Bookmark our site so that you can easily return to stay updated on Shasta County!
Outside Influencers: Destroying Democracy in Shasta County
Douglas Frank
Meet Douglas Frank…
Frank is merely one among a vast group of conspiracy theorists motivated by Donald Trump’s false claims about the election, who are committed to persuading others that the 2020 election was rigged. Douglas Frank has gained national recognition as an election skeptic who has traveled across the country delivering numerous presentations to promote misleading and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories regarding election machines and encourages audiences to "wake up" and scrutinize "fraud" in their local areas. Frank's assertions, based on the unfounded rejection of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, have been proven to be insignificant.
Frank claims to have data that proves non-governmental organizations, such as The Center for Tech and Civic Life, which received $350 million in donations from Mark Zuckerberg, sparking the “Zuckerbucks” conspiracy, are involved in stuffing ballot boxes. He said he doesn’t want machines running before polls are closed because “the machines tell the bad guys what the tallies are before the election.” Part of Frank’s theory is that the state controls voter rolls and argues they should be controlled locally. “You need to control your own rolls, get the state out,” he said. When Douglas Frank and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell met in 2021, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill mentioned twice that he found it straightforward to disprove the outrageous claims surrounding the election. He noted, “Each time they brought up an example, we could counter their assertions without prior knowledge of what they would say.”
Frank had his phone seized by the FBI alongside frequent collaborator MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell as part of an investigation into Colorado Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters, whom Frank referred to during the presentation as “the first clerk I ever red pilled.” Peters was later indicted on federal charges for tampering with election equipment and sentenced on a separate obstruction charge. At one of his events in Montana in August of 2023, Frank told the crowd they needed to grab their rifles and “meet Antifa in the street.”
Across the country, Frank has connected with women he has dubbed “super moms.” They are women who have embraced unfounded election conspiracy theories and are engaged in efforts to expose the nonexistent widespread fraud. What elevates Frank above the everyday conspiracy theorist is his financial backing: he has the backing of Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow.
Frank addressed the Shasta County Board of Supervisors on January 22, 2025. In his address, he presented serious accusations of fraud without offering any supporting evidence. He urged the commissioners to carry out their civic responsibility to safeguard constitutional election rights, which he suggested might involve “nullifying” or disregarding state election laws. Furthermore, Frank drew a comparison between election violations and sexual assault, asserting that he knows of approximately 400 ballots in Shasta County that were cast illegally or fraudulently. He did not provide any verifiable evidence to back up that assertion. On May 24, 2025, Clint Curtis hosted an event in Redding alongside Douglas Frank to further propagate election conspiracy theories to the residents of Shasta County.
Chriss Street
Chriss Street is well known in Shasta County as a prominent figure affiliated with the New California State, a far-right extremist and secessionist group that aims to split rural and urban California in half to create a 51st state. Street joined the California New State in 2018. Read more about the New State of California here.
CHRISS STREET IS NOT ONLY A MEMBER... HE IS ALSO THEIR CFO.
What is happening now in 2025: The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has offered Criss Street the position of healthcare consultant. The contract pays $150/hour up to $40,000. The proposal shows that Street plans to address the County’s long-standing physician shortage by developing a rural medical school and an associated substance use facility using federal funds. In the document submitted to the County, Street refers to himself as a subject matter expert and states that he’ll need to travel to meet with both state and federal officials as part of his role. Street's resume (available for review here) states that his only medically related professional experience includes five years of running a healthcare management company, which was more than a quarter-century ago.
Criss Street's problematic past: Street served as the treasurer for Orange County from 2006 until 2011. He chose not to seek reelection in 2010 after a federal bankruptcy judge mandated he pay $7 million due to mismanagement of a bankruptcy trust for a trucking company he ran prior to his election as treasurer. As reported by the LA Times, Street made two appeals against the ruling but was unsuccessful. He then won a malpractice lawsuit against his former attorney regarding the trucking case, receiving $10 million in 2017. His new lawyer stated that the award validated his client, even though the original bankruptcy ruling remains unchanged.
After resigning from his position as treasurer, Street has stayed involved as a financial consultant and has been active as an economic commentator through various media outlets, including FOX News. In 2018, he joined the California New State movement. Street's contributions are often featured on Paul Preston’s Agenda 21 Radio, which serves as the primary outlet for the secessionist movement with the motto, “stopping Totalitarianism one person at a time.”
Street operates as an economic forecaster with a focus on potential crises. During the 1990s, as a bond trader and financial consultant for Newport Beach, he was one of the first to predict that Orange County was on the brink of bankruptcy. This prediction eventually led to his later role as the county treasurer. At a town hall meeting for New California in San Andreas in July 2021, Street expressed to the Calaveras Enterprise that the movement was ideally situated to take advantage of the economic turmoil California was facing. “I joined this movement in 2018,” Street remarked. “I didn’t join it earlier because I told Paul [Preston], ‘There needs to be an existential crisis. You need something catastrophic to happen.’ That catastrophe has occurred.” Street was likely alluding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic impact. He suggested a potential approach for managing Shasta County, explaining that upon becoming treasurer, “Orange County, similar to California, had 11 layers of management, which we streamlined down to three. We conducted a classic corporate reorganization to eliminate the top-heavy positions.” Ultimately, after California experiences bankruptcy, he believes its constitution will be rewritten (Street argues that the current constitution is not valid), paving the way for California to become the 51st state.
