Month: May 2022

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.

Wednesday, May 11:

11:22 p.m., Salvador Lerma Curiel, 44, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 440 Fifth Street by an Orland police officer.

11:46 p.m., Yuri Curiel, 35, of Orland, 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. She was taken into custody at 440 Fifth Street by an Orland police officer.

Thursday, May 12:

11:15 a.m., Felipe Joaquin Cortes, 43, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging failure to appear on a felony charge, and possession of a controlled substance (a felony). Bail was set at $77,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:15 a.m., Kevin Anthony Kleiser, 35, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $7,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

4:31 p.m., Omar Aguilar, 41, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging strong arm robbery (a felony), violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor), infliction of injury upon a child (a felony), and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $85,000. He was taken into custody at 745 Paigewood Drive, apt. #51, by an Orland police officer.

10:23 p.m., Anthony Brian Pippin, 63, of 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 on West Wood Street at North Butte Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Friday, May 13:

10:30 a.m., Steven Mitchell Butler, 31, of Orland, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation, and 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.

11:15 a.m., Claudio Oliva Sanchez, 37, of Orland, surrendered himself to the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a felony), felony vandalism, hit and run with property damage (a misdemeanor), reckless driving on a highway (a misdemeanor), and driving with a suspended license (a misdemeanor). He was taken into custody at the jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

8:25 p.m., Jose Jesus Ambriz-Aparicio, 38, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), willful cruelty to a child with possible injury or death (a felony), resisting or obstructing an executive officer (a felony), driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a misdemeanor), and driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $110,000. He was taken into custody at 175 North Villa Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Saturday, May 14:

6:02 p.m., Chanh Thammavong, 64, of 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 on Swift Street at Third Street by an Orland police officer.

6:34 p.m., Michael Luis Paulo, 27, of Oroville, 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 45, north of County Road 65, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

9:33 p.m., Alejandro Godinez Salgado, 28, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and driving without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at South Street and the railroad tracks by an Orland police officer.

10:09 p.m., Alvaro Torres, 39, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc., and false imprisonment (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $4,000. He was taken into custody at 4185 County Road F, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Sunday, May 15:

1:26 p.m., Dennis Martin James, 73, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and disobeying a court order (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Woodward Avenue at East Walker Street by an Orland police officer.

3:05 p.m., Andres Calisto-Cordero, 36, of 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 9, west of County Road P, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

7:41 p.m., CJ Michael Whisenand, 19, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Edgewater Drive, west of Sacramento Avenue, Hamilton City, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

8:47 p.m., Joshua Orion Burkey, 42, of Elk, Calif., 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 32, west of County Road P, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

8:51 p.m., Bryan Paul McLain, 19, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony), and warrants alleging willful cruelty to a child resulting in possible injury or death (a felony), assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a felony), causing bodily injury while driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a felony), causing great bodily injury while driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a felony), battery with serious bodily injury (a felony), resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor), giving false information to a peace officer (a misdemeanor), driving without a license (a misdemeanor), violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor), kidnapping (a felony), robbery (a felony), driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor), driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, (a misdemeanor), and driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $501,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 24, west of Highway 99, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

10:15 p.m., Johan Gutierrez, 25, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at 3718 Highway 99 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Monday, May 16:

8:17 a.m., Curtis Caroll Hart, 54, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $22,000. He was taken into custody at 1212 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

9:06 a.m., Bryan Lynn Boone, 43, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at 640 Canton Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:37 a.m., Jose Luis Lopez, 36, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear after giving a written promise (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $12,000. He was taken into custody at Salomon and Lynn Drives, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

12:52 p.m., Loren Dale Skidmore, 62, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging bringing a controlled substance into a jail or prison (a felony), and warrants alleging transportation of a narcotic controlled substance for sale (a felony), possession of cocaine base for sale (a felony), transportation of a controlled substance (a felony), possession of a controlled substance for sale (a felony), and driving with a suspended license (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $111,500. He was taken into custody at 4776 Highway 99, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

2:27 p.m., Robert Virgil Hammond, 64, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure of a sex registrant to report an address change (a felony). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at the jail lobