Another Controversial Appointment : Board of Supervisors Agenda Preview for January 14, 2025

In this North State Breakdown Agenda Preview we look ahead to the January 14, 2025, Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting. Along with the agenda overview, we focus on a controversial appointment to the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District Board, where one candidate's troubling past (Richard Gallardo) has sparked significant debate.

Transcript:

Welcome to the North State Breakdown with Benjamin Nowain. Today we are looking ahead to the January 14th, 2025 Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting. This is the second meeting of the year and notably the second consecutive year for Kevin Crye as board chair.

This continuation breaks with a decades-long tradition of rotating the position among supervisors annually, ensuring equal representation of the county's diverse districts. The decision is emblematic of the board majority's consolidation of power, as Supervisors Crye, Kelstrom, and Harmon continue to set the agenda in alignment with former District 4 Supervisor Patrick Jones.

Let's review the key items on the agenda.

R1. Recognition of Employee of the Month

The board will recognize Ryan Toney, Office Assistant Supervisor for the Health and Human Services Agency, as Shasta County's Employee of the Month for January 2025.

Toney is being honored for his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to fostering a supportive and productive team environment. His efforts exemplify the commitment and excellence of Shasta County employees.

R3. The H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Presentation

This is sponsored by Supervisor Kevin Crye. This agenda item features a presentation from the Health and Human Services Agency on the impact of the H5N1 bird flu virus in Shasta County.

The H5N1 virus, while primarily an avian disease, carries both economic and public health risks. Its ability to devastate poultry populations can lead to significant financial strain on farmers and ripple effects like higher egg prices for consumers. While human transmission is rare, the potential for outbreaks highlights the need for vigilance and prevention and containment strategies.

What makes this item particularly noteworthy is Supervisor Crye's sponsorship of the item.

Crye has a history of downplaying health crises, most notably his opposition to COVID-19 mandates, which he used as a cornerstone in his political platform. At a recent meeting, Cry even joked about Governor Gavin Newsom's declaration of the state of emergency regarding the bird flu:

This was an action intended to mobilize resources against the virus. This dismissive attitude raises concerns about whether Crye will approach the issue with the seriousness it demands.

Why the Issue Matters

Despite Crye's track record, the issue itself is critical. A bird flu outbreak could force the culling of infected livestock to prevent further spread, significantly impacting the livelihoods of local farmers and driving up costs for consumers. Additionally, Shasta County's preparedness for such an event will likely be addressed during this presentation.

Key questions will include:

• What are the county's current plans to monitor and mitigate the spread of H5N1?

  
  

• How will financial resources be allocated to support the affected farmers and ensure containment efforts?

  
  

• What partnerships, if any, exist with state or federal agencies to handle a potential outbreak?

  
  

Crye's sponsorship of the presentation provides an opportunity to see if his governance aligns with the county's best interests or if he continues to prioritize political grandstanding over substantive action.

Residents should pay close attention to this agenda item and consider providing public comment, especially if they are directly impacted by agricultural or economic challenges related to the virus.

R4. Proposition 36

This presentation from the Sheriff's Office, sponsored by Supervisor Chris Kelstrom, explores the local efforts of Proposition 36, which reclassifies certain misdemeanors as felonies. Crime is a pressing issue in Shasta County, and Kelstrom has long positioned himself as a champion of public safety. During his campaign, Kelstrom emphasized the need for a new jail to address the overcrowding and resource constraints.

However, last year, the board majority, including Kelstrom, abandoned the project due to funding challenges. The county's financial woes, exemplified by the recent $2.8 million settlement to former Captain Kropholler, continues to complicate efforts to address crime effectively. Proposition 36 could provide valuable tools for reducing crime, particularly amongst repeat offenders, but it may also exacerbate the strain on county resources.

With jail overcrowding and an overburdened court system already at critical levels, careful implementation will be key.

Now some key questions to consider

• How will the county manage to increase arrests and prosecutions without a new jail?

  
  

• What strategies are in place to balance stricter enforcement with resource limitations?

  
  

• Can rehabilitation and prevention programs play a complementary role in reducing recidivism?

  
  

Supervisor Kelstrom's sponsorship reflects his commitment to public safety, but the board must ensure this effort doesn't further strain the county's already limited resources.

