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.
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.
FY 2026-27 county budget adoption
The county faces an $8.7 million general fund deficit closed with one-time money, and department heads warned the cuts — to the Sheriff, DA, archives, library, planning and more — will mean slower service and public-safety risks. Final adoption is set for June 23.
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.
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.
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.
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.
National 4-H Week and youth development
The board proclaimed National 4-H Week and heard how the program serves about 300 local youth with nine clubs, teaching everything from animal husbandry to sewing and public speaking.
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.
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.
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.
Fire District Funding Reductions
The June budget cut TOT money that had gone to local fire districts, and firefighters, chiefs, and residents packed the hearing to demand it back. The Board restored about $500,000 using one-time funds, but warned the structural deficit means next year will be harder.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New California state movement and election contest notices
New California advocates submitted letters asking the Board to contest election certification over claims of non-citizen voting and promoted a July 28 Utica Park event. The Board took no action; no agenda item existed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Snow response preparedness after February storms
Residents from Arnold and the Highway 4 corridor slammed the county's handling of the President's Day storm — roads went unplowed for days, communication broke down, and businesses closed for a week. Requests include a town hall, better equipment like snow blowers, and GPS tracking of plows.
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.
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.
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.
Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee
The 133rd fair runs May 14-17 with record entries, over $1 million in livestock auction proceeds over three years, and affordability measures like free kids' Thursday admission. The fair draws 40,000+ visitors and is a major economic engine for the county.
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.
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.
Calaveras Transit Agency Technology Funding Application
The Board signed a letter of support for the transit agency's application for state TIRCP funding to upgrade sustainable transit infrastructure and technology.
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.