The Plumas County Board of Supervisors has recommended a new name for an identified “offensive” road in the northeastern part of the county, following state requirements to remove geographic place names that include the word “sq_,” which is widely considered offensive by Native American communities.
This renaming process is part of the California Assembly Bill of 2022, which mandates the revision of place names containing the term. The road in question, sq-carpet lane, located in a remote area east of Antelope Lake, sees minimal traffic—approximately one to two vehicles per year.
Planning Director Tracey Ferguson noted in light of the required change she reached out to the region’s 6 tribes for input, for which 3 offered their suggestions.
“Demtatoko” is the Tosidum Maidu name for the low-growing, mat-forming plant native to the Pacific Northwest and parts of northern California and Nevada, commonly known as mahala mat or pinemat. The name was proposed by tribal members Harla Lee and Danny Manning after consultation with Ferguson. Other options included Lokom Kodo Lane, referencing the Tosidum Maidu name for elderberry, as well as the contemporary common names, pinemat and mahala mat.
The board had to consider the state’s guidelines, which require the new name to reflect a name currently in use by a tribe, incorporate Native American cultural elements, and maintain a connection to the region’s historical and cultural landscape. Thus, Demtatoko Lane was selected as the board’s recommendation.
The board voted unanimously in favor. The name will then be reviewed by the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names and the California Natural Resources Agency before being forwarded to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for final approval.
Ferguson emphasized the name change must be implemented by January 1st of 2025.
