[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6561339,"mediaKeyId","3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0","parentId",3291256,"title","Public comments at council meeting focus on ceasefire resolution, homelessness and local infrastructure","audioSeconds",364,"startMs",798000,"endMs",1162000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0&start=798&end=1162","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0/thumbnail_798000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561339/Grass-Valley/Nevada-County/California/Public-comments-at-council-meeting-focus-on-ceasefire-resolution-homelessness-and-local-infrastructure","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561339-ee4e4dc66a47b12068ddf6203eaa9485/orig.mp4?Expires=1770403249&Signature=N2Sa6a2o47YP-cHHFzlkpKGkoj0CT5h~S5ju385gOs3jAQtgem0Y4rtnc-5OBZuAQPYwrqrczou~fZevUL95GDLdS9uq1k-KpS4urI3xURm9uQfO~XDglRFft6mTOdBn2UDehfqpy~8impJ4S~RuYJwx0VfOOzIkDs-MQhm8SQx-HsJI6T0GKnhuOm3HCdEQBEJXn~BmmsHs7p4ryt9YBgUCDbIOlcp2bqnOzXWPT6xSezuhw0qdqlYhIZDD9sIpPdPinrw~Iehuyu4FVHEOozJ1He6hkJqUpnqkRbJVq4WykQdVk7Uor4pUcWihXrG-hGiJyiWrAcIUNAqvVnfsPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-14T05:37:20Z","article","Several members of the public used the meeting's public comment period to address diverse topics, with prominent themes including criticism of the council's recent ceasefire resolution, calls for attention to homelessness and public safety, and infrastructure maintenance concerns.

Ceasefire resolution debate: Multiple speakers—some identifying as representatives of Jewish Voice for Peace and other community groups—praised the council's ceasefire resolution and urged the city to keep its stand; others sharply criticized the resolution as inappropriate for a municipal body, accused council members of improper communications (alleging Brown Act issues) and called for the resolution to be rescinded or redrafted as a neutral peace statement. Speakers referenced national events and international news when making moral and political arguments.

Local infrastructure, homelessness and public safety: Other speakers raised a range of local concerns: potholes and road maintenance that reportedly caused vehicle damage, overflowing public trash cans and green waste piles creating fire hazards, sidewalk parking and ADA access issues, and repeated encounters with people believed to be experiencing homelessness and related safety incidents. One commenter described intervening in a public disturbance and questioned the city's capacity to address encampments and public disorder.

Pioneer Community Energy update: A presenter from Pioneer Community Energy (the local public electricity provider) provided an informational comment summarizing programs available to Grass Valley customers, including reported savings since the program launch, energy rate discounts compared with PG&E, and customer programs such as LED discounts, no‑down solar/battery programs with no credit check, an AC tune‑up rebate and grid‑curtailment incentives. Pioneer left program flyers with the council and directed interested customers to pioneercommunityenergy.org.

What the council noted: The mayor and council acknowledged the public comments; no formal action was taken on the ceasefire resolution or other public comment items during the meeting. The public comment period was recorded and staff indicated procedures for follow‑up where appropriate (for example, records requests and referrals of complaints to relevant departments).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers during public comment urged the council to reconsider a previously passed ceasefire resolution and raised local concerns about potholes, trash, homeless encampments and public safety; friends of Pioneer Community Energy also presented rate and program information in a separate comment.","taxTitle","Grass Valley, Nevada County, California","taxId",59323,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6561344,"Council holds first reading of ordinance adopting updated state fire hazard severity maps for local responsibility area",246,2212000,2458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0&start=2212&end=2458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0/thumbnail_2212000.jpg","/articles/6561344/Grass-Valley/Nevada-County/California/Council-holds-first-reading-of-ordinance-adopting-updated-state-fire-hazard-severity-maps-for-local-responsibility-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561344-850c1af51f19fb4f954fc659606536c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770403249&Signature=bMIuVftW-niLOLLYVusyhgaOAlxlQR~FvVmqPRELUCPJRa8DqzMITWUtwDCXuJm58r9T8jnDCtCOkxjJtMYP43i2QVws-sT6jgr6hBbK8UEXJT7k7JttoKEz7R2ieX8~nGJVu-0cTARGJ0feMZTgf7cuy9~AhdAAA-Mzy9pVpjdmnCMhlROh5ee7EIzuunUWehZGExFnj6MLe1P0z5Thb1IHrB3TT8E2mncxLtPAO-cArWQBo8fAUrjRZE-PscVqf0~YgsWU9VTs-P~PhlPvsZXg171AzYqXiuJZdVswC2cKbjfPJ9zSEzRZe0L50x-x2nWbulkvBcZgNFKC6zunTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grass Valley held the first reading of Ordinance 835, which designates updated Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity zone maps as required by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Staff presentation and public input: Fire officials explained the mapping update increases the area within the city that the state classifies as very high fire hazard severity zones. Staff said the State Fire Marshal requires city adoption of the new maps within 120 days of map release. Officials said they had received four public comments during the review period (three questioning ratings and one seeking mapping clarification) and had offered earlier public outreach to explain the state's mapping process.

