After nearly five decades of public service, Ed Scofield is stepping down from his role of District 2 County Supervisor, a post he held for 16 years.
“It’s all been a wonderful, wonderful experience. I like representing the people of District 2. It’s been an honor to be elected and be that representative. I’m going to miss it, no doubt about it,” said Scofield.
Soon, the new Bear River Library will honor his name.
The new South County branch library opened last spring, ensuring adequate and equitable access to books for children and families.
“That’s one legacy I’m really, really proud of. Now we’ve got this beautiful library that’s a great place for kids of all ages, and adults,” said Scofield.
A ceremony dedicating the children’s room for Scofield happened Tuesday at the library located in the old Holiday Market Shopping Center near Lake of the Pines.
“Supervisor Scofield has been a champion of many community improvement projects, contributing to transportation, workforce and economic development, and expanded library services. His genuine care for our community, collaborative spirit, and ability to inspire has left a lasting impact,” said County Executive Officer Alison Lehman
Soon, a class one path will be built along Combie Road connecting Bear River High School to Higgins Lane. Making the community more walkable, a cause Scofield has strongly advocated for years and is happy to see come to fruition.
Community projects like these are at the heart of Scofield’s legacy serving the people from 2009 to 2024 as a four-term Nevada County Supervisor.
“The Fair Is In My Heart”
Before he was an elected official, Scofield served a vital role at the helm of Nevada County Fairgrounds. For 27 years he managed the fair as CEO of California’s 17th District Agricultural Association, providing opportunities for families and neighbors to gather at events that celebrate Nevada County’s rural and farming heritage.
“The fair is in my heart. It’s in my blood. I love that place,” said Scofield.
This is where he met Jeanette Royal who shares a passion for community. The two became lifelong friends while announcing horse shows at the fairgrounds.
“Ed always jumped right in to ensure that the show must go on. With his white cowboy hat and boots or sometimes tennis shoes, he would get the job done, whether it was manning the gates, digging up broken water lines, introducing dignitaries or giving awards to exhibitors. We often tease him about being very good with a microphone,” said Royal, a board director of the 17th District Agricultural Association for 31 years and wife of former County Sheriff Keith Royal.
She remembers Scofield as a patient listener with an easy style and ready smile who had the gift of bringing people together to reach consensus with mutually agreeable terms for all parties.
Scofield was inducted into the Western Fairs Hall of Fame in 2004. He continues to serve as a member of the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit with a mission of fundraising for improvements to the fairgrounds, especially programs benefiting youth.
“I know my community. [It was] one of the reasons I was hired as Fair Manager, not because I had a lot of experience, but because they knew that I was a part of this community. I think I brought that same strength to the County when I was elected,” said Scofield.
Born and Raised
Scofield, who will be 80 in February, is a fifth-generation Nevada County resident on his mother’s side (his father is from New York). He was born in the old Grass Valley hospital and was among the first graduating class from Nevada Union High School in 1962. Three years later, he graduated from Sierra College.
Over the years, he has witnessed a lot of changes. He remembers when his community was forever changed by the construction of what is known today as the Golden Center Highway, which cut through Grass Valley and Nevada City in the 1960s. Grass Valley residents no longer had to travel by a narrow two-lane road behind slow logging trucks to get to Nevada City.
Carrying on in his family’s footsteps, Scofield’s commitment to public service began in 1975, serving on the Grass Valley City Council for seven years until 1982. His grandfather was the former mayor of the same town.
From transportation to economic development to park improvements and increased library services, Scofield has always put what’s best for his community first.
A “joiner” drawn to community organizations, Scofield has been a member or president of a number of them from Grass Valley Jaycees and Grass Valley Little League to the Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Grass Valley.
Married to his wife Carol for 30 years, the couple has three children, Wendy, Ed (the 4th) and Nicole; in addition to Brandyn, who joined the family as a “Little Brother” in 1994. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Serving Nevada County
Scofield was first elected as District 2 Supervisor in 2008 to serve a four-year term from 2009-2012.
