2020-2023 Activities and Meetings

Sunday, 1/1 

Monday, 1/3

I appreciate Don Ashton’s concern for the residents on the Divide who were impacted by the extreme snowstorm.  Don drove us up to the Divide area to check in with community leaders who were helping residents in need, deliver supplies from the PG&E Resource Center in Garden to the community distribution hub at the IOOF Hall in Georgetown, and drove out to remote mobile home parks to offer support to residents and property managers.  When the El Dorado County Food Bank truck showed up at the IOOF Hall, Don and I were there to help offload the supplies in preparation for distribution to those in need.

Thursday, 1/6 
Special meeting of the RCRC Ad Hoc Committee on Wildfire and Forest Stewardship.  PG&E had requested to meet with RCRC and we were able to share our concerns and frustrations with how PG&E operates in our communities.  They are focusing on undergrounding their infrastructure, but it was pointed out that they need to communicate realistic expectations or else they are setting themselves up for failure.  Increased communication was the takeaway from the meeting.  And I again asked that using our microgrids in any power outage situation, not just for PSPS events, should be a priority project for them.  I did thank them for bringing in crews from all over to help restore power from the snow storm.

Friday, 1/7

Virtual meeting with Chair of the Cool-Pilot Hill Fire Safe Council (CPHFSC), El Dorado Water Agency (EDWA) staff, and livestock representative to work on details of an application to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) for a watershed fuels reduction project on the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) land in Cool.  This has been a great project and opportunity to build a working relationship with the BOR.  There is still a lot of work to do, but we are making progress.

Meet and Greet with our new Director of Planning and Building.

Saturday, 1/8

The week was full of phone calls, emails, and text messages regarding the resources available for the community during the snow event.  Looking forward to a debrief on this event to see how we can improve communication in the future.

Sunday, 1/9

Garden Valley Fire breakfast.  Good to see everyone.  I was able to gather information from a resident and convey the message to the Sheriff’s Department that an abandoned vehicle was blocking a roadway.  The Sheriff’s Department was extremely helpful in getting the vehicle removed so that residents could use the road and also get propane delivered.  Thank you to the Sheriff’s Department for that assistance.

Monday, 1/10

Taxpayers Association guest speaker was Duane Wallace, Executive Director of the South Tahoe Chamber.  Duane explained that TRPA is considering a basin use fee and asked that the Board of Supervisors engage on this issue, as the Douglas County Board of Supervisors has done.

Wednesday, 1/12

RCRC virtual meeting. Most noteworthy was the update on the Board of Forestry revised draft Fire Safe Regulations.  Because of concerns that the proposed regulations could negatively impact housing construction and agricultural businesses, RCRC has since filed letters and a writ regarding the flaws in the Board of Forestry’s rulemaking process.  The letters are available here:

https://www.rcrcnet.org/sites/default/files/useruploads/Documents/Misc/2021/BOF_State_Minimum_Fire_Safe_Regs%202021_15-Day_Revisions_Published_Jan_2022_RCRC%20APA%20Comments_2022-01-19.pdf 

https://www.rcrcnet.org/sites/default/files/useruploads/Documents/Misc/2021/BOF_State_Minimum_Fire_Safe_Regs%202021_15-Day_Revisions_Published_Jan_2022_2022-01-19_FINAL.pdf

Virtual SOFAR Collaborative meeting.  Panel of speakers with progress on bringing biomass facilities to the area.  Our biomass consultant also attended the meeting.

Thursday, 1/13

Virtual RCRC Wildfire and Forest Stewardship Ad Hoc Committee meeting with US Forest Service representatives.  A lot of frustrations from all parties.  With recent budget they now have funds to roll out a 10-year plan of proactive management, including roadside and trails work.

Budget ad hoc meeting.

Friday, 1/14

Supervisor Turnboo and I met with the Andre Pichly, new General Manager at the Cameron Park CSD, and Eric Aiston, outgoing Chair of the CPCSD Board of Directors.  Following up on ARPA request.  They did apply for and receive ARPA funds directly from the State, which the County supported, so their request of the County has decreased.  CAO Don Ashton is going to follow up with the General Manager.

Tuesday, 1/18

Supervisor Thomas and I virtually met with staff regarding the proposal to update the Ranch Marketing Ordinance to comply with the current noise ordinance while also continuing support for additional revenue streams for agricultural businesses.

Wednesday, 1/19

Virtually attended the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council meeting.  Updated them that the County’s Wildfire and Resiliency working group will be bringing an update to the Board probably in March.

Virtual meeting with staff and Parks and Recreation District I and IV Commissioners regarding Parks Master Plan update.  The Parks Master Plan Update effort is being started and looking forward to a very public and inclusive process.

Virtual meeting with District IV representative and 2022 Chair of the Commission on Aging.

Thursday, 1/20

Phone call Meet and Greet with Ron Marlette, new Director at the Upper Room.

Friday, 1/21

Monthly virtual meeting with Long Range Planning.

Phone call with land use counsel for the Grocery Outlet project.

Virtual monthly meeting with Environmental Management Director.

Monday, 1/24

Guest speaker at Taxpayers Association meeting was Brandi Bannister, of the Lake Tahoe Unified School Board.  Shared thoughts on proposal for a bond measure to upgrade schools and the need for sustainability.

Wednesday, 1/26

Virtually participated with staff on an update on Chili Bar Park regarding next steps in the process to follow Board’s direction to move forward with an RFQ or RFP.

Virtually attended the Cemetery Advisory Committee.  Questions and concerns arose regarding the Board’s direction to put a measure on the November 2022 ballot for a cemetery fee.  I will be following up with staff on that, which likely result in a Board agenda item for discussion.

Virtually attended the Mt. Murphy Bridge Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) public meeting.  The community is appreciative of this project moving forward and the Board’s support as we all saw how heavily the community was impacted when the bridge was closed after a DUI drive crashed into the bridge.  Thank you to staff for a thorough presentation, which is available on the County’s website.

Thursday, 1/27

Phone meeting with Laurel Brent-Bumb regarding annual events involving the Chair of the Board of Supervisors.  The events are usually in the fall and I appreciated Laurel reaching out to give me plenty of heads up about these opportunities.

Attended the Governor’s virtual Wildifre and Forest Resilience Task Force meeting.  I was glad to see Mark Egbert there as an attendee and presenter as it is important that El Dorado County be connected to this effort to maximize the funding that we receive for forest management and other projects.

Attended Jody Gray’s retirement celebration at the Marshall Building of the County Fairgrounds.  Great to see so many people come together who share Jody’s love of our county and our fairgrounds.  We wish her the best in her retirement and know that she will still be in the area to be supportive of the Fair’s ongoing success.

Friday, 1/28

The El Dorado County Transportation Commission’s (EDCTC) State Route 49 (SR 49) Confluence study was launched with an on site roadway safety audit.  I spent the day with the consultant’s staff, State Parks staff, EDCTC staff, and Caltrans staff to survey the route from Cool to Auburn.  That information will be used to prepare for the next steps of the study, which I will announce in our District IV newsletter to ensure that it is an inclusive, public process.

Saturday, 1/29

Attended the first burn performed by the recently formed El Dorado County Prescribed Burn Association (PBA).  PBAs are forming throughout the state as another tool in the toolbox toward vegetation management.  I anticipate working with the group to promote the PBA and increase membership, possibly through the Fire Safe Council.  This may be another good connection for the County’s Wildfire and Forest Resiliency Working Group.

Monday, 1/31

Virtually attended the Taxpayers Association Meeting.  Colette Thiel, President of the Shingle Springs-Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce was the guest speaker and presented information on her goals for the Chamber and why chambers are important to communities.

Virtually attended the SOFAR Steering Committee meeting.  I am interested in how SOFAR will interface with the County’s Wildfire and Forest Resiliency Working Group and am looking forward to the Working Group’s report out to the Board in March.

Weekly meeting with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Weekly virtual Agenda Review with staff to prepare for 2/8/22 BOS meeting.

Wednesday, 2/2

Virtual meeting with staff from the Governor’s Northern California Office of External Affairs.  They are reaching out to the Chair of each county for a meet and greet to gather a list of priorities for counties.

Monthly meeting with County Counsel.

Thursday, 2/3

Virtual El Dorado County Transit Authority (EDCTA) meeting.

Virtual El Dorado County Transportation Commission (EDCTC) meeting.

Monday, 2/7

Taxpayers Association meeting guest speaker was Mike Posey of Library System & Services advocating for the county to privatize our library services.

Wednesday, 2/9

Attended virtual El Dorado County Water Agency meeting.

Thursday, 2/10

Monthly meeting with Director of Department of Transportation (DOT)

Meeting with staff to discuss updating the agreement with American River Conservancy (ARC) in preparation of an RFQ/RFP at Chili Bar per Board direction.

Friday, 2/11

Virtual meeting with Cool/Pilot Hill Fire Safe Council members to discuss creating an evacuation plan.

Attended ribbon cutting at the Gam Sann Trail Dedication.   The project was a collaborative effort between community members, State Parks, El Dorado County, and other organizations.  Thank you again to the Board of Supervisors for allocating funding for the County’s portion of the project that connects Henningsen Lotus Park to the trail.

 Attended virtual meeting hosted by our Behavioral Health Director to gather input on how to improve crisis services in the county.

