DOWNIEVILLE - On Wednesday, July 5th, Downieville was honored with a visit from Congressman Kevin Kiley, who arrived to give Sierra County’s Director of Transportation and Planning, Tim Beals, a fitting send-off after 50 years of service. Kiley
represented the 6th district in the California State Assembly from 2016 to 2022 and has represented California’s 3rd congressional district nationally as a Republican since 2023. Although Rep. Kiley has previously visited the east side of Sierra
County, yesterday was his introduction to the town of Downieville. Following a “Meet & Greet” hosted by Sierra County Planning Department’s Monica Beachell, the congressman went on a tour around town with Corri Jimenez, Architectural Historian & Sierra County Planner III, Karen Galan, Docent
for the Downieville Museum, Mountain Messenger Staff and recent Downieville High School graduate Riley Pearmund, videographer. Congressman Kiley first visited the Downieville Historic Gallows & Courthouse Square and was given a brief overview of their historic importance. Shortly after, Kiley made an impromptu visit to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office and was impressed by
the display lining the wall of records dating back to Downieville’s founding. He later highlighted the office as his favorite moment of the tour. Rounding onto Main Street, Rep. Kiley visited a community pillar, the Yuba Theatre. Inside, recent high school graduate Riley Pearmund played his senior project short film outlining the history and cultural importance of the theater for the congressman. After leaving the theater, the tour group headed to Commercial Street to view the Native Daughters Hall, Downieville Library, United Methodist Church, and Masonic Hall. The tour then visited the Downieville Museum and concluded with a specialty cocktail named after the congressman, made by bartender Sara Kernitz at the St. Charles. Kiley then played a few quick ping-pong games with The Mountain Messenger’s Angela
Shannon and Sandy Sanders. To local tournament winner Shannon’s dismay, Congressman Kiley won both games. After the ping-pong games, Rep. Kiley arrived to give remarks at Goldrush Park for Beals’ retirement ceremony. Kiley recognized Beals as the “one person in particular, who for a half-century has been first among equals in making this town
the gem that it is in my district, and for the entire state of California.” In his nearly seven-minute speech, Kiley listed all the roles filled by Beals in his prolific career and the profound gratitude and respect held towards Beals by colleagues
and residents of Sierra County. Congressman Kiley rightly pointed out in his speech that Beals’ service went “way above the call of duty.” The commencement ceremony at Tim Beals’ Retirement Party at Goldrush Park in Downieville involved an impressive list of recognition, including: After the formal presentations, Brandon Pangman and Brian Davey invited attendees to pay tribute and express kind sentiments to Beals and his years of service to the county and community. With closing remarks wrapping up, folks made their way to the catered spread of chicken, tri-tip, salad, bread, and beans, and the band Runnin’ 4 Cover resumed playing. In an upcoming edition of The Mountain Messenger, we will include an in-depth retrospective of Tim Beals’ time in office.
Left to Right: Brandon Pangman, Corri Jimenez, Monica Beachell, Congressman Kevin Kiley, Karen Galan
Congressman Kiley greets Melissa Kinneer
Congressman Kiley greets Tim Beals
Congressman Kiley awards Tim BealsCongressman Kiley Photo Wall
Ryan Steinwert, Sandy Sanders, and Angela Shannon
Riley Pearmund shooting on the Durgan Bridge
Outside the Yuba Theatre
Dave and Carol Marshall
Tour videographer Riley Pearmund
Logan Kinneer with Rep. Kiley's autograph
Jim Roos at the St. Charles
Angela Shannon letting the congressman win
Leaving the Native Daughters Hall and library
Teia Miller at the Clerk-Recorder's Office
Karen Galan and Corri Jimenez