Local Politics · Tehama County
On Oct. 19, the Tehama County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board of Directors voted 4-1 to exempt "de minimis" residential groundwater users from potential future fees under the county's groundwater sustainability program. The exemption applies to users extracting two acre-feet or less per calendar year for domestic purposes. Supervisor Greg Jones cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that domestic users benefit from a healthy aquifer and should contribute to administrative costs. Board Chair Tom Walker said he initially leaned toward including residential users but changed his position after reviewing legal opinions. Director Matt Hansen noted that most residents with domestic wells will not see a charge as the program moves forward.
Local Politics · Tehama County
At their Tuesday meeting, Tehama County Supervisors voted to move forward with a reduced immediate raise of 2.75 percent for six elected positions—district attorney, sheriff, auditor-controller, treasurer, assessor, and clerk and recorder—down from the originally considered 5.5 percent. Supervisors also agreed to align those positions with labor bargaining units so future compensation would not require independent negotiation. Supervisor Matt Hansen acknowledged frustration among labor groups over pay disparities while noting that some county workers face similar financial pressures. The supervisors' own wages are addressed separately through Measure E on the Nov. 3 ballot, which would raise their pay to minimum wage. Staff were instructed to bring a final vote on the compromise back at the Nov. 6 or 13 meeting.
Local Politics · Tehama County
All active registered voters in Tehama County will receive a Vote by Mail ballot for the Nov. 3 Statewide General Election under Assembly Bill 37. Voters may return ballots by mail, via secure drop boxes open 24 hours through Nov. 3 at 8 p.m., or at any polling place on Election Day. The Tehama, Glenn, and Colusa County Elections Offices will be open for early voting, replacement ballots, and other services. Conditional registration is available through Election Day at the county elections office.
Public Safety · Vina, CA
The Lassen Fire started at 11:50 a.m. Oct. 27 near HWY 99 East and Lassen Road in Vina, Tehama County, California. By Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, the fire had burned 11.3 acres and was fully contained by Cal Fire's Tehama-Glenn Unit. No information was available on the cause.
Crime · Tehama County
The Tehama County District Attorney's Office reported recent sentencing outcomes in county court covering cases investigated by the Red Bluff Police Department, Corning Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Tehama County Sheriff's Office. State prison sentences ranged from 16 months to six years for offenses including drug possession, burglary, fleeing law enforcement, criminal threats, indecent exposure involving a minor, and theft. County jail commitments included probation with up to 180 days in custody for offenses such as vehicle theft, second-degree burglary, carrying a concealed blade, and failure to appear. Most incidents occurred in the Red Bluff area, with one case investigated by the Corning Police Department.
