For the first time ever, the next Shasta County Sheriff will likely be someone who’s never worked for the Sheriff’s Office. The appointment of Anderson Police Chief Michael Johnson will be on the supervisors’ next regular meeting agenda, a decision made Tuesday by a 4 to 1 vote. Patrick Jones dissented. The Sheriff position will be on the ballot next June. The last elected Sheriff was Tom Bosenko, but he retired early and then-Undersheriff Eric Magrini was appointed to complete the term. Last month Magrini was given the newly created position of Assistant County Executive Officer. Undersheriff Jason Barnhart has been in charge ever since, but he apparently doesn’t want the job. This may be the right time for an outsider to step in and take leadership, as harsh criticism of the top brass has been made public lately from both the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and a group representing captains and lieutenants. Johnson has been the Chief of the APD for nine years. If he accepts the job of Sheriff he’ll get a hefty raise, with an annual salary of $205,000.
The board has called a special meeting for Thursday to discuss cracking down on cannabis cultivation.