Happening Now – March 2024

Happening Now brings you community news, updates and announcements throughout the day. Don’t forget to refresh/reload this page to see the latest updates.

March 31, 2024 at 9:55 AM NWS Sacramento CA Cancels the Winter Storm Warning for West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada.

March 31, 2024 at 7:53 AM I-80 at Kingvale: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas).

March 30, 2024 at 11:26 AM You’ve seen the signs at the on and off ramps, here is the explainer. Evening and overnight ramp closures between Grass Valley and Nevada City for maintenance and repairs. “Additionally, various shoulder closures will take place during the day for electrical and clearing work, but they are expected to have little impact to the traveling public,” says Caltrans.

March 29, 2024 at 2:31 PM Accident on Hwy 20 near Spaulding Lake Rd.

March 29, 2024 at 2:30 PM Nevada County Pursuit of Sacramento Carjacking Vehicle Ends in Arrests. Five suspects are in custody this morning following the pursuit of a vehicle that was allegedly taken in an armed carjacking from Sacramento County overnight. Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) received notification at 5:15 a.m. that the wanted vehicle, a black Chevy Volt, had just been scanned on a Grass Valley License Plate Reader camera entering the city near McKnight Way. NCSO along with Grass Valley Police Department (GVPD) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the vicinity to conduct a search for the stolen vehicle. Within minutes, GVPD located the vehicle, which fled east on Hwy 174 after failing to yield. A pursuit ensued, but officers lost visual of the vehicle after passing Greenhorn Access Road at approximately 5:37 a.m.

March 29, 2024 at 1:24 PM Car vs pole on Magnolia Road, units dispatched.

March 29, 2024 at 12:43 PM Vehicle accident with extrication required, westbound I-80 at Hwy 20.

March 29, 2024 at 11:28 AM Accident on Hwy 20 at Chalk Bluff, debris all over the roadway.

March 29, 2024 at 10:43 AM Reader report of snow on Banner Quaker Hill Cross Road. Be aware of the road conditions and be safe out there!

March 29, 2024 at 6:49 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 28, 2024 at 6:18 PM A heads up from PG&E: Flows on South Yuba River to Increase Soon. Due to PG&E’s ongoing emergency repair work at Spaulding 1 powerhouse, spill from Spaulding Reservoir into the South Yuba River is anticipated to start earlier this year and flows could potentially be greater and more dynamic than previous years.  

March 28, 2024 at 11:41 AM Heads up from NWS Sacramento: Forecast precipitation and snowfall have trended upward for Friday-Saturday.

March 28, 2024 at 7:58 AM Accident on Pasquale Rd near Emerald Lane.

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 27, 2024 at 5:10 PM Nevada County Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona today certified the results of the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. The final results are available at www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/March5Election. The final tally shows that 53.25 percent or 39,579 of Nevada County’s 74,321 registered voters cast ballots in the election.

Editor’s note: Grass Valley’s Measure B passes by 2,137 Yes to 2,117 No votes. 4,400 voters out of 8,291 registered voters cast their ballot in this contest.

March 27, 2024 at 10:40 AM The daily bovine stroll alert: Cows in the roadway on Mount Olive Rd at Dog Bar Rd.

March 27, 2024 at 7:09 AM First Rain Farm will be conducting a pile burn on 32 acres owned by CHIRP and managed by Sierra Fund today (Wednesday, March 27th) and tomorrow (Thursday March 28th). The project is adjacent to the Tribute Trail and the nearest cross street is American Hill Rd. and Old Downieville Highway. Smoke will be visible in the area.

March 27, 2024 at 6:58 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 26, 2024 at 5:53 PM A small black pony and a small brown horse are in and out of the roadway on westbound Hwy 20 at Scotts Flat Rd.

March 26, 2024 at 3:04 PM Ungulate stroll alert, aborted. Two goats were seen on a roadway in south county. They jumped back over the fence, rejoining the rest of the herd, as reader Mike got his camera out.

March 26, 2024 at 9:28 AM Rain and mountain snow mid-week into the weekend with holiday travel impacts. Two more systems this week: First round moves in Wednesday into Thursday and second round moves in Friday into Saturday, with periods of gusty southerly winds, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and widespread rain. Holiday weekend travel across the mountains will be impacted Friday afternoon into early Saturday. Isolated thunderstorms in the Valley and Foothills Thursday and Saturday.

March 26, 2024 at 8:33 AM Car stalled in the fast lane on eastbound Hwy 49 at McKnight.

March 26, 2024 at 6:26 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 25, 2024 at 5:03 PM Just published an update on the PG&E Spaulding powerhouse infrastructure failure and how it affects NID operations. FERC notified PG&E in August of issue at Spaulding powerhouse.

March 25, 2024 at 2:25 PM Deceased male found in Grass Valley. An investigation is ongoing and further details will be released when appropriate. At this time, there is no indication of foul play.

