News in Brief: Board Security, Redding Planning Commission, and an Open SCOE Board Seat

Sheriff Says He Requested Change to Board Chamber Security Staffing

County Board Chair Kevin Crye recently announced a change to security staffing at the county board chambers. While in-chamber security during board meetings used to be provided by Sheriff’s deputies, it’s now being provided through a contract with Ardent Security Services for armed guards.

On Tuesday, April 9, Sheriff Michael Johnson responded to concerns from the public about the reason for the change by sharing at a county board meeting that the change to private contracted security guards came at his request. Freeing up Sheriff’s deputies helps with his staffing needs, the Sheriff said, and saves the county money.

Redding Council Approves Stine, Johnson for Planning Commission

*We have corrected which branch of Bethel David Stine runs.

During a brief but tense discussion at the April 2 City Council meeting, members argued over Mayor Tenessa Audette’s recommendations for appointments to the Redding Planning Commission. Council Member Mark Mezzano expressed concern about whether Bethel Media CEO David Stine had relevant background, while Council Member Michael Dacquisto wanted to know why current Planning Commissioner Marcus Partin wouldn’t be retained in his role.

Asked by Mezzano about Stine’s qualifications, Audette responded, “This isn’t about qualifications, its about an appointment.” 

While Audette initially said a vote of the Council wasn’t needed to approve her choices for the Planning Commission, the City’s attorney disagreed saying a majority of the Council would have to confirm her recommendation. Audette, Jack Munns and Julie Winter then voted to approve Stine and Johnson, with Dacquisto and Mezzano opposing. At the end of the Council meeting, Audette said she’d like to review all current Planning Commissioners’ applications and the length of their remaining service as part of the next agenda. Asked by Dacquisto whether she wanted the information because she hoped to “get rid of” other Planning Commissioners, Audette said she needed to see the information first. “Let’s find out,” she said.

The topic will come before the Redding Council on April 16. See the staff report here.

Redding Council Could Weigh in Again on Redding Rancheria’s Economic and Environmental Impact

On Tuesday, April 16, the Redding City Council will consider whether to send the federal government additional comments on the economic impact of the Redding Rancheria’s proposed new casino development.

In 2019, the Council offered comments to the federal government on an earlier draft Environmental Impact Statement, which included economic impacts. This week, they’ll examine a response to the final draft of the Redding Rancheria’s EIS.

The draft of the proposed 2024 letter includes many of the same concerns shared in the Council’s 2019 comments, including :1) economic impacts related to the Redding Civic Auditorium and local sporting goods stores; 2) the need to more carefully analyze proposed development options in which the city provides electricity, water, or wastewater services; and 3) the impact on the area’s visual character. The new letter adds concerns related to protection of cultural resources.

To learn more, see the staff report which includes both the 2019 letter and the letter that will appear before Council this Tuesday.

Seat Opens on the Shasta County Board of Education

Shasta County Office of Education Board member Kathy Barry has just resigned from her seat, citing family obligations. Barry is the former Director of Early Childhood Services for Shasta County and has served for the last eight years as a SCOE Board member. Her seat will be filled during a special board meeting on May 1 at 1:30 pm.

Applications from community members residing within Area 2 boundaries will be accepted until April 24. The applicant that’s appointed to the position will serve out the rest of Barry’s term which ends December 13, 2024. Learn more here.

Have questions, concerns, or comments you’d like to share with us directly? Reach out: editor@shastascout.org.