Looking back at 2024 through the lens of Happening Now log entries. We focus on your photos, reports of lost and found critters, good news you wanted to share with the community.
From early storms to parades, low water levels, high spirits during events, rainbows, auroras, comets and wildlife – this is part of the fabric of this community. For each month, we list the critter count and at the end of the recap the impressive totals. We’re happy to report that the overwhelming majority of pets and livestock were reunited with their humans. Enjoy.
January 11, 2024 at 8:45 AM Report from reader Miguel about a large tree completely blocking Purdon Road near the top on the North San Juan side. The roadway is completely blocked.
January 18, 2024 at 10:27 AM Old Foresthill Rd. near Mammoth Bar is closed due to a mud and rock slide. Placer County crews are working to remove the boulders and clear the road. The reopening time is unknown at the moment. The Confluence is still open for access to Placerville. Please plan alternative routes.
January 2024 Critter Count:
- 15 dogs
- 1 bovine stroll alert
- 1 goat outing
February 2, 2024 at 3:31 PM Bovine stroll alert: Ten cows are ambling in the roadway on Pleasant Valley Road near Birchville. Prior experience tells us the bovines know exactly where they’re going. Drivers, use caution.
February 4, 2024 at 4:12 PM Statewide power outages.
February 5, 2024 at 12:02 PM NID Scotts Flat Campground between Gate 1 and Gate 2.
February 8, 2024 at 9:18 AM A large downed tree on the Magnolia III Canal, which is the raw water feed to the Lake of the Pines water treatment facility. A Nevada Irrigation District (NID) crew cleaned up the tree to allow access to the canal and to maintain water flows. The location is off of Peninsula Drive and Combie Road.
February 10, 2024 at 12:55 PM Brisk business at the cleanup, with plenty of people now filtering into downtown Nevada City for the Mardi Gras parade. Preparations are in full swing for the 2:00 pm start.
February 16, 2024 at 1:22 PM Like an overbaked soufflé, Rise Gold’s application to reopen the Idaho-Maryland mine has fallen flat. The Nevada County Board of Supervisors, by a unanimous 5-0 vote, decided to not certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, deny the rezone and use permits and variances requested.
February 21, 2024 at 10:15 AM Many thanks to reader Tom who shared his photo of the washout at the Buttermilk Bend Trail with us. He reported it to State Parks and the trail is closed for now.
February 23, 2024 at 7:20 PM Reader Jeff shared this picture of a perfect rainbow taken from Washington Rd. off Highway 20 this winter. The picture is looking west, down the South Yuba river canyon.
February 25, 2024 at 2:54 PM Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS) and the community celebrated the 10th Chinese Lunar New Year Parade in Nevada City on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. The parade’s Grand Marshal was Eliza Tudor, Executive Director of the Nevada County Arts Council. Parade units included Chinese Lion Dancers and a 72’ Dragon from Eastern Ways Martial Arts of Sacramento; Grass Valley Taiko drummers; students from Bell Hill Academy; “Mulan;” Miss Nevada City Chinatown – Aneka Torgrimson; Falun Dafa; and other community entries.
February 29, 2024 at 1:37 PM With the most significant storm of the season moving in, we checked in with Nevada County OES Program Manager Paul Cummings. He shares tips on how to be ready and what to expect as the storm progresses on Friday through Sunday.
February 2024 Critter Count:
- 12 cows aka bovines strolling
- 5 dogs
- 2 horses
- 1 cat
March 1, 2024 at 10:13 PM Reader report of a power outage in Cascade Shores. 1,914 customers out, some portion of the outage has been restored. A total of 4,806 customers out in the county. Nevada County now has the dubious top spot of most customers out in a California county.
March 2, 2024 at 12:32 PM Thanks to reader Ari for the photo of the trouble crews on Lake Vera/Purdon Road.
March 4, 2024 at 11:32 AM Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital had leap year twin boys born on February 29th. The Carnahan twin boys were born at 8:07 am and 8:10 am weighing 5 lbs 14 oz and 5 lbs 9 oz to the proud parents Ryan and Kara.
March 6, 2024 at 1:25 PM A behind the scenes look at NID personnel keeping the water running, during the blizzard. Hats off to the Ice Patrol workers!
March 8, 2024 at 4:20 PM NID cuts flows to the Bear River. Details here.
March 9, 2024 at 8:57 AM Spaulding powerhouse offline after leak discovered. PG&E’s alternatives to provide water to the South Yuba Canal and Bear River are dependent on the South Yuba Pipe which is currently out of service due to damage from a rockslide during a recent storm.