March 25, 2024 at 9:38 AM A Red-tailed hawk taking flight after a bunch of ravens ruined breakfast plans for the raptor.

March 25, 2024 at 9:15 AM Periods of rain, gusty winds, and mountain snow mid-week into next weekend. Isolated light showers in the mountains today; dry weather elsewhere. Two more systems this week with similar impacts: First round moves in Wednesday into Thursday, and second round moves in Friday into Saturday. Both systems will likely bring gusty southerly winds, moderate to heavy mountain snow and widespread rain.

March 25, 2024 at 6:43 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 24, 2024 at 5:04 PM The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed that the mountain lion euthanized in a remote area near Georgetown yesterday was the same animal involved in a fatal attack earlier in the day.

March 23, 2024 at 2:52 PM Spotted by a caring reader this morning at Independence Trailhead.

March 23, 2024 at 9:03 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 22, 2024 at 9:01 AM Showers, mountain snow, breezy and isolated thunderstorms late today – Saturday. Rain, breezy winds, and mountain snow return today & over the weekend with mountain travel delays and chain controls. Isolated thunderstorms in the Valley and Foothills today and Saturday. Potential for additional weather systems with periods of rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds by mid-week and next weekend. Neither system looks particularly strong as this point.

March 22, 2024 at 7:04 AM NID to implement conservation measures after PG&E infrastructure emergency. Due to unanticipated infrastructure repairs in the Sierra Nevada headwaters that have cut off water supply, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) will be implementing emergency conservation measures. This is a call for a voluntary water reduction of 20 percent by all District water customers for the remainder of 2024.

Editor’s note: The first estimate by PG&E to repair the damage was April 30, it now is June 8, according to NID’s news release.

March 22, 2024 at 6:39 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 21, 2024 at 4:29 PM The roadside spot on Tyler Foote has been contained.

March 21, 2024 at 4:21 PM One engine to continue in to the Tyler incident, all others can cancel. Firefighters at scene have knockdown on the fire.

March 21, 2024 at 4:11 PM The Tyler incident is about a 50 by 50 ft spot now, burning in brush.

March 21, 2024 at 4:03 PM Report of a 20 by 20 ft roadside spot on Tyler Foote Road across from Ananda Drive on the San Juan Ridge. Units dispatched. This will be the Tyler incident.

March 21, 2024 at 3:39 PM Updates on the Moonshine Fire will be posted here: https://yubanet.com/regional-fires/moonshine-2024/

March 21, 2024 at 3:30 PM Units at scene report fire on both sides of Moonshine road, slow rate of spread burning in blackberries and brush. Several structures in the area. Moonshine Road will be closed to traffic.

March 21, 2024 at 3:22 PM Units arriving at scene on Moonshine Road report about 1/2 acre.

March 21, 2024 at 3:16 PM Reported vegetation fire on Moonshine Road near Kelly Road. Units dispatched.

March 21, 2024 at 2:59 PM A recalcitrant radiator has stalled a car on southbound Hwy 49 at West Empire Street. Use extreme caution in the area, the car is in the middle of the roadway.

March 21, 2024 at 2:51 PM Right on time for this weekend’s snow in the high country. Caltrans Reveals Winners of the Snowplow Naming Contest.

March 21, 2024 at 1:34 PM Lanes are blocked on Combie Road at Magnolia after a two-car accident.

March 21, 2024 at 10:20 AM Reader Amy reports an accident on Brunswick just before Idaho Maryland. Emergency services are at the scene. One lane of traffic only.

March 21, 2024 at 9:07 AM Non-injury accident on southbound Hwy 49 at Combie, the roadway is clear.

March 21, 2024 at 8:41 AM Showers, mountain snow, breezy and isolated thunderstorms Friday – Saturday. Isolated thunderstorms in the Valley and Foothills Friday and Saturday. Potential for additional weather systems with periods of rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds by mid-week and next weekend. Neither system looks particularly strong as this point, but follow the forecast as we get closer.

March 21, 2024 at 6:50 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 20, 2024 at 2:37 PM Three people in the roadway on northbound Hwy 49 at McKnight. Appear to be chasing someone on a bike.

March 20, 2024 at 2:14 PM Tree down on Easy Street in Penn Valley, blocking both directions of travel.

March 20, 2024 at 1:29 PM No structure fire, a burn pile.

March 20, 2024 at 1:27 PM Reported possible structure fire on the 14000 block of La Barr Meadows Road, units dispatched.

March 20, 2024 at 10:23 AM No change in the weather forecast for the weekend, sadly. Rain and high-elevation snow Friday through Sunday. Enjoy the sun today and tomorrow!

March 20, 2024 at 8:31 AM A 2-acre prescribed burn is planned for today at the junction of New Rome Rd. and Lake Vera / Purdon Rd. in Nevada City.

March 20, 2024 at 7:06 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 19, 2024 at 8:22 PM Units at scene at the bridge report one car about 40 ft down the embankment, one patient.

