Community News · Grass Valley, CA
The Nifty Nights fashion show at the Miners Foundry raised an estimated $27,000 to $28,000 for Sammie’s Friends, the official Nevada County Animal Shelter. Proceeds will fund immediate improvements to animal health and fencing at the McCourtney Road facility. The shelter operates under a hybrid management model with the county, having entered a new contract in November 2025. Additionally, officials are discussing bond measures to help finance a planned $17–$20 million regional animal care facility on La Barr Meadows Road.
Community News · Nevada County
United Way of Nevada County's 13th Annual Project Warmth collection drive is accepting new or gently used warm coats, hats, gloves, and socks at participating businesses throughout Nevada County through December 15. Shopping days for local families in need to select winter clothing are scheduled for November 20 and December 4, 11, and 18. Donation sites include locations in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, and Baird. This year's drive is sponsored by Dignity Health and DO HVAC (Danny Oliver's Heating & Air). More information is available at uwnc.org or 530-274-8111.
Social Events · Nevada City, CA
Anthony Roumanis, event manager for both the National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City and the Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, leads "Haunted By History" tours held every October at both properties. The tours emphasize historical narratives—including Gold Rush-era displacement of Nisenan people, Victorian occult culture, and stories tied to specific rooms—rather than ghost-hunting gimmicks. Both hotels, each over 150 years old, were renovated in 2020 and 2021, after which reported paranormal encounters reportedly declined. Tour information is available by calling the National Exchange at 530-362-7605 or the Holbrooke at 530-460-4078.
Community News · Nevada County
The Nevada County Library's Recreation Collection, launched around 2022, includes a telescope lending program that has circulated approximately 1,000 times since 2019. Patrons can borrow telescopes for up to five days free of charge, with instructional materials and accessories included. The broader collection also offers retro board games, musical instruments, metal detectors, snowshoes, state park passes, and ghost hunting kits, alongside a seed library partnership with the Master Gardeners of Nevada County. The telescope program operates in collaboration with the Nevada County Astronomers club, which hosts monthly meetings at the Madelyn Helling Library generally on the first Wednesday at 7 p.m. and organizes outdoor star parties about once a month.