In April 2023, the county selected Chriss Street for the position of Shasta County's next Executive Officer. However, after receiving a background check report on Street in late March, the five-member board unanimously decided to withdraw their offer. Subsequently, possibly out of spite, Street publicly made baseless allegations of illegal financial conduct against Shasta County.
Additionally, in March 2023, the Redding Police Department confirmed that it was looking into complaints against Street concerning at least one incident at the Shasta Family YMCA in Redding involving a minor. The results of that investigation remain undisclosed.
DO YOU WANT STREET INVOLVED IN SHASTA COUNTY POLITICS AFTER READING ALL OF THIS?
Paul Preston
Robert Paul Preston is a well known figure in Shasta County for his extremism about seceding from the state of California. Once a central leader in the State of Jefferson secessionist movement, he eventually chose to distance himself from that organization for a variety of reasons. This pivotal decision led him to create his own separatist initiative, which he named The New State of California. Over time, Preston has evolved into a figure which many call a far-right, MAGA aligned conspiracy theorist. He often disseminates conspiracy theories that capture the imagination of his followers. Preston has also spoken about the potential for a “rebellion across America” on the podcast American Medicine today in February 2021. His dangerous rhetoric and unconventional ideas have garnered both local and national attention as well as criticism, positioning him as a divisive figure within the broader political landscape. For more information about his movement, please click here.
Preston’s ambitious endeavor is to carve out a 51st state which he envisions to encompass the rural regions of California who are historically votes Republican versus the more democratic urban areas. This new state would intentionally exclude powerhouses such as Los Angeles, the entire Bay Area, including the Silicon Valley, and Sacramento, thereby fostering a more localized governance with conservative/Republican ideology. A proposed map from the New State of California website shows a striking division, with Sacramento County itself being split between the two states.
According to Preston, the current California government has increasingly disconnected itself from the needs and voices of rural communities, leaving them underrepresented and underserved. He argues that the establishment of his new state would not only empower local residents but also spur economic opportunities that the rural areas have long desired. Despite a rally earlier this year in Sacramento, where a few supporters gathered to advocate for his vision, Preston’s dream of a 51st state is still largely regarded by many as a far-fetched notion, one that is unlikely to garner substantial support from lawmakers at the state level making the initiative only a thought and not a reality.
Preston ardently has championed the 51st State of Jefferson movement, envisioning a new state carved out of Northern California. However, his fervor took a turn in 2016 as he grew increasingly dissatisfied with their proposed method of secession. Preston expressed his skepticism regarding their approach—filing a lawsuit against the current state for what they termed "dilution of vote"—believing it to be an ineffective strategy.
Moreover, Preston believes an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about the Jeffersonians, claiming that they are working undercover for liberal billionaire George Soros. During a captivating segment of his radio show, he hosted Jim Garrow, a self-proclaimed former CIA agent who elaborated on the theory that suggested a shadowy collaboration among some Jefferson leaders—most of whom hailed from conservative backgrounds—to sabotage their own movement. By the way, a CIA press representative told the Record Searchlight via voicemail that the name Garrow “is not someone that previously worked for the CIA.” This supposed betrayal was purportedly aimed at allowing the progressive Calexit movement to gain traction.
According to both Preston and Garrow, Soros is at the heart of this conspiracy, often depicted by far-right factions as a manipulative puppet-master pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Their theory, while lacking substantial evidence, relied heavily on dubious "insider sources" and ultimately hinged on a single photograph.
The image in question featured Mark Meckler, a co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, alongside Joan Blades, co-founder of the well-known progressive advocacy group MoveOn. This photograph was published in a San Francisco Chronicle article discussing their mutual desire to seek common ground. Notably, many Jefferson leaders, who also align with the Tea Party, have vehemently denied ever meeting Meckler. Yet, for Preston, the implications of the picture were significant, as he asserted on his show that it provided "absolutely, pretty solid" evidence that the original cause for separatism might be veiled in a far more complex agenda than it appeared. Other than this published photo, Preston has never presented any other evidence to support his claim.
The members of the State of Jefferson have voiced their strong opposition to Preston, alleging that he is indulging in every conceivable conspiracy theory. Mark Baird and Terry Rapoza, prominent spokespeople for the State of Jefferson, expressed their bewilderment regarding the rationale behind the formation of yet another secessionist group. They leveled serious accusations against Preston, claiming he is engaging in slander and defaming individuals. Furthermore, they cast doubt on the legitimacy of both Preston's assertions and the overall viability of his organization.
Another outlandish conspiracy theory Preston has discussed on his radio show is an array of alleged conspiracies in California that he believes target white individuals. He has boldly asserted that Governor Jerry Brown embodied a dictatorial nature, drawing chilling comparisons by claiming he is “every bit as authoritarian as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong.”
