Happening Now brings you community news, updates and announcements throughout the day.
Send your photos and updates to 530-478-9600.
May 14, 2026 at 8:25 PM This Pileated woodpecker loves his handiwork (beakwork?) as evidenced by Camille’s photo.
May 14, 2026 at 3:15 PM Reader Jeanie reports: Beautiful young Shepherd running loose on Nimrod St in Nevada City.
May 14, 2026 at 12:36 PM There are still 2,266 customers out of power from Jones Bar Rd to John Born Rd. Crews are patrolling the circuit now before restoring.
May 14, 2026 at 12:32 PM Reader report of power restored in Lake Wildwood.
May 14, 2026 at 12:20 PM The estimated restoration times for the two circuits down are automatically generated, power is expected to be restored before 5:00 pm and 5:45 pm (Lake Wildwood.)
May 14, 2026 at 12:06 PM No estimated time of restoration for the outage yet. Trouble crews have been dispatched to the two outages, one affecting 5,288 customers from Rough and Ready to Big Oak Valley, the second one affecting 2,266 customers from Newtown to Lake Wildwood.
May 14, 2026 at 11:58 AM PG&E map shows power restored in Penn Valley and surrounding areas, but wait – now it shows all of Penn Valley to the Yuba County line out. That is a total of 7,278 customers without power.
May 14, 2026 at 11:51 AM The heat is on and the power is off for 2,449 PG&E customers in Nevada County. Two large outages in Lake Wildwood and Penn Valley, with Big Oak Valley also being affected.
May 14, 2026 at 10:56 AM A mystery animal is running in the roadway on Pleasant Valley Rd near Wildflower Dr. in Lake Wildwood. Animal Control has been notified, now we’re waiting to hear if it’s a unicorn.
May 14, 2026 at 9:14 AM Rollover accident on Hwy 20 near Nevada St in Nevada City, units are at scene. The minivan is off the roadway in a ditch.
May 14, 2026 at 8:21 AM The CAL FIRE engines you see assembled at Higgins Corner are part of the all hands meeting, there is no emergency in the area.
May 14, 2026 at 6:36 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 13, 2026 at 8:51 PM Reported vegetation fire on Floral Rd in the Duggans/Wolf area. Units dispatched for report of smoke seen, leger than a burnpile.
May 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM Air ambulance on order for the accident on Whiting St.
May 13, 2026 at 6:28 PM Vehicle vs bicycle on Whiting Street near Le Duc St in Grass Valley, emergency services dispatched.
May 13, 2026 at 3:48 PM The Brunswick Rd off ramp of southbound Hwy 49 is partially blocked. Seems to be a theme today.
May 13, 2026 at 3:27 PM A large metal beam in the center lane of southbound Hwy 49 at Brewer Rd. Use caution in the area.
May 13, 2026 at 1:22 PM Units at scene on Hwy 49 at Alta Sierra report no medical need, all units are being released.
May 13, 2026 at 1:10 PM Accident on southbound Hwy 49 at Alta Sierra Drive, units dispatched.
May 13, 2026 at 12:34 PM A juvenile Red-tailed hawk overhead. All the songbirds were very quiet.
May 13, 2026 at 10:16 AM Short videos with the three candidates for Nevada City’s City Council. Also, some context.
May 13, 2026 at 7:01 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 12, 2026 at 7:44 PM The Penn Valley Fire Department Board of Directors has offered the position of Fire Chief to Battalion Chief Clayton Thomas who accepted the position.
May 12, 2026 at 6:05 PM Hwy 174 is clear again, after a collision at the Y.
May 12, 2026 at 12:25 PM No really, besides delays to construction, nothing to report on road conditions. Not even a bovine stroll or a wayward garbage can. Keep it up!
May 12, 2026 at 7:51 AM NWS update: Mainly Minor HeatRisk is expected today, with some additional cooling to near normal levels is expected by Wednesday. Chances for mountain and foothill showers have diminished, with just a slight chance of light showers Wednesday, mainly for eastern Shasta County. Gusty northerly winds are expected for the weekend, which with low humidity will bring elevated fire weather concerns for the Valley and Delta.
May 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM Sign up for Nevada County Alerts prior to the May 28 test.
