District 4 Town Hall, June 15 from 6-8 PM

Come join me on Thursday, June 15 from 6 to 8 PM at the Penn Valley Fire Station on Spenceville Road for a District 4 town hall event hosted by the Penn Valley Municipal Advisory Council (PV MAC). Lazy Dog Chocolateria will be serving free ice cream and we’ll have 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.

Please RSVP so I know how much ice cream to bring: 530-265-1480 or bdofsupervisors@nevadacountyca.gov. And watch for an announcement about a town hall in North San Juan, date to be determined.

Stay Out, Stay Alive

On Wednesday, May 17, I participated in a press conference to help remind everyone -- locals and visitors -- that our local waterways are running high with COLD snowmelt that is flowing fast. As Nevada County Consolidated Fire Operations Chief Pat Sullivan said at the event, "In nature, there's no right or wrong - there's only consequence. The water's relentless. It's powerful. It's unforgiving. If you enter the water at this temperature and these flows, it's going to be a dire consequence."

Our beloved Yuba River is a delightful place to be on hot days, but please remember its power. We already had one fatality locally, and there have been four so far this season on the American River. Authorities recommend waiting until July to swim in the river. Stay safe!

WATCH HERE

Nevada County Agriculture Commissioner Chris de Nijs Appointed to Federal National Wildlife Services

Nevada County’s Agriculture Commissioner Chris de Nijs was appointed to the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack on recommendations for policies and activities for the USDA’s Wildlife Services (WS) program.

“This means rural foothill agricultural producers truly have a voice at the federal level. I look forward to working with the many diverse stakeholders that depend on the Wildlife Services program and providing meaningful input to help them better accomplish their respective work,” explained Chris de Nijs. “As the only person selected from the State of California, this is a huge honor and very humbling.” READ MORE

Nevada County Breaks Ground on McCourtney Road Transfer Station Improvement Project

On May 1st, Nevada County Supervisor Hoek and County staff broke ground on the McCourtney Road Transfer Station (MRTS) Improvement Project, along with Bobo Construction, Hansen Brothers Enterprise, and Waste Management. This project will repurpose the existing transfer station’s footprint to accommodate increased traffic and demand for recycling and solid waste services and help the county meet the current state mandate for organic food waste collection and diversion.

Construction is planned through the fall of 2024. Customers will be able to check the MRTS camera for live traffic conditions.

Planned improvements include:

• Quick and easy site access.
• Plenty of unloading stalls with a new transfer station building.
• Improved access to Household Hazardous Waste and recycling facilities.
• Improved areas for green waste, construction, and demolition.
• Food waste diversion facility to comply with California state regulations.
• New public receiving area to maximize flexibility for known and unknown needs for the next 30 years.

The project will cost $22 million over two years and has been included in the County’s Capital Facilities Plan since 2012. Over $4 million in taxpayer dollars were saved by making minimal reductions to the project’s scope and rebidding the project in November 2022.

To see the complete project timeline and project design assets, visit NevadaCountyCA.gov/MRTS.

Free Residential Green Waste Disposal Returns to Nevada County

The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County, in partnership with the County of Nevada Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE, are hosting FREE self-service green waste disposal, and wood chip pick-up. As storm recovery continues, residents are encouraged to take advantage of this popular program.

When: 

May 28, 29 

June 11, 12, 25, 26

8:00 am to 3:00 pm each day

Where:

12625 Brunswick Rd

Grass Valley, CA 95945

READ MORE

The Mayo Ranch is hosting the first annual Boots, Buck and Wild Rags Western Gala on May 27 at 3 pm. The Buck Ford band will provide musical entertainment. There will also be demonstrations, ranch stands, a barbeque dinner, and dancing at this beautiful ranch oasis in Penn Valley. Ticket prices and more information available online at MayoRanch.com.

Nevada County Environmental Health Announces 2023 Mosquito Fish Giveaway Days

The Nevada County’s Environmental Health Department announces five Mosquito Fish Giveaways, on Thursdays May 25, June 8, June 22, and July 6. 

“Mosquito fish consume a lot of insect larvae in ponds or other standing bodies of water,” explained Amy Irani, Environmental Health Director. “By reducing the mosquito population in larvae form, you can reduce the mosquito population and your risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, including the West Nile Virus. My team also wants to remind folks to check and remove standing water from pots, bins, buckets, and tires. We all play a role in reducing the risk of infection.” 

Details

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 

Location: In the Eric Rood Administrative Building Parking Lot (950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City)

How to Participate:

• Drive-thru pick-ups only; please remain in your car. Containers will be provided to take the fish home safely.
• The mosquito fish must be delivered to your pond within two hours. The fish will eat mosquito larvae in ponds, watering troughs, birdbaths, and unused swimming pools. 

  READ MORE

Upcoming meetings of the Board of Supervisors (BOS): 

• May 23, June 13, and June 27
• 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: 

• 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 1 and 29 at 1 pm
• Nevada County Reads Book Discussion: “Interior Chinatown,” May 27 at 6 pm

District 4 Town Hall, hosted by the Penn Valley MAC, June 15 from 6-8 pm at the Penn Valley Fire Station on Spenceville Road

Penn Valley Rodeo, May 19-20

Penn Valley Rodeo Parade, May 20 at 3 pm

First Annual Western Gala: Boots, Buck and Wild Rags, May 27, 3 pm (dinner at 6 pm), 19600 Kneebone Court, Penn Valley

Firewise Together Fundraiser, June 3, 1 pm to 9 pm, Lake Wildwood’s Commodore Park

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.