Monthly meeting with Human Resources Director.

Sunday, 2/13

Garden Valley Fire Breakfast.

Monday, 2/14

Virtually attended Taxpayers Association meeting.  Guest speaker was supposed to be Sheriff D’Agostini but he couldn’t make it and Jeff Leikauff and John Deville filled in for the Sheriff.

Tuesday, 2/15

Attended Georgetown Republican Women’s lunch meeting.

Virtually attended the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks (EDOK) Special Meeting to review a presentation of the draft 5-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness.

Wednesday, 2/16

Virtually attended the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council meeting.

Budget ad hoc committee meeting.

Thursday, 2/17

On site meeting in Cool regarding a potential livestock grazing program on the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) land.  Partners involved include Bureau of Reclamation, State Parks, El Dorado Water Agency, Cool-Pilot Hill Fire Safe Council, and a local ranching representative.  The goal of the program is to provide vegetation fuels maintenance as a tool for fire resiliency.

Friday, 2/18

Monthly virtual meeting with Long Range Planning staff.

Met with District IV Human Rights Commissioner.

Supervisor Thomas and I met with the City of Placerville Mayor and Vice Mayor for the first 2x2 of 2022.  Topics included potential budget items, potential land use items, and the EDOK Strategic Plan.

Met with American River Conservancy (ARC) staff at Chili Bar to review proposed updates to the management agreement of the park.

Monday, 2/21

Virtually attended the Taxpayers Association monthly business meeting.

Wednesday, 2/23

Virtual El Dorado County Transit Authority ad hoc committee meeting to discuss compensation and benefit study.

Virtual meeting with Public Health staff to brainstorm ideas for promoting public health.

Virtual Cemetery Advisory Committee meeting.  Worked on updating bylaws and should have the final version ready for approval at next month’s meeting to send to the Board for adoption.  Also had a discussion regarding the Board's prior direction on a ballot measure to fund a cemetery district.  A recommendation from the committee to discontinue that effort will be on an upcoming Board agenda.

I was the guest speaker at the Georgetown Rotary meeting at the Buckeye Restaurant and gave an update on happenings at the County.

Thursday, 2/24

Virtual Golden Sierra Job Training joint meeting of the Governing Board and the Workforce Board Executive Committee.  Approved appointment of Kyle Zimbelman, El Dorado County Economic Development Manager, to the Workforce Board.  Also had a great discussion about workforce training and I will be meeting with the Workforce Board Chair to follow up.

Attended ribbon cutting at the new Big Brothers Big Sisters office in downtown Placerville.

Friday, 2/25

Met with Library Director Carolyn Brooks to touch base on goals for our libraries, especially the much-loved Georgetown library.

Monday, 2/28

Virtually attended Taxpayers Association meeting and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson was the guest speaker.

Virtually attended the SOFAR Collaborative Steering Committee meeting to plan the agenda for the 3/9 Collaborative meeting.

Wednesday, 2/2

Virtual meeting with staff from the Governor’s Northern California Office of External Affairs.  They are reaching out to the Chair of each county for a meet and greet to gather a list of priorities for counties.

Monthly meeting with County Counsel.

Thursday, 2/3

Virtual El Dorado County Transit Authority (EDCTA) meeting.

Virtual El Dorado County Transportation Commission (EDCTC) meeting.

Monday, 2/7

Taxpayers Association meeting guest speaker was Mike Posey of Library System & Services advocating for the county to privatize our library services.

Wednesday, 2/9

Attended virtual El Dorado County Water Agency meeting.

Thursday, 2/10

Monthly meeting with Director of Department of Transportation (DOT)

Meeting with staff to discuss updating the agreement with American River Conservancy (ARC) in preparation of an RFQ/RFP at Chili Bar per Board direction.

Friday, 2/11

Virtual meeting with Cool/Pilot Hill Fire Safe Council members to discuss creating an evacuation plan.

Attended ribbon cutting at the Gam Sann Trail Dedication.   The project was a collaborative effort between community members, State Parks, El Dorado County, and other organizations.  Thank you again to the Board of Supervisors for allocating funding for the County’s portion of the project that connects Henningsen Lotus Park to the trail.

 Attended virtual meeting hosted by our Behavioral Health Director to gather input on how to improve crisis services in the county.

Monthly meeting with Human Resources Director.

Sunday, 2/13

Garden Valley Fire Breakfast.

Monday, 2/14

Virtually attended Taxpayers Association meeting.  Guest speaker was supposed to be Sheriff D’Agostini but he couldn’t make it and Jeff Leikauff and John Deville filled in for the Sheriff.

Tuesday, 2/15

Attended Georgetown Republican Women’s lunch meeting.

Virtually attended the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks (EDOK) Special Meeting to review a presentation of the draft 5-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness.

Wednesday, 2/16

Virtually attended the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council meeting.

Budget ad hoc committee meeting.

Thursday, 2/17

On site meeting in Cool regarding a potential livestock grazing program on the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) land.  Partners involved include Bureau of Reclamation, State Parks, El Dorado Water Agency, Cool-Pilot Hill Fire Safe Council, and a local ranching representative.  The goal of the program is to provide vegetation fuels maintenance as a tool for fire resiliency.

Friday, 2/18

Monthly virtual meeting with Long Range Planning staff.

Met with District IV Human Rights Commissioner.

Supervisor Thomas and I met with the City of Placerville Mayor and Vice Mayor for the first 2x2 of 2022.  Topics included potential budget items, potential land use items, and the EDOK Strategic Plan.

Met with American River Conservancy (ARC) staff at Chili Bar to review proposed updates to the management agreement of the park.

Monday, 2/21

Virtually attended the Taxpayers Association monthly business meeting.

Wednesday, 2/23

Virtual El Dorado County Transit Authority ad hoc committee meeting to discuss compensation and benefit study.

Virtual meeting with Public Health staff to brainstorm ideas for promoting public health.

Virtual Cemetery Advisory Committee meeting.  Worked on updating bylaws and should have the final version ready for approval at next month’s meeting to send to the Board for adoption.  Also had a discussion regarding the Board's prior direction on a ballot measure to fund a cemetery district.  A recommendation from the committee to discontinue that effort will be on an upcoming Board agenda.

I was the guest speaker at the Georgetown Rotary meeting at the Buckeye Restaurant and gave an update on happenings at the County.

Thursday, 2/24

Virtual Golden Sierra Job Training joint meeting of the Governing Board and the Workforce Board Executive Committee.  Approved appointment of Kyle Zimbelman, El Dorado County Economic Development Manager, to the Workforce Board.  Also had a great discussion about workforce training and I will be meeting with the Workforce Board Chair to follow up.

Attended ribbon cutting at the new Big Brothers Big Sisters office in downtown Placerville.

Friday, 2/25

Met with Library Director Carolyn Brooks to touch base on goals for our libraries, especially the much-loved Georgetown library.

Monday, 2/28

Virtually attended Taxpayers Association meeting and El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson was the guest speaker.

Virtually attended the SOFAR Collaborative Steering Committee meeting to plan the agenda for the 3/9 Collaborative meeting.

Friday, 4/1

Virtual El Dorado Opportunity Knocks board meeting to update charter and policies.

Meeting with President of EDC NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to discuss mental health and strategies for treatment in our county.

Meeting with Chair of EDC Commission on Aging.

Meeting with Cool-Pilot Hill Advisory Committee members.

Sunday, 4/3

Breakfast at Kelsey School House.

Monday, 4/4

Taxpayers Association meeting.  Guest speaker representative from John Adams Academy.

Virtual SR 49 Confluence Study stakeholders meeting.

Wednesday 4/6

EDH Chamber - Deliver State of the County Address 

SR 49 Corridor Workshop 

Wednesday 4/7

Ranch Marketing/Winery ordinance discussion

Office Mtg Ron Marlette

Saturday 4/9

Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council Community Meeting

Sunday 4/10

Garden Valley Fire Breakfast

Monday 4/11

Taxpayers Meeting, Sherman Haggerty, Homeless Housing Solution

Thursday, 4/21

Lunch meeting with Supervisor Thomas, Economic Development, and members of the Greater Sacramento Economic Corporation (GSEC) and the Growth Factory to provide information on their nonprofit business and economic development opportunities in El Dorado County.

Supervisor Thomas and I attended a Town Hall meeting with DOT regarding the construction of the Mosquito Bridge.  An item is coming to the Board soon to accept a bid on the project so that construction can begin this summer.

Wednesday, 4/27

I virtually attended the RCRC (Rural County Representatives of California) meeting.

• We received a presentation on the new Assist-to-Own program, which is a down payment assistance program for employees of member counties.  I did see an email sent to all employees with information on that program.
• In addition to ongoing legislative updates, including water, wildfire, and forest management, we received an update on RCRC’s comment letter on the State and Federal 30 by 30 Conservation Efforts.  Concerns have been raised by counties that are a majority of State and/or Federal lands, like El Dorado County, and what is the definition of conservation in the proposed legislation.

Thursday, 4/28 through 5/4

Supervisor Thomas and I traveled to Washington D.C. for Cap to Cap.

