Hello, District 1. I hope you’re finding ways to stay safe from smoky air conditions, fire, COVID, and any other challenges coming your way right now.

August 18 Indoor Mask Mandate from Nevada County Public Health Department

COVID-19 and Vaccines

Nevada County has seen a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases, the majority of which are the new Delta variant, which is twice as contagious as the original COVID strain. In fact, the week of August 2, Nevada County saw its highest weekly count of new cases for the entire pandemic. This has prompted the Nevada County Public Health Department to recommend a return to wearing masks in indoor settings, even if you are vaccinated. Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital reports a substantial increase in COVID-19 patients coming to the hospital. Most of those who are admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Read more...

River Fire Flaring Up, Photo Courtesy of Tim O'Brien

Wildfire

As we all knew might happen, we have seen a major uptick in fire activity in August. There have been numerous vehicle fires that extended into nearby vegetation – a great reminder to be prepared with your go bag ready. On August 2, we saw a three-acre fire on Idaho-Maryland and Brunswick that resulted in an evacuation warning for Loma Rica Ranch. In the first week of August, there were numerous small fires, including one in North San Juan caused by suspected arson, one on Highway 49 near Carriage Lane caused by weed whacking, and another on Idaho-Maryland whose cause is still under investigation. It was in the early afternoon of August 4 that the fast-growing River Fire began in the Bear River Campground and, in the end, burned 2,619 acres and destroyed 142 structures. Read more...

Cannabis

With the cannabis season in full swing, County staff have been extremely busy processing permits, conducting inspections, and responding to neighborhood complaints. Cannabis staff have recently collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office and State agencies to address numerous egregious unpermitted grows in Nevada County. These sites contained thousands of unpermitted cannabis plants, numerous fire/life/safety building code violations, and numerous environmental related violations. Read more...

Wendy Van Wagner's 2021 river visitor etiquette artistic collaboration.

Outdoor Recreation in Nevada County

In June, I attended the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) annual conference in Maryland. One of my goals at the conference was to advocate for our federal land managers, including the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, to be provided with more resources to protect their lands and adjacent communities – like Nevada City – from wildfire. Through my work with the South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort, I frequently hear about how few permanent staff members these agencies have assigned to their lands in Nevada County, and that alarms me. I joined a number of colleagues from across the country in meeting with officials from both of these Federal Agencies. I am also pleased to announce that I have been given a seat on NACo’s Public Lands Steering Committee, where I will be able to continue this advocacy. Read more...

Expanding High-Speed Internet Access

In late July, Governor Newsom signed SB 156, authorizing a $6 billion infrastructure investment to supply high-speed broadband internet access to unserved or underserved (i.e., slow internet connection) homes and businesses statewide by building a statewide open-access, middle-mile network and funding last-mile network construction. I helped advocate for this bill’s passage through my role representing the interests of rural counties on the California State Association of Counties’ (CSAC) Broadband Taskforce and will continue advocating for legislation that will enable all Nevada County residents to benefit from 21^st century digital infrastructure. (See CSAC’s letter to the editor about this legislation and my role advocating for it here.) Read more...

Workforce Housing and Housing the Homeless

On August 5, I joined officials from Nevada City, Nevada County, the Regional Housing Authority, and the Affordable Housing Development Corporation to officially break ground on the Cashin’s Field Affordable Housing Development. Located at 170 Ridge Road in Nevada City, Cashin’s Field will consist of 51 units of affordable workforce housing and will include a community center, two playgrounds, picnic areas, and a central courtyard. The development is estimated to be complete in December 2022. The Cashin’s Field Development is the result of a strong collaboration across jurisdictions to increase affordable housing for Nevada County. From the very first meeting with the City and developer to assess interest in working towards financing of the project, I have supported this essential work-force housing for our residents. Read more...

"All are welcome here" artistic message from Wendy Van Wagner's Yuba River collaboration

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The County has established an Ad Hoc committee to begin an electeds-level conversation about systemic racism in Nevada County, and what we can do to move us towards inclusivity and safety for everyone. Supervisor Bullock and I are working with our two cities and town to look at a vision and values statement that we can all share, and begin a longer journey towards our goals.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about life here in Nevada County. I am here to serve you. Reach me at Heidi.hall@co.nevada.ca.us or 530-265-1480. If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, click here.