Former HHSA Chief Fiscal Officer Says he was Terminated from Shasta County After Noting Significant Concerns with Agency Finances
Rahsaan Dean lasted less than two months as Health and Human Services Agency’s first Chief Fiscal Officer. He says he observed unexplainable financial inconsistencies and overdue financial processes and records that led him to file a report with the state.
Shasta County’s Health and Human Services Agency has an annual budget of over $300 million, most of which comes from state and federal funding sources. Significant staff turnover over the last few years has left the agency with reduced institutional knowledge, especially regarding finances.
HHSA hired its first Chief Fiscal Officer, Rahsaan Dean, on May 21. He left his position with the County on July 26. While the County can’t legally comment on specifics related to changes of employment, Dean told Shasta Scout that he was terminated without cause, an action, he says, that was fully in line with his at-will contract.
To ensure fairness in this story, Shasta Scout reached out to County CEO David Rickert with specific quotes from Dean, to provide an opportunity for a response. Comment was specifically sought on Dean’s allegations regarding financial inconsistencies, key financial practices being behind schedule, and key staff lacking financial expertise. Rickert was also asked to respond to Dean’s comments on personnel and work environment issues within HHSA.
“Obviously these allegations will concern many in the public,” Shasta Scout wrote to Rickert by email this week after sharing specific quotes. “What steps, if any, are you taking to address these alleged issues? What would you like HHSA employees and the public to know?”
CEO Rickert did not respond.
During interviews over the last month, Dean shared insight into the workings of HHSA from his perspective. For this on-the-record interview, Dean’s answers were provided in writing. Before publishing, Shasta Scout reviewed his written responses against comprehensive notes from multiple off-the-record conversations to confirm their accuracy.
Scout: Why did you leave your employment as HHSA Chief Fiscal Officer?
Dean: My departure was quite abrupt and unexpected. On a Friday afternoon, during a routine manager’s meeting, I was asked to step outside for a conversation with the County office. I was informed that they were exercising their at-will employment rights to terminate me, effective immediately. I inquired if the decision was performance-related or if there was something specific I had done wrong, but the response was simply that they were exercising their right without further explanation. I didn’t have the opportunity to discuss this with my supervisor and was escorted out of the building shortly after.
Aside from some minor feedback on my handling of two audit challenges—which I stand by—I received no prior indication that my work was unsatisfactory or that my position was in jeopardy. Despite my repeated requests for more information, I was told nothing beyond that I was still eligible to apply for other county positions. Regardless, I respect their decision and have moved on, although I am committed to ensuring transparency and accountability wherever I am.
Scout: What’s your background? Tell me about your qualifications for this job.
Dean: I bring nearly two decades of experience in the accounting field, including significant time as an auditor with the California Franchise Tax Board, where I specialized in auditing complex, multi-state businesses. I hold a BA in Accounting, an MBA with an emphasis on analytics, and a Master of Science in Analytics. My experience spans both national and international settings.
While I am not a Certified Public Accountant, it’s important to note that a CPA license wasn’t required for the role I was hired to do. My expertise lies in identifying financial anomalies and providing strategic oversight, and my extensive training has prepared me to adapt quickly to various accounting standards, including both FASB and GASB principles. The transition to government accounting was straightforward, as it involves only a few nuanced differences from private sector accounting.
Scout: Tell me about your hiring process?
Dean: The hiring process was thorough, and I appreciate the diligence with which the County approached it. I had multiple interviews with key figures, including Auditor Nolda Short and Deputy CEO Erin Bertain, both of whom are highly knowledgeable and scrutinized my accounting expertise in depth. I also met with Deputy HHSA Director Christy Coleman and Administrative Branch Director Erinn Watts, who asked broader questions about my management experience.
While my lack of government accounting experience was noted during the interviews, I was assured that this was not a major concern, and that training would be provided to bridge any gaps. I also had a separate, detailed conversation with HHSA Director Laura Burch and completed a personality assessment, as well as a comprehensive background check, drug test, and physical. The entire process spanned six weeks and included verification of my diplomas and references, so it was by no means a hasty decision.
Editorial note: A public records request by Shasta Scout has confirmed that the hiring panel for Dean included Short, Bertain, Coleman and Watts.
Scout: Who did you work for when you were at HHSA? What level of financial experience did they have?
Dean: I primarily reported to Erinn Watts, though I also interacted with other key members of the team, including Christy Coleman, Laura Burch, and Trisha Boss.
My financial discussions with Burch were generally high-level. While Coleman was very knowledgeable about program specifics, our conversations didn’t often delve deeply into financial matters. Watts, who is quite adept in her programmatic role, was still familiarizing herself with the financial aspects. At times, I found it necessary to simplify financial jargon to facilitate our discussions, but she appeared to have an overall broad familiarity with things. Boss, I would assume, was experienced in her domain, but it was clear that she had limited financial acumen.