Residents concerned about crime and enforcement should provide input during public comment to ensure their voices are heard.

R6. Appointment to the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District Board

This agenda item involves selecting a candidate to serve a four-year term on the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District Board. The board must choose between two applicants, Philip Cramer and Richard Gallardo.

While Kramer brings relevant experience as a former appointee to the district, Gallardo's candidacy raises significant concerns due to his controversial past.

Concerns Regarding Richard Gallardo’s Candidacy

Gallardo's record is littered with instances of disruptive and questionable behavior, making his suitability for the role likely contentious.

Key Incidents Highlighting Gallardo's Behavior

Weaponizing Citizens' Arrest Laws

In 2020, Gallardo attempted to arrest the entire Shasta County Board of Supervisors when they refused to align with his demands to ignore COVID-19 mandates. This stunt not only disrupted governance but also demonstrated his willingness to misuse legal tools for personal or political gain.

Altercation with Pepper Spray

Recently, Gallardo was involved in an altercation where he pepper sprayed an individual delivering legal documents related to a restraining order against him. Such actions reveal a pattern of aggressive and erratic behavior, raising serious questions about his temperament and judgment.

Footage from an Animal Planet show captured Gallardo lying to law enforcement about shooting squirrels in a residential area:

This act was both illegal and reckless. His attempts to mislead authorities were documented on national television, further calling his integrity into question.

Posting Private Information

Gallardo and an associate posted private information and case details about a citizen on the public walls of the board chambers as an act of political retaliation. This not only violated the citizen's privacy but also exemplified Gallardo's tendency to engage in defamatory and inappropriate conduct to target his opponents.

Disrupting a Public Vaccine Clinic

Gallardo disrupted a public vaccine clinic managed by the county by spreading misinformation and interfering with operations. When asked to leave by then-program manager Dave Maron, Gallardo later attempted another citizen's arrest:

Attempting to Blackmail a CHP Commander

Gallardo appeared to attempt blackmail of a California Highway Patrol commander by threatening to release compromising information if his case wasn't referred to the district attorney:

Incident at Cal Fire

Gallardo was reportedly fired from his job at Cal Fire for brandishing a firearm at work. This deeply concerning act is a perfect example of his history of unsafe and unprofessional behavior in high-stakes environments.

Why This Matters

The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District Board plays a vital role in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and addressing invasive species. It requires members who can work collaboratively, respect public safety protocols, and prioritize the community's health and welfare.

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar for the January 14th, 2025, Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting includes several notable items:

• C1: Budget amendments increasing appropriations by $2.1 million, partly to cover litigation costs.

  
  

• C2: Approval of the county claims list totaling $195,090.

  
  

• C3: Adjustments to accommodate Homeland Security grant reimbursements.

For C1, the $2.1 million appropriation underscores the financial impact of litigation, including the Fountain Wind lawsuit and other high-profile cases that continue to strain the county's budget.

For C3, this item emphasizes the critical role of state and federal grants in sustaining local emergency preparedness efforts.

Public Comment Period

The public comment period is an essential part of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting, offering residents the chance to voice their concerns, share perspectives, and hold their board accountable. It's crucial for the public to stay involved, especially as the board considers decisions that impact the community's future.

Typically, speakers are allotted three minutes to address the board, but under the guise of time efficiency, Supervisor Crye has made a habit of limiting public comment when it suits its agenda. For example, during the January 7th vote for chair and vice chair, Crye reduced speaking time to one minute, citing a "stack of cards" despite there being fewer than 10 speakers.

Closed Session

The January 14th meeting includes two significant closed session items, where the board will deliberate behind closed doors without public input. These discussions often involve sensitive legal and personnel matters, and any reportable actions will be announced after the session concludes.

R7: Existing Litigation

The board will discuss an ongoing case of Betty Abbey et al. versus Shasta County. Details about this case are limited, but its inclusion highlights the county's continued exposure to legal challenges, which have become a persistent issue under the previous board's majority. Whether that changes with the new board makeup remains to be seen.

R8: Public Employee Performance Evaluation

The board will evaluate the performance of the public works director, a critical role given the county's infrastructure challenges.

Public participation is essential. Whether you attend in person or submit written comments via email, public participation ensures that the community's voice remains central to governance.

Your engagement really does matter. Speak up and make your concerns known.

And that's the agenda preview.