Preston is also an election denier and a conspiracy theorist. In December 2024, Preston organized a meeting that drew a crowd of supporters to discuss the outcomes of the 2024 local election. During this gathering, Preston and several attendees claimed to possess evidence suggesting widespread electoral fraud. They expressed their intent to present these allegations to both local and federal authorities, demanding a thorough investigation into the election results. However, despite their claims, authorities ultimately concluded that there was no credible and compelling evidence.
In a realm of imagination, Preston is the self-proclaimed governor of his fictitious 51st state, leading a motley group that holds elections on a constitution that lacks any real authority or weight. On July 12, 2025, Preston’s New State of California participated in a so-called election aimed at ratifying a provisional constitution. Members from more than 50 of California’s 58 counties, some embarking on long journeys to reach one of the designated precincts to cast their vote. No matter what they voted for or against, their document is devoid of merit or significance, is little more than a hollow framework, ignored by law enforcement, the judiciary, and any governing body of the United States. This scenario raises intriguing questions about the mental well-being and motivations of those who find themselves drawn into this unusual gathering, listening to and following the preaching of a far-right extremist. Using the BITE model, it is reasonable to assume that this behavior resembles that of a cult. This might prompt one to consider the nature of their reality. It also raises a compelling question about the rationale behind their self-identification as patriots, especially considering that their beliefs and actions starkly contrast with the time-honored ideals associated with true patriotism.
PRESTON, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, HAS POSTED ON VARIOUS DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: "END DEMOCRACY. SAVE THE REPUBLIC."
Let's be honest:
Secessionist movements, like the one that Preston is passionately promoting in California, are dangerous due to the potential for instability and division. While these movements may seem like a fringe issue not worth a second thought, they reflect a broader trend of political polarization and could have serious consequences if they gain traction. Secessionist movements are problematic for California and the United States because they can cause economic disruption, political instability, social division, constitutional issues, all while setting a dangerous precedent.
Paul Preston and his New California movement highlight yet another instance of a right-wing extremist group attempting to infiltrate our county, sowing chaos within our community, and tarnishing our reputation as a proud region in California.
Mike Lindell
Many of us recognize Mike Lindell from the commercials promoting his popular product, “MyPillow.” Since the launch of MyPillow, Lindell’s life has been filled with a series of tumultuous events and controversies. His journey from a successful entrepreneur to a public figure has been marked by his outspoken political views, alignment with Donald Trump, and involvement in conspiracy theories about election fraud, particularly regarding efforts to overturn the 2020 election in favor of Trump. As a result, Lindell has consistently found himself in the public eye. But not in a positive light.
But let’s start from the VERY beginning...
Lindell's journey began in Minnesota, where his teenage years were overshadowed by a growing gambling addiction that consumed him. After graduating from high school, he eagerly enrolled at the University of Minnesota, but the weight of his struggles soon forced him to abandon his academic aspirations just months later. As he entered his 20s, Lindell found himself increasingly drawn into the turbulent world of drug use, becoming addicted to cocaine, which spiraled into a more severe dependence on crack cocaine during the chaotic decade of the 1990s. This addiction, intertwined with his already mounting gambling debts, created a perfect storm of hardship. The relentless grip of his vices ultimately cost him dearly, leading to the foreclosure of his home and the dissolution of his marriage when his wife filed for divorce. According to Lindell, in 2009, he got sober by “the power of prayer.”
Before founding MyPillow, Mike Lindell was involved in a variety of small businesses throughout Minnesota. His ventures included carpet sales, a cleaning service, lunch wagons, and several bars and restaurants. However, it was in 2004 that he introduced MyPillow, transforming it into a prominent manufacturing company based in Minnesota.
Despite its initial success, MyPillow faced significant challenges over the years. In 2017, the Better Business Bureau revoked its accreditation, subsequently lowering the company's rating to an F. This decision was based on a noticeable pattern of consumer complaints. By 2021, major retailers like Kohl's and Bed Bath & Beyond ceased carrying MyPillow products. Lindell attributed his loss to the controversial claims he made about the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election and his efforts to overturn the results. However, the retailers cited market research and a decline in consumer demand as reasons for their decisions.
In July 2023, MyPillow began auctioning off equipment and subleasing parts of their manufacturing space. This came after further loss of retail partnerships, including those with Walmart and Slumberland Furniture, which stopped selling the products altogether by September 2024. The situation escalated into controversy when Lindell and MyPillow announced a promotional price of $14.88. These numbers (14-88) are associated with a well-known Nazi dog whistle known as the "14 words." In the wake of this revelation, several white supremacist groups expressed their endorsement of both MyPillow and Lindell. Lindell denied the allegations.
For Reference: The number combination 14-88 is infamously known as "The Fourteen Words," referencing two notorious slogans that originated from David Eden Lane, a founding member of the now-defunct white supremacist terrorist organization, The Order. The "14" symbolizes the total number of words in the primary slogan: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children." This phrase encapsulates a chilling ideology that underpins militant white nationalism. Meanwhile, "88" carries an equally grim connotation, as it represents "Heil Hitler," with "H" being the 8th letter of the alphabet. Together, these numbers have become a rallying cry for white nationalists around the globe, echoing a dangerous commitment to extremist beliefs and promoting a vision rooted in hate.
