News

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.

Meet Joanna Francescut for Shasta County’s clerk and registrar of voters 

There are two candidates running for Shasta County’s clerk and registrar of voters. Election official Joanna Francescut says she’s running for her children, and to ensure the community knows the truth about elections and has knowledgeable staff running them.

Latest in News
Outside the elections office, Curtis denies evidence of abuse as his supporters campaign against his opponent  

A brief press conference held yesterday by election official Clint Curtis was beset by chaotic interruptions from his opponents. Three election staff members spoke in his support, saying they’ve experienced him as a positive leader, despite substantiated findings that he engaged in abuse. One also campaigned on Curtis’ behalf.

Gallagher leads in funds raised for District 5 supervisor race, but only from $30,000 donation to himself

At first glance, it appears that Mike Gallagher has received thousands more in donations than opponents Chris Kelstrom and Gary Oxley. But a closer look shows Gallagher’s lead in donations is the result of a major donation to his own campaign.

Unsatisfied with lack of charges against former nonprofit director, Crye takes aim at Shasta’s district attorney

The Anderson Police Department has said it conducted an investigation into former nonprofit director Susan Wilson but did not find enough evidence to charge her with a crime. Supervisor Kevin Crye, who’s publicly accused her of stealing funds from the nonprofit, maintains she’s guilty.

Advance Redding announces it will no longer manage the Civic Auditorium

The nonprofit, which was created to operate the Civic, has been struggling in recent years to stay afloat financially. It operated the auditorium for more than 14 years.

Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson makes homicide arrest in cold case

James Redmill Sr. was 71 when he was reported missing in July of 2021. Today, nearly five years later, the Shasta County Sheriff notified the public of a significant update in the case after Redmill’s body was found on a neighboring property

Some are calling this year’s Lone Stranger costumes racist

When Redding Police Department Chief Brian Barner and local restaurant owner Karline Niver played the part of robbers in an annual scavenger hunt, they dressed in costume elements that included an afro wig and a brown mask. A photo of the two went viral on Reddit, drawing concern from some community members.

A ‘death spiral’: Why Shasta prosecutors are leaving the county

After unsuccessfully pushing for more competitive pay from the county, several prosecutors from the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, leaving the county in a “critical” prosecutor shortage.

Anderson City Council censures member Susie Baugh

Council members voted to censure Baugh and remove her from her committee assignments over allegations that she improperly used her elected position in connection with a proposed youth treatment facility project.

Financial details scarce amid news of ongoing budget shortfall at Shasta’s largest agency

Health and Human Services Agency Director Christy Coleman offered scarce information about a budget deficit of many millions in the agency’s social services fund. The board’s discussion included a focus on federal and state issues without questioning the lack of information provided regarding the current shortfall.