Our Niche Publications

"I just started to think about what could I do that would make everyone happy," Coleman said. "How do I make this something for everyone." The end result was a collection of murals blending the natural wonders of the area into a fantasy world of color splashed across ceilings and cascading down walls. A fantasy…

Sandra Boyd's photo of a reflection of the Old Route 49 Bridge spanning the South Yuba River won a first place blue ribbon and top honors as "Best of Division" for the category "Nevada County Scene" at the 2026 Nevada County Fair.

Nikila Badua's "blank canvas" for her mural was the long back wall of the Tri Counties Bank Building at 305 Neal Street in Grass Valley. Building owner Haven Gross said she wanted the mural to reflect local history. That usually means a painting representing the famed local Gold Rush-era. Not to Nikila. She said she…

Strolling around historic downtown Grass Valley, passing the muted pastels of Gold Rush buildings, you suddenly stop with a jolt. Sultry blue eyes larger than basketballs stare at you. Close-up of the mural's pine tree "I love street art. I love art everywhere," said famed muralist Ursula Xanthe Young. "Anyone can enjoy it, as it…

From delinquent graffiti artist at 15 to famed muralist of the Beatles Ashram, Miles Toland's road to fame is as winding as the circles in his art. His four-story high mural on a shuttered hotel in Grass Valley captures his style in a figure with a faceless Pelton wheel "head" while phrases encircle it. When…

Twelve years ago Deer Creek Bakehouse owner Graeme Aycock never dreamed he would be mastering the art of sourdough bread in the small historic town of Nevada City. He was happy in San Francisco tossing pizzas into a convection oven. That wasn't planned either. He convinced the owner of a neighborhood cafe to let him…

It is sweaty work pulling down plastic bags and filling them to the brim with shiny red beefsteak tomatoes or pinky orange peaches, still warm from the orchard. The pungent aroma of basil leaves and the sweet perfume of strawberries fills the air. Shoppers at the Grass Valley Farmers Market at the Pine Creek Shopping…

The communities of Western Nevada County are unique and historic with long-standing values. The businesses here attest to that. They continually strive to provide residents with the best products and services available. Local people serving local people, a time-proven concept, indeed!

Enjoy some of Nevada County's great eateries. Try an authentic Cornish pastie or delicious pizza by the slice while taking in the local scene. Or, go ethnic for great Chilean or Thai cuisine. Visit Nevada City's historic saloon and grill, Crazy Horse. Be sure to mention you saw them in Nevada County Business Focus!

Four days a week Nevada County residents drive up to receive free bags of food, along with smiles, from volunteers at Interfaith Food Ministry in Grass Valley. The bags are brimming with canned goods, bread, milk and other staples. But wait, there are fresh surprises in the bags:  locally harvested produce. Recipients are thrilled when…

Another great experience for city kids is the Sierra Harvest summer day camp program at Food Love Farm. The farm at 16200 Lake Vera Purdon Road in Nevada City is owned and operated by Sierra Harvest. Food Love Farm focuses on connecting children to the land, teaching them about healthy food while providing fresh produce…

Mautino Community Park: While Chicago Park School's garden is out in the country, there is a park in the city that will have fresh food growing for public access if approved by the Grass Valley City Council. There is still large untouched swaths still to be developed. That is where Sierra Harvest, along with Interfaith…

There’s a purple octopus swimming in a bright aqua sea wrapped around a piano in downtown Nevada City. In one green suction-cupped arm an octopus grips a saxophone, in another, a trumpet. “I named it ‘These Arms of Mine,’” laughs the artist Jerianne Van Dijk. “I’m pretty known for octopus.” She’s known for her many…

Bouncing up and down on a trampoline and flipping forward once isn’t hard for Bill Bailey. Just part of his trampoline training. Until he wanted to flip twice. The “double flip” had eluded him since he was 16. He was fearful. With raw determination and practice Bailey conquered the double flip… at 72. “The trampoline,…

Her thick black hair swings almost to her waist as she strolls down cobbled Mill Street while keeping pace with her little white pup. Sandra Boyd and Olive are a familiar sight in downtown Grass Valley. Boyd heads for Caroline’s Coffee, her morning ritual, taking time to chat with friends along the way. She said…