• We attended a tour by SACOG (Sacramento Area Council of Governments) in Northern Virginia to see examples of how planning with intention can lead to good community design
• In our roles on the Water Agency Board of Directors, we met with several legislative offices and congressional representatives to re-establish relationships after a 2-year hiatus.  One of our main objectives was to lay the groundwork for upcoming advocacy efforts.
• We also followed up on Caldor Fire recovery efforts as expressed by Supervisor Turnboo, specifically HR5689, which seeks to have FEMA replace water systems that have been damaged by wildfires or are susceptible to wildfire with water systems that are more robust and resilient.

Friday, 7/1

Thursday, 8/4

Thursday, 9/1

Saturday, 12/3
Attended the Georgetown Christmas Parade and VFW dinner. 

Monday, 3/1

Zoom Taxpayers Association meeting - guest speaker Assemblymember Frank Bigelow

Zoom meeting with representatives of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District regarding their TOT study and request

Agenda Review

Zoom meeting with representatives to discuss Community HUBS

Wednesday, 3/3

COVID Cooperators call update

Supervisor Thomas and I met virtually with our DOT Director regarding the proposed reduction in force.

Tour of Bass Lake with EDHCSD and EDHPromise Foundation regarding proposed park plans.

Thursday, 3/4 

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Virtual Board Meeting.  Preparing to quickly fund projects if the Governor’s Budget is passed.  Good discussion about connecting communities with funding and received an update on the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative which is being looked at as a model.

Joined the Zoom Transportation Commission (EDCTC) meeting late, but did confirm that the funding for the SR 49 Confluence study is in the acceptance process.

Monthly meeting with District 4 Planning Commissioner.

Phone meeting to check in with Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council liaison.

Friday, 3/5 

Phone meeting with Tahoe City Councilmember Bass to follow up on 56-acre project conversation.

CSAC/RCRC Redistricting webinar.  Many new requirements, very labor intensive, advised to hold first public meeting sooner than later using estimates.  Will be follow up webinar.

Phone meeting with CDPH representative for input and updates.

Phone meeting with Adam Clark regarding Alternate Public Defender agenda item.

Zoom update with Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Monday, 3/8 

Taxpayers Association meeting guest speaker Jack Frost regarding Reopen California Now.

Wednesday, 3/10

RCRC Board of Directors meeting.  Staff is engaged in water, CPUC, and forest management issues and legislation.  Discussion about concerns with the Board of Forestry’s proposed Fire Safe Regulations Update.  Local governments have asked the Board to slow down the process and seriously consider how the proposed regulations will restrict housing development and add to the housing shortage.  We were asked to send a letter of support, but received the template too late to add to our Board agenda.

SOFAR Collaborative meeting.  Formed a biomass ad hoc committee and assigned Supervisor Turnboo to participate on the ad hoc.

Thursday, 3/11

Environmental Service Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) Board of Directors meeting.  Most pressing topic is implementation of SB 1383 Organic Waste Reduction.  This is a State mandate that must be implemented but the State is not providing funding.  It is anticipated that the costs will be passed on to the consumers.  See the 2-4-2020 BOS meeting, agenda item #13, File #20-0139, to review CalRecycle’s presentation and Board discussion.

Phone call meeting to catch up with Parks and Trails Manager.

Phone call meeting with DOT Director regarding possible grant for roadside vegetation management.

Monday, 3/15

Zoomed the Taxpayers Association meeting.  CAO Don Ashton was the guest speaker and was very responsive to questions.

El Dorado Transit Authority budget ad hoc committee meeting.

Agenda review

Wednesday, 3/17

Joined the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council Zoom meeting but could only stay for a little bit because had to join the Hemp Ad Hoc committee meeting.

Hemp Ad Hoc committee Zoom meeting.  Very informative guest speaker who is an expert on odors and verified many of our concerns about odors as a nuisance to neighbors.  Requested an expert in pollen travel for next meeting.

Monthly phone update with HHSA Director.

Zoom meeting for briefing with Supervisor Turnboo and SACOG on Green Means Go program.

Supervisor Hidahl and I were sworn in as the representative and alternate on the Pioneer Community Energy Board.

Budget Ad Hoc meeting with Law & Justice Departments

Thursday, 3/18

Budget Ad Hoc meeting with General Government Departments and with Land Use Departments

Friday, 3/19

Monthly Zoom meeting with Planning staff

Monthly phone call with Environmental Management

Budget Ad Hoc meeting with HHSA Departments

Monday, 3/22

Taxpayers Association monthly Zoom Business Meeting

Phone meeting with El Dorado Water Agency General Manager

FYI - The Board of Forestry moved their Fire Safe Regulations proposal forward to submit to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on a 6-2 vote, despite requests to delay approval and convene a working group of local government planning and fire safety experts.

Wednesday, 3/24

Meeting with Fish and Game Commissioner.

Zoom meeting with staff for briefing on Right of Way process.

Office meeting with Mr. Basiri regarding his request for a fence in county right of way.

Thursday, 3/25

Zoom meeting with Shaunda Crane of Marshall Medical about onsite health services in vulnerable populations.  She is working to create a Community Health Workers program to assist with serving our vulnerable and remote populations.

Listened in by Zoom to El Dorado County Fire Protection District’s Strategic Plan update.  Thank you to Chief Cordero for reaching out for the invitation.

Monthly meeting with County Counsel

Friday, 3/26

Zoom meeting with HHSA staff to follow up on inquiry regarding suicide prevention in EDC.

Phone call meeting with USFS staff regarding plans for this year’s fishing derby in Georgetown.  Planning for a very structured event to mitigate for COVID with a contingency to cancel if COVID tiers change.

Saturday, 3/27

Attended open house for the Chili Bar Park study.  Looking forward to hearing results.

Monday, 3/29

Carolyn Brooks was the guest speaker at Taxpayers Association meeting.

SOFAR Steering Committee meeting.

Agenda review.

Wednesday, 3/31

Staff briefing on El Dorado Hills Fire and Rescue Fire annexation.

Cemetery Advisory Committee Zoom meeting.

Wednesday and Thursday, 12/8 and 12/9

Monday, February 3, 2020

Fair 2x2 with Supervisor Veerkamp.    Preparing for our special meeting with Board of Supervisors and Fair Board in Marc

Wednesday, 2-5-20

Golden State Job Training Agency Board meeting - Beginning of year administrative duties

Meeting with EDCTC Executive Director Woody Deloria to prep for meeting and talk strategy for Highway 49 at the Confluence.

Thursday, 2-6-20

Met with my Planning Commissioner - lots going on in District 4 to catch up on.

EDCTC meeting.  Approved final version of Active Transportation Plan for County and City of Placerville.

Friday, 2-7-20

Met with a resident who is having troubles because of the Mineral Resources Overlay from the TGPA/ZOU.  The number of these is starting to grow. Contacting Planning staff.

Saturday, 2-8-20

Chocolate Affair

Sunday, 2-9-20

Garden Valley Fire breakfast - caught up on several projects with residents during breakfast.

Music on the Divide at Georgetown IOOF Hall - 26th annual Young Musician’s Concert.  Very talented students.

Monday, 2-10-20

Tree Mortality Task Force has changed its name and focus to Governments for Forest Health.  I am checking in with staff about our Tree Mortality reimbursement because the billings weren’t received and the deadline is approaching.

Forest Management Task Force - lots going on and I will follow up with Supervisor Veerkamp to make sure we are plugged in

Wednesday, 2-12-20

EDCWA - Updates

SOFAR - Presentation on forest resiliency.  Sue Hennike gave an update on the Vegetation Management Ordinance.

Thursday, 2-13-20

Briefing from HHSA staff on smoking ordinance.

Meeting with Treasurer-Tax Collector Karen Coleman

Fair is coming up so meeting with my Fair Board representative

Friday, 2-14-20

Phone meeting with Placer County Supervisor Gustafson regarding ASRA

First monthly update with DOT Director Rafael Martinez

Tuesday, 2-18-20

Two residents joined me to meet with the Director of State Parks regarding ASRA.  Went very well and I’m looking forward to continued discussions.

Meet & Greet with our IT Director Tonya Digiorno.  Lots of great ideas and seems to have a good understanding of our IT department and systems.

Briefing with Assessor Karl Weiland.

Supervisor Frentzen and I had a meeting with DOT staff about the potential Rodeo Drive off ramp.

El Dorado County Fire Protection District held a community meeting to explain their plans for staffing Coloma Lotus Station 74 this year and into the future.

Wednesday, 2-19-20

Met with a Georgetown resident who is pulling together information to help us with a potential ordinance for travel trailers as living space.

Met with Laura Scwartz in Facilities with update on Senior Nutrition program in Greenwood building and hoping to get a newspaper article out about that for residents.

Supervisor Hidahl and I attended a Pavement Workshop hosted by our DOT staff at the request of the Taxpayers Association.  Good information and questions shared.

Fair 2x2 meeting looking at the MOU.

Our Vegetation Management staff gave a Learn to be Fire Wise presentation at the Cool Community Hall.  Well attended and lots of great questions. Kristine Guth handled it all very well.

Friday, 2-21-20

Long Range Planning Staff monthly briefings - thank you.

Met with Howard Penn and Kyle Zimbleman and plan for Coloma-Lotus Valley economic study is coming along.

Monthly Environmental Management update with Greg Stanton.

