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Here's What You Need To Know
The Board of Supervisors will consider a really significant number of important business items this Tuesday. As members of the press, we serve as watchdogs to the democratic process. That's why we're highlighting some emerging concerns we're seeing with the Board's meeting process.
- The Board will consider several items which could significantly change the way the County does business, yet no real information on what alternatives are being considered is being publicly provided. Information on alternatives under consideration would provide the full Board, and the public, the ability to grapple with and comment on possible changes, ahead of the meeting.
- We're particularly concerned this week about the lack of information related to two agenda items. One could change how items are placed on the Board's agenda, the other could dictate a reorganization of the County's Administrative Office which supervises twenty County departments. See our notes below.
- Discussions about the County's elections process, which is fundamental to a functioning democracy, appear to be happening in a disconnected and oppositional way. While the elected Board of Supervisors manages the County's election budget, it's the elected County Clerk and Registrar of Voters who manages the County's elections process. You'll note two separate and significantly disconnected agenda items on this topic brought by two different elected officials. You'll also see from the placement of those items the order in which public comment will be received and considered before a vote. We have questions about whether this agenda's timeline and process for discussing voting mechanisms serves the highest good of Shasta County's voters, who elected both the Supervisors and the County Elections clerk and who deserve a chance to publicly comment in a meaningful way.
- Overall, the number and importance of items under consideration this Tuesday is so significant that we question whether the Board and the public will have the opportunity to adequately consider the tremendous impact that immediate action may have on public services, especially for the County's most vulnerable.
As you consider the concerns we're highlighting, it's important to remember that even if a Board's actions comply with the Brown Act (which we are monitoring closely,) that should be considered only a minimum standard for how elected officials safeguard the public's trust. Conducting business in a way that supports transparent access to public information and holding meetings in a way that facilitates free and civil discussion are other critically important ways that elected officials show their determination to serve the public good.
Have questions? Comments? Feedback? Reply to this newsletter. I read every email.
Forging ahead,
Annelise Pierce
Editor, Community Reporter
Shasta Scout
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What's Ahead In Public Meetings
We are using this space to highlight just a few of our county's many public meeting events and topics. Are we missing meetings you care about or agenda topics that you think are important? Reach out and let us know so we can share more of what matters most, to you: editor@shastascout.org
Monday, February 27, 5:30 pm, the Redding Tree Ordinance Committee will:
- Consider various perspectives on a City tree ordinance from speakers representing the City, construction, development and environmental preservation. The meeting will be held in the City’s Civic Center Community Room. Learn more here.
Tuesday, February 28, at 4 pm the Redding Planning Commission will:
- Consider a draft of the Health, Wellness and Environmental Justice component of the City’s General Plan. The meeting will be held in the Redding Council Chambers. See the Draft here.
Tuesday, February 28, at 9 am the Shasta County Board of Supervisors will:
- Consider approving a $1.5 million grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life to the Shasta County Elections Department. The money could be used to purchase a building for County elections, rather than continuing to rent a facility. Learn more here.
- Consider options for counting election ballots and alternative solutions for conducting elections, including the development of a voting system pilot program and hand counting. Learn more here.
- Consider how to move forward with a state-approved elections process including considering contracts with two other state-certified voting machine providers, rescinding a previous vote to cancel the County’s contract with Dominion Voting Systems Inc., or other possible steps. Learn more here.
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Discuss the County's policy for how the Board's agenda is developed. This agenda item indicates the Board may hold a vote to provide direction to staff that could change the current Board policy but no alternate policies or specifics are indicated, leaving it entirely unclear what changes may be considered. Learn more here.
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Consider reorganizing the County Administrative Office which includes a budget of $2.6 M, and fifteen staff positions supervising twenty County departments. No information on what kind of reorganization is being considered has been provided to the public in this agenda even though a vote may occur. Learn more here.
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Consider closing the County’s Opportunity Center, which provides job training services to disabled adults within the County. Staff are recommending the County close the OC by June 30. There is no mention of how many existing clients are being served or a transition plan for those clients who are among the most vulnerable adults in Shasta County, should the OC close. See our related coverage here. You can read the staff report here.
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Upcoming Events
*In response to audience requests we're working to share more local events. Is there a free event you think we should share? Email us anytime: admin@shastascout.org.
🗳 February 27 - Elections Open House
The public is invited to an open house to learn how votes are counted in Shasta County. The Elections Office at 1643 Market St will be open for office tours. For a voting tech tour and certified voting equipment demonstration, plan to visit the Veterans Hall at 1605 Yuba Street. Both locations will be open from noon to 7pm on Monday, February 27.
🎥 March 1 - “Storming Caesar’s Palace” movie and discussion panel
On Wednesday, March 1, we hope you'll join Shasta Scout and our partnering sponsor, KIXE PBS, at 6 p.m. at Old City Hall for a showing of “Storming Caesar’s Palace.” The film follows the life of Ruby Duncan, an organizer for worker’s rights in the 1960s, who later became a White House advisor. A trailer for the movie is available here. The event will also include a discussion panel, featuring women who have responded to local needs by building change-making organizations, including Shasta Scout’s Annelise Pierce and Shasta Living Street's Anne Thomas. Attend this free event by registering on Eventbrite.
🎬 March 24 - “From the Quarters to Lincoln Heights” showing
Redding’s First United Methodist Church is hosting a showing of the documentary, “From the Quarters to Lincoln Heights” on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. This will be a free event, and childcare will be provided. Donations will be accepted for fire victims of Lincoln Heights. For further context behind the documentary in light of the recent Mill Fire, read Shasta Scout’s coverage here.
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That's All for Today . . . Thanks!
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We're Shasta Scout, a free online news service for Shasta County. We scout out the truth, for you.
We're here to serve the people, not profit, or power. Thanks for being part of our groundbreaking work to rebuild trust in local news!
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And if you've found this edition of Signals valuable, please forward it to a friend and encourage them to subscribe for free!
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The Dip The best spot in downtown Redding for live music and craft beer.
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KKRN 88.5 FM - Local, grassroots, listener-supported Community Radio in Shasta County since 2011.
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KIXE PBS shares diverse stories, connects our citizens, discovers common ground, and celebrates the independent spirit and beauty of our northern California region.
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