Photo of the week

This #PlacerLife photo of longhorn cattle in Lincoln was taken by @myaristrobot on Instagram.

Featured story

One of Tahoe City’s most cherished landmarks, Fanny Bridge, has officially reopened

Placer County and project partners this week celebrated the completion and opening of the new $10.6 million Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City, improving safety while preserving the historic bridge’s iconic look. The bridge now features sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes on both sides.

Originally built more than a century ago, Fanny Bridge has long served as a gateway to Tahoe City and a focal point of the community. Although it’s officially known as the Truckee River Bridge, it has had many nicknames, including “Rump Row” and more commonly Fanny Bridge, thanks to generations of sightseers leaning over the railing to peer into the crystal-blue water below.

Placer County is working with the project’s partners and regional organizations to plan an official celebration and block party for the bridge May 17. The event is a chance for Tahoe City residents to celebrate both the bridge’s history and its future. 

The first cars to pass over the bridge are shown above and a timelapse of the demolition and reconstruction can be seen here: View video

Winter storm preparedness

Coldest storm of the season to bring rain, wind and snow

The coldest storm of the season arrives Sunday with rain, gusty winds and significant mountain snow. Snow levels will drop, creating difficult travel through the holiday weekend. Get winter preparedness tips at ReadyPlacer. Learn more

Veterans

After new law, reminder that free help for veterans available locally

A newly-passed law stops unaccredited companies from charging vets for claims help. Our Veterans Services Office offers free, accredited assistance. Watch a video sharing one veteran’s story of how the VSO made a difference.
Learn more

Roads and bridges

Yankee Jims Bridge replacement work ramps up, roads remain closed

Progress on the project includes controlled blasting, performed by contractor FlatironDragados, to break up rocks and earth to make room for a bridge foundation, abutments and roadway approaches. Read more and watch video

Elections

Elections Office to hold candidate workshop for June 2026 primary

Considering candidacy in June 2026? Don’t miss the candidate workshop at the Elections Office (3715 Atherton Road, Rocklin) on Saturday, Feb. 14, to learn the basics of running for office and managing a political campaign.
Learn more

In other news

North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council meeting tonight at 6 p.m. to discuss proposed 39 North mixed-use project in Kings Beach

Save the Date: Youth Commission’s annual 5k coming up in March

PG&E urges caution with metallic balloons ahead of Valentines Day

This week in Placer County history

In 1928, Placer County was lobbying for consideration to host the 1932 Winter Olympics. As part of the publicity for this effort, the Sierra Dog Sled Association was formed and recruited world-famous musher Scotty Allen to direct a dog sled race in hopes of putting California’s Sierra winter wonderland on the map. Allen was the inspiration for Jack London’s novel “Call of the Wild” and a business partner of Auburn-native Esther Birdsall Darling.

A purse totaling $6,000 was raised and the Sierra Dog Derby was planned to take place over three days, from Feb. 10-12, 1929. The race ran from Truckee to the Tahoe Tavern, a distance of 16 miles along the Truckee River and upon the old Overland Emigrant Trail. The race was three laps, totalling 96 miles.

Approximately 11 racers, both men and women, entered the competition, including celebrity out-of-state racers who made the derby circuit, as well as local competitors. In the end, Fred Printz, a mail carrier and musher from Cascade, Idaho, won the $3,000 grand prize with his team of Irish setters and a total time of 8 hours 39 minutes and 17 seconds.

Trailing by just over 30 minutes was Scotty Allen, who received second place and $2,000, while just 1 minute 24 seconds later, Roy Stover of McCall, Idaho, came in third with a $1,000 prize.

Although the race attracted thousands of spectators, it did not result in securing the upcoming Olympic Games. However, the race was such a success that it continued to be an annual winter tradition for several more years. 

Credits: This description is condensed from a prior project by the Placer County Museums.

Photo: Sierra Dog Derby in Truckee. February 1929. Placer County Museums collection.

Advisory committees and commissions

Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply

Current recruitments include:

• Agricultural Commission

• Area 4 Agency on Aging Advisory Council

• Building Board of Appeals

• Cemetery Tahoe District

• Central Municipal Advisory Council

• Colfax Cemetery District

• Economic Development Board

• Fish & Game Commission

• First 5 Placer Children & Families Commission

• Flood Control & Water Conservation District Board

• Gold Run Cemetery Committee

• Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council

• Greater Lincoln Area Fire Safe Council

• Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Council

• Housing Development Advisory Taskforce

• In Home Support Services Advisory Committee

• Juvenile Justice / Delinquency Prevention

• Library Advisory Board

• Horseshoe Bar-Penryn Municipal Advisory Council

• Donner Summit Municipal Advisory Council

• Municipal Advisory Council - Granite Bay

• Municipal Advisory Council - Olympic Valley

• Municipal Advisory Council - Rural Lincoln

• Municipal Advisory Council - SheridanNewcastle Ophir Municipal Advisory 

• CouncilNorth Auburn/Ophir Fire Safe Council

• Placer County Child Care Advisory Council

• Placer County Older Adult Advisory Commission

• Solid Waste Local Task Force

• Tahoe Basin Design Review Committee (DRC)

• Veterans Advisory Council

• Wastewater Advisory Committee

Fun things to do this week

Don’t miss the fun coming this next week in...

Roseville: Mahany Park Certified Farmers' Market, Maidu Park Farmers' Market, Roseville Fountains Farmers' Market, Kaiser Riverside Farmers' Market, Kaiser Eureka Farmers' Market, Sweet Surprises Gift Card Hunt

Lincoln: Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch, Kaiser Lincoln Farmers' Market 

Auburn: Auburn Old Town Farmer’s Market – Placer Farmers Market

Colfax: Community Craft Club

North Lake Tahoe: Smore’s O’clock, The Village at Northstar Après Music Series, KT Bass Bar Music Series, Throwback Thursdays

...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.

Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!

Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail

Upcoming public meetings and events

North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council, Feb. 12, 6 p.m. Information
Board of Supervisors Meeting, Feb 17, 9 a.m. Information
Foresthill / Iowa Hill Fire Safe Council Meeting, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. Information

To learn about other Placer County committees and commissions and current opportunities to serve your community click here.

List of active projects throughout Placer County

Projects are listed alphabetically and by Board of Supervisors districts. A hard copy of the list is available at the Placer County Community Development Resource Agency, 3091 County Center Drive in Auburn. 

Active Projects

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