Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Nevada County 311 ("Nevada County 311," "we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use nevadacounty311.com and related services, including our newsletter and communications.

Nevada County 311 is a local news website focused on Nevada County, California. We are committed to handling personal information responsibly and transparently, while preserving the editorial and operational functions necessary to provide timely local reporting.

1. Scope Of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website, newsletter signup pages, forms, and other services that link to this policy. It does not apply to information handled by third-party websites, platforms, or services that we do not control, even when linked from our site.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in several categories:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Newsletter signups and contact forms: Name, email address, and any message or preference information you submit.
• Tips, submissions, and correspondence: Information included in emails or form submissions, which may contain personal details depending on what you choose to provide.
• Voluntary participation data: Responses to surveys, polls, or community feedback requests.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Log data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, referring pages, pages visited, timestamps, and approximate location derived from IP.
• Usage analytics: Session behavior, traffic patterns, engagement metrics, and page performance data.
• Cookie and tracking data: Data associated with cookies, pixels, local storage, and similar technologies used for functionality, analytics, and advertising.

2.3 Information From Third Parties

We may receive limited information from service providers and partners, such as analytics providers, advertising networks, newsletter delivery vendors, and anti-fraud systems. This may include pseudonymous identifiers, campaign performance metrics, and subscription status data.

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve Nevada County 311 and its content delivery
• Provide newsletter distribution, service updates, and editorial communications you request
• Measure readership, diagnose technical issues, and optimize performance
• Understand audience interests and improve local coverage priorities
• Support advertising operations, including frequency capping, measurement, and fraud prevention
• Enforce legal terms, protect rights and safety, and comply with applicable law

4. Third-Party Services And Disclosures

We work with third-party vendors to operate our website and communications. Depending on implementation, these may include:

• Analytics providers to measure traffic and engagement
• Advertising networks and ad technology vendors to deliver and measure ads
• Email service providers to manage newsletter distribution and subscription status
• Hosting, security, and infrastructure providers to support site reliability

These providers may process information on our behalf under contractual terms, and in some cases may act as independent controllers under their own privacy policies.

4.1 Legal And Business Transfers

We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or governmental request; to enforce our terms; to protect users, the public, or our operations; or in connection with a merger, sale, reorganization, or transfer of assets.

5. Cookies And Tracking Technologies

Nevada County 311 uses cookies and similar technologies for core functionality, analytics, and advertising operations. Cookie categories may include:

• Essential cookies: Required for security, navigation, and core site operation
• Performance and analytics cookies: Help us measure usage and improve content delivery
• Advertising cookies: Support ad delivery, relevance, and campaign effectiveness
• Preference cookies: Remember user settings where available

You can control cookies through browser settings and available consent tools. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including editorial operations, analytics, legal compliance, dispute resolution, and security. Retention periods vary by data type, business need, and legal obligations. When information is no longer required, we delete, de-identify, or aggregate it where appropriate.

7. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

Nevada County 311 is a general audience local news service and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 in a manner prohibited by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information, contact us at hello@nevadacounty311.com so we can review and take appropriate action.

8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you may have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, subject to statutory exceptions and verification requirements.

Depending on applicable law, these rights may include:

• The right to know categories and specific pieces of personal information collected
• The right to know categories of sources, purposes, and third parties receiving information
• The right to request deletion of personal information, subject to legal exceptions
• The right to request correction of inaccurate personal information
• The right to opt out of certain sharing or processing activities considered "sale" or "sharing" under California law
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

To submit a privacy request, email hello@nevadacounty311.com with "California Privacy Request" in the subject line and enough information for us to verify your request. Authorized agents may submit requests on your behalf with appropriate documentation.

9. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers provide a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting. Because there is no consistent industry standard for DNT interpretation, Nevada County 311 does not currently respond to DNT signals in a uniform manner. We may continue to revise this approach if standards or legal requirements evolve.

10. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, and alteration. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. International Transfers

Nevada County 311 is based in the United States, and information may be processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where service providers operate. By using nevadacounty311.com, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in locations with different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

12. Third-Party Links And Embedded Content

Our stories may link to third-party websites, maps, videos, social platforms, or public agency resources. Third-party services have their own terms and privacy practices, and Nevada County 311 is not responsible for their content, policies, or handling of data.

13. Changes To This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. When we make material updates, we will revise the effective date and post the updated version on this page. Continued use of nevadacounty311.com after updates become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy, data practices, or privacy requests, contact:

Nevada County 311
Website: nevadacounty311.com
Email: hello@nevadacounty311.com