Nevada County News | March 21, 2024

Last chance! The Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS) Art in Public Spaces exhibit A Thousand Cranes will close on March 28. Stop by the Eric Rood Center to enjoy the 1,000-crane origami chandelier (pictured above) and banners, props, photos, and posters from their extensive collection of memorabilia. Photo: CATS.

Community Resiliency Grants Prove to be a Success Four Years After Pandemic Shutdown

Four years ago this month, Covid-19 pandemic lockdown threatened many local gathering places, performing arts venues and community centers. Some worried Nevada County would never be the same.

In Nevada City, the oldest continually operating theater west of the Mississippi went eerily quiet. “We were closed for 18 months. We had to knuckle down and really curtail our usage,” remembers Jane Primrose, President of Nevada Theatre Commission, the nonprofit board that oversees operations of the historic Nevada Theatre at the top of Broad Street in downtown Nevada City.

Things looked grim until Nevada County found a silver lining. Nevada County Board of Supervisors allocated 30 percent of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, $5.8 Million, for Community and Economic Resiliency projects. This included four grant programs and one loan program.

Presidential Primary Election Results to Be Certified March 27

Final Nevada County election results from the Presidential Primary Election are expected to be officially certified on March 27. The Elections Office began hand-counting 1% of ballots today to verify the accuracy of the machine tabulation. About 125 Nevada County voters have until March 25 to correct signatures to verify their ballots from the Presidential Primary Election.

Community Economic Development Strategy Offers Roadmap to Diversify Regional Economy

The Sierra Economic Development District covers five counties, including Nevada County, and has completed a Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The plan, presented to the Board of Supervisors on March 12, outlines key economic priorities for the region, which also comprises Placer, Sierra, El Dorado, and Plumas counties.

The CEDS aims to foster an inclusive and equitable workforce, promote economic diversification to reduce dependence on any single industry and cultivate vibrant and resilient communities with adequate housing. Other goals are climate adaptation and ensuring investment readiness through regional collaboration.

More Nevada County News

Climate Change Workshop and Reading with Poet Laureate Molly Fisk on March 28

On Thursday, March 28, Nevada County Library hosts “Writing as Activism”, a workshop and poetry reading with Nevada County Poet Laureate Emeritus, Molly Fisk. A Nevada County Reads 2024 program, "Writing as Activism" aims to harness the power of words to effect change and advocate for social justice. The Nevada County Poet Laureate program, established by the Nevada County Arts Council, proudly presents this enriching experience in conjunction with Nevada County Library.

From 4-5 p.m., the workshop portion of the event offers attendees an opportunity to delve into the intersections of writing and activism under the guidance of Fisk. Following the workshop, at 7 p.m., Fisk will present a captivating poetry reading, featuring themes from her role as editor of the poignant anthology, "California Fire & Water."

Nevada County Gears Up to Deploy Significant Investments in Wildfire Mitigation

With over 90% of Nevada County identified by CAL FIRE as being within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, it is no surprise that wildfire mitigation is a top priority for Nevada County.

Emergency Preparedness has been a Board Objective for over a decade, and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) has taken a proactive approach under the Ready Nevada County initiative, securing investment for projects at the individual, community, and landscape level. In 2024, OES is working to prevent wildfires with 12 hazardous fuels reduction projects totaling over $13.5 million in funding from five different state and federal agencies. These projects will treat over 5,000 acres and 300 road miles.

Job Seekers Invited to Jail Job Fair and Facility Tour on March 25

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is actively hiring correctional officers to work at Wayne Brown Correctional Facility, the County’s primary jail. Those considering a career in corrections or law enforcement are invited to join jail staff on Monday, March 25 for a jail tour, and questions and answers.

“I started my career with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office in 1990 as a correctional officer,” shared Sheriff Shannan Moon. “Fortunately for me, my father was in law enforcement, and he brought the idea to me to work inside our county jail, which I had never thought of doing. [I] took a tour and immediately what I recognized was the amount of camaraderie and teamwork that happens in law enforcement and especially inside our correctional facilities.”

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Wild About Wool

Friday, March 29, 1:30-3 p.m.

Bear River Library

Teen and Adult participants can learn about how fun and easy felting can be. All supplies are provided, and all skill levels are welcome.

Learn More

Culinary Mushroom Spectacular!

Tuesday, March 26, 3-5 p.m.

Grass Valley Library

Participants can learn to inoculate pre-sterilized straw with blue oyster mushroom spores and take home their mushroom-growing kit.

Learn More

Board of Supervisors News

Teamwork: Monthly Updates from District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek

With the multiple storms in February and March that brought wind, rain, and winter weather to our communities and left many without power, I wanted to reflect on the many positive stories you shared with me about our community coming together to assist those in need. I also want to say a hearty “thank you!” to Ready Nevada County staff for their great work throughout the county in response to the storm events.