Lindell is deep into the MAGA Kool-Aid, associating Trump with God:
Lindell met Donald Trump in August 2016 and quickly became a strong supporter. After Trump’s election victory, he referred to him as "the most amazing president this country has ever seen." In a speech at Liberty University in August 2019, Lindell described his meeting with Trump as a "divine appointment," stating that he subsequently decided to fully commit to supporting Trump. During the 2019 Conservative Political Action Conference, he declared Trump to be "the greatest president in history" and claimed he had been "chosen by God." Lindell also appeared with Trump at a White House press conference on the coronavirus, where he praised Trump, saying, "God gave us grace on November 8, 2016, to change our course. God had been taken out of our schools and lives, and the nation had turned its back on Him. I encourage you to use this time at home to reconnect with your faith. Read the Bible and spend time with your families."
Lindell’s Nefarious Financial Schemes:
In November 2020, Lindell was among those who contributed toward paying the bail of the Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse.
In April 2022, Lindell announced he was donating up to $800,000 to a legal defense fund for Tina Peters. For context, Tina Peters was the first election official convicted of criminal charges related to efforts aimed at overturning the 2020 presidential election, based on conspiracy theories about the legitimacy of Trump's defeat. In August 2024, she was convicted in Colorado state court on seven charges—four of which were felonies—related to unauthorized access to election machines. Subsequently, she was sentenced to nine years in prison. However, Trump granted her a full presidential pardon upon his return to the Oval Office.
In 2020, Lindell promoted the use of Oleandrin, a cardiotoxic substance, as a treatment for COVID-19. Lindell even arranged a meeting to present this concept to then-President Trump, accompanied by Andrew Whitney, a fellow board member of the biopharmaceutical company Phoenix Biotechnology, in which Lindell has a financial stake. Lindell claimed that oleandrin had been shown to be safe in a study; however, there is no scientific evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of Oleandrin as a treatment for coronavirus.
Lindell’s Work to Overturn the 2020 Election and Election Conspiracies:
After Trump's defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Lindell played a significant role in supporting and financing Trump's attempts to overturn the election result.
- Lindell helped sponsor a bus tour aimed at challenging the election results. The two-week tour ended in Washington, D.C., on December 14, 2020.
- Following the storming of the Capitol, Lindell promoted a conspiracy theory suggesting that individuals linked to antifa were behind the attack, claiming they disguised themselves as Trump supporters.
- Lindell propagated a conspiracy theory accusing voting machine companies Smartmatic and Dominion of colluding with foreign entities to manipulate voting machines and steal the election from Trump.
- On January 25, 2021, Twitter permanently banned Lindell for spreading false claims about Trump winning the 2020 election, violating the platform's civic integrity policy.
- Lindell bought three hours of airtime on One America News Network (OAN) to air his documentary, Absolute Proof, which contains false election claims, on February 5, 2021. YouTube removed the documentary for violating its election disinformation policy.
- On April 20, 2021, Lindell published a second documentary titled Absolute Interference, which also promoted debunked conspiracy theories about the election and criticized the news media and communism.
- Lindell speculated that investigations into the election would lead to Trump being reinstated as president in 2021. Lindell specifically predicted that this would happen on August 13, but when that did not occur and Biden remained in office, he shifted his prediction to September 30, which also did not come to fruition.
- Lindell hosted a three-day "Cyber Symposium" in August 2021, claiming to present evidence of election fraud, but failed to do so. Lindell alleged that a dataset demonstrated Chinese interference in the 2020 election and offered a $5 million reward for proof to the contrary. Software developer Robert Zeidman accepted the challenge, determined that the data was not authentic, and on April 20, 2023, an arbitration panel ordered Lindell to pay the $5 million.
- In September 2021, Bonner County, Idaho, announced a recount of 2020 presidential election ballots following allegations by Lindell that all Idaho counties had their voting systems hacked. Lindell provided a list of supposed compromised IP addresses. The recount concluded that the election results' accuracy was within 0.1%, with no evidence of digital hacking found.
- In January 2022, Lindell claimed he had sufficient evidence to imprison around 300 million people for their involvement in the alleged 2020 election fraud, which would represent about 91 percent of the U.S. population.
- On September 13, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant on Lindell's phone, which he discussed on his web show. He described how agents surrounded his car at a drive-through in Minnesota. Lindell reported that the FBI agents inquired about Tina Peters, the Colorado Clerk found guilty of election interference. At the same time, the FBI also executed a search warrant on Douglas Frank’s phone.
- In August 2023, Lindell stated that he would prevent voting fraud by flying drones equipped with wireless sniffing devices near polling places to determine whether voting machines are connected to the Internet.
- Lindell attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention, at which he falsely claimed that 257,000 votes were missing from the 2020 election.
There is so much more we could have written here. This was a condensed version. We believe you get the idea. Mike Lindell lacks morals and integrity, and his mental health is of serious concern.
Why did we provide you with all that information about Mike Lindell?
In March 2023, Kevin Crye took a trip funded by Shasta County to Minnesota to meet with Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, hardcore Trump supporter and election conspiracy theorist. Lindell was sued for defamation by Dominion Voting Systems, which he ultimately lost.
