit the Placer County website at www.placer.ca.gov/vaccine; text PLACERVACCINE to the number 898211 to receive text alerts from 211; and subscribe to Placer County’s newsletter.

COVID-19 Vaccines in Placer County

Click here to watch Placer County Health Officer, Dr. Rob Oldham, speak about the state’s initial phases of vaccine distribution and discuss how the community can prepare and stay informed in the coming months.

The Placer County Public Health Division is coordinating COVID-19 vaccine efforts in alignment with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 California Governor’s Vaccine Task Force, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Working Group.

Click here to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines in Placer County

Health Division Seeking Nurses for COVID-19 Support

Placer County Health Division is building a workforce to continue specimen collection and implement our COVID-19 vaccine campaign. If you or someone you know is interested, the following links are job descriptions and application information for Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN). Please share this information with someone you know if they can support this effort.

Face Coverings in Placer County

Here in Placer County, face coverings are an important tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable residents. The “Got It Covered” campaign showcases actual Placer residents and business owners sharing their personal reasons for wearing a face covering. Click here to watch video

Don’t delay if you need health care

Some things can’t wait. Your health care is one of them. During COVID-19, local hospitals are safe and open to serve our community. Don’t hesitate to get care if you need it. Watch this PSA to learn more.

In addition to physical health, it’s important to take care of your mental health. There are a wide array of resources available locally, including many telehealth options. Click here to learn more

[Click here to sign up for emergency notifications]

Contact information:

 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov

District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov

District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.ca.gov

Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.gov

Shortly after we distributed my Newsletter and Eastern Placer Bulletin yesterday, the news of events at our Nation’s Capital occurred. I was so disturbed by what I witnessed that I wanted to send out another message.

For those of you who don’t know, I was fortunate to grow up just outside of Washington DC, while my father worked a block from the US Capitol. I was blessed to visit the Capitol many times over those years and later, while in college, spent my summers interning in various offices just off of Capitol Hill. At lunch, I would often walk to Capitol Mall and watch many visitors from all over our country and the world as they de-boarded tour buses and stood in awe of our US Capitol building and all that it symbolizes to ourselves and to those from all around the world. Watching their emotions often brought me tears of appreciation for what our nation truly means. The images yesterday of mob’s desecration of our nation’s sacred symbol brought me tears of sadness.

Political debate is what our forefathers fought for, but the growing extreme intolerance for other points of view can destroy us.

This coming Tuesday I will officially begin the term of office you elected me to by taking an oath of office “to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of California”. I am greatly honored to take that oath of office in order to serve you, and I ask each of you to consider those words, consider our sacred democracy and pledge yourself to do the same.

We still live in a great nation, please, lets work together to keep it that way.

Contact information:

 175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603 

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@placer.ca.gov

District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov

District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.ca.gov

Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.gov