Monty East, a community advocate and businessman from South County, joined Royal to advise and provide support during his first campaign.
“I really enjoyed his demeanor and his thoughtfulness,” said East, adding that Scofield cared for what was good for his constituents and the county as a whole.
Over the years, East would continue to keep the Supervisor informed of South County issues and observe Scofield’s leadership in action on the many committees he was involved with.
“He’s always been very personable. That’s part of his leadership, is letting people take control of their own destiny with a little guidance. That is a wonderful trait he has,” said East.
Scofield was re-elected in 2012, 2017 and 2021. He served as Board Chair in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023.
“I think what helped get Ed re-elected was the fact that he was a good listener and he was always available,” said East.
Scofield will be the first to tell you that the job of County Supervisor requires a lot of homework and reading to stay current for board meetings held twice a month.
“The lessons begin on day one. You always get an exam on the second and fourth Tuesday,” said Scofield.
Representing his district, he is proud of the transportation work and a legacy of improving the safety of Highway 49 and Dog Bar Road with wider lanes for emergency evacuations. He helped to create a stronger community in his district by revitalizing “Higgins Corner.”
But it wasn’t just his district he cared about. He was interested in the good of the entire county. He supported the enhancement of public recreation and voted to approve the County’s first Recreation & Resiliency Master Plan. He sat through many emotional and contentious hearings when he worked with County Staff and the Board of Supervisors to develop a balanced approach to legal cannabis.
“Most people know my history. I was pretty much opposed to cannabis. I had to change my thinking on that. I’ve made some really good friends during this process. I have always tried to be open minded. I try to listen to the public,” he said.
Scofield prides himself on being “level-headed” and a team player. He gives kudos and gratitude to the hardworking folks around him.
“My colleagues over the years have been exceptional people. I like to think that I added to that,” said Scofield.
Since 2019, he has been a strong advocate for wildfire insurance reform, hosting the first joint state Town Hall Meeting with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Through Scofield’s leadership, Commissioner Lara kicked off a 58 County tour that eventually led to the development and launch of the Insurance Sustainability Strategy, a topic that Scofield’s colleague Supervisor Heidi Hall continues to advocate for.
Scofield worked to advance economic development in a number of ways, including serving on the board of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council and passing the County’s first Economic Development Action Plan.
It wasn’t all roses. In fact, there were moments that could be extremely difficult, such as the Idaho Maryland Mine and during the Covid years. But his work always boiled down to the people he served and his warm demeanor. He likes people and people like him. This approachability took him far.
“He always made it known that you could have his ear and he would try his best to get a decision made or problem solved that was best for all parties involved. He was fair, he was balanced and he was a good judge. He was smart and made sure he understood the issues. He is very well respected,” said East.
During his last term as a County Supervisor, Scofield served on the Nevada County Transportation Commission and Transit Services Commission, the National Association of Counties, the Nevada County Airport Land Use Commission and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Board.
He also served as a Board member of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council, Workforce Development Board, as the County representative on the Board of the California State Association of Counties and as the Treasurer on its Executive Committee.
Scofield’s last day is Jan. 6. He will be replaced by newly elected Robb Tucker, born and raised in South Nevada County.
“New blood – I think that’s what we’re going to get from Robb – new ideas and new enthusiasm,” said Scofield.
Upon retirement, Scofield is not planning to slow down much. He will continue to serve in leadership roles with his church and as President of the Rotary Club of Grass Valley South.
He’s looking forward to dedicating more time to singing. He is a member of the Grass Valley All Male Voice Choir and the Grass Valley Cornish Choral Choir, a homage to his mother’s family who worked in the mines. Look for him during this season’s Cornish Christmas when he and his choral group will be singing on the steps of the old Union building in his hometown of Grass Valley.
“I think we live in one of those communities where people are drawn to and people are welcomed. It’s such a wonderful feeling,” said Scofield.
Laura Petersen is a freelance writer living in Grass Valley. This is one of a series of articles written on behalf of Nevada County. She can be reached at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com.