During an interview, Crye stated that he spent "four or five hours" with Lindell, during which they discussed the voting process from a legislative perspective and what other states are doing. He also mentioned that he had obtained an agreement with Lindell to provide financial support for hand-counting votes in Shasta County, although he did not provide specific details. Hand-counting votes in the state of California is not legal.
** It’s important to note that when Crye met with Lindell, Lindell was in the middle of the defamation case with Dominion Voting Systems. This raises a question: Why would Crye seek out Lindell to have a meeting about Dominion and the future of elections in Shasta County with a known election conspiracy theorist who was being sued for spreading false information? Think about it!
After meeting with Lindell, the right-wing majority on the Board of Supervisors (Crye, Kelstrom, and Harmon) voted to eliminate Dominion voting systems. Clint Curtis then entered the picture as an applicant for Registrar of Voters, followed by Douglas Frank. Crye appears to be hiring close associates of Lindell, who are all deeply involved in the right-wing election conspiracy theory community. Just speculating.... we have no proof and this is NOT an accusation... Is this a quid pro quo for Lindell's financial support? Is it reasonable to question why Crye and his far-right supervisors are so eager to have an insider at the Registrar of Voters who can quickly label any unfavorable results as "fraud"? Again, we want to emphasize that this is not an accusation; it is for you, the voter, to consider, question, and make your own conclusion.
For reference, Clint Curtis is a close associate of Mike Lindell and has been featured on many of Lindell's shows, including the 2022 Moment of Truth Summit, alongside Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon. Douglas Frank is also a close associate of Mike Lindell, whose phone was seized by the FBI alongside Lindell’s in connection with the Tina Peters election interference case.
A significant and intricate network has emerged among the new figures in Shasta County's local government, which seems to trace its roots back to Kevin Crye's county-funded meeting with Mike Lindell. This suggests potential shifts in the landscape of local governance, raising questions and concerns about the influence of outsiders, motives, and possible implications that it will have on OUR community and the fate of our democratic process.
SO NOW WHAT?!?
As the 2026 election quickly approaches, it is crucial to get involved! Conduct thorough research on the candidates running, and take the time to attend meetings where you can meet them and ask insightful questions. Make your voice heard in the community by exercising your First Amendment right to peacefully protest. Most importantly, GET OUT AND VOTE! It's time to remove individuals who do not serve the best interests of our county. Your participation matters! Let's take back our county!
Reverge Anselmo
Reverge Anselmo is the son of a billionaire, former U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who carved a niche for himself in the film industry, gaining recognition for his work on the film Stateside, which premiered in 2004.
Anselmo has inserted himself into Shasta County's local politics, but his presence is far from beneficial for the residents. Instead of fostering progress and addressing the community's needs, his influence casts a shadow over the county, leaving many to question the true intentions behind his political maneuvers.
Anselmo believes that a decade ago, he was unfairly treated by Shasta County after his ambitious vision of establishing a restaurant, ranch, and winery near Shingletown encountered significant obstacles due to local zoning regulations enforced by the Department of Resource Management. Since then, Anselmo has been on a quest for revenge.
In 2020, Anselmo made headlines by contributing an astonishing $100,000 to the campaign of Patrick Jones, a controversial figure known for his extreme right-wing views and a troubling history of dishonesty. This significant donation was not merely a financial transaction; it marked the beginning of Anselmo's ambitious agenda to dismantle Shasta County's public institutions. With a vision to redesign the county to his liking and benefit, he set out on a mission that would irrevocably alter the community's landscape.
Anselmo, alongside his affluent companions, made substantial financial contributions to the Recall Shasta and Shasta County General Purpose Committee, aiming to oust Shasta County officials: District 1 Supervisor Joe Chimenti, District 2 Supervisor Leonard Moty, and District 3 Supervisor Mary Rickert. Notably, Anselmo joined forces with the Red, White, and Blueprint project. This alt-right political propaganda media company produced a documentary series, co-owned by Carlos Zapata, Jon Knight, and Jeremy Edwardson. Zapata, Knight, and Edwardson are affiliated with the Cottonwood Militia and are known figures within the right-wing MAGA Republican extremist circles, adding a dangerous layer to Anselmo's political maneuvering. Anselmo participated in the filming of several episodes of Red, White and Blueprint, where he mentioned that he would only return to Shasta County if the Department of Resource Management were dissolved.
Anselmo, along with Red, White, and Blueprint, has consistently declined to disclose the total amount of donations Anselmo made. That was up until just recently. On July 2, 2025, Anselmo faced a significant penalty of over $20,000 for violations related to California's campaign filing law that transpired between 2020 and 2022. According to documents from the Fair Political Practices Commission, Anselmo contributed nearly $2 million to various political campaigns in Shasta County between 2020 and 2022. Funding of these right-wing extremist politicians and organizations, Anselmo catalyzed the emergence of a new wave of the alt-right on the county board, reshaping the local political landscape. The fate of Shasta County was significantly shaped by Anselmo, whose wealth and thirst for vengeance played pivotal roles in paving the way for former supervisors Tim Garman and Patrick Jones, as well as the current leadership of Kevin Crye and Chris Kelstrom.