March 19, 2024 at 8:09 PM Vehicle accident at the Covered Bridge on the Penn Valley side, reported solo vehicle rollover. Units dispatched.

March 19, 2024 at 4:31 PM Solo vehicle accident, car off the roadway on Boulder Street near Read Dog Road in Nevada City.

March 19, 2024 at 10:47 AM Enjoy the vernal equinox and balmy temperatures today. Dry and warm weather will continue until Friday. Widespread rain, high elevation snow, and cooler weather return as we move into the weekend.

March 19, 2024 at 8:24 AM Prescribed burn planned for today on Deerhaven Lane Nevada City (Round Mountain) – 5 acres.

March 19, 2024 at 7:10 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 18, 2024 at 11:24 AM Warm and dry weather through most of this week. Widespread rain and high-elevation snow along with cooler weather returns by the end of the week. 10-20% chance of thunderstorm development in Valley and Foothills on Saturday.

March 18, 2024 at 8:09 AM Two-car collision on southbound Hwy 49 near the Brunswick off ramp.

March 18, 2024 at 6:53 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 17, 2024 at 6:33 PM Westbound Hwy 20 1 mile east of White Cloud, the north side of the roadway is starting to slide. The roadway is clear for now, Caltrans has been notified.

March 17, 2024 at 6:11 PM The pup found on Jones Bar is being reunited.

March 17, 2024 at 4:13 PM This dog just wandered onto a property off Jones Bar (Weeping Willow Way) . Male, not neutered. Maybe older puppy? Very friendly and sweet. Seems to be injured on right front leg? If this is your pup, please call (530) 955-1287.

March 17, 2024 at 12:44 PM Oak IC reports the fire has been contained to a UTV in the garage. They can handle with resources at scene.

March 17, 2024 at 12:43 PM First unit at scene on Oak Mesa reports light smoke showing from the detached garage, all units to continue in for now.

March 17, 2024 at 12:41 PM Fire on Oak Mesa reported as possibly a quad on fire, possibly extinguished now.

March 17, 2024 at 12:37 PM Reported garage on fire on Oak Mesa Drive in the Higgins area, units dispatched.

March 17, 2024 at 10:26 AM Bovine stroll alert on northbound Hwy 49 at Little Deer Drive in Alta Sierra.

March 17, 2024 at 8:49 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 16, 2024 at 8:31 PM Valley IC requesting an ambulance for smoke inhalation. Medic 2 is responding.

March 16, 2024 at 8:23 PM Valley IC reports an all clear on the structure.

March 16, 2024 at 8:17 PM First unit at scene on Valley Drive reports smoke showing from the structure, requesting two more engines.

March 16, 2024 at 8:13 PM Reported residential structure fire on Valley Drive across from Rough and Ready Hwy, units dispatched.

March 16, 2024 at 9:49 AM Bovine stroll alert on Camp Far West Road near McCourtney Road. A few in the roadway, ambling along, others are grazing on the side.

March 16, 2024 at 9:47 AM Nevada County RCD will be leading a prescribed fire workshop in the You Bet Firewise Community today. This is in partnership with the Yuba Bear Burn Cooperative and the You Bet FWC. It is a small, 1-acre burn in light fuels in an area that was previously burned in the defensible space of a resident. Community members will be learning and assisting. Several aspiring California burn bosses will get needed experience. They have coordinated with CAL FIRE, the Chicago Peardale Fire Protection District and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District to help landowners learn to burn safely, legally and responsibly to promote good land stewardship and safe defensible space for wildfires. A California Certified Burn Boss will be leading the burn.

March 16, 2024 at 9:18 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 15, 2024 at 9:32 PM Accident on Rough and Ready Hwy near West Drive, emergency services at scene.

March 15, 2024 at 6:13 PM Missing pup alert in Cascade Shores. This is Starlight, she is friendly and fun, loves children, adults, dogs, and gets along with cats. Call her humans at (805) 602-0554 if you’ve seen her.

March 15, 2024 at 4:33 PM Not quite final election results – especially for Grass Valley’s Measure B. 125 ballots are waiting for voters to cure (update) their signatures. Nevertheless, congrats to incumbents Hall, Bullock, Fernandez, Fleming and Petersen for winning re-election. Robb Tucker will be the new District 2 Supervisor in 2025.

March 15, 2024 at 10:54 AM A car is creating a traffic hazard on eastbound McCourtney Road near Indian Springs Road. Use caution in the area.

March 15, 2024 at 8:35 AM A large motorhome is blocking the bike lane and leaking oil on Newtown Road.

March 15, 2024 at 8:24 AM Units at scene on Lazy Lane report no flames showing, one engine to continue, others can cancel.

March 15, 2024 at 8:18 AM Reported vehicle fire on Lazy Lane near Country Lane in Penn Valley, units dispatched.

March 15, 2024 at 7:00 AM Still 399 customers in Cascade Shores without power from the planned maintenance yesterday.

