Threats escalate over new data center rumors in Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta Mayor Casey Gaubman is pushing back against rumors of a proposed data center at the old Crystal Geyser site, stating his opposition. Public opposition has escalated, including violent threats against city staff and their families. The site is currently located in Siskiyou County, and talks about its annexation into Mount Shasta are beginning.
Mount Shasta Mayor Casey Gaubman has publicly stated his opposition to a rumored data center project at the former Crystal Geyser plant site. His announcement comes after a Mount Shasta City Council meeting where discussions about a commercial broker inquiring about the vacant property's potential use as a data center led to widespread rumors and public backlash.
City Manager Todd Joyce initially informed the council of the broker's inquiry. However, the situation quickly escalated with Mayor Gaubman noting that inaccurate information about secret meetings and non-disclosure agreements began circulating online. Gaubman clarified his personal opposition to an "AI data center" in the area, stating he heard the community's clear disapproval.
The public pushback turned violent, with threats directed at city staff and their families, prompting safety concerns. The mayor emphasized that despite the negative reaction, he hopes for positive civic engagement.
Further complicating matters, the plant property is actually located in Siskiyou County, not directly within Mount Shasta city limits, leading to preliminary discussions about its potential annexation into the city.