Is it surprising to anyone that in 2024, Wyatt Paxton was appointed as the interim director of the Shasta County Resource Department? Paxton, who has previously worked for Shasta County, openly criticized both the county and the Resource Department. Despite this, he was chosen over Adam Fieseler, the Assistant Resource Management Director. Oh, and one more thing... Paxton is a friend and former (or even current) employee of Reverge Anselmo.
Authur Gorman
Authur Gorman is a well-known figure on the Shasta County Board of Education, a community member who actively champions far-right ideologies. Perfectly fitting the definition of a Christian nationalist, (Christian nationalists believe the US was founded on Christian principles and should continue to be governed by them. This ideology can lead to calls for policies based on Christian values, such as restrictions on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and the implementation of religious education in schools. We will show you how Gorman is doing just this in Shasta County) he aligns himself with the ultra MAGA movement and is a vocal supporter of the controversial Red, White, and Blueprint and an extraordinarily strong supporter of Moms For Liberty.
("Moms For Liberty among conservative groups named 'extremist' by civil rights watchdog the Southern Poverty Law Center" - Read more here)
Gorman is known for advocating anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, casting doubt on public health measures, and espousing transphobic rhetoric. Recently, Gorman has publicly advocated for the deauthorization of the union at the hospital where he works, a move that would disenfranchise thousands of employees against a large multi-billion-dollar hospital corporation. His political views are heavily infused with his Christian religious beliefs, leading to a troubling conflation of faith and legislative policy. (The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Establishment Clause, states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. This means the government cannot create or endorse an official religion, nor can it favor one religion over another. It also implies a "separation of church and state," preventing government interference with religious practice and ensuring religious freedom.)
Gorman stands firmly in support of Clint Curtis, a well-known figure in the election denial and conspiracy theory community. Curtis has well-established connections with influential personalities, such as Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, who is renowned for his outspoken views on election integrity and his work to overturn the 2020 election for Trump. Curtis is also associated with Douglas Frank, an internationally recognized election denier and conspiracy theorist who has garnered attention for his controversial assertions regarding the electoral process. In an abhorrent comment, Frank once claimed he "red-pilled" Tina Peters, a figure who became infamous after her conviction for election interference in Colorado.
Gorman’s current campaign, prominently featured on his public Facebook profile banner, is in support of Sonja Shaw for California Superintendent. Shaw is the current president of the Chino Valley School Board and represents an extreme right-wing conservative stance, known for her inflammatory anti-trans rhetoric, particularly targeting minors. She is currently endorsed by extreme right-wing organizations like Moms For Liberty and the Institute for Faith and Culture. Many in Shaw’s community describe her as “A small-town bigot, basking in the celebrity she’s attained as a mouthpiece for Christian evangelicals intent on infusing their anti-government, anti-LBGTQ+ mindset into a public school system that by law is bound to be secular and multicultural.”
Shaw has a track record of exposing personal and sensitive information about trans youth and disparaging them on various public platforms. This behavior reached a tipping point when a concerned mother of a trans student sent Shaw a certified cease-and-desist letter, protesting derogatory comments Shaw made on her Instagram account regarding the participation of her transgender child in girls’ sports.
In a particularly troubling instance, Shaw shared a video of a trans student being interviewed following a track and field event, accompanied by a caption that read, “This boy is competing against girls in track and field… he should know better, but the adults in his life are especially to blame.” Furthermore, she linked to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, urging supporters to, "report this and any others" who she believes threaten the integrity of girls’ sports. Shaw insisted, “There are many of us linking arms to fight the good fight to protect our daughters.”
During a heated Chino Valley School Board meeting on March 29, 2025, Shaw boldly declared, “This boy is stealing these opportunities from girls,” and boldly asserted her right to free speech, stating, “If you don’t like what I have to say, I’m sorry, but I also have First Amendment rights.” In a dramatic display, Shaw then brandished the cease-and-desist letter, proclaiming, “This is how I feel about the letter,” before ripping it in half in defiance.
Chino Valley Unified School District was the first school district in California to adopt a parental notification policy. This policy requires staff to inform parents within three days if they learn that a student wants to use different names or pronouns or use bathrooms that do not match their biological sex. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued Chino Valley, arguing that the policy breaks state privacy laws about students and gender identity. A judge in San Bernardino County has halted Chino Valley's full implementation of the policy while the case is being reviewed.
Let’s take a moment to review….
Gorman aligns himself with the far-right extremist MAGA Republicans and fervently advocates anti-vaccine views while aggressively combining his personal Christian values into the political arena. He openly supports and campaigns for individuals who perpetuate election denial, often diving into a sea of conspiracy theories, and who associate with extreme figures such as Mike Lindell, making headlines for their erratic behavior and unfounded election fraud claims. Gorman amplifies divisive and inflammatory anti-trans rhetoric and is in support of a candidate for California Superintendent who, her own community calls a “bigot” and “a mouthpiece for Christian evangelicals intent on infusing their anti-government, anti-LBGTQ+ mindset into a public school system.”
The inflammatory rhetoric cloaked in the guise of Christianity is unacceptable. While Gorman is entitled to his personal beliefs under the First Amendment, it is concerning that someone who espouses such extreme viewpoints and associates with individuals of dubious moral character and integrity holds a position of influence in our community—especially when it comes to matters involving our children and education.
