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Board to consult Mountain Maidu consortium after state questions county’s preferred replacement of “SQ Carpet Lane”
Summary
Following state review and competing tribal recommendations, Plumas County supervisors directed staff to consult the Mountain Maidu Consortium and offer Mooretown Rancheria a chance to formally submit a tribal‑council recommendation before returning to the board on renaming SQ Carpet Lane.
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors discussed replacement names for a road currently known in state files as “SQ Carpet Lane” (a local form of the term ‘squaw’ appears in the historical name) after the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names reviewed proposals under AB 2022.
Planning Director Tracy Ferguson summarized the process and tribal input: the county initially proposed a Mountain Maidu translation (presented as Dentatoko/Demtatoko), while Mooretown Rancheria presented alternatives (including Yato Matau, described by Mooretown representatives as the traditional place name for Genesee Valley). The state’s committee strongly recommended names advanced by Mooretown Rancheria because the tribal government’s recommendation came through tribal council.
Cultural resource feedback: Ferguson relayed advice from cultural resource specialist Harvey Marino and tribal members who indicated the Mooretown Rancheria’s name refers to Genesee Valley and may not be geographically accurate for the road’s location. Several Mountain Maidu speakers had provided a direct Mountain Maidu translation and suggested rendering the entire road name in Tsai'ida (Mountain Maidu) language (suffix bo meaning lane/trail).
Board direction: Supervisors directed staff to take the following steps: consult the Mountain Maidu Consortium for a formal recommendation, invite Mooretown Rancheria to submit its recommendation through tribal council if it wishes, confirm landowner notification and geographic appropriateness, and return with a staff recommendation at a future board meeting (Tracy Ferguson offered to coordinate further tribal consultation and indicated the board may proceed at the March 18 meeting if ready).
Why it matters: AB 2022 directs replacement of derogatory geographic names and prioritizes tribal government recommendations when submitted through proper tribal council channels. Board members emphasized respecting local indigenous voices and meeting the state’s criteria while ensuring the replacement name is materially geographically appropriate.
Next steps: Staff to consult Mountain Maidu Consortium and Mooretown Rancheria representatives and return with updated recommendations and a draft resolution for the board’s consideration.