March 14, 2024 at 6:22 PM All units have been released from Commercial Ave in Penn Valley.

March 14, 2024 at 6:05 PM Commercial IC states they can handle, all units presently staging can cancel and return to their stations.

March 14, 2024 at 6:01 PM First unit has arrived at scene on Commercial Ave in Penn Valley. One engine to continue, all others to stage.

March 14, 2024 at 5:57 PM Reported commercial structure fire on Commercial Ave in Penn Valley. Numerous engines dispatched to a restaurant. Kitchen is filling with smoke, possible electrical cause.

March 14, 2024 at 4:42 PM Units are at scene on Amber Loop, nothing showing from the outside. The next two engines to continue in, all others to stage at their current location.

March 14, 2024 at 4:37 PM Reported residential structure fire, smell of electrical in the house, on Amber Loop off Dorsey Drive in Grass Valley. Numerous units dispatched.

March 14, 2024 at 4:06 PM Gusty winds are still in track to continue through Friday, diminishing by evening.  Lighter winds, dry weather and  warm temperatures are expected for the weekend.

March 14, 2024 at 1:10 PM All units are being released from the escaped burn pile on Cottrell. Final size is 0.6 acre.

March 14, 2024 at 12:45 PM Cottrell IC report the fire is contained and all resources will be committed for about 30 minutes.

March 14, 2024 at 12:41 PM Airport IC is releasing one engine, commitment time for the others is about 20-30 minutes.

March 14, 2024 at 12:30 PM A single engine plane off the runway at the Nevada County Airport. One patient with minor injuries only.

March 14, 2024 at 12:21 PM Units at scene report approximately 1 acre, burning at a slow rate of spread, no threat to structures.

March 14, 2024 at 12:08 PM Possible escaped debris pile on Cottrell Road and Roving Way in the Wolf Mountain area. Units dispatched.

March 14, 2024 at 10:31 AM Power outage affecting 262 customers on the San Juan Ridge. Estimated time of restoration is 4:45 pm today.

March 14, 2024 at 9:45 AM A High wind warning continues for the Sierra above 4,000 feet. Northeast winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts up to 75 mph are possible. Damaging winds will likely blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected.

March 14, 2024 at 6:42 AM Power outage affecting 605 customers in Sierra County, trouble crew assigned. Estimated time of restoration is 2:45 pm.

March 13, 2024 at 11:04 AM Starting March 18, Nevada County Elections will conduct a manual tally of 1% of precincts casting ballots in the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. The random selection of precincts is scheduled at 9 a.m. and is open to the public. The results of the tally will be compared against the results of the machine count.

March 13, 2024 at 10:37 AM A trash can on the off ramp of northbound Hwy 49 at Dorsey Drive. Use caution and please don’t litter.

March 13, 2024 at 8:43 AM TNF Firefighters will continue pile burning at Bullards Bar today. Smoke may be visible in the area.

March 13, 2024 at 8:24 AM Report of a car into a field, likely an older accident, on the 12000 block of La Barr Meadows Road.

March 13, 2024 at 7:02 AM High Wind Warning for the Sierra later today and tomorrow. Strong and damaging winds likely over the Sierra above 4000 feet late Wednesday through Friday with gusty winds elsewhere. Warming and drying trend through the weekend.

March 13, 2024 at 5:58 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 12, 2024 at 11:30 AM NWS Sacramento meteorologists have just issued a High Wind Watch for the Sierra and a Wind Advisory for portions of the Valley.

March 12, 2024 at 9:01 AM Strong north to northeast winds mid to late week. Very strong north to northeast winds Wednesday night through late Thursday. Much warmer weather expected this weekend with dry conditions.

March 12, 2024 at 6:11 AM Code Red update: This is the Nevada City Police Department. Dana has been located. We appreciate the community’s assistance in this matter.

March 12, 2024 at 5:30 AM Nevada City Police and Nevada County Search and Rescue are searching for a 69 year old Dementia Patient. Dana Aplington is described as a white female, 5’5, 105 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink jacket and pink vest. Dana was possibly seen near the Speedway on Nevada City highway walking toward AMPM at approximately 1:30AM. If contacted, please notify Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center at 530-265-7880.

March 11, 2024 at 10:32 PM Power outage in the Grass Valley downtown area, affecting 2,752 customers. Estimated time of restoration is 12:45 am

March 11, 2024 at 6:30 PM All units dispatched to the reported vehicle fire are being canceled, NCSO has been notified of the traffic hazard.

March 11, 2024 at 6:21 PM Units have located at fifth wheel on Red Dog Road, hanging slightly off the road. Looks abandoned, but no fire.

March 11, 2024 at 6:11 PM Vehicle fire, pickup on fire on Red Dog Road near Jones Ridge. Units dispatched.

March 11, 2024 at 4:11 PM A mudslide is slowly but surely making its way towards the roadway on Hwy 20 near the White Cloud campground.

