News Briefs
Area plane crashes result in 1 injury, 3 deaths
May 24, 2013 —The pilot survived the crash of a single-engine aircraft Thursday afternoon east of Truckee — the third plane crash in the region in a week.
The pilot, whose identity was unavailable as of press time, called 911 at about 3 p.m. Thursday to report his downed plane in the area of the Truckee Airport, said Nevada County Undersheriff Joe Salivar. The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane, which crashed about seven miles due east of the airport, near the state line.
Learn more »Presentation on climate change to take place Tuesday
May 23, 2013 —Presentation on climate change on Tuesday
The Rev. Sharon Delgado has developed a presentation on the topic of climate change and will introduce it Tuesday at the Nevada City United Methodist Church. In Delgado’s presentation, she will show that Delgado, the executive director of local nonprofit Earth Justice Ministries, has been speaking and writing about climate change for 25 years. She is a trained presenter with the Climate Reality Project (http://climaterealityproject.org) and will incorporate some of their slides into her presentation.
Learn more »Community yard sale benefits Nevada County Food Bank
May 23, 2013 —The Grass Valley 4-H Club’s Community Service Project is the Nevada County Food Bank. Each year the club hosts a yard sale where all proceeds benefit the Food Bank. The club is requesting donations for the sale, which may be dropped off at the Y, located at the intersection of Brunswick Road and Highway 174 in Cedar Ridge, from June 17 through June 23.
This yard sale is unique in that pricing is done on a donation only basis. Last year they raised more than $350 for the Food Bank. Mark your calendar and plan to attend the “donation only” yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 23.
Learn more »American Legion hosts annual Memorial Day program
May 23, 2013 —American Legion Post 130 will host its annual program honoring veterans at 11 a.m., Monday, at the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Park. In addition to a “fly over,” local veterans will be honored and will share their battle experiences. Wreaths will be laid by local veterans’ units, and the program will close with a three-volley rifle salute and a bagpipe version of “Amazing Grace.” Following the program, Boy Scout Troop 855 will be selling full-plate picnic lunches for $5. In the event of rain, the program will be moved to the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building, 255 South Auburn St. For more information, call 530-272-2160.
Learn more »Community members invited to League of Women Voters’ annual luncheon
May 23, 2013 —The League of Women Voters of Western Nevada County invites members and interested citizens to its annual meeting and luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Tofanelli’s Restaurant, 302 West Main St. in Grass Valley.
The annual meeting is one of the most important general membership meetings of the league’s year. It gives members an opportunity to direct the future of the league. Some of the topics on our agenda will include:
Learn more »Mosquito fish giveaway
May 22, 2013 —The Nevada County Vector Control Program is announcing free mosquito fish giveaway events for the summer season beginning today. The free event will be from noon to 2 p.m. today at the Nevada County Fairgrounds near the Gentle Giant monument. Entrance to the event is from Brighton Street where it crosses McCourtney Road. The event will be drive-through style. Additional mosquito fish giveaway events are planned for June 6, June 20 and July 18.
The mosquito fish need to be delivered to your pond within a two-hour period. The fish are not native to California and should not be placed in moving bodies of water like creeks or streams. The fish will eat mosquito larvae in ponds, watering troughs, bird baths and unused swimming pools.
Learn more »Welcome Home Vets offers free classes
May 22, 2013 —Most people know a relative, friend or acquaintance who went away to serve in the military and was just not the same when he or she came home. Readjustment to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, family and community, especially if the vet has had a traumatic experience, such as combat or military sexual trauma. Psychological treatment for trauma is important, but an understanding and welcoming family and community can help tremendously in the healing process. In order to assist the public to understand the difficulties faced by returning veterans, regardless of when they served, Welcome Home Vets is offering a free series of classes on veteran’s re-adjustment issues. The four classes are: PTSD and Other Trauma Responses; Military Culture and the Warrior Spirit; Drugs, Alcohol and Codependency; and Medications in PTSD Treatment. Classes are repeated monthly and are held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Welcome Home Vets office, 248 Mill Street (the Lola Montez house), in Grass Valley. Stop by the office or call 530-272-3300 for a schedule and more information.
