Here are the latest bookings from the Glenn County Jail. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Friday, June 11:
7:30 a.m., Shawn Brian Dearing, 50, a laborer who lives in Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear after being released on bail (a misdemeanor), and failure to appear on a felony charge. Total bail was set at $127,000, but he was also held without bail for alleged violation of parole (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Jackson County Jail in Medford, Ore.
9:12 p.m., Eleazar Gamboa Martinez, 61, a laborer who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 23, east of County Road 45, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Saturday, June 12:
3:47 a.m, Christina Marie Badgley, 36, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a noncohabitating former spouse, and damaging a wireless communication device (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. She was taken into custody at 429 West Sycamore Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
5:38 a.m., Lucky Bob Wyatt, 38, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 127 Elm Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
8:44 a.m., Alex Xiloj, 28, a laborer who lives in Seattle, Wash., was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of a drug, and driving without a license (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody on the southbound side of Interstate 5, south of County Road 68, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
2:20 p.m., Armando Reyes-Botello, 26, a laborer who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and a Sutter County warrant alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail on the fresh charge was set at zero, but the bail for the warrant was set at $11,000. He was taken into custody at East and Walker Streets by an Orland police officer.
6:38 p.m., Steven Wayne Trimmer, 42, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody in the 1200 block of West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
8:37 p.m., Julian Arturo Martinez, 32, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 333 Mill Street by an Orland police officer.
11:39 p.m., Marlene Quezada Lara, 40, a caregiver who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. She was taken into custody on Benson Drive at Trinity Street, by an Orland police officer.
Sunday, June 13:
10:32 a.m., Julian Arturo Martinez, 32, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 414 North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
12:36 p.m., Robert Michael Koscki, 33, an in-home health care provider who lives in Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging disobeying a court order, and public intoxication (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody on Colusa Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets by an Orland police officer.
8:35 p.m., Russell David Niewald, 59, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer, and using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 531 Fifth Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:30 p.m., Manuel Ambriz Robles, 36, a mechanic who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), and violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence with a prior (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at 535 South Butte Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Here are the latest incident reports from the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office.
Friday, June 4:
3:47 a.m., Deputy Thompson was dispatched to a commercial alarm activation at Tractor Supply, 811 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows. Deputies responded and checked the property. The business was found secure but no responsible was available.
8:27 a.m., a Walmart employee contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report Julian Martinez was trespassing. Deputy Chavez was dispatched and contacted the employee, Larry Drewry, who said Martinez had been admonished for trespassing the previous day when he was arrested for assaulting a Walmart employee. Drewry said he wanted to pursue criminal charges against Martinez. Drewry signed a private person’s arrest form. Martinez was ultimately placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail where he was booked by jail staff.
9:15 a.m., deputies responded to Edgewater Park in Hamilton City regarding a cold domestic disturbance between Crystal Reyes and Marcelo Martinez. Upon arrival, Deputies learned Martinez left prior to their arrival. Deputies learned Reyes and Martinez were in an argument which led Reyes allegedly being splashed with water. Deputies conducted an investigation.
10:36 a.m., Linda Mendez contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to request a welfare check on a man lying in the grass at Memorial Park in Willows. Deputy Chavez was dispatched and responded. Deputy Chavez ultimately contacted Julian Martinez, who said he was waiting for the bus and did not need assistance from law enforcement.
6:23 p.m., Charles Raymond requested to speak to a deputy in regard to a violation of a child custody order. Charles said Lisa Raymond, the mother of his 11-year-old daughter, had refused to turn over their daughter during their scheduled child exchange. Charles Raymond said he lives in Cottonwood and Lisa Raymond lives in Colusa County. Their child custody order was granted in Colusa County, but they had arranged their child custody exchanges to be done at the Walmart parking lot in Willows. Charles Raymond requested the violation of child custody orders to be documented. He provided Deputy Ramirez with a completed Glenn County Violation of Child Custody or Visitation or Court Order Report. He said he would report any further violations to Colusa County. Deputy Ramirez documented the incident and provided Charles Raymond with a Glenn County incident number.
9:34 p.m., Jaime Christman alleged her ex-husband, Chad Christman, showed up at her residence at 3833 Highway 45, Glenn, and did not have permission to be there. Jaime Christman requested a deputy respond and admonish Chad Christman for trespassing. Deputy Huichapan responded to an address on Highway 45 and contacted Jaime Christman, who said Chad Christman left prior to Deputy Huichapan’s arrival. Jaime Christman said Chad Christman lives in Chico and requested he be admonished for trespassing if contacted. Deputy Huichapan provided Jaime Christman with information on the restraining order process. Deputy Huichapan conducted an extensive area check and attempted to locate Chad Christman,with no success.
10:52 p.m., Deputy Ramirez responded to a disturbance in the area of West Wood Street and Merrill Avenue in Willows. Carrie Kiser alleged her boyfriend, Joseph Maloney, had taken the keys out of her vehicle’s ignition. Kiser said Maloney had left the area on foot. Deputy Ramirez arrived and initiated an investigation. Deputy Ramirez was able to contact both parties and discovered Kiser had allegedly thrown a cup of coffee on Maloney after an argument. Kiser was ultimately placed under arrest for domestic violence.
Saturday, June 5:
4:47 a.m., Deputy Huichapan was dispatched to the Chevron gas station in Hamilton City for a report of a commercial alarm activation. While en route, Deputy Huichapan’s response was cancelled per the alarm company.
7:20 a.m., Deputy Tuma was dispatched to assist the CHP with two loose calves running at large in the area of County Road 24 and Highway 99. Deputy Tuma assisted until no longer needed.
10:10 a.m., Amie Douglas called the sheriff’s office and requested to speak with a deputy regarding theft. Deputy Turner spoke with Douglas, via telephone. Douglas alleged her vehicle’s registration was stolen by Ruth Word. Douglas said Word was in her vehicle and had the opportunity to take it. Douglas confronted Word on the matter, but Word denied stealing her registration. Douglas only requested the incident documented.
2:08 p.m., fire personnel, CHP, and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of an unresponsive person in the bathroom at the Ord Bend boat launch. Fire personnel and sheriff’s deputies contacted Jacob Nicholson, 35, of Chico, who was found to be responsive. Nicholson declined medical attention and was provided transportation back to Chico by the CHP.
3:14 p.m., an employee from Walmart called the sheriff’s office and reported a white male adult just left the store with stolen property. The employee said the man left in a white Chevrolet Impala, California license plate #8TGG487, and headed south on Interstate 5. Deputies responded and searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle or the man. Walmart’s employee only requested documentation at this time.
