Free Lunches for Kids Under 18 at County Libraries

As in years past, the Nevada County libraries, including the Penn Valley Library, will be offering free lunches for kids under 18 years old each weekday this summer (except for June 22, July 4 and July 27, when the Penn Valley Branch will be closed), between June 12 and 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! 

Recap of the District 4 Town Hall

Last night, I saw many of you at the District 4 town hall event hosted by the Penn Valley Municipal Advisory Council (PV MAC). We served up ice cream and had speakers addressing the following topics:

• Wildfire and emergency preparedness
• Penn Valley and Rough and Ready Fire District changes
• Homelessness and animal control
• Expanding high-speed internet
• Changes at McCourtney Road Transfer Station
• Community Choice Aggregation (Pioneer Community Energy proposal)
• Open Q&A and discussion from you

The PV MAC is a formal council appointed by the District 4 supervisor, which advises that supervisor, the Planning Department and Board of Supervisors on development and land use issues that are located within District 4 boundaries that are also within either the Western Gateway Parks and Recreation District or the Penn Valley Fire District. The MAC meets quarterly in the community room at the Penn Valley Fire Station on Spenceville Road (where the town hall was held). The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm.

Watch for an announcement about a District 4 town hall in North San Juan, date to be determined.

Stay Out, Stay Alive

Every year, first responders receive several calls for service for visitors who have an accident at the South Yuba River due to slips and falls. Swift water rescues are performed many times through the summer months due to unsafe river conditions. 

This year, high water flows have already taken two lives and are modeling similarly to high river flows in 2019, when multiple lives were lost in June alone due to visitors and locals recreating in dangerous river conditions.  

“From now through July, please avoid getting into the river at all costs. When you enter the water at this temperature and these flows, the consequences can be dire,” said Nevada County Consolidated Fire District Operations Chief Pat Sullivan. “One cubic foot of water weighs 64 lbs. We are currently seeing above 5,000 cubic feet of water and force in the South Yuba River every second, compared to average yearly highs of about 2,000 to 3,000 feet which are still considered dangerously high.” READ MORE

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.

Upcoming meetings of the Board of Supervisors (BOS): 

• June 27, July 11, August 8
• BOS agendas posted here 72 hours prior to the meeting date.

Food bank, Thursdays 9:30 to 11:30 am, Penn Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Penn Valley Library events: 

• Lunch at the Library, every weekday (except for June 22, July 4, and July 27), 12-1 pm
• Story Time, every Tuesday at 10:30 am
• Lego Club, every Wednesday at 3 pm
• PAWS to Read, every other Tuesday at 3 pm
• Penn Valley Page Turners Book Club Meeting, June 29 at 1 pm
• Ukelele Strum Along with Troubadour Terry, July 13 at 2 pm
• Conservation Ambassadors' Wild Things, July 14 at 11 am

Sunday Brunch at the North San Juan Community Center: 

• Come join us every Sunday from 11-2pm, rain or shine, for a fabulous brunch featuring the delicious creations of local Chefs John Finnegan, Garth Melendez, and Evan Gibbons. We have lots of indoor seating and plenty of parking. When weather permits, you can enjoy our outdoor seating area and check out the vendor offerings at our outdoor Swap Meet! 
• Menu items range in cost from $10 to $18. Veterans and members of the Fire Department get 2.00 off meals. There is also a reduced cost children’s menu for those 12 & under.
• On clear weather days, we also host an outdoor swap meet from 9am to 4pm featuring local artisans and vendors. Vendors interested in reserving a 10’x10’ booth space can contact the NSJ Community Center at NSJCommunityCenter@gmail.com or (530) 522-8205. 
• All proceeds from the swap meet and brunch support the warming shelter and other community programs hosted by the NSJ Community Center.

North San Juan Ridge Health & Happiness Clinics: 

• Every Tuesday, 6-7 pm, NSJ Community Center, 29190 State Highway 49 North San Juan, CA 95960.  
• Hosted by the Yuba Harm Reduction Collective (YHRC), this clinic offers free training and supplies on the use of Narcan (an overdose reversal medication) and fentanyl testing strips. We also offer other harm reduction supplies, overdose prevention techniques, access to treatment for those who are interested, and a needle exchange program. Can't make it to the clinic? Text or call the warmline at 530-362-8163 for anonymous delivery or pickup.
• Representatives from StreetCARE, a provider of peer support services, and Community Beyond Violence (cbv.org) will also be available to provide support and services as needed.

2nd Tuesday of each month, 10 am - noon, NSJ Library Annex (behind the drive-thru food bank): 

• Hosted by Nevada County Behavioral Health, this clinic offers free training and supplies on the use of Narcan and fentanyl testing strips, as well as other harm reduction supplies, overdose prevention techniques, and access to treatment for those who are interested. Nevada County Social Services is also on hand at this clinic to offer Medi-Cal and food stamp sign-ups and renewals. Feel free to drop in after cruising through the food bank - no appointment needed!

Both services above coordinated by the North San Juan Ridge Community Coalition. Email them at sanjuanridgecc@gmail.com or call 530-303-6610.