Nevada County: 2024 in Review
In 2024, Nevada County, California, experienced several significant events that shaped the community and garnered attention. The year was marked by dramatic incidents, public safety challenges, and institutional accountability in Nevada County. Each occurrence highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the local community in navigating crises and controversies.
Cultural Recognition in National Media
Nevada County's rich cultural heritage received national attention in 2024. Notably, The Mercury News featured Grass Valley and Nevada City as charming destinations offering a plethora of activities, while The New York Times highlighted the local fondness for pasties, shedding light on the county's unique culinary traditions.
Atmospheric River Events and Flooding
In early February 2024, California faced two atmospheric river events that brought extensive flooding, intense winds, and power outages to various regions, including Nevada County. These storms resulted in record-breaking rainfall, landslides, and rivers overflowing, causing significant disruptions and damage. The state declared emergencies in multiple counties due to the severity of the situation.
Nevada County published an Instagram post on February 4 (updated February 5) to alert residents: “Our Roads team has been working overnight to address road issues as quickly as possible, & is coordinating with PG&E to remove trees into power lines where they are blocking county roads. Stay safe out there!”
Fatal Plane Crash Near Truckee Tahoe Airport
On March 30, 2024, a single-engine Daher TBM 900 aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Truckee Tahoe Airport. The incident occurred near Glenshire Drive and Olympic Boulevard, northwest of the airport. Both the pilot and the passenger of the plane were fatally injured. The aircraft had departed from Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado earlier that day. At the time of the crash, moderate snowfall was reported in the Truckee area, with visibility around half a mile, though winds were light. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report issued by the NTSB stated, “A review of video camera footage at the airport and near the accident site revealed that the visibility at the time of the accident was under 0.34 statute miles,” also including, “The air traffic control tower was closed at TRK. The airport’s NOTAMs reported that the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights were not operational for runway 21. A review of the recorded audio for the Common Traffic Frequency (CTAF) revealed that when the airplane was about 2.4 nm from the runway surface, clicks can be heard consistent with the pilot attempting to activate the runway lights. The accident site was located in snow-covered terrain adjacent to railroad tracks about 3,200 ft north from the approach end of runway 11. In character, the terrain was dense thick brush and mature trees.”
Nevada County Fire Safe Council Controversy
The Nevada County Fire Safe Council came under scrutiny starting in April 2024 following allegations of financial mismanagement and embezzlement. The accusations raised concerns about the organization’s role in wildfire prevention and its handling of public funds, shaking public confidence in local disaster-prevention efforts. The District Attorney’s office was still investigating by year end and will continue into the next year.
Edwards Crossing Bridge Replacement/Rehabilitation
In early 2024, Nevada County officials engaged in discussions regarding the replacement of the 119-year-old Edwards Crossing Bridge. This project aimed to address safety concerns and preserve a vital transportation link for the community.
Two public meetings were held in late February 2024. The original plan was to finalize the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) by July followed by a design period extending from July 2024 to August 2026. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was published in September, and the project is planned to last from 2026-2028.
Two alternatives were presented by Dokken Engineering: in one scenario, a new 200-foot span bridge located about 60 feet upstream from the existing bridge would be constructed and would not change the road alignment of the current route to and from the bridge. In another scenario, a new 500-foot span bridge would be built and located about 1,000 feet upstream of the existing bridge.
According to Public Works, Nevada County has replaced or rehabilitated seven bridges in western Nevada County since 2017. The County is currently working on replacing or rehabilitating four more bridges by 2028.
Deer Poaching Operation
A significant wildlife crime bust in Nevada County led to the arrest of six individuals charged with illegal deer poaching. The group engaged in nighttime hunts, killing dozens of deer unlawfully in residential areas using spotlights and firearms. They harvested valuable parts such as antlers and hides, leaving the remainder of the animals to decay. The extensive investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife highlighted the severity of the crime.
There is no direct mention of the details of the case by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. The February 2024 meeting minutes for the Fish and Wildlife Commission vaguely report that there is “a big court case currently underway so he cannot talk too much detail, but there are several people being brought up on poaching charges.” Then, in April, “the court case is ongoing for the citations last year.” In June: “the ongoing court case is in late August but it will take several months to process.” In the meeting minutes from August: “Deer season is going to be challenging this year. The large case is still pending with no updates just waiting on the courts.”
The case People vs. Bradley Chilton: The first court date (arraignment) was on March 18 and a plea was entered on October 24, when probation was imposed for two years. The probation terms prohibit the ownership or possession of weapons or firearms. Chilton also is subject to flash incarceration and search and seizure. He cannot hunt until the end of the probationary period and fines have been paid in full, with an addition of 240 hours of community service.