As the first CFO for HHSA, the role was still evolving, and responsibilities were not fully defined when I came on board. I dedicated my time to exploring all financial dimensions of the organization, seeking to establish clarity and comprehensive oversight. However, the onboarding process was somewhat fragmented, and I was still in the midst of training on critical systems up until just days before my termination. I only received access to the training process for HHSA’s primary accounting systems, three days before my termination. As a result, much of the work that I had done over the duration of my employment was facilitated by my own experimentation and conversations with employees.
Editorial Note: Shasta Scout used the organizational chart below to confirm that Dean reported to Watts.
Scout: Did you see issues with HHSA’s books?
Dean: My review of HHSA’s financial records was still in its early stages when my tenure was cut short. While I didn’t uncover any explicit improprieties, there were several discrepancies that stood out. I noticed inconsistencies that I couldn’t reconcile and encountered challenges in finding anyone with the necessary financial background to clarify those issues. It was clear that some key financial processes and records were behind schedule, including critical tasks like performance analysis of billable hours, which hadn’t been conducted for several years. The employees I spoke with either didn’t have the accounting background to make sense of the numbers themselves or said they were willing to provide whatever explanations they could with the consistent disclaimer that they had not been properly trained and could be wrong.
The day before my termination, I raised these concerns with my supervisors, including the potential need to involve the CAO’s Office for further clarification. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to pursue this path before my employment ended. Given the complexity of the situation, I have since submitted a report to the state. As a financial steward, I felt it was my duty to ensure transparency, especially in public service. I hope an external state audit will provide the clarity and oversight that is needed.
It’s my hope that a review by the state will show that the issues are with HHSA’s accuracy of record-keeping as opposed to something improper occurring.
Scout: What’s the atmosphere like inside Health and Human Services right now?
Dean: From what I observed, there is a palpable sense of caution among the staff. Many employees are understandably focused on job security and are careful about what they say and to whom they speak. It’s a challenging environment where collaboration across teams can be hindered by a lack of trust and communication. Teams operate in silos, and while that can work for isolated tasks, it becomes problematic when broader cooperation is needed.
Despite these challenges, it’s clear that the core mission of HHSA remains a driving force for many dedicated individuals. There’s a commendable commitment to the work, even in the face of uncertainty, and a genuine desire among staff to contribute positively to the community.
Scout: What do you think is going well at HHSA internally?
Dean: One of the standout positives at HHSA is the dedication of its staff. There is a strong sense of purpose and commitment among the people who are on the front lines, striving to fulfill HHSA’s mission. Even those who may lack specific training are eager to learn and grow, which is a rare quality in many government settings. This level of engagement and passion for the work is a tremendous asset to the agency and something I found inspiring during my time there.
Scout: Are you concerned about sharing the information in this interview with the public?
Dean: I believe in the importance of transparency, and I’m comfortable standing by what I’ve shared. Taking on an at-will position as HHSA’s first CFO was a calculated risk, and while it didn’t end as expected, I remain committed to upholding the values of accountability and transparency. My primary concern is not for myself, but for the hardworking individuals still at HHSA who are navigating this complex environment.
I am aware of the narratives circulating about my qualifications and departure, and I hope this conversation clarifies my position. I moved to Shasta County by choice, driven by a belief in the community’s potential and its values, including strong support for the military—a cause close to my heart, as my son is a special ops Marine. My intent was always to contribute positively, and I even began exploring programs to support veterans and an internship program to engage local students in professional development opportunities.
While my tenure was brief, my commitment to the people of Shasta County remains. I am open to addressing further questions the community may have, within the bounds of my professional obligations. The public deserves to have confidence in how their resources are managed, and I am here to support that transparency in any way I can.
Do you have a concern or correction to share? Email us: editor@shastascout.org.
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Why hasn’t anyone tried to have the civil/criminal grand jury look into Laura Burch? Wouldn’t that be the next place to have someone investigated, since the BOS doesn’t seem to think there is anything wrong with Burch’s mishandling of 6 million dollars in budget overtures?
I don’t believe people were aware that they could contact the Grand Jury to look into this. Now that they are aware, hopefully someone will make a report.
I have, but I reside in a different county. Although, she has mishandled the housing funds, that she received a formal letter threatening to take back the 4 million that took her a year to turn over to Redding City Council. My county relies on those housing funds to help alleviate some of the homeless issues my county faces, as well as, a total of 7 counties.
And there went Garman in favor of Laura along with the CAO. Mr. Garman, this is why employees are afraid to come forward. You publicly support the person in charge when people are leaving HHSA en masse.
What is the JKC cartel?
I don’t see the connection to our county supervisors and this issue. It appears to me there is an issue within the Department of Health and Human Services and their management? Have these discrepancies in accounting been brought before the BOS and they did nothing? Or is this something that has just now been exposed because an employee made the discovery and brought it to the surface and then got canned for it?
