Month: February 2022

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Shortly before California officials announced the planned end of school mask mandates, a group of Orland citizens at the southwest corner of the Orland High School campus protested the mandates.

At 8 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 28, parents, children, and other members of the community began gathering at Shasta and Third Street. They eventually numbered from 30 to 40 people, depending on whether the students from one OHS class were there as participants or as observers of American political activism.

Announcements of the demonstration came late in the weekend, but thanks to the speed of social media, word apparently got out quickly. The messages for the peaceful protest on Facebook invited “Parents, students, community members, teachers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., who support mask and vaccine choice” to “Please help spread the word!”

The announcement continued, “Bring a friend, your student/kids, a sign, and a letter to turn into our district expressing your views. Let’s show our local school boards and administrators we support mask and vaccine choice for our students! Enough is enough! It’s been two years. Our kids deserve better!

“This has been extremely effective recently across our state, in other districts. Many have already passed resolutions and are allowing kids in-person learning, free of discrimination or intimidation if they choose to not wear a mask. This only works if everyone stands together! Parents, students, community members – all of us united!”

Many of the demonstrators’ signs explicitly complained of the government mandates, and many of the adults who held them seemed to hold Christian religious beliefs and conservative political outlooks. It was therefore ironic when the Pledge of Allegiance – the creation of an outspoken socialist, Francis Bellamy – was broadcast over the school’s public address system and the protesters placed their hands over their hearts and promised to submit to their republican government.

A couple of Orland police officers parked their units a block away from the demonstration. They said they were there merely to ensure the public’s safety.

They provided the same service back on June 4, 2020, when a sizable group of Black Lives Matter supporters marched from the Glenn County Fairgrounds to the area of Dutch Bros on Newville Road.

Later on Monday, state officials announced that California will no longer require masks in schools and childcare facilities starting March 12. California will still strongly recommend masks in classrooms, but they will not be mandatory.

Taylor Rose Rodgers, 6

Taylor Rose Rodgers, the youngest child of Desiree and Nick Rodgers, was hit by a car on February 17. Despite all emergency medical efforts, she died in Sacramento on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022.

Her kind demeanor, soft voice, and glowing smile will never be forgotten. She loved rainbows and unicorns.

She is survived by her parents; siblings Jordyn, 13, Chase, 12, and Justice, 7; and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who all love her so.

A celebration of life was to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Willows Memorial Hall. A graveside burial was to take place at the German Town Cemetery, with the reception to follow at the Memorial Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Taylor’s honor of new stuffed animals were requested for the Children’s Hospital. Her family extends their utmost appreciation to all emergency medical staff and support through Taylor’s GoFundMe account. “Your contributions are not taken for granted,” her loved ones assure everyone.

Her family finds comfort in these words: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

And: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 19:14.

Christine Jones, 72

Christine Jones of Hamilton City died on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022. A fourth generation San Franciscan, she was born in the San Francisco Bay Area to Harold and Millie Miller.

She was baptized on April 16, 1950, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, San Francisco.

She loved the game of baseball and the San Francisco Giants. She knew all of the players, their statistics, and their personal history. She rarely missed a game!

She and her family moved to Orland in 1964. She graduated from Orland High School in 1968 and attended Chico State University, earning two BA degrees in Spanish and Social Welfare, as well as an Elementary Teaching Credential.

During her junior year of college, she studied at the University of Granada, Spain. During her time in Spain, she was able to travel about Europe, significantly enhancing her knowledge, from which her many students would later benefit.

After graduation, she taught preschool at Hamilton City High School. In 1976, she was offered a teaching position with Head Start, where she taught for eight years.

In 1984, she accepted the position of Health Coordinator for Glenn County Head Start, where she continued her work for children and families until she retired in 2014, whereupon she was inducted into the Glenn County Educators Hall of Fame. She had also been recognized by the Glenn County Office of Education for outstanding service 2002/03.

As early as the first grade, she made the decision that she wanted to become a teacher. There have been a great many children who benefited from her skills.

She was admired by co-workers and friends alike.

Her love and dedication for children continued through to her nieces Laura and Emily. Her great-nieces, Abbigale, Ellese, Millie, Reagan, Ella, and Kendall, were also flooded with the love of their Aunt Chris, who never forgot a holiday or birthday. She so looked forward to the next time she could play, sing, or dance with them.