March 11, 2024 at 1:39 PM Well-deserved accolades for three of the many women leaders in Nevada County. Full details here.

March 11, 2024 at 12:36 PM We’re now resuming our regularly scheduled programing.

March 10, 2024 at 7:46 PM We’ll be back on Monday afternoon with full updates on Happening Now. Stay safe everyone!

March 9, 2024 at 7:51 PM Periods of rain, mountain snow showers and gusty winds through early next week; potential for strong north to northeast winds mid to late week. Increasing confidence in strong north to northeast winds developing Wednesday-Friday; strongest Wednesday Night – Thursday.

March 9, 2024 at 5:25 PM Just a reminder, this is the shortest weekend of the year! Daylight Saving Time starts tonight.

March 9, 2024 at 12:27 PM Chopper, the wayward pup, is back home again. All is well.

March 9, 2024 at 11:41 AM Units at scene on Dog Bar report they can handle with resources at scene. They report no fire, just a malfunctioning chimney.

March 9, 2024 at 11:29 AM Reported chimney fire on the 20000 block of Dog Bar Road, units dispatched.

March 9, 2024 at 11:04 AM This is Chopper, a 2-year old male German shorthair pointer. He is wearing an orange collar on his walkabout. If anyone finds him on McCourtney/Havlan Lane near Clear Creek School, please contact his humans at 530-720-2560.

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 8, 2024 at 4:20 PM NID cuts flows to the Bear River. Details here.

March 8, 2024 at 4:10 PM The latest election report has been posted. Updated results here

March 8, 2024 at 10:10 AM Reader Nancy reports a gorgeous Red Hen roaming around in the Alta Vista Drive area. If you have a backyard beauty corresponding to the description, go check if she is where she is supposed to be.

March 8, 2024 at 7:25 AM A large white dog is running in the roadway on Rough and Ready Hwy near Bonanza Way, according to a reader. Use caution in the area and check if your pup is safe.

March 7, 2024 at 1:47 PM Traffic hazard at the intersection of southbound Hwy 49 and 20 in Nevada City, one lane is blocked.

March 7, 2024 at 12:50 PM Watch our Q&A with Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona live, right here.

March 7, 2024 at 11:04 AM Nevada County Registrar of Voters Natalie Adona will join us for an update on election results, ballots to be counted and what to expect during the canvass period at 1pm today. Watch live on YouTube or Facebook and send your questions about the Primary election in Nevada County.

March 7, 2024 at 7:18 AM Thanks to reader Jan for sharing this great tip: Members of the Lower Colfax Firewise Community took advantage of a perfect day to pull Scotch Broom out, before it blooms and spreads even further. Scotch Broom is highly flammable and a serious fire hazard.

March 7, 2024 at 5:56 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

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 6, 2024 at 11:18 AM Nevada County Elections Update: About 1,500 ballots remain to be counted in Nevada County from Tuesday’s Presidential Primary Election as of 10 p.m. last night. That number is expected to increase as election workers continue to process ballots returned near the end of poll hours. As of counts completed by midnight, 29 percent, or 21,753 of Nevada County’s 74,201 registered voters cast ballots in the election.

March 6, 2024 at 9:16 AM Out of season hazard – report of a Xmas tree in the roadway on Hwy 49 north of Brunswick.

March 6, 2024 at 6:53 AM Non-injury accident on Penn Valley Drive at Pleasant Valley Rd.

March 6, 2024 at 1:42 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 6, 2024 at 1:04 AM Another election night on the books. The official canvass will start on Thursday, and the Elections Office anticipates posting updates twice a week until every ballot has been processed.

March 5, 2024 at 7:01 PM We will bring you live updates from the Nevada County Elections Office, starting at the close of polls. Follow along here.

March 5, 2024 at 4:09 PM A relatively short line to vote in person at the Rood Center in Nevada City right now. Polls close at 8:00 pm. You can’t miss the vote center in North San Juan. Photos courtesy Nevada County Elections.

March 5, 2024 at 1:24 PM Voter check-in systems across Nevada County were briefly down this morning due to a technical issue. Ten voters who came in between 7-7:30 a.m. were given provisional ballots during that time to ensure the right to vote could continue. The problem, which originated from the system vendor and affected multiple counties, was resolved at 7:30am, and voting has resumed as normal. Nine Vote Centers are open in Nevada County until 8 p.m. today. For details, see: March 5, 2024 Vote Center and Drop Box Locations

March 5, 2024 at 11:31 AM Thanks to reader Dylan for sharing his photos of the work on the Nevada Street bridge in Nevada City.

March 5, 2024 at 8:42 AM Accident at the intersection of Idaho-Maryland and Railroad Ave.

March 5, 2024 at 8:37 AM Solo vehicle off the roadway on Dog Bar Road near Norwin Way, units dispatched.

March 5, 2024 at 8:22 AM Please enjoy free fare service today on all Nevada County Connects routes and get out and vote.