Concerned: Great question. Former CFO Dean worked for HHSA Branch Director Erinn Watts who works under Coleman/Burch as deputy/director of HHSA. Burch reports to CEO David Rickert and both CEO Rickert and Burch serve at the will of the Board. Rickert did not respond to Shasta Scout. The next move would be the Supervisors . . . what would you hope/expect from them in response to these allegations?
I am always concerned when an employee abruptly leaves Shasta County and this situation is no different. There is a process in place and we must allow for it to work through the system and find a resolution.
Did Burch respond? I still don’t agree with a rush to judgement.
Concerned: We asked Burch’s boss, CEO Rickert to respond. Happy to ask Burch to respond as well.
I appreciate the caution against rushing to judgment, and I fully agree that conclusions should be based on facts, not assumptions. My focus has always been on ensuring clarity and accuracy in financial matters, not assigning blame. The external review I suggested was intended solely to bridge the gaps in my analysis, especially given the significant transitions within the fiscal department. Ideally, this would reveal either a need for deeper understanding of the specific programs on my part or perhaps documentation that may have been overlooked amidst the plethora of employee transitions. It’s about ensuring integrity and transparency for the benefit of all, not casting aspersions on anyone’s leadership. I have not been in Shasta County long enough to have a relevant opinion beyond what I have shared.
Concerned: Laura learned that $6 million had been overspent and said nothing about it for 7 months. Laura reported to Shasta Scout (see the May 31 article) that she didn’t do anything about it until the Auditor called her on it because (wait for it) she didn’t know what to do. Let that sink in and see what concerns come to mind.
Laura gets paid a lot of money to be the Director. She is basically saying she doesn’t know how to do her job.
The problem got publicized on a BOS agenda. Laura asked permission to move money around plus take from savings to cover the $6 MILLION overspent. The Board didn’t even ask her to explain herself. Let that sink in too.
Is the Board aware of fiscal issues under Burch? Yes. Would any responsible leadership team fire their top management for a $6 million dollar problem they kept hidden? Absolutely.
If we can afford to cover a $6 million mistake so easily, maybe we should spend whatever it takes for a professional team to dig us out so we can try to avoid losing more millions. That is my tax money. I am ticked off. The BOS didn’t even call her on the carpet for that $6 million. It leaves a lot of room for suspicion.
I would bet almost all staff who have worked with Laura and her team on fiscal issues would say someone needs to get to the bottom of what is really going on. Someone who can’t be fired for asking.
I wonder why Annelise didn’t reach out to Laura Burch for a comment. Talk about one sided journalism.
I’m also curious as to why Laura hasn’t come forward to defend her department yet. Is she taking time to carefully consider her response, or is she perhaps using the opportunity to craft a narrative, much like she has in her dealings with Mr. Board of Supervisors.
She’s in France for the second month this year.
Come the first BoS meeting in January 5, 2025, I suspect a serious look at leadership in HHSA will take place. Not to mention other areas that need to be undone that Cyre, Jones & Kelstrom have implemented. That’s why we must support and return Mary Rickert to District 3. Ms. Burch and fellow administrators mentioned in this article would do the county a favor and just resign now. Mr, Dean has an impeccable resume and we should be thankful he’s moved here. Let’s hope he can find suitable employment.
Treadway: Would also love to hear Mary issue a statement on the current allegations.
Frank. Please tell me why neither Garman or Rickert have come forward and said anything. Especially Rickert as that would definitely increase her popularity for votes among HHSA staff who are frustrated, scared and jumping ship.
HHSA Employees can you give specific examples of misconduct by Laura Burch. All you talk about so far is your feelings.
So you don’t view Laura Burch trying to hide a $6 million error from the auditor and the board for two years as misconduct? Or her gross mismanagement of the agency and its resources? Hiring unqualified friends for important leadership positions, including ones she created just for them (Coleman and Boss)? The list of misconduct and poor decisions by Burch is a long one, stretching back to her mishandling of the housing authority (which continues) and back to her days in Trinity County.
Experienced Employee… Larry wants to overlook all that. Head in the sand, just like Personnel, CEO and the Board.
But watching experienced employees take demotions to leave HHSA should be obvious to Personnel if they are actually paying attention.
Larry… let’s start with creating positions for her friends. For Example, the assistant director position was created then given to her friend, Christy Coleman. Then she fired 2 long term employees to creste openings for 2 more friends as Branch Director and Deputy Branch Director. The people she is bringing in lack fiscal experience needed to run the Fiscal branch. One promoted from a Executive Assistant to Deputy Director in under 2 years lacking the Management experience also needed for that position. That was after this person had a Manager position created for her where she supervised 2 employees. Most of our managers Supervise 3-6 Supervisors PLUS their 5-9 employees.
Then there is the bullying which I have witnessed (though fortunately not experienced yet) against people who dare disagree with those in her inner circle. And it’s hard to run your morals vs keeping your job to support your family.