She was extremely dedicated to her husband of almost 48 years, standing by and supporting him through the calm and the storms of life – no small task to be a cop’s wife.

There are no words that can adequately express how intensely this amazing, caring, and loving woman will be missed. There are massive holes in the hearts of those who loved her!

She is survived by her husband, Larry Jones; brothers-in-law Randy Jones (Anita), and JR Jones (Lynette); sister Carolyn Stokes (Ken); nieces Laura Rath (Dakotah), and Emily Lloyd (Jerrod); great-nieces Abbigale, Ellese, Millie, Reagan, Ella, and Kendall; and numerous cousins, aunts and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Millie and Harold Miller.

A celebration of life is planned for 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 09, at the residence of Ken and Carolyn Stokes, 23341 Flournoy Avenue, Corning.

Chris Jones donated to several charities. In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, in her memory donate to one of the following: Susan G. Komen, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Doctors Without Borders, Make-A-Wish Foundation, National World War II Museum, or the National Wildlife Federation.

Delbert Stanley Oliver, 80

Delbert Stanley Oliver of Elk Creek died in Chico on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022. He was born in Turlock to Delbert and Mary Oliver on June 22, 1941.

He graduated from Hilmar High School and was a member of the sheriff’s posse and the Elks Lodge. He worked as a law enforcement officer for most of his life and was a cowboy his whole life, running a 2,000-acre ranch. He enjoyed feeding cattle, loading hay and daily chores.

He met the love of his life, Linda Fern, in 1978, and they married in 1989. He loved his Lord and loved his family and friends and so many others he met along the way.

He had a unique personality, never met a stranger, and was a large presence in life to everyone he met. He was an avid hunter, gun enthusiast, horse rider and traveled the United States with friends, hunting every year.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of Elk Creek; brother, Mark (Lynn) of Hilmar; son, Frank Hanes (Alisha), of Oklahoma; daughters, Candy Hanes and Tami Holmes, of Elk Creek; grandchildren, Derek Holmes, Franklin Hanes, Lyssa O’Brien, Kaylee Hanes, Cody Gregory, Logan Gregory, and Arynne Gregory; 13 great-grandchildren; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Mary.

A memorial service honoring his life was to be held at on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Elk Creek Cemetery. Following the service, a celebration of life was to be held at the Elk Creek Fire Hall.

Jerald Anthony Garnett, 83

Jerald Anthony Garnett of Willows died in Colusa on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. He was born to Gerald Simpson Garnett and Mary Ellen Smith Garnett on Sept. 25, 1938.

He was raised in Ord Bend by his stepfather, Dean Weems, and mother, Mary Ellen Weems. He worked on the family ranch, hauling feed to the local farmers.

He attended Hamilton High School, where he was the sergeant at arms his senior year. He graduated in 1957.

He went on to join the Army in 1957, training at Fort Ord. He was later stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

He met Shirley Ann Hanson of Bode, Iowa, while he was stationed in Kansas. They were married on Oct. 1, 1958.

After his stay in the Army, Jerry, Shirley, and their son, David, moved to Paradise, where he started work with G&G Automotive in Chico. They later moved to Willows, where he started work as a mechanic for Ford Motor Company until their closure.

He then went to work for Johnson & Sons as a mechanic. When Johnson & Sons was bought by Fitzpatrick Auto Sales, he worked there for several years.

He then decided to take a job with the Glenn County Service Center, working on their vehicles until his retirement at age 70.

He spent a lot of time with his family, going camping and hunting in the hills west of Willows at Garnett’s Camp. He also took his boys fishing at Potato Patch along Deer Creek.

As his boys got older, he spent a lot of time working with his three sons in his prune orchard in Ord Bend. Later, after the kids left the house, Jerry and Shirley shared many adventures with his youngest brother, Herb Weems, and his wife, Debra. They traveled around California snowmobiling, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Garnett, of Willows; sons David (Loretta), Raymond and Steven; and grandchildren Valerie, Angelina, Chris, Gerard, Marissa, Logan, Hunter, and Malia. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerald Simpson Garnett, who died on Aug. 18, 1943; stepfather, Dean Weems, who died on Nov. 28, 1996; and mother, Mary Ellen Weems, who died on March 9, 2004.

A graveside service was to be held on Feb. 25 at the Willows Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life was to follow at the Elks Lodge in Willows.

