DIG Announces New Leadership After Founding Member Retires

DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Improvement Group (DIG) is pleased to announce a new chapter in its leadership as long-time founding member Cherry Simi retires from the board. Under Simi’s guidance, DIG has spearheaded numerous community initiatives, and the organization remains deeply grateful for her many years of dedicated leadership.

Reflecting on her tenure and the spirit of the organization, Cherry Simi shared:

“Giving back to my community is important to me, and I prefer to work quietly behind the scenes. My satisfaction comes from knowing that we are contributing to the betterment of our hometown. Nothing can be achieved by one person alone, success depends on a strong group of friends and neighbors willing to pitch in. Meaningful progress is only possible through collaboration and shared commitment, which has consistently been a strength of DIG.”

Stepping into new roles to lead the organization forward are Michael Taylor as President, Michael Meline as Vice President, Sonya Z. Meline as Secretary, and Liz Halliday, who will continue her vital role as Treasurer.

“We are incredibly grateful to Cherry Simi for her vision in founding the Downieville Improvement Group and for the foundation she has built,” said Mike Meline, DIG’s new Vice-President. “As we transition to this new board, we look forward to continuing the work of improving our community while honoring the legacy Cherry leaves behind.”

A Legacy of Community Improvement

Since its formation in 2012 and subsequent transition to an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2016, DIG has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects dedicated to the betterment of Downieville:

• Organizational Growth: Originally emerging from the Downieville Community Association in 2008, the group formally organized as the Downieville Improvement Group (DIG) in 2012 and achieved official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2016.

• Major Infrastructure Projects: The group has played a vital role in town physical improvements, including contributing funding and labor to build and light the town gazebo and reconstructing the Durgan bridge star

• Large-Scale Financial Contributions: DIG has provided significant financial support to the community, most notably a $70,000 donation for the Community Hall renovation and over $10,000 toward the construction of a new firehouse.

• Event Coordination: The organization manages and sponsors key local events, such as the Annual Downieville Mountain Brewfest (running from 2015–2025), Gold Rush Days, and the “Downieville Town Treasure Hunt” yard sales.

• Community Advocacy: DIG acts as a voice for the town by advocating to County officials for street lighting, downtown rejuvenation, and parking recommendations, as well as organizing community meetings regarding the local medical clinic.

• Tourism and Promotion: In previous years, the group produced annual calendars of events, business directories, and walking tour maps, while also coordinating the placement of scenic byway posters and rack cards, all of which supported the local economy.

• Public Space Maintenance: The group takes an active role in beautification through annual spring clean-up days, planting flowers in public tubs, and supervising the maintenance and painting of the Visitor Center bathrooms

• Support for Youth and Services: The organization provides ongoing support for local students through graduation banners and awards and has donated equipment and funds to the volunteer firefighters and the local library program.

The Downieville Improvement Group typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Downieville Community Hall at 5:30 PM for shared hors d’oeuvres prior to the 6:00 PM meeting. Local residents are welcome to attend and join DIG. Planning and coordinating efforts for our upcoming Downieville Mountain Music event (May 9th, 2026) and Downieville Mountain Brewfest (September 12, 2026) are the current main focus for raising funds. The next DIG meeting is Tuesday February 10th, 2026.

DIG remains committed to the vision of collaborative progress and looks forward to serving the residents of Downieville for years to come.