Almost forgot… after creating management positions for friends, we are now removing lower level positions who actually serve the community. So programs are no longer run effectively but Laura and friends make good money
Frustrated Employee, spot on. Lets not forget a whole department Laura disbanded in order to hire her friends in these made up positions, office of the director was a department created to support the director in many different avenues which she refused to take the input of far more experienced employees then her current staff. Lets also not forget the wasted money HHSA spent on the 1313 Shasta St. just for a year later to sit mostly empty till it was gutted again to be suitable to house the law library. Laura refused to work at Shasta St. so she could keep her office at Park Marina leaving the Shasta St. staff to be disbanded and relocated to other departments and out of her way. Laura and Trisha have created such a hostile work place by threating people and giving’s PIPs out like candy with unrealistic expeditions so employees are set up for failure. Demanding program managers to fire employees because they did not break confidential polices and provide Laura with said confidential information.
How the “means girls” squad have not been personally involved in a employee class action law suit is mind boggling. Goes to show how much fear they all invoke on employees of HHSA. I would think having so many statements a employment law lawyer would be all over wanting to take this on. If I was an employee I would start keeping all sorts of documentation on what is happening on the inside.
As a former HHSA employee, with some knowledge of fiscal matters, HHSA absolutely needs an honest, ethical CFO. Taxpayers would be irate if they were aware how money is spent, who receives it, how some “vendors” are chosen, who is promoted, and what is “hidden”. Frankly, a forensic audit should be performed, interviews with staff be conducted, and a culture change should be initiated.
Laura Burch is being attacked because she is a horrible director and hired friends with out the necessary financial and management experience to run a complex agency. Their decisions are adversely affecting the health and safety of both the community and employees serving the community. Her attendance at events has no bearing on how she and her “management team”are mismanaging HHSA. Each with high salaries, while they deny staff the ability to hire staff who actually serve the people of Shasta County.
Luara Burch is being attacked just because she attends the MAGA events.
No, she isn’t being attacked for being MAGA by the employees. I am very conservative, yet see first hand what is happening at HHSA. Quit making this MAGA vs Left. If we can come together on this without name calling, maybe we can actually fix HHSA
While we’re at it…
Let’s also ask and start looking into the removal of popular programs and initiates that our community supports and adores.
Let’s ask and point out what appears to be a multi-position PERSONAL agenda to defund and dismantle Public Health? Because of COVID!? They were doing their jobs. Let’s also go ahead and remind people how many lives were lost in the pandemic. (That never fails to expose the truly heartless science-deniers.)
Let’s ask about County/HHSA separation rates. The level of turnover is unbelievable. The skills and knowledge loss is detrimental to all Branches. Why work for an Agency that doesn’t protect the SAFETY and WELL-BEING of its employees. It doesn’t even feel right to post vacancies and recruit.
Let’s really look into the qualifications of the highest levels within HHSA Admin. Who sat on their hiring panels? They do not understand programs, funding sources, budgets, or service impact to communities. They are NOT qualified to hold their job titles. This “erosion” is their purpose, their choice.
While we can’t fully say it’s a complete collapse, it’s definitely something we need to actively start correcting to protect our most vulnerable community members. Putting a band-aid on to wait and see until January isn’t enough. Morale and employment will continue to plummet towards rock bottom, and those who really lose are the ones who need the services most.
Hopefully the former CFOs words are heard well by the state. Many current and former staff have fallen to the fire trying to say something is not right with Burch l, Coleman, Watts, and Boss. It’s hard to pinpoint the proof in layers of mismanagement and burying unless you have access. As others have said some of it is intentionally being done either to cover for previous mistakes or intentionally dismantling. Whatever the motive or ineptitude it’s at the cost of taxpayers, the people meant to be served, and a waterfall of staff leaving or taking stress leave “for other reasons” to buy time. If a CFO gets fired immediately after reporting “issues” and it doesn’t raise a red flag then nothing will. I know all the flags thst have been thrown before have been ignored as well. Nolda and Bertain would do well see enough probable cause to investigate because we all know ol boy CEO Rickert is a patsy – pick me trying to make best friends but never being invited to the party. The staff vacancy looks low because of deleted positions from dismantling. The staff have left, those that remain pull triple. They have openly stated they deleting everything not nailed to the wall by a mandate but will have no problem paying their fat salaries. Burch will leave this year. The other cronies will move up and stick it out to collect the bloated salaries until the fire gets to hot or they finally get held accountable. Likely though they will find a fall guy.
I am in agreement. The fact the CFO was dismissed after uncovering what he referred to as “several discrepancies” screams cover up and should be shooting up more rockets than a 4th of July celebration.
Can the Grand Jury order an independent forensic audit of the HHSA books?
Thank you Annelise for bringing these issues to the public.
It’s such an insult to everyone’s intelligence when Laura hires all her friends but has the audacity to fire qualified staff and internally bully/insult fiscal staff behind closed doors.
