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A Detrimental Federal Education Policy
No “child left behind” has turned into “no child gets ahead.”
What Measure V Actually Cost the Taxpayer: It’s more than just the $31,500 FPPC fine
Nevada County taxpayers paid over $629,000 for Measure V, covering vendor costs, full-year staff salaries (including campaign manager Caleb Dardick), legal fees, and a $31,500 FPPC fine. County officials, including the Auditor-Controller, refused to conduct a full audit of staff time and expenses despite public requests for accountability.
A Teacher’s Experiences: Participation Ribbons
“Students are not the only ones who are buying into the ‘just-show-up’ work ethic.”
The Baryton: Heard by Few, Mastered by Fewer
An 18th-century Baroque string instrument rarely seen or heard in modern concert halls is coming to Grass Valley.
Dazed and Confused: Interpreting Ballot Measures
“With 14 statewide propositions plus local measures, I encourage everyone to spend some time reading before voting.”
A Teacher’s Thoughts: Getting Back to the Basics
“My students excelled once they had the foundation.”
Why Local Representation in Congress Matters to Nevada County
Robb Tucker, Nevada County Supervisor for District 2 and lifelong resident, brings firsthand knowledge of local water systems, wildfire risks, evacuation routes, and forest health. His local experience strengthens federal advocacy for infrastructure funding, public safety, and community resilience in high-fire areas.
Outgoing Trustee Ken Johnson Endorses Tim Giroux in High School Board Race
Outgoing Nevada Joint Union High School District (NJUHSD) Trustee Ken Johnson has endorsed Tim Giroux to succeed him on the school board.
Bob Branstrom’s Second Bite at the Apple
Branstrom supported a ballot measure that “created prejudice by including a list of expenditures not found in Measure B. Was this tendency to mislead due to a lack of common sense, lack of integrity, or both?”
Where there’s a Will: The Responsibilities of the Auditor-Controller
Nevada County Auditor-Controller Gina Will declined requests for a full accounting of Measure V expenses, including staff time, citing no timekeeping records. She advised the Board of Supervisors could authorize an independent forensic audit. Prior officials noted incomplete project tracking through the Office of Emergency Services.
Has California Made Voting Easier? Do More Californians Vote?
“California's historical numbers suggest that access is only one part of voter participation.”
Sue Hoek: Should She be Trusted with Taxpayer Dollars?
Sue Hoek and the budget subcommittee approved OES funds later used to promote Measure V. Nevada County admitted seven FPPC violations and a $31,500 fine paid by taxpayers. That is a breach of fiscal trust and illegal. Hoek should resign.
Grass Valley City Council Candidates Faced Questions on Housing, Wildfire, Spending, and Growth
Three candidates seeking two seats on the Grass Valley City Council met September 24 for a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Nevada County. The candidates answered questions about housing, homelessness, wildfire, downtown parking, development and city finances.
School Board Candidates Discuss Phones, AI, Finances, and Student Safety
At Tuesday's candidate forum, all four candidates for the Nevada Joint Union High School District board wanted students to feel safe, learn core subjects and leave high school with a path forward.
Grass Valley City Council Election: Wright Suspends Campaign; Endorses Peevey
Wright is a Grass Valley resident who was running on a platform of “transparent, accountable leadership that put residents first.”
The Joy and the Cost
“When God He is speaking, That voice in your ear
He talks of your joys, He shows you your fears…”
Commemorating 9/11 with Back the Blue Nevada County and The American Legion
“Each year, we combine a short remembrance ceremony with a community ride through Grass Valley and Nevada City. We ride to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, including the first responders who gave their lives trying to save others. But we also ride because we want our own local first responders to know that we see them.”
Weaponizing Empathy
“…there are groups of people that are so enraged over events that are not their issue. It’s like they need to keep the fight or flight chemicals flowing, like an addiction.”
Prop 50: Nearly One Year Later
“Committees and organizations opposing Proposition 50 raised and spent tens of millions of dollars. Proposition 50 passed by nearly 29 percentage points. Nearly one year later, California Republicans deserve a simple answer: What happened?”
Hardy Bullock’s Faux Pas
Nevada County’s Board accepted an FPPC penalty for illegal Measure V mailers. Weeks later Supervisor Hardy Bullock publicly rejected those findings. The GOP wants him to resign; other supervisors stayed silent and costs remain unexplained.