March 2023

Hello, Nevada County. I hope this message finds you dry and warm and able to get in and out of your property. Wow, the moisture just keeps coming! I’m reaching out to you today with a look back at the first quarter of 2023. At the end of this message, find upcoming events, as well as tips on contacting me with any questions or concerns.

Snowpocalypse 2023

Starting in late February, a series of heavy snowstorms brought our area to a standstill. For the second year in a row, we experienced significant snow damage from trees into utility lines and structures, residents trapped in their homes and neighborhoods until snow and downed trees could be moved, extended power outages, and -- new this year -- roof and structure destruction from the unusually heavy snow load. Daily life was significantly interrupted while modern amenities like electricity and internet were unavailable.

I know a number you remain isolated from communications, and we are doing everything we can to support getting you reconnected. Thank you all for your patience and community-minded helpfulness. Read More

New Board Objectives for 2023

In late January, the board of supervisors gathered for our annual workshop where we review progress on our prior year’s objectives – our top priorities – and then establish our objectives for the new year. We heard presentations on progress and challenges from 2022 from County departments ranging from the Community Development Agency (reporting on Cannabis) to the Broadband Work Group (a cross-agency group led by the County’s Chief Information Officer, Steve Monaghan).

The Board’s newly chosen 2023 objectives remain largely the same from 2022, but with the addition of one that is very important to me and our community: climate resilience (see: Snowpocalypse 2023). The 2023 objectives are: fiscal stability, emergency preparedness, economic development, broadband, climate resilience, housing, homelessness, and recreation. Read More

Broadband Update

On Friday, February 28, the board of supervisors approved the adoption of the County’s broadband environmental impact report (EIR).

The ultimate goal of the broadband EIR is to expand broadband access in the county more quickly and efficiently by streamlining compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Read More

Nevada County Reads

Nevada County Reads, a project developed in 2005, is presented in partnership with the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, and is funded in part by the Friends of the Nevada County Libraries. A program designed to deepen engagement in literature through reading and discussion, everyone in the community can participate: read a book, share perspectives, attend a program, engage on social media and build a stronger Nevada County together. Read More

Ranch House

At the January 24 board meeting, the board gave the final approval for the Ranch House project. The Ranch House is one of 14 homes that Nevada County Behavioral Health utilizes to house 85 residents in permanent supportive housing. The Ranch House remodel will take a current single-family dwelling and remodel it into six independent units. This will allow three more clients to be served in the same program but with a higher chance for success and permanency due to the standalone units. This project has outsize benefits for its residents, who might otherwise be at high risk of homelessness and worsening symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorder. Read More

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

A significant gender gap persists at all levels of STEM disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still underrepresented in these fields. Read More

Nevada County Women’s History Month

At the end of February, the board of supervisors passed a resolution declaring March 2023 Nevada County Women’s History Month. Women have been a vital component in Nevada County history and creation of community, business and cultural life in Nevada County. Ellen Clark Sargent played a key role in bringing women the right to vote through her tireless work with Susan B. Anthony and other suffrage organizations. In 1901, Sarah Kidder assumed control and became president of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad located in Grass Valley, California, becoming the first woman in the world to run a railroad. And Lola Montez, Lotta Crabtree, Emma Nevada and others brought a level of culture and performing arts to Nevada County. Read More

State and Federal Issues

State

Last week, Governor Newsom took these actions:

Signed an executive order that makes it easier to capture floodwater to recharge groundwater – temporarily lifting regulations and setting clear conditions for diverting flood stage water without permits to boost groundwater recharge storage. For more information, see here.
Highlighted California added 96,700 new jobs in January. For more information, see here.
Requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration to authorize federal assistance supporting the state and local response to the severe storms impacting much of the state. For more information, see here.
Announced California is pulling back its renewal of a multi-million dollar contract with Walgreens, following the company’s preemptive decision not to dispense the abortion medication Mifepristone in 21 states, including states where abortion remains legal. For more information, see here.
Announced appointments to the California Air Resources Board, California Fish and Game Commission, and the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. For more information, see here.

Federal Budget

On March 9, President Biden unveiled a summary of his fiscal year 2024 budget request, which covers broad spending categories and includes projections for major entitlement programs, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. The budget request calls for nearly $1.7 trillion in discretionary federal spending, a roughly five percent increase over last year’s budget. This includes over $688 billion for non-defense domestic programs (a seven percent increase), $886 billion for defense-related programs (a three percent increase), and $121 billion for Veterans Affairs programs. Read More

Federal Emergency Declaration for Nevada County

On March 10, President Biden approved Governor Newsom’s request for an emergency declaration due to the severe winter storms that began on March 9th. The declaration covers 34 counties in the state, including: Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Yuba. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. The Governor’s request to President Biden and the FEMA can be found here.

Events

The Moors – Friday, March 17, 7:30 – 9:30 pm - The Moors is a deviously dark comedy about love, desperation, and power. In this modern twist on a classic Gothic romance, two sisters and a melancholy mastiff who live out their lives on the bleak English moors. The arrival of a hapless governess and an injured moor-hen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. This play by Sierra Stages will take place at Nevada Theatre at 401 Broad Street in Nevada City.
California State Parks Volunteer Training – Fridays and Saturdays through April 1 – After a 2-day orientation, applicants can attend the on-site activity training days for any of the three parks they are interested in volunteering at. All training days are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be offered on both Fridays and Saturdays (trainees only need to attend one of the days each week). More info.
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 Thursday in March at 1 pm. Have a question about your device? Want to learn more about the library’s digital services and how to use them? Drop-in from 1:00 -3:00 pm for help from our friendly library volunteers.
- Art Lounge – Every Thursday at noon – Spend your lunch hour making art with us! An art project including supplies will be provided or you are welcome to bring one that you are already working on. This drop-in adult art program will offer a relaxing space to create art with other people.
- Lego Club – Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 am – Join us for building adventures with our LEGO Club! Let your imagination run wild with your designs. Remember to take a photo of your creations, as the LEGOS live at the library and must stay in the children's room. All ages welcome, though some LEGOs are not suited for babies and toddlers.
- Super Craft Saturday – Saturdays at 2 pm in the Children’s Room – Young people and their grownups are invited to join us each Saturday in the children's room for craft time. We'll have fun with a different craft each week, and all supplies will be provided. No experience necessary. This activity is best suited for school-age children and older.
- 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.
- 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 your continued support of Nevada County’s excellent programs and for keeping me informed about District 1 events and issues. 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.