If only people knew the remarks made to me and my peers.
People are very scared about saying too much because if they bring up discrepancies and inaccuracies we are villainized by the admin management group.
Remember, happy citizens.
The subject matter was HHSA CFO Mr. Dean’s sudden departure after two months.
Not imaginary crimes Syndicate’s of J.C.K. or MAGA extremist.
The boogie man was hiding in your closet or under your bed when you were five years old.😜
But Mr. Dean’s departure is very interesting.
Key questions that needs to be investigated:
1. Why has HHSA Administration become bloated with upper management and mid-management positions? Were HHSA leadership competent, a CFO position wouldn’t be necessary in the first place.
2. Why is it that every single member of upper management has no understanding of financials?
3. Why is Trisha Boss in her position when story after story comes out about the abusive environment she creates and her limited ability to do the job?
Trisha is Laura’s best friend. All her friends get promoted. No qualifications needed.
All good questions. For #3 I’d add on “why was Trisha Boss hired as deputy branch director when she had been screened out as an applicant because she did have the fiscal experience, management experience or education required for the job? Why was a highly qualified and respected applicant with extensive fiscal and management experience, including as a CFO, with the county passed over in favor of Trisha?”
Annelise – thank you so much for this article. The word is finally getting out. I am so thankful that some employees are now speaking out. Laura specifically needs to be investigated as she is at the top of the chain that allows or actually takes part in harassment and intimidation in the HHSA offices. I am so happy that investigations are going on and that the State is now involved. Thank you, Mr. Dean, for following through with filing your findings.
Majority of HHSA Staff do not trust Laura or Christie. The relationship Between Crye and Laura needs to be investigated. The millions of dollar missing from different divisions that Laura has overseen needs to be investigated. They are striping positions and refusing to rehire them. They are out to destroy Public Health and are not hiding that. These people in these positions are not qualified or smart enough to understand the job responsibilities. They also lack the ability to be liked by most people. Laura’s background in different counties is concerning as well.
And what about the relationship between Crye 5 Coleman?
What kind of relationship Coleman and Crye have?
To those who use this to only go after “JKC Cartel” and MAGA (their words, not mine). Not one supervisor has stepped up to address this issue so no HHSA Employee knows who to trust. I have heard Garman and M. Rickertt also singing Laura’s praises. Until that stops from all 5 Supervisors, this will continue to happen.
Frustrated Employee: I have reached out to all five supervisors to ask them to respond to the story with specifics on next steps.
Annelise, many of us here at HHSA are extremely grateful for all you are doing.
First of all, most small counties like ours don’t have a Fiscal Officer in their Health Department. They don’t normally need one, because they fill the top positions with knowledgeable people who’ve worked their way up through the ranks and know all the aspects of their job, including the fiscal ones.
But that’s not how we roll in Shasta County. Here, the MAGA extremist board fires qualified and skilled leaders for nonsensical political reasons. Then they have to add positions to the budget (at additional cost to taxpayers) to fill in the knowledge gaps created by bad hires (read: cronies) who aren’t fully qualified. And then what happens? If the new person tries to address or fix what’s broken, the Board or Department Head fires them. Talk about killing the messenger!
We’re now on notice that the upper management at HHSA doesn’t have the skills required to run the department properly and is in some cases years behind in completing processes required by either the state or the feds or both. (Fingers crossed that the compliance failure doesn’t result in a reversion of state or federal funding.) If this story is true, some in charge are so woefully underqualified they don’t even understand the fiscal terms associated with doing their work. Yet a fiscal officer who CAN provide the expertise will be fired for exposing problems that need to be fixed.
I think the taxpayers deserve an explanation and a justification for his firing. In lieu of that, it smells like corruption and retaliation (and fear?). Are they hiding something? What are the processes that are years behind? What’s being done to get back in compliance? Has the state been in contact?
We deserve better leadership.
Mr. Dean is extraordinarily articulate and appears to have been well-qualified for his position. It is unfortunate that he and other quality Shasta County employees, managers, and department heads have either been terminated or have resigned due to a hostile work culture and environment. Filling crucial positions with competent individuals will become increasingly more difficult, and our county and its remaining employees will suffer as a result.
Thank you. Agreed .
Shasta Scout. Thank you and Rahsaan Dean for the never-ending disturbing story.
Under the failed leadership of the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate, the dedicated county workers and hard-working, taxpaying citizens of Shasta County continue to be given the shaft. The primary reason for this sad condition is simple: If you do not submit to extremist a hard-core MAGA line as directed by the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate, your job and all Shasta County services are at risk. Frankly, the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate doesn’t care.
The J.C.K. Crime Syndicate is run by hard-core MAGA secessionists, who think and act as if Shasta County was the State Of Jefferson or the New California Movement of Orange County, where much of the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate and their Fake Election Committee get their marching orders.
