Congressman Kiley Visits Downieville

By Angela Shannon and Ryan Steinwert

July 6, 2023

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.

Left to Right: Brandon Pangman, Corri Jimenez, Monica Beachell, Congressman Kevin Kiley, Karen Galan

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.

Congressman Kiley greets Melissa Kinneer

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.

Congressman Kiley greets Tim Beals

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:

Welcome & Opening Remarks by Director of Transportation Bryan Davey and Planning Director Brandon Pangman
Presentation by U.S. Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-Dist. 3)
Presentation by U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein (Supervisor Lee Adams, Sierra County Dist. 1)
Presentation by State Senator Brian Dahle’s Office (Yolanda Cookson)
Presentation by State Assembly Member Meghan Dahle’s Office (Yolanda Cookson)
Presentation by Sierra County Board of Supervisors (Chair Sharon Dryden, Dist. 5)
Presentation by the California State Association of Counties (Staci Heaton)
Presentation by the Rural County Representatives of California (Staci Heaton)
Presentation by Sierra County Road Crew (Rob Moore [Bryan Davey] & Kevin Marshall)

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.

Congressman Kiley awards Tim Beals