Sunday, the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission reported that the historical plaque at Hirschman’s Pond commemorating the Jewish community that helped Nevada County thrive during the Gold Rush Era was defaced. This is the only plaque out of over 200 historical plaques in the county known to be vandalized and the only historical plaque that references the Jewish community.
Allowing one act of hate opens the door for escalation. As community members and leaders, we condemn this recent act of anti-Semitism and will continue to speak out against acts of hate and prejudice. We are committed to valuing, acknowledging, and honoring every person’s humanity. We invite everyone in Nevada County to reflect on how they can be part of the solution in their own spheres of influence, and we remain committed to the work required to examine our past, end racial bias and build new, meaningful connections in our community.
If you know any information about who defaced the plaque, please contact the Nevada City Police Department or the Historical Landmarks Commission by email at info@nevadacountylandmarks.com.
Heidi Hall – Nevada County District 1 Supervisor
Alison Lehman – Nevada County CEO
Daniela Fernandez – Nevada City Councilwoman
Scott Neeley, MD – Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital President/CEO
Jan Arbuckle – Grass Valley Vice Mayor
Gary Peterson – Nevada City Councilman
Debra Ellis – BIPOC Community Member and member of Equity and Inclusion Leadership Alliance
Color Me Human
Michelle Amador – Musician/Board Member for Nevada County Arts Council
Scott Lay – Nevada County Superintendent of Schools
Equity and Inclusion Leadership Alliance (EILA) is a coalition committed to reducing bias and inequality in Nevada County institutions, including healthcare, law enforcement, education, and more.