Davene Beck, 74

With her family at her bedside, longtime Willows resident Davene Beck died unexpectedly on Feb. 13, 2022. She was born in New Mexico to Jack and Marella Beck on June 26, 1947.

She moved to Willows as a young girl, and graduated from Willows High School in 1965.

She dedicated her life to working with seniors. She was employed at the Willows Care Center as a food supervisor for 40 years, until her retirement in July of 2016.

After her retirement, she loved gardening, a passion shared by her girls.

She loved her family. She loved spending time with them, as they provided her with pure enjoyment.

She is survived by her two daughters, Vyvette Mossman (with her husband, Mike), and Deidra Beck (with her fiancé, Josh); grandchildren Jenna Mossman, Precious Connelly (with her fiancé, Titus), Jesse Mossman, MacKenzie Beck (with her fiancé, Raf), and Tyson Lowe; great-grandchildren Paris Connelly, Charlize Connelly, Jovi Jumper, and Daniel Lopez; siblings Irene Silvus and Richard Beck; and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services were to be held on Feb. 22, at the Willows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like plants.

David Mac McDonald, 41

David Mac McDonald died in Colusa on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. He was born at Glenn General Hospital in Willows to Steven Russel McDonald and Tonya Violet McDonald on July 18, 1980.

Dave attended Potter Valley Elementary School and graduated from Elk Creek Junior and Senior High School in 1999. He went on to work in the gas well industry right out of high school.

He then moved into a career in operating heavy equipment and excavation. This was the perfect career for him because he was paid good money to destroy things.

He spent many summers running heavy equipment during wildland fires. He was a man of many trades. He knew how to do just about everything and when he didn’t, he had no problem learning how.

Dave was the guy that would not go home until the job was done and the work area looked immaculate.

He became a father to Troy Mac McDonald in 2001. His second son, Trenton McDonald, came into the world in 2009.

He spent a lot of time outdoors with his sons, hunting, fishing, and riding four-wheelers. He also enjoyed watching them play sports.

He loved to spend time at his house in Chrome, working on his 76 Square-body Chevy and annoying the heck out of his neighbor with loud engine noises and music. He also lived to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his closest friends all over the countryside.

His loved ones agree, “To David Mac, we hang on to the memories, the laughter, the crazy ideas and adventures, and look back and marvel at the life you lived. Oh, the stories we all have, such as, the images of you searching for your whiskey glass, or smacking everyone on the ass as they walked by, the music that was always way too loud, your hilariously vivid story-telling and infectious personality.

“We look at your boys and see so much of your personality and charm. We will look at them and see reflections of you in their smiles and how their amazing personalities mimic yours.

“David Mac McDonald, you will be greatly missed. You were a grandson, son, brother, ‘Cool Uncle Dave,’ and a friend to so many.

“We will miss you and will ride together again someday.

“Last but not least, as Dave always said, ‘Don’t ever get married, Don’t Ever Have Kids.’”

Dave is survived by his sons Troy (Abigail) McDonald, and Trenton McDonald; granddaughter Paisley McDonald; mother Tonya McDonald; stepfather Doug Davis; sister Brandy (Justin Deck) McDonald; brother Jesse Davis; nieces Audra (Clayton) VanDoorn and Jordan Holley; nephew Gauge VanDoorn; grandfather Troy McDonald; grandmother Beverly Mason; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his granddaughter Gracie McDonald; father Steven McDonald; grandmother Marylee McDonald; grandfather Burt Mason; grandparents Alex and Beatrice Lavre; and his cousin Steven Furtado.

A celebration of his life was to be held at his sister’s house, in Willows on Saturday, Feb. 26.

Here are the latest sentencings in the Glenn County Superior Court, period ending Friday, Feb. 18, as reported by the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office and other sources.

People v. Rafael Ruvalcaba – Defendant was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced to four years in state prison. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Michael Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Alves and Sergeants Draper and Felton.

On Oct. 9, 2020, Deputy Alves was dispatched to 6155 Highway 162, sp. #42, regarding the third-hand report of a physical disturbance involving two males. It was reported that a knife may have been involved in the altercation.

Upon arrival, the involved parties refused to answer the door. The resident was determined to be on Glenn County Probation and was searchable.

A tactical entry was made into the residence. Inside, Steven Acevedo, Rafael Ruvalcaba and Maria Gomez were located. Ruvalcaba was subsequently arrested for violation of PRCS probation, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a concealed firearm, and possession of a firearm with altered or removed serial numbers.