Wildfire Season Challenges
The 2024 wildfire season was notably active in California, with almost 8,000 wildfires burning over 1 million acres statewide. Nevada County, with its dense forests and rugged terrain, was on high alert throughout the season. While the county managed to avoid catastrophic fires, the heightened state of readiness and community efforts in fire prevention were significant.
The only wildfire reported on the CalFire 2024 summary was the Dutch Fire, which started on October 5 at Lowell Hill Road and Dutch Flat Forebay Dam, east of Grass Valley, burning 28 acres.
Arson Incident at Sierra Motorsports
In August 2024, a fire destroyed Sierra Motorsports, a well-known family-owned business in Grass Valley. The fire, which began in nearby vegetation, quickly spread to the establishment, causing significant damage. Elizabeth Huston of Nevada County was arrested and charged with arson in connection with the incident. The loss of the business was deeply felt within the community, highlighting concerns about fire safety and the impact of such crimes on local enterprises.
Missing Camper Found Alive After 12 Days
In September 2024, Esmeralda Marie Pineda, a 24-year-old camper, went missing in the wilderness near the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office had posted on Facebook: “She was last seen Monday, Aug. 26, between approximately 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at a mining claim camp in the vicinity of the middle fork of the Yuba River and Sweetland Creek in Nevada City.” On September 5, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office posted that she had been found, after searching for a week and a half.
Pineda was found alive but severely dehydrated and emaciated in a remote area. Her rescue required an airlift out of a canyon with a 800-foot climb. The dramatic survival story captivated national media, highlighting both the dangers of wilderness exploration and the dedication of Nevada County’s search-and-rescue teams.
Election Results and Voter Turnout
The November 5, 2024, General Election saw a high voter turnout in Nevada County, with 82% participation. Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona certified the results, highlighting the county's strong civic engagement. Approximately 90% of voters cast their ballots by mail, reflecting a continued trend towards mail-in voting.
Housing Initiatives and Tiny Homes Ordinance
Addressing the housing crisis remained a priority among Nevada County government officials. In November 2024, the county scheduled a public hearing to discuss a proposed Tiny Homes on Wheels Ordinance, aiming to provide alternative housing solutions and alleviate housing shortages. The hearing was rescheduled for January 14, 2025, indicating ongoing efforts to explore innovative housing options.
According to the County, “The proposed ordinance would allow permitting of tiny homes on wheels on private property in unincorporated Nevada County.” Public comments relating to the ordinance proposal will be accepted until the rescheduled meeting date: submit to Principal Planner Tyler Barrington at tyler.barrington@nevadacountyca.gov
Campaign to End Veteran Homelessness
On November 17, Nevada County launched the "Housed for the Holidays" campaign, aiming to end veteran homelessness by December 31. The initiative called on local landlords and property managers to assist in providing housing solutions for veterans, demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting those who have served.
The County posted a call for help online, quoting Veterans Service Officer David West: “We’re committed to ending homelessness in Nevada County. If anyone has a granny flat or room or something we can rent please reach out so we can be helpful. If you’re a veteran or know a veteran, please call…”
Cannabis Farm Robbery
On December 5, 2024, a licensed cannabis farm in Grass Valley reported the theft of 150 pounds of marijuana, valued at approximately $150,000. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a licensed cannabis farm in the 12000 block of Sunshine Valley Rd. in Grass Valley, and noted that surveillance cameras at the property had been reported as disabled.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, “Two Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) deputies responded to the property and determined an armed robbery had occurred with five victims held at gunpoint, all of whom worked and resided at the property and were sleeping at the time of the invasion. Fortunately, none of the victims were shot or injured. The robbers fled the area prior to the deputies’ arrival.”
The incident highlighted the ongoing security challenges for legal cannabis operations, particularly in remote areas. Law enforcement’s investigation into the robbery drew attention to the vulnerabilities of the growing cannabis industry
Infrastructure Improvements at McCourtney Road Transfer Station
December 2024 marked the commencement of significant improvements at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station (MRTS). The McCourtney Road Transfer Station provides solid waste and recycling services for Grass Valley, Nevada City, and unincorporated parts of western Nevada County, California.
The project, starting on December 6, impacted both inbound and outbound traffic and was expected to take about two weeks. These enhancements aimed to improve waste management services for county residents.
The improvement proposal included building a public receiving area building, adding a new access road and scale facilities to reduce traffic delays, improving access to household hazardous waste and recyclables buy-back areas, making green waste unloading more accessible, making demolition debris unloading more accessible, and repurposing the public receiving area for organic/food waste to meet the requirements of California State Bill 1383.
Watch the Residential Food Waste Town Hall (from November 18). Also, view and/or download the Solid Waste Senior and Low-Income Discount Application, which can be mailed to: Attn: Lori Ready, 13083 Grass Valley Ave Grass Valley, CA 95945.