September 2022

Hello, friends, neighbors, and fellow residents of District 1. Please enjoy my third quarter update. At the bottom of this message, find tips on contacting me with any questions or concerns.

The Real Deal on Measure V

As wildfires become more frequent and more destructive, heat events become increasingly common, and climate uncertainties mean more risk of droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, Nevada County must be well prepared for ongoing natural disasters.

Measure V responds to appeals from Nevada County residents for community-wide solutions to better protect their families, homes, and businesses. READ MORE

New Affordable Housing Project Completed

On Monday, September 19, residents began moving into Nevada County’s newest affordable housing community, Brunswick Commons housing development, concluding four years of hard work to bring this project from concept to reality.

Brunswick Commons, which overlooks the Brunswick Basin from Old Tunnel Road, provides 41 units of affordable housing with 1 unit designated for an onsite manager and 12 units set aside for permanent supportive housing for individuals with a mental health disability. READ MORE

Steve Monaghan Receiving RCRC's President's Award

Nevada County’s Chief Information Officer Awarded RCRC’s President’s Award

On September 15, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) announced that Steve Monaghan, Nevada County’s Agency Director/Chief Information Officer, was recognized with the 2022 RCRC President’s Award for his work on behalf of California’s rural counties. Presented during RCRC’s Annual Meeting each September, the RCRC President’s Award celebrates individuals that take the time to go above and beyond their everyday roles to support and strengthen California’s rural counties.

We are very proud of Steve’s work, which has resulted in Nevada County’s standing out as a clear leader among rural counties on information technology issues. READ MORE

Fire Season is Not Over

I know we all breathed a huge sigh of relief during the recent spell of rain and cool weather. Not only did it help contain the Mosquito Fire and dramatically improve our local air quality, but it added some desperately needed moisture into our parched landscape.

That said, until you hear otherwise from CAL FIRE, fire season is not over and it is not yet safe to burn debris piles. Unfortunately, there have been numerous recent reports of residents lighting burn piles, including on windy days (which wouldn’t be safe burn days at any point during the year). READ MORE

Financial Assistance for Internet Connectivity

Internet service has become a critical tool in our daily lives and yet, many households struggle to afford it. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. This program provides eligible households with the $30/month toward their internet service, and a one-time payment of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desk computer. READ MORE

Heart of Gold Gravel Ride - October 8, 2022

Race for Teen Mental Wellness

The Heart of Gold bike ride, founded by District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock, will take place on October 8 in Nevada City, starting and ending at the Rood Center. The race follows an exciting 46 or 74-mile course through the Sierra Nevada foothills, including passing by the Highway 49 Crossing over the South Yuba River and seeing 11,000 feet in elevation gain.

Proceeds from the race will support efforts in Nevada County to improve teen mental wellness and reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and trauma that can lead to unhealthy choices and suicide among young people. READ MORE

Micro-grants to Local Firewise Communities

Eleven Micro-Grants Awarded to Firewise Communities in District 1

The Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) recently awarded a number of micro-grants to support recognized Firewise Communities in reducing wildfire risk. Congratulations to District 1, which submitted many applications for these funds and was ultimately awarded 11 micro-grants.

This unique program was funded through a grant from the Disaster Relief, Recovery and Resilience Fund at the League of California Community Foundations with support from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. It was administered by Sierra Business Council. READ MORE

Recreation in Nevada County Takes a Big Step Forward

At the September 27 board meeting, the board approved a contract between the County of Nevada and Design Workshop, Inc., the firm that will prepare our county’s Recreation and Resiliency Master Plan. This plan was requested as part of the board’s new recreation objective. It will help prioritize recreation improvements and plans across the county that promote health and safety, quality of life, economic development, placemaking, landscape restoration, environmental sustainability, adaptation and resilience. The process of putting together this plan will involve the community and key stakeholders, so watch for announcements about opportunities to participate. Subscribe here to stay updated about this process.

State and Federal Issues

California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force Comes to Grass Valley

On September 27 and 28, I attended the Sierra Nevada regional meeting of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, which was held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force was created by the office of Governor Gavin Newsom to directly confront the near perfect storm of climatic and human-caused conditions that have brought the threat of devastating wildfire and its far-reaching effects to the doorstep of nearly everyone in our state, and beyond. READ MORE

Lobbying for Federal Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes

Last week, I joined with colleagues from around the country for a Public Lands County Lobby Day on Capitol Hill to advocate for more rural funding through a couple of specific allocations – the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Local and Tribal Assistance funds – both of which are intended to help rural counties but which continue to be under threat of reduction or elimination. Between six groups of about five county representatives each, we managed to connect with about 40 representatives and senators or their staff members. READ MORE

Halloween Spooktacular at the Eric Rood Center

Nevada County is thrilled to welcome trick-or-treaters to the Eric Rood Center on October 31st from 3:00 to 5:00 pm for a fun, family-friendly Halloween event.

We’re partnering with the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce to make Nevada City the spookiest (and most convenient) trick-or-treating destination in town—with parking at the Eric Rood Center and a free Nevada County Connects shuttle to downtown Nevada City. READ MORE

Events

Drive Through Flu Shots – Oct. 4 (TODAY), 12:30-4 pm – Twin Cities Church parking lot, 11726 Rough and Ready Highway in Grass Valley (entry via westbound entrance of parking lot only). Free flu shots available for adults and children three and older while supplies last.

Check out the helpful resources and enriching classes happening at the Madelyn Helling Library. Verify class details and schedules on the library’s calendar:

Tech Drop-in with Coffee and Donuts – Every Wednesday in October at 10 am- Have a question about your device? Want to learn more about the library’s digital services and how to use them? Drop-in from 10:00-11:30am for help from our friendly library volunteers.

Arts and Crafts – Tuesdays at 4 pm – From Collage Club to wool felting to printmaking, the library has weekly classes to help you stay creative. Supplies are included and classes are free.

Paws to Read – Wednesdays at 3 pm – Read to a trained therapy dog! Prereaders, early readers, and independent readers are invited to read (or show pictures to) to our friendly and non-judgmental dogs.

Ukelele for the People – Wednesdays at 5:30 pm - Join local musician Dan Scanlan in a four-week course to take you from ukulele beginner to ukulele pro...ficient!

Sing Along – Thursdays from 4-4:30 pm - Come sing and play with your child! Engaging music for all ages in the Children’s Room!

Thank you for being part of the vibrant fabric that makes up this wonderful community. 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@NevadaCountyCA.Gov or 530-265-1480. If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe to my newsletters, click here.