Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues in public safety with medium priority
Domestic Violence Shelter Services Funding
Empower Tehama served 1,701 people last year and is expanding services to Corning, with candlelight walks in both communities this month.
Invasive mosquito found in Red Bluff
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes — which can carry dengue, Zika and yellow fever — were found in Red Bluff; health officials urge dumping standing water and using repellent, even in daytime.
Meals on Wheels service funding
The Board was scheduled to consider an interagency MOU funding up to $245,562 for Meals on Wheels meals through the Community Action Agency and Probation for the fiscal year. This program delivers meals to homebound residents.
Sheriff's Office staffing and operations
Five separate action items under Sheriff Dave Kain were on the agenda, likely covering staffing, contracts, and purchasing for the Sheriff's Office. Details are unknown without the meeting record.
Public safety ordinance
The Sheriff, District Attorney, and Probation Department jointly brought forward an ordinance for the Board's consideration. Details weren't available in the materials provided, but it's a coordinated public-safety measure worth watching.
Animal Care Center medical donation
The Animal Care Center stood to receive a $19,560.40 donation from the Paschek Living Trust for its medical fund — money that helps pay care costs for shelter animals. A nice boost for the county's animal services without touching the county budget.
Human trafficking victim advocacy grant
The District Attorney's office planned to apply for a $147,000 CalOES grant to support human trafficking advocacy work. Grant money means more victim services without raising local costs.
Countywide emergency radio communications project
The county set up a dedicated reserve account for upgrading emergency radio communications, anchoring a $550,000 federal Community Project Funding award and requiring board sign-off on future spending.
DUI enforcement grant funding
The Sheriff's Office accepted $104,100 from the Cannabis Tax Fund grant program for DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols and drug-recognition training, in coordination with CHP and neighboring agencies.
Welfare and IHSS fraud investigations agreement
A consent item would have Social Services and the District Attorney sign a shared agreement for fraud investigations, with up to $505,000 in compensation for fiscal year 2026-27.
Health Services Agency staffing realignment
A consent item would create new Community Health Worker and Peer Support Specialist classifications and reclassify seven positions, retroactive to January 1, 2025 — affecting staffing in mental health and drug and alcohol services.
Public Guardian office placement
A resident asked whether the Public Guardian/Public Administrator might be moved under the District Attorney's Office. The department considered it but decided to keep the function where it is.
Jail communications tower replacement
The county is spending about $118,000 to replace the radio tower at the Tehama County Jail, and Sheriff Kain wants a dedicated fund for countywide radio funding.
Social Services office security agreement
The Board was scheduled to consider an agreement with the District Attorney's office to station security personnel at the Red Bluff Social Services office for up to $130,040 in 2026-27 — a workplace safety measure for staff and visitors.
Youth drug & alcohol prevention programs
An amended agreement with the Tehama County Department of Education would boost funding for Club Live and Friday Night Live — school-based youth prevention programs — to $88,073 per year.
Sheriff staffing
Two personnel items from Sheriff Dave Kain were on the action agenda. Sheriff's Office staffing affects response times and patrol coverage across the county.
Code enforcement public hearings
Eleven separate code enforcement cases went before the Board in public hearings, presented by Environmental Health staff. These hearings can result in orders affecting property owners across the county.
Boating safety enforcement funding
The Sheriff's Office was slated to accept up to $94,427.18 in state boating safety aid for the 2026–27 season, funding boating enforcement on local waterways.
Public Health presentation
Health Services Agency leaders Jayme S. Bottke and Minnie Sagar were scheduled to present on Public Health matters to the board.
DEA cannabis eradication funding
The Sheriff's Office sought acceptance of $40,000 in DEA funding for locating and eradicating illicit cannabis plants through September 2026.
Public nuisance abatement at 18975 Jewell Rd., Cottonwood
The Board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a code enforcement case declaring a public nuisance on a Cottonwood property and ordering its abatement. If the owner doesn't clean it up, the county can abate it and bill the costs back to the property.
Local Emergency Proclamation Continuation
The Board was asked to determine that the county's local emergency remains in effect, keeping emergency response powers and funding channels active.
Continuation of local emergency proclamation
The Board was asked to determine that the county's local emergency remains in effect, keeping emergency response powers and funding channels active.
Los Molinos Fire Station roof project
The Fire Department sought a contract with Mast Roofing, Inc. for up to $67,000 to replace the Los Molinos fire station roof. The facility houses fire response equipment for that community.
Walnut Street Complex Accessibility
The Board was asked to sign off on a Notice of Completion for the Walnut Street Complex Site Accessibility Project, built by SnL Construction — closing the books on ADA-related improvements at a county complex.