Citing political upheaval as a factor, Shasta County health agency director retires

Amid a climate of political upheaval that brought about the first recall in memory of a Shasta County supervisor, one county department head has decided to retire.

Donnell Ewert, who heads one of the largest departments in the county, the Health and Human Services Agency, announced his retirement on Monday.

Ewert said he has personal reasons for retiring, but said the politics in the county also were a factor in his decision to retire. That upheaval has included a recall, death threats and violence.

"I think some of the upheaval in the political environment just made the job less enjoyable," Ewert said Tuesday.

While results have not been finalized, it appears Shasta County District 2 Supervisor Leonard Moty will be recalled, according to the Shasta County elections department. Recall backers accused the county of not standing up to state officials and coronavirus restrictions.

The Health and Human Services Agency encompasses the Department of Social Services, mental health services and public health, which has been at the center of the county's efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic at the county level.

Supervisor Patrick Jones, who led the recall effort, has questioned many of the programs administered by the Health and Human Services Agency, particularly programs aimed at aiding the homeless.

Jones often raises issues with the health agency programs when they come before the board.

On Tuesday, Jones pulled two items on the board's "consent agenda" because he had questions about them. Consent items are considered routine matters and are voted on as a bloc, rather than considering each item individually.

Both the items Jones pulled from the consent agenda dealt with homelessness and housing. He voted against the proposals.

The public health department also has been at the center of controversy locally in its position endorsing vaccinations, masks, social distancing and other measures to limit the spread of COVID.

A vocal group of county residents has protested mask mandates, vaccination requirements and other measures to limit spread of the disease. However, county officials have not enforced any mandates related to COVID.

More: Why the recall could mean a political power shift for Shasta County. What's at stake?

At one point, Redding police had to provide extra patrols at the home of county Public Health Officer Karen Ramstrom after she received personal threats over perceived COVID restrictions.

Ewert, 58, said the challenges of the pandemic have been difficult. He said he has been thinking about retiring for about a year. He wanted to wait until after the recall election before announcing his retirement.

County Supervisor Mary Rickert praised Ewert and said considering the politics surrounding the county it could be difficult to recruit someone to replace him.

More: Shasta County's court battle with Reverge Anselmo looms large in recall election

"Donnell has been an incredible force for basically the health and well being of every citizen in Shasta County," Rickert said. "He really does care about the residents in our county and I will always be grateful for the contributions he made during his tenure here," she said.

Ewert said he had postponed his retirement because he wanted to continue to work at the agency through the pandemic.

The number of new cases of the coronavirus isn't letting up. On Jan. 18, there were 284 mew cases reported to county health officials.

With the increased use of home testing, many positive cases may not be reported to the county. Since the pandemic broke out locally in 2020, there have been 537 deaths as of Monday.

Ewert, who will mark 23 years working for the county on April 6, said he also has personal issues to attend to in retirement. He also plans to travel with his wife.

Before directing the county Health and Human Services Agency, he also was in charge of the county Public Health Department before it merged with health and human services.

His last day with the county is April 8. Ewert said he has enjoyed working for the county and he is leaving on good terms.

"It's really been wonderful, and I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. And I appreciate so many people here, and I've learned so much from so many," he said.

More: Final results of Shasta County supervisor recall election may be weeks away

Damon Arthur is the Record Searchlight’s resources and environment reporter. He is part of a team of journalists who investigate wrongdoing and find the unheard voices to tell the stories of the North State. He welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834 by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Citing political upheaval as a factor, Shasta County official retires