SPRING IS A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS, PLANS & PROJECTS
This time of year not only brings warmer weather, but also a positive outlook as we continue to make great progress on so many fronts.
COVID UPDATE
Covid-19 cases continue to decline while the number of those vaccinated increases. Although Placer County saw a slight jump in the 7-Day Case Rate, we are encouraged to see that our 7-Day Positivity Rate and Health Equity Rate remain in the orange tier. Here is a snapshot of yesterday’s stats:
- 7-day rate per 100K: 7.5 (RED)
- 7-day Positivity Rate: 2.5% (ORANGE)
- Health Equity: 4.5% (ORANGE)
ADDITIONAL COVID RESOURCES:
- Placer County Coronavirus Dashboard
- Placer County March Epidemiology Report
- CDPH – Blueprint Data Chart (updated weekly)
- CDPH Activity and Business Tier Chart
- COVID-19 General Information
- COVID-19 Testing Appointment
VACCINE UPDATE
Placer County continues to be a leader in vaccination distribution, surpassing the State’s average in doses per 1,000 of population. As of Monday, 212, 413 doses have been administered in Placer County, including over 50,000 at our County clinic.
Are you 50+? As of April 1, Placer County residents age 50 and above are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Appointments are currently available at the County’s clinic, and many other providers across the County have also expanded eligibility. Looking ahead, Placer County will be moving forward with the vaccine eligibility timeline outlined by the state with residents 16+ starting April 15.
If you haven’t yet gotten your vaccine – please text PLACERVACCINE to the number 898211 and you will be notified as more appointments are available. For those who need assistance, please call 211. Vaccine remains in short supply relative to the demand and to the capacity of local providers to administer.
ADDITIONAL VACCINE RESOURCES:
- Placer Vaccine Website
- Placer Appointment Information
- Placer Vaccine Dashboard
- CDPH Vaccine Dashboard
ECONOMIC UPDATE
Placer County continues to have positive economic trends. Our unemployment rate is 5.7% – 4th lowest in the State of California, tied with San Francisco, behind Marin, San Mateo & Santa Clara. Placer County is far below the Statewide average of 8.4%. As we continue to recover from the pandemic, please shop local and support our Placer County businesses. Learn More
HOUSING UPDATE
The Board of Supervisors received a semi-annual report last Tuesday demonstrating our progress on housing including developing quality and affordable housing in Placer County. With Placer County’s contribution of nearly $8 million, the Mercy Housing Project at the Dewitt Government Center is on schedule to be completed this fall, opening 79 units of affordable housing to families in our region. In addition, Meadow View broke ground in July 2020 with 56 units of workforce housing and Hopkins Village is currently creating a list of qualified buyers with 40 units of workforce housing. Learn More
FREE PLANS FOR ADU’S
Placer County has a NEW Accessory Home website, which includes free pre-approved plans, a cost and ROI calculator, testimonials from ADU homeowners and a design inspiration book. As of March 8, Placer County has received 24 applications, 16 permits issued and 89 accessory home inquiries in 2021. Learn More
WORKFORCE HOUSING PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Placer workers struggling to afford a home will soon have a new option to make their housing dreams come true. Placer County’s Workforce Housing Preservation Program will pay homeowners to deed restrict their properties so that only local workers can purchase or rent them. The program would provide qualifying home buyers a funding source that could be used for a down payment or renovations. The program would also be eligible for recently constructed housing that is deed restricted for local worker occupancy. Learn More
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PLACER RENTERS WHO NEED HELP PAYING RENT DUE TO COVID
Placer County is accepting applications for emergency rental assistance through April 30 at RentHelpPlacer.com. Income eligible households who are unable to pay for rent and utilities because of COVID-19 are encouraged to start the application process now. The Rent Help Placer program provides financial assistance to qualifying Placer County renters to help prevent housing instability or potential eviction due to a COVID-19 financial hardship. Learn More
WHILE ALL OF THIS IS POSITIVE NEWS, we still have many challenges to address to help our residents and businesses.
HOMELESS TASK FORCE | Placer County is stepping up its efforts to address health and safety concerns in response to a growing number of homeless encampments at its government center campus in North Auburn. Learn More
DEPUTY SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION NEGOTIATIONS | After 3 years of trying to negotiate a new contract, we are still at odds. While we disagree with the Association, we highly value our Deputy Sheriffs. We have the best and we pay the best, but we need to find a middle ground. We will continue to negotiate and hope that a resolution that balances escalating costs and ensures fair compensation. Learn More
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS | Now is the time to start preparing your property for the upcoming fire season. Placer County is also addressing your public properties as well as actively advocating for more funding from State and Federal sources to help us safeguard our communities. We hope to secure as much as possible to help with the forests that surround our communities. I encourage residents to learn more about the Placer County Fire Safe Alliance, Firewise Communities, and fire safe councils. Learn More
BROADBAND | Throughout the foothills and up to the High Sierra, we have problems with our broadband services. During the pandemic this became even more clear as many needed to work and attend school online. I have been holding meetings with Suddenlink, CPUC, County IT staff, and other elected officials in adjacent County’s trying to ensure that service and reliability is improved. Suddenlink is now fully staffed and has committed to providing same day or next day service to their customers. With this renewed focus, we are hopeful that residents and businesses will experience a quick and efficient service.
There is so much more to work on to address your needs and concerns. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office and we will work with County staff to get you answers and solutions.
In service,
Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor
PLACER BUSINESS RETENTION + EXPANSION SURVEY
You’re invited to participate in our first-ever Placer County Regions Business Retention and Expansion Survey. This survey is a collaborative effort to determine how we can continue to work with business owners in Placer County, strengthen our local economy and help you prosper. Ultimately, your success is our success; continuing our legacy as one California’s best places to live, work, play and learn.
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.