The new Nevada County Alerts will come from up to five different phone numbers. This helps make sure alerts go out quickly, even when large volumes are sent at once. Residents are urged to add these phone numbers to their contacts to easily recognize an emergency alert:
- 530-394-6160
- 530-248-7554
- 530-248-7559
- 530-248-7564
- 530-385-0422
May 12, 2026 at 6:13 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 11, 2026 at 6:40 PM Traffic hazard on northbound Hwy 49 just south of Alta Sierra Drive. Two cars, unknown if involved in an accident, are partially blocking the roadway.
May 11, 2026 at 3:08 PM St. John’s wort is already blooming at reader Mike’s place. Do you have early flowering/blooming plants, compared to previous years? Let us know.
May 11, 2026 at 1:38 PM A stalled car is blocking one of the lanes on Hwy 49 at North Bloomfield. Use caution and watch for more than just the traffic lights.
May 11, 2026 at 11:10 AM The pup found this morning in Alta Sierra has been reunited with his humans, thank to being microchipped. All is well.
May 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM Reported gas hazard, smell of gas in the area, on Gauthier Rd, units dispatched.
May 11, 2026 at 9:51 AM Two large white dogs are crossing into the roadway on Hwy 49 near Shoshoni Trail. Both look very well-cared for, but running across the highway.
May 11, 2026 at 8:18 AM NWS Sacramento update: The heat peaks today and Tuesday, with Moderate HeatRisk covering much of the Valley and foothills. Some cooling to near normal levels is expected by Wednesday.
May 11, 2026 at 8:11 AM The Bear-Yuba Land Trust will be burning two piles along Ridge Road on their Wildflower Ridge Preserve today.
May 11, 2026 at 6:27 AM From a reader: We just found a dog wandering on George Way in Alta Sierra. He is friendly, seems a little older and possibly blind. We have him for the time, but would likely need to have someone hopefully pick him up or take him to Sammie’s later if not. Owners can contact 916-220-5183.
May 11, 2026 at 6:20 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 10, 2026 at 7:04 PM Hummingbirds are enjoying the nectar/sugar water. More hummingbirds than usual this year, and Robins too, according to reader Mike.
May 10, 2026 at 6:53 PM From a reader: Anyone missing this beautiful dog? Found Saturday morning on Retrac Way, Grass Valley. Contact 530-205-8283 if this is your pup.
May 10, 2026 at 3:27 PM Accident on the 20000 block of Dog Bar Rd, motorcycle vs car. Units dispatched.
May 10, 2026 at 11:50 AM All units released from the Pine incident, false alarm, equipment needs maintenance.
May 10, 2026 at 11:31 AM First unit at scene on North Pine reports nothing showing, two engines to continue in and all others can cancel.
May 10, 2026 at 11:29 AM Commercial fire alarm, kitchen gas detector, on North Pine St in Nevada City, units dispatched.
May 10, 2026 at 10:30 AM NWS Sacramento: The heat persists today and into the week ahead, with breezier winds and some potential for isolated mountain showers/thunderstorms by midweek.
May 10, 2026 at 9:49 AM Large pine tree blocking the entire roadway on the 16000 block of Old Downieville Hwy. Firefighters at scene, they will cut it up and remove the tree.
May 10, 2026 at 9:46 AM Mother’s Day plant sale at the Miners Foundry is in full swing and runs until 3:00 pm. So many plants and expertise.
May 10, 2026 at 6:48 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 9, 2026 at 10:56 PM The estimated time of restoration for the 858 PG&E customers is 3:00 am. PG&E trouble crew is at scene, so it will likely be faster.
May 9, 2026 at 10:45 PM PG&E trouble crew will be on site of the downed power lines in 15 minutes. Emergency services are at scene and have closed the Auburn Rd to traffic.
May 9, 2026 at 10:39 PM Power outage affecting 858 customers from McCourtney to Hwy 49 to East Bald Hill. Auburn Rd from Godfrey will be shut down due to down power lines.
May 9, 2026 at 7:42 PM Law enforcement have detained a suspect on Dog Bar.
May 9, 2026 at 7:38 PM Law enforcement operation underway on Dog Bar Rd at Wheeler Acres Rd.