Saturday, 2-22-20

Annual Cameron Park Fire Department Crab Feed.  Well attended and fun.

Tuesday, 2-25-20 through Friday, 2-28-20

Traveled with Supervisor Veerkamp and EDCWA staff to Washington D.C. to meet with legislators and directors regarding Alder Creek Reservoir.  Well received and it was a great learning experience for me.

Monday, 3-2-20

Meet & Greet with Chief Cordero

Meeting with Supervisor Frentzen and CPCSD General Manager

Tuesday, 3-3-20

Meeting with Veterans Commissioners and Supervisor Veerkamp to discuss future funding of commission

Wednesday, 3-4-20

Meeting with my Fair Board representative and Commission on Aging representative to brainstorm ideas so that the Commission on Aging can have a booth at the County Fair on Senior Day.

Read with the children during story time at the Georgetown Library on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Meeting with my Human Rights Commissioner about their Work Plan.

Meeting with a CLAC representative about annual meeting.

Vegetation Management meeting with Garden Park residents - they are one of the two County Emphasis Areas (CEA).

Thursday, 3-5-20

Monthly meeting with my Planning Commissioner.

EDCTC - Receive and file on Work Plan.  Proposed legislation to require an SB 1 Gas Tax website with fiscal information for transparency.

Annual River meeting hosted by the CLAC.  Thank you to Creigthon Avilla for covering for Parks Division and to Sergeant Thompson for attending on behalf of the Sheriff.

Sunday, 3-8-20

Garden Valley Fire breakfast.

Monday, 3-9-20

Taxpayers Association discussed sales tax for road maintenance.

Fair 2x2 working on MOU.

Supervisor Veerkamp and I met with SMUD representatives to make sure we’re collaborating on vegetation management and potential tourist revenues.  Interim Forest Supervisor Liz Berger joined us.

Human Rights Commission - left early but I think that they are ready to take the 2 Supervisors off of their roster and continue moving forward toward creating a Work Plan.  Their annual presentation to the BOS is tentatively set for April 21.

Youth Commission annual dinner meeting.  Enjoyable evening and good to hear all the good things that the Commission is working on.

Wednesday, 3-11-20

Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) meeting 

            No longer sponsoring interstate cannabis export bill due to controversies.

            Joined Los Angeles County and CSAC to support AB 2612 (Maienschein) for $200M annually to support organic and solid waste recycling.  Asking for letter of support.

            Working with Senator Brian Dahle on SB 1191 requiring CalRecycle to consider whether a jurisdiction made good faith efforts to implement organic waste reduction program (SB 1383) before imposing a compliance order or penalities.

            Asked to send in letter of support for County Fair allocations.

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) meeting during lunch break.  After much discussion, voted to make loan to Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) for $10M toward wood pellet facilities, which will use woody biomass fire fuels from forests.

Barbara Hayes reported that the Economic Development group is working on Broadband and took a trip out of state to explore alternate models.  Sounds promising and we may want our Broadband consultant to reach out to Ms. Hayes.

Cautioned that Housing Element may be affected by recent and sudden defunding of Mortgage Credit Certificate program.  GSFA sent letter for re-funding of program to State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

After RCRC meeting, the RCRC Homeowner’s Insurance Ad Hoc Committee met with representatives for 2 different proposed pieces of legislation.  Both bills are still being worked on and the ad hoc committee decided to take a watch approach for each bill for final language.

Thursday, 3-12-20

Environmental Services Joint Powers’ Authority (ESJPA)

            Presentation of Model Tools for implementing SB 1383.  However, regulations are not finalized yet because the Office of Administrative Law sent the regulations back to CalRecycle for clarification.  Uncertainty about what this will do to implementation timeline.

Appreciated briefing from Treasurer Tax-Collector Karen Coleman on proposed policy changes that will be on our agenda next week.

Appreciated monthly meeting with DOT Director Rafael Martinez.

Monday, 3-16-20

Budget ad hoc committee met with General Services departments

Wednesday, 3-18-20

Budget Ad Hoc committee meeting with Land Use Departments

Phone meeting with EDCTC Executive Director Woody Deloria to follow up from the last EDCTC meeting with the status of Pine Hill Preserve trail.   EDCTC staff has been working with our Planning staff to start the process. This trail will be a Class 1 paved trail and can also be used as an evacuation route in an emergency.

Thursday, 3-19-20

Budget Ad Hoc committee meeting with Law & Justice Departments

Friday, 3-20-20

Fire Advisory Committee meeting - discussed drafting a response to Garden Valley Fire Department’s recent requests to El Dorado County

Lots of phone calls and emails about COVID-19

Meetings are now using teleconferencing and/or social distancing

3-25 through 4-2, including weekend

Increase in complaints about congestion and parking at Confluence due to out of town visitors violating Stay at Home orders.

Monday, 3-30-20

Complaints intensified due to State Parks closure of their fee parking areas, which increased congestion in the limited free parking area along Highway 49.

Tuesday, 3-31-20

No BOS meeting, so I went to Confluence to witness first hand.  Spoke with CHP officer who was enforcing No Parking.  Explained that the small free parking area was not closed down.

Wednesday, 4-1-20

Golden State Job Training Agency Governing Body meeting on telephone.  Decrease in people physically coming into job centers due to Stay at Home orders, but huge increase in requests for assistance with unemployment filings and filing of WARN notices by employers - Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification.  They are in triage mode to help people as best they can.

I sent an email to CalTrans and State Parks asking for assistance to close ALL of the parking so that the one remaining open parking area wasn’t causing congestion on Highway 49 and attracting park visitors against Stay at Home orders.  Great response from all involved.  They had been working on it, but several agencies were involved in this particular area.  All parking was closed down by Friday, 4-3-20.  Received emails of appreciation from residents, however looking for permanent solution.

Thursday, 4-2-20

Participated in a couple test Zoom meetings.  Staff did a great job of working out bugs.

El Dorado County Transportation Commission Zoom meeting (EDCTC).  Quick meeting,  approved adding Federal Advocacy Services to budget and approved advocacy agreement.

Special EDC BOS meeting to approve acceptance of Emergency Homeless Funding.

Friday 4-3-20

Zoom meeting with representatives from EDCTC, Placer County, CalTrans, and State Parks to work toward a permanent solution for the parking problems at the Confluence.  Everyone was in agreement that this needs to be addressed and I think we’re on our way to a work plan to come up with solutions.  EDCTC will be looking into Caltrans grant funding programs to secure planning funding to look into issues and opportunities on SR 49 from Cool to the Confluence.  Specific elements will include parking, truck traffic, and pedestrian safety.  The effort will be led by EDCTC and will be a partnership with El Dorado County, Caltrans, Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCTPA), City of Auburn, Placer County, and State Parks.  I am looking forward to working on this much needed project.

Tuesday 4-7-20 BOS Meeting Comments

Thank you to staff for adjusting to physical distancing and working from home, and to all of our community partners for coming together to provide services to our businesses and residents.  A special thank you to Kim Dawson and our IT staff for working to make our virtual meetings possible.

Lastly, I appreciate Don Ashton, CAO, keeping our weekly 1-1 meetings on the phone so that I can keep up with all that is going on during this challenging time, and his help with fielding inquiries from constituents.

Wednesday, 4-15-20

County Counsel briefing on Cannabis ordinance update

Thursday, 4-16-20

Parks briefing regarding Monroe Trail and Chili Bar Study funding

Friday, 4-17-20

Monthly meeting with Planning staff over Zoom.  Thank you for keeping those meetings.

Quick phone check in with Budget ad hoc committee

Monthly meeting with Environmental Management Director over phone.  Thank you for updates and for handling Quintette water supply issues.

Monday, 4-20-20

Participated in Taxpayers Association’s Zoom meeting where Auditor-Controller Joe Harn was the guest speaker.

Receiving lots of emails and phone calls about illegal parking on roads surrounding closed State Parks.  Drove out to investigate the situation at Bayne Road near Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma and Pedro Hill Road near Cronan Ranch.  DOT advised that residents work with CHP to address illegal parking.  May need to continue working on improved signage as these are ongoing issues that are increasing as we attract more tourists to the area.

Also increasing emails and phone calls about when we are opening up the County.  Reached out to staff and other Supervisors to have a consistent County message.

4-22-20, Wednesday

Follow up meeting with staff from Assemblyman Bigelow and Senator Dahle’s office to touch base regarding Auburn State Recreation Area.  I shared with them the EDCTC grant application for a study of parking on the Confluence.

4-23-20, Thursday

Monthly meeting with County Counsel

4-24-20, Friday

Webinar by the Governor’s Testing Taskforce - Strategy for testing explained.

Week of 4-27-20

Increase in phone and email complaints about parking near parks and trails.

            Contacted DOT, State Parks, U.S. Forest Service for assistance.

4-27-20, Monday

CAO Don Ashton was the guest speaker at Taxpayers Zoom meeting.

4-28-20, Tuesday

Phone calls and emails letter to Governor to begin Phase 2

Phone meeting with developer for the proposed Grocery Outlet in Cool

4-29-20, Wednesday

Staff briefing on Cannabis ordinance

4-30-20, Thursday

Phone meeting with lead of Cool/Pilot Hill Advisory Committee regarding Planning Commission meeting for Dollar General on 5-28-20 and Grocery Outlet virtual meeting with developer on 5-5-20.

