Placer County District 5 Newsletter | October 6

By Cindy Gustafson | October 6, 2022 | Newsletter | No Comments

GRATITUDE AS WE RECOVER FROM THE MOSQUITO FIRE

The Mosquito Fire is officially the largest in Placer County’s history burning over 65,000 acres within our County. While it is the largest in acreage, fortunately it wasn’t as destructive as it could have been thanks to the phenomenal efforts of our first responders.

Words can’t express the incredible gratitude and confidence we have had witnessing the heroic efforts of CAL FIRE, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, USFS, and allied local agencies, who immediately responded to safely evacuate our neighbors and fight the Mosquito Fire protecting lives, homes and businesses. The aerial assault, as well as the huge number of firefighters and ground-based equipment that were mobilized, saved the community of Foresthill. Even so, the Mosquito Fire caused a number of our residents to lose their beloved homes and possessions, and many others experienced significant hardships as their lives, businesses and schools were disrupted during the event. We extend our greatest sympathy and support to those who have lost so much and those who were impacted by the evacuations.

In addition to our incredible first responders, many Placer County departments, staff, other government agencies, and non-profit organizations immediately jumped in to assist and support our impacted community members. Their efforts found those who were evacuated shelter, animal care, food, clothing, supplies, alternative school sites for their children, and financial support. (See more recovery information below.) I encourage you to watch the video from the Board of Supervisors sharing gratitude to all the partners who assisted during the Mosquito Fire.

[CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO]

We are also grateful for the incredible outpouring of individual Placer County residents and donors who provided assistance, shelter, and donations to help those displaced. Many of these individuals go unrecognized and yet represent the true fabric of our Placer County communities. If you know of residents or businesses who assisted on an individual basis, please email our office so we can offer our thanks and recognition.

The Mosquito Fire recovery efforts will continue for quite some time — please encourage anyone who needs assistance to reach out to our 211 line for a comprehensive list of all support services and resources.

With gratitude for all of our heroic first responders and generous community members,
Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor

MOSQUITO FIRE RECOVERY EFFORTS & UPDATES

As of October 2, The Mosquito Fire burned a total of 76,788 acres with 90% containment and 1,540 personnel. Based on current and expected fire activity, this will be the final daily update for the Mosquito Fire on InciWeb. READ MORE

Recovery efforts are in full swing. Here’s what’s currently going on with the response….

• Due to multiple ongoing hazardous operations requiring the use of heavy equipment from several agencies, Mosquito Ridge Road will be closed from 8am-6pm daily until further notice. LEARN MORE

• Residents who’ve experienced any impacts related to the fire are encouraged to sign up for email updates and continue to monitor our Mosquito Fire Recovery website for more information and resources. LEARN MORE

• The Local Assistance Centers that were held by Placer County on September 22 and 23 provided assistance to people who were affected by the Mosquito Fire. Over the course of those two days, 16 stations logged 367 interactions with 127 households. The most interactions were recorded at Animal Services followed by the DMV, Health and Human Services, Assessor’s Office, and Franchise Tax Board. LEARN MORE

• Our community has shown tremendous generosity; for both the River Fire in 2021, and the Mosquito Fire. Placer Community Foundation now seeks to build funds in advance of these devastating fires so that, when another fire strikes, dollars can be distributed to victims quickly and thoughtfully. The Community Foundation has established the Fire Season Relief Fund. Please consider a donation to help our future neighbors in need. Our community is better when we work together. DONATE HERE

MOSQUITO FIRE LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE
Placer Resource Conservation District is dedicated to assisting private landowners impacted by the 2022 Mosquito Fire. Placer RCD will conduct landowner site assessments free of charge and are actively seeking implementation funding for hazard tree removal and reforestation. To schedule a site visit or stay updated on potential assistance options for post-fire recovery contact Lewis Campbell, Forestry Project Coordinator. LEARN MORE

HOW EVACUATIONS WORKED IN THE MOSQUITO FIRE

[CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO]

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING | RECAP OF SEPTEMBER 27

The Board of Supervisors Meeting on September 27 included several items that are specific to or impact various regions of District 5….

• Annual Housing Program Update
• Government Center Facilities Update
• Ratifying Mosquito Fire Local Health Emergency
• Ca Department of Public Health for Future of Public Health | Funding Allocation

VIEW FULL AGENDA | SEPTEMBER 27 RECORDING

UPDATE YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY

Recent storms are a reminder that the rainy season is approaching. Did you know that homeowners’ policies do not cover damage from flooding? Protect your property and financially prepare for storms with flood insurance. LEARN MORE

BECOME A POLL WORKER AND SERVE OUR DEMOCRACY

Volunteer for the November 8 midterm election! Join the 1500 poll workers serving at the county’s polling places on election day. Being a poll worker is a great way to learn about the election process and serve your community. SIGN UP

COMMUNITY THEMES AND STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

The Placer County Health and Human Services Department – Public Health Division is working towards gaining a deeper understanding of the issues important to those who live, work, learn, shop, or play in Placer County. Your input is important and will be used to develop plans and programs to improve the quality of life in Placer County. All information provided is anonymous and will be kept confidential.

Help us chart the future: ENGLISH | ESPAÑOL

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Looking to make a difference and give back to the community? Placer County’s Free Tax Prep program (also known as VITA) is currently seeking volunteers for the 2023 tax season. The program, operating in conjunction with United Way and the IRS, offers free tax preparation assistance to individuals and families in Placer County with an income of approximately $66,000 or less. LEARN MORE

HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM
A BOOST FOR CALWORKS FAMILIES

The CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) assists homeless families in quickly obtaining permanent housing. The program serves families with children who are enrolled in CalWORKs – and already receiving employment -focused services – to provide additional housing resources such as rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, moving costs, housing placement and more based on their needs. Here’s a quick look at how the program helps stabilize families, through the eyes of one participating mother. LEARN MORE

PLACER COUNTY OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE MOSQUITO BITE PREVENTION IN WAKE OF WEST NILE CASES

Placer County’s public health officer, along with the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District, are reminding residents to continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, after two recent human cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus. LEARN MORE

Wildfire Updates and Resources

FALL IS STILL FIRE SEASON – STAY PREPARED & INFORMED!

We live in a beautiful, but fire danger critical area – it is ALL our responsibility to ensure we are fire-prepared. Please be vigilant with your actions and evacuation plans. SIGN UP FOR PLACER ALERT – it is the single best way to stay informed in an emergency.

IMPORTANT WILDFIRE RESOURCES:

• Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council
• Ready for Wildfire webpage
• Homeowner’s checklist
• Defensible space information
• Prepare for quick evacuation
• Build an emergency kit
• Sign up for Placer Alert

SEPTEMBER CHIPPER UPDATE FROM PLACER RCD

The Placer County Chipper Program is a cost-share program, funded by Placer County and CAL FIRE, that provides low-cost residential chipper service for Placer County residents, incentivizes fuels reduction, and promotes defensible space adherence and fire prevention activities. In September 2022 70 jobs were completed. VIEW MONTHLY REPORT

Current wait time is 1 week. Residents can now request service and pay online. CLICK HERE