A Conversation with Lee Adams: Sheriff, Supervisor, and Soul of Downieville
- Sonya Z. Meline
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
We couldn't have picked a better spot to sit down with Lee Adams III than the Red Moose Cafe & Inn in Sierra City, a cozy establishment near Downieville known for its truly delicious breakfast, a meal I make sure to enjoy there every Sunday. I was absolutely thrilled when Lee agreed to join me this particular weekend. Our conversation started with a small, memorable moment: when my veggie scramble arrived, I realized I was missing a knife and fork, and Lee, ever the gentleman, offered me his.
Lee Adams is a quintessential figure in Sierra County, a long-serving public official and devoted resident whose life story is deeply woven into the fabric of Downieville and the surrounding region. He has dedicated 45 years working for Sierra County in some capacity, including an 18-year tenure as the Sierra County Sheriff-Coroner (1988–2007) and multiple terms as a Sierra County Supervisor (since 2009). Born in San Francisco, Lee's heart now belongs to the quiet charm of the California mountains.
We recently sat down with Lee to discuss his lifelong connection to the area, the unique characteristics of Downieville, and what he hopes for its future.
The Journey Home: From Daly City to Downieville
Lee's initial draw to the area began in childhood. He was born in San Francisco and raised in Daly City. His connection to Sierra County started early, first with a father-son excursion to Gold Lake in 1963.
He fell in love with the place when his family began camping at the Indian Valley Campground on the North Fork of the Yuba River in 1965. "We came up here, loved it, and never looked back," he says, detailing two-week trips every summer.
Upon turning 18, and after his parents bought a summer home in Downieville, Lee began his professional life, starting with the Forest Service in June 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, in 1978. At 22, he began his career with the Sheriff’s Office, eventually rising to become Sheriff and then a County Supervisor.
Q&A: History, Community, and The Future
We discussed what makes this isolated area so captivating to him, from its geography to its distinct sense of community.
Q: What keeps you here? "It's home. It's been home my whole adult life. It has everything I enjoy," Lee explains. He particularly loves having all four seasons, which he didn't experience growing up in the Bay Area. He noted that his love for the area is county-wide, often identifying as being from Sierra County as a whole, rather than just one community. He also enjoys his work preserving the area’s past, serving as a member and treasurer for the Downieville Museum.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or moment you’ve had here? A special moment for Lee involves the deep history of the region and helping visitors connect with it. He recalls an older couple from Southern England who reached out because a relative had died under mysterious circumstances in the 1890s near Poker Flat. Lee, drawing on his extensive local knowledge, was able to take them to the remote location, allowing them to finally learn how their relative lived and died. He attributes his mastery of the local geography—including places like Whiskey Diggings and Holly Lake Flat—to his mentor from the Sheriff’s Office, Mel Ponta.
Q: What do you think makes this community unique or special? Lee emphasizes two main points: the natural setting and the social atmosphere.
Geography: The beautiful setting, especially the confluence of the two rivers, is unparalleled.
Community: "You can literally be friends with everyone in town". He finds it cool that the whole community gets to know each other, preventing the isolation often seen in larger cities. This spirit is most visible when people rally to help each other "when the chips are down". He adds that the community embraces a "libertarian attitude of Live and Let Live," which may surprise outsiders.
Lee Adams and Jan Hamilton at the Downieville Halloween History Tour.
Q: How has living or spending time here impacted your life? He admits it's hard to compare, having lived his "whole adult life" here. He views himself as a former "city boy" who became a "country mouse". His approachability as an elected official reflects the nature of small-town government: he had a listed phone number the entire time he was Sheriff and continues to as a Supervisor, operating under the belief that if he has to unlist it, he shouldn't be an elected official.
Q: What are some hidden gems or lesser-known attractions in the area that you love? Lee suggests a drive up or down Galloway Road to visit the historic mining towns of Allegheny and Forest City to truly understand Sierra County's past. For those seeking incredible scenery, he recommends a trip up to Saddleback.
Q: Can you tell us about a favorite local tradition or event? The Fourth of July is his top pick, an event he hasn't missed since 1974. It features a parade, foot races, a tug-of-war, and the unique "fireless fireworks".
Q: What advice would you give to someone visiting this area for the first time? Grab the walking tour map and explore the history, from the Pauley Creek Falls to the town's historic buildings. He strongly recommends the Downieville Museum and the Sierra County Sheriff's Gallows, 2024, which he believes is the only one still standing in California. For a fun day trip, he suggests driving down Indian Valley and playing in the Rapids near Rocky Rest Campground.
Q: How do you think tourism has affected the community? Lee says the town exists because of gold, and the economy naturally transitioned from gold to timber, and then to tourism. He argues that locals should be "gracious and good hosts" because the community sits in the middle of public lands. The biggest challenge is the short season and the fact that on summer weekends, Downieville often hits its "people carrying capacity," especially concerning parking for vehicles.
Q: What do you hope for the future of this community? He hopes the community can maintain the delicate balance between economic vitality and quality of life. The goal is for people to be able to "live, survive, and thrive" here without changing the unique character that draws people who want to "step back in time".
A Final Word for Visitors and Newcomers
Lee's career is proof of the community's welcoming nature. The community welcomed him as an 18-year-old and allowed a San Francisco-born kid to eventually become the county's Sheriff and a Supervisor. He is now the only Northern Californian and the only rural person on the State Historical Resources Commission.
For those thinking of moving here, he shares a quote: "If you can survive in Downieville, you can survive anywhere". It’s a rewarding life, but newcomers must be prepared to "create your own life" due to the limited opportunities in a rural community.
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