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, and just this afternoon the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a limited Stay at Home Order. While health experts predicted a “second wave” to occur this winter, it has come earlier than anticipated. Cases of Covid-19 doubled throughout Placer County last week. Because of the significant growth in cases throughout the State, the Governor sped up the tier process and has added some additional guidance, including the limited Stay at Home Order we just learned about. 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, and employees could 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.
Give Thanks to Those Who Serve, Donate to Help Others, and Please Celebrate Responsibly
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.
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.
If you are unsure of how to contribute, below is a list of just a few organizations that can use your help!
Auburn Interfaith Food Closet
Seniors First
Boys & Girls Club of Placer County
Salvation Army
Stand Up Placer
The Gathering Inn
Pride Industries
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.
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
Support small business this holiday season
Don’t forget to support Placer County’s small businesses this holiday season. Our local businesses are the foundation of our communities and contribute so much to our local economy, providing two out of every three new job opportunities.
While you are out shopping safely, don’t forget many restaurants are still open for limited outdoor dining. You can also pick up gift cards that can be used for take out and there are typically no expiration dates on gift cards. Let’s support our small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
Not too late to apply for 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
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.