8:17 p.m., Felicia Armenta reported her neighbors were playing loud music in the area of County Roads 22 and F near Orland, and requested they turn it down. Deputy Goodwin located a party with loud music at 6239 County Road 22. Deputy Goodwin contacted the homeowner, who was identified as Deana Medina. She was told of the noise complaint and agreed to turn the music down.
9:07 p.m., Raymond Villar at 305 Sierra Avenue, Hamilton City, reported a cold theft of three bicycles from his garage. Deputy Goodwin attempted to contact Villar but was unsuccessful. Contact will be attempted again at a later time.
9:13 p.m., while on routine patrol in the city of Willows, Deputy Huichapan contacted Michael Deniz on French Street near North Butte Street. A records check on Deniz through Glenn County Communications revealed an active misdemeanor warrant out of Glenn County. Deputy Huichapan informed Deniz of the active warrant and placed him under arrest. Deniz was transported and booked into the Glenn County Jail without further incident.
9:46 p.m., an anonymous woman reported loud music coming 271 South Villa Street in Willows and requested a deputy respond and tell the homeowner to turn the music down. Deputy Huichapan responded and contacted the homeowner, Azucena Carrillo. Deputy Huichapan informed Carrillo of the noise complaint and she agreed to keep the music down for the remainder of the night.
9:53 p.m., Deputy Goodwin was dispatched to a possible restraining order violation that occurred in the City of Willows. Deanna Lacroix reported she was the protected party in a served civil harassment order with Tina Zazueta being the restrained party. Lacroix stated she was driving home and about to turn onto Fifth Street from Wood Street, when a black SUV drove up behind her. Lacroix turned onto Fifth Street and so did the SUV. Lacroix felt the SUV was suspicious so she parked her car in the 400 block of Fifth Street. The SUV parked about three vehicles in front of her. Lacroix waited for the SUV to leave but ultimately drove home without further incident. Lacroix was unable to see the occupants of the SUV or get a license plate number. Lacroix felt the SUV could have been occupied by Zazueta but was uncertain. Based on the information provided, it was determined there was not enough evidence to substantiate Zazueta being in violation of the civil harassment order. Lacroix was provided with options and extra patrol was provided in the area.
Sunday, June 6:
12:53 a.m., Gabriela Parada reported unknown people were playing loud music at the Cedar Hills apartment complex, directly outside of apt. #151. Parada requested deputies respond and tell the people to keep the music level down. Deputies responded and contacted Joseph Workman, who was playing music in the area. Workman was told of the complaint and agreed to turn the music off for the remainder of the night.
1:06 a.m., Cindy Bailey reported loud music somewhere in the area of 6379 County Road 16 in Orland. Bailey did not know where the music was coming from, but requested a check of the area. Bailey requested if the person responsible for the music was contacted, they be told to turn it down. Deputies responded and searched the area. The area was found quiet upon arrival. Deputies did not locate any loud music in the area.
6:01 a.m., Deputy Cordova conducted a vehicle check on a 1995 Ford Explorer on County Road 200, just East of County Road 306, in Orland. Deputy Cordova contacted William McCardle, asleep in the driver’s seat. During the contact, Deputy Cordova observed the rear portion of a pistol inside of a shoulder holster, under McCardle’s left armpit. McCardle was removed from the vehicle and detained. A record’s check confirmed the firearm (Springfield XD) was reported stolen out of Glenn County in May 2021 and also confirmed McCardle was a convicted felon. Deputy Cordova completed a search of the vehicle and locatedw suspected methamphetamine, various burglary tools and additional stolen property. McCardle was arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail. He was removed from MUPS (Missing and Unidentified Persons System) from an unrelated missing person’s report.
10:25 a.m., Registered Nurse Pamela Turnquist from Enloe Hospice called to report the expected death of Evelyn June Dean, 74, from pre-existing conditions, at the Willows Care Center, 320 North Crawford Avenue, Willows. The decedent entered hospice on Jan. 14, 2021. Next of kin, Benny Dean (son), was notified. Science Care Mortuary in Phoenix, Arizona, was notified.
1:02 p.m., deputies responded to 648 North Colusa Street, Willows, for a report of a verbal, and possibly physical, domestic disturbance in progress. Upon arrival, deputies contacted Noe Rodriguez and Danielle Goppert and conducted an on-scene investigation. It was determined Rodriguez and Goppert were involved in an argument over marital problems. The issue was ultimately handled by mediation and separation and both parties were provided with information.
3:23 p.m., Diana Baird contacted Glenn County Communications and requested a welfare check on her father, Andrew, who resides at 335 North Sacramento Avenue, in Willows. Deputies responded and attempted to contact Andrew at the residence, but there was no answer at the door. Glenn County Communications attempted to contact Andrew, via telephone, but there was no answer. Baird was notified of the call for service.
5:56 p.m., a Willows woman reported that her 13-year-old daughter was being defiant and causing problems. Deputy Huichipan contacted the parties involved and handled the matter by mediation.
6:51 p.m., at North Plumas and French Streets in Willows, Deputy Ayres conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a beige Jeep Grand Cherokee for California Vehicle Code violations. The deputy contacted the driver, Christopher Simpson, and passenger, Alexa Farris. After an on-scene investigation, Simpson was arrested for alleged possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license, and driving while addicted to drugs. Farris was arrested for a local misdemeanor warrant, alleged possession of heroin, and possession of two types of drug paraphernalia. Both were booked into Glenn County Jail.
7:20 p.m., Billie Baxterburke reported being cornered by a grey pit bull in the area of North Yolo and Sycamore Streets, Willows. Deputy Huichapan responded and contacted Baxterburke, who said the pit bull approached her but did not growl or bark at her. Baxterburke told Deputy Huichapan she was afraid of the pit bull. Deputy Huichapan conducted an area check and found the pit bull in front of 143 South Yolo Street, Willows. Deputy Huichapan contacted the pit bull owner, Joshua Huffman, and told him of the complaint. Huffman was counselled and advised to keep an eye on the pit bull whenever he allowed it outside of his gate.
8:06 p.m., a Hamilton City woman reported her juvenile daughter ran away from their residence on Friday and had not returned home. Deputies contacted the woman and conducted a search for the teenager at several residences in Hamilton City. Deputies were unable to find the girl and she was ultimately entered into the missing persons system as a runaway child.