Spring officially began this week. It is lovely to see the daffodils in bloom. Check out the event section of the newsletter for a list of upcoming family-friendly events to take advantage of all springtime has to offer in our District 4 community.

Read Teamwork

Board of Supervisors Meeting Preview

The Tuesday, March 26 Board of Supervisors meeting starts at 9:00 am in the Eric Rood Administration Center Board Chambers.

Meeting at a Glance

Consent Calendar

These items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. The Board of Supervisors will act upon them at one time without discussion.

Public Comment

Members of the public will be allowed to address the Board on items not appearing on the agenda that are of interest to the public and are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board.

Department Head Matter

Resolution proclaiming April 8 through April 12, 2024, as "Eligibility and Employment Week" in Nevada County.

Scheduled Item: 10 A.M.

Public Community Forum regarding the TRUTH Act, pursuant to Government Code sections 7283 to 7283.2, to provide information to the public about Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to individuals, and to receive and consider public comment.

Department Head Matter

Resolution adopting the Economic Development Final Action Plan 2024-2026. (Economic Development)

Community Presentation

Presentation from the Arts Collaborative of Nevada County, dba Nevada County Arts Council, on its activities in 2023 and upcoming work in 2024.

Department Head Matter

Resolution authorizing a professional service contract between the County of Nevada and the Community Foundation of Nevada County to provide comprehensive services in Western Nevada County that address community challenges and create opportunities, administering the Nevada County Relief Fund, engaging with the Office Emergency Services to explore if a western county Community Organizations Active in Disaster option is feasible, facilitating collaborative engagement with the County of Nevada and the nonprofit sector, coordinating with the Economic Development Office on community initiatives that align with Nevada County objectives, in the amount of $250,000 ($83,333 each year), for the period of April 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027, authorizing the Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute the contract, and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the fiscal year 2023/24 Community Development Agency budget. (4/5 Affirmative vote required) (Economic Development)

Closed Sessions

Afternoon Session 1:30 p.m.

Department Head Matters

Report on the results of the National Community Survey for Nevada County by the National Research Center and Polco.
Resolution proclaiming April 1 through April 7, 2024, as "Public Health Week" in Nevada County.
Resolution approving the Capital Improvement Plan 2024 annual update, and authorizing the Director of Public Works to proceed with implementation of the Plan.

News From Our Community Partners

Calling Local Businesses: Waste Management Food Waste Summit

Nevada County is gearing up to launch its food waste collection program in 2025, and we want to make sure your business is fully informed and prepared! Join Waste Management and city officials for an exclusive event tailored specifically for businesses that serve food or have an employee kitchen/lunch room at work. Discover what the food waste collection program means for you, learn about the logistics involved, and get all your questions answered.

Date: April 22 or Apr 23

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Bright Futures for Youth

Are you ready to make a positive impact on the environment while streamlining your operations? Spread the word and invite your fellow business owners to join us. Together, let's take a proactive step towards a greener future for Nevada County.

Staff Highlights

Celebrating Women's History Month

Working in a Male-Dominated Field: Tech Experts Allie de Lima and Lindsey Jones

Allie de Lima and Lindsay Jones both know very well what it’s like to be the only woman in the room.

Both work in information technology, a field where up to 75 percent of workers in the U.S. are male. Steve Monaghan, director of Nevada County’s Informational Services and General Services Agency, said he is glad to have both on his staff. “There is a real need for more women in the IT industry, and they are both great examples.”

Come Work with Us!

Nevada County employs approximately 800 employees covering a full range of services and positions, from accountants to wastewater treatment system operators. In Nevada County, quality of life comes first. It is the only rural California county with two designated Cultural Districts and is known for its abundance of outdoor recreational activities.

Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor I

Nevada County’s Behavioral Health department is seeking a Clinical Supervisor to support our Homeless Outreach and Medical Engagement (HOME) team. The Clinical Supervisor oversees the HOME team staff, coordinating outreach, engagement, and case management services. Other duties include providing clinical guidance to assist the team in coordination of care and implementation of trainings in evidence-based practices and interventions aimed at improving service delivery. The Clinical Supervisor will also oversee and ensure timely ongoing service documentation, authorizations, data collection, and tracking of client services. In addition, the Clinical Supervisor will consult, coordinate, and communicate with multiple agencies and community partners to improve care coordination and client access to services.

The work is always interesting and provides opportunities for collaborative, creative problem-solving. We have a friendly, nurturing work environment, and we enjoy the privilege of serving individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, and co-occurring substance use disorders. We are looking for candidates who believe in the possibility of recovery and who will work to create a system that supports people in achieving stability and progress toward their goals.

Learn more about this position online. Have a question? Contact Human Resources at (530) 265-7010 and select option 2.