District 1 Town Hall, June 28 from 6-7:30 PM

Come join me on Wednesday, June 28 from 6 to 7:30 PM in the main hall of the Madelyn Helling Library for a town hall. Cookies will be served and we’ll have speakers addressing the following topics:

• District 1 update from Supervisor Heidi Hall
• Wildfire and emergency preparedness
• Open space and recreation
• NID update
• Broadband update
• Climate initiatives
• State and federal advocacy for Nevada County's interests
• Community Choice Aggregation (Pioneer Community Energy proposal)
• Open Q&A and discussion from you

I hope to see you there!

Questions or more info: sarah.holyhead@nevadacountyca.gov | 530-265-7076

Free Lunches for Kids Under 18 at County Libraries

As in years past, the Nevada County libraries, including the Madelyn Helling Library, will be offering free lunches for kids under 18 years old each weekday this summer (except for July 4), from June 19 to August 11. Crafts will be offered every day during lunch. No ID, proof of residency, or advanced signup is required. Just show up with the child receiving the lunch and grab a bag!

Help Improve Recreation in Nevada County

Nevada County invites residents and visitors countywide to share project ideas to improve recreation through a short online survey or in-person at various locations/events. This survey is the second opportunity for the public to participate in the development of the Nevada County Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan. We are asking for input on recreation projects, programs, policies, or solutions that may enhance recreation access, support health and safety, preserve natural resources, and increase economic vitality.

Take the survey, now through July 7th, available in English and Spanish: www.nevadacountyrecreation.com/plan

Nevada County's Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Survey!

Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is investing substantial grant funding in three critical wildfire and multi-hazard strategic plans: an update to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), an update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), and for the first time, launching a Nevada County Evacuation Study. 

“We see planning around wildfire protection, hazard mitigation, and evacuation as critical for developing a roadmap for resilience. These plans will help us chart our course for addressing some of the most pressing challenges before us,” says Alex Keeble-Toll, Nevada County OES Senior Analyst.

Nevada County residents are encouraged to participate in a survey, available in English and Spanish, from June 1st through August 31st, to provide input in the process. Take the Survey.

Help Expand Broadband in Nevada County

Having easy access to the internet is critical to getting a better education, landing a job, accessing healthcare and essential services, and increasing civic participation. Yet millions of Californians don’t have access to the internet, devices, or the skills and training to use them. California is creating a plan to ensure all Californians, including rural communities (like Nevada County), low-income households, and aging populations (check and check!), have the access they need to succeed in the digital age.

One way to contribute toward the state’s work is by taking their Digital Equity Survey. The results of this survey will help California direct broadband funding where it's needed most.

Having easy access to the internet is critical to getting a better education, landing a job, accessing healthcare and essential services, and increasing civic participation. Yet millions of Californians don’t have access to the internet, devices, or the skills and training to use them. California is creating a plan to ensure all Californians, including rural communities (like Nevada County), low-income households, and aging populations (check and check!), have the access they need to succeed in the digital age.

One way to contribute toward the state’s work is by taking their Digital Equity Survey. The results of this survey will help California direct broadband funding where it's needed most.

Apply for the Sheriff's Community Academy

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is looking for community members who live and/or work in Nevada County to join the 3rd Annual Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Community Academy. The Community Academy is a program designed to give those with little to no law enforcement exposure or experience a chance to see what goes on “behind the scenes” at your Sheriff’s Office.

Participants will attend weekly online classroom presentations regarding relevant law enforcement topics instructed by members of the Sheriff’s Office. In addition, participants will be given the chance to tour at least one sheriff’s operation. Participants will also be given the opportunity to apply what they have learned through a variety of exercises. By the time the Academy is complete; all participants will have gained new insight into the inner workings of the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement in general. It should be noted this academy is not intended to prepare participants for a career in law enforcement.

Date: August 16 through November 1, 2023 (12 sessions)

Time: Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City CA 95959 Empire Room (2nd floor at the Rood Center) & a few offsite locations. 

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, July 16. Find out more and apply: Community Engagement | Nevada County, CA (nevadacountyca.gov)

Bear Yuba Land Trust

Each June, Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) celebrates local trails with the Celebration of Trails, a month-long fundraiser featuring a host of activities to engage trail users of all ages and abilities. This year’s annual event included the first ever Summer Star Hike Challenge. Families, groups of friends, and solo hikers with pets in tow, have trekked across 12 trails in search of 15 hidden stars (each, a unique, hand-painted creation by Neighborhood Center for the Arts artists), capturing the moment with a selfie tagged to BYLT with the hashtag #summerstarhikechallenge.

BYLT’s Celebration of Trails month culminates on Saturday, June 24, with a free street party from 4-8 pm along Commercial Street in downtown Nevada City. Open to hikers and nonhikers alike, the Street Party features live music from Moody Cat, booths with recreation partners, activities, and more! I will also be on hand during the event to present a proclamation to BYLT.

Find Celebration of Trails information at bylt.org. Happy hiking!

State

You may recall a few months back when the County helped to promote public comment hearings the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) was holding to investigate whether its voice service (phone) standards were meeting customers’ needs. Now, the CPUC is seeking public input on whether the state’s existing internet service standards are meeting customers’ needs. The Cable Broadband Industry is arguing that that internet services should be excluded from any future rulemaking the CPUC does around customer service standards. Do you agree?

