Roseville offers buyouts to city employees - Sac Bee
Roseville city officials on Monday announced they are offering city employees a voluntary buyout program to close a nearly $4.5 million budget shortfall. The city has been freezing positions and reducing costs in other ways since March 2007, but an additional 40 to 50 positions must be eliminated.

Another group sues to stop development of University - Sac Bee
Placer County's plan to lure a major private university to 1,157 acres west of Roseville has been challenged by another lawsuit that claims the proposal violates California environmental law. The latest suit was filed by Davis lawyer William D. Kopper on behalf of the Placer Citizens Against Gridlock.

Groups join to fight Foresthill development - Auburn Journal
A Foresthill residents' group and an environmental organization dedicated to protecting the North Fork of the American River have joined forces to fight Placer County in court over the recently adopted Foresthill Divide Community Plan.

Mayor to plead for share of stimulus fund - Auburn Journal
The City of Auburn will be looking to land a piece of the vast economic stimulus program that President-elect Barack Obama is proposing. Part of getting the necessary dollars to fund future projects may depend on Mayor Mike Holmes' trip to Washington, D.C. in the last week of April.

Foreclosures in Roseville, Placer County way up in 2008 - Roseville Press-Tribune
Placer County's foreclosure rate continued to gain steam in 2008, according to a year-end analysis of government records. And experts say to expect more of the same in 2009.

New supervisor joins boards; chair, vice chair to be selected - Placer Herald
The Placer County Board of Supervisors will transition into the new year with a slightly different look. Newly elected 5th District Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery was officially sworn in and assumed her duties on Monday, Jan 5.

Grass Valley finance director resigns - The Union of Grass Valley
Grass Valley Finance Director Carol Fish resigned Monday effective Feb. 13 in a letter to city officials. City administrator Dan Holler said he would now evaluate Fish's position to see if it needs to be reconfigured for efficiency in light of the city's budget deficit problem.

Snuffing fireworks sparks an idea: Let's put on a show! - The Union of Grass Valley
When fires raged through Northern California this summer, officials in Grass Valley decided to ban fireworks sales in the city as a precaution. Though applauded by many residents, the ban snuffed out the opportunity for schools to raise money for extra-curricular activities with fireworks sales.

Nevada City to propose rent cuts for merchants - The Union of Grass Valley
To help local businesses weather the recession, Nevada City is proposing to reduce rent on city-owned properties by 20 percent for the next year.

Dwindling job market ups enrollment - Auburn Journal
Finding a place to sit at Sierra College Monday was a bit of a challenge. The first day of the spring semester saw more students attending, and attempting to attend classes than the start of the spring 2008 semester.