Council action and timeline: Council held the first reading, waived full reading and read by title only. Staff reported the second reading and formal adoption are scheduled for the May 27 council meeting, after which the ordinance will be submitted to the state as required.

Why it matters: Adoption of the LRA maps affects land‑use planning, permitting and certain defensible‑space and mitigation requirements in and around designated very high fire hazard severity areas. The maps are set by the state; local adoption implements the state designation into local regulatory practice.

Next steps: The council scheduled second reading and adoption at the May 27 meeting, and staff said they would respond to outstanding questions from the community and submit the adopted ordinance to the state fire marshal as required by statute (government code language cited by staff).","City staff presented the first reading of Ordinance 835 to adopt Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity zone maps as determined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire); second reading and adoption scheduled for May 27.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6561350,"Council approves Mill Street plaza restain and reseal contract; decision draws public criticism over cost",1140,7080000,8220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0&start=7080&end=8220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0/thumbnail_7080000.jpg","/articles/6561350/Grass-Valley/Nevada-County/California/Council-approves-Mill-Street-plaza-restain-and-reseal-contract-decision-draws-public-criticism-over-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561350-12c14d1d1f17d80303edb6374f37a892/orig.mp4?Expires=1770403249&Signature=MnBRptSXUTeZ3NOnEJX8yvvF6vnbcUOR4gK19GwO~XlXfvXKxNf6Ov7KockZRCaoiKHw20MKDdNrDmP3X8FXOhjqNdKfz2xQ19KdLs5qbiF1osXiD92rtLeY94jYwrP-hsgRC5pBTbdrrpQrk2r27clt03vsOVe-iZYzxRuSnxhRLK3dc5BpEFLP7ZWlCLs2TifhBAXecskN71s65YdVAguK8t2kdcn9yWtEQPNyW~32gXJcwNpBimyznZwc9h6n26nH8kj3hMYEeNR33mE0knqETMJFVckHEnJy4XtFNkfin~LoG~QKlxNs7s1lG-d-X~ll4C679NgVJKwC~7RRDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grass Valley City Council voted to authorize a sole‑source contract to restain and reseal the Mill Street plaza after deterioration of the original stain and seal revealed adhesion problems.

Staff told the council the original form release used during stamping prevented the stain from penetrating in some areas; the contractor who performed the original stain recommended etching and a thicker seal coat and offered to hold pricing close to the original charge. The city manager said contingency funds would be used and that the work should be done by the contractor familiar with the existing coloration to achieve a uniform finish.

Council action: The council approved the staff recommendation to accept the contractor's quote, authorize the city manager to execute the agreement, allow change orders up to 10%, and direct the finance director to make required budget adjustments. One council member recused earlier in the meeting (declared a conflict because of proximity of his business) and the vote carried 4–0 in favor with that recusal recorded.

Public response: Multiple members of the public criticized the expenditure — citing the overall Mill Street project cost (discussed in the meeting as more than $6 million) and urging a greater focus on basic infrastructure such as pothole repair, water lines and neighborhood maintenance instead of plaza aesthetics. Speakers called the restaining estimate's size into question and asked for itemized cost breakdowns and stronger vendor accountability.

