On June 19, 1865, those formerly enslaved were recognized as free citizens of the United States. Today, we commemorate June 19^th as Juneteenth, with celebrations across the country remembering our nation's history of systemic racism and inequality and recommitting ourselves to the work of equity, equality, and justice.

In Nevada County, the Equity and Inclusion Leadership Alliance (EILA) remains committed to addressing these issues and recently launched the SUN Survey during Victim Rights Week. The survey allows residents to anonymously submit their experience with hate crimes and hate incidents in Nevada County. Data collected in this survey will go beyond internet rumors and politics and get to the heart of what is happening in our region. With your help, we are committed to using the information shared to create meaningful programs, tools, and training to address the specific needs of Nevada County.

Alison Lehman, County Executive Officer

Stacks of wooden tokens on a table. A small chalkboard reads Market Match 8 am to noon

CalFresh Market Match Program Returns to Local Farmer’s Markets

The CalFresh Market Match program returns to Farmer’s Markets in Nevada City and Grass Valley this summer and fall!

CalFresh customers are eligible to match up to $15 of EBT funds purchased at each participating market throughout the season while funds last. Participants could receive up to $45 in tokens each week.

A colorful array of fruits and vegetables against a white background

Lunch at the Library Kicks Off with Free Meals for Kids 18 and Under

Nevada County Library kicked off Lunch at the Library this week, providing free summer meals for kids and teens in partnership with the Food Bank of Nevada County and the Grass Valley School District.

This year’s program is underway at the Penn Valley and Bear River library locations, and begins Monday, June 19^th at Grass Valley and the Madelyn Helling Libraries. Lunches are served from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday for kids and teens under the age of 18. No library card or sign up is required.

Still from a YouTube video with a Play button over it

Nevada County Firewise Communities: We Are the Solution

Did you know Nevada County now has more Firewise USA® Communities than any other county in the nation? Here, wildfire preparedness isn't just a catchphrase. To us, it's a way of life. Preparing for wildfire is a year-round effort that involves the whole family and the whole neighborhood. It's what's required for us to live and thrive in the rugged Sierra foothills.

Grid of six photos related to wildfire planning and prevention

Take Nevada County’s Wildfire Planning Survey through August 31^st

Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is investing substantial grant funding in three critical wildfire and multi-hazard strategic plans: an update to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, an update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the first Nevada County Evacuation Study. OES encourages residents to participate in a survey, available through August 31^st, to provide input.

Four people stand in front of a wall of framed photographs

Nevada County Auditor Catches Identity Fraud Incident

The Nevada County Auditor-Controller’s Office detected an identity fraud incident on Friday, June 9^th, resulting in a payment of $46,000 due to cybercriminals impersonating a County vendor. No County IT systems or services were accessed, breached, or compromised.

Nevada County Veterans Leader Elected to Executive Board of National Veterans Advocacy Group

Nevada County is proud to announce that Veterans Service Officer (VSO) David West was recently elected to the Executive Board of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). The national advocacy organization supports the nation’s approximately 1,800 county veterans services officers in pursuing benefits for veterans and eligible family members in their local communities.

June 20^th Board of Supervisors Special Meeting Preview

The County of Nevada will hold a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, June 20^th. The meeting starts at 9:00 am at the Eric Rood Administrative Center in the Board Chambers.

Members of the public who are unable to attend in person may watch this meeting live on Nevada County Media Comcast Channel 17 in western County and on Suddenlink Channels 17 and 78 in eastern County, or through the web at www.nevadacountyca.gov/boardmeetings and www.YouTube.com/c/CountyofNevadaCA. Please refer to page 4 of the agenda for information on how to participate in the meeting, as well as the various options being made available for members of the public to provide comment in both western and eastern County.

At special meetings of the Board, public comment will only be allowed on matters appearing on the agenda.

The meeting will begin at 9:00 am with a public hearing on the proposed Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, totaling approximately $369,817,435. The Board will then consider a motion of intent to adopt budgets remaining on the consent list.

At 10:30, the Board of Supervisors will recess and convene as the Board of Directors of the Nevada County Sanitation District No. 1 to hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budgets for Zones 1-12 totaling $10,841,510. The Board will then consider a motion of intent to adopt the Nevada County Sanitation District No. 1 budget totaling $10,841,510.

After adjourning as the Nevada County Sanitation District No. 1, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors will reconvene at 10:45 for a public hearing to establish fee schedules per the County’s Consolidated User Fee Schedule. The Board will then consider a resolution to establish a Consolidated User Fee Schedule for County Departments and a motion of intent to adopt the Information and General Services (Airport and Facilities), Library, Dept. of Social Services, and the Treasurer-Tax Collector budgets.

The Board meeting will then be adjourned.

View the Meeting Agenda

Supervisor Sue Hoek speaks in front of a crowd of people sitting in folding chairs set up in a garage-like room.

Community Shows Up for District 4 Town Hall Meeting

The District 4 Town Hall held on Thursday, June 15^th, in Penn Valley was a success! The Penn Valley Fire Station’s community room was packed with residents who gathered for an update from Supervisor Sue Hoek and the numerous County staff members in attendance, along with the Sheriff and the Penn Valley Fire Chief. The discussion was hosted by the Penn Valley Municipal Advisory Council. Attendees had great questions about fire prevention and preparedness, broadband, and resources to assist with storm recovery. Thank you to all who came out!

Sepia toned image of wooden buildings nestled along a river.

Historical Landmarks Commission Designates Truckee Chinatowns as Historical Landmark

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors recently designated Truckee's two Chinatowns as the County's latest historical landmark. A plaque will be mounted on the site of the Old Truckee Jail Museum, located within the boundaries of Truckee's historical Chinatowns. The Historical Landmarks Commission will install and dedicate the plaque on May 10^th, 2024, the 155^th anniversary of the building of the transcontinental railroad. This long overdue acknowledgement identifies and honors the many Chinese people who contributed to Truckee's viability and sustainability in the late 19th century.

The Secret to Nevada County's Award Winning HR Programs

By Steve Rose, Nevada County Human Resources Director

The Nevada County Human Resources department was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, the California State Association of Counties, International City/County Management Association, and Human Resources Director Magazine.

Transforming local government can happen organically with a visionary leader, a great team, and clear vision of the future. When I was hired to be the Nevada County HR director in 2018, I would have never imagined those three critical elements synergistically merging to make such an impact on our county. Our CEO had a vision for the future, which included growing and developing staff, fostering innovation, and becoming a high-performing organization. That was all the inspiration the HR team needed.