The issues that are being considered in this rulemaking include:

• What types of customer services requirements should the Commission adopt?
• What types of complaints from consumers should the Commission adjudicate?
• How should the Commission adjudicate complaints from consumers?
• What enforcement actions/penalties for violations should the Commission consider? For example, should consumers receive financial credits in their accounts in addition to penalties paid to the state as a part of the penalty structure?

If you’d like to see the public comments others are making or contribute your own to this rulemaking, you can do so here.

Federal

I represent Nevada County on the National Association of Counties (NACo), an organization that represents counties’ interests in federal policymaking. I serve on NACo’s Recreation and Public Lands Committee where I have introduced a resolution urging Congress to provide the necessary resources to public lands that host recreation and outdoor activities (USFS, BLM, NPS, and FWS) to boost staffing levels. It also urges Congress to identify and address any obstacles to hiring. Ideally, we’d see reduced hiring timelines, minimizing any bureaucratic red tape, and more authority and accountability for local offices of federal agencies.

I am also supporting a resolution that would direct NACo to advocate for solutions to the increasingly limited and ever-more-expensive fire insurance for homes and businesses in rural California.

Was Your AT&T Landline Discontinued?

Has your AT&T landline phone service been canceled or discontinued or were you told AT&T was no longer setting up new landline service, leaving you with no other voice communication options? If so, please reach out to us here at the County so that we can put you in touch with a local representative at AT&T who wants to explore solutions. Please contact sarah.holyhead@nevadacountyca.gov or 530-265-7076.

Save the Date: Supervisors Public Hearing for Idaho Maryland Mine Project Scheduled Oct 2 & 3

The Board of Supervisors Public Hearing for the proposed Idaho Maryland Mine – Rise Grass Valley Project is scheduled for October 2nd and 3rd.

The Clerk of the Board will issue a formal Notice of Public Hearing for the Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing no sooner than the beginning of September. Interested residents are encouraged to subscribe for updates on the project’s planning process at www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/IMMRise, including subscribing for notifications on how to submit a public comment.

Public Hearing Details:

• October 2nd and 3rd 
• Eric Rood Administration Center Board of Supervisor Chambers, located at 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City

 READ MORE

June is Pride Month

In June 1969, a courageous group of Americans rose up to protest the violence and marginalization they faced in what became known as the Stonewall Uprising. Police had raided the Stonewall Inn – a gay bar located in New York City – and, for the next six days, they clashed with LGBTQI+ protestors, who bravely stood their ground. Their courage sparked a civil rights movement for the liberation of the LGBTQI+ community and changed our nation forever.  

During Pride Month, we honor a movement that has grown stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive with every passing year. Pride is a celebration of generations of LGBTQI+ people, who have fought bravely to live openly and authentically. And it is a reminder that we still have generational work to do to ensure that everyone enjoys the full promise of equity, dignity, protection, and freedom.

There are a number of Pride events taking place around Nevada County this month, as well as public displays demonstrating support for this movement and our LGBTQI+ community. I fully support this community and hope that they are met with dignity and respect from their fellow Nevada County residents this month and always.

This is just a sampling of the many great activities happening in Western Nevada County:

Solid Gold Express is playing at Off Broadstreet through July 22.

Guys and Dolls, the iconic American musical, is playing at Nevada Theater from July 13 – August 5

Music in the Mountains’ 42nd annual SummerFest, June 24-29

Nevada City Film Festival, June 23 -25

Sip 'n Song, a fundraiser to support the Sierra Master Chorale, July 8 from 5-8:30 pm

Getting outside:

Remember that the newly renovated Memorial Park Pool is open for swimming!

Nevada City Swimming Pool is open for summer swim from Sunday, June 11 to Monday, September 4.

Check out the helpful resources and enriching classes happening at the Madelyn Helling Library. Verify class details and schedules on the library’s calendar:

Tech Drop-in with Coffee and Donuts – Every Friday from 1- 3 pm. Have a question about your device? Want to learn more about the library’s digital services and how to use them? Drop-in for help from our friendly library volunteers.

Art Lounge – Every Thursday at noon – Spend your lunch hour making art with us! An art project including supplies will be provided or you are welcome to bring one that you are already working on. This drop-in adult art program will offer a relaxing space to create art with other people.  

LEGO Club – Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 am – Join us for building adventures with our LEGO Club! Let your imagination run wild with your designs. Remember to take a photo of your creations, as the LEGOS live at the library and must stay in the children's room. All ages welcome, though some LEGOs are not suited for babies and toddlers.

Wild About Wool – Tuesdays at 4 pm – Are you wild about wool?

Join us in needle felting little sweet treasures and learn how fun and easy felting can be. Each class will offer a new project.

All supplies are provided and all skill levels are welcome.

Paws to Read – Wednesdays at 3 pm – Read to a trained therapy dog! Prereaders, early readers, and independent readers are invited to read (or show pictures to) to our friendly and non-judgmental dogs.

Sing Along – Thursdays from 4-4:30 pm - Come sing and play with your child! Engaging music for all ages in the Children’s Room!