County District Attorney Cliff Newell to retire

This statement appeared on Facebook and the local media:

“It’s a wrap. I had a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish,” says Cliff Newell with a wry smile. “One by one, my exceptional staff and I addressed each challenge over the years. My work is complete. It’s time for someone with a new list.”

Cliff Newell was elected as Nevada County District Attorney in 2006, following the footsteps of Mike Ferguson, who also served as the DA for 16 years. “What stands out most about Cliff’s long service to the people of Nevada County is his empathy and understanding of what truly constitutes justice.  Whether you were the family of a crime victim or the family of a defendant, you could trust Cliff to be, above all, fair,” said Joe Alexander, Eldorado County Assistant DA, and Cliff’s former Assistant DA. “I am honored to have worked for Cliff and lucky to have him as a friend.  I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

At 64 years, and the father of four adult children, Cliff plans to stay in Nevada City with his wife Katy.

Author: jeffpelline

Jeff Pelline is a veteran editor and award-winning journalist - in print and online. He is publisher of Sierra FoodWineArt magazine and its website SierraCulture.com. Jeff covered business and technology for The San Francisco Chronicle for 12 years, and he was a founding editor and Editor of CNET News for eight years, among other positions. Jeff has a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and a master's from Northwestern University. His hobbies include sailing, swimming, and trout fishing in the Sierra. View all posts by jeffpelline