8:18 p.m., Deputy Goodwin was dispatched to the report of a domestic violence incident at an address on County Road G near Orland. A confidential victim alleged his wife, Barbara Butler, assaulted him, vandalized their residence and left on a blue dirt bike. Deputies and officers with the Orland Police Department conducted a search for Butler. Deputies were unable to locate her in the area. Deputy Goodwin contacted the victim. After an on-scene investigation, it was determined Butler was arrestable for domestic violence charges. While at the residence, Deputy Goodwin heard a motorcycle in the area. Deputy Goodwin conducted a search and located a woman driving a blue dirt bike where County Road 9 meets County Road H. Deputy Goodwin conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the dirt bike. The woman failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. The woman fled to the victim’s residence, where she was unable to maintain control of the dirt bike and wrecked. The woman sustained minor injuries and was detained. The woman was identified as Barbara Butler. She was ultimately taken into custody for allegedly committing corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, evading a peace officer, resisting or disobeying a peace officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Butler was transported to Glenn Medical Center, where she was medically cleared for jail booking. She was then transported to the Glenn County Jail, where she was booked.
8:22 p.m., Jaime Christman called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report her ex-husband, Chad Christman, was trespassing on her property at 3833 Highway 45, Glenn. Deputy Huichapan responded but was unable to locate Chad Christman. Deputy Huichapan spoke with Jaime Christman and learned Chad Christman was gone prior to Deputy Huichapan’s arrival, but had dumped ammunition on the property. Jaime Christman said Chad Christman was a felon and prohibited from being in possession of ammunition. Deputy Huichapan confirmed with Glenn County Communications that Chad Christman was a felon. Deputy Huichapan collected the ammunition and conducted an area check for Chad Christman, with negative results. Jaime Christman later called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and reported Chad Christman returned to her property. Deputies responded and after an extensive area check, located Chad Christman, who was hiding from deputies. After an on-scene investigation, Chad Christman was placed under arrest for allegedly being a felon in possession of ammunition and firearms, along with other charges.
9:24 p.m., Joshua Huffman reported his wife, Samantha Mitchell, called him over a cat trap being on their porch and she could hear Billie Baxterburke arguing with neighbors. Huffman requested Baxterburke take her cat trap and move along. Deputy Ayres contacted Baxterburke on the property, who had laid out several cat traps. Baxterburke was made aware of the complaint. Baxterburke said she had permission from the owners to be on the property at 143 North Yolo Street, Willows, but upon questioning, she could not name the owners or show proof to be on the property with her traps. Baxterburke removed her traps and loaded them in the vehicle she was in. Baxterburke resorted to name calling and being rude to the deputy. Billie spun the tire in the dirt as she left in a vehicle through the alley.
Monday, June 7:
12:57 a.m., Brinks Security reported a panic alarm activation at 544 West Oak Street, Willows. The responsible said she heard a loud noise outside. Deputy Ayres contacted the responsible and checked the property. There were no signs of anything suspicious or anyone around.
2:11 a.m., Kevin Donnelly reported he could hear a man and woman in a verbal dispute at the transient camp near Stony Creek, north of Orland. Deputies responded and conducted a search of the area. Deputies were unable to hear any disturbances or locate anyone in need of assistance in the area.
3:27 a.m., Deputy Huichapan was dispatched to 6439 County Road 48, Willows, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Deputy Huichapan responded and located a black 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 and Rigoberto Valdez in the driver seat. The engine was running and Valdez was slumped over the steering wheel. Valdez was incoherent and had slurred speech. Deputy Huichapan requested CHP officers respond for a DUI evaluation. CHP Officer DeFrancisco arrived and conducted a DUI evaluation. After an on-scene investigation, CHP Officer DeFrancisco placed Valdez under arrest for allegedly driving while under the influence.
10:19 a.m., an anonymous party reported a man wearing a gray shirt was yelling and causing a disturbance in the 500 block of North Butte Street, in Willows. Deputy Garcia contacted the reported man, Robert Dingman, in the 300 block of North Butte Street. Deputy Garcia notified Dingman of the complaint and counselled him on his behavior.
1:34 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office lobby to contact James Hofhenke regarding fraudulent gas card transactions. Deputies contacted Hofhenke and retrieved various documents with time stamped fraudulent charges from May 25 to June 6. An ongoing investigation was initiated.
2:28 p.m., the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and requested deputies respond to 130 South Butte Street, Willows, to attempt to contact Lawrence Jensen. Deputies responded to the location and learned it was not a current address for Jensen. Deputies re-contacted the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office and provided an update.
3:59 p.m., Don Perez contacted Glenn County Communications to report a cold vandalism to a water pump on County Road Y, near County Road 70, in Butte City. Deputy Garcia contacted Perez and initiated an on-scene investigation.
6:33 p.m., Deputy Ayres located a runaway juvenile who was known to the sheriff’s office. The deputy detained the child and the child was released to CPS.
7:33 p.m., deputies were dispatched to assist fire personnel with a disturbance at 650 North Butte Street, Willows. Firefighters were conducting a smoke check when they were confronted by a man who they said appeared threatening. Deputies contacted John Bush at the residence. No disturbance was noted and Bush was told of the complaint. Bush said he was cooking over an outdoor fire.
7:48 p.m., Lynn Head reported her husband, Michael Head, had violated a peaceful contact restraining order and she requested he be explained the restraining order. Deputy Ramirez responded to 4222 County Road K in Orland and contacted Lynn Head, who alleged Michael Head had been acting belligerent and making strange statements to her. Deputy Ramirez discovered there was no active restraining order and provided Lynn Head with restraining order information. Deputy Ramirez contacted Michael Head and determined he was not intoxicated. Deputy Ramirez counseled Michael Head, who agreed to leave Lynn Head alone.
8:25 p.m., deputies responded to a domestic violence report in Willows. The parties were reported to be separated and at different residences. The deputies contacted the confidential victim and took a report. Deputies later learned that the suspect, Sergio Iniguez-Pina, had returned home. Iniguez-Pina was taken into custody and was booked into the Glenn County Jail for charges alleging domestic violence with corporal injury and false imprisonment.
8:55 p.m., Deputy Thompson was dispatched to an anonymous report of loud music coming from a white pickup truck parked in the alley in the 200 block of North Yolo Street, Willows. The deputy checked the area but was unable to locate a vehicle matching that description or any loud music.
10:05 p.m., Deputy Thompson was dispatched to a report of a house being covered in toilet paper at 142 North Ventura Street, Willows. The deputy contacted resident Lynn George, who reported an unknown person had thrown toilet paper on the roof and lawn of his residence. Extra patrol was requested.
Tuesday, June 8:
1:13 a.m., Bay Alarm reported a residential burglar alarm activation at 550 South Culver Street, Willows. Deputies checked the property and found it secure.