In fact, the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate seems to think they have the mandate from their leader, a convicted criminal and adjudicated rapist (who they think is still the President), right down to Shasta County MAGA, consisting of white nationalist confederate militia members and losing politician election deniers, racists and sexists, to establish and run their own little version of Project 2025. The result is millions upon millions of taxpayers’ dollars wasted and a mass loss of valuable employees with decades of knowledge, legacy, and hands-on experience to provide services to the people. But the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate doesn’t care; after all, “What’s the price for freedom?” they yell. And besides, the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate is too busy with cronyism and pimping tRumpian-Mr. Pillow’s lies and bankrupted economic–political nonsense to listen or care about Shasta County Citizens.
The J.C.K. Crime Syndicate and their extremist MAGA followers won’t be happy until they drag Shasta County into their lying swill of chaos, dysfunction, and crappy service. In fact, they would be happy to bankrupt and close Shasta County if needed. And sadly, this might happen soon at the rate they are going. And maybe that’s not a bad plan. There are many examples of a state having to jump in and take over when and where municipal governments fail. With the J.C.K. Crime Syndicate and their extremist MAGA followers in control of Shasta County, that might happen sooner than later!
Christian is absolutely spot on. Like so many places, corrupt, nasty MAGAS are running communities right into the ground. Until true republicans stand up to the bullies and despicable people ” running” these communities, everything will just keep getting worse. Instead of externalizing issues and blaming everything and everybody else, look within first. Time to cut the rot out, not embrace it.
Tom: I just want to point out that terms like “corrupt nasty MAGAs” don’t really help us make progress towards a healthier Shasta County. If possible I’d really like to refocus things to policy and process. Whatever CEO David Rickert’s politics are, I hope he’s interested in showing us what strong leadership looks like at a time like this.
Thank you Annelise for that comment. Continuing negative rhetoric is counterintuitive to restoring stable governance in Shasta County. We need to focus on facts and policy decisions and stop the name calling and conspiracy theories. I am so grateful that RD had the courage to speak out and hope that more people departing from County employment will follow that lead.
I’d like to point to the national campaign of simply calling these people out as weird, seems to be gaining effective traction. I would like to live in a world where they go low and we go high and concentrate on policy. However, that is not where we live. There are points in history, had people understood this earlier, events may have turned out for the better. Must fight dirty now, in order to live clean later.
Thank you, Annelise.
RIGHT ON, MS. PIERCE, ABOUT DEBATES ON POLITICAL ISSUES, POLICY, AND PROCESS. You only need to read the rules of a real debate in a manual on public speaking. That is, if one really is interested in becoming a successful leader, in business or politics, for ALL OF US PEOPLE. You attack people when you are afraid of your ignorance.
Tom, sometimes calling out racism, sexism, misogyny, lies about our elections, political corruption, and tRumpism what it is… disturbs people who are still invested in Republican politics or in a fantasy of “let’s all just be friends, Kumbaya.” Fortunately, there is a growing list of Republicans that are not afraid to call it what it is, authoritarianism or fascism lite, Liz Cheney, Dick Cheney, the John McCain Family, Mitt Romney, Former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Joe Walsh, and even Mike Pence for God’s Sake!
If local Republicans don’t take the first step in ending racism, sexism, misogyny, lies, and corruption that hurts all Shasta County Citizens and decide to be honest and PUT THE NAME ON IT, they stand to become part of the problem by hear no evil – see no evil avoidance, and when we refuse to talk about these undisputable facts that make up the MAGA movement, that refusal can, and often does, becomes part of normalizing it, or even appeasing it.
Our local MAGA despises not only Democrats and especially Progressives but also “RINO” Republicans as well; ask Kelstrorm, Crye, and Jones, who openly state it, and their behaviors have made that more than clear.
The local connection to the J.C.K. Cartel and Trumpism is very clear and well-documented. The Cartel gets its permission structure for its behavior from its criminal leader (sorry, local Republicans… not really), and if local NON-MAGA Republicans don’t get it by now, perhaps they never will. But, as far as America is concerned, many of us are NOT going to appease just to make nice and are more than happy to say that we are not going back!
So I’m an admitted Left Progressive, and if MAGA gets offended or the local middle-of-the-road conservatives get all anxious when I call MAGA what it is, well, that’s their problem; I won’t own it for them. And guess what? As a progressive, I actually dream of a day when I can vote locally for Safe and Sane Republicans, for God’s Sake! Nothing changes until something shakes up the homeostasis of complacency and the normalcy of appeasement.