May 9, 2026 at 5:41 PM Units at scene on Harris report medical care is being declined. They can handle with engine at scene.
May 9, 2026 at 5:39 PM Accident on East Main and Harris in Grass Valley, scooter vs vehicle, units dispatched.
May 9, 2026 at 3:33 PM From a reader: Dog showed up at our home this morning (N. Bloomfield & Bloomfield Court). He looks to either be old or have a limp (possibly hurt). He’s super sweet. The gates have been open all day but he hasn’t wanted to leave. Please text if you know who he belongs to 954-793-3623
May 9, 2026 at 3:04 PM The pup found on Purdon Rd yesterday and dropped off at the Animal Shelter has been reunited with his human. All is well.
May 9, 2026 at 1:56 PM The start of the second round of weed whacking. Also, hydrate!
May 9, 2026 at 11:49 AM Monday is another free green waste drop-off day at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station (MRTS) aka the dump. Show off your piles of branches ready to go, your mowing, weed-whacking, hard-scaping. If you have some before and after photos, that would be awesome. Text 530-409-9888 or email news@yubanet.com Please tell us your first name and which neighborhood is more ready for fire season thanks to your efforts.
May 9, 2026 at 9:12 AM NWS Sacramento weather forecast: Warm temperatures continue through the weekend with well above normal temperatures remaining on track for Monday & Tuesday.
Minor HeatRisk and areas of Moderate HeatRisk are expected through the weekend as temperatures continue to trend upward. Widespread Moderate HeatRisk arrives by Monday & Tuesday as high pressure briefly settles in.
May 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 8, 2026 at 8:10 PM Two dogs showed up at 3pm today. They need their families! Off North Bloomfield – Enterprise Mine Rd, Nevada City. Call (530) 557-5509
May 8, 2026 at 7:21 PM Low-hanging communications lines and some down in the roadway on Garden Bar Rd near Wolf Rd. Units are a scene for traffic control.
May 8, 2026 at 5:55 PM The Banner Quaker Hill pup is back with his humans. All is well.
May 8, 2026 at 5:08 PM From a reader: There’s a black and white medium-sized male dog with no collar running alongside Banner Quaker Hill Rd around Summit Ridge and Aurora Close. He’s thirsty and tired. He won’t let me get close to him.
Is your pup safe?
May 8, 2026 at 1:23 PM This sweet boy was brought into Nevada County Animal Shelter/Sammie’s Friends yesterday. He was found on Purdon Road in Nevada City. Please call 530-471-5041 if this is your pup.
May 8, 2026 at 12:39 PM Accident on Dog Bar Rd near Mount Olive, the roadway is blocked. Units dispatched.
May 8, 2026 at 9:55 AM A large tree limb is blocking all lanes on Spenceville Rd near Stevens Ranch Pl. Public Works has been dispatched to clear the roadway.
May 8, 2026 at 9:37 AM A dryer, or maybe ac unit in the middle of the roadway on southbound Hwy 49 at the Sacramento St on ramp has been moved out of the way.
May 8, 2026 at 8:14 AM Accident on Banner Mountain Lookout Rd, units dispatched.
May 8, 2026 at 7:22 AM Units at scene on Hwy 49 at Lowden report one vehicle on its side with driver out of the vehicle. Medic and one engine to continue in, others can cancel.
May 8, 2026 at 7:18 AM Accident on southbound Hwy 49 at Lowden Ln just before Rush Creek, the roadway is clear. Reported as an overturned car.
May 8, 2026 at 6:26 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 7, 2026 at 8:06 PM In a five-page ruling, Nevada County Superior Judge S. Tice-Raskin rejected Rise Grass Valley’s writ of mandate petition to overturn the Nevada County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous decision to deny vested rights to mine on the historic Idaho-Maryland mine property.
May 7, 2026 at 7:54 PM Some peacocks are enjoying the rooftop views on Starduster Drive. That’s not their home however. Anyone missing their feathered friends?
May 7, 2026 at 7:19 PM A large metal shelf/bookcase in the slow lane of southbound Hwy 49 at the Idaho-Maryland Rd off ramp is creating a traffic hazard. Reportedly, no books were harmed during the littering because the shelf is empty. Figures.