Shasta Exposed stands firm that the Shasta County values are rooted in a steadfast commitment to equality and individual freedom. The community should be deeply concerned over the proliferation of hate-filled rhetoric and misinformation, and the perilous consequences that arise when religion intertwines with politics. This mixture not only threatens the moral fabric of the community and Constitutional rights but also undermines the ideals of respect and inclusivity that are essential for a harmonious society.
Please see our supporting photographic evidence here
Ron & Patty Plumb
Patty Plumb and her husband, Ron, are well-known, controversial members of the community. Patty has opted to immerse herself in the local politics of Shasta County, a move that, under typical circumstances, would be regarded as commendable and noble. However, given the couple’s troubling history of divisive rhetoric, including threatening violence, extremist affiliations, election denial conspiracy theories, and membership in a local secessionist organization, one cannot help but question Patty’s ability to maintain impartiality. Furthermore, Patty’s past raises significant doubts about the true motivations driving her engagement in county affairs and the genuine impact she hopes to have on the community.
Patty Plumb is the wife of Ron Plumb, and together, they play a pivotal role in the leadership of the New State of California movement, a controversial separatist initiative spearheaded by the polarizing figure Paul Preston. This movement ardently advocates for California’s secession from the United States, creating the 51st state. According to their website, Patty Plumb is the Shasta County Chair and Assembly, while Ron Plumb is a New State of California SENATOR.
The conflict of interest becomes even more pronounced with the election of Patty Plumb as the Shasta Election Commissioner—a critical position tasked with upholding and promoting election integrity and transparency throughout the county. Given her history as an adherent of election conspiracy theories and her active involvement in a California secessionist movement, one must question the ability of Patty Plumb to maintain impartiality in such a pivotal role. How can she effectively ensure fair and transparent elections when her beliefs may cloud her judgment and commitment to the democratic process? Read the roles and responsibilities of this position here.
Patty and Ron have not only embraced a rhetoric that deepens societal divides, aligning themselves with far-right MAGA extremists, but they have also actively engaged in a range of activities that challenge the boundaries of local and state laws, including the protections enshrined in the United States Constitution. Their actions and words reflect a commitment to the far-right wing, the separatist group the New State of California, while supporting and defending unsubstantiated conspiracy theories.
The following examples vividly illustrate the damaging rhetoric, behaviors, and ideology propagated by the Plumbs within our community. Their influence serves only to create a negative impact on individuals, perpetuating harm rather than fostering understanding or support.
- On May 8, 2025, Clint Curtis officially registered as a Republican in Shasta County, using the same address as Patty Plumb's registration. On that very same day, Curtis was still registered as a Democrat in Florida, using an address located in Titusville, according to the records on the Brevard County elections website. This striking use of Plumb's address begs the question: Was Clint Curtis attempting to manipulate the system to fulfill the qualifications for his new position through deceit and trickery? The implications are thought-provoking, leaving it up to you to draw your own conclusions..
- On November 26, 2024, Patty Plumb orchestrated a protest in downtown Redding, rallying Shasta County residents to voice their claims that the local 2024 election results were untrustworthy and incorrect. In a bold, misguided, and ignorant move, Patty suggested that the citizens should convene at the Redding Civic Auditorium for a manual recount of all the ballots, all while enjoying pizza and being recorded under the watchful eye of cameras and security. (It’s essential to note that this proposal violates California law, which, at the time Patty proposed it, she was aware of.) She confidently declared, “We can have 100 tables set up, and we can count all of our ballots together. We could have pizza delivered. It would all happen in maybe one or two days, but we can do this." Patty was quite aware of this, but we will remind her here again. AB 969, signed into law in October 2023, explicitly prohibits hand counting of ballots in California. Many people, including those from Shasta Exposed, are perplexed by Patty's acceptance of the national election results as legitimate while simultaneously labeling the local elections as fraudulent. This inconsistency is particularly striking since both votes were counted and tallied using the same computer system and staff. It raises the question: could it be that Patty and her allies are struggling to come to terms with their defeat in the local election? Read more about AB 969 here. District 4 Supervisor Patrick Jones lent his support to Patty at the protest, where they fervently promoted their conspiracy theory alleging that Hart InterCivic voting machines are prone to inaccuracies and manipulation. These machines were adopted by the Shasta County board's far-right majority, who opted to replace the long-revered Dominion Voting Systems machines, which appear to have been heavily influenced by the unfounded theories of Mike Lindell.
- On October 15, 2024, Ron Plumb shared excerpts from a letter at a county Board meeting, cautioning supervisors that “certifying an uncertifiable” federal election “could be considered treason.” It’s clear that the Plumbs are heavily involved in the election denial and conspiracy theory movements. Does it now make sense why they are so intertwined with the Registrar of Voters, Clint Curtis, who is also a prominent figure in the same election conspiracy theory movement?