March 11, 2024 at 1:39 PM Well-deserved accolades for three of the many women leaders in Nevada County. Full details here.
March 27, 2024 at 5:24 PM Peardale-Chicago Park Fire PIO Daniel Ramey reports: Earlier today Peardale Chicago Park Fire was dispatched for an RV on fire threatening a structure. Engine-57 arrived and found a fully involved 5th wheel trailer burning right next to a home. Engine-57 passed command to Captain-5713 to start fire attack. Captain-5713 confirmed with resident that the trailer was unoccupied. Crews were able to knock down the flames and contain the fire to the trailer with no damage to the neighboring structure. CAL FIRE Battalion-2304 arrived on scene and assisted as safety officer as NCC Fire Battalion-8 assisted with fire investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to be from battery powered christmas lights. No injuries were reported on the incident. We would like to say thank you to Ophir Hill Fire, Grass Valley Fire, Nevada County Consolidated Fire and CAL FIRE for assisting us with this incident.
March 2024 Critter Count:
- 14 cows aka bovines strolling
- 5 dogs
- 2 goats
- 1 horse
- 1 pony
- 1 Red hen
April 4, 2024 at 6:35 PM Earthquake! M4.8 (unverified) near Belden. More details to come.
April 5, 2024 at 7:40 AM Still snowing – thanks to readers David and Trish for the ‘Snow on Towle Court’ photo.
April 5, 2024 at 7:28 PM A pretty spectacular sunset as seen from YubaNet HQ.
April 7, 2024 at 7:28 PM Engine under a rainbow at sunset – great photo by Peardale Chicago Park Fire PIO Daniel Ramey.
April 10, 2024 at 9:00 PM In early February, a rockslide during a severe winter storm took out a portion of the South Yuba Pipe, the PG&E-owned portion of the South Yuba Canal right below Spaulding Reservoir. Today, we ventured on Bowman Lake Road to bring you photos and video of the damage.
April 11, 2024 at 3:41 PM The final pieces of the old Nevada Street bridge are being removed.
April 15, 2024 at 6:56 AM This National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, 911 dispatchers are celebrated for the work they do 24/7, 365 days a year. Thank you dispatchers!
April 15, 2024 at 6:32 PM Reader Michael is sharing these photos of the Steller’s Jay family and their nest in his woodshed.
April 17, 2024 at 8:00 PM Long before fire season kicks off, all the Air Tankers, Air Attack and helicopters we are used to seeing on fires throughout the season undergo maintenance and rebuilding in CAL FIRE’s McClellan hangars. Then, it’s training and recertification time for the pilots and crews. New this year, training for Fire Hawk pilots and crew to fly with night vision goggles. We caught up with them as they prepared for one of the training flights. More here.
April 23, 2024 at 11:20 PM Check out the video of today’s Fire Crew Readiness drill at Reader Ranch. More photos and full story here.
April 26, 2024 at 10:43 AM A bedraggled turkey vulture drying its plumage after the latest downpour.
April 2024 Critter Count:
- 10 dogs
- 2 ducks and a slew of ducklings
- 2 cows
- 1 lamb
- 1 Cockatiel
May 6, 2024 at 7:03 PM Take a look at the video shot today at CAL FIRE’s 2024 Wildfire Preparedness event. This years’ theme is “Meeting the Mission Through Partnerships.” We caught up with two CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer alums you’re likely to recognize for some updates.
May 10, 2024 at 9:30 PM Not quite visible to the naked eye, but the camera phone captures the unusual night sky.
May 19, 2024 at 3:44 PM There will be more Red-shouldered hawks in the Banner Mountain area. Reader Ann sent these photos of the babies in the nest with one of the parents.
May 21, 2024 at 7:23 AM The bear cub is back, still curious but finally cautious. Mornings at YubaNet HQ.
May 23, 2024 at 6:04 PM A turkey vulture and a possum are blocking the northbound lanes on Hwy 49 at La Barr Meadows. CHP describes it as an animal hazard.
May 24, 2024 at 2:16 PM The first hatchlings to come around this year. Likely no more than a day old, these baby turkeys stay very close to mom. Welcome little ones 🙂
May 25, 2024 at 11:58 AM Take some time to read the story and watch the video about Chicago Park Elementary School’s Farm. It’s a great project for the students and the whole community, thanks to Principal Katie Kohler and Sierra Harvest School Garden Educator Lauren Valentino. If you’re so inclined, take a look at the wishlist, including the need for helping hands. We’ll return to the farm later this year to bring you an update, but it’s already looking great!
