Nevada County News | November 9, 2023

All Nevada County administrative offices will be closed Friday, November 10 for Veteran's Day. Public safety and Sheriff's patrol services will continue as normal.

Pictured above is retired Lt. Commander Lou Conter, the last surviving member from the USS Arizona, shaking hands with Col. James Bartran of Beale Air Force Base at Grass Valley Armed Forces Day in May. Photo provided by Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Woman buying cannabis from a retail store.

Supervisors Accept $275,000 Grant to Help Draft Rules for Retail Cannabis Sales

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday accepted a $275,000 state grant that will be used to help develop a retail cannabis sales ordinance for the unincorporated areas of Nevada.

Diana Gamzon, executive director of the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance, expressed support for the grant at the Board meeting. “What’s really exciting about this grant is it can provide for creative retail experiences,” she said. “We really can think outside of the box to develop unique tourism opportunities that focus on things that we value about our cannabis industry here – education, wellness, and health. The funds can be used as a source of economic development by creating policy for retail in areas not currently being served by a cannabis retail location.”

County Accepts $3.6 million to Shelter Unhoused Residents with Mental Illness

Nevada County will soon have 25-30 new beds available for people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions thanks to a $3.6 million grant from the state’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday accepted the grant and approved a $1.4 million contract with Hospitality House to start the program by getting hotel rooms or rental homes for people experiencing homelessness. The County estimates that it will be able to serve 100-150 people over the next three years with Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program funds.

What is the Best Option to Replace the 119-year-old Edwards Crossing Bridge?

The County is asking the public to weigh in on two alternatives plus a third no-build option. The Draft Environmental Impact Report is now available for review; public comment must be received by this Tuesday, November 14.

First Affordable Master Plan Home Build Begins

Construction is underway on the first home built using the County's new affordable Housing Master Plan. The home is an Alternative Dwelling Unit (ADU), commonly known as a granny unit or in-law unit. Increasing housing is one of the Board of Supervisors' priorities this year.

VetNow Offers Assistance Navigating Veteran Benefits

Brainfuse's VetNow offers live online tutoring, job seeker's assistance and help navigating the complicated world of veterans' benefits for veterans and their families. VetNow navigators help veterans and their families understand and apply for the benefits they are eligible for from local, state, or federal programs. Find this free online resource through the Nevada County Library website.

Community Shows Up for the Truckee Library Grand Re-Opening

Approximately 100 people attended the Truckee Library’s grand re-opening Tuesday to celebrate a facility refresh with new flooring, paint, and furniture. The public was able to view the library’s stained glass by artist Robert Boeddiker, which previously hung in the library’s West-facing window. As part of the library’s refresh project, the stained glass was restored by Rainbow Glass of Sacramento and now hangs in a lightbox over the mantle.

Get Involved: Committees & Commissions

Mental Health and Substance Use Advisory Board

This Board reviews and evaluates the community’s mental health needs, services, facilities, and special problems; reviews any County agreements entered into pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5650; advises as to any aspect of the local mental health program; reviews and approves the procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process; and submits an annual report to the Board of Supervisors.

There is one vacancy to fill an unexpired three-year term ending June 30, 2025 and one member vacancy for a three-year term ending June 30, 2026.

For further information, contact Annette LeFrancois, Health and Human Services Agency, (530) 265-1627.

For more information, please visit www.NevadaCountyCA.gov/Committees.

Staff Highlight

Stefanie Geckler: Giving More than 'HEART'

Stefanie Geckler was raised in Nevada County and is the current Supervising Animal Control Officer of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and founder of nonprofit Nevada County Sheriff's Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART), but if you asked a youthful Geckler if her dreams involved law enforcement and animals, you'd be barking up the wrong tree.

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.

Wastewater Treatment System Operator I/II/III

Nevada County’s Public Works Department, Wastewater Division is looking to hire a Wastewater Treatment System Operator level I, II, or III. This department administers and maintains sewage collection systems and treatment facilities for Nevada County Sanitation District Number 1. A Wastewater Treatment System Operator is an integral part of the wastewater collection system whose mission is to keep the community wastewater system functioning by operating, inspecting, monitoring, and adjusting wastewater treatment plant operations to ensure proper processing and compliance with permits.

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