Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.
Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.
• Photo Contest Launches to Promote Dark Skies
A photo contest promoting dark sky lighting has been launched by the Nevada County Arts Council, Nevada County, the City of Nevada City and the City of Grass Valley.
(04/22/2024) → YubaNet
• Youth Commission Applications Open
Applications are open for Nevada County youth ages 14-19 for seats on the Youth Commission which acts as an advisory body for the Board of Supervisors.
(04/20/2024) → YubaNet
• Fire Evacuation Routes to be Presented
A study of possible evacuation routes for several fire-vulnerable areas has been compiled with recommendations for improvement is to be presented to the Board of Supervisors.
(04/19/2024) → The Union
• Fire Department Proposes Staff Increase
The City of Grass Valley Fire Department proposed use of Measure B funds to add one additional firefighter.
(04/19/2024) → The Union
• Skateboarders Give Input on Skatepark Design
In an April 17 community meeting in Grass Valley, dozens of area skateboarders gathered for a presentation on design options for the Condon Park Skatepark Project.
(04/18/2024) → The Union
• Gold Country Senior Services Soliciting Input
Input is sought from local seniors for what programs and services are desired at the new Senior Service Center located at 231 Colfax Avenue in Grass Valley.
(04/17/2024) → YubaNet
• Interfaith Food Ministry March Matching Campaign Raises $160,000
Interfaith Food Ministry announced it had exceeded its March Matching Campaign goal and raised $160,000 to address food insecurity in Nevada County.
(04/17/2024) → The Union
• Accountability Problems Continue at Fire Safe Counsil
The Nevada County Civil Grand Jury issued a report on April 16 noting continuing problems with the Fire Safe Council accounting of Nevada County funding.
(04/16/2024) → YubaNet
• Prescribed Burn Courses Offered
The Nevada County Resource Conservation District is offering courses in prescribed burns for county landowners.
(04/16/2024) → YubaNet
• Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.
(04/21/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'
California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.
(04/20/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger
Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why
The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.
(04/18/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
(04/17/2024) → CalMatters
• Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.
(04/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens
Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.
(04/17/2024) → California Healthline
• In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital
Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.
(04/16/2024) → California Healthline