Learn more »Brunswick Certified Farmers Market opens
May 21, 2013 —Brunswick Certified Farmers Market opens
The Brunswick Certified Farmers Market is now under way at the Nevada County Horsemen Grounds. Opening night was last week, and the eight or nine family farmers who showed up offered a variety of fruit and vegetables. This market is funded and produced by the Yuba Foodshed Alliance, a rapidly growing group of family farmers dedicated to sustainable farming and working with other farmers in our foodshed to provide farm-direct produce and other farm products.
Learn more »Gold Country Celtic Society invites public to “Cousin Jacks in the Wild West”
May 21, 2013 —Community members are invited to join the Gold Country Celtic Society’s gathering today. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by a potluck at 6:30. Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer, entreé, or dessert for eight to 10 people, your tableware and a beverage of your choice. Water, coffee and tea are available. After dinner there will be a program by Gary Noy, a history professor from Sierra College. He will present an illustrated lecture titled “Cousin Jacks in the Wild West: The Historical and Cultural Impact of the Cornish in Nevada County,” and will feature stories from his own Cornish heritage. Please join us — you don’t have to be Celtic! We meet at the Nevada City Veterans Building, 415 N. Pine St., in Nevada City.
For more information, call 530-272-1316 or visit http://www.nevadacountycelticclub.org.
Learn more »Nevada County Camera Club seeking new members
May 21, 2013 —From shutterbugs to advanced photographers, the Nevada County Camera Club has something for you. Meetings are the fourth Monday of the month; isit nevadacountycameraclub.com for exceptions. Visitors are welcome, and refreshments are served. The meeting location is the Unity Church, 180 Cambridge Ct., in Grass Valley. Maps can be found at nevadacountycameraclub.com. Come join us for a friendly evening get-together of like-minded people who enjoy photography.
Learn more »Nevada City resident promoted to lieutenant
May 21, 2013 —Nevada City resident Alex Merkle was commissioned as a First Lieutenant into the U.S. Army Reserve on Monday. The oath of office was administered by Dr. Jon Bowersox, US Air Force Reserve (retired) at Enloe Medical Center, where they both serve on the trauma surgery service.
Merkle is also an active member of the Nevada County community, volunteering with the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and serving as a board member for the Mendocino-Tahoe Conservancy.
Learn more »Two small vegetation fires keeps fire crews busy
May 21, 2013 —Two separate vegetation fires kept local fire crews busy Monday afternoon.
The first fire, on Conestoga Way near Bitmey Springs Road, was reported just before 1:30 p.m. It was initially reported as smoke, but was located by the Cal Fire Air Attack plane, said Nevada County Consolidated Fire Battalion Chief Jerry Funk. Grass Valley and Penn Valley firefighters also responded to that fire, which was contained to a half-acre.
Learn more »Spring Thing 2013 set for June 1
May 21, 2013 —North Fork American River Alliance invites the public to Spring Thing 2013 at 7 p.m. Saturday June 1 at the Dutch Flat Community Center, 933 Stockton St. Dr. Edward (Ted) Beedy of Nevada City will give a special presentation about his new book, “Birds of the Sierra Nevada: Their Natural History, Status, and Distribution.” The presentation will include slides, videos and bird sounds. This program is for everyone from the serious birder to those who just want to know about feathered visitors in the backyard. The event is free. Desserts and beverages will be served.
For information, call Jim at 530-389-8344.
Learn more »Library service available for home-bound individuals
May 21, 2013 —The Nevada County Library Book Buddy Program provides library materials to Nevada County residents who cannot come to the library.
This service, provided free of charge, is one on one between the Book Buddy volunteer and the home-bound individual. The Book Buddy delivers and picks up materials for the home-bound individual.
