SHASTA COUNTY WINS A DUBIOUS FEDERAL PRIZE

All too often in government, mush-mouthed euphemisms blur the facts,
but the federal government struck a blow for clarity with "High
Intensity Drug Trafficking Area." There's no guesswork about what that
means.

When it comes to Shasta County, though, we confess we might have
preferred a more politically correct name. The truth stings.

Federal anti-drug officials added Shasta County to the Central Valley
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area last month, officially lumping
the north state with the meth-production belt of the San Joaquin
Valley. It's an odd event to celebrate, but our elected officials
hailed the move.

"I applaud the Office of National Drug Control Policy for taking this
important step," said Rep. Wally Herger, who'd been lobbying for the
designation for two years to fight drug shipments on Interstate 5 and
pot growing in the national forests.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein also joined the party, noting that Shasta County
is "ground zero for marijuana cultivation on federal lands."

Yeesh. That's true, senator, but did you have to tell the whole
world?

Our friends in Washington didn't paint Shasta County with this black
mark out of spite. On the contrary, our problems are what they are,
and admitting them is part of the solution.

Indeed, Sheriff Tom Bosenko had sought the tag because it brings extra
federal money to fight meth and marijuana production -- about $100,000
more this year, the sheriff said.

Those resources are welcome, but you won't find us celebrating Shasta
County's addition to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

Save the noisemakers and party hats for when the county no longer
belongs on the list.