Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
property acquisition for Foundry Lane infrastructure project
Angels Camp city council is wrapping up a long-delayed property deal on Foundry Lane to finally kickstart new roads and business growth. After years of talking, this land grab clears the path for major upgrades in town.
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.
Transient occupancy tax distributions to Chamber and Visitors Bureau
Tourism tax dollars fund chamber workshops, marketing, and a new employee-training reimbursement program; supervisors flagged weak event outreach, especially in District 4.
Cannabis cultivation tax reduction extension
Chair Stopper wants to raise the cannabis cultivation tax by 10%, worth roughly $400,000, to help close the budget deficit. The ordinance will come to the Board on August 11, where growers' competitiveness concerns will be weighed.
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.
Data center development moratorium extension
Supervisor Huberty wants the county to pump the brakes on large-scale data centers with a moratorium while an ordinance is prepared, citing electrical infrastructure and fire risks and other counties' experiences. Staff will agendize the discussion.
Repeal of Chapter 20.10 — Lake Tulloch regulations
The county wants to scrap its Lake Tulloch boating and safety ordinance, saying it duplicates Tri-Dam's rules. Tri-Dam's lawyers say it doesn't, and warned of litigation and CEQA problems. The Board hit pause to let staff and Tri-Dam talk.
SR 26 / Olive Orchard Road Intersection Safety
The county's first draft traffic safety plan identifies 356 injury collisions over five years, a top-ten high-injury network, and seven safety projects — rumble strips, guardrails, lighting, sidewalks and bike lanes. Adopting it unlocks federal and state grant money, at no cost to the county.
Sierra Ridge Academy fire debris dumping
Neighbors on Fruit City Road say trucks dumped toxic debris from the burned school administration building — with no permit — on property uphill from their wells, springs, and vineyard, despite a cease-and-desist. They demanded action and revocation of the school's use permit.
County Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment (AB 2561)
Hiring social workers and eligibility staff can take months under the state merit system. The county wants out, and labor groups are on board.
New Animal Services Facility Financing
After 20 years of delays, the county is moving toward building a new 10,555 sq. ft. animal shelter in San Andreas using up to $10 million in IBank financing. The current shelter is outdated, undersized, and a public safety concern — but the 30-year loan has some supervisors and residents worried about the roughly $23 million total cost.
Verizon Cell Tower at Vallecito Bluffs
Residents allege a Golden State Cellular tower was converted from a permitted portable unit to a permanent 45-foot facility without proper permits, setbacks, Native American consultation, or RF emissions reporting, and is a fire and safety risk on a narrow road. They asked that the tower be agendized and the permit revoked.
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.