Nevada County News | October 5, 2023

Bicyclists at start of 2022 Heart of Gold Gravel Race.

The Heart of Gold Gravel Race and Festival is Saturday at the Rood Center in Nevada City. The race starts at 8 a.m. and will be followed by a free family-friendly festival from noon to 4 p.m. at the Rood Center. Proceeds benefit organizations that support youth mental wellness. Photo from the 2022 race provided by Supervisor Hardy Bullock.

Jenny Hale watercolor work featuring a Nisenan dancer turning his back on a village that displaced his own.

Visibility Through Art Exhibition at Rood Center Through December 15

The exhibition, now on view at the Rood Center, features work from the California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project’s extensive Visibility Through Art collection, which is inspired by the Nevada City Rancheria’s desire to engage local artists to authentically represent the Nisenan’s rich but nearly forgotten history in Nevada County. Thanks to the county's amazing facilities crew for helping put this show up.

Highway 20 Expected to Reopen at Noon Friday

Highway 20, which has been closed near the town of Washington since September 24, is expected to reopen with one-way traffic controls in place on noon Friday. Until then, motorists traveling between Nevada City and Interstate 80 should use Highway 49 and Highway 174 as alternate routes. Large trucks are directed to only use Highway 49.

Sustainability Summit in Truckee September 2023

More than 100 Gather for 2nd Annual Sustainability Summit in Truckee

Nevada County's Sustainability Summit, held September 27 at Martis Camp, brought community leaders together to discuss ways to mitigate climate change. “We are here because our planet needs us now more than ever, our region needs us now more than ever, our communities need us now more than ever,” said Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock, who spearheaded the event with Supervisor Heidi Hall.

County Offices Closed for Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day Oct. 9

All Nevada County administrative offices are closed Monday, October 9 for the Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day federal holiday. Public safety and Sheriff's patrol services will continue as normal.

Three Options Considered for Edwards Crossing Bridge Replacement

The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Edwards Crossing Bridge Replacement is available for review through November 14.

The bridge was built in 1904 and is considered structurally deficient. Three options are under consideration: building a new 200-foot bridge, constructing a new 500-foot bridge, or continuing to use the existing bridge. The historic bridge would be preserved in any of the options.

West Nile Virus Found in Nevada County

A case of West Nile Virus was identified in Nevada County in September. The patient is now home and doing well.

While many areas throughout California have already experienced West Nile Virus this year, this is the first human case of the disease in Nevada County this year. The last diagnosed case in Nevada County was in 2018.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Drive-Thru Flu-Shot Clinic, Oct. 17

Tuesday, October 17, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Twin Cities Church parking lot, 11726 Rough & Ready Highway, Grass Valley

Nevada County Public Health is giving free flu shots to anyone age 3 and older while supplies last. High-dose senior vaccines for age 65 and older will also be available.

Learn More

NEO Youth Center Sneak Preview (Adults Only), Oct. 12

Thursday, October 12, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Bright Futures for Youth, 200 Litton Drive, Grass Valley

Get a tour of the first-of-its kind Youth Center in Nevada County. The Youth Center includes a café, art and workshop space, gaming area, a small stage, music room and even a patio. A separate open house for youth and parents is set for later in the month. RSVP today to attend the October 12 event at SiennaC@bffyouth.org or 530-265-4311.

Learn More

Ribbon Cutting for Gary D. Clarke Field, Oct. 11

Wednesday, October 11, 4:30 p.m.

Gary D. Clarke Field, 11350 Magnolia Road Grass Valley.

Bear River Recreation and Park District, Nevada County supervisors and the Nevada County Community Development Agency are inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Gary D. Clarke Field.

HIV & Hep-C Testing Clinic, Oct. 10

Tuesday, October 10, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Crown Point Facility, 500 Crown Point Circle, Grass Valley

Free, walk in testing for HIV & Hep-C. Narcan/Naloxone and other harm reduction supplies will be available.

Learn More

Staff Highlight

Nevada County Human Resources Director Elected to Lead Statewide Association

Nevada County Human Resources Director Steve Rose was recently elected president of the County Personnel Administrators Association of California.

Having Nevada County represent the state is an honor for the County and a testament to its leadership team which is well represented across state professional associations.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Preview

The Tuesday, October 10 Board of Supervisors meeting starts at 9:00 am in the Board Chambers, 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City.

Meeting at a Glance

Public Comment

Members of the public will be allowed to address the Board on items not appearing on the agenda that are of interest to the public and are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board.

Consent Calendar

These items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. The Board of Supervisors will act upon them at one time without discussion.

Department Head Matters

Acceptance of the 2022 Nevada County Crop and Livestock Report.
Informational report regarding the new Nevada County Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook, and acceptance of the guidebook substantially in the form attached.
Acceptance of the presentation to inform the Board of Supervisors on results of the Impact Assessment Study for Pioneer Community Energy.

Closed Sessions

Announcements

Adjournment

Beyond Nevada County

Gratitude for Sen. Feinstein

Nevada County extends its deepest condolences to Senator Dianne Feinstein's family, colleagues, and her hard-working staff in the wake of her death last month. Recently, Sen. Feinstein advocated for Nevada County, helping obtain $2.5 million in congressionally directed spending over the past three years for public safety related projects, including the North San Juan Fire Suppression Project and the Ponderosa West Grass Valley Defense Zone. Additionally, while the fiscal year federal budget has not yet passed, it contains $750,000 in funding for yet another public safety project in Nevada County that Feinstein advanced through the appropriations process.

Nevada County Micro-Grants Program Recognized Nationally

From the National Association of Counties' County News:

Nevada County created a first-of-its-kind risk and emergency management program to reduce the overabundance of hazardous vegetation in neighborhoods, transforming private property into a more wildfire-resilient landscape and saving lives. Through a $100,000 grant from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Nevada County distributed $3,600 to 26 of the county’s recognized Firewise Communities to go toward roadside vegetation abatement projects, increasing defensible space around homes, purchasing equipment and removing hazardous vegetation from private lands.

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 Arts Districts and is known for its abundance of outdoor recreational activities.

Temporary Program Manager- Risk and Security

Are you Interested in joining a fast-paced work environment filled with professionals dedicated to the community? Join a team of committed staff who work together closely to support people and services within our community. This position plays a key role in managing critical countywide safety and security programs from within the County Executive Office. A successful candidate will focus on risk reduction, training, and safety while balancing various department needs.

The ideal candidate will:

Lead and coordinate threat assessment meetings and follow up on actionable items with partners.
Supervise security guards.
Be responsible for building safety assessment, prioritize building upgrades, coordinate with fiscal staff and facilities on addressing issues.
Coordinate fire drills and evacuation plans annually for all county buildings.
Lead an active shooter drill and ensure full implementation and training of the Alertus system.
Coordinate Board of Supervisors meeting security.
Facilitate video security infrastructure coordination, recommendations, and policy updates.
Assess and make recommendations and standardizations for employee door control / badge access and departmental panic button policy.
Lead general awareness training for employees.