7:01 a.m., Eagle Security reported an alarm activation at 9055 Highway 162, Butte City. Deputies responded to the address and conducted an extensive check of the property and exterior of the residence. During the property check, deputies contacted Glenn Simpkins at an adjacent business, who said he overheard the alarm sound, but did not note any suspicious activity. The residence was ultimately found to be secured and nothing suspicious was noted.
9:07 a.m., Taryn Hale called and reported a man yelling in the back yard of 650 North Butte Street, Willows. Deputies responded to the residence and contacted Jon Bush, Sr., who was told of the complaint. The reporting party was later told of the civil harassment order and of her options.
9:17 a.m., Susan Birsdeye contacted Glenn County Communications and reported theft of mail from her residence in Willows. Deputies contacted Birsdeye, who said a $53.14 package was stolen from her residence between 12:21 p.m. onf June 5 and 4 p.m. on June 6. Birdseye did not have suspect information and did not have surveillance cameras installed at the time of incident. Birdseye further said she would contact the company from which she purchased the items to seek reimbursement.
10:27 a.m., Gene Goodrich called and reported suspicious activity in front of his residence at 132 French Street, Willows. Goodrich said he had video surveillance and requested to speak with a deputy. Deputies responded, and Goodrich said a black passenger vehicle had stopped in front of his residence and a female exited. Goodrich said they were in an argument and the male driver drove away. The woman stayed and the black vehicle later returned. Goodrich was unable to identify the man and woman and did not get the vehicle’s license plate.
11:01 a.m., Kathleen Balser of Willows came to the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office lobby to report possible fraud. Deputy Lemmon contacted Balser, who said she met a man online and assisted him with internet money transfers. Balser said she had been helping the man for about six months. Balser said she felt bad for the man since he was out of the country and could not return. Balser said she later learned one internet transaction was fraudulent. Balser advised her bank and reported the possible fraud.
1:14 p.m., an anonymous person called and reported a silver Pontiac parked in the red zone, near Black Bear Diner in Willows. Deputies responded to the area and found the vehicle had left prior to their arrival.
1:23 p.m., Jacob Gallo contacted Glenn County Communications to report an ongoing cold trespassing issue. Deputy Garcia contacted Gallo at his residence. He reported a nearby neighbor, Christopher Borden, constantly rides his dirt bike on his property. Gallo requested Borden be counselled and admonished from the property. Deputy Garcia responded to Borden’s residence, 7463 County Road 19, and attempted contact. Deputy Garcia did not receive an answer at the door and was unable to admonish Borden, per Gallo’s request.
1:47 p.m., Patricia Myers called and reported a man trespassing on her property at 649 North Butte Street, Willows. Deputy Lemmon was dispatched and contacted Myers, who said the man had left prior to the deputies’ arrival. Deputies learned the man was possibly Robert Dingman. Deputy Lemmon attempted to contact Dingman, with no success.
6:54 p.m., Ginger Blosser reported found counterfeit money at the Diamond gas station located at 1300 West Wood Street in Willows. Blosser requested to turn over the counterfeit bill to a deputy. Deputy Ramirez responded to the gas station and seized half of a torn counterfeit $100 bill. The seized bill was booked, to be forwarded to the Secret Service.
8:01 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a report of a shots fired in the area of County Roads M and 20. Deputies responded to the scene and located an apparent homicide victim. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
9:43 p.m., Pamela from Enloe Hospice reported the expected death of Bobette Smith, 80, of Orland. The next of kin was notified regarding the death of Smith.
Here are the latest incident reports from the Orland Police Department. The Steven Stoltenberg mentioned herein is not the same Steven Stoltenberg associated with Artois Feed and Grain.
Monday, June 7:
7 a.m., the Orland Police Department received information about the suspicious removal of a resident at Westhaven Assisted Living, 1440 Fairview Street, by a family member. The matter was determined to be civil in nature and it was documented.
8:29 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of a disturbance at 79 Rennat Way. Officers contacted Cindy Miller, 67, and Melissa Reckley, 30, who had an argument over property in the residence. Officers provided a civil standby while Reckley collected some of her belongings.
11:09 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of a possible intoxicated woman in a black Mercedes SUV on South Street at Cortina Drie that left in an unknown direction. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate any vehicles matching the description.
11:45 a.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the Glenn Ride bus stop near Burger King, 901 Newville Road. Officers located the vehicle and determined it was legally parked and not blocking the bus stop.
5:04 p.m., in the 0-100 block of Walker Street, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a black 2006 Ford Expedition. Alisa Chambers, 39, of Orland, was arrested for allegedly driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence. Chambers was released on her signed promise to appear and warned for an alleged cell phone violation.
7:41 p.m., Orland police officers assisted medics with an area search for a reported man that was down in the Dollar General parking lot, 851 Newville Road. Orland officers, firefighters and medics were unable to locate a man in need of medical assistance in the area.
8:39 p.m., the Orland Police Department received a report of a 911 hang-up in the area of Orland High School. Officers searched the area and found everything to be okay. It appeared there was an event at the high school and the dial up may have been accidental.
9:22 p.m., Orland police officers responded to 337 Tehama Street for a welfare check on an elderly woman. Officers contacted Nita Hawkins, 85, who said she was well and she did not require any assistance.
9:50 p.m., Orland Police Department received a report of a fire near Lely Aquatic Park on East South Street. Orland police and fire personnel conducted an area check for the fire but were unable to locate the source.
9:56 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the report of a man walking in the roadway on South Street. Officers contacted Steven Stoltenberg, 54, who was counseled and transported to his residence on County Road 19.
11:09 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of a possible burglary in progress in the 200 block of East Street. Officers arrived and checked the perimeter of the residence and found an open door. No signs of forced entry were noted. It appeared the high winds were the cause of the open door.
Tuesday, June 8:
12:46 a.m., Orland police officers responded to an alarm at North Valley High School. OUSD employee Mark Smith and a security guard showed up to assist OPD. It was determined to be accidentally triggered by high winds.
4:09 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to Orland Stop and Shop, 10 Walker Street, for a report of a phone scam. Officers contacted Kelly Workman, 44, of Orland, who reported that an unknown person asked for money for her coworker and to put the money into a Bitcoin machine.
7:43 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to East Street at Tehama Street for a reported vehicle collision. Officers contacted Cody Baylor, 17, who stated he was driving his blue 1975 Chevrolet pickup north on East Street, when a black 2015 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Frank Castro, 76, pulled out in front of him. The collision caused Pam Evaro, 63, who was walking in the roadway, to jump out of the way and fall to the ground to avoid being struck. All parties declined medical assistance and a report was taken.