People v. Alex Miranda – Defendant was convicted of two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison, to be served consecutively with a Colusa County two-year prison sentence. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Dwayne Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputies Ramirez and Cordova.

On March 4, 2021, deputies contacted Damien Alvarez and Alex Miranda as they were exiting a white GMC Yukon on Yolo Street, west of East Street in Orland. Alvarez was seen driving the GMC and Miranda was observed in the front passenger seat.

Miranda was found to be on parole out of Colusa County and Alvarez was found to not have a valid California driver’s license. OPD’s K-9 searched the vehicle and had a positive alert on the vehicle. A search of the Yukon was conducted and a gray Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver was found in the vehicle.

Miranda and Alvarez were both subsequently placed under arrest. Alvarez was found to be in possession of cocaine and a small baggie containing prescription medications. Alvarez and Miranda were transported to the Glenn County Jail.

People v. Cheyenne Heavrin – Defendant was convicted of bringing drugs into a jail (a felony). She was sentenced to 180 days in jail, two years’ probation, and ordered to complete drug court. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Sgt. Draper.

On Oct. 11, 2020, deputies were dispatched to a residence at 4530 Country Road FF in Orland for the report of Cheyenne Heavrin under the influence of a narcotic. Sergeant Draper arrived and contacted Heavrin in the front yard of the residence, near the roadway.

Heavrin spoke at an accelerated pace and was unable to stand still. Heavrin also had an elevated pulse, rigid movement, constricted pupils and was unable to maintain focus on a conversation. It was determined Heavrin was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant and determined to be too intoxicated to care for herself or others.

Heavrin was arrested and booked into Glenn County Jail for public intoxication, to be released when sober. While Heavrin was booked into the jail, she was in possession of suspected narcotics, which were concealed on her person.

People v. Fernando Montalvo – Defendant was convicted of false imprisonment (a felony) and felony vandalism. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, three year’s probation, and 52 weeks of Batterers Treatment Classes. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ruby Neumann, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Tuma.

People v. Julia Langworthy – Defendant was previously convicted of bringing drugs into a jail, failure to appear, and vehicle theft (all felonies). She was found in violation of probation for the third time and was sentenced to 120 days in jail and ordered to complete a six-month rehab program. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Van Eck.

On Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2019, Langworthy was caught driving a Ford F250 that had been stolen from the Ord Bend boat launch parking area earlier in the morning. As soon as the theft at Ord Bend Park was reported on social media, Facebook users got busy.

They first reported seeing the truck at the Super Shopper at South and East Streets later in the morning of the theft. Security video shows the Ford parked in a space in front of the store.

The truck appeared to have only one occupant, and she is seen walking from the vehicle to the store, where she purchased cigarettes and a Red Bull.

A little later, around noon, the truck was spotted traveling east on Newville Road. Citizens followed it to the Speedway-Taco Bell-I-5 Café area of Hoff Way, and called law enforcement.

Officers arrived and ordered the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, out of the truck. A witness later commented on Facebook, “The lady ran as soon as the cop said get out of the truck. She was definitely a tweaker.”

Indeed, after her arrest, she was found to have a controlled substance in her possession, and was subsequently charged with bringing drugs into a jail, a felony.

On March 25, 2021, Julia Christina Langworthy, 33, a laborer who lives in Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging battery on a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $55,000. She was taken into custody at 900 Newville Road by an Orland police officer.

People v. Michael Rangel Rodriguez – Defendant was previously convicted of possession of metal knuckles (a felony), and domestic battery (a misdemeanor). He was found in violation of his probation for the fourth time and was sentenced to 84 days in jail. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Van Eck.

Here are some recent vehicle accident reports, as provided by the Willows area office of the California Highway Patrol.

Friday, Feb. 4:

12:05 a.m., John Ray Brown, 38, of Willows, was driving a 2001 Dodge south on Interstate 5 to the County Road 27 off-ramp at a high rate of speed. Due to the driver’s speed, he was unable to slow or stop his vehicle and proceeded through the intersection, where he traveled off the roadway and collided with a wire fence. Brown reportedly fled the scene on foot prior to the CHP’s arrival. According to Officer Vasquez, Alcohol and/or drugs are believed to have contributed to this accident.

