Over the past two days, the City has received numerous phone calls from concerned citizens regarding rumors circulating on social media. These rumors allege that a data center is being built at a site just outside City limits, and that elected officials are holding secret meetings to advance the project.
No City Council meetings regarding the development of a data center have taken place, and none are scheduled. Last week, City staff received a phone call from a developer expressing interest in a site near Mt. Shasta. In the interest of transparency, the City Manager shared a verbal report of that call during Monday’s regularly-scheduled City Council meeting. Staff and Council clearly indicated that a data center was not welcome.
The City has taken no steps toward the development of a data center. Mt. Shasta has long been known as the City of Pure Waters, and its government shares the community’s commitment to safeguarding the quality of our natural resources.
City Council meetings are open to the public and publicly noticed in advance in compliance with California’s transparency laws. Information about the time, location, and agenda of upcoming meetings is available on the City’s website, and recordings of past meetings may be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel. Financial disclosure statements for City Council members, which are public record, are also available on the website.
The City of Mt. Shasta welcomes public engagement and invites residents to participate in local government by attending public meetings, volunteering on committees, and running for public office. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Rachel Agron, Deputy City Clerk, at (530) 926-7516.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE
I would like to take a moment to address the concern circulating in our community about a rumored data center coming to Mt. Shasta. Unfortunately, what has been shared on social media is simply inaccurate. All that was shared is that a company that builds data centers had inquired about the old Crystal Geyser site. What was conveyed is that the site is on County property and that there is zero interest in pursuing the proposal. While stated this way, it was clear that the City Manager and Council have no interest in pursuing the proposal.
What concerns me more, however, is that a number of individuals have responded to this rumor by making threats of violence against council members, city staff, and their families through social media, text messages, and phone calls. This is unacceptable, and I want to be direct: it is not protected speech under the First Amendment. Threats of violence are criminal acts that carry real consequences, including fines, and jail time.
The Mt. Shasta Police Department will investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone making such threats to the fullest extent of the law. That is not a warning it is a commitment.
You absolutely have the right to disagree, speak up, and make your voice heard. That is part of how our community and our government are supposed to work. But that right ends where threats of violence begin. At the end of the day, we are all part of this community, residents, staff, and council members alike. I ask that we treat each other accordingly.
-Robert Gibson Chief of Police
