Show: On The Town Station: KNCO File: 8:24.mp3 Air date: 2026-08-24 Source: OpenAI whisper-1 · shrunk from 26.6 MB to 5.3 MB --- transcript --- I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. It is 1137 and 84 degrees and that music means that it's our once a month visit with Carol Schofield who always brings in these very impressive guests and the guests that you brought in today, I know you like to reveal the names, but ran into this guest at the Nevada County Fair and it seems as if whenever this person is around, something good happens. I love it. So welcome everybody. For those of you who have not listened to the show before, the bottom line on this show is to remind all of us that no matter what's going on around us in our world or how things are, we have options and the options is we can be miserable and make everybody else miserable or we could be happy and figure out how to make ourselves happy. It is a wonderful world and we just have to sometimes pause because lots of times we're just so busy moving, we don't even know what's out there to make a decision that it really does make a difference if we just pause and say, okay, what's the good thing happening in my world today? I would challenge everyone listening right now, if you go through the day for the next, let's say, we'll be back for like four more weeks or five weeks, but if you would every day do that and then keep track of the outcome of doing that, that would be pretty awesome and I'd love to hear from you. But let's not quit talking about me. Let's quit talking about me and I am so honored truly to have today's guest, Hillary Hodge. She is the mayor of the city of Grass Valley. I hear clapping in the background and cheering and yelling and all kind of silly things going on back there and it is so wonderful to have her here because I think that sometimes when we look at people who are in these kind of places, they're different. Well, they're different because they give a whole lot of love and a lot more than some of us do, but they're also people who have hearts and joys and sadnesses just like the rest of us. So today we're going to find out all about Hillary Hodge. So Hillary, welcome to It's a Wonderful World. I am so excited to have you here. Oh, I'm so grateful to be here. I love that the fair was mentioned. I believe you and I ran into each other at the Nevada County Fair opening ceremonies, which is how you invited me to be on your show here and I love that you and I immediately observed how wonderful our opening ceremonies are. The sweet traditions of honoring people who have given so much to the fair over the years and the fair foundation and the things that they do for our kids and our community and lots to celebrate. It is. It is somewhere in letterhead. It says the most beautiful fairgrounds in the world. Hmm. I think it does say the state, but you know, it's close and no one's ever asked us to take the logo down. So it stays there. It does seem like a subjective, you know, designation, but I think the people who live here would tell you that that's true. Yes, for sure. So let's find about this out about this, this Hillary here. Let's talk about how did you Oh, first of all, were you born here? I was not born here. I'm a transplant, a transplant, a transplant. I've been here almost 20 years, but it's just such a joy. It's so easy to fall in love with Nevada County. So are you willing to share what was the energy or the pieces that got you here? Oh, yeah. Okay. So I went to college at UC Davis. I originally started in the East Bay Area. My family has seven generations in Mendocino County. Their rural roots started in homesteading there, but my parents moved close to my mom's parents when I was born. They needed help with their new redheaded daughter. But I went to college at UC Davis, got a job in social services in Sacramento. And 2008, the economy kind of fell out. And I was looking to get back to my rural roots. I saw an ad on Craigslist to live on a farm on Dog Bar Road. And that's what brought me to Nevada County. I love it. So did you farm there? So, you know, it's a classic Nevada County story. Honestly, we got there. And six weeks later, the people who lived there handed us a binder and said they'd be gone for the rest of the summer. And it's going to be fine. There were 200 chickens, five roosters. They had a contract with the briar patch. So I was supposed to be making the eggs go to the grocery store. It was definitely learning by doing and quite a bit. We were there for a whole year and then decided that maybe that wasn't for us. I love that. What a great story. And it's interesting because you mentioned Mendocino. And Ed and I just came back about a week ago from spending time up there. And I will tell you, it is my heart home. It's nice. When I go up there, there's some magic that happens. And that magic is here in Grass Valley too, but it's at a different level when I'm in Mendocino. Yeah, it's similar communities. I feel it with, you know, the Mendocino bookstores and their musical events and things like that. And I feel like their Fort Bragg and civic mindedness and kind of timber industry history. There's a vibe that I think is very congruent to our community. I agree with you. And it has water and music and all that stuff thrown into it. It's wonderful. So there you were on the farm a year. What did you do after you got off the farm? I loved it. It was, like I said, not for me. I had been in nonprofit leadership for a number of years and went back to my roots in nonprofit leadership. I was the executive director of Sierra Commons for a time there. And through that, I was very interested in economic development, especially locally, and paired with having many of my friends my age move out of Nevada County who did grow up here because they were looking for better opportunities and they were looking for better jobs and they were looking for affordable housing. And because my friends kept moving away and I was just heartbroken about it, I really wanted to see those issues addressed at our community level. And that's kind of what made me want to run for office. That's great. So you really didn't have, I mean, your friends were leaving. So you didn't have that, well, maybe I had to go with them. No, this was home for sure. And we keep trying to convince them to move back. And the plan always was that they