Small towns are a hoot! I noticed the new Grass Valley Chamber’s Visitor Guide is now running full-page political ads — in this case a full-page ad promoting former Grass Valley police chief John Foster for Sheriff.
This kind of ad doesn’t belong in a Chamber Visitor Guide! As the Chamber itself states: “The Chamber is a non-profit and nonpartisan organization, consisting of members from every segment of the community.”
Not all Grass Valley “powers that be” are even supporting Foster. For example, Jan Arbuckle and Lisa Swarthout are hosting a “Meet and Greet” for Shannon Moon.
That’s within their right. Meanwhile, The Chamber needs to keep politics out of tourism. We’re seeking to raise our statewide stature as a designated California Cultural District, a high honor. Let’s not be so podunk.
Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report 
Remember the giant Miller Time ad above the Chamber, speaking of poor judgment?
I do. I took holy hell for writing about it! LOL.
I also heard the Nevada County Economic Resource Council may have paid the Grass Valley Chamber to help publish this visitor guide. That would make the political ad even worse, since the ERC is funded with taxpayer dollars. Come on people!
Just a thought to pour oil on troubled waters, but wouldn’t all the candidates be free to place their campaign ads in the guide? Maybe the city visitors are interested in who is running for local offices here in Mayberry.
Just saying.
Of course, Judith. Does the Bend, Ore., Visitor Guide run ads for local political candidates? Let me know.
I’ll check Jeff, but you know Bend isn’t anything like Nevada County.
I have witnessed the same campaign sign frenzy there though. But I haven’t heard of any Bendites playing nasty tricks like stealing campaign billboards or dumping severed sheep heads at political headquarters. Small towns are indeed a hoot.
Shannan Moon has announced two new endorsements of her campaign for Sheriff of Nevada County. Supervisors Heidi Hall of District 1 and Hank Weston of District 4 announced their support today in a joint statement issued by the campaign.
“Shannan’s experience and skill set make her the most qualified candidate seeking the position.” Supervisor Weston said earlier today. “She’s a home-grown candidate who truly understands the needs of Nevada County and will make sure our County remains a safe place to live.”
“Shannan has served in all positions within the Sheriff’s Office, from an entry level deputy, then promoted all the way up to Captain of Operations. In every assignment, she has received outstanding reviews, she’s tried new ways of doing things, and she’s instituted positive changes. Shannan Moon understands what it will take to maintain an effective Sheriff’s Department, and maintain our quality of life here in Nevada County.”