Friday, Feb. 11:

10:20 p.m., Michelle Giesbrecht, 45, of Willows, was driving a 2015 Tesla west on County Road 48, west of County Road P, at about 60 miles per hour. As she traveled, the right side of her vehicle struck an unseen black cow. Following the impact, the cow walked away and did not appear to the driver to be injured. According to Officer Gilliam, Giesbrecht was wearing her seatbelts at the time of the accident and was not injured.

Thursday, Feb. 17:

7 p.m., Kyle McClintock, 56, of Orland, was driving a 1998 Toyota pickup west on Highway 32, west of Highway 45, at an unknown speed. Traffic ahead of McClintock came to a stop for a vehicle waiting to make a left turn onto a private drive. McClintock failed to stop and swerved into the eastbound lane, causing his Toyota to collide head-on with a 2011 Mercedes GL350 driven by James Peterson, 47, of Chico. McClintock was transported with moderate injuries by ambulance to Enloe Medical Center. Peterson experienced pain to his left arm and shoulder. According to Officer DeFrancesco, both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident.

Tuesday, Feb. 22:

1:20 p.m., Kathryn Harmer, 72, of Willows, was driving a 2002 Chevy Cavalier east on Highway 162, west of County Road QQ, at about 65 miles per hour. She began to slow in order to make a left turn onto Road QQ. Evan Hutson, 34, of Willows, was driving a 2017 Ford F250 pickup east on Highway 162, approaching Road QQ at about 65 miles per hour. He did not see that traffic directly ahead of him was slowing until it was too late. Once he noticed the slowing traffic, he applied his brakes and tried to avoid a collision, but was unable to do so. The front of the Ford struck the rear of the Chevy. According to Officer Cushman, both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and neither driver was injured.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Francisco Medina was just 18 years old when he committed an act that not only robbed Christopher Clark of his life, but robbed himself of his own young adulthood.

It has now been more than 22 years – well over half of Francisco Medina’s lifetime – since Medina murdered Clark in the streets of downtown Willows.

For Medina, what could have been a period of joyous milestones – graduations, engagement and marriage, and births of children – is instead a period dominated by walls, locks and guards, the sole purposes of which are to totally stifle individual liberty, thereby making all significant milestones (with the possible exception of that final milestone, death) impossible.

On October 28, 1999, Medina gunned down Christopher Clark, 19, near Sycamore and Butte Streets in Willows. Medina was reportedly assisted by four others, two of them juveniles.

It was reported that Clark and Medina belonged to rival gangs. One of Medina’s fellow gang members (and provider of the weapon with which Clark was shot), parolee Edwin Speer, is said to have taken a beating from Clark or Clark’s gang, thereby making revenge the motive for the murder.

Medina was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. His first parole hearing took place in 2013, and, obviously, parole was denied.

In 2017, he was convicted of another felony: possession of heroin in prison. This added two more years to his sentence.

On August 14, 2020, another parole hearing for Medina was conducted. Again, parole was denied.

Most recently, a parole hearing for Medina was held on February 18, 2022. The parole board denied his chance for release for three years, at which time he will be well into his 40s.

And over these three years, the one precious life he will ever know, will continue to waste away behind the walls of prison.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Trey King, who escaped from the Tehama County Jail early Friday morning, was recaptured late Sunday afternoon in Placer County.

At about 5:30 p.m., an off-duty Butte County Sheriff’s sergeant spotted King walking on Highway 65, just north of Lincoln, southeast of Yuba City.

King was reportedly walking away from a vehicle, attempting to hitch a ride. He did not offer any resistance and is now back in the Tehama County Jail.

At the time of his escape, King’s charges included assault with a deadly weapon (a vehicle) with great bodily injury likely (a felony), evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety (a felony), possession of known stolen property (a felony), driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), carjacking, and resisting or obstructing an executive officer (a felony). He was also originally charged with attempted murder and violation of parole, but those charges were dismissed.

King now faces an additional charge alleging escaping from jail (a felony).

It was alleged that after escaping, King received help from Bethany Gaylord and William Keys. Gaylord is not listed among the Tehama County Jail inmates, but Keys is.

Keys, 41, is charged with allegedly being an accessory to a crime, and violation of probation (both felonies). His bail is set at $15,000.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Early Friday morning, Trey Cleveland King of Corning escaped from the Tehama County Jail when deputies opened a door as inmates took trash out for a work detail.

King ran past the deputies. A deputy gave chase, but lost sight of him.