Learn more »Recipe-sharing event at Eskaton
May 21, 2013 —An event for individuals who are allergic to gluten or prefer not to include it in their diet is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. May 29 in Eskaton Village in Grass Valley. Dubbed “Tea, Tasting and Talk,” guests will be able to share recipes and sample dishes. The guest speaker will be Lucinda De Franco from BriarPatch Co-op. “Tea, Tasting and Talk” will be in the Crafters Courtyard at 625 Eskaton Circle in Grass Valley. To RSVP, call 530-273-1778.
Learn more »Meckler’s Citizens for Self-Governance helps file suit against IRS
May 20, 2013 —Citizens for Self-Governance, an organization founded by Nevada County resident Mark Meckler — who co-founded the Tea Party Patriots — will be assisting local groups in filing class action litigation that includes requests for damages against the IRS for illegal and harassing behavior in the handling and processing of their applications for non-profit status.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with all those known and unknown who have been abused by a federal government run amok,” Meckler said in a prepared statement. “Instead of just playing defense, it is time for the citizens to go on offense. We are, after all, ‘We the People.’ And when the federal government runs amok, it is up to us rein it in. Neither party in Congress can be relied upon to satisfactorily resolve this issue. They created the IRS, fund the IRS, and oversee the IRS. All of this abuse happened on their watch.”
Learn more »Welcome Home Vets to host open house, guest author
May 20, 2013 —Welcome Home Vets will host a Memorial Day open house and book signing by author Kurt Chismark, author of “An Honorable Illusion: A Memoir.” Beginning at 1 p.m. May 27, the Welcome Home Vets office will offer free refreshments for those joining the Local Heroes’ Memorial Day Bridge Walk.
An open house will follow, and presentations by Chismark on his experiences in the Vietnam War and his return home will be given at 3 and again at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served until 7 p.m. Chismark’s book is the account of his own service in the 6th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Vietnam. During his command of troops with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he earned the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal. Chismark describes his wartime experiences and the effects that service has since had on him and his family. He is currently employed as executive director of two mental health clinicsand serves as chair of the Welcome Home Vets Board of Directors.
Learn more »Registration now open for foreign car show
May 20, 2013 —The Sierra Sports Car Group, United Way of Nevada County and the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the third annual Nevada City Foreign Car Show. This car show is a collaborative effort among the three groups. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 in downtown Nevada City. Foreign car and motorcycle enthusiasts may enter their vehicles now. The entry will be limited to cars manufactured in 1982 and older, including vintage motorcycles. There will be a special category for cars of special interest, such as race cars and exotics. This is a great opportunity to display your special collectible car, such as a 2000 Lamborghini or 1997 Maserati.
In addition, there will be a wine stroll, a pub crawl, music and kids’ activities in downtown Nevada City. The car show is free. Cars will be parked for public viewing along Broad Street in Nevada City. The proceeds will go to the United Way of Nevada County and the Chamber of Commerce to help support community efforts in our area.
Learn more »Grass Valley declares May ‘Hepatitis Awareness Month’
May 20, 2013 —Grass Valley Mayor Dan Miller and the city council have declared the month of May as Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day, urging the citizens of Grass Valley who are at risk to be tested for viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis C is the most common blood borne virus in the U.S., and more people die from it than from HIV. The majority of people who have hepatitis C are Baby Boomers born between 1945 and 1965. Hepatitis C can go undetected for decades, and as Boomers age, the damage progresses more rapidly.
Learn more »Art of the cinema
Art by Union Hill School students in grades 1 through 5 is now on display at Sierra Cinemas. Through their after school art program coordinated by Community Canvas, students painted canvases of the Del Oro Theatre. For more information on the art program, visit http:// www.yourcommunitycanvas.com.
