Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed Double Springs battery energy storage system
A resident demanded a moratorium on the proposed battery storage facility, comparing it to the Moss Landing fire and accusing the developer of buying off local agencies. The board took no action — the comment came during general public comment.
Justice-behavioral health collaborative grant
The Board declared May Mental Health Awareness Month while residents described how county programs — the Wellness Center, peer support, transportation, and NAMI — helped a family member recover from schizophrenia, homelessness, and addiction. Youth mental health strain and rural access barriers were highlighted.
Gann Fire Local Emergency
The Board honored the Red Cross and volunteers who staffed shelters and helped evacuees during the August GAN fire, and a resident announced a September 20 'Calaveras Strong' fundraiser in Copperopolis for fire victims.
Suicide prevention and recovery awareness
The Board proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Happens Month, with a county substance use supervisor sharing the loss of his brother and a community recovery event set for September 22 at Turner Park.
Wildfire Fatality
A tragic wildfire in Calaveras County destroyed a local home and claimed a resident's life. It's a stark wake-up call about how fast and deadly neighborhood fires can be.
SB 707 remote meeting disruption policy
State law now requires counties to pause meetings if remote access fails. The Board adopted the required policy before the July 1 deadline.
County Health Officer Oversight
A local physician questioned taxpayer spending on the county health officer position, including qualifications, residency, hours, and contract oversight, and asked the Board to put contract oversight on a future agenda.
Supervisor Stopper residency eligibility challenge
A public commenter publicly alleged Supervisor Stopper has lived outside District 5 during his term and urged him to resign, citing potential Elections Code violations — a controversy shadowing his reelection bid.
Dog Rabies Case and Vaccination Alert
The county confirmed its first dog rabies case in nearly 10 years. Several adults and children needed vaccination series, and officials urge every pet owner to verify their animals' rabies shots now. A free rabies and microchip clinic runs June 13 at the Government Center.
AB 310 Youth Sports AED Requirements
A new state law requires youth sports groups to have CPR-trained coaches by 2027 and AEDs at practices and games starting 2028. Chair Stopper worries volunteer leagues can't afford the equipment and wants the county to explore funding help.
Parvo Outbreak and Shelter Shutdown
Several puppies at the county shelter tested positive for parvo this weekend, forcing a 14-21 day partial shutdown. Residents are asked to hold off on dropping off strays and to vaccinate their dogs with the DHPP vaccine.
Operation Trash Panda meth seizure recognition
CNEU's five-month investigation ended with ~2,700 pounds of meth seized — the largest in county history and among the largest in DEA history. Supervisors praised the unit and noted the drugs never reached the streets.
CalFresh Healthy Living Program funding ending
Public Health announced the CalFresh Healthy Living nutrition education program loses its funding at the end of April; staff are wrapping up and seeking sustainability plans.
Ambulance service fee increases
The board approved higher MCEMSA ambulance fees for the county — this affects what you or your insurance pay for emergency transport.
Opioid litigation settlement
County will settle with six drug wholesalers in the national opioid case — potential recovery funds for the county.
OES Transition to Sheriff's Office
The county is moving OES from County Administration to the Sheriff's Office after grant-reporting failures created a possible $13 million deobligation and an overdue federal hazard mitigation plan. Supervisors backed the change while some urged protecting mitigation programs and district relationships.
K-9 vehicle donation to Sheriff
An anonymous donor gave nearly $109,000 through FOCSO to buy and outfit a new Sheriff's K-9 vehicle.
Mobile opioid treatment unit for county residents
Aegis Treatment Centers presented a grant-funded mobile medication unit that could serve Calaveras residents five days a week locally instead of forcing trips to Sonora, Stockton or Lodi. The county has no local opioid treatment now and overdose rates exceed the state average.
Wildfire Response
A fast-moving wildfire is threatening a historic Gold Rush town in Calaveras County, putting local landmarks at risk. If you live nearby, make sure to watch local alerts for sudden evacuation orders.