COVID-19 UPDATE — PLACER COUNTY MOVES TO PURPLE TIER
As most of you already know, Placer County, along with our surrounding counties and 94% of the State’s population, has been moved back into the most restrictive tier – Purple (“Widespread” risk level) In the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. While health experts predicted a “second wave” to occur this winter, it has come earlier than anticipated. Cases of Covid doubled throughout Placer County last week. Because of the significant growth in cases everywhere in the State, the Governor sped up the tier process and has added some additional guidance. We are asked to expand the use of face coverings to include anytime we are outside our home, reduce our travel to shorter trips (2-3 hour distances), to quarantine if we return to the State from further distances, and to refrain from group gatherings with those outside our households. These efforts are to put an “emergency brake” on the growth in cases. While the cases are high, California’s standards and past efforts have kept our rates below other areas across the nation and even right next door in Nevada.
Many of our local businesses are struggling to survive, employees will be out of work just as we enter the holiday season. I urge us to be even more vigilant in our precautions and commit support for our neighbors, our small businesses, and our communities (see how to give section below). We each must do our part to help stop the spread of this virus. Be cautious, follow recommendations, and hopefully we can get back to a place where we can enjoy more activities while also staying safe and protecting each other. Learn More
COVID HOLIDAY MESSAGE FOR TAHOE-TRUCKEE COMMUNITY
[CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO]
GIVE THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVE
Despite the pandemic and its consequences to our health and well-being, we still have many reasons to give thanks. I am especially thankful for those who give of themselves each day to take care of our community and this incredible place we call home. Please join me in offering sincere thanks to our: health care workers, first responders, law enforcement staff, educators, pharmacists, those who staff our essential businesses, public servants working in our post offices, utilities, roads, removing trash, driving buses, caring for those in need, maintaining our beaches, parks, and trails. And that is just a few of the many who help us sustain our families, our homes, and our lives.
DONATE TO HELP OTHERS
Traditionally, at this time of year many provide services to those less fortunate. Now in the midst of this pandemic, these nonprofits are serving record-breaking numbers. Please provide your thanks to the many volunteers and donate as generously as you can to our incredible nonprofits who are providing so much to those in our community with the greatest needs.
Here are some local nonprofits, just to name a few, that really need our support:
You are also welcome to donate via GiveBackTahoe.com – which provides a comprehensive list of all the nonprofits in our region.
PLEASE CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY
Also while this time of year is traditionally spent gathering with friends and family, I encourage you to think ahead and celebrate responsibly with your loved ones. Let’s come together this holiday season to decrease the spread of Covid-19. For ideas on safer alternatives, please read the Placer County Holiday Safety Tips.
UPCOMING THANKSGIVING & HOLIDAY COMMUNITY EVENTS IN NORTH TAHOE
Sierra Community House – Thanksgiving Drive-Through Distribution
• Lakeside | Thursday, November 19 from 2:30-3:30pm
The Village Church • 736 McCourry Blvd., Incline Village
• Truckee | Tuesday, November 24 from 4-5pm
Sierra College • 11001 College Trail, Truckee
Services are free and open to anyone while supplies last. Community members can register on site. Volunteers will place a turkey and fixings in the trunk as community members drive through the parking lot. Community members on our home delivery program will be delivered on November 23. Health and safety is our main priority. Please no walk-ups. Other Accommodations | 775-545-4083 or food@sierracommunityhouse.org.
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11th Annual Tahoe Community Thanksgiving Celebration
Thursday, November 26 from 2-6pm
North Tahoe Event Center • 8318 North Lake Blvd, Kings Beach
Drive-through Holiday food pick-up – Covid Style! Food is free, donations welcome. Admission by your choice of donation: (1) 1 new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots; (2) 1 or more cans of food for Project MANA; (3) Cash donation of $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family; or (4) Volunteer help. More Information | Contact Meera: 775-230-1066 tahoecommunitythanksgiving@gmail.com
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Winter Warmth & Wellness Giveaway
Saturday, December 19 from 2-5pm
North Tahoe Event Center • 8318 North Lake Blvd, Kings Beach
Donations needed for North Tahoe – many of our North Tahoe neighbors lack these basics of life. Please generously share with them personal care items, household/laundry items, winter clothing, nonperishable, high-protein food.
Donation Drop Off: Monday, December 14-18 from 10am-3pm
North Tahoe Event Center • 8318 North Lake Blvd, Kings Beach
More Information | Contact Meera: 775.230.1066 or mbeser@sbcglobal.net
PLACER SHARES IMPACT GRANTS
Placer County has designated an additional $5 million of its Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding to aid small businesses and nonprofits in the county through a new, targeted grant program called Placer Shares Impact Grants. Funding will be prioritized for small businesses to focus on community business anchors and job preservation and for nonprofits to focus on rental assistance, food/housing insecurity and counseling/mental health needs. Applications opened for eligible businesses on November 12 and close November 20. Nonprofit organizations may apply November 16 through December 7. Eligibility and application requirements differ for the respective sectors. Learn More
EASTERN PLACER COUNTY TOWN HALL RECAP
The Eastern Placer Virtual Town Hall Meeting was held on Thursday, November 12. Thank you to everyone who joined us, it was very well attended and provided an amazing opportunity for community issues to be heard. The meeting created a lively discussion with a lot of great comments and questions. If you were unable to attend and want to learn more, I encourage you to CLICK HERE to watch the full Town Hall recording. Please feel free to follow-up with my office or Placer County staff for more information on the following agenda items that were discussed.
- Rubicon Trail – McKinney Rubicon Recreation Trail Overview | Information on the history of trail use and winter operations (short-term and long-term). Presented by Peter Kraatz, Assistant Director of Public Works. CLICK HERE to view the presentation.
- General Transportation and County Road Operations Update | A reminder of winter restrictions on roads, information on neighborhood traffic management program, and overview of current transportation plans and projects. Presented by Peter Kraatz, Assistant Director of Public Works
- Lakeside Redevelopment Project Status | An update on the status of the Lakeside Redevelopment project appeal. Presented by Crystal Jacobsen, Deputy Director – CDRA Tahoe
- Update on Zephyr Collaboration | An update on the community issues survey and stakeholder meetings. Presented by Erin Casey, Principle Management Analyst – Tahoe
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or need any assistance with County issues or concerns.
– Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor
Penny Bear in Tahoe City
On November 4, Placer County finalized and worked with Tahoe Engineering to install the Donation Plaque and Interpretive Panel at the beloved Penny Bear in the Heritage Plaza in Tahoe City. Next time you are in town, stop by and view the great addition to our community.
7 Pines Hotel Purchase
Last week, Placer County completed the purchase of the 7 Pines Motel in Kings Beach, a 14-unit motel that will be converted into permanent supportive housing to support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the North Tahoe region. The $1.45 million purchase was funded through a variety of grant programs including Homekey, the state’s $600 million program to purchase and rehabilitate housing – including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings and other properties – and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Learn More
Contact information:
175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@
District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov
District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.
Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.
