Quick reads — Short-term rentals to help fund tourism in Butte County
Funding boosts tribal efforts to restore traditional ecological knowledge
Cal Fire is awarding millions of dollars to tribal organizations to boost wildfire resilience and safety.
The agency says almost $4.7 million in grants will be provided to six tribes and tribal nonprofits.
Four funded projects will bolster tribal workforce development and cultural land management. Another two planning projects will promote regional collaboration to enhance wildfire resilience by supporting indigenous-led stewardship and knowledge sharing.
The grants also focus on efforts including cultural fire, fuels reduction and reforestation.
Special election could be held in November for redistricting California
Californians could vote in November on whether they want to see the state redistricted. According to reporting by CalMatters, Governor Gavin Newsom says he’s working with legislators and congress to temporarily set aside the state’s independent redistricting commission and give the public an alternative map.
Newsom has been working on a response to a “redistricting war” with Texas and GOP leaders.
President Donald Trump has been encouraging Republicans leaders to change voting maps to increase GOP majority within congress ahead of midterm elections. In Texas, that would mean eliminating five democratic seats.
California uses a bipartisan citizen commission made by voters for redistricting. To change this, the state would need to hold a special election, which Newsom said could be held the first Tuesday of November to coincide with local elections.
Butte County short-term rentals added to hotel tourism fee
Owners of short-term rentals like Airbnbs and VRBOs will soon pay the same tourism assessment fee as hotels and motels in Butte County.
The county Board of Supervisors approved an increased 2.5% assessment on rental income, starting in September. That fee could rise to 3% next year.
Explore Butte County requested the change. It’s the nonprofit that manages tourism marketing for the region and uses the fees to promote travel and overnight stays in the county.
Many hotel operators and vacation rental owners backed the proposal.
Plumas County sheriff retires; longtime undersheriff may take reins
Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns retired this week after five years in office. He was appointed in 2020 and led the department through the Dixie Fire and, more recently, the 2024 Park Fire.
Undersheriff Chad Hermann is now filling the role until the board of supervisors appoints a new sheriff.
The board could make the decision at its regular meeting Tuesday. According to reporting by The Plumas Sun, Hermann is the likely choice to lead the department moving forward.
Several supervisors expressed support for Hermann at the last meeting, though no vote was taken.