Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lassen County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
2 issues in public safety with high priority
Medi-Cal behavioral health funding agreement
The county renewed two contracts with Community Medical Specialists: after-hours crisis response (max $300,000) and daytime in-person therapists for mostly youth clients (max $750,000), partially reimbursed by Medi-Cal. Officials also highlighted a 'grow your own' effort with Chico State interns to address the rural therapist shortage.
Supervised visitation and child welfare reunification policy
Two Lassen Family Services contracts passed despite Albaugh's votes against, grounded in his foster-parent experience that court-mandated reunification services hurt kids. Staff explained the contracts are state-mandated and tie to federal foster care funding.