It’s Super Tuesday, and to help make it as easy as possible to vote Nevada County Connects is offering free fare service on all routes. This free fare service is made possible by a Low Carbon Transit Operations Program grant. Cheers!

March 5, 2024 at 6:58 AM Polls open in two minutes! Have you voted yet? Drop off and voting locations here.

March 5, 2024 at 6:04 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 4, 2024 at 9:48 PM This table reflects the number of vote-by-mail ballots that have been returned to Nevada County Elections for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Any vote-by-mail ballots in their office with signatures that are not yet verified are not included in the count.

Total number of returned vote-by-mail ballots (as of March 4, 2024)	19,564
American Independent	889
Democratic	9,490
Green	85
Libertarian	193
Peace & Freedom	30
Republican	7,293
Other/No Party Preference	1,584

Ballots mailed to voters: 75,445

Ballots returned as undeliverable: 1,171

Non-Matching/Missing signatures: 80

March 4, 2024 at 4:55 PM Vehicle accident at Edwards Crossing, units dispatched.

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 4, 2024 at 10:24 AM Snowfall totals compiled by NWS Sacramento.

March 4, 2024 at 8:30 AM Bovine stroll alert: Reader report of 3 escaped cows grazing along the road on Mooney Flat this morning, north of Englebright Dam/Miller Ravine turnoff. They were happily grazing on the side the road but that might change.

March 4, 2024 at 8:00 AM Report of a possible Coors Light semi trailer on fire, traveling on northbound Hwy 49 near Alta Sierra Drive. Emergency services dispatched.

March 4, 2024 at 7:52 AM System brings periods of moderate mountain snow this afternoon through Tuesday. Another system (much weaker than this weekend’s blizzard) moves in this afternoon into Tuesday night with Moderate mountain snow impacts from Interstate 80 northward. This may hamper recovery efforts and extend power outages from the weekend blizzard. Drier conditions mid to late week, with chances for light precipitation over the weekend.

March 4, 2024 at 6:33 AM Today is a permissible burn day in Nevada County and Sierra County.

It is illegal to burn painted or treated wood, plywood, plastic or anything other than natural vegetation from the property where you are burning. It is also illegal to burn piles comprised mainly of leaves or pine needles. 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.

March 3, 2024 at 8:28 PM The Truckee courthouse will have a delayed start due to inclement weather and road conditions on March 4th. Calendars will begin at the normally scheduled afternoon calendar time.

March 3, 2024 at 6:11 PM The Lake Wildwood outage has been resolved.

March 3, 2024 at 5:41 PM As the day winds down, 13 outages are still plaguing 876 customers. The largest outages are:

• 536 customers in the Blue Tent and Hwy 20 area. Down wires need replacing. Estimated restoration time is today at 7:00 pm.
• New: 100 customers on Swallow Way and Hummingbird Drive in Lake Wildwood. No estimated time of restoration yet.
• 62 customers along westbound I-80 at Troy/Donner Pass Road. Blizzard damage. Estimated restoration time is tomorrow at 10:00 pm.
• 56 customers along westbound I-80 at Kingvale. Blizzard damage. Estimated restoration time is Tuesday at 11:00 pm.

March 3, 2024 at 1:12 PM Good news: Precip totals, including snow totals, for this next system have come down a bit.

March 3, 2024 at 10:22 AM Units at scene on Cement Hill report the vehicle is unoccupied.

March 3, 2024 at 10:15 AM Vehicle into a tree on Cement Hill, emergency services dispatched.

March 3, 2024 at 8:29 AM Two horses and a pony are out for a Sunday stroll on Duggans Road near Wolf Road. Use caution in the area.

March 3, 2024 at 7:50 AM Good morning. Fifteen outages are affecting PG&E 1,049 customers. The largest outages are:

• 604 customers in the Blue Tent and Hwy 20 area. Down wires need replacing. Estimated restoration time is today at 5:00 pm.
• 123 customers in the Lake Spaulding area near the Hwy 20/I-80 junction. No access, no estimated time of restoration yet.
• 105 customers in the Donner Summit area. Blizzard damage. Estimated restoration time is today at 10:00 pm.
• 76 customers in Cascade Shores along Lake Lane and Spanish Lane. No estimated time of restoration yet.
• 62 customers along westbound I-80 at Troy/Donner Pass Road. Blizzard damage. Estimated restoration time is today at 2:00 pm.
• 56 customers along westbound I-80 at Kingvale Blizzard damage. Estimated restoration time is today at 10:00 pm.
• 25 customers on Banner Mountain Trail in Nevada City. Broken pole needs replacing. Estimated restoration time is today at 2:00 pm.
• 9 customers (including all of Forest Springs MHP) along Hwy 49 in Grass Valley. Estimated restoration time is today at 2:00 pm.

March 2, 2024 at 9:55 PM The view from Chicago Park onto Hwy 174, courtesy Peardale Chicago Park Fire.