Friday, 5-1-20

Many constituent phone calls to follow up on Governor letter and parking near parks.

Agenda review with EDCTC Executive Director Woody Deloria and discussed bicyclists on rural roads.

Tuesday, 5-5-20

Cool Pilot Hill Community Advisory Committee virtual meeting with the Grocery Outlet developer.

Wednesday, 5-6-20

Phone meeting with PG&E representative regarding the microgrid in Georgetown.

Briefing with the Treasurer Tax Collector.

Thursday, 5-7-20

Phone meeting with member of American River Community Coalition to request an update on Auburn State Recreation Area project

EDCTC virtual meeting.  

I voted against funding an online map promoting bicycle routes on rural roads because our office receives a lot of complaints about bicyclists on narrow, winding, rural roads.  

Executive Director gave an update that the grant application was submitted for the Highway 49 Confluence road study.  

The Caltrans representative will get back to me with an update on the status of the Cameron Park undercrossing widening as that was supposed to be completed this summer.

Friday, 5-8-20

Special Board Meeting for COVID Attestation by Public Health Officer to move into Stage 2 of reopening.

Phone meeting to follow up with Grocery Outlet developer

Monthly phone meeting with DOT Director

Saturday, 5-9-20

Shelley and I drove by many of the District 4 parking hotspots to see how the parking situations at parks were doing.  Met property owner and neighbors at Traverse Creek and was glad to meet them and see their progress on protecting their private property.

Monday, 5-11-20

Taxpayers Association virtual meeting Treasurer Tax Collector Karen Coleman was guest speaker.

Watched Placer County’s Special Board meeting for their Attestation Statement.  Many of the same conversations that we had at our Special Meeting.

Tuesday, 5-12-20

Phone call with Barry Smith at State Parks, they are preparing to reopen parks in phases.

Wednesday, 5-13-20

El Dorado County Water Agency Board of Directors virtual meeting.

• Approved moving forward with Fairgrounds Drainage Feasibility Study
• For the Irrigation Management Services 2020 Growing Season - Approved reducing the cost share amount for each site from $500 to $400
• Approved entering into contract for Upper American River Basin Regional Drought Contingency Plan
• Provided feedback to consultant on new logo design
• Received presentation and approved 2020/21 recommended budget

SOFAR forest collaborative virtual meeting.

Friday, 5-15-20

Phone call with Elections Department Director to discuss options for November election.  Thank you, Bill.

Fielded several COVID-19 related questions from industries that want to reopen and events that may be cancelled, such as graduations.  I appreciate staff’s help in responding to these questions with accurate and consistent information.

Monthly phone meeting with the Environmental Management Director.  Thank you for updates, Greg.

Monday, 5-18-20

Taxpayers Association virtual meeting.  Supervisor Veerkamp was the guest speaker and did a great job explaining the current budget and COVID-19 situations.  Thank you to Supervisor Hidahl for bowing out so that I could attend and not violate the Brown Act.

I listened in on the virtual Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting for a proposed bed and breakfast in Coloma.  Sounds like a good opportunity but is a long ways out and there is still plenty of work to do there.

Thank you to all of the agencies that have been working to resolve issues with parking and safety near our parks.  While we understand that people want to recreate, we need to be able to do it safely and in a manner that does not negatively impact nearby residents.  We are working together for long term solutions in several locations.  Everyone’s patience is appreciated.

Wednesday, 5-20-20

Monthly meeting with Don Semon, HHSA Director

Wednesday, 5-27-20

CSAC webinars:  
Housing, Land Use and Transportation Policy

AENR (Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources) Policy
Government Finance and Administration Policy

Thursday, 5-28-20

Emails and phone calls started because the Planning Commission approved Dollar General in Cool

Virtual meeting on EDC Water Agency logo rebranding

Monthly meeting with County Counsel

Friday, 5-29-20

Phone meeting with All About Equine horse rescue applicants

Monday, 6-1-20

Virtual Taxpayers Association meeting - Jody Gray, Fair Association, guest speaker

Virtual meeting with State Parks, County Parks, Public Health Officer, and CAO to discuss status of river rafting industry reopening steps

Tuesday, 6-2-20

Virtual Town Hall with river rafting outfitters - thank you to State Parks, County Parks, County Public Health Officer, and our CAO

BOS Special Meeting

Phone call with Chair of the Cool Pilot Hill Community Advisory Committee about Planning Department processes

Wednesday, 6-3-20

Virtual Board meeting of the Governing Body of the Golden Sierra Job Training Agency.  They are finding that clients are liking the added accessibility of online services.  Unemployment claims are slowly decreasing.

Budget ad hoc committee meeting to prepare for today’s agenda item on the budget

Thursday, 6-4-20

Monthly meeting with my Planning Commissioner

EDC Transportation Commission meeting - approved Work Plan

Friday, 6-5-20

Briefing on EMS and Fire services from Sue Hennike in anticipation of upcoming discussions

Phone meeting with resident concerned about how Zones of Benefit program works

Follow up virtual meeting regarding the EDC Water Agency logo rebranding

Attended Historical Society meeting for a little bit

Saturday, 6-6-20

Meeting with resident concerned about lack of public’s understanding and accessibility to County’s planning processes during COVID, especially with the Dollar General project

Monday, 6-8-20

Participated in webinars for Government For Forest Management and the Governor’s Forest Management Task Force

            Potential for additional Tree Mortality funding

Wednesday, 6-10-20

EDCWA meeting - finalized new logo and budget

Monthly phone meeting with Planning Commissioner

Friday, 6-12-20

Cannabis briefing

Monthly meeting with DOT Director

Monday, 6-15-20

Taxpayers Association Zoom meeting - Monthly business meeting

Site visit to Shoo Fly Road Defensible Space project with CCC and Georgetown Divide Fire Safe Council members

Tuesday, 6-16-20

Ad hoc Fire meeting

Ad hoc Housing meeting

Wednesday, 6-17-20

RCRC Zoom meeting

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•                                 
•             Last meeting was March 11, so lots to talk about
•  
•                                 
•             During Member County Concerns, I brought up request for clarification on Reopening Guidelines when the Governor’s Stay In Place order is still in effect
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•                                  
•             Executive Committee voted to waive membership dues for 2020
• •  
  •                                    
  •                El Dorado County is $13,000
  •  
  •                                    
  •                Will receive an invoice with $0 balance due
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•                                 
•             We spent hours discussing a draft letter to the Governor requesting that he remember to consider the unique character of rural counties when making his orders and reopening guidelines
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•                                 
•             Legislation positions
• •  
  •                                     
  •                No position on Rental Affordability Act
  •  
  •                                    
  •                No position on SB 10 Bail Reform Referendum
  •  
  •                                    
  •                Support position on Public Safety Ballot Initiative: undoes some of Prop 47
•  
•                                 
•             Budget discussion - much has changed since meeting
• •  
  •                                    
  •                “most mysterious budget ever”

Golden State Finance Authority meeting during RCRC meeting at 10:00am

•  
•                                 
•             Mortgage business was strong during COVID
•  
•                                 
•             Approved resolution for GSFA to file applications for Rural Development Opportunity Fund to support broadband infrastructure for rural counties
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•                                 
•             Approved resolution to implement Revolving Loan Fund for Member Counties as “gap” funding for when a grant has been awarded but need up-front monies

Meeting with DOT Director regarding potential Rodeo Drive off ramp

Budget ad hoc meeting

Phone meeting with Human Rights Commission chair

Thursday, 6-18-20

Phone meeting with District IV Human Rights Commission representative

Friday, 6-19-20

Monthly Zoom meeting with Long Range Planning staff

Monthly phone meeting with HHSA Director

Monthly phone meeting with Environmental Management Director

Monday, 6-22-20

Taxpayers Zoom meeting - guest speaker Assemblyman Kevin Kiley

Special Board of Supervisors meeting regarding potential budget cuts

Wednesday, 6-24

Phone call to check in with residents near the former Tribal Gun Range.

Thursday, 6-25

ESJPA (Environmental Services JPA) meeting.  Approved draft budget with membership fees reduced by 50%.  Lots of discussion about implementing legislation.

Participated in meeting with Sheriff and County residents regarding policing policies in El Dorado County.  Spoke with one of the participants afterward and we plan to sign up for the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy to better understand his department's operations.

Monthly meeting with County Counsel.

Friday, 6-26

The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the ASRA (Auburn State Recreation Area) General Plan update was published at the end of the day.  In anticipation of the FEIR, I had a phone meeting with Kimberly Pruitt of Congressman McClintock’s office.  We will be holding a Zoom meeting with all involved agencies in that area to follow up on the FEIR.  Kimberly reminds us that the Plan did not entitle any projects and each project within the Plan will have to go through its own environmental process, including NEPA because it is on Federal land.

Phone meeting with the Planning and Building Director.

Monday, 6-29

Taxpayers Zoom meeting.  Laurel Brent-Bumb of the El Dorado County Chamber was the guest speaker.

Phone meeting with EDCTC Executive Director Woody Deloria.  Will include him in ASRA Confluence Zoom meeting with McClintock’s office.  Got clarification on the Cameron Park undercrossing widening project - part of the full interchange project, so he is going to look into whether it can be done separately.