King was in jail, awaiting his day in court, for an incident that occurred in November, 2021.

On Nov. 12, King allegedly stole a big rig in Red Bluff. At about 11:30 a.m. on that day, the big rig was spotted on Paskenta Road by a California Highway Patrol officer.

When the officer pulled the big rig over, the driver threw it into reverse and rammed the patrol vehicle, disabling it. The officer sustained some injuries as a result of this collision.

Other law enforcement officers soon located the big rig and a pursuit entered Red Bluff. King reportedly attempted to ram law enforcement vehicles several times.

King allegedly jumped out of the big rig and stole a Ford F-150 pickup. He drove to Interstate 5, where he reportedly began driving south on the northbound side of I-5.

Officers were able to shut down the freeway, and King got out of the pickup and attempted to escape on foot. Officers were able to catch him.

King was booked into the Tehama County Jail on charges alleging attempted murder (a felony), assault with a deadly weapon (a vehicle) with great bodily injury likely (a felony), evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety (a felony), possession of known stolen property (a felony), driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), a parole hold, carjacking, and resisting or obstructing an executive officer (a felony). The parole hold and the attempted murder charge were dismissed.

Early Friday afternoon, the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office reported that Bethany Gaylord and William Keys were arrested on charges alleging they helped King to escape.

The Tehama County District Attorney’s Office said King did not have a weapon when he escaped but should be considered dangerous. If King is seen, the public is advised not to approach him, but to call 911.

King has been arrested many times in the past. Charges have ranged from drug violations to vehicle theft and many other crimes.

Although it was later dropped, his recent charge of violation of parole indicates he has also been sentenced to prison.

King apparently does not have a history of encounters with law enforcement in Glenn County. Nevertheless, he is certainly capable of making it this far south.

Keep your eyes open.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

It is said that one picture is worth a thousand words.

However, I suspect that I will write substantially more than a thousand words concerning the booking picture I requested from the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office last week – a booking photo I was denied, I should add.

At about 9:12 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, I called the sheriff’s office to have a booking photo emailed to me – a routine procedure I have done countless times in the past, both during the 26 years I contributed to The Sacramento Valley Mirror and during the year or so I have been producing this website.

With one exception, which I will describe shortly, I have never been denied a photo. That all changed on Friday.

After I requested the booking photo, I was told by the person with whom I was speaking that she had to check to see if it was okay for her to send the photo. She said that a “new law” had been passed that prevents law enforcement agencies from releasing booking photos.

I had a pretty good idea what law she was referring to. I told her that Glenn County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Brandy McDonald had already investigated this matter and that it may be worthwhile to talk to her.

My phone number was taken, but as 4 p.m. approached, I still had not heard back. So, at 3:56 p.m., I called again.

My call was taken by someone else this time. I was told, “The person who was dealing with that is not here, so let me see if I can get ahold of them and find out what is going on.”

She explained that she had heard about my call but she had moved on to something completely different. As did the person earlier in the day, she took my number and said she would then get back to me.

As I did that morning, I mentioned, “Back in August, Lt. McDonald checked into this and she found that it just applies to law enforcement agencies posting booking photos on social media.”

The woman from Friday afternoon responded that she would see what she could confirm and then give me a call back one way or the other. Unfortunately, no call was received.

I called the sheriff’s office a third time at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14. I was told, “I did check with the undersheriff, he spoke with me, and we were not allowed to send that to you.”

The “new law” in question is AB 1475, signed by Governor Newsom on July 23, 2021. AB 1475 places limitations on law enforcement agencies only, preventing them and them alone from posting booking photos on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

When an issue came up regarding a booking photo in August, Lt. McDonald took a little bit of time to actually do some research. On August 4, 2021, she sent me the email below:

“Hey Larry,

“Looks like this only pertains to us [the sheriff’s office] publishing booking photos on social media so shouldn’t be a problem. I will be in touch soon. Thanks!!”

The text of AB 1475 begins with the next paragraph. Bolds show that this law concerns (1) only the sharing of booking photos on social media, and (2) even more specifically, it concerns only the sharing of booking photos on the law enforcement agencies’ own social media pages.

AB 1475:

“Existing law requires law enforcement agencies, departments, or entities to consider specified best practices regarding the downloading and storage of body-worn camera data, including prohibiting agency personnel from uploading recorded data onto public and social media internet websites, when establishing policies and procedures for the implementation and operation of a body-worn camera system.