May 30, 2024 at 8:40 PM Catching up from this morning, a photo gallery of CAL FIRE NEU’s All Hands meeting. Congrats to all the award winners, be safe!
May 2024 Critter Count:
- 6 dogs
- 2 cats
- 2 cows
June 1, 2024 at 8:14 AM An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued from Tuesday morning until Thursday evening. Hottest temperatures expected Wednesday.
June 7, 2024 at 12:06 PM What a difference a month makes. Long Ravine on Rollins Lake May 9 and today.
June 7, 2024 at 7:09 PM Many thanks to reader Paul for sharing his photo of a (collared) mountain lion near Wildwood Ridge.
June 10, 2024 at 11:11 AM Can you spot the difference? Rollins Reservoir in mid-April and early June.
June 11, 2024 at 8:21 AM A slow start to the morning?
June 12, 2024 at 6:52 PM Why did the chicken cross the road? Reader Joshua reports: There are 5 chicken (I believe 3 roosters and 2 hens) that look lost at Hirschman’s Pond (on the trail by the pond). No sign of an owner. They seem super comfortable with people. Check your coop!
June 22, 2024 at 8:14 AM Rollins reservoir drawdown this month so far: From 61,800 acre ft to 55,000 ft.
June 2024 Critter Count:
- 12 dogs
- 5 chicken
- 3 cows
- 1 goat
- 1 horse
July 1, 2024 at 1:04 PM The National Weather Service in Sacramento has extended the Excessive Heat Warning through Sunday evening now.
July 5, 2024 at 2:55 PM Can you spot the baby Praying Mantis on the fern stalk?
July 14, 2024 at 8:40 PM Big Boy passed by the #RoyalFire Incident Command Base. Firefighters that have been working to contain the fire all week enjoyed taking a brief break to see the steam engine pass by. The Nevada County Task Force is currently still on the Tahoe National Forest supporting the Royal Fire and taking quick attack on any new lightning starts in the area.
Departments assigned to the County Task Force are as follows: Peardale Chicago Park Fire, North San Juan Fire District, Grass Valley Fire Department, Nevada County Consolidated Fire and Ophir Hill Fire.
July 20, 2024 at 1:06 PM Heat Advisory in effect from 11:00 am Monday through 11:00 pm Wednesday. High temperatures during this period in those areas will range from 103 to 110 °F, with lows ranging from the upper 60s to lower 80s. Widespread Major HeatRisk will occur primarily on Tuesday (along with localized areas of Extreme HeatRisk in the foothills and portions of the Valley), though there are large areas of Major HeatRisk on Monday and Wednesday as well.
July 27, 2024 at 10:11 AM Thanks to reader Michael for a photo that radiates cooler temps!
July 29, 2024 at 8:45 AM Rollins Lake at the lowest we might see it this year after PG&E fixed one of two horns at their Spaulding #1 powerhouse.
July 2024 Critter Count:
- 3 horses
- 3 cows
- 2 goats
- 1 dog
- 1 donkey
- 1 peacock
August 1, 2024 at 10:21 AM Sheriff’s HEART Rescues Pets in Park Fire Burn Scar. Twenty-five pets trapped in the Park Fire and subsequent burn scar were rescued this past weekend by members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization launched by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) that is dedicated to helping animals and their owners in the community who need rescue and evacuation during an emergency.
August 7, 2024 at 1:16 PM On the good news side: It’s opening day at the Fair! Take a look at this morning’s opening ceremony and get some tips from Andrew and Katie about new rides and events. Don’t forget the food! See you at the Fair 🙂
August 11, 2024 at 11:47 PM Aurora alert! Stepped outside to watch the Perseid and noticed a shimmer in the sky to the north. NWS Sacramento sent this screengrab from the Round Mt. #2 camera in Shasta and the color photo is looking north from YubaNet HQ. Use your phone cameras!
August 16, 2024 at 7:27 AM Thanks to reader Bill for the photo. Last day of the Fair, after the Horse Breed Carousel. A mini and a 17-3 draft.
August 21, 2024 at 2:16 PM Hopeful news from reader Linda: Perhaps a new angle of repose will help solve the problem of the road cut slide here? Looks hopeful on a sunny day!