2:26 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the Pilot Travel Center, 4444 Commerce Lane, for a report of a verbal disturbance. Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate anyone in an argument or in need of assistance.
3:25 p.m., Orland police officers responded to 315 Eighth Street for a report of a woman having seizures. Officers provided assistance until no longer needed by medical personnel.
4:40 p.m., at Papst Avenue at East South Street, an Orland police officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a silver 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. Gustavo Magdaleno, 25, of Chico was cited for allegedly failing to stop at a posted stop sign.
5:08 p.m., Orland police officers responded to 1346 Kaelyn Court for a report of a kitten stuck in an engine compartment. Officers assisted Glenn County Animal Control until no longer needed.
5:10 p.m., on Byron Way at Bryant Street, an Orland police officer issued a parking citation to a gray 1995 Toyota Corolla for expired registration.
6:30 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of a burglar alarm at Les Schwab Tires, 1306 Sixth Street. Officers conducted a search of the business and determined no crime occurred. An employee responded and secured the business.
7:10 p.m., on Sixth Street at South Street, an Orland police officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a white 2017 Dodge Ram. Nancy Wadsworth Bowerman, 77, of Orland, was cited for allegedly passing on a double yellow traffic line.
8:01 p.m., Orland police officers responded to assist GCSO with a reported gunshot victim in the area of County Roads 20 and M. Officers assisted until no longer needed.
Wednesday, June 9:
6:14 a.m., Orland police officers responded to the report of a single vehicle traffic collision at Sixth and South Streets. Officers contacted Alfonso Banuelos Garcia, 55, who said he was driving his 2003 Honda Accord north on Sixth Street, approaching South Street, when he fell asleep and collided with a traffic light pole.
3:29 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of a mini bike on the roadway in the 300 block of Eighth Street. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate anything. The incident was documented and extra patrol was requested.
3:54 p.m., Orland police officers responded to assist with a vehicle fire at the north end of the off-ramp from northbound Interstate 5, at Newville Road. Officers assisted with traffic control until no longer needed.
9 p.m., on Shasta Street, an Orland police officer observed a vehicle parked illegally on a public street. The registered owner was issued a parking citation.
10:59 p.m., Orland police officers contacted Mary Hering, owner of the Sunland Garden Center, 218 East Walker Street, via telephone. She reported someone stole potting soil from her business. Hering requested extra patrol.
Here are the latest bookings from the Glenn County Jail. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Friday, June 4:
6:34 a.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Joslyn Joann Shirley, 43, a house restoration worker who lives in Folsom, was found to have a warrant out of El Dorado County alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $100,000.
8:39 a.m., Julian Arturo Martinez, 32, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging trespassing (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at Walmart, 470 North Airport Road, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:30 a.m., Ramiro Sanchez Sanchez, 30, an ag worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a court ordered surrender for charges alleging oral copulation with a person through the use of force, violence, fear, etc. (a felony), sexual battery (a felony), and indecent exposure (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $62,000.
10:55 a.m., Omar Aquilar, 40, a maintenance worker who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a court remand for charges alleging felony violation of probation. He was taken into custody at the Willows branch of the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
11:48 p.m., Carrie Juanell Kiser, 50, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a noncohabitating former spouse (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. She was taken into custody at the Dollar Tree, 460 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Saturday, June 5:
8:03 p.m, Michael J. Head, 64, an electrician who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor), and driving unknowingly with a suspended license (an infraction). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at 869 Newville Road, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9:14 p.m., Michael Anthony Deniz, 24, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $7,000. He was taken into custody at French and Butte Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Sunday, June 6:
7:30 a.m., William Era Lee McCardle, 43, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), possession of burglary tools (a misdemeanor), possession of known stolen property (a felony), possession of a firearm by a felon (a felony), possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (a felony), carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person or in a vehicle (a misdemeanor), possession of drug paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm (a felony). Bail was set at $50,000. He was taken into custody at County Road 200 and County Road 306 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:01 p.m., Christopher Loyd Simpson, 27, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving with a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and driving a vehicle while addicted to drugs (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody on French Street, west of Plumas Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:02 p.m., Alexa Dawn Farris, 25, a sales associate who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a narcotic controlled substance, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (both misdemeanors), and a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail for the fresh charges was set at zero, but bail for the warrant was set at $11,000. She was taken into custody on French Street, west of Plumas Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9:22 p.m., Barbara Rene Butler, 59, a rancher who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), evading a peace officer (a misdemeanor), resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and driving while under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $35,000. She was taken into custody at 4645 County Road G, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Monday, June 7:
12:29 a.m., Chad James Christman, 48, a laborer who lives in Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a firearm by a felon (a felony), possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (a felony), and resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at 3833 Highway 45, Glenn, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
4:05 a.m., Rigoberto Valdez-Cortez, 19, a flagger who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 48, east of Washington Street, Willows, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
10:55 a.m., Sue Margarette Kemp, 52, a laborer who lives in Glenn, was committed to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.
12 p.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Michael Anthony Deniz, 24, a laborer who lives in Willows, was found to have a civil warrant alleging contempt of court.
9:21 p.m., Sergio Pina Iniguez, 40, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and false imprisonment (both felonies). Bail was set at $35,000. He was taken into custody at 550 South Murdock Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Tuesday, June 8:
9:20 a.m., Lowell Mark Gimblin, 58, a distributor who lives in Yuba City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9:20 a.m., William Ryan Hook, 38, a painter who lives in Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9:20 a.m., Jonathan Ross Petty, 36, a laborer who lives in Linda, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear after being released on his own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
9:20 a.m., Derrek Alan Snodgrass, 28, a cook who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging violation of probation, and disobeying a court order (both misdemeanors). Total bail was set at $14,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
11 a.m., Ginger Lynn McWilliams, 50, a care provider who lives in Chico, was committed to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging possession of drug paraphernalia (a misdemeanor). She was taken into custody at the Willows branch of the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
3:28 p.m., Steven Acevedo, 28, a laborer who lives in Willows, was committed to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). He was taken into custody at the jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
4:12 p.m., Justise Lynn Howell, 24, a cashier who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7:45 p.m., David Tecruceno Gakeaba, 46, laborer who lives in Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 99, north of County Road 25, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Wednesday, June 9:
10:10 a.m., Seth Dasan Dominguez-Feathers, 26, a laborer who lives in Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and a warrant alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail for the fresh charge was set at zero, while bail for the warrant was set at $2,500. He was taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
4:48 p.m., Jose Juan Alfaro, 23, a laborer who lives in Delano, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a CDC detainer and order of production for charges alleging burglary, auto theft with priors, and commission of prior serious or violent crimes qualifying for the serving of aggregate or consecutive prison terms (all felonies). He was taken into custody at the California Correctional Center in Susanville.