“This bill would prohibit a police department or sheriff’s office from sharing, on social media, booking photos of an individual arrested on suspicion of committing a nonviolent crime, as defined, unless specified circumstances exist. The bill would require a police department or sheriff’s office that shares, on social media, a booking photo of an individual arrested for the suspected commission of a nonviolent crime to remove the information from its social media page, upon request, unless the same specified circumstances exist. [Editor’s Note: Read that again: ‘its social media page’.]

“The bill would require a police department or sheriff’s office to remove the booking photo of a person who has committed any other crime from social media if the individual’s record has been sealed, the individual’s conviction has been dismissed, expunged, pardoned, or eradicated pursuant to law, the individual has been issued a certificate of rehabilitation, the individual is found not guilty of committing the crime for which they were arrested, or the individual was ultimately not charged with the crime or the charges were dismissed.

“The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

“SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

“(a) In our criminal justice system, suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

“(b) In recent years, law enforcement departments have begun to use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor to communicate with the public.

“(c) Some departments post the booking photos of suspects on their social media accounts even though the suspect is no longer at large or an ongoing threat to public safety.

“(d) Information posted to these social media accounts can remain on the internet for years, seriously affecting the life of the person depicted.

“(e) In 2016, the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals stated, in Detroit Free Press Inc. v. United States Department of Justice (829 F. 3d 478, 482) that booking photos are more than just ‘vivid symbols of criminal accusation, booking photos convey guilt to the viewer,’ effectively ‘eliminating the presumption of innocence and replacing it with an unmistakable badge of criminality.’

“(f) The Sixth Circuit also noted that booking photos are ‘snapped “in the vulnerable and embarrassing moments immediately after [an individual is] accused, taken into custody, and deprived of most liberties,”’ putting them in the realm of ‘embarrassing and humiliating information.’

“(g) Section 1 of Article 1 of the California Constitution protects the privacy of Californians, including limiting the disclosure of arrest information unless that disclosure serves a compelling state interest (Central Valley Ch. 7th Step Foundation, Inc. v. Younger (1989) 214 Cal.App.3d 415, 151).

“(h) In July 2020, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott instituted a department directive against the release of booking photos in most circumstances because their publication creates an ‘illusory correlation for viewers that fosters racial bias and vastly overstates the propensity of black and brown men to engage in criminal behavior.’

“(i) The Legislature finds that publishing booking photos on social media when there is a low risk to public safety is detrimental to the right to a fair trial because it diminishes the presumption of innocence and potentially violates privacy rights of Californians without a commensurate benefit to public safety.

“SEC. 2. Section 13665 is added to the Penal Code, to read:

“13665. (a) A police department or sheriff’s office shall not share, on social media, booking photos of an individual arrested on suspicion of committing a nonviolent crime unless any of the following circumstances exist:

“(1) A police department or sheriff’s office has determined that the suspect is a fugitive or an imminent threat to an individual or to public safety and releasing or disseminating the suspect’s image will assist in locating or apprehending the suspect or reducing or eliminating the threat.

“(2) A judge orders the release or dissemination of the suspect’s image based on a finding that the release or dissemination is in furtherance of a legitimate law enforcement interest.

“(3) There is an exigent circumstance that necessitates the dissemination of the suspect’s image in furtherance of an urgent and legitimate law enforcement interest.

“(b) (1) A police department or sheriff’s office that shares, on social media, a booking photo of an individual arrested for the suspected commission of a nonviolent crime shall remove the booking photo from its social media page within 14 days, upon the request of the individual who is the subject of the social media post or the individual’s representative, unless any of the circumstances described in subdivision (a) exist.

“(2) A police department or sheriff’s office that shares, on social media, a booking photo of an individual arrested for the suspected commission of a crime identified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 shall remove the booking photo from its social media page within 14 days, upon the request of the individual who is the subject of the social media post or the individual’s representative, if the individual or their representative demonstrates any of the following:

“(A) The individual’s record has been sealed.

“(B) The individual’s conviction has been dismissed, expunged, pardoned, or eradicated pursuant to law.

“(C) The individual has been issued a certificate of rehabilitation.

“(D) The individual was found not guilty of the crime for which they were arrested.

“(E) The individual was ultimately not charged with the crime or the charges were dismissed.

“(3) This subdivision shall apply retroactively to any booking photo shared on social media.

