Several dozen people protested the mandatory shredding of 2024 ballots at the election office today. Amid the chaos, election official Clint Curtis supervised the proceedings with his signature cheerfulness.
The First Amendment Coalition has issued a legal demand on Shasta Scout’s behalf in an attempt to compel disclosure of a federal grand jury subpoena under public records law. A board meeting to discuss anticipated litigation is scheduled for Monday.
An official with the state said elections official Clint Curtis was instructed this afternoon that he must continue with the shred, noting that he's stated that he plans to comply. It’s unclear so far what penalties he might face if he doesn’t or how the process of prosecuting his failure to destroy ballot materials might play out.
The school board member stepped down one day after the state authorized a lawsuit against her for the second time this year. She could still face legal action.
Months after the California Attorney General’s Office approved the initiation of a lawsuit against her, LaBarbera is facing another dispute. The new claim against her alleges not only that her dual school board roles are incompatible, but also that she broke state law by holding her first seat long after having moved from the district she serves.
The office has been used by those seeking eligibility for CalFresh, CalWORKS and Medi-Cal. HHSA said the closure is due to a move, but did not announce when or where an eligibility office will reopen.
County Counsel Joseph Larmour said Planning Commissioner Steve Kerns was being removed without cause. Supervisors who attempted to delve into what was behind Kerns’ removal received pushback from the county’s attorney.
According to state law, the ballots were supposed to be retained only through Sept. 5, 2026. Litigation filed last week in an attempt to delay the destruction of ballots has failed, the county’s attorney said. Curtis did not respond to a request for comment.
Joseph Bowers, an assistant director at Redding Electric Utility, could temporarily step into a department head role that was recently vacated by Greg Robinett. If appointed, Bowers would split his time between his current role at REU and Redding’s top finance role, at no additional cost to the city.
Events are being held by three local organizations. They will publicly interview candidates about their approach to business, the environment and other topics of interest to local community members.
