County Executive Officer Dave Rickert told the Shasta County Board of Supervisors on July 29 that state legislation titled SB694 is proposed to protect veterans from predatory private‑sector firms that charge veterans for services that are free through veterans organizations. The CEO said the county's veteran service officer, Troy Payne, supports the bill and that a county letter of support is scheduled for board consideration on Aug. 12.

Supervisor Long told the board he had met with Troy Payne and said he agreed to cosponsor the bill and would work with the Centerville Community Services District on volunteer firefighter and station issues. Supervisor Plummer reported visiting Our Hero's Dreams in Oak Run, where the nonprofit is exploring an expansion on adjacent acreage and pursuing options to bring housing for veterans online. Plummer also said a local hotel has expressed interest in converting to permanent and transitional housing with about 70 units.

Plummer also updated the board on veteran homelessness: community partners, including HHSA and the veteran service officer, had exited seven veterans into permanent housing in June, which he described as a positive step given count estimates of roughly 84–89 veterans experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters: The county's stated support for SB694 and the local housing conversations reflect coordinated state and local efforts to reduce veteran exploitation and to expand housing options for veterans.

What the board said: CEO Rickert summarized SB694 and the county's planned letter of support. Supervisor Long said he agreed to cosponsor. Supervisor Plummer said, regarding housing, that he hoped the county could partner with groups to expand veteran housing and highlighted the 70‑unit hotel conversion as a potential near‑term option.

Ending: The county will consider a letter of support for SB694 on Aug. 12; supervisors said they will continue exploring partnerships and potential uses of local properties to expand veteran housing.