Nevada County News | September 14, 2023

Supervisor Sue Hoek’s new calf was born bearing a white heart, echoing her sentiment in January declaring 2023 the “Year of the Heart” Photo credit: Supervisor Sue Hoek

Sheriff Moon Appointed to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training

Nevada County now has a voice in the establishment of standards, selection, regulations and trainings for all California law enforcement with a goal to increase public safety and police standards statewide. On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally appointed Sheriff Shannan Moon to join the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, which sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement.

Employee of the Year: Casey Davey

Casey Davey, a behavioral health nurse, was named Nevada County Employee of the Year before a standing-room-only crowd at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday. It’s hard to imagine an employee who touches more departments and more individual lives than Davey. She works with our most vulnerable populations, and in so doing, works with Probation, Social Services, Behavioral Health, the Public Defender, the District Attorney, the Sheriff's Office, Child Protective Services, and many other departments.

Collaborative Teams of the Year: Roads Crew and Emergency Operations Center

Two Nevada County employee teams were named Collaborative Teams of the Year because of their outstanding response to the winter storms. The awards were presented in front of a packed audience of co-workers and community members at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

Riders Share Motivation for Joining Heart of Gold Gravel Race Oct. 7 in Nevada City

Why would anyone want to bike in a grueling 46- to 70-mile gravel ride through the Yuba River Canyon and over “lots and lots of dirt?”

“The feeling of completion and that you’re just glad to be alive,” said Project Manager Ariel Lovett. Supervisor Hardy Bullock jokes that “it’s the dirt in the teeth." Both like that the race proceeds support youth mental wellness. They both hope many more riders will join them in the race.

Highway 20 To Be Closed Sept. 24-Oct. 6

Caltrans is alerting motorists about an upcoming closure of sections of Highway 20 east of Nevada City for major roadwork on the Omega Curves construction project.

The full closure will be in effect at two locations starting Sunday, September 24 at 7 p.m. and ending at noon on Friday, October 6.

The first closure will take place in the Lowell Hill segment between the Omega Overlook and Bear Valley.

Work is anticipated to finish Sunday, October 1 at 7 p.m.

Crews then will move the closure location west to the White Cloud segment between the White Cloud Campground and Washington Road.

Help Raise the Roof in Penn Valley Saturday

Attend the Rock'n Dance Party Fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 16 to benefit the planned Penn Valley Community Center at Western Gateway Park.

This event is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features live music by Todd Morgan and the Emblems, food trucks, classic cars, and a silent auction.

According to the Penn Valley Community Foundation's web site, the center "will provide a much-needed community hub with a wide variety of needed resources for all residents and organizations" in the Penn Valley area.

The project has benefitted from Nevada County Transient Occupancy Tax revenues.

Street of Dreams Fundraiser Set for Sept. 28

Habitat for Humanity's mission is to build affordable homes, which is also a top priority for the Board of Supervisors.

You can help achieve that goal by attending the group's annual Street of Dreams Fundraiser set for Thursday, September 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Vets Memorial Building in Grass Valley.

The event includes dinner, a cash bar, silent and live auction. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to build homes for local Habitat partner families.

Upcoming Events

Community Baby Shower

Tuesday, September 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Grass Valley Library, 207 Mill St.

Parents can learn about vital topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care from healthcare professionals and community experts at this free event. They can gain valuable insights to ensure a healthy start for their little ones.

There will also be a children's story time, giveaways and a raffle.

Learn More

Ban This Book Club

Fridays, September 15, 29, and October 6 at

4 p.m.

Madelyn Helling Library, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City

In celebration of Banned Books Week in October, this book club will read "Ban This Book" by Alan Gratz and discuss it a few chapters at a time. Participants can pick up a copy of the book at the Madelyn Helling Library. No checkout is required. This book is best suited for ages 8-12.

Learn More

Staff Highlight: Jason Besaw

This is part of an occasional series on "Military in the Community."

Jason Besaw has worked for Nevada County for five years and was the County's first Cannabis Compliance Officer. He joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and has been deployed to Turkey, Guam, and Iceland. He serves regularly at a Royal Air Force base in Suffolk, England.

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 Arts Districts and is known for its abundance of outdoor recreational activities.

Correctional Officer I

If you are interested in starting a career in law enforcement and want to make a difference in our community, apply to be a part of our team.

We are looking for the right person to join our team of highly motivated Correctional Officers at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in Nevada City. As a Correctional Officer you are an important part of the Sheriff's Office and have the critical responsibility of providing a safe and secure environment at a wide variety of locations and facilities associated with the operations of the jail and courts. The law enforcement field is exciting and provides opportunities for growth with the potential of promotion.

Recruitment incentives between $1,000 and $5,000 are paid over a one-year period (either new or lateral hires). The recruitment incentive is paid in two parts, half upon hire and the remainder paid upon completion of a 12-month probation period.

Relocation incentives, referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayments are also available to qualified candidates.

This is a full-time position, and Nevada County offers an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

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