Nevada City, CA – On Monday, February 2, 2026 the Tibetan Monks of the historic Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery will visit the former County Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) site in Nevada City for a public ceremony of healing and blessing. All are welcome to attend.
In January 2001, a shooting at the HEW building and a restaurant in Grass Valley claimed the lives of three innocent people and wounded others, shocking the Nevada County community. Several weeks later, at the invitation of Sierra Friends of Tibet, the Gaden Shartse Monks made their first visit to Nevada County, offering love, compassion, and spiritual support at a time of profound grief.
During that visit, the Monks created a special Dukar (White Parasol) sand mandala—a ritual act of meditation and blessing, a living prayer: “May all beings be sheltered from suffering, protected by wisdom, and embraced by compassion.” While no ritual could undo the tragedy, the Monks visited the HEW site, offering our community something it urgently needed–calm, compassion and a path toward healing. This would be the start of a long and continuing relationship between the Sierra Friends of Tibet, our community, and the Gaden Shartse Monastery.
From this tragedy “Laura’s Law” was enacted. Named after Laura Wilcox, one of the victims. This state law allows for court ordered assisted outpatient mental health treatment. “Laura’s Law” has been credited with saving lives and improving outcomes for people with severe mental illness.
On the 25th anniversary of their inaugural visit, the Gaden Shartse Monks, led by Geshe Phuntso–who first visited in 2001–will return to HEW to perform their ceremony at the site once again. Property owner Bill Litchfield, in collaboration with Sierra Friends of Tibet, is inviting the community to join in this ceremony, continuing the work of healing and offering blessings for a new chapter at the site. Through the Monks’ presence, prayers, and sacred rituals, the gathering will seek cleansing, closure and peace for the past, while setting intentions and blessings for what comes next.
In a world that often feels divided, this ceremony is offered as an invitation for shared understanding, compassion, and respect–for one another, our neighbors, and all peoples. For the HEW site itself, the intention is simple: through the HEW Renew process, may it once again become a place of healing, service, and generosity in a form that best serves the community.
Event details
- What: Tibetan Buddhist healing and blessing ceremony with Monks of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery
- Who: Open to all; community members and neighbors are warmly invited
- When: Monday, February 2, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (ceremony continues until lunchtime)
- Where: Former HEW property, 10433 Willow Valley Rd., Nevada City, CA 95959
- Parking: On-site parking is available
- Respect: No photos or video recordings will be allowed during the ceremony. Photos prior to or post ceremony will be allowed.
Donations are welcome; all proceeds benefit the Gaden Shartse Cultural Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit.
For more information or questions about the HEW / Tibetan Monks event:
HEW Renew:
info@hewrenew.com / 530.264.0675 / www.hewrenew.com
Sierra Friends of Tibet: