Local Politics · Tuolumne County
More than 14,000 Tuolumne County voters—about 39% of registered voters—had cast ballots by noon Monday, Nov. 2, one day before a midterm election featuring a county Board of Supervisors District 2 runoff between incumbent Ryan Campbell and challenger Juli Healy, plus races for multiple special-district boards and state and federal offices. County Clerk Donny McNair described turnout as "pretty strong" and urged voters to use one of the county's 10 ballot drop boxes or vote in person at five vote centers open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3, to be counted; they may arrive up to seven days after the election.
Public Safety · Sonora, CA
A three-member independent hearing panel ruled Monday that Tuolumne County's Local Enforcement Agency should have issued a cease-and-desist order after determining in May 2025 that 18955 Industry Way near Sonora was an unpermitted solid waste disposal site. The ruling followed a petition by nine nearby residents who have complained since 2021 about dust, odors and noise from operations at the property. An August 2024 email confirmed material connected to the county's Tuolumne Road repairs was delivered to the site by contractor Bruce Slaton. The panel ordered the county to sample and test materials on-site and step up enforcement but did not require an immediate shutdown or set a compliance deadline. Eight neighbors have also filed a separate civil lawsuit in Tuolumne County Superior Court alleging nuisance, property damage and regulatory failures.
Local Politics · Sonora, CA
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Tuolumne County Health Officer Dr. Kimberly Freeman of Sonora to the California Emergency Medical Services Commission, a 19-member body that sets rules and standards for emergency medical services statewide. Freeman has served Tuolumne County since 2015 in roles including health officer, EMS director, and chief medical officer at local clinics and hospitals. The appointment does not require state Senate confirmation and comes without compensation. Newsom announced the appointment Tuesday as part of a series of appointments to state boards and commissions.
