Shasta County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shasta County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Potential county litigation
Behind closed doors, the Board discussed a threatened lawsuit by Clerk/Registrar Clint Curtis and committed that elections employees involved in an investigation will be represented and indemnified by the county if sued. The Board then voted 4-1 to waive privilege over that closed session discussion.
Veteran suicide prevention and recovery services
Our Heroes' Dreams reported helping 30 homeless or addicted veterans with $249,852 in opioid settlement dollars, exhausting the funds five and a half months into a 12-month contract. Supervisors signaled interest in finding more money.
County email retention and public records transparency
How long the county keeps emails before deleting them — directly affects what's available in Public Records Act requests. Residents pushed back against a one-year deletion policy and got two years with a one-month grace period instead.
Youth suicide prevention program
Public Health presented local suicide statistics, program funding, and a new multi-agency Suicide Fatality Review Team aimed at better coordination to help people at risk.
County defense in Katske election litigation
Two related lawsuits — Katske v. Clint Curtis et al. and Katske v. County of Shasta — challenge election-related conduct in Shasta County. The Board had to decide whether the County defends its Clerk and employees and whether taxpayers fund outside attorneys.
Substance use disorder treatment expansion
Opioid settlement money is going to build a 75-bed residential treatment facility at Good News Rescue Mission, unlocking $17.8 million in state matching funds. That means more local treatment beds for people struggling with addiction.
Pathways to Leadership Campus Expansion youth mental health facility
The county is putting up to $1.92 million in opioid settlement money toward a youth behavioral health campus in the Anderson area with treatment beds for youth in crisis. Support is contingent on backing from the Anderson City Council, probation, and local law enforcement.
Jail medical services contract
The county is switching jail medical care from Wellpath to Mediko at roughly 40% higher cost, but the new deal doubles medical staffing and boosts addiction treatment in the jail. Sheriff Johnson said the competitive RFP drew seven proposals this time versus one last time.
Behavioral health provider shortage and telepsychiatry spending
Supervisors more than doubled the telepsychiatry contract after hearing about vacancies in behavioral health. The $4.3 million cap reflects how hard it is to keep psychiatric care staffed in rural Northern California.
Measles outbreak and public health priorities
The county's Health Officer confirmed an active measles outbreak and stressed vaccination is the prevention tool. Residents who suspect exposure should contact their medical provider.