Christian: When someone is racist in front of me I call them out. When a man treats me misogynistically, I call him out. But what you’re doing is different, you’re slapping a label not on specific words or actions but on groups of people everything they touch. Are they complicit in such belief systems? Perhaps. You would certainly argue yes. But regardless,in my opinion it’s ineffective to refer to the current board majority as racist, sexist, misogynist white nationalists every week. They’ve tuned you out. They already expect you to say that and you’re playing right into the narrative than anyone who doesn’t follow woke ideology is silenced. Similarly when they call you a marxist, you’re equally unaffected. It’s only what you expect from them. Neither of you are changing either other’s minds by “putting a name on it.” Meanwhile, regardless of the motivations or beliefs of some Board members, we have a social services agency very much in need of real attention and real action. What do we do today? How do we work towards a healthier Shasta County today? I’m not afraid to call someone racist or a misogynist. I just think making those statements is far afield from the actual action in response to this story. If there is widespread mismanagement within HHSA, calling Crye, Jones and Kelstrom racists and misogynists isn’t going to change that. What does leadership look like right now? How can we work towards that in support of Shasta County employees and the vulnerable?
Annelise, thank you for your reply and very important questions. First, slapping implies an interesting violent connotation, and yes, the J.C.K. Cartel does listen, and they don’t like it at all! BTW, I focus most of my 2 or 3 minutes on the facts: cronyism, the millions upon millions in waste the J.C.K. Cartel spends on poor service and MAGA propaganda, and “official actions” that are WAY beyond the legal jurisdiction of the SCBOS that radically affects the health, safety, welfare and economics of our county, I know, it’s old YADA YADA YADA… But I would be a fool to think the J.C.K. Cartel will change their thinking and behavior because of a 2 or 3-minute speech! And yes, much of the press pretty much “tuned me out” until one of their Cartel members becomes violent, and then all of a sudden, they reach out and ask, “What happened?” My explanation, that the attacker was mentally disturbed by BOTH P.T.S.D. AND MAGAISM goes on the back page.
I think Trumpian MAGA is a virulent, dangerous, socially contagious disease that endorses, uses, and propagates the disease symptomology of racism, sexism, misogyny, patriarchism, and lawlessness to gain social-political power. (MAGA is not new; we have seen MAGA’s head in the racist South during and after the Civil War and in the run-up to WW2.)
It’s very important to understand the epidemiology of Trumpian MAGA because the disease gives the J.C.K. Cartel the permission structure to do what it does. Just three examples of many are: Getting rid of Dr. Karen Ramstrom, Shasta County’s Chief Medical Officer, and Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director Donnell Ewert because they won’t MAGA! Both Ewert and Ramstorm were highly regarded as the social service–medical communities of Shasta County and California. The Cartel even picked a delusional MAGA conspiracy nut case over Ewert for a local county board and also picked their unqualified Trumpian anti-vaxer (and paid for his education) over Ramstorm because the MAGA disease has affected what cognitive ability the J.C.K. Cartel had (if much of any) to be rational and subjective in non-partisan service delivery to Shasta County Citizens.
And lastly, using Trumpin MAGA tools to the diseased elation of the J.C.K. Cartel and their followers, they persistently, as in every BOS meeting for the last few years, attacked Cathy Darling Allen, Shasta County Registrar of Voters, to the point of an imminent health inflection into retirement. If people do not understand how dangerous the MAGA Cartel and their Klan are, and if citizens don’t fight back, then we’re predestined to read “Rahsaan” stories daily, or until we become so numb, it’s just more Yada-Yada-Yada.
Annelise: You ask the very important questions, “What do we do today? How do we work towards a healthier Shasta County today? Speak out, call it what it is! “First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice, who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action…” Dr. M.L.K.
Second, I don’t speak to change the MAGA J.C.K. Cartel and their fan club’s minds. I speak to the Safe and Sane Republicans, Democrats, and N.P.P. voters of Shasta. Co. The Cartel, which is a loud minority, is not going to change. But when enough Safe and Sane voters understand the “how, when, where” epidemiology of the diseases, they just might say, “Enough is enough.”
Third. “How can we work towards that in support of Shasta County employees and the vulnerable?” By DEMANDING it. By speaking in favor of the United Public Employees of California by documenting and pointing out to the board the possible illegal actions of the board. By filling Shasta Co. Grand Jury Investigation Requests, sending complaints to the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) or the California Assembly Committee on Human Services (See: https://ahum.assembly.ca.gov/), writing the Shasta Scout and other media!
Forth. VOTE! Look for Safe and Sane people of ANY POLITICAL PARTY you can elect to give Shasta County citizens non-partisan, Safe, and Sane governance!
Fifth. Make nonviolent Good Trouble!
Christian: We’ll have to agree to disagree on some of that. For this platform, I’d appreciate you keeping your comments centered toward the content of the article you’re commenting on. Thanks!
Thank you Annelise for your comment. Although I support Christian in his beliefs, as you said, it gets old. This column is about HHSA and their treatment of their employees along with mismanagement of the funds they are responsible for. We must stay on point and solve these problems. There is much in the works that are not known to all. We must have faith that things are getting done and the environment will get better.
We need true republicans.
Oh yes! Miss the “John Mc Cain” -es of the REAL Republican Party!