“(c) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following Meanings:

“(1) ‘Nonviolent crime’ means a crime not identified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5.

“(2) ‘Social media’ has the same meaning as in Section 632.01, except that social media does not include an internet website or an electronic data system developed and administered by the police department or sheriff’s office.” [Emphasis added by the Editor.]

With only a few exceptions, such as when the person accused of a crime is a minor, booking photos are still public records. The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office cannot legally refuse to release most of its booking photos.

AB 1475 prevents the sheriff’s office from posting most booking photos of people accused of committing nonviolent crimes on its own Facebook page. (Yes, the sheriff’s office has a Facebook page.) It does not prevent Citizen John Doe from posting booking photos on his own Facebook page, and it most assuredly does not prevent websites like The Glenn County Observer, newspapers, and televised news broadcasts from receiving upon request and using booking photos however they want.

AB 1475 has not removed booking photos from the realm of public records. Given its glaring error, I sincerely hope that the next time I call the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office for a booking photo, I will not be turned away again.

And by the way, the picture I was refused was worth 1,776 words.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

This is why we should all support our local fire departments.

Firefighters from all over Glenn County spent much of Saturday evening, Feb. 12, waging battle against a structure fire southeast of Orland.

The fire was in the Orland Fire Department’s district. At about 6:24 p.m., the dispatcher in Corning sent out the call.

Emergency responders reported heavy smoke in the area of County Roads P and 15. They also reported heavy traffic on County Road 15 and requested the California Highway Patrol be called to provide traffic control.

At about 6:26 p.m., the structure was reported to be “fully involved.” Mutual aid from Artois and Willows was requested.

The address was given as 7020 County Road 15. PG&E was also asked to respond.

At 6:28 p.m., it was announced that the residence was unoccupied. Everyone was out of the house.

Orland Fire Chief Justin Chaney reported that the involved structure was an approximately 3,000 square foot, two story home. He requested that the Corning dispatcher request mutual aid from the Hamilton City and Capay fire departments.

At about 6:34 p.m., a request went out to the entire county for water tenders. At 6:38 p.m., the Bayliss Fire Department announced it was responding.

At 6:41 p.m., the Corning dispatcher reported that PG&E had about a 10-minute estimated time of arrival. The dispatcher also said the (propane?) gas company employee was on the way, but a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy stated that the gas to the property had already been turned off.

At 6:48 p.m., the Glenn-Codora Fire Department announced it was responding.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., Chief Chaney said the fire was contained to about a third of the house. Mop-up would continue for a couple of hours.

Units gradually began to be released from the scene.

For the Orland Fire Department, this was the 99th incident it has responded to this year. However, not all of Orland’s units were back in quarters when, at 9:29 p.m., the call for the 100th incident was received: a transformer fire with fire to the power pole near County Road P and Malton Switch Road.

Back at the structure fire on County Road 15, at 9:38 p.m., Chief Chaney reported that the property had been turned over to the owner. The remaining fire units were released.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

On Friday, Feb. 4, The Observer published a story about a pair of accidents that occurred on Interstate 5 earlier in the day.

The first of these accidents was a fatal rollover that happened at about 12:40 p.m. on I-5, south of County Road 20. (See Feb. 4 story and update published on Feb. 9.)

The second occurred at about 1:27 p.m. on I-5, north of County Road 20. On Feb. 8, the California Highway Patrol sent out a news release regarding this incident.

According to the CHP, two big rigs were traveling south on I-5 in the slow lane, north of Road 20, approaching the scene of the previously mentioned rollover on the northbound side of the freeway. Sandhu R. Singh, 49, of Tracy, driving a 2013 tractor with a 2012 trailer, was ahead of Harmandeep Singh, 29, of Stockton, driving a 2017 tractor with a 2012 trailer.

As Sandhu Singh approached the scene of the first accident, he slowed down to about five miles per hour. Harmandeep Singh did not immediately notice that Sandhu Singh had slowed down, and only at the last moment attempted to swerve around Sandhu Singh, but was unable to avoid a collision.

The front of Harmandeep Singh’s tractor struck the rear on Sandhu Singh’s trailer. One of the saddle tanks on one of the semis ruptured in the accident, causing diesel fuel to spill on the ground.

Harmandeep Singh sustained some minor injuries (cuts to his head and arm) in the collision. Sandhu Singh was uninjured.