- Do you recall that Patty Plumb was elected to the Shasta County Elections Commission? In March 2024, the very commission to which Patty was appointed launched a striking radio advertisement featuring Bev Gray. In this ad, Gray, identifying herself as a Shasta County Elections Commissioner, urged listeners to call or text a private phone number if they encountered any issues with their ballots. This call to action raised eyebrows, as Gray’s conduct could potentially contravene laws designed to prevent individuals from falsely impersonating election officials. Moreover, if the advertisement led to Gray unlawfully taking possession of ballots from members of the public, the legal consequences could be significant and far-reaching. So intent on proving election fraud that did not exist, the county's own Elections Commission was willing to violate voting laws.
- On November 8, 2022, in a moment that could have compelled the state of California to launch a serious inquiry into Patty Plumb for election interference, Patty came before the Shasta County Board of Supervisors on election day and delivered a bold statement without evidence: the local voting system was not just flawed—it was rigged. She stated, "The machines need to be turned off, unplugged, melted down and turned into prison bars.” Plumb did not stop there; she wove a narrative of vulnerability surrounding the electronic voting machines, alleging that they were all interconnected via the internet, a condition that made them susceptible to infiltration by malicious hackers intent on subverting the democratic process.
,
- September 2022: Patty Plumb embarked on what she called a “citizen’s audit” of the voting rolls, going door to door canvassing neighborhoods in her relentless pursuit of what she believed to be widespread electoral fraud. With unwavering conviction, she revealed alarming claims of ballots cast illegally by deceased individuals and non-residents with no rightful claim to participate in the county's elections. Cathy Darling Allen, the Shasta County clerk and registrar of voters at the time, became aware of a group posing as election workers, claiming to be part of a “voter task force.” Dressed in reflective vests, they targeted specific homes, aggressively questioning residents about their registration. Fearing that this could create a “chilling effect” on voter registration, Allen swiftly issued news releases to warn the public of voter intimidation and alerted the authorities to the unsettling situation in the community. Patty's husband, Ron, and the members of their group called Allen a liar. They declared they were "just sweet older people out to save democracy." Ron also claimed that elections in Shasta County have been corrupt for 50 years. No evidence to back any of these claims was ever presented.
- On September 13, 2022, at a Shasta County board of supervisors meeting, Patty Plumb opened her comments with a prayer to Jesus similar to the actions of Christian nationalists. She closed her eyes and raised her hands as if she were in church. Patty used words like "truth, justice, fraud, audits, the Constitution, our county’s crimes, and good people rising up, with God leading the way, in the name of Jesus." But it was the following quote about moving to hand counting all ballots that seemed to rile up the crowd: “So we’re going to have to decide how we’re going to do this. And I believe that we can; this is an amazing opportunity. We are making history. You have no idea who’s watching us right now. Nationwide, Shasta County is being watched by amazing heroes right now, and I believe that California is going to benefit from the efforts of Shasta County because we have conscience here. There’s godly residents that live in this place that are going to rise up and do the right thing when no one’s looking because we have integrity. So this is our opportunity... It’s up to us to say, ‘This is our Tiananmen Square,’ ... We’re going in front of the tanks and saying, ‘No more’ to the machine, and if you run this over, that’ll be known, too. But this is it: No more electronic voting machines!” After the political theater, Patty held up a flyer encouraging people to attend Douglas Frank’s presentation scheduled for later that night. Frank is a nationally recognized election conspiracy theorist involved in the Tina Peters election fraud case where she was found guilty. He is also closely associated with Mike Lindell. Click here for more information about Frank.
Commentary: It is incredible: Patty proudly declared herself an American patriot, yet at the same time, advocates for the open and blatant violation of the law, all while trampling on fundamental First Amendment right to freedom of religion. It’s a troubling contradiction. HEY PATTY… Let’s dissect this for a moment. An American patriot should know that the First Amendment states, “the government shall pass no law establishing a state religion,” and this principle is articulated with clarity in the Establishment Clause. It prohibits the government from designating an official religion or showing favoritism towards one faith over another. This ensures a vital separation between church and state. Keep your religion in the church.
- On October 28, 2021, at a meeting for members of Recall Shasta, Shasta General Purpose Committee, Red White and Blueprint, California State militia, and teachers and nurses against COVID mandates, Patty Plumb made the following statement: “It is our declaration that we are not happy with what our elected officials are doing…we’ll replace them if we have to.” She continued with, “if we faithfully do the 1st amendment, then we can resort to the 2nd amendment.” (see video here).
While we could elaborate with countless examples, we believe the essence of the argument is clear. Ron and Patty Plumb possess deeply held convictions, a right that everyone should enjoy. However, the nature of their beliefs tends toward extremism, often lacking a foundation in factual evidence. Conspiracy theories promoted by figures such as Douglas Frank, Clint Curtis, and Mike Lindell exemplify this phenomenon; they remain unproven and unsubstantiated. The Plumb's are so strongly attached to their beliefs that they are willing to disregard legal boundaries when it suits them. Given the intensity of their convictions, it raises a significant concern about their ability to serve in government roles. The potential for bias is a serious issue that cannot be ignored when individuals with such extreme perspectives hold positions of power. It is simply not in the best interest of the county to allow extremists to hold power.
YES ON PROP 50: RIGGING RESPONSE ACT
Click the link below to read more about PROPOSITION 50: THE ELECTION RIGGING RESPONSE ACT