March 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM The Lake Vera/Purdon Road outage has been resolved. Enjoying the silence.

March 2, 2024 at 6:15 PM Fifteen outages are still affecting 1,236 customers in western Nevada County. The largest outages are:

• 604 customers in the North Bloomfield/Hwy 20 area. Down lines and broken poles. Estimated time of restoration is 5:00 pm Sunday.
• 220 customers on Lake Vera/Purdon Road. Broken pole and down wires/equipment. Estimated time of restoration is 8:00 pm today.
• 105 customers on Donner Pass Road. Blizzard damage. Estimated time of restoration is 5:00 pm Tuesday.
• 66 customers in the Forest Springs area, including the totality of the mobile home park (which counts as one customer.) Broken pole and down wires. Estimated time of restoration is 2:00 pm Sunday.
• 62 customers at Kingvale off eastbound I-80. Blizzard damage. Estimated time of restoration is 2:00 pm Sunday.
• 56 customers at Kingvale off westbound I-80. Blizzard damage. Estimated time of restoration is 2:00 pm Sunday.
• 28 customers in Alleghany. Transmission lines down. Estimated time of restoration is 10:00 pm today.

March 2, 2024 at 6:07 PM All county roads are open with thee exception of Old Hwy 40 and a portion of Banner Quaker Hill. Due to heavy snowfall, the Vote Center Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Boardroom closed at 4:30 p.m. All other Nevada County Vote Centers are open opened as scheduled.

March 2, 2024 at 6:05 PM Good news for Nimrod Street. The road has been reopened after AT&T crews worked through the afternoon to reconnect the major comms lines.

March 2, 2024 at 1:47 PM Nimrod Street in Nevada City remains closed at Pioneer Park. The massive toppled tree has caused significant damage to major communication lines, unknown time of restoration.

March 2, 2024 at 1:37 PM Power restoration is proceeding well, at this time 28 outages are affecting 1,900 customers – down from 5,586 this morning.

March 2, 2024 at 1:26 PM Road conditions are deteriorating rapidly in the Nevada City area. Consider postponing any discretionary driving now.

March 2, 2024 at 12:32 PM Thanks to reader Ari for the photo of the trouble crews on Lake Vera/Purdon Road.

March 2, 2024 at 11:11 AM All vote centers are open today – including the one in Truckee! Blizzard or not, if you want to drop off your ballot before Tuesday’s election, you can do it.

As of yesterday, 16,024 ballots have been received by the Nevada County Elections Office, signatures verified, ballots sorted into precincts. They are ready to be tabulated after the close of polls on Tuesday.

March 2, 2024 at 10:43 AM Power outage update: 36 outages are affecting 5,586 customers in Nevada County.

March 2, 2024 at 10:14 AM PG&E crews are at Excelsior Ditch Road and Lake Vera/Purdon, expect delays in the area for pole and line replacement.

March 2, 2024 at 9:50 AM Yuba River Charter kids are volunteering at Food Access Saturday this morning. The distribution is going on as planned and the driveway is clear.

March 2, 2024 at 9:28 AM Blizzard Conditions Continue in the Sierra Today; Next system brings moderate Mountain impacts Mon-Tue.

Today: Moderate to heavy snow continues over the Sierra this morning and afternoon, increasing to heavy snow (snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour) with the next push of moisture late afternoon through early Sunday. Snow levels around 3000′ today. Isolated Valley/foothills showers this morning become more widespread this afternoon and evening, with another round of isolated thunderstorms possible as well. Winds remain gusty (30-40 mph) across the foothills and mountains, but generally decrease throughout the day.

Sunday: Heaviest snowfall expected early Sunday morning, before tapering off to more Moderate snowfall throughout the day, and light snow showers through the evening. Snow levels 1500′-2500′ Sunday morning, rising to 2000′-3000′ throughout the day. A few isolated rain showers may linger in the Valley, but minimal impact is expected. Breezy south-southwesterly winds persist, with gusts to 35 mph over the mountains.

Monday-Wednesday: Some lingering light snow showers will likely prevail over the mountains early Monday, but otherwise a brief lull in activity is expected. The next system arrives later in the day on Monday, bringing increasing precipitation impacts by Monday afternoon. Moderate to occasionally heavy snow (snowfall rates of 1+” per hour at times) is expected over the mountains, with heaviest snowfall anticipated Monday evening through Tuesday. Forecast snow levels are expected to be around 2000′-3000′ on Monday, rising to 3000′-4000′ Tuesday into Wednesday. As a result, some upper foothills accumulating snow will be possible on Monday. Elsewhere, precipitation impacts from isolated to scattered showers will be minimal, with wind being the primary impact on Monday. South-southeasterly winds gusting 30-40 mph will be possible on Monday, strongest across the foothills, mountains, and northern Sacramento Valley. Precipitation then generally begins to taper off, with mostly lingering mountain snow showers expected on Wednesday.

