Our news coverage of Shasta County is centered around the topics and stories most important to shaping our community. Much of our work centers on government accountability at the county and the three cities. We also report regularly on elections, law enforcement, public health and public safety.
The Shasta County elections office updated vote totals this afternoon. Incumbents are still behind for three important local seats on the ballot, while Measure B — a controversial election initiative — continues to succeed. There are about 2,500 ballots left to be processed, the office says.
King, who claimed self defense after shooting Michael Hale in April 2024, was charged with attempted murder. A jury has acquitted him of all charges related to the shooting.
The incident allegedly involved Shasta’s election official removing from the office copies of documents that “may have” included confidential voter information, the county said in a press release today. Shasta won’t be initiating legal charges because the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State.
Four years after her loss to District 1 Supervisor Kevin Crye, Erin Resner’s 2026 campaign for the same role has been centered around accessibility and authenticity. Her approach appears to have worked.
Candidates Joanna Francescut and Erin Resner continue to hold a strong margin of success. So does Measure B, a controversial ballot initiative likely to prompt legal action. Mike Gallagher is still ahead of his opponent Supervisor Chris Kelstrom — but lacks the more than 50% of votes needed to win in the primary.
The lawsuit, which claims Francescut was wrongfully terminated from her position as assistant registrar of voters in 2025, also cites incidents of alleged harassment, retaliation, and discrimination by county officials, dating back to 2024.
The board’s closed session was related to the initiation of litigation. Supervisors voted to release as much information as possible "related to an issue that falls under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State," California's chief election official.
The Shasta County Elections Office has until June 11 to certify the special election for deceased congressman Doug LaMalfa’s vacancy. A new ballot filming process implemented by Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis has complicated the timeline. Curtis remains confident.
While candidates Joanna Francescut and Erin Resner have both reached the critical more than 50% totals needed to win a primary, Gallagher remains just shy.
The Redding Rancheria made the maximum-allowed payment of $5,900. It was received by Supervisor Kevin Crye on Election Day. He’s one of only two local candidates the Rancheria supported in this election. A donation to Supervisor Chris Kelstrom for the county’s District 5 race was made two months ago.
Shasta Scout is proud to have been providing in-depth coverage of local elections since 2022.