May 7, 2026 at 4:40 PM Units are at scene of a reported gas hazard on Argyle Way in Nevada City state this is not a gas line hazard, a faulty lighter caused the smell. False alarm, all units are being released.
May 7, 2026 at 2:39 PM A caring reader just found this dog in the Smartsville area. Appears she has been roaming for a while. She is a very sweet dog and we will keep her safe. If she your dog, please contact 760-822-5870.
May 7, 2026 at 10:01 AM Reader Mike’s cool shot of morning fog over Lake Wildwood.
May 7, 2026 at 9:45 AM Nevada County residents living in unincorporated areas are encouraged to apply now for no-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs before the current fiscal year ends June 30. More than 275 animals have already been spayed or neutered through the County’s $75,000 pilot program, with additional appointments still available this spring.
May 7, 2026 at 9:02 AM NWS Sacramento update: Warm and dry weather with widespread Minor HeatRisk persists through the end of the week and into the weekend. Temperatures begin to trend well above normal Sunday into next week with widespread Moderate HeatRisk Sunday-Tuesday.
May 7, 2026 at 7:10 AM A big rig on Hwy 49 near La Barr Meadows seems to be lightening its load – trash is falling out of the semi and onto the roadway. Use caution and don’t litter.
May 7, 2026 at 6:23 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Open burning is NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City.
May 6, 2026 at 6:18 PM So, this happened. Fire Safe Council Board looking for ‘actual evidence’, Jones and Wackerly post bail.
May 6, 2026 at 1:48 PM The hummingbirds are extra this year. So many of them swarming the feeders. Now we’re waiting for the fledglings to show up too.
May 6, 2026 at 10:41 AM Reader report of a two-car accident on McCourtney Rd in front of Brighton Greens. Emergency services are on scene.
May 6, 2026 at 6:27 AM NWS Sacramento update: Dry and warming conditions to prevail across the area over the next several days. Widespread Minor HeatRisk in the Valley and foothills on Thursday through Saturday, then widespread Moderate HeatRisk Sunday through at least Tuesday of next week. Confidence continues to increase high temperatures near/above 100°F in the Valley early next week, with some daily records possible.
May 6, 2026 at 6:23 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
May 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM Reported smell of propane outside of a residemce on Lake Wildwood Dr, units dispatched.
May 5, 2026 at 2:51 PM Thanks to Triple M Towing for getting us safely back on the road, we now return to our regularly scheduled updates.
May 5, 2026 at 6:45 AM Jamie Jones surrendered to authorities yesterday after a warrant for her arrest had been issued. The criminal grand jury indictment against her lists 29 counts, including money laundering, embezzlement and perjury.
May 5, 2026 at 6:44 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
May 4, 2026 at 12:17 PM Units at scene on Dorsey report minor damage to vehicles, checking for injuries now. The intersection is blocked.
May 4, 2026 at 12:15 PM Accident on Dorsey Dr at Catherine Ln, units dispatched. All occupants are out of the vehicle, two cars involved.
May 4, 2026 at 11:10 AM Units dispatched for a car up on the sidewalk on Amsel Way in Grass Valley.
May 4, 2026 at 6:05 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
May 3, 2026 at 9:04 PM There will be much chirping at reader Michael’s soon. New clutch for the House Finch pair.
May 3, 2026 at 3:57 PM All units dispatched to the Sunnyside incident are being canceled, it is a permitted prescribed burn.
May 3, 2026 at 3:48 PM Units in the Sunnyside area are making their way in to the incident, this is possibly a prescribed burn.
May 3, 2026 at 3:40 PM Units dispatched to a vegetation fire on Sunnyside Ln in the Oregon House area.
May 3, 2026 at 12:17 PM An update to the Fire Safe Council developing story has been posted.
May 3, 2026 at 10:22 AM NWS Sacramento update: Scattered showers and thunderstorms (15-45% chance) today in the mountains, foothills, and portions of the Valley this afternoon through the overnight hours. Some storms may be strong today, with primary threats being brief heavy rain, dangerous lightning, small hail, and gusty erratic winds. Warming trend begins by the middle of the week and continues through next weekend, with the return of widespread Minor HeatRisk by Wednesday-Friday and areas of Moderate HeatRisk on Saturday.