5:26 p.m., Byron Evan Burrows, 32, a laborer who lives in Elk Creek, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at Walmart, 470 Airport Road, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Thursday, June 10:
10:14 a.m., Xa Lee, 35, an electrician who lives in Sacramento, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a no-bail Colusa County warrant alleging felony violation of probation. He was taken into custody at 636 Fifth Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
10:24 a.m., Julian Arturo Martinez, 32, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 6743 County Road 19, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
1:11 p.m., Hermelindo Gonzalez Salgado, 32, a laborer who lives in Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging hit and run with property damage (a misdemeanor), driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), and failure to provide evidence of insurance (an infraction). Bail was set at $11,000. He was taken into custody at 810 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
5:57 p.m., Guadalupe Ramirez, 26, a laborer who lives in Arbuckle, was held in the Glenn County Jail on an out of county detainer.
11:06 p.m., Victor Hugo Martinez, 30, a service technician who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a noncohabitating former spouse, and public intoxication (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 112 East Tehama Street by an Orland police officer.
11:30 p.m., Valentin Morales Gonzalez, 47, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at Fifth and Walker Streets by an Orland police officer.
Gemma is a 13-week-old Chihuahua-mix. I suspect that what she is mixed with is a terrier of some sort. She is about to be spayed, and then she will be ready for adoption. If you are interested in adopting this wonderful little puppy, call (530) 517-1754 to arrange to see her in person. The Town and Country Humane Society shelter is located on Highway 99 between between County Roads 21 and 23, south of Orland. It is a nonprofit run by volunteers committed to the idea of making life better for our furry friends. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
An RV was completely destroyed by fire late Wednesday afternoon.
At about 3:54 p.m. June 9, firefighters were dispatched to what was at first called a structure fire, mobile home, on the northbound side of Interstate 5 at Newville Road.
It turned out to be an RV fire at the far north end of the off-ramp from northbound I-5.
As firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the fully involved RV on the large gravel shoulder at the southeast corner of the intersection of the off-ramp and Newville Road.
At about 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, Orland police officers, Orland firefighters, and other emergency responders were dispatched to a report of a single-vehicle traffic accident at the intersection of Sixth and South Streets. Officers contacted Alfonso Banuelos Garcia, 55, who said he was driving his 2003 Honda Accord north on Sixth Street, approaching South Street, when he fell asleep and collided with a traffic light pole located in the triangle at the southeast corner of the intersection. Glenn County Observer photos by Larry Judkins.
Orland police officers, firefighters, and ambulance personnel responded to a reported vehicle collision on East Street at Tehama Street at 7:43 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8. Officers contacted Cody Baylor, 17, who stated he was driving his blue 1975 Chevrolet pickup north on East Street, when a black 2015 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Frank Castro, 76, pulled out in front of him. The collision caused Pam Evaro, 63, who was walking in the roadway, to jump out of the way and fall to the ground to avoid being struck. All parties declined medical assistance. The pickup and the Silverado both sustained significant damage. Glenn County Observer photos by Larry Judkins.
Orland area cemeteries probably are not going to be as green as they were prior to our current drought.
The Orland Cemetery District explains in a public service notice, “With drought conditions and lowering water tables in the Orland area, the Orland Cemetery District Board of Trustees has decided that the best course of action is a community-minded decision to suspend irrigation of the grass at the Orland Cemetery District yards.”
The cemeteries in the district include the Orland Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF, or Oddfellows) Cemetery two or three miles southeast of Orland on the east side of County Road P, the Orland Catholic Cemetery directly across County Road P from the Orland IOOF Cemetery, the Orland Masonic Cemetery at Highway 99 and County Road 9, and the Graves Cemetery on County Road 200 near Black Butte Lake.
The notice continued, “The Graves Cemetery water table is already below such a level that we cannot continue to irrigate that location.” For those readers who live away from Glenn County, this cemetery is named after an established family, many of whose members are buried at this location.
The notice further states, “The current water table at the Masonic and Oddfellows yards are such that proper watering is no longer possible.”
The notice explains, “To suspend irrigations at the cemeteries would leave available water for surrounding domestic wells and use in households around those locations.
“The board of trustees hopes that in this challenging time of reduced groundwater, the Orland community will be understanding of this decision to conserve water for household and domestic use, rather than landscape turf irrigation.
“The Orland Cemetery District has always taken great care in maintaining a place of rest for the community’s loved ones.”
The notice adds, “We also hope that the past few years’ weather conditions will change soon, and we could be back to normal rainfall and irrigation practices soon.”
However, the notice concludes, “In the present time, we would appreciate your patience and understanding during this trying time.”
Water may be getting scarce in Glenn County, but there is a flood of water controversy in Elk Creek.
The Elk Creek Community Facebook page includes a post of an upcoming ECCSD meeting agenda, and two posts of revised agendas. All three posts are from Jamie Hunt.
Above the original agenda, at 7:49 a.m. on Friday, June 4, she posted, “This is the presentation for the possible rate increase. Please come and join.”
The original agenda itself stated:
Notice of Prop. 218 meeting
Elk Creek Community Services District
Thursday June 7th, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
Location Elk Creek Fire Hall
Further down, the agenda says, “This agenda has been prepared and posted at least 72 hours prior to the regular meeting of the board of directors.”
Item 5 on the agenda is, “Presentation of possible rate increase.”
Sunshine Rae Kelly responded, “So what happened to the meeting and presentation being at the High School gym?”
She then posted a screen shot of a previous announcement. It read:
“A public hearing is scheduled for June 7, 2021 at the Elk Creek High School gym. The time is 6 p.m. Our speaker will be in person. We do have to follow Covid 19 guidelines with masks required and six feet distancing.”
Kelly added, “Now only 6 people will be able to attend? Remember you have to count the signatures you already received on this rate increase. Just because you canceled the first presentation doesn’t void the people’s vote.”
After promising to fix the agenda, Jamie Hunt wrote, “Speaking with sara we cannot count the previous votes for this increase. New protests must be done.”
This information was apparently given out to the residents of Elk Creek no more than 82 hours before the scheduled meeting, obviously not giving opponents of the rate increase enough time to gather new signatures. Prior to the canceled meeting referred to above, opponents say the signatures of over half of the residents of Elk Creek indicated disapproval of the proposed rate increase.
Sunshine Kelly asked, “Who is Sara?”