Learn more »Program features birds of the Sierra
May 19, 2013 —At the June 6 meeting of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society, Ted Beedy and Ed Pandolfino will take the audience on a virtual transect of the Sierra Nevada range from the oak savanna in the west through serene conifer forests of the west side, up into the majestic alpine regions and down the steep eastern escarpment to the pinyon/juniper woodlands and open steppes of the Great Basin.
Along the way, the group will see and hear the stunning diversity of birds that make the Sierra their home. We’ll learn about which birds are in decline and which are expanding and increasing. We’ll address some mysteries surrounding some of those species and discuss how birders can help to solve them.
Learn more »Program features birds of the Sierra Nevada with Ted Beedy and Ed Pandolfino
May 19, 2013 —At the June 6 meeting of the Sierra Foothills Audubon Society the Ted Beedy and Ed Pandolfino will take the audience on a virtual transect of the Sierra Nevada range from the oak savanna in the west, through serene conifer forests of the west side, up into the majestic alpine regions, and down the steep eastern escarpment to the pinyon/juniper woodlands and open steppes of the Great Basin. Along the way the group will see and hear the stunning diversity of birds that make the Sierra their home. We’ll learn about which birds are in decline and which are expanding and increasing. We’ll address some mysteries surrounding some of those species and discuss how birders can help to solve them.
Ted Beedy co-authored Discovering Sierra Birds and has written numerous technical publications and articles on Sierra birds. Ed Pandolfino is President of Western Field Ornithologists, a Regional Editor for Northern California for the North American Birds, and has published more than two dozen articles on status and distribution of western birds. The guest duo co-authored a new book, “Birds of the Sierra Nevada: Their Natural History, Status, and Distribution,” illustrated by Keith Hansen and published by U.C. Press.
Learn more »“Climate Change Reality” presentation set for May 28
May 19, 2013 —The Rev. Sharon Delgado will share her presentation, “Climate Change Reality,” with community members from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 28 at the Nevada City United Methodist Church, 433 Broad St., in Nevada City. Delgado’s presentation, a call to action, will focus on “the massive impacts of human-caused climate change on the earth’s natural systems.”
A trained presenter with the Climate Reality Project, Delgado is executive director of local nonprofit Earth Justice Ministries. She will incorporate many of that group’s slides into her presentation. The program is being sponsored by the Nevada City United Methodist Church and Society Committee. For more information, visit www.earth-justice.org or “like” Earth Justice Ministries on Facebook. To schedule Rev. Delgado for a presentation on climate change or another topic, go to http://sharondelgado.org/presentations/. Find her blog postings on climate change at http://sharondelgado.org/category/climate-change-2/.
Learn more »The Nevada County Newcomer’s Club host author, illustrator Maryjo Koch
May 19, 2013 —Talented author, illustrator, and artist, Maryjo Koch, will be the featured speaker at the Nevada County Newcomers Club luncheon on Wednesday, May, 22, at the Alta Sierra Country Club. Working from her studio in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Koch is an artist whose enchanting nature paintings and private commissions are featured in galleries and museums from North American to Asia. She has illustrated 18 books that are treasured and collected by people all around the world. Maryjo will be speaking about how she became a writer and business owner. This talented, fun, humorous speaker will have her books available for sale.
Cost of the luncheon and meeting is $18. Lunch choices include Bay Shrimp and Crab Enchiladas, Cumin Crusted Chicken Breast, and Herbed Cheese Polenta Stackers. All choices include soup du jour, bread and butter, coffee and tea, and tuxedo cake dessert. To make your reservation, send an $18 check made payable to Newcomers Club to Patricia Graves, 10065 Robinson King Road, Nevada City, CA 95959. Please write on the check your luncheon choice. The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, May 14.
Learn more »North San Juan Fire to discuss parcel tax, truck lease
May 17, 2013 —The board of directors for the North San Juan Fire Protection District will meet Tuesday to discuss a district parcel tax, as well as the lease and possible purchase of a Ford F350 truck.
Other items on the agenda include a proposed preliminary 2013-14 budget.