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. This departure is the result of a dysfunctional Board of Supervisors stoking fear and caution among staff. When they do that, the most skilled and knowledgeable people walk out the door, taking years of institutional knowledge with them. And now a person well positioned to untangle the mess is sent packing rather than addressing the mess. Sheesh!
Thanks for this report. Praying for a shaking to expose who, what, when, where, and why, of lies, and truth.
If you honestly think these problems are the result of current administration you are very naïve! This happened a while back long before this current administration.
Jon, have you ever worked for HHSA? Reviewed its spending and budgets over the last 5 years? Do you have government accounting experience? Or is your statement based on your own political beliefs? This current HHSA administration IS the problem. The people who work in the agency and have witnessed this disaster unfold in real-time are not naive.
Who was responsible for this knowledgeable, well-vetted, employee’s, termination? I think that the County Administrator and Supervisors should be tasked with, at least, an answer to this question.
There is a clear and pressing reason why Shasta County is struggling, and why so many of its young, talented citizens are leaving. An individual from the private sector, armed with firsthand experience and a genuine desire to address the dysfunction in our government, attempted to make much-needed reforms but was dismissed. Why? Because of the entrenched ignorance and complacency of those currently in power.
This raises a critical question: Are our elected officials simply incapable of governing effectively, or are they in positions of authority due to personal connections rather than merit? This is precisely why California remains distant from ever becoming a Republican stronghold. It’s not the opposition that holds Republicans back; it’s the internal rot, the governance riddled with ignorance and corruption, that prevents real progress. If the party cannot address its own failures, how can it hope to lead a state toward meaningful change?
The future of Shasta County and California depends on accountability, transparency, and a willingness to prioritize competence over cronyism. Without these principles, any political vision, no matter how promising, will continue to fail.
So much more to this story.
But employers cannot expose it.
Scout stories always slanted .
A full audit should be welcomed then.
If someone really wanted to know what is happening to Shasta County look no further than bethel . This is not a religious group, this is a cult that has said that they want to control what they see as theirs. You have 3 members on the Redding city council and don’t vote for anything that doesn’t benefit bethel. When we were told to ration water usage they got the okay to build a huge campus that will consume massive amounts of water between the construction and the operation of said campus with no restrictions on water usage. They bring people from other countries here and tell them to sign up for food stamps, medi cal and cash aid, at the same time they are getting what are called gifts of love from these same people. I’m not sure why people are blind to this, but they had better wake up before they get their way.
Bethel started and heightened the housing crisis in our county. Their “students” and attendees are willing to pay hundreds of dollars per month to share a bed with several others in bedrooms of local houses. When a landlord can make $3000 a month for a 3 bedroom by having 6 adults in it, how can a local family afford to pay that much? With each of them having a car, it becomes a neighborhood nuisance issue. Many apartment complexes have been purchased, flipped and re=rented to Bethel folks. Meanwhile, the original residents are dislocated and struggle to find affordable housing.
Amen!
Well written article! This man has awesome values!
I agree. Seems like a huge loss for HHSA. I’d love to see RD audit Shasta County BOS.
Thank you Annelise for providing me with an opportunity to clarify my perspective on these events. I thank the people of Shasta County for entrusting their financial affairs with me for the short time that I was there and I do apologize that I was unable to see my goals through. It is clear that I was not a good fit for the agency and after a month of enduring temperatures of 118 in a full suit maybe that was not a bad thing. I wish you all the best of luck. Also, as stated in the interview, if anyone has additional questions please feel free to ask. Fiduciary best practices may preclude me from discussing some matters. But I will try to be as transparent as possible. Thanks again for the opportunity.
Thank you for speaking out, Rahsaan. A lot of employees have been saying something is off in terms of the finances for the last couple of years, especially with the housing and mental health funding. But by keeping information siloed, and driving out experienced and knowledgeable staff, they have managed to keep control of the situation. None of us in the Admin branch are being treated with any respect or even basic human decency. I am very sorry for how you were treated by Laura and her cronies. You didn’t deserve that and neither do the rest of us.
Thank you for your support and candor. When experienced voices are sidelined and information is tightly controlled, actions speak louder than titles. Keep your eyes open, and remember that sometimes the real power lies in the quiet, strategic moves that shift the waves. Stay sharp. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to encounter a group with such commitment to weather such difficulties. Thank you!
Agreed! Well said.
Not only are members of the Admin branch being treated poorly, but members of other branches are often deliberately excluded and left out of any office events. #toastgate
I would hope that the state of California finds this fiduciary mess alarming enough to do their own forensic audit. We are talking about Millions upon Millions of dollars,
The J.C.K. Cartel has put the health and safety of Shasta County Citizens in serious risk. In the meantime, unfortunately, the vast majority of excellent Shasta County employees are also in peril.
But, I guess we do need to ask, would we expect anything more from a Chair of the Shasta County Supervisors stating they didn’t know what the board of the supervisors were before they decided to run for office.
Jck cartel? Do tell. please.