Jamie Hunt answered, “Sara Bixler is the woman who did the rate study.”
Sunshine Rae Kelly responded, “This is the first time that we have heard the speaker’s name. Please make Sara Bixler’s contact info public. Thank you!”
Hunt said, “She is coming so the community can speak with her after the presentation.”
Kelly asked, “Will the community get to vote after the presentation?”
Hunt replied, “It still must be by letter.”
Kelly inquired, “Before the meeting or after?”
Hunt explained, “We will take the protest letters till the end of the day of the meeting. You may listen to the presentation, then if you still are not in agreeance [sic], turn it in after the presentation is over.”
Near the end of this thread, former board member Ricky Saunders posted contact information that he found online regarding Sarah Bixler:
The revised agenda, posted at 8:56 a.m. on Friday, June 4, states:
Notice of Prop. 218 meeting
Elk Creek Community Services District
Thursday June 7th, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Location Elk Creek high school
Note that the time and location for the meeting have been changed, but the incompatible day and date have not been corrected.
The new agenda then stated, “This meeting will have a live presentation from Sara Bixler to explain the possible rate increases.”
Item 5 on the agenda is still “Presentation of possible rate increase”
Jamie Hunt wrote, “I apologize for all of the problems that needed to be fixed. Here is a revised agenda.”
She added, “Also all may attend. We are doing this at the gym to accommodate the community.”
Sunshine Rae Kelly addressed Jamie Hunt, “Please change the wording to include that everyone may attend, and take out the Newsom Executive Order N-25-20 when you post this agenda at the Post Office, otherwise people won’t attend. Thank you, Jamie Hunt.”
Kelly then asked, “Is the speaker still attending?”
Jamie Hunt answered, “Yes she is.”
At 4:04 p.m. on Friday, June 4, Elk Creek Community Service District Board member Sharon Green posted:
I am not so good with Facebook but I wanted everyone to understand the date and time for the prop 218 meeting and the proposed water rate increase.
Monday June 7,2021 6 p.m. at the Elk Creek High School Gymnasium.
I spoke with Sarah Bixler today and she is ok being contacted by any community members about the rate study that she is going to present on Monday.
I will have Jamie do a revised agenda this weekend with the information correct. She is unavailable this afternoon but when she returns we will get it out.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Thank you!
Sharon Green
It should be noted that Green realized that June 7 was a Monday, not a Thursday.
Just four minutes before this post from Green, Sunshine Rae Kelly made this lengthy statement:
Dear Elk Creek Community,
Due to lack of transparency from our ECCSD let me explain why we are getting a rate increase for a loan for a settling tank we don’t need.
The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently a T3 plant because the State Primacy Agency in 2014 changed the Operations Permit that the Lead Operator use Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) to oxidize the iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) in the water so that the filters can filter out the Fe and Mn.
A T3 Plant is required to have a T3 operator.
There are three types of Mn and Fe: Soluble, Insoluble and Slimes.
Soluble means in solution, it is invisible and unable to be filtered out. The water looks clear.
Insoluble is something that is incapable of being dissolved, and is filterable. The water has color to it.
Slimes are organic, and y strainers are used to remove them.
KMnO4 causes the Fe and Mn in solution to oxidize and become filterable.
The State also recommended in the Sanitary Survey that the Lead Operator add a flash mixer to the influent raw water right after the polymer is added to the water, which would allow for faster mixing of the treatment chemicals allowing insolubles to floc together and be filtered out.
Putting in the flash mixer would also allow the operator to slow the influent to the filters so that they could filter out all the insolubles.
Currently the Operator uses the influent flow of water to mix the polymer and therefore can not slow down the flow which would give the filters the chance to filter out the insoluble metals; Fe and Mn, If he were to use the KMnO4.
The current lead Operator does not approve of the use of KMnO4. He claims it is poison and there is no fact to that in water treatment. The worst it can do is turn the water pink if overdosed.
Chlorine (Cl2) is also an oxidizer, so currently the soluble Fe and Mn gets through the filtration process, then gets oxidized during chemical disinfection. So then the Fe and Mn become visible in our water and that is why our water looks the way it does, browns, oranges and blacks.
Also the increased use of Cl2 creates high levels of TTHM’s which are cancer causing agents that build up in dead end lines.
KMnO4 does not create TTHM’s.
So why a settling tank?
The current Lead Operator is a T2, not a T3.
Having a settling tank would supposedly mean that the Lead Operator would not have to use KMnO4 to oxidize the Mn and Fe, turning the WTP qualifications from a T3 to a T2.
Though the ECCSD has hired a T3 for $$$ a month just to sign off on the WTP monthly reports. The T3 does not report to the plant and the ECCSD Board does not ask him questions regarding their WTP.
The problem with the settling tank is that you will still need pre-chemical treatment to oxidize the Fe and Mn so that it can settle out.
So be it Cl2 or KMnO4 a chemical oxidizer is needed either way.
So why cause the community to pay more for water that the current lead operator refuses to treat correctly now with little or no cost to the community?
So the current lead Operator can have the Title of Chief Operator, the plant will be a T2 plant and he never has to take the T3 exam. Though he has told the State Primacy agency for the past 7 years he would take the T3 exam.
Instead we are being forced to pay more for a settling tank that still won’t solve our problems because you still need an operator to run the plant and do the right things and use pre-chemical treatment to oxidize the Fe and Mn.
As you may not be aware of, we have at least 45 days to protest, so we actually have more time than this supposed deadline the ECCSD is giving us, and they do plan on voting on Monday to pass this increase.
Though the ECCSD board told us it was postponed in December due to Covid, they told Sarah Bixler, who is doing the rate study increase that it was due to 50 percent of the community voting no to the rate increase.
So the ECCSD did a new study without explaining this to the community so all of our votes are invalid when we were under the impression all of this was postponed, not restarted and our votes should still count.
And those of you who do not pay a ECCSD water bill for domestic use, your comments are void.
Thank you for your time.
[Note: All bolds in the above letter to the community are by the editor, not the author.]
ECCSD board member Sharon Green responded to the Kelly letter, “FYI Arnie [Kjer, manager of the water treatment plant] passed his T3 test. Also the settling tank was recommended by the state.”
Kelly, ever the skeptic, replied, “Can you prove he passed the T3? Saying you are a T3 when you are not would be unlawful. The State website says he is still a T2.”
And she posted a screenshot of the relevant part of the State website.
Green said she “saw the paperwork.”
Still skeptical, Sunshine Kelly pointed out, “That would be hearsay, not proof.”