Meeting to check in with Supervisor Veerkamp and our Forest Management team.

Wednesday, 7/1/20

Tried to participate in Virtual Town Hall on SB 743, Vehicle Miles Traveled, but it was poorly organized and started off as a sales pitch about how great SB 743 is going to be for our State.  I don’t know if anyone else participated, but it seemed to be a waste of time and so I didn’t stay for the whole webinar.

Thursday, 7/2/20

Supervisor Frentzen and I had a video meeting update with Environmental Management and El Dorado Disposal

Monday, 7/6/20

Listened in on Taxpayers Association monthly business meeting

CAO and I had a phone call with RCRC to get clarification on a couple State issues

Tuesday, 7/7/20

Had a socially distanced outside meeting with members of the Mosquito Fire Safe Council.  It was good to catch up with what is going on there.

Wednesday, 7/8/20

To follow up on Board direction from the 6/30/20 meeting, I participated in a meeting with Supervisor Novasel and staff regarding the Human Rights Commission.  We decided that Supervisor Novasel will take the lead on the Commission and I will receive correspondence so that I’m in the loop.

Missed EDCWA meeting because Human Rights Commission meeting went long and we were at a criti al point in the discussion.

Attended the Ag Commission meeting.  I’ve been in touch with the Cattleman’s Association and there was a presentation regarding promoting using livestock grazing for Vegetation Management.  The Commission created an ad hoc committee to explore that possibility and I look forward to supporting their efforts.

Thursday, 7/9/20

Zoom meeting organized by McClintock’s office including agencies involved in the Auburn State Recreation Area to follow up on the release on the FEIR for the ASRA General Plan update.

Friday, 7/10/20

Monthly meeting with DOT Director.

Saturday, 7/11/20

Attended socially distanced outdoor meeting for the Volcanoville Firewise Community Council.  Well attended.  Gave update on items in the County.  It was really good to see everyone!

Monday, 7/13/20

Listened in on Taxpayers Association meeting, guest speaker was David Wolfe regarding ballot measures

Huge thank you to our Clerk of the Board for working diligently to help the community feel comfortable with using Zoom for public comment

Supervisor Veerkamp and I participated in Budget ad hoc in the morning

I was the guest speaker at the Republican Central Committee last night

Generally, responding to lots of emails with COVID questions and receipt of Dollar General public comments

Week of 7/15 to 7/21/20

Phone calls with residents and agencies, especially about next steps regarding Auburn State Recreation Area General Plan Update, including setting up meetings with the Cattleman’s Association for potential livestock grazing on ASRA and elsewhere in the County.

Wednesday, 7/15/20

Weekly COVID Cooperators Call

Monthly meeting with HHSA Director

Friday, 7/17/20

Monthly Zoom meeting with Long Range Planning Staff

Monday, 7/20/20

Taxpayers Association Zoom meeting, Vern Pierson guest speaker

Wednesday, 7/22/20

Supervisor Veerkamp and I participated in the Emergency Housing Ad Hoc committee.  I appreciate the progress that staff is making on this issue and I look forward to when we can bring something to the Board.

Meeting with cattle ranchers and Cattlemen’s Association representatives regarding potential livestock grazing programs in El Dorado County and particularly in the Auburn State Recreation Area.  Many follow up emails and phone calls to prepare for meeting with Bureau of Reclamation

Thursday, 7/23/20

Monthly meeting with County Counsel

Friday, 7/24/20

Meeting with Georgetown Fire Chief Glenn Brown

With fire season upon us our office is getting more requests for information about evacuation routes.  I need assistance on where to direct them for information.

Wednesday, 7/29/20

Fire ad hoc meeting to discuss Grand Jury report response.

Thursday, 7/30/20

Fire ad hoc meeting with consultant regarding EMS JPA.

Tour of California Conservation Corps (CCC) center in Greenwood.  Thank you to District Director Robert Griffith.

Friday, 7/31/20

Follow up meeting regarding reestablishing cattle grazing for vegetation management on Knickerbocker land in the Auburn State Recreation Area.  Next meeting in two weeks.

Monday, 8/3

Listened in on the last half of the Taxpayers Association monthly business Zoom meeting.

Participated in RCRC Homeowners Insurance Ad Hoc Committee meeting.  The committee discussed SB 2167 which establishes the Insurance Market Action Plan, known as IMAP.  In 1988 Prop 103 allowed insurers to request up to 6.9% rate increases without a public hearing.  SB 2167 allows insurers to request actuarial based rate increases which could be higher than the 6.9% in exchange for offering policies in IMAP counties at a market penetration level equal to 85% of their statewide market penetration level.  The goal is to allow insurers to recover their losses and stay in California and get policyholders off of the FAIR plan.

•  
•                            The ad hoc committee is working on a report for submission to the full RCRC Board at their September meeting, which I will share with you when published

Wednesday, 8/5

Golden State Job Training Agency Board meeting

Budget ad hoc committee

Thursday, 8/6

El Dorado County Transportation Commission meeting

Friday, 8/7

Met on site with SMUD and Mountain Enterprises representatives to tour vegetation management work done for landowner who was not satisfied with work done on her property under the transmission lines.  I appreciate that SMUD is going above and beyond to work with the landowner.

Monday, 8/10

Listened in on part of the Taxpayers Association meeting.  Joe Irvin, Manager of City of South Lake Tahoe, was the guest speaker.

Listened in on the Government for Forest Health online meeting.

Listened in on the Governor’s Forest Management Task Force online meeting.

Tuesday, 8/11

Meet and Greet with new Assistant Director of IT, John Goode.

Wednesday, 8/12

RCRC Board of Directors virtual meeting.

•  
•                            President and CEO Greg Norton announced his retired effective end of 2020.
•  
•                            Ballot measure positions (some very contentious discussion):
• •  
  •                               Prop 15 - Split Roll - OPPOSE
  •  
  •                               Prop 16 - Repeal affirmative action prohibition - SUPPORT
  •  
  •                               Prop 17 - Voting rights for felons still on parole - OPPOSE
  •  
  •                               Prop 18 - Age of voting to 17 for primary if 18 by general - NEUTRAL
  •  
  •                               Prop 19 - Similar to Prop 90 tax base transfer for seniors - OPPOSE
•  
•                            Reminder to Counties to get the Electric Vehicle Charging ordinances completed or else the State will do it for us with legislation.  Only a few jurisdictions in the State have completed their ordinances and EDC was not on the list.

Thursday, 8/13

RCRC ESJPA (Environmental Service Joint Powers Authority) virtual meeting.  Primarily talked about implementation of SB 1383. 

Attended small ceremony in Auburn Lake Trails to commemorate that they have been a Fire Wise Community for 15 years and received signage from the National Fire Protection Association for the gate entrances.  ALT is also 50 years old now and plans for their celebration are on hold until next year. 

I have a mural on loan from the EDC Museum in my office, so I connected the Recorder-Clerk and the County Museum Director to arrange for a loan of museum artwork for the Recorder-Clerks office now that the remodel is complete.  The office looks great and I will stop by to see the artwork up on walls.  Great to share our local history for public viewing.

Friday, 8/14

Virtual meeting with local cattle ranchers and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) representatives regarding reestablishing cattle grazing on the ASRA Knicker Bocker property in Cool.  BOR was more concerned about the water quality impacts than the fire safety aspects, so we will continue to look into that.

Phone meeting with GDRD (Georgetown Divide Recreation District) General Manager regarding access to Greenwood Schoolhouse.  My monthly meeting with DOT Director was immediately after phone call, so I connected her with our DOT Director for potential temporary access through our DOT yard in Greenwood.

Monday, 8/17

Zoomed in to the Taxpayers Association meeting.  Jill Ritzman, General Manager of Cameron Park CSD, was the guest speaker.

Heads up that I may be bringing an agenda item to Board regarding a pioneer cemetery that needs vegetation management but has questionable ownership.  Working with staff.

Tuesday, 8/18

Follow up meeting with SMUD representatives.

Wednesday, 8/19

Virtual meeting of Hemp ad hoc committee.  Next steps are that the Ag Commissioner will be bringing our recommendation to the Board for further direction.

Monthly phone meeting with HHSA Director Don Semon.

Thursday, 8/20

Virtual meeting with Natalie Porter in DOT to follow up on my questions from our 8/4 VMT discussion.  She is working with consultant on VMT threshold questions.

My assistant Shelley and I participated in a meeting with OES deputies for an update on Fire and Evacuations.  After that meeting we participated in a session with the Sheriff’s situation simulator.  Great experience and appreciated how the simulator gives you the opportunity to debrief after each simulation.

Friday, 8/21

Monthly meeting with Long Range Planning staff.

Monthly meeting with Environmental Management Director.

Meeting with local ranchers and LeeAnne in Ag Dept.  Working toward an educational program for using livestock grazing for vegetation management.  Feedback from CAO and Supervisor Veerkamp will determine next steps and whether we will bring an item to the Board for further direction.

Monday, 8/24

CCA (Community Choice Aggregate) ad hoc meeting.  We will be bringing an item to the Board so that we can have discussion on whether to engage with Pioneer JPA in Placer County.

