Nevada County News | December 7, 2023

Richard Gill's sculpture and video exhibit at the Madelyn Helling Library

"Signs of Our Time: Sculptures & Poems by Richard Gill" is now on view at the Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City. The artist, who passed away earlier this year at age 94, can be seen on video reciting his poems. Photo credit: Interim Public Information Officer Lisa Renner

North San Juan Fire Suppression System Could Help Spur Economic Opportunity

North San Juan could get a 330,000-gallon water storage tank, 4,200 feet of water mains and 10 fire hydrants, with construction expected as soon as 2025. Deputy North San Juan Fire Chief Tom Browning said the system would make it possible for the small community to eventually add more homes, a laundromat or a grocery store if desired.

Julie Patterson Hunter, Ed Scofield, Jeff Thorsby and Thorsby's children

Supervisors Create New Chief of Staff/Clerk of the Board Position

In response to the coming retirement of longtime Clerk of the Board Julie Patterson Hunter at the end of this month, the Board of Supervisors has added duties to the position and retitled it Chief of Staff/Clerk of the Board. Jeffrey Thorsby, a Senior Management Analyst who has worked for the County since 2015, will assume the newly expanded position December 31.

Seventeen Youth Commissioners Appointed

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed 17 students to serve as members of the new Youth Commission. The purpose of the commission is to serve as a bridge between the youth and the Board. Commissioners will advocate for Nevada County youth and provide recommendations to facilitate positive change. The commissioners will serve through June 30. “Thank you so much for offering your time and talent," Supervisor Heidi Hall told the students. "We really need your voices and really appreciate it.”

Find the Gateway to Backcountry Adventure this Winter on Donner Summit

From Castle Peak to the headwaters of the South Yuba River, Van Norden Meadow and Serene Lakes, Donner Summit is a recreationist’s dream. With miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, world class granite walls for climbing, and six ski resorts, visitors have access to world class adventures every month of the year. “Donner Summit is the gateway to the backcountry and the outdoor splendor we all want in our lives,” said Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock, who represents the area.

First Installment of 2023-24 Property Taxes Due Dec. 11

Payments must be received in the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office or show a postmark of December 11. If mailing close to this date, Treasurer-Tax Collector Michelle Bodley highly encourages a hand-stamped timely postmark to ensure timely payment. If received after the December 11 date without a timely postmark, a 10% penalty will be added for late payment.

If you own property in Nevada County and have not received a tax bill, a copy may be printed from the tax collector’s website.

Ride the Free E-Bus Shuttle to Victorian Christmas Wed., Dec. 13

Nevada County Connects will provide free fares to Victorian Christmas on Wednesday, December 13. To get you there and back, Nevada County Connects will offer a direct route from the Tinloy Transit Center in Grass Valley to Nevada City. Buses will run every 20 minutes from 5-8 p.m. The first bus departs Grass Valley at 5 p.m. and the last bus leaves Nevada City at 8 p.m. This service is provided by Low Carbon Transit Operations Grant funding.

No-Party-Preference Voters Invited to Participate in Primary

The Elections Office has sent No-Party-Preference voters orange postcards with three choices for how to participate in the March 5 Presidential Primary Election. For a full description, click on the link below.

County Seeks Proposals to Reduce Causes of Poverty

Winter Reading with the Nevada County Library

News From Our Community Partners

Food and Toy Run is Saturday

Between 1,500 and 2,000 motorcyclists are expected to depart from the Rood Center at noon Saturday for the 32nd Annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run. They will ride through Nevada City and Grass Valley, ending at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, with thousands of spectators lining the route. At the fairgrounds, the bikers will unload new unwrapped toys, gifts and food for local families in need.

Tahoe National Forest Christmas Tree Permits Available

Keep winter traditions alive this holiday season by bringing home a tree from the Tahoe National Forest. Breathe in cool mountain air, feel the forest floor crunching beneath your boots, and experience the thrill of finding that perfect tree in a hidden glade to cut down with your family. Permits can be purchased online through recreation.gov.

One-Way Controls Possible Along Highway 20

CalTrans is alerting motorists that one-way traffic controls are possible between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. this week on Highway 20 in Nevada County as part of the ongoing $54.6 million Omega Curves Safety Project. Crews are working on finishing touches of the project and installing an animal crossing fence.

Director of Behavioral Health Phebe Bell Receives Circle of Service Award

Phebe Bell, Nevada County’s Director of Behavioral Health, has received state-wide recognition for her outstanding advocacy efforts. On November 16, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) honored Bell with the prestigious Circle of Service Award for her work on behalf of CSAC and California counties in 2023 at the association's annual meeting in Alameda County. "I am totally honored to have received this award," Bell said. "I feel grateful to be a part of a statewide network of partners led by CSAC who are committed to creating policies and legislation that best serve our communities.”

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.

Short College Student Internships Over Winter Break

The County of Nevada is pleased to announce that several of our departments will be hosting short-term micro internships over winter break. Internships at the County are a great way to learn about careers in local government and provide real-life experiences in the day of the life of a public employee. Internship period: December 15-January 15 Hours are flexible.

See links to the right for a few examples and apply for these limited term opportunities.

Have a question? Contact Human Resources at (530) 265-7010 and select option 2.