As for Green’s claim regarding the settling tank, Kelly wrote, “The State required the use of KMnO4, and a T3 operator many years ago. The settling tank is new and still won’t get all the insoluble metals out of the water.”
Rick Jonhson commented, “Being a lifelong citizen of Elk Creek, I can’t tell anymore who is right and who is wrong. Very confusing to all the residents who live in this fine town! I personally ran the water plant for four years in the 70’s and there [were] never any problems like this. I am sad for our little community. JUST GET IT RIGHT GUYS!”
He then added, “Thank you, Sunshine. You did a fabulous job getting the facts out on the table for our community to read!”
However, Sunshine Rae Kelly was not done providing her community with information. At 7:18 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, she posted:
“Here are the facts: The ECCSD only sent out one page of info from the 45-page Elk Creek Rate Study Report to the Community, when in fact there are 5 pages that explain the Rate Calculation and what your proposed water bill will look like.
“Here are those five pages for you to look at, and for those of you who have blocked me, and cannot get the facts….
“If you would like the entire 45-page rate study, email me at aquamomh2o@gmail.com and I will email it to you.
“Thank you, Sarah Bixler, for your community outreach, even if it was only just this past Friday.”
Kelly included screenshots of all five relevant pages.
Rick Jonhson responded, “Thank you, Sunshine, for the significant update. Thank you so much for the real information! Can’t seem to get the real deal anywhere else. Thanks to you and all the time and community concern you have for our little town.”
Mike Whitney also expressed his appreciation. “Thanks, Sunshine, for keeping up the fight.”
Chonne Murphy pointed out, “With the proposed rate hike, if the cemetery uses the same amount of water, the bill would go from $540 a month to $960. There will be no way we would be able to afford it.”
On Friday, June 4, Sunshine Rae Kelly also contacted Sarah Bixler, and received the following reply late the same morning:
Hi Sunshine,
I have shared my concerns for this upcoming meeting with the board via email, and the lack of transparency regarding the rate study. I have attached the most recent rate report that was approved by the board for your reference. Upon looking at the website, it seems this was never made public to the community. This information should have been made public since March.
Regarding your concerns about the protests: It has been quite some time since the community protested the rates so I dug back through my correspondence with Paul Poston, who was my main contact in 2020 regarding the rate study. I see that the protests were coming in December of 2020.
I made it clear to him each protest must:
* be in writing
* be received by the final meeting date
* include APN or address
* state that you protest the new water or sewer rates
* include Signature
* One protest vote per property (renter or owner)
Even if this protesting was done correctly, the rates did change between December and March. Which is why the December meeting was tabled, to re-evaluate the rates. So the district was given another chance to protest the newer rates since April 20th.
The 45 [day] protest period is a minimum, and I have suggested the Monday board meeting be pushed back. I have yet to discuss everything with the board president over the phone and hope you and I have more clarity soon on the status of Monday’s meeting.
Thank you,
Sarah Bixler
RCAC/Community & Environmental Services
[Note: The bolded sentence in the above letter was by the editor, not the author.]
Sunshine Rae Kelly commented on the letter from Bixler:
“Due to lack of transparency Sarah Bixler asked that this meeting be postponed, as the ECCSD is to vote this rate increase in tomorrow.
“Sarah Bixler states in the email below that the community was never given the Rate Study, ‘UPON LOOKING AT THE WEBSITE, IT SEEMS THIS WAS NEVER MADE PUBLIC TO THE COMMUNITY’.
“We have at LEAST 45 days, so we could be given more time to protest, but the ECCSD will not do the right thing and give us more time.
NO NEED TO RUSH THIS THROUGH!
“What is the Rush?
“I mean really it took them over 48 hours of their 72-hour posting time limit to get the agenda correct for the meeting!”
Ricky Saunders also contacted Bixler. He reported, “I had a talk with Sarah as well. I’m concerned after talking with her. From what I gathered there will be a decision on the rate increase at tomorrow’s meeting. I was informed that everyone’s protest letters are no longer valid and any new letters need to be submitted by tomorrow before 1 p.m. I’m just curious if anyone was notified of that.”
Sunshine Kelly replied, “I am beside myself. I was under the impression the December meeting to educate the community on this rate increase was postponed because of Covid, then the ECCSD went behind our backs, with no transparency, no revealing of meeting minutes of what they were doing; creating a new rate study, which is barely different than the first. I am currently out of town, dealing with family issues and will not be able to recreate my protest letter. This is absurd. My protest letter is valid and should be counted.”
On Sunday, June 6, at 8:02 a.m., Jamie Hunt posted yet another revised agenda.
This one included the correct day and date for the meeting (Monday, June 7), but falsely stated the agenda had been “posted at least 72 hours prior to the regular meeting of the board of directors.” The agenda with the correct day and date had apparently been posted a mere 34 hours prior to the meeting, making any action taken at the meeting null and void until another meeting to correct the board’s faux pas takes place.
The only comment regarding this latest revision was from Jamie Hunt herself:
“I would like to apologize to the community for my faults in the agenda or anything else regarding minutes and agendas. I also apologize for this agenda’s issues. Here is a revised agenda. Please take the time to come to the meeting and speak with Sarah as well as the board. We wish for everyone to be involved and present credible facts that will be beneficial to the district. All we want is a positive future for our water.”
On Monday at about 3 p.m., she made another apology. “To the community of Elk Creek, I apologize. I am the one who did not get anything posted to the website. There is still a presentation tonight to explain the possible water rate increase. I was not intending to hide anything from this community. I will do my best to get better at the website. Please, instead of all this fighting, come join the board and help better our water.”
Sunshine Kelly then reminded her, “I have offered to help you, Jamie Hunt, with the website. I would also be a board member. Do the right thing and postpone the board vote and allow the community to have enough time to go over the actual information Sarah Bixler will share tonight. The board has failed at transparency and it seems intentional. You post some things on the website and don’t post others. The ECCSD owes their community they serve that right, to educate and then be given the opportunity and time to decide. Do the right thing. It’s that simple.”
Kelly reposted a message from 6:49 a.m. on March 10 in which she offered her assistance in helping with the website. She also reposted Hunt’s reply, in which Hunt claimed she was slowly getting the website “all figured out” but if Sunshine Rae Kelly found something wrong, “I would appreciate any words of wisdom.”
Things did not go well for the ECCSD board at Monday evening’s meeting. Sarah Bixler reportedly informed the board that transparency regarding the water rates has been lacking in the district, and the ECCSD could not take any action at the meeting and must start the process all over again.
This includes giving community members a minimum of 45 days to write letters of protest.
The Glenn County Observer 