would do that one day, that they would come back here and raise families. And so we're still waiting. Their parents live here. I see their parents all the time, many of them. But I do understand for people looking for a job, a really good economic opportunity, it may not always be in this community unless you can work remotely. This new post-COVID era where there's a lot of opportunity available for remote work has helped our economy somewhat. But it's still, the things that I set out to accomplish eight years ago, there's still things that we can look at for coming up with better solutions for our community. I think a lot of people are still working on affordable housing, working on making sure we have good jobs. And I'm so thankful to our many entrepreneurs and small businesses because they're still the backbone of our community. Absolutely. So on my list is the word theater. Yes, I love our community and the performing arts. I think the arts economy in particular when we're talking about economic development is such a gift to our community. I think a lot of people really realize that part of the draw to Nevada County is the amazing talent that we have here. You know, we have the greatest fiddle player in the world in Alistair Frazier, who is a Nevada County resident, and many, many other musicians of note. And so I have had the opportunity to work with our local theater companies, most notably with Lyric Rose recently on A Midsummer Night's Dream, which we performed at the Center for the Arts. And people have asked if I was going to audition for anything else, and I said not while I'm the mayor, because I barely got it together to memorize any of my lines, and it was close there. I think the only time I delivered them correctly was during the performances. We were quite a bit nervous during dress rehearsal, but pulled it off still. Quite a heavy lift, but I just love theater and I love the performing arts. Yeah, I love theater too, and the reality is I actually worked for Foothill Theater Company as their marketing person ages ago. That's amazing. Well, you and I were in a play together. We were? We were. It was a benefit for Communities Beyond Violence. We did the vagina monologues together. We did. That was before COVID, I think. Yes, that was a challenging one for me. Oh, we were all, I think, nervous, maybe except Wendy Willoughby, who, if I remember correctly, was the star. She had the best part. Oh, it was something. Yeah. See, this is what's wonderful. I see you around and around, and I didn't know that. I probably knew it and didn't remember it. Yes, I don't think we had a scene together, but I do remember it fondly, and it was for such a great organization that does great work in our community. Yep. So, when you think of radio, or, no, I want to put you up on the mayor. The mayor thing. Yeah, the mayor thing, because that's terrifying looking to me, when I see you up there and making decisions, and the way we do business and all of those kinds of things, and how we help people. There's a part of me that says, oh, I'd like to do that, and then there's the better part of me that says, no, you don't. Oh, I like that you pointed out that it feels terrifying. I have said before that I feel like the design of City Hall doesn't really lend itself to comfort, and no wonder people feel nervous about public speaking. But I would remind everybody that we are, while not completely normal people, I think that would be going too far, but we are somewhat normal people and definitely community members. The coming to City Hall and giving public comment, it can seem intimidating because you have to walk up there and then there's a timer, and that makes me nervous, too. I would remind the public that if it's a pothole or something that Public Works is supposed to fix, or a problem with your water bill, we have a great staff. They're really happy to help. You can call City Hall or just go in at any time, and they'll answer questions. And anything that you're concerned about, our community of City Council members really deeply care about this community, and they really want to help people out. So making an appointment just to hang out, it's hard because of the Brown Act, so we can't meet with more than one other Council member, and that's a good law. It's a good spirit. You want to make sure that things aren't happening behind closed doors or smoke-filled rooms, things like that. So a one-on-one is perfectly legitimate and fine, and I think all of the Council members would agree with me that they're happy to do that on any issue that people are concerned about. Yes, I love this town. So we're going to take a break. I just got my boss back there says it's time to be quiet. Okay. And then we'll be back and find a little more about Hillary and her beliefs and how she gets through a day and where she wants to go, because she's got lots of time, I hope, to go. What a wonderful world. Don't miss the 2026 Nevada County Falls Prevention Summit, Friday, September 11. Pride Before the Fall will be both educational and fun. Keynote Susan Clayton will discuss memories and maladies, how dementia plays a role with balance. You'll hear from first responders as well as physical therapists who step in after a fall. Speaking of steps, find out how your shoes and stride, as well as changes in hearing and vision, can lead to a fall. Homer Nottingham will be on hand, and there will be music to entertain and encourage singing to stay forever young. Take advantage of free blood pressure screening, balance assessments, and meet with our many vendors. Enjoy morning treats and a bag lunch. It's all free, but registration is required by September 6. Go to supportsierranevada.org. Don't let pride stand in your way. Join us at Sierra Presbyterian on Ridge Road in Nevada City, Friday, September 11, from 830 to 1 o'clock for the annual Falls Prevention Summit. Thanks to our title sponsors, Pawnee's Home Care and Eschaton Village. Before you guess, redo, or regret, start where the pros start. Since 1949, Mal Paint & Glass has helped Nevada County homeowners and contractors get it right the first time. This isn't a big box aisle and a shrug. It's expert guidance, premium paint, and custom glass that works in our Nevada County homes and climate. Visit Mal Paint & Glass at 700 East Main Street in Grass Valley, or give them a call at 273-4643. For 50 