August 22, 2024 at 10:22 AM In the good news column: Reader Michael’s tool box was not in the back of his truck when he returned home. As he was getting ready to retrace his drive, the doorbell rang. Three kids on their way to the skatepark had found the toolbox on the roadside. They picked up the tools strewn about and took everything to the address on a business card tucked in the toolbox. “It really made my day. Some of the tools were my dad’s and they mean a lot to me.”
August 27, 2024 at 1:40 PM Many thanks to Velvy Appleton for sharing these photos of the GV Church fire at the height of the blaze.
August 29, 2024 at 9:53 PM Got to walk in and around CAL FIRE’s new C-130H tanker today. That plane is huge, and fast! Despite its size, the C-130H will be used in initial attack operations throughout the state once the full fleet comes online. Tanker 122 is based at McClellan where CAL FIRE’s Aviation headquarters are. The tanker carries 4,000 gallons of retardant, compared to the max. 1,200 gallons S-2 tankers (like Tankers 88 and 89 out of Grass Valley) carry. Full story and more photos here.
August 31, 2024 at 8:33 AM Three good news stories for the weekend:
- Go Number 12! NU Miners Senior Kaylin Williams Scores First Point By A Female For Varsity Football Team
- Nevada County Habitat For Humanity dedicates 45th home
- Venture Forward – Sierra Commons invites the community to 15th anniversary celebration on Sept. 20
August 2024 Critter Count:
- 17 cows
- 5 dogs
- 2 cats
- 2 giant tortoises
September 4, 2024 at 10:48 AM We love to geek out every once in a while and maybe so do you. NASA’s Landsat division let’s you spell out your name in Earth features found in Landsat images. Below is YubaNet in spelled out in their imagery and here is the link for you to try it out.
September 6, 2024 at 6:55 AM A Pileated Woodpecker looking for breakfast.
September 15, 2024 at 8:46 PM 2024 Constitution Day Parade – a photo gallery. A great time was had by all.
September 19, 2024 at 6:12 AM Two good news tidbits from Sammie’s Friends: Fourteen of the seized Geckos from Alta Sierra are being adopted by local schools. The longest stay dog (565 days) has been adopted!
September 19, 2024 at 7:42 PM Waves over Morgan Ranch, thanks to reader Anastasia for the photo.
September 20, 2024 at 3:58 PM The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair is underway at the Fairgrounds. Treat Street is open too and admission to the Fairgrounds is free.
September 30, 2024 at 12:44 PM There was a lot of excitement at this morning’s ribbon cutting at Scotten Elementary! A brand-new playground for the 345 students is now officially open for them.
September 2024 Critter Count:
- 14 dogs
- 7 goats
- 1 pig
October 4, 2024 at 7:35 AM This story will brighten your day. Timothy May: Here’s to Don, the Hero of Condon Park’s Canines.
October 5, 2024 at 11:52 AM The 2024 Heart of Gold Gravel race is underway. Hundreds of experienced bike riders compete in the fourth annual Heart of Gold, two challenging gravel-course races through Gold Country that will increase awareness and raise funds for mental wellness programs for children and young adults in Nevada County. Both races also finish at the administration center, where the Heart of Gold Festival will be held from 12-4 p.m. featuring food, vendors, live music, a raffle and more.
October 8, 2024 at 9:02 AM Reader and photographer Mike Oitzman captured this amazing view of last night’s aurora over Lake Wildwood.
October 8, 2024 at 12:41 PM Reader Rob shared this time-lapse video of the aurora borealis as seen from You Bet.
October 11, 2024 at 8:00 AM Readers’ aurora borealis photos. From Tahoe City to Lake Wildwood via Florida – take a look at the celestial spectacle.
October 13, 2024 at 3:02 PM Reader Rod takes us down the acorn path. “Where gravity meets an obstacle. They gather.”
October 14, 2024 at 7:33 PM The comet is visible with the naked eye right now. Go outside and look to the west.
October 16, 2024 at 8:00 AM Thanks to readers Paige, Adrienne and Kate for this morning’s photo gallery.
October 16, 2024 at 9:17 AM A few more photos, including last night’s comet view from YubaNet HQ, the morning sky by reader Nicole and another rainbow view by reader Keelynn.
October 21, 2024 at 1:03 PM A good news story for this Peregrine Falcon. Equinox (Nox), a peregrine falcon whose life has been chronicled on a popular web cam feed, was released to the wild Friday, Oct 18, after suffering a broken wing in July. His release within the East Bay Regional Parks occurred roughly three months after his surgery and recovery at the California Raptor Center, a program of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
October 23, 2024 at 10:45 AM The Nevada Street Bridge is getting closer to completion. Thanks to Bill Falconi for the photo.
