Photo of the week

This #PlacerLife photo of a bee on a friendship sage flower in Weimar was taken by @rodolfotografo on Instagram.

Featured story

Join us for our time capsule sealing ceremony Oct. 10 at the Historic Auburn Courthouse

As part of our 175th anniversary celebration, we’ll recognize our past and present Saturday, Oct. 10, as we seal a time capsule that will remain untouched for the next 75 years.

You’re invited to join county staff and local officials to celebrate this occasion, beginning at 12 p.m. at the Historic Auburn Courthouse. A historic safe dating to 1878 will serve as the time capsule at the Placer County Museum. It will remain sealed until 2101 when it will be opened as part of Placer County’s 250th anniversary. Learn more

Public health

It’s flu season - Public Health is offering free vaccinations

Public Health will offer free flu shots at walk-in clinics at our Health and Human Services Center in Auburn and at local events this fall, making them more accessible for those unable to get care through their regular provider.
Learn more

Community

Recovery Happens: Celebrating stories of hope and strength

Attendees at this powerful and successful event in Auburn have 457 combined years in recovery from mental health or substance use challenges in their lives. Hear some of their stories of hope, resilience and inspiration.
Watch video

Forest health

Planning Commission approves Cabin Creek Biomass Facility project

The proposed biomass facility in North Lake Tahoe moves forward after obtaining a land use permit from our Planning Commission last week. The project is designed to convert locally sourced forest vegetation into biochar and more.
Read more

Roads

High friction surface treatment projects reduce collision risk

The Placer County Department of Public Works is installing high-friction surface treatments on 17 roadway curves throughout the county to help reduce collisions. The work is well underway with an Oct. 31 target for completion.
Learn more

In other news

Placer County marks Adopt a Shelter Dog Month with fourth annual event hosted by Kiley, Landon

Fall Prevention Week is Sept. 21-25: Classes, resources and more for seniors

Tahoe National Forest upcoming fall 2026 prescribed fire projects

A strong El Niño could bring a wet winter to Placer. Learn more about flood insurance.

Save the date: Placer to host its next Discover and Discuss Community Event in Kings Beach on Oct. 15

Work to begin on two Truckee River Bridge murals near Tahoe City, funded by the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program

175 years of Placer County history

This simple photograph represents a significant piece of local history that recently made its way to the Placer County Museums. It was donated by the Gold Country Medical History Museum in 2024 and contained in a small, leather-bound album of photographs including several views of the Placer County Hospital. Written in the margins beside the photograph it says: “Female Ward Placer County Hospital.”

What this image shows is the interior of the former Placer County courthouse after it was moved to the hospital grounds in 1897. Until now, it was unknown if any views of the interior of this historic building had ever existed (at least not by the curators of the museum). Photographs of the outside are rare, with only three known currently, including one while the building sits temporarily upon blocks just prior to its relocation.

This courthouse was completed in December 1853 and allowed the county offices to move out of the canvas tent where they had operated since 1851. The wooden, Greek Revival structure was two stories high, 40 feet wide and 60 feet long. Overlooking Auburn’s commercial district below, the entrance included six Doric pillars topped by a pediment. The interior was plastered with Auburn lime and the total cost - including the lot, furnishings, outhouses and fencing - was $15,052.54.

This exciting discovery illuminates the history of the courthouse and its next chapter as a hospital ward in a new way.

Photo: Interior view of the Female Ward of the Placer County Hospital. Undated. Placer County Museums, Gold Country Medical History Museum collection.

Explore our new interactive timeline — updated every Thursday with photographs, milestones and the stories of people who built this county. Explore timeline

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:

• Area 4 Agency on Aging Advisory Council

• Building Board of Appeals

• Cemetery Auburn District

• Cemetery Colfax District

• Cemetery Tahoe District

• Colfax Veterans Memorial Hall Board

• Economic Development Board

• Fish & Game Commission

• First 5 Placer Children & Families Commission

• Flood Control & Water Conservation District Board

• Foresthill Veterans Memorial Hall Board

• Gold Run Cemetery Committee

• Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council

• Greater Lincoln Area Fire Safe Council

• In Home Support Services Advisory Committee

• Juvenile Justice / Delinquency Prevention

• Library Advisory Board

• Donner Summit Municipal Advisory Council

• Municipal Advisory Council - Granite Bay

• Municipal Advisory Council - Horseshoe Bar Penryn

• Municipal Advisory Council - Newcastle Ophir MAC

• Municipal Advisory Council - Olympic Valley

• Municipal Advisory Council - Rural Lincoln

• Municipal Advisory Council - Sheridan

• Municipal Advisory Council - West Placer Citizens

• Newcastle Ophir Municipal Advisory Council

• North Auburn/Ophir Fire Safe Council

• Placer County Behavioral Health Advisory Board

• Placer County Child Care Advisory Council

• Placer County Older Adult Advisory Commission

• Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council

• Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall Board

• Solid Waste Local Task Force

• 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, Sutter Roseville Farmers Market, Roseville Fall Family Fest, Concerts On The Square: Summer Night City (ABBA Tribute)
Rocklin: Hot Chili Cool Cars
Lincoln:  Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch, Kaiser Lincoln Farmers' Market, Kids and Trucks, Fall Marketplace
Auburn: Auburn Old Town Farmer’s Market – Placer Farmers Market, Farmers Market at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Market in the Square, Auburn Music On The Square, Aloha Festival in Auburn, Placer County Museum: Community Ofrenda, Symphony & Art in the Park
Colfax: Colfax Farmers’ Market, Colfax Art Walks & Lions Cruise Night, The Colfax Bazaar
North Lake Tahoe: Tahoe City Farmer’s Market, Music on the Beach, Kings Beach, Trivia Night at National, Country Fridays: Line Dance Night, Tahoe City Oktoberfest, Tahoe Paddle Racing Series, Karpiel Downhill Race 

...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

Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. Information
Board of Supervisors, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. Information
North Auburn Ophir Fire Safe Council, Sept. 22, 4 p.m. Information
Horseshoe Bar-Penryn Municipal Advisory Council, Sept. 22, 6 p.m. Information
Planning Commission, Sept. 24, 9 a.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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