Shortly after Grass Valley eliminated its parks and recreation department in June 2009 amid recession-induced budget shortfalls, its former director found herself in the city council audience still lobbying for a dog park that she had pushed for. Former parks director Sandy “Jake” Jacobson recalls people asking why she was still coming even though she wasn’t getting paid. “It was disappointing to be sure, but I understand that when there is no money in the checking account that tough decisions have to be made,” Jacobson said. “It was a good run, but I wasn’t done yet.” Today, Jacobson, a Nevada …