May 3, 2026 at 8:09 AM Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson filed felony charges against Jamie Jones, executive director of the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County, and Chris Wackerly, Jones’ former partner and former director of operations for the organization.
May 3, 2026 at 12:29 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
May 2, 2026 at 5:26 PM Resources on the Valhalla incident will remain committed for another 30 minutes for mop-up operations.
May 2, 2026 at 5:15 PM Forward progress has been stopped on the Valhalla incident, the burn pile has been contained.
May 2, 2026 at 4:53 PM Units at scene on Valhalla and Hwy 20 report one burn pile, burning illegal materials. All resources dispatched to continue in.
May 2, 2026 at 4:42 PM Reported vegetation fire, escaped burn pile, on Hwy 20 and Valhalla Way in the Browns Valley area. Units dispatched.
May 2, 2026 at 11:15 AM Some long lines early this morning at the compost giveaway. County staff was busy helping residents fill their buckets, under Hagrid’s watchful eye.
May 2, 2026 at 8:24 AM NWS Sacramento forecast: Cooler high temperatures, along with an isolated thunderstorm chance this afternoon/evening in the mountains/foothills, highest potential north of I-80. Better chances of thunderstorms and rain showers on Sunday, with precipitation in the northern Sacramento Valley. A few of the thunderstorms may be strong Sunday afternoon and evening. Valley rain, isolated t-storms, and high elevation mountain snow showers Monday, with lingering mountain rain showers and isolated thunderstorms continuing Tuesday through Friday.
The good news: Today should be mostly dry in our area.
May 2, 2026 at 7:12 AM Lots to do today: Compost giveaway at the Rood Center, Farmers Market, the Wildfire Ready Festival and Expo and Celtic Festival. Where will you be? PS: Ride the bus for free today to any of these events.
May 2, 2026 at 7:09 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Grass Valley, Nevada City and City of Portola.
May 1, 2026 at 6:35 PM Units are still at scene of the overturned car on Nevada City Hwy, traffic control is in place.
May 1, 2026 at 6:28 PM The bearded dragon found yesterday in Nevada City has been reunited with his humans. All is well.
May 1, 2026 at 3:58 PM From reader Julie: Love the downtown vibe with Mill Street now! Lots of happy people, music and sunshine! Thank you Grass Valley!
May 1, 2026 at 3:38 PM Forward progress on the Janet incident has been stopped at approx. 1/2 acre.
May 1, 2026 at 3:31 PM Units at scene on Janet can handle the incident, with one additional water tender. All others can cancel.
May 1, 2026 at 3:24 PM Firefighters are at scene of an escaped burn pile on Janet Court off Bullard Drive in Placer County, reporting about 1/2 acre in light flashy fuels, backing down the hill. All units dispatched to continue in.
May 1, 2026 at 11:14 AM A reminder: Ride Nevada County Connects to KVMR’s Celtic Festival at the Nevada County Fairgrounds and enjoy free bus fares! Hop on any Nevada County Connects bus on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. Enjoy a stress-free ride to the fairgrounds, or throughout Western Nevada County, while avoiding the hassle and cost of parking and helping reduce traffic and carbon emissions.
May 1, 2026 at 8:23 AM Reported accident on Hwy 49 just north of Brunswick, units dispatched.
May 1, 2026 at 7:37 AM NWS Sacramento update: Mainly warm and dry today, with highs 5 to 10 degrees above normal and Minor HeatRisk. Slight chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms this aft/eve in the northern Coast Range and Sierra crest south of US 50. Mountain and foothill showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon into the night, highest potential north of I-80. More widespread chances of showers and thunderstorms Sunday, extending into the northern and central Sacramento Valley. There is the potential for a few strong thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening. Cooler, unsettled weather continues into across the area into Monday, with lingering mountain showers and isolated thunderstorms Tuesday through Friday.
May 1, 2026 at 12:06 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County. CAL FIRE burn permits are required. For maximum smoke dispersion, please burn between 9 AM – 3 PM. Burning is always prohibited inside the city limits of Nevada City and Grass Valley.
May 1, 2026 at 12:04 AM Last month’s log can be found here.