(menu)
Bob Branstrom
for
Grass Valley City Council
First-term accomplishments
I am the only candidate running who has served previously on Grass Valley's City Council. I'm proud of our accomplishments during those four years.
Major accomplishments include:
-
More and better public spaces, including the downtown plaza and Memorial Park
-
Reducing our housing shortage with new in-fill housing, including partnering with Habitat for Humanity for low-cost housing
-
Repaving and resurfacing many city streets
-
Maintaining our quality Police and Fire Departments
-
Honoring our local history
-
Maintaining a financially strong city government
-
Supporting the many businesses and non-profits investing in our city
-
Joining Pioneer Community Energy and saving you money on your electric bill
-
Reducing fire risk
(See below for details of my first-term accomplishments and how I will continue to support you.)
Meandering on Mill Street
"It’s early morning on Mill Street. It’s become my go to place to meet a friend for coffee and a treat. The dog walkers are already strolling or sleep walking their pets. A couple of new mothers with babies in backpacks enjoy a delectable looking pastry and coffee in a quiet spot in front of Cake. . One dad with a determined look on his face and a thermos in hand, patiently coaxes his two-year old along."
Patti Bess, Columnist, The Union, July 24 2024
Public spaces
Our public spaces are open to everyone to enjoy activities with friends and to meet new friends. I supported the Mill Street Plaza, now the go-to place for families, dog walkers, shoppers, and those wanting a bite to eat. Memorial Park was upgraded with new swimming pools, pickleball courts, and basketball courts, drawing people back to the park.
The new Mill Street Plaza is a popular destination for both local residents and visitors to Grass Valley.
Lap swimming and water aerobics classes are very popular at the new pool.
The city's partnership with the Grass Valley Pickleball Club is bringing many new players to the sport.
Resurfacing and repaving city streets
We resurfaced or repaved many of our city streets, including major routes such as Sierra College Boulevard, Freeman Lane, Richardson Street, and La Barr Meadows Road. Neighborhood streets, such as North Auburn and North Church Streets were also repaved.
Richardson Street was repaved a few years ago after sewer lines were upgraded. North Auburn Street was later repaved.
Supporting local businesses and non-profits
Businesses and non-profit organizations see the value of being in Grass Valley and the city works closely with them as they invest in the city. Many projects were completed or started during my previous term.Here are some of the larger projects.
Grass Valley RV Park was built by local businesspeople and brings visitors that patronize many of our local businesses.
Target is providing local residents the convenience of shopping locally instead of driving "down the hill".
The Loma Rica housing development is well underway. It is providing much needed housing, helping to relieve Grass Valley's housing shortage.
InConcert Sierra is building a three-part events venue: a state of the art acoustic concert hall, a black box stage, and a conference facility. InConcert Sierra and many other groups are looking forward to having these spaces available for performance and meetings.
Tesla kickstarted the electric vehicle revolution and recently kickstarted fast EV charging in Grass Valley with this Supercharger charging station. Because the number of EVs is growing quickly, I'd like to see EV chargers downtown so more people, especially renters, have more opportunities to charge their vehicles.
Grass Valley Provisions is our town's first (and only) cannabis dispensary.
The new Senior Center has an active following for its scheduled activities, and also provides a large kitchen to prepare food for Meals on Wheels. Well done Gold Country Senior Services!
Supporting public safety
Grass Valley's Police and Fire Department's are second to none in western Nevada County. During my first term, we ordered a new fire engine, customized to work better in our mountain community. That engine is now in service. I will continue to support your safety by maintaining strong public safety departments.
Honoring our police officers at a swearing in and awards ceremony
The Fire Department mopping up after a small fire in front of Raleys
Honoring Grass Valley's history
The City Council met in joint session with the Historical Commission to discuss how they can best do their work. New procedures were set up to facilitate their work and integrate it better with the council. The City Council also acknowledged the Nisenan Tribe by formally approving a resolution in support of their efforts to regain Federal recognition.
Memorial Park's historic clock is working again and is now enhanced by a rose garden.
Reducing fire risk
Grass Valley voters approved Measure B to help reduce fire risk. Our Fire Department is now the only fire department in Western Nevada County to have three firefighters on a fire engine when it gets to a fire, providing better incident response. We also have a new city risk manager who is working to reduce fuel loads and working with neighborhood Firewise Communities.