Thursday, 8/27

Monthly meeting with County Counsel

Friday, 8/28

Meeting with DOT Director for status on a few District 4 projects

Monday, 8/31

Supervisor Hidahl and I participated in the CCA Community Choice Aggregate ad hoc meeting with representatives from Pioneer Energy.  Good meeting, making progress, and a presentation and draft ordinance will be on our 9-22-20 agenda for your review and approval.

Follow up meeting with local ranchers toward creating an El Dorado County Livestock Grazing Information phone line to encourage using livestock grazing for vegetation management.  Making progress.

Thursday, 9/3 Participated as an alternate in the El Dorado Transit Authority Board meeting

Participated in the El Dorado County Transportation Commission (EDCTC) meeting.  Update from Executive Director stating that grant application for Confluence study was rejected.  He is looking for an alternate funding source for this important study.

Friday, 9/4

Fire ad hoc committee meeting

Meeting with Ag Commissioner and CAO to discuss the Livestock Grazing information campaign proposed by cattle ranchers.  Follow up meeting tomorrow 9/23.

Tuesday, 9/8

Fork Fire started.  I appreciate the Chair and CAO keeping me updated.

Wednesday, 9/9

Started participating in  daily Fork Fire Cooperators call to stay informed on fire and resources to share with constituents in newsletter and social media. 

Phone call with Pastor Drew of the Cool Community Church regarding evacuation center.  Due to COVID, the church was being used as a hub to get evacuees hotel vouchers.

Thursday, 9/10

Started receiving a lot of phone calls and emails about Mosquito Bridge status.  As a result, provided an update in the District IV newsletter and on social media.

Friday, 9/11

Online meeting with Natalie Porter in DOT to follow up on SB 743 Vehicle Miles Traveled VMT discussion and why Shingle Springs numbers appeared atypical.

Monthly DOT meeting with updates.

Started receiving a lot of phone calls and emails asking about a ban on campfires, which resulted in the 9/22 BOS agenda item.

Saturday, 9/12

Phone call with El Dorado County Fire Chief Cordero to discuss potential for ban on campfires during fire season.  Appreciated input regarding BOS discussion.

Monday, 9/14

Participated in a virtual meeting to discuss proposed recommendations to the Governor by the Forest Management Task Force.  Concerns raised about taking 2 years to come up with recommendations and how some groups are represented more than others in the recommendations.

Participated in the virtual Governor’s Forest Management Task Force.  Two guest speakers gave presentations and then two of the subcommittees presented their recommendations with no opportunity for discussion, so not interactive.

Wednesday, 9/16

• RCRC virtual Board meeting
• I was honored to recognize the winner of the 4th Annual RCRC Photo Contest.  El Dorado County resident Jason Brand took the winning photo of Mack Lake in Inyo County.  Mr. Brand also submitted a beautiful nighttime photo of El Dorado County that was one of the 3 finalist photos.

Voted to take No Position on Prop 22.  Was not a unanimous vote.

• The Ad Hoc Committee on Homeowner’s Insurance made its recommendations to the RCRC Board of Directors.  It was very disappointing that the Insurance Commissioner did not support AB 2167.  The Insurance Commissioner needs to hear from voters about the need for legislation to assist homeowners with obtaining affordable insurance.

Participated in virtual SOFAR Collaborative meeting.  I shared a brief summary of the Feinstein proposed legislation with the group.

Thursday, 9/17

Attended Foothill Interfaith Collaboration Kickoff meeting.  Effort by local churches to come together on issues.

Friday, 9/18

Monthly online meeting with Long Range Planning Staff for updates.  I appreciated that they started early so that I could get to the Water Agency meeting.

EDCWA virtual meeting.  We collaboratively worked on the Strategic Plan.

Budget hearing to consider adoption of the  2020/21 Budget

Monday, 9/21

First day without a Fork Fire Cooperators Call.  Good news - the fire is staying quiet.

Wednesday, 9/23

Meeting with Ag Commissioner Charlene Carveth and Chuck Bacchi to check in on status of the educational campaign to use Livestock Grazing as a tool for vegetation management.  Charlene reported that the phone line should be installed by the end of this month and that handouts and materials are ready.  The plan is to hold one or two workshops before spring of next year and reach out to Fire Safe Councils to start sharing information.  To start things off Chuck Bacchi will be the point of contact for connecting with ranchers.

Supervisor Veerkamp and I participated in the Urgency Housing Ad Hoc Committee.  Staff is making great progress on preparing an ordinance to bring to the Board.

Thursday, 9/24

Monthly meeting with County Counsel

Friday, 9/25

Site visit at hemp farm.  I appreciated the opportunity and am planning on visiting another site soon.

Lunch meeting with Supervisor-elect Wendy Thomas.  We were cognizant of the Brown Act and mostly talked about the challenges of being a new supervisor.

Thank you to County Counsel’s office, the Treasurer-Tax Collector, and to Code Enforcement for working toward bringing a few code violators into compliance to help improve quality of life in neighborhoods.

Thursday, 10/1

Our office was getting a lot of phone calls regarding the IBC Writ.  So, thank you to Rob Peters in Planning for the phone call explaining how the IBC issue is being addressed.

EDC Transportation Commission meeting.  Previewed the El Dorado Hills transportation plan public outreach videos.

Coloma Lotus Advisory Committee meeting.  It was good to see them meeting again.  Several ad hoc committees formed to work on specific tasks and potentially bring recommendations to the Board.

Friday, 10/2

Phone calls and emails coming in about the proposed Mira Loma Apartments project off of Cameron Park Drive.  I appreciate the DOT Director reaching out on that project and I’ll be meeting with staff to understand next steps in that project.  

Monday, 10/5

Supervisor Hidahl and I met with staff to review the 2021 Board meeting calendar.

Tuesday, 10/6

I’ll be visiting another hemp farm this afternoon.  National Night Out is this evening.

Tuesday, 10/6

After BOS meeting visited hemp farm on Thompson Hill.  Talked with the farmers and observed the smells and lack of setbacks to neighbor.

Went to Georgetown for National Night Out.  It was outside and people were social distancing and/or wearing masks.  Stopped by the Divide Chamber of Commerce booth and Sol appreciated Kyle Zimbleman driving up there to drop off masks and hand sanitizer.

Wednesday, 10/7

Participated in the Golden State Job Training Agency board meeting.

Thursday, 10/8

Took the day off and drove up to Hope Valley.  Trees were just starting to get their color.

Friday, 10/8

Spent the morning in Coloma gathering information for economic analysis and parks/trails plans.

Monthly meeting with DOT Director.

Saturday, 10/9

Visit to Thompson Hill hemp farm neighbor.  Good to see the farm from their perspective.

Sunday, 10/10

Contacted about concerns regarding the Cameron Park Airport and its financial stability.  Questions about how is the airport funded and what if it goes bankrupt.  Could become a County issue, so bringing to Board’s attention and I did contact Supervisor Frentzen since it is in her district.

Monday, 10/12

Lots of emails and phone calls over the past week regarding the Mira Loma Apartments pre-app, so appreciated a virtual meeting with my Planning Commissioner, County Counsel, and Planning staff to discuss the steps of the process and potential options.  I will report out to the community in an upcoming newsletter.

Attended the Republic Central Committee monthly meeting where Kevin Kiley was the guest speaker and gave an update on his lawsuit against Governor Newsom’s use of Executive Orders.

Wednesday, 10/14

Phone call to check in with Sierra Nevada Conservancy for next year’s board appointment.  El Dorado County will chair our region on the board.

Attended virtual El Dorado County Water Agency EDCWA Board meeting.  Continued working on Strategic Plan.

Attended virtual SOFAR meeting.

Thursday, 10/15

Attended Environmental Services JPA virtual meeting.  Primary focus was on implementing SB 1383 and regulations for closing down landfills, such as our Union Mine landfill.

Friday, 10/16

Shelley and I attended our virtual monthly meeting with Long Range Planning.  Updates and opportunity for discussion are very appreciated.  My concerns about the proposed project at Hacienda on Cameron Park Drive are being addressed with a traffic signal being added to the widening of Cameron Park Drive in that area.  Thank you to DOT for looking into that for the safety of everyone using Cameron Park Drive.

Shelley and I had a virtual introductory meeting with our new PG&E Government Relations representative, Sarah Rasheed.  It was good to meet her and we thanked Brandon Sanders for his great customer service over the past 2 years that we’ve worked with him.

Phone meeting with Assemblyman Kevin Kiley and residents in the Cameron Woods neighborhood where the Mira Loma Apartments project is being proposed.  It was good that the residents were able to discuss their concerns with us. This particular parcel has a complex history, so I let them know that I am working with staff on next steps. 

Shelley and I had a virtual meeting with Charles Mason our CPUC representative.  We did not have a chance to meet with him prior to COVID, so this was our first meeting.  We focused on what we can do to assist areas that do not have any communications during power outages.  We are packaging that information and plan to send that out to our residents soon.

Sunday, 10/17

The fires along Highway 50 were only a few blocks from my house, so I wanted to thank our first responders for their quick response and getting the fires under control quickly.  The planes, helicopters, and ground crews did an amazing job.

Lots of questions about the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Lotus and Gold Hill Roads.  Our office is working on gathering information to respond to those inquiries and will be working with our DOT director to plan a virtual Town Hall.