Contract and maintenance notes: Staff said the work will include etching the concrete, reapplying stain to match existing intact patches and applying a thicker seal coat that the city expects to maintain the finish longer and allow in‑house maintenance (annual resealing) in future years. The project will be done in phases to limit pedestrian impacts; staff said work would typically start early in the morning and be finished in time for Friday pedestrian use in phased quadrants.","The council approved a sole‑source agreement for restaining and resealing Mill Street Plaza concrete to address stain adhesion failures, authorizing change orders up to 10% and using contingency funds. The procurement and cost drew multiple critical public comments during the meeting.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6561354,"City council upholds denial of Hot Pot Smoke Shop tobacco license renewal",931,2479000,3410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0&start=2479&end=3410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0/thumbnail_2479000.jpg","/articles/6561354/Grass-Valley/Nevada-County/California/City-council-upholds-denial-of-Hot-Pot-Smoke-Shop-tobacco-license-renewal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561354-f80d54c7b55f125652675df8385411b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770403249&Signature=iCzRa9LF3624p0~DBevvqZX-l5Bz2qnx1plWnJUDiBUOaf99uJ4z~JMh53hYmWsU9b7LIINMLB~NtjBTPSp~e9I-hv8TqcWYcNUzCzyYjAfpk4d5OPaOFERjeVLDvz7uFFuIhwc5hbGk4qazatLzG6yvLLaPE1c9qfRg5U3mNeo3Ld3-z2LeaaLZwpntnIULk5IuO0je94Er1W4Kq-sfxEHOHwpWwkcagLDWObdzqqlVHeYrY8LZeuLjm-D4JM-1hrEgSFGf6au6LG9UjRt1Qq3bP6ty0nSq~Kuy9mwvEDdhcLUPBk0PqwhNoIhKbzRf9KgeqUHAzf5qokjenqYM1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grass Valley City Council on Tuesday held a hearing and denied an appeal by Hot Pot Smoke Shop challenging a hearing officer's decision to uphold the police department's denial of the shop's tobacco retail license renewal.

The hearing followed the city's administrative process under the Grass Valley Municipal Code. City staff and the police department said the applicant's renewal paperwork was received after the license expiration and was incomplete, notably missing a signed affidavit and required late fee. Officers who inspected the business reported finding illegal flavored vape products in the store and, according to police testimony, observed staff attempt to conceal those items during an inspection; officers subsequently recovered the items.

The appellant's representative said the omission of a signature on the renewal form was a clerical mistake and that fees were paid. The appellant's representative acknowledged the paperwork error, said the business was willing to pay late fees, and described the incident as a one‑time occurrence involving a new employee and a distributor drop that the owner did not authorize.

Council decision and procedure: The council considered arguments from both the appellant and the police department, accepted public comments, allowed a limited rebuttal, and then deliberated. The council voted to deny the appeal and to uphold the hearing officer's decision. Pursuant to the municipal code, council noted the range of remedies available (renewal, revocation, suspension, or conditions) but determined denial was appropriate given the record and the law enforcement findings.

Why it matters: Denial of the appeal means Hot Pot Smoke Shop will not have its tobacco retail license renewed. Staff cited repeated enforcement contacts and the presence of products that are illegal under state law as part of the rationale for denial. The decision may affect the business's ability to sell tobacco products at that location; staff noted the tobacco license controls most tobacco sales and related products at the site.

