About Tehama County

THE COMMUNITY

Nestled in the northern Sacramento Valley, Tehama County lies approximately midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border. Starting in the snowy Sierras to the east (the highest point is 8,200 ft), the County unfolds onto rolling foothills, excellent range land, and spectacular, flat-topped buttes, and then sweeps down onto the fertile floor of the Sacramento River Valley (elevation at Red Bluff is 341 ft).

The County Seat, Red Bluff, is located on Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River approximately 135 road miles north of Sacramento. The river valley cuts a rich, 20 mile wide swath through the Central portion of Tehama County, which provides endless varieties of outdoor recreations. The Sacramento River is one of the largest salmon spawning rivers in the world. The County has an area of approximately 3,000 square miles, with a current population of about 60,000, and the cities of Red Bluff, Corning, and Tehama. This area is overwhelmingly “open space” with significant development being limited to the central region of the valley floor. The climate in Red Bluff is typical of that found in the Central Valley, with summers being very warm and dry, with mild, wet winters. The County’s economy is based on agriculture, including ranching, farming and timber production. Tehama County is the central point of widespread recreation and the local recreation opportunities are outstanding with nearby camping, hunting, fishing, golfing, snow skiing, and boating resources as good or better than anywhere in California. Camping opportunities abroad throughout the County ranging from fully developed campgrounds to secluded sites with few or no facilities. Many campgrounds are open year-round but those at higher elevation are only open after the snow melts. With more than 300 miles of trails, hiking within Tehama County can be a day-trip adventure or a week—long back country experience. Trails vary in length and difficulty, winding through coniferous forests, alpine tundra and along waterways. In addition to tennis, racquetball, bowling, archery, and access to athletic clubs and athletic fields, Tehama County offers many other recreation opportunities, such as barbeque picnics and bus tours, to both residents & visitors alike. Advanced educational opportunities are also available within an hour’s drive through the California State University, Chico and Butte Community College located to the south, Simpson University and Shasta Community College to the north. Various outreach classroom facilities are also available with the County. Come experience the feeling of knowing your neighbors in our small town atmosphere.

THE ORGANIZATION

Tehama County is a charter county with a board-administrator form of government whose Chief  Administrator is selected by a five member Board of Supervisors, who are elected by Supervisorial Districts. Each Board  member serves a four year term. The Board of Supervisors governs Tehama County and is responsible for establishing the county budget and for executing all ordinances, resolutions and other legal actions that fall within the jurisdiction of Tehama County. The County has an operating budget of approximately $223 million and 907 allocated positions. On a regional level, the County provides services to anyone residing within the 3,000 square miles that comprise its legal boundaries. These services include: Agriculture, Animal Services, Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Building & Safety, Child Support Services, Conservator/Public Administrator/Public Guardian, County Clerk & Recorder, County Counsel, District Attorney, Environmental Health, Fire, Health Services, In Home Supportive Services, Landfill Management Agency, Library, Planning, Probation/Juvenile Hall, Public Works, Sheriff/Coroner/Animal Regulations/Veterans Services, Social Services and Treasurer/Tax Collector services.