Tuesday, 10/27

Virtual meeting with Barry Broome of Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC)

Thursday, 10/29

Supervisor Hidahl and I participated in the virtual Hemp Ad Hoc meeting.  Staff will be bringing the moratorium documents to the Board by the end of this year and will work on drafting an Ordinance for the ad hoc to review early next year.

Friday, 10/30

Attended the TuCARE 28th Annual Natural Resources Summit, which was virtual this year.  TuCARE is Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources & Environment, which was established in 1988.  Their theme this year was “Where there’s a WILL, There’s a WAY.”  For a visual of the work that needs to be done for our forest health, it was said that if you can ride a horse through a forest, then you’ve thinned it about right.  Great information and video is available at  https://youtu.be/zZSUY4sZGqY.  

I went out to Coloma to see the pumpkins on the bridge for Halloween.  Crisp and cool evening to be outside by the river and enjoy the creativity of the pumpkins.

Monday, 11/2

Received Thank You Note from Odd Fellows in Georgetown for Community Grant to assist with the hall renovation.

Tuesday, 11/3

Thank you to Kim Dawson and her staff for working with me and Shelley to have a test Zoom meeting to prepare for our Roundabout Meeting with DOT coming up on 11/12

Wednesday, 11/4

Attended virtual Regional Economic Summit hosted by North State Planning & Development Collective.  Data intensive presentation by Dr. Robert Eyler and informative presentation by Barbara Hayes of RCRC about broadband and forest efforts.  Looking forward to the video recording to review the data.

Thursday, 11/5

Attended virtual El Dorado County Transportation Commission (EDCTC) meeting.  Special thank you to Executive Director Deloria for persevering and securing a grant for the Highway 49 Confluence study.  That work will begin next year and I’ve been keeping the community informed through our District IV newsletter and on Facebook.

Friday, 11/6

Listened in virtually to the Pioneer Community Energy Board meeting as they discussed expanding to include El Dorado County and the City of Placerville.

Saturday, 11/7

Honored to read the Board of Supervisors Veterans Day Proclamation for the video recording of the virtual Veterans Day ceremony

Monday, 11/9

Attended both the Governments For Forest Health and Governor’s Forest Management Task Force virtual meetings.  I plan to follow up with Supervisor Veerkamp on how much value he sees that we get from these meetings.

Over the last several weeks, many phone calls and meetings with residents regarding concerns surrounding the proposed Mira Loma project in the Cameron Woods neighborhood.  I appreciate staff’s ongoing support in addressing those concerns.

Additionally over the last several weeks, many phone calls and meetings with residents and the manager of the Black Oak Mountain Vineyard over concerns regarding the noise from events and compliance with the Ranch Marketing Ordinance.  

Thursday, 11/12

El Dorado Water Agency meeting - finalized strategic plan

Hosted Lotus/Gold Hill Road online community meeting.  DOT Director Rafael Martinez did a great job of explaining why we are looking at a roundabout at that intersection.  I also want to thank our Clerk of the Board, Kim Dawson, for making sure that we were all set up to host the Zoom meeting.  The meeting was recorded and we sent a link out in our District IV newsletter, which will be posted on our District IV webpage and Facebook page.

Wednesday, 11/18

Online meeting with staff regarding proposed Mira Loma/Cameron Woods Apartments

Participated in SOFAR collaborative online meeting.  Ken Payne from EDC Water Agency presented a proposal to increase Water Agency participation in SOFAR since it relates to watershed.

Thursday, 11/19

Participated in a webinar organized by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection:  Organizing Community-Based Wildland Fuels Management Projects.  Good information.

Monthly phone call to check in with HSSA Director Don Semon.

Participated in an online presentation hosted by the Eldorado National Forest regarding the King Fire restoration.

Friday, 11/20

Monthly Zoom meeting with Planning Staff

Zoom meeting regarding progress of the Coloma Lotus Economic Analysis Study.

Monthly meeting with Director of Environmental Management Greg Stanton.

Monday, 11/23

Meeting with General Manager of the Georgetown Divide Recreation District (GDRD)

Wednesday, 11/25

Listened in on the Public Health Cooperators’ Call regarding COVID update.

Used slowdown for Thanksgiving to catch up on emails and phone calls and get outside for some yardwork and enjoy this beautiful time of year.

Thursday, 12/3

Golden Sierra Job Training Agency (GSJTA) Governing Board meeting

Monthly phone meeting with my District IV Planning Commissioner

EDC Transportation Commission (EDCTC) Board meeting.  A lot of discussions about items concerning Highway 50 and Placerville transportation issues.

Friday, 12/4

Meeting with staff regarding proposed Mira Loma apartments project

Phone meeting with Norm Brown regarding Bass Lake North agreements

Zoom meeting with Farm Bureau to meet with new Director and one of the directors to discuss the Ranch Marketing Ordinance.

Monday, 12/7

Listened in on the Taxpayers Association Zoom meeting.  Bill O’Neill, Registrar of Voters was the guest speaker and gave updates on the recent election.

Brief Zoom meeting with Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) staff and Central Subregion representatives.  El Dorado County will be the voting member of the Central Subregion starting next year for the next 2 years, so we were checking in with each other.

Wednesday, 12-9-20

RCRC Board of Directors Meeting

• Recruitment for President Greg Norton’s replacement is ongoing and expected to be completed in March 2021.  Greg will continue to serve as President until the replacement is selected.
• Administrative items - approved budget, said farewell to Supervisors who are leaving, elected officers
• Update regarding concerns with the Board of Forestry’s draft rulemaking on the updated Fire Safe Regulations.  The updated regulations could impact housing production across the state.  If our County Counsel would like assistance in navigating the regulations, contact General Counsel at RCRC for assistance.
• Wildfire Update - Reports indicate that Insurance Commissioner Lara is going to start working with the insurance industry, which could be promising for a homeowners insurance solution. 
• The Board members spent a lot of time discussing the RCRC staff proposal for a comprehensive fire prevention package for the Legislature to consider.  A lot of it revolved around legislation and funding to reduce wildfire risk, for activities such as vegetation management, forest health and home hardening.  The Board approved the proposal after removing a controversial watershed mandate.
• The Board adopted an “Oppose” position to any proposed legislation that requires a Top-Two Advance for County Elected Officials.
• The Board endorsed a joint powers authority (JPA) governance solution to oversee District Agricultural Association fairs.  El Dorado County’s fair is run by a non-profit and would not fall under this JPA.  

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff listening session.  Thank you to Don Ashton, CAO, for setting up the meeting and to my assistant, Shelley Wiley, for attending on my behalf to bring up concerns about power outages and communication, especially in the more remote areas of the county. 

Thursday, 12/10

I attended the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s virtual board meeting.  Next year El Dorado County will be rotated in as the voting member of the Central Subregion.

Friday, 12/11

Phone meeting with District IV Fish and Game Commissioner.  Will be following up with CAO with some administrative questions.

Monday, 12/14

Pioneer Energy update with Supervisor Hidahl from CAO.  Moving forward.

Phone meeting with Ken Payne, General Manager of the El Dorado County Water Agency.  Caught up on several ongoing items and I will be contacting staff with some follow up.

Wednesday, 12/16

Participated in Healthy El Dorado Advisory Meeting led by Bill Roby of the El Dorado Community Foundation.  Great discussion about concerns within our communities.

Thursday, 12/17

Participated in the Mountain Counties Air Basin Control Council meeting.  Approved budget and revisions to the JPA (Joint Powers Authority) agreement and bylaws, and received prescribed burn report.

Watched the El Dorado County RAC (Resource Advisory Committee) webinar.  The RAC has been inactive since 2016 so it was good to see it restarted.

Friday, 12/18

Meeting with Rob Peters and Chris Perry from the Planning Department.  Appreciated the updates and discussion on a few projects and policies.  Staff will likely be bringing an agenda item to the Board for direction on potential updates to the Ranch Marketing Ordinance.  There are a few parts of the Ordinance that could be updated for clarity.

Thank you to Greg Stanton for our monthly Environmental Management meeting.

Saturday, 12/19

District IV Parks & Rec Commissioner and I toured park sites to brainstorm potential projects to consider in the Parks Master Plan update.

Monday, 12/21

Thank you to County Counsel for monthly meeting.

Tuesday, 12/22

Watched all-day virtual workshop by the Board of Forestry regarding their proposed revisions to the State Fire Safe Regulations.  There is a lot of concern regarding the proposed revisions because it “will have extraordinary impacts on housing production, not only in rural areas of the state, but also in more urbanized regions of California.  For instance, the draft regulations would prohibit any future building construction on property served by a road that has not been upgraded, or that cannot be upgraded to meet current standards, such as dead-end roads.  These upgrade requirements include road widening, re-surfacing, leveling grades and curves, and bridge improvements, from the property line to the nearest fire station, and apply to the building of a single residential unit or any business increasing its "service capacity."  All required upgrades would be at the expense of the property owner.”   https://www.rcrcnet.org/latest-revisions-board-forestry-state-fire-safe-regulations

I was very happy to learn that RCRC staff has been heavily involved in this process and made several comments of concern during the workshop.

Wednesday, 12/23

COVID Cooperators Call

Wednesday, 12/30

COVID Cooperators Call

Used the holiday down time to catch up on phone calls and emails.