Author

Annelise Pierce

Annelise Pierce is Shasta Scout’s Editor and a Community Reporter covering government accountability, civic engagement, and local religious and political movements.

Annelise's Latest Articles

Wild Rice Farm Will Sustain Both Family Agriculture And The Environment Under Land Trust Conservation Agreement

More than three-hundred acres of family farmland along the Fall River in Northeastern Shasta County will now be permanently protected. The property was conserved by the Shasta Land Trust in collaboration with the California Department of Conservation. It will continue to be used as working farmland while providing essential habitat for migratory birds.

What’s A Living Wage? And Do Shasta County’s General Unit Staff Make One?

Almost half of Shasta County's employees have been striking since May 1. They’re asking for a living wage. Here’s what that means. And how the County's wages measure up.

Corporate Media Cuts At Gannett Affect Shasta County’s Record Searchlight

Since 2018, the number of reporting staff at Shasta County’s legacy daily paper has shrunk by more than half as the paper’s parent company, Gannett, has cut costs to pay off debt and increase profits. The changes at the Record Searchlight are one more indication of the ongoing loss of high-quality local news across California, and the United States.

Shasta County Staff Vote To Extend Strike

UPEC Local 792 General Unit staff, which include almost half of Shasta County’s employees will extend their two-week strike through next Tuesday, May 16. That’s the same day the Board of Supervisors plans to hold further discussions related to the labor dispute.

Board Imposes Wage Increase As Strikers Whistle-Blow On High Shasta County Staff Vacancy Rates

Some said that low wages are a significant factor in high staff vacancy levels that are endangering compliance with mandatory State timelines for distributing aid. Scout’s document requests reveal that over the last eleven months Shasta County’s staff vacancy rates have risen to almost 19% as more than 270 Shasta County staff members have left their jobs.

Stories From the Picket Line: Shasta County Workers Speak Out As UPEC Strike Begins

On International Workers Day, we talked to some of the County's lowest-paid workers, many of whom provide critical State-funded services that help prevent homelessness, increase public safety, and respond to food insecurity.

Shasta County Staff Will Strike Over Wages As Supervisors Consider Spending Millions More On Optional Election Changes

UPEC Local 792’s General Unit has voted to strike beginning May 1 over a County wage offer that doesn’t keep pace with increased inflation and insurance costs. Supervisor Patrick Jones says it's the best the County can afford while remaining fiscally conservative. He has voted in favor of optional election changes which will cost the County millions over the next two years.

Shasta County Supervisor Kevin Crye Faces Recall Attempt After Only Three Months In Office

Crye ran for Supervisor on a platform of promoting unity and tackling governmental corruption. He says his track record speaks to his success. Those who want to recall him say he’s been one of three fiscally irresponsible and reckless leaders who’ve destabilized the County in ways that will cause long-term harm. They’re targeting Crye for recall because they see it as the easiest path towards shifting the Board majority.

Attempt To Recall Gateway School Board Trustees Lindsi And Elias Haynes Is Underway

Thirty-two community members have signed intent-to-recall notices for two Gateway Unified School District Board Members. Here’s why some want to recall the married couple . . . and what to expect next.

Good News Rescue Mission Holds Second “Redding Restart” Forum Focused On Housing

We followed up with some simple questions: How much affordable entry-level housing is available and how long is the wait? The news wasn't good.

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