March 2, 2024 at 6:42 AM Good morning. 27 outages affecting 4,232 customers reported by PG&E at this time.

March 2, 2024 at 1:32 AM Tree in the roadway on Crown Point Circle in Grass Valley, one lane is blocked.

March 2, 2024 at 1:20 AM 23 outages are now affecting 5,349 customers in Nevada County.

March 2, 2024 at 1:17 AM I-80 eastbound is closed at Colfax and westbound at Donner Summit.

March 2, 2024 at 1:16 AM Eastbound Hwy 20 is closed from Nevada City to the junction of I-80.

March 2, 2024 at 1:14 AM Northbound Hwy 49 is closed at Marysville Road. Local traffic only. Hwy 49 at Downieville is closed to traffic to the junction of Hwy 89.

March 2, 2024 at 12:03 AM As of midnight, 4,871 customers are affected by 41 outages in western Nevada County.

March 1, 2024 at 11:21 PM Units at scene on Sharmiden Way can handle, canceling all incoming units.

March 1, 2024 at 11:14 PM Tree blocking one lane on Cement Hill Road near Wet Hill in Nevada City.

March 1, 2024 at 11:09 PM Water rescue, half-submerged car reported on Sharmiden Way near Buckboard Road off Brewer Road, emergency services dispatched. Single occupant stranded.

March 1, 2024 at 11:06 PM Nimrod Street in Nevada City will be closed to traffic due to a large down tree. Additionally, 45 customers in the area are out of power.

March 1, 2024 at 10:39 PM Low-hanging power lines on Banner Lava Cap Road at Gayle Lane, emergency services at scene.

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 1, 2024 at 10:07 PM Car vs downed tree on northbound Hwy 49 at the Empire Street off ramp.

March 1, 2024 at 10:06 PM Tree down on Ballantree Lane near McCourtney Road, the roadway is blocked.

March 1, 2024 at 9:55 PM Reader report of pine trees down on Gold Flat Road – in two different locations. Use extreme caution.

March 1, 2024 at 9:51 PM Reader report of large tree limbs across the roadway on Bennett Street just before Union Jack in Grass Valley.

March 1, 2024 at 8:58 PM In Sierra County, two outages have taken out power to 1,681 customers.

March 1, 2024 at 8:02 PM Now 14 outages are affecting 3,027 customers in western Nevada County.

March 1, 2024 at 7:58 PM Roadway flooding at Hwy 174 / Laws Ranch Cross Rd.

March 1, 2024 at 7:57 PM Tree in the eastbound lane of Ridge Road at Marjon Drive.

March 1, 2024 at 7:56 PM A very large tree across Purdon/Lake Vra is the cause of the power outage. The tree came down between Excelsior Ditch and Selby Lane. If you must drive on Purdon, take Rector Road. Emergency services are at scene.

March 1, 2024 at 7:47 PM Now 17 outages affecting 2,364 customers in Nevada County. As a reminder:

• Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on powerlines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
• Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights and not candles, due to the risk of fire. And keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.

March 1, 2024 at 7:35 PM Now 2,162 customers affected in western Nevada County. Town of Washington is also without power.

March 1, 2024 at 7:22 PM Reader Robin reports Lost Lake is now out of power.

March 1, 2024 at 6:43 PM Confirmed power outage on North Bloomfield, Lake Vera/Purdon Road. 1,453 customers affected by 10 outages in Nevada County at this time.

March 1, 2024 at 6:25 PM Utility power outage at YubaNet HQ, generator is up and running. Unknown how widespread the outage is, we’re getting the information now.

Power outage affecting 245 customers in the Newtown area.

March 1, 2024 at 6:06 PM Semi truck driver states road collapsed on the passenger side of his vehicle on the 9800 block of Banner Quaker Hill Road. Emergency services dispatched. This is past Cascade Shores towards Junction House.

March 1, 2024 at 5:35 PM Eastbound Highway 20 Road Closed, locals only traffic allowed.

March 1, 2024 at 1:40 PM Units at scene on Hwy 174 report no injuries, canceling all incoming units.

March 1, 2024 at 1:30 PM Overturned vehicle on Hwy 174 near Odyssey Way, units dispatched.

March 1, 2024 at 10:35 AM Blizzard arrives, followed by weaker system on Monday. Substantial disruptions to daily life are expected in the Sierra due to blizzard conditions, extremely heavy mountain snow, and dangerous to impossible travel today through Saturday, with lingering effects into Sunday. Strong winds and snow will lead to downed trees and power outages above 2000-3000 feet. Second weaker system moves in later Monday into Wednesday with moderate mountain snow impacts. This may hamper recovery efforts and extend power outages from the weekend blizzard.

March 1, 2024 at 8:40 AM Power outage affecting 168 customers along Hwy 49 in Sierra County from Bassets towards Hwy 89.

March 1, 2024 at 6:45 AM A brief break before precipitation resumes.

March 1, 2024 at 12:00 AM You can find last month’s log here.