We have a lot of exciting things going on in our community: more performing arts activities, invigorated leadership at some entities, and some new and growing businesses.
But other communities are revving up their activities too: Truckee, with its revitalized downtown, western U.S. “destination” marketing push and multimillion-dollar spending by ski developers; South Placer, now the region’s shopping hub (whether you like it or not); and exciting improvements in downtown Auburn, Loomis and Lincoln.
“Collaboration” is the buzzword.
In our western county, I worry we’re still stuck in a time warp, with little to no vision about our future. Instead, we let a lot of self-serving interests tug us around in different directions.
Our community still struggles to see the “big picture.”
Recent examples include fighting over a political booth at an event that is geared toward the merchants, at a revitalized Grass Valley Downtown Association. Shopping, not politics, is the goal.
Then there’s our County Board of Supervisors, inviting an out-of-state, right “wing nut” advocate to speak about “forest management practices,” when we have invigorated forestry management right in our own community, led by an expert, Tom Quinn.
It is the epitome of caving to vocal but minority right-wing political interests — something that has come to define too much of the supervisors’ activities.
We are “purple” politically; in our county, President Obama lost to Mitt Romney by only a few hundred votes. Is anybody on the board listening or just living in a “bubble”?
Our staunchly conservative Sheriff has no business spending his time speaking to extreme political groups, either — we elected him for law enforcement. Does he want to be our version of “Sheriff Joe” of Arizona? His ego seems to be in overdrive.
Our newspaper — which boasts about its “community spirit” — is stuck behind a “paywall,” the epitome of business self-interest in an era of social media.
Most times when people come up with a new way to revitalize our local economy, it is met with dissent. We still look askance at “new blood” or new ideas, rushing to protect our old ways in isolationist style.
Our western county community is at a crossroads, still struggling with a vision for itself — much less a way to consistently collaborate with our neighbors.
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Somehow I think its more likely that we would find many of our local conservitarians in leather bustiers, mascara and platform boots rather than the snug knits of the Robinson family………
No cannon and/or gun imagery, though, like the “Lost in Space” trailer.
Jeff, that was a good, honest, well balanced article! Thank you
Oh, someone has a vision allright. However, one person’s vision might be another’s nightmare.
I wonder why CABPRO didn’t try for a “twofer”, and get “Sheriff Joe” Arpaio to come on over also? The more, the merrier.
I do think it is cool that The Holebrooke Hotel is getting a Travel Channel makeover. “Each episode features a hotel that is having problems or not living up to its potential”. Will the National Hotel be next?
Demographics is the culpret. The more retirement communities that come in, the more resistance to change will stay the same.
Good Morning,
Thank you Jeff for the article , I have said the the same thing for a long time but not nearly as eloquently as you have written. it is very true and as we bicker and banter the rest of County moves in the right direction. As someone pronounced in the past ” United We Stand, Divided We Fall “. The Monterey Peninsula realized this some 30 years ago and look where they are today. The most recent was Jan Arbuckle when she became a Director on the League of Cities Board. She said nothing about the area only Grass Valley. Grass Valley is not the only City in this area or State. It is called the League of Cities for a reason and a purpose. Come on people ” Grow Up ” This area either grows or dies and this depends upon the leaders.
Thank you again,
I remember when Brunswick was a lake. I remember when there was no freeway. Us, long timers want change, Heck thats all we have embraced thru the years. My dad Marv Haddy was one
that knew if this county..did not embrace change it would die, and it was.Nevada County has always needed change, and industry to keep the county vibrant and our young people wanting to stay here and raise their children. This county needs jobs and things for the kids to do, that are productive!! I said it when I was a kid, and I am still saying it!!
Let the powers that be find the industry that would love to come here.
Maybe Mountain Peoples Warehouse will come back?
Nyla Haddy Shoenhair
Good thoughts Nyla!
It was a pleasure to read what you had to say.
You’re so right Nyla. We long timers remember and know how important being productive is for everyone.
If the BOS wants to talk forestry, why don’t they focus on the areas where they can make a difference, a much needed one at that; private lands that need fuel reduction. There is no shortage of developed areas in this county, right around Grass Valley and Nevada City, that have high potential for some major wildfires. But oh no, instead they bring in some nutjob from Arizona talking about doing a land grab from the Federal Government. Its not only waste of time, its a distraction from doing what really needs to be done.
Whats next, maybe Scofield will schedule Todd Akin to talk about women’s health and reproductive rights?
Actually Scofield will be talking about making public trails private for those that he represents. Should be an interesting discussion on March 12.
Some good news:
I don’t remember seeing the results mentioned (I probably just missed it) – Nevada City was recently voted 2nd best place to live by Outside Magazine,
http://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/best-towns/Best-Towns-Nevada-City-California.html
Hi Brad,
This was widely reported at the time. It’s a best “river town” honor.