Shasta Scout – Stories That Build Democracy

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News: Civic Engagement

Nearly Half of All Shasta County Students Participated in COVID Mandate Walkouts
School absentee data provided by the Shasta County Office of Education indicates that a majority of Shasta County community members oppose COVID vaccine mandates in schools. Organizers of school walkouts say they’ll continue to pull their children out of school on Mondays until they’re given freedom of choice about vaccines. Student COVID vaccine mandates are not yet in effect.

October 22, 2021
Shasta Scout

Stories that Build Democracy

At Shasta Scout, we believe building a democratic community requires free access to equitable news. Our investigative reporting focuses on Shasta County’s most important stories with the depth and complexity the stories, and our community, deserve. We are a non-profit, independent, civic news organization committed to diversity in the stories we cover and in the perspectives we use to tell those stories.
News: Civic Engagement

“Not About A Vaccine”: In Shasta County, Marathon Eight Hours of Public Comment Centers on Feared Loss of Freedoms

Some also expressed concerns about the potential for violence as local unrest against Newsom’s COVID mandates swells.


October 21, 2021
News: Bethel Church

Bethel Church’s Bill Johnson Compares COVID Vaccines to “Mark of the Beast”

Bethel Church, a Redding megachurch that claims to perform miraculous healings, has been the center of controversy over statements and actions related to COVID. Neither Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry nor Bethel Christian School require masks for students.


October 15, 2021
News: Accountability

Redding Riverfront Land Could be Utilized for Affordable Housing

In the first of four public workshops on a proposed riverfront land development, the Council will hear a presentation on the process for declaring city land surplus in preparation for sale. A report from the City Attorney indicates that the City could declare the properties as “exempted surplus land” and sell to a developer ready to build at least three hundred housing units, with 25 percent of them meeting affordable housing requirements.


October 13, 2021
News: Civic Engagement

“Unite the Fight”: Groups Opposing Vaccine Mandates in Schools Unite to Organize School Walk-Outs

Recall Shasta has found new focus after Newsom’s recent announcement of vaccine mandates for school children. A gathering held Wednesday, October 6, by those opposed to COVID mandates in schools, drew hundreds of supporters. A second meeting is scheduled for Monday night, October 11. COVID vaccine mandates for California school children are not yet in effect.


October 11, 2021
News: Civic Engagement

Locals Gather In Support of Nationwide Abortion Access

A new Texas anti-abortion law and a pending Supreme Court case that could lead to the overturning of Roe v Wade, present urgent concern for the majority of Americans that support abortion access.


October 5, 2021
News: Indigenous Affairs

American Indian Advisory in Shasta County Leads the Way in Statewide Education Reform for Native Students

Shasta County Office of Education’s American Indian Advisory played a pivotal role in new legislation that provides excused absences for California students attending Native cultural ceremonies and events. The bill, sponsored by Assembly member Megan Dahle, addresses one of the primary causes of Native student’s chronically high rates of absenteeism.


October 3, 2021
Building Democracy

How We’re Reporting and Why It Matters

In this Building Democracy column we’re sharing the strategies that are shaping our coverage of Redding’s riverfront land development proposal and other news stories. And we’re welcoming your feedback.


September 26, 2021
News: Accountability

Wave of Public Feedback Prompts Council to Table Riverfront Land Proposal

Marge Cantrell emphasized the importance of keeping Redding’s natural beauty and small-town feel front-and-center. “Every town doesn’t have to have a Disney,” Cantrell said.


September 22, 2021
News: Accountability

Public Comments Welcome at the Redding City Council’s Discussion of Riverfront Land Options Tonight

The discussion centers around a proposal by two developers and two non-profits to develop key riverfront land.


September 21, 2021