Local Politics · Nevada County
The Nevada Irrigation District Board will meet Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 9 a.m. in Grass Valley to finalize and approve its 2027 annual budget. The proposed budget projects $135.1 million in revenue against $143.7 million in expenditures, drawing down the fund balance by $8.6 million. A previously approved 9% rate increase for customers takes effect closer to January 1 following an August announcement. The proposal eliminates two positions—Senior Park Ranger and Senior Storekeeper—in local NID recreation areas, reducing full-time equivalents from 199 to 197.
Local Politics · Nevada County
On Friday, Oct. 23, the U.S. Department of Justice hand-delivered a demand letter to Nevada County Elections requesting investigation of 10 names flagged as "likely non-citizens" and that any ballots from those individuals be set aside. Registrar of Voters Armando Salud-Ambriz confirmed the list was reviewed and stated the office is correctly following all applicable state and federal laws. The county is preparing a formal response in consultation with county counsel and guidance from the California Secretary of State's Office. Voting is underway for the Nov. 3 General Election, with polling locations available at NevadaCountyCa.gov/votehere.
Local Politics · Nevada City, CA
The Nevada City Council will meet Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Beryl P. Robinson Jr. Conference Room at City Hall, 317 Broad St. The agenda includes a second reading and adoption vote on an ordinance correcting cannabis business tax rules to restore zero-percent taxation for medicinal retail sales via medical ID card or physician recommendation with government ID. Council members will also hear a presentation from Nevada County transit services on operations and future goals for Nevada County Connects and paratransit, discuss proposed changes to City Hall hours and council meeting start times, and consider wastewater treatment plant upgrades of up to $125,971 plus a water-efficient landscaping ordinance. Any adopted schedule changes would take effect Dec. 4.
Local Politics · Nevada County
At a Friday community forum at Sierra College, Nevada City City Manager Carrie Wright and Grass Valley City Manager Alex Gammelgard addressed parking, water rates, homelessness, and police leadership. Gammelgard reported that paid parking implemented in July at the South Church Street and Union Square lots reduced peak capacity from 100% to about 80-85%, with kiosk transactions rising from 668 in July to roughly 2,100 daily by September. Wright indicated Nevada City may raise parking rates from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour and is issuing an RFP for a broader parking management program. On water, Wright described the Proposition 218 rate-increase process approved at the October 15 council meeting, noting the average monthly impact was about $31. Both managers discussed homelessness as a symptom of underlying issues including substance abuse and mental illness, with Wright citing a countywide drop in reported homeless from 516 to approximately 394.
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Community brief · Grass Valley, CA
The annual Victorian Christmas Faire will be held at Frank Buck Hall, next to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Grass Valley, on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7. Organized by St. Catherine’s Women’s Guild, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and features handmade goods, food service, and holiday decorations. Proceeds from the faire support local charities including the Hospitality House, Interfaith Food Ministry, and Habitat…
Community brief · Grass Valley, CA
Author and educator Devin Bradley has released his debut novel, "Beyond the Fallen Timber," set in the mountains surrounding Rush Creek. A public book launch celebration featuring an author talk, book signing, and discussion is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 7, at Nevada Union High School's Don Baggett Theatre, 11761 Ridge Rd, Grass Valley. The event is open to the community. The novel is available in hardcover ($30.99) and…