October 24, 2024 at 10:57 PM Thanks to reader Alice for her creation of Hazel the scarecrow and sharing the photos.
October 25, 2024 at 7:38 AM Some of this morning’s sky views. Thanks to reader Chris for the altitude view and reader Adrienne for the travel day shot, the virga clouds are looking west from YubaNet HQ.
October 25, 2024 at 7:59 AM Formal on 174, discovered by reader Gary.
October 27, 2024 at 8:54 AM Thanks to reader Bennett for the progress report on the Nevada Street bridge: Water is now flowing in the creekbed beneath the new bridge, workers started to remove in-creekbed diversion barriers.
October 31, 2024 at 2:15 PM They’re ready for the Halloween Spooktacular at the Rood Center. Come on by from 3-5!
October 31, 2024 at 9:36 PM So many photos to pick from, this took a while. Here is the Halloween Spooktacular photo gallery.
October 2024 Critter Count:
- 50 goats
- 10 dogs
- 4 cows
- 3 horses
- 2 cats
November 1, 2024 at 11:21 PM Road conditions on the summit right now.
November 4, 2024 at 7:22 AM Thanks to reader Maribel for sharing “Fall colors on Quaker Hill” to start your Monday.
November 7, 2024 at 4:02 PM Thanks to reader David for this photo of the Fall colors in nearly full display at Empire Mine State Historic Park.
November 12, 2024 at 8:29 AM Reader Joan shared this: Yesterday I had an extraordinary experience. I was in a store that took only cash and I didn’t have any. The female clerk did not know me, but gave me, from her purse, the amount to purchase the item. She wrote her name and the amount on a slip of paper and handed it to me. Talk about customer service –WOW! I drove to another local store, got the money and some flowers and hurried back to repay her. Such kindness from this trusting lady.
November 18, 2024 at 8:15 AM Reader Maribel shared these photos from a Fall walk on the Canal Trail off Gracie. The adorable pup is Bermie, aka Princess Bermie.
November 19, 2024 at 11:32 AM Reader Cathy shared this: My mom’s 101st birthday celebration with her 3 kids (me on the far right) some grands, & 4 of her greats!
November 22, 2024 at 7:22 AM South county starting the day in style with a double rainbow.
November 22, 2024 at 11:01 PM Most of us are comfortably dry and warm right now. Not so the Public Works crews out in the storm removing trees and reopening the roads. Huge thanks to the crew currently working to reopen New Rome.
November 2024 Critter Count:
- 16 dogs
- 8 pigs
- 5 goats
- 1 cat
December 2, 2024 at 9:06 AM Thanks to reader Kandice for sharing this stunning sunrise over Scotts Flat.
December 5, 2024 at 12:15 PM Thanks to reader Kandice for sharing this view of Donner Lake.
December 7, 2024 at 8:54 AM The best animal log entries are the ones we don’t need to publish. A reader saw a dog darting into traffic, took a picture and texted the location and photo. By the time we grabbed the text and photo, he texted again reporting the owner had secured the pup. Thanks for caring Mark.
December 9, 2024 at 8:49 AM Bald Eagle, a morning visitor to YubaNet HQ.
December 9, 2024 at 3:09 PM Earthquake. Unknown magnitude, stay tuned for details.
December 9, 2024 at 3:11 PM Preliminary: Reported M 5.8 earthquake in Nevada north of Yerrington.
December 12, 2024 at 8:38 AM Snow on Quaker Hill, thanks to reader Maribel for the photo.
December 14, 2024 at 5:10 PM From a reader: Sunset over Lake Wildwood.
December 14, 2024 at 8:45 PM Thanks to reader Michael for this photo of the soggy Santa – and thanks to all the Toy Run participants.
December 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM Thanks to Felton for sharing this photo of Victorian Christmas in downtown Nevada City today.
December 23, 2024 at 8:30 AM Thanks to reader George for the photos of the famed Cedar Ridge Deer and the decorated Ophir Hill Fire engine.
December 2024 Critter Count (partial):
- 25 dogs
- 11 cows
Total critter count January 1 to December 27, 2024
- 124 dogs
- 73 cows
- 68 goats
- 12 horses/donkeys
- 9 pigs
- 8 cats
- 6 chicken
- 2 ducks and a slew of ducklings
- 2 giant tortoises
- 1 peacock
- 1 lamb
- 1 cockatiel