Sue Hoek: Emergency Preparedness Remains Top of Mind as We Make Progress on Key Initiative

Through peak fire season, emergency preparedness remains top of mind. In August, the 48-acre Pleasant Fire was another reminder that when we say, ‘one less spark, one less wildfire,’ we mean it.

In September, we approved three additional shaded fuel-breaks, a total of 1,049 acres of protection to western Nevada County’s most populated areas: Woodpecker Ravine along Rattlesnake and Lower Colfax, South County in Alta Sierra, and Phase II of Ponderosa West which protects Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Rough and Ready, and Alta Sierra. These grant-funded projects help our firefighters do what they do best - defend our homes and businesses. I commend the homeowners who have pledged to maintain their pieces of these projects for the next 10 years, but we also need to protect our investment with ongoing maintenance that isn’t guaranteed with future grant funding from CAL FIRE or FEMA. And they are just one small piece of what we could and should be doing as a community.

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Nevada County Fish and Wildlife Commission Grant Program Now Open

The Nevada County Fish and Wildlife Commission is now accepting grant proposals for projects that protect, conserve, propagate, and/or preserve fish and wildlife resources in the County.

The grant period is now open, with an application submittal deadline of November 30th. The Nevada County Fish and Wildlife Commission requests that applicants also provide an oral presentation of their project at their December 6th meeting.

Previous grants helped fund projects like the annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Debry in Truckee, as well as help purchase specialized equipment for various organizations that are focused on monitoring the health of our waterways in Nevada County. “These projects funded in part by the Propagation Fund truly benefit all residents of Nevada County and those that come to visit,” says Chris de Nijs, Nevada County Agricultural Commissioner and ex officio member of the Commission.

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Nevada County Welcomes George Schureck as Building Director

Starting December 5th, George Schureck will join Nevada County as Building Director. Schureck has nearly 25 years of experience in the construction industry as an electrical contractor, city inspector, and, most recently, as the Building Commissioner for New Albany, Indiana. He is ICC-certified (International Code Council) and skilled in management, administration, and communication.

The Nevada County Building Department ensures a healthy, safe, and desirable living and working environment through the construction of safe buildings in unincorporated Nevada County and the City of Nevada City. The department works closely with the City of Grass Valley, the Town of Truckee, the Nevada County Contractors Association, and the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe. Craig Griesbach was Nevada County’s Building Director for 8 years before being promoted to Nevada County’s Emergency Services Director.

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Ready Nevada County: Burn Ban Still in Effect!

Rainy and windy fall weather is in the forecast for this weekend. With the wind comes increased fire weather concerns. Despite forecasted rain and cooler temperatures, CAL FIRE’s residential burn ban is still in effect. Now is a great time to rake leaves, ensure that your roof and gutters are free of debris, and prep piles for later on, but no residential burning is currently allowed in Nevada County.

Even outside of peak fire season when residential burns are allowed, always check to see if it is a permissible burn day at MyAirDistrict.com or by calling (530) 274-7928, Western Nevada County, or (530) 582-1027, Eastern Nevada County.

Be Ready Nevada County

October 25^th Board of Supervisors Meeting Preview

Pursuant to Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Order on the convening of public meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Nevada will hold its regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors in the Board of Supervisors Chamber located at the Eric Rood Administrative Center. Face coverings are highly recommended for all individuals while indoors.

The Tuesday, October 25th meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers. Members of the public can provide general public comments or comment on items on the agenda by attending the meeting in person, emailing BOS.PublicComment@nevadacountyca.gov, calling (530) 270-3474, or by using the Board’s eComment system. Please submit written comments before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24th, to provide time for the Board members to read them and for your comments to become part of the public record. Find additional ways to provide public comment on pages 11 and 12 of the agenda. Please visit the link below for the full agenda.

Before the consent calendar, the Board will proclaim November 5th through 13th as Military Appreciation Week.

Following the presentation, District I Supervisor Heidi Hall will present a Certificate of Recognition to Gloria Novak for her many years of public service to Lake Vera Round Mountain Community.

After the consent calendar, the Board will hear a presentation from Social Services Director Rachel Peña on the Youth Workforce Grant.
Child Support Services, Collections, and Housing Director Mike Dent will present an update on efforts to address homelessness in eastern Nevada County.

Chief Information Officer Stephen Monaghan will present on the Truckee Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Points of Agreement and the next steps for a new Truckee Library.

District V Supervisor Hardy Bullock will request approval to send a Letter of Advocacy regarding the availability and affordability of commercial insurance for Nevada County Fire Authorities.

Lastly, County Executive Officer Alison Lehman will present a Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Nevada and the City of Nevada City for wildfire prevention, emergency services, and disaster readiness programs and projects.

View the Meeting Agenda

Commissioner Lara Enforces Nation’s First Wildfire Safety Regulation to Help Drive Down Cost of Insurance

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will enforce the new insurance pricing regulation he wrote, recognizing and rewarding wildfire safety and mitigation efforts made by homeowners and businesses. Commissioner Lara’s regulation is the first in the nation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework created by the California Department of Insurance in partnership with state emergency preparedness agencies. The regulation is now state law and enshrined in the California Code of Regulations.

Commissioner Lara’s regulation requires insurance companies to submit new rate filings incorporating wildfire safety standards created by the Department and to establish a process for releasing wildfire risk determinations to residents and businesses within 180 days. Transparency is an important benefit of this regulation, by requiring insurance companies to provide consumers with their property’s “wildfire risk score” and creating a right to appeal that score.

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3rd Annual Spooky Boooky: Free Book Giveaway

The Community Support Network of Nevada County (CSN) and the Nevada County Library are excited to announce their 3rd Annual Spooky Boooky FREE Book Giveaway. This event is in-person at the Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City.

Our community partners will be handing out fun festive goodies, and there will be FREE fun activities, including a FREE book giveaway, face painting, outdoor games, storytime, sing-along songs, festive crafts, candy, & more!

Job Openings at Nevada County: Network System Analyst I/II

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.

The Information Systems team is an award-winning organization that values collaboration and innovation in our mission to provide excellent technology to all County departments. The Network Systems Analyst I or II focuses on administering various systems, including Windows Servers, Backup, DR solutions, and Cloud solutions in support of all County departments and programs. The ideal candidate is well-rounded, possessing strong customer service experience and technical aptitude. Training will be provided for specific technologies, so prior experience is not as important as a willingness to grow and learn. Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must. The ability to document and present technical processes to nontechnical audiences is essential.

Find out more information about this position online. Have a question? Contact Human Resources by calling (530) 265-7010 and selecting option 2.

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