Nestled among the rushing forks of the Mokulmne River and the pine covered Sierra foothills of Northeastern Calaveras County, the four towns of the Blue Mountain community were once rich in gold and timber. After a century of boom and bust resource extraction cycles, the close of the mining and timber industries left the region challenged by the loss of local jobs, boarded up businesses and difficulties attracting new development. While residents had started several community renewal initiatives, many of these projects were struggling to sustain themselves. After a decade revitalization efforts, the community needed a vehicle to better publicize local issues and bring concerned citizens together to work for change.