years, Foothill Mercantile has been bringing fun, surprises, and wonderful memories to downtown Grass Valley. And now, you are invited to celebrate their golden anniversary. Explore two floors packed with 23,000 items. Toys, puzzles, candy, gifts, housewares, greeting cards, holiday decor, and surprises around every corner. Let the celebration begin. Now through September 20, keep your eyes open for tiny golden bows hidden throughout the store. Find one and you'll be entered to win a $500 Foothill Mercantile gift certificate. And while you're there, search for the hidden object in the front window for another chance to win a $50 gift certificate. Mark your calendar for the big golden anniversary celebration, September 19th and 20th, with prizes and raffles and savings on every purchase. Celebrate 50 years of Foothill Mercantile in the heart of Mill Street Plaza, downtown Grass Valley. Hear that? That's the sound of your life. Perfectly imperfect. Beating in rhythm to the world you've created. But every time you drive after drinking, the music gets drowned out. Your life sounds pretty great. Don't let a buzz ruin it. Buzz driving is drunk driving. Don't drive buzzed. A message from Nitin, the Ad Council. Most pests hide in the shadows, just out of sight. But even as they go unnoticed, they can still put our health at risk. Often drawn to food, moisture, and clutter. Pests can spread dangerous bacteria, trigger allergies, and also transmit diseases. In our homes, our workplaces, and even outdoors, pests are a serious health and safety threat. Knowing what to look for can help protect your health. Learn more at pestworld.org. A public service message from the National Pest Management Association. Hi, this is Mayor Hilary Hodge from Grass Valley. And you are listening to Nevada County's number one popular music station, Star 94 FM. I thought you might enjoy hearing that. There you go. Wow. The mayor consented to record that liner for our FM station. Thank you again for that, Hilary. I love that. And now back to What a Wonderful World with Carol and Hilary. Thank you, Mo. So, Hilary, that was pretty cool. That was. I like that. As we discussed off-air a little bit, there might have to be an update. Oh. Because you wanted to address a rumor. Oh, I did. There is a rumor. On the street. I'm not going to share it. Because it's not my story. It's not a rumor. I have announced that I will not be running for re-election. I have loved being the mayor and being on the city council for the last eight years. It's been wonderful. Most people don't realize that the council members, we have day jobs unless we're retired. And so it has been a pretty heavy lift to manage having a day job. And also the incredible responsibility of being the mayor and a council member for this community. It's a responsibility that I have taken very seriously. And it has been a great honor and a great joy. And I'm excited for new leadership. I think we have people who care deeply for this community interested in serving. I know that our staff is incredible. And I'm also very excited to focus on a new role in my life. I was hired as the Director of Development and Marketing for Foothills Compassionate Care. Formerly known, or still known, but additionally known as Hospice of the Foothills locally. That is awesome. Yeah. It is. So we didn't talk about this, but I'm going to ask anyway. You're very articulate. Let's make it up. So of all the things you've encountered and all the things you've done in this journey so far, with the hopes there'll be a lot more journey coming up, what is the highest, joyous, most exciting, stay a while thing that happened in your world? There are two that come to mind right off the top of my head. The first one was that early on I saw a young girl about six, seven, maybe eight years old. And her mother said to her, well, honey, this is the mayor. And she said, you don't look like a mayor. And I got down on my knee to get to her level. And I said, what do you think a mayor looks like? And she looks at my face and she puts her hands on my face. And she goes, us. And I realized in that moment that it really meant something to this little girl to see a woman be a mayor. And I'm not the first one in Grass Valley. I'm not by a long shot. There's been several. But it was really important to realize what an incredible responsibility it would be to make sure that the girls and women in our community knew that that was an opportunity. So that right off the bat. But I will tell you that I was invited to go to the 170th anniversary of the Episcopal Church of our community in Grass Valley. And I am not Episcopalian. And it was an absolute incredible celebration. Our Cornish choir sang. I believe the Grass Valley Male Voice Choir sang. We had someone from Canterbury Cathedral in England visiting who spoke a little bit about just the incredible milestone. And I really could feel the history of our community. And then present day, how fast forward the people today are building parade floats for the Fourth of July parade and still singing some of those Cornish songs. But also incorporating some folk music that was modern. It felt like there was really a through line between the history of our community and the community today. And just ultimately the love for Nevada County and Grass Valley. It definitely was. And I didn't ask the question for me. But I would have said that. It really was a very special time. And I think for me what that time was inclusive of everybody. You didn't have to be an Episcopalian. You didn't have to be there for 200 years. You could just come and have joy. How cool was that? It was really wonderful. And the cross section of the community, you're absolutely right. There were so many people there from different backgrounds. It was just such a sweet event. And we have stuff like that in our community all the time. And that's what I love. I love it. And we're running out of time. So I'm going to say there's lots of adventure still in this young woman. So I'm going to hang out with her a while. Maybe I'll get to go on a new adventure with her. You never know. You're always invited. You're a delight. The best of luck to you, Hilary. And you cannot leave Nevada. This is home. Thank you. And thank you everyone for listening tonight. Today. Tonight. Whatever day it is. Anyway, thank you so much. --- end of transcript ---