By Paul Cummings, Program Manager, Office of Emergency Services
In recognition of Women’s History month, Nevada County is honoring local women making a difference in our community. The majority of Nevada County’s elected officials are women: from three of our Board of Supervisors, District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall, District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout, and District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek; our Auditor-Controller Gina Will and Treasurer Tax-Collector Tina Vernon, who are responsible for overseeing different components of the County’s finances; our elections official and Clerk-Recorder Natalie Adona who maintains your records when you get married, start a family, buy a home, start a business, register, and vote; to Sheriff Shannan Moon who is responsible for law enforcement and public safety across unincorporated Nevada County.
The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services has a close working relationship with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, working together on evacuation and the county response to active disasters and emergencies. Recently, I sat down with your Nevada County Sheriff, Shannan Moon, to learn more about her journey in this community and some of the things that have challenged and inspired her along the way.
Who is Sheriff Moon?
Shannan is a lifelong Nevada County resident and a career Nevada County Sheriff’s Deputy. She graduated from Nevada Union High School, earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, and lives in south county with her wife and three daughters. Sheriff Moon made history by being elected Nevada County’s first female sheriff and California’s first openly-gay sheriff.
Her passion for community, integrity, and drive to help others led her to a career in local law enforcement in 1990, following in the footsteps of her father, a Nevada County deputy and Nevada City police chief, that instilled in her deep core values and a sense of commitment and duty. She was the first woman promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain in the agency's history dating back to 1851.
Sheriff Moon also made history by appointing Alicia Burget to the position of Nevada County Undersheriff in 2019. Undersheriff Burget is one of only four female Undersheriffs in the state. There are no other Sheriff’s Offices in California’s 58 counties, nor anywhere in the US that has had a female Sheriff and Undersheriff serving together.
When asked why she chose a woman undersheriff, Shannan replied, “If you know Alicia, you know she is the most qualified person to run our agency. She runs circles around everyone, including me. I would like us to get to a time in our history when we are not discussing the first woman this or that, but until then, we roll up our sleeves because there is work to be done.”
When asked what women leaders inspired her on her journey, she said, “As I was growing up, my mom was my biggest influencer. She worked full time, so I saw her as an equal to my dad in their relationship and running our household. She is and has been my biggest supporter.
After working at the Sheriff’s Office, I didn’t see many women in law enforcement leadership roles. I eventually ended up putting myself through the Police Academy in Sacramento. I worked the night shift full-time in the jail and attended the Academy during the day. While there, I met several women in leadership positions in their agencies in the Sacramento area that were my instructors. These women became lifelong friends and mentors, all of which helped shape the trajectory of my career. When you visually see someone like you in leadership positions, your mindset changes. I went from ‘why me’ to ‘why NOT me,’ and I started to promote.”
It hasn’t been easy for Shannan; growing up, she knew she was gay and quickly figured out this would be challenging for family, friends, and co-workers to accept. She didn’t let this stop her from living, being herself, and becoming a solid example for other women.
When asked about the most significant challenges women in our community still face, Sheriff Moon stated, “Gender equality, unrealistic expectations to be able to do it all. We have come a long way with women's leadership in LE, but it’s not enough. Only 3% of chiefs/sheriffs in the country are women, and only 10% of supervisors are women.”
We talked about my young daughter, and I asked what advice Sheriff Moon might give her as she develops as a woman.
“I have three stepdaughters, so I give lots of advice. Understand and learn who you are and who you want to be, and not what you think someone wants you to be. My mom used to tell me, ‘You be you.’ If people don’t like you, that’s on them - you cannot control them. You can only control who you are, and whether someone likes you or not, you have to like you. Don’t expect someone to come to save you or take care of you - take care of yourself.”
Sheriff Moon also has diverse roots as a tribal member of the Tsi-Akim Maidu of Taylorsville, CA. Before moving to Nevada City, her mother’s family lived on the Taylorsville Rancheria. Several of her native relatives live in Nevada City, and many remain in the Plumas area in Indian Valley.
Shannan has worked hard to protect everyone in Nevada County, regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background. She is a steadfast, and respected leader who paved the way for Nevada County women and girls to follow their dreams, be themselves, and thrive in our community. Thank you, Sheriff Moon, for breaking down barriers, so my daughter doesn’t have to.
I know I will sleep better at night knowing that Sheriff Moon is leading her team of sentinels, ready at any time of day to work alongside and serve our community when it’s needed most.
