Submitted by Gregory Burgess, Candidate for CA-2
Gregory Burgess, a No Party Preference candidate for California’s 2nd Congressional District, drove from San Rafael to Mount Shasta City to attend Mayor Casey Glaubman’s “Coffee with the Mayor” event on Tuesday morning.
Burgess said he made the early-morning drive because “a representative represents—they go to the people, not the other way around.” He shared the following observations from conversations with Mount Shasta residents:
Housing emerged as the dominant local issue. Residents noted that the city’s Tiny Homes on Wheels ordinance creates a wealth-building challenge: owners of tiny homes on wheels typically own a depreciating structure while the landowner captures land appreciation. Community members discussed creative potential solutions, including converting the old bottling plant site into residential use. They highlighted a well on the property that produces a high volume of exceptionally pure water daily, with possible applications for hydroponics or tower gardening. The cleaned former hospital and the completed EPA brownfield cleanup at The Landing and Orchard Property were also mentioned as pieces that could support housing if the right policy framework is in place.
Residents were clear on one point: Do not bring a data center to the area.
Building codes also drew attention. Recent statewide changes increasing snow load requirements for roofs in mountain communities like Mount Shasta raise construction costs, which are then passed on to buyers and renters—making the affordable housing crisis more difficult in areas already facing unique cost pressures.
Job scarcity and youth retention were raised forcefully. Attendees asked what is being done to bring employment opportunities to Mount Shasta, what role the Chamber of Commerce plays for young people, and how the community can attract and retain families.
Food security carried particular urgency here. Rather than abstract future concerns, residents spoke of immediate risks, such as rising diesel costs potentially disrupting truck deliveries. They are exploring local gardening options and soil suitability for food production.
Other topics included protecting the area’s rare wetlands forest, described as unique in California.
Wildfire policy sparked a nuanced discussion. Residents are not opposed to forest thinning, recognizing it improves firefighting access, but they questioned whether thinning might create wind corridors that could spread fire faster. Home hardening, 100-foot defensible space requirements, and the impact on native plantings and garden borders were also discussed.
Finally, concerns about the local tax base surfaced. Residents described how changes in how California allocates sales tax on online purchases appear to direct revenue to distribution centers rather than the communities where buyers live, potentially disadvantaging small cities like Mount Shasta.
Burgess left Mayor Glaubman his campaign card and a pocket Constitution, and dropped one off at the Siskiyou News office as well.
Gregory Burgess is a No Party Preference candidate for U.S. House California District 2 in the June 2, 2026 primary. He can be reached at 415-384-1536 or [email protected]. His website is gregoryburgessforcongress.com.
“This is a submitted perspective from congressional candidate Gregory Burgess. Views expressed are his own. Siskiyou News presents community voices and candidate submissions as part of local coverage.”
