Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
West Point library services
The library director said staffing is so thin she may have to close a branch on any given day, and the Board found $59,000 to restore an 18-hour position serving Arnold and Murphys. A bookmobile position is being funded for one year by the Friends of the Library.
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.
Murphys library children's garden and library funding
Murphys Volunteer Library leaders asked the Board for permission to build a fully funded children's garden with zero cost to the county, and warned that proposed cuts to bookmobile and courier driver positions would hit seniors hardest, especially since the West Point library closed.
O'Byrns Ferry Bridge partnership grant
Public Works announced a partnership with Calaveras COG, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County agencies on a Caltrans strategic planning grant to finally improve the O'Byrns Ferry Bridge, with a support letter coming to the Board next meeting.
Microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs)
Resident Jay McBride asked the board to adopt California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations framework, letting residents legally sell meals from home kitchens, and suggested forming a local food committee.
County Archives Funding
The historic 46 Main Street archives building needs about $340,000 in repairs, isn't ADA accessible, and can't control temperature and humidity, putting historic records at risk. Supervisors explored adding a new building behind it, using the Huddart building basement, and interim protective measures.
Building department fee restructuring
Permit fees are going up for builders and food operators — the first comprehensive update since 2018 — though cannabis cultivation fees drop sharply under a streamlined process. The changes aim to cover actual service costs.
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.
Cal-Waste refuse rate increase
The county formed a two-supervisor committee (Tofanelli and Andahl) to negotiate with Cal-Waste over the trash hauler contract, while pausing the commercial waste fee study to take a broader look at operations.
County retirement incentive program
Long-serving county employees can now get $25,000-$35,000 to retire voluntarily — a workforce and budget strategy ahead of a tough fiscal year.
Free recycling events across the county
Six free drop-off events this summer — funded by a $299,608 state grant — will take tires, appliances, mattresses and more in Copperopolis, Valley Springs, Arnold, West Point, San Andreas, and Angels Camp.
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.
2026 Labor Negotiations Framework
The Board set its bargaining team and ground rules for this year's union negotiations, naming outside negotiator Che Johnson. With employee costs rising faster than revenues, these negotiations will shape the county's budget picture.
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.
Valley Springs traffic light concerns
Supervisor Tofanelli warned the new Caltrans traffic light on Highway 12/26 at Valley Springs — installed without a traffic study of the four-way stop — will back up commuter traffic, and pressed for a bypass project.
Opioid litigation settlement
County will settle with six drug wholesalers in the national opioid case — potential recovery funds for the county.
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.
Public Health Facility Purchase
Public Health's lease expires in September and costs are climbing. The Board said yes to exploring buying a building near San Andreas instead.
District 5 road resurfacing and Pennsylvania Gulch sidewalk
Public Works wants to pave all of Baldwin Road and extend Parkfix work, but warned bids may exceed budget, prompting a two-week table for more discussion.
Roadway Safety Signage Audit project cost increase
After the original sign placement sparked a public backlash, the county redesigned the project with fewer signs and now needs another $203,800 for construction management.
Childcare services in Calaveras County
The Resource Connection reported nearly $5 million in childcare subsidies, free provider training, CPR classes and supply support, and flagged childcare deserts in several districts. Supervisors pledged support and potential partnerships.
Active Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan
Public Works asked the board to pick two priority projects for grant fact sheets. Supervisors chose Valley Springs and Murphys Complete Streets while raising concerns about the Murphys median, historic-district sidewalks, and McColamy Hills right-of-way constraints.
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.
Administrative Appointment
Calaveras County has a brand new Public Works Director taking charge of local roads, infrastructure, and public projects. This means new leadership is steering how your tax dollars fix potholes and manage county construction.