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Red Bluff City Council appoints Cassandra Pope to fill vacant seat
Summary
After interviewing eight applicants, the Red Bluff City Council voted Jan. 15 to appoint Cassandra Pope to the seat vacated by Cody Straub; the council affirmed the appointment by roll call after public comment and a brief technical pause.
The Red Bluff City Council on Jan. 15 appointed Cassandra Pope to fill the council seat left vacant Nov. 25, 2025, by the resignation of Cody Straub. The council voted in open session after interviewing eight applicants and hearing public comment; the motion to appoint Pope passed with three affirmative votes to one opposing vote.
City staff told the council the city was required by state law either to appoint a replacement or call a special election within 60 days of the vacancy and that any appointee would serve the remainder of the term through Dec. 1, 2026. City Manager (staff) said the filing deadline produced eight applicants and outlined a process for asking a short set of standardized questions, limiting answers by time, and rotating the order of responders.
The council heard short introductions from all eight candidates. Pope, who told the council she had been urged by neighbors to apply, said she was motivated by faith and community service: “My desire here is simple, to do what God would have me do in this season,” she said during her remarks. Candidates repeatedly emphasized roads, homelessness and attracting businesses as priorities; several suggested new local revenue or greater use of grants and enterprise funds to address infrastructure needs.
During public comment, a number of residents and organized speakers addressed the candidates. David Burke, who identified himself as a member of local unions, urged the council to appoint Marcela White because of her work with schoolchildren and community food needs. A speaker identifying as “Shasta County Watchdog” recommended White as well, saying she showed transparency and a capacity to work with community stakeholders.
Councilmember Pat Hurdon moved to appoint Cassandra Pope; Mark Clement seconded. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote in open session: Hurdon voted yes, Councilmember Diters voted no, Clement voted yes and Mayor Gonzales voted yes. With three affirmative votes received, the council declared the appointment approved. Hurdon told the room the choice had been "bathed in a lot of prayer and a lot of thought." The clerk then administered the oath of office and Pope took her seat.
The council paused briefly during the meeting to resolve a technical issue affecting a remote participant; staff confirmed the city would continue efforts to allow virtual attendees to participate. The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
What happens next: Pope will serve through the end of the current term in December 2026; she may choose to run in the upcoming municipal election if she seeks a full term.