Next steps and administrative details: The council indicated its decision is final as to this appeal and that findings of fact and conclusions of law will accompany the written determination as required by the municipal code.","After a contested hearing, the Grass Valley City Council voted to deny Hot Pot Smoke Shop's appeal of a hearing officer's decision to uphold the police department's denial of the shop's tobacco retail license renewal.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6561360,"Grass Valley council keeps Grindline contract, directs new ad hoc to pursue larger second‑phase skate amenities",5874,8766000,14640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0&start=8766&end=14640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291256-ac96e52069fd8532238bb565749c1ac0/thumbnail_8766000.jpg","/articles/6561360/Grass-Valley/Nevada-County/California/Grass-Valley-council-keeps-Grindline-contract-directs-new-ad-hoc-to-pursue-larger-secondphase-skate-amenities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561360-f6a5d2c3cf19c4e8361bf0c7222f20b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770403249&Signature=PLYUoJpDQrGwqGfil4gxGvymdhHzHBBq0ZWnf2tnvtjSTy-PxsRm-zQw3Jmh2QSYoVgJo~hKckEHzDBBgIPI-oIlefzH29QeMoMwp9evTt1e3ma9CTRRqdHbHcGsGWA2m-RxZ7gn1aasiWpCfr943Q8r05yuzw~SELjm7gLS4vMrwKZNszR2qM2W1DaMBQ71WDmRwM~cHN23LbD80hBoOkMdVng3Jb85JR6mAJH-QFr79C9br9GfIM8LcqbBlsHU4LMW~kt~UXsgveN89BTrvTKrnvvt4GEmt2TFzFebYAFIp-xmq4f7RXSVGnmSwEfSSIQt1SwX-VxtQv5U0MnGcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grass Valley's City Council on Tuesday heard a large turnout of skaters, parents and community members urging the city to halt demolition at Condon Park and preserve the existing skate facility while building a new, larger park nearby.

Council members, staff and the public spent more than two hours on the item during an informational update. After public comment and council discussion, staff reported that the council's prior vote to award a construction contract to Grindline remained in effect; staff said it would proceed under the existing contract unless council formally reconsiders that award at a later date. The council asked staff to research grant flexibility and to return with a plan for pursuing an additional, complementary park.

Why it matters: The project is funded in part by a state grant (discussed at the meeting as roughly $1.5 million). Council and staff repeatedly warned that changing course risks losing grant funding or creating contractual liabilities; the contractor said canceling the award could trigger significant costs. Opponents said demolition of the established park would be a cultural loss and presented a petition with more than 1,700 signatures and a GoFundMe to help finance alternatives.

Council direction and next steps: Rather than suspend the award or order demolition stopped immediately, council directed staff to:
- Continue with the existing, previously approved contract unless council later reconsiders the award (reconsideration would require a future formal agenda item and appropriate procedural steps);
- Immediately pursue formation of an ad hoc committee to pursue a 'phase 2' design and fundraising plan that would expand skateable area (staff said an ad hoc would include council members and staff, and the city would invite the newly formed Grass Valley Skatepark Coalition and other local stakeholders to participate); and
- Ask staff to contact the grantor to determine what changes, if any, to the grant scope or schedule are permitted and whether the city risks repayment if the site or scope changes.

What both sides told the council: Speakers for preservation emphasized the skate park's role as a community hub and a refuge for youth, and urged the city to pause demolition so a two‑park solution could be developed. Representatives of the coalition offered to raise funds and provided concept sketches for a dual‑park layout. Supporters of moving forward said Grindline's design is a significant capital investment and that canceling the award could be costly and risk the state grant.

Staff comments: City manager Tim Keyser and parks staff said they had met repeatedly with both skate groups and the contractor over the past weeks. Staff reiterated that the project timeline is driven by grant rules and contractor scheduling; they also said Grindline has multiple regional projects under way and has expressed reservations about major late changes. Staff also recommended exploring a separate phase for expansion so the grant project could proceed while the community develops a long‑term plan.

Context and community response: The public turnout was high. Multiple speakers recounted multi‑decade ties to Condon Park and said demolition would erase decades of local skating history. Several speakers proposed building the Grindline design adjacent to — not on top of — the existing park and using community fundraising and other grants as a match for future expansion.

Where things stand: No change to the procurement or demolition schedule was made at the meeting. The council asked staff to return with a timeline and to place an item establishing an ad hoc committee on a forthcoming agenda so the community, council and staff can begin planning Phase 2.","After weeks of public outcry and more than 1,700 petition signatures, Grass Valley council decided not to halt the current contractor's work at Condon Park and instead directed staff to form an ad hoc group to develop a 'phase 2' expansion plan and fundraising strategy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public comments at council meeting focus on ceasefire resolution, homelessness and local infrastructure

Council holds first reading of ordinance adopting updated state fire hazard severity maps for local responsibility area

Council approves Mill Street plaza restain and reseal contract; decision draws public criticism over cost

City council upholds denial of Hot Pot Smoke Shop tobacco license renewal

Grass Valley council keeps Grindline contract, directs new ad hoc to pursue larger second‑phase skate amenities