Learn more »Blaze guts Penn Valley house
May 17, 2013 —A residence in Penn Valley was fully involved when firefighters arrived and was completely destroyed Thursday night.
Firefighters from the Penn Valley Fire District responded to the fire on Castaway Court, off Pioneer Way, just after 9:15 p.m. Rough and Ready firefighters assisted, as did Grass Valley firefighters.
The house was a complete loss, but no injuries were reported. Several small spot fires caused by wind-blown embers were quickly extinguished.
Firefighters were on the scene for more than five hours and the cause remains under investigation.
Western Sierra Medical Clinic to provide new morning appointments
May 17, 2013 —Western Sierra Medical Clinic is now offering early morning appointments on Thursdays and Fridays through Miners Family Health Center. The new schedule offers appointments starting at 7 a.m. with certified Physician Assistant Flene Folsom. Additional expanded appointments are also available during the lunch hour, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Appointments are available Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can be made by calling Miners Family Health Center during business hours at 530-274-WSMC (9762).
Western Sierra Medical Clinic is a federally qualified health center providing primary health care, dental care, maternal health, counseling, immunizations and comprehensive health education programs. WSMC is a nonprofit community health center with the mission to ensure that every person, regardless of ability to pay, has access to quality health care.
For more information about Western Sierra Medical Clinic, visit http://www.wsmcmed.org.
Child Advocates of Nevada County to host online auction fundraiser
May 17, 2013 —Child Advocates of Nevada County will be hosting an online auction to benefit their child abuse prevention and advocacy programs. The auction will start Monday. The auction will be managed through Ebay Giving Works Charitable Giving. Accommodations in Cabo San Lucas, Sonoma, Lake Almanor, San Francisco and Reno, as well as many local choices for dinners, health and beauty product and services, and items for the home will be featured. Links to and details about the auction can be found on the Child Advocates of Nevada County website at http://caofnc.org.
Third annual Nevada City Foreign Car Show set for June
May 17, 2013 —The Sierra Sports Car Group, United Way of Nevada County and The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the third annual Nevada City Foreign Car Show. This car show is a collaborative effort between the three groups. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 8 in downtown Nevada City. Foreign Car and motorcycle enthusiasts may enter their vehicles now. Entries will be limited to vehicles made in 1982 and before, including vintage motorcycles. There will be a special class to allow cars of special interest to enter, such as race cars and exotics. This is a great opportunity to display your special collectible car, such as a 2000 Lamborghini or 1997 Maserati.
During the day there will also be a wine stroll, a pub crawl, music and kid’s activities in downtown Nevada City. The car show is free, and the cars will be parked on Broad Street in Nevada City for the public to view. The proceeds will go to the United Way of Nevada County and the Chamber of Commerce to help support community efforts in our area.
Registration forms are available at www.uwnc.org, the Sierra Sports Car Group website at http://www.sierrasportscargroup.com or by calling United Way of Nevada County at 530-274-8111. For more information on the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, visit http://www.nevadacitychamber.com or call 530-265-2692.
Auto club hosts Champion Rescuer Event today
May 17, 2013 —AAA Grass Valley will be hosting its Champion Rescuer Event from 10 a.m. to noon today to celebrate local rescuers from the Rough and Ready and Grass Valley fire departments. Activities planned at the AAA office, 113 Dorsey Drive in Grass Valley, include a raffle for a chance to win an autographed San Francisco Giants baseball and a world championship ring replica. Score a free Giants’ collectable cap with an auto, home or life quote and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a field day at AT&T Park with the SF Giants. Plus, get tips from the Rough and Ready and Grass Valley Fire Departments on how we can all work together to make our communities stronger, safer and more prepared.
AAA is committed to actively aiding first responder organizations as well as organizations supporting first responders, and will be presenting Rough and Ready and Grass Valley Fire Departments each with a $2,500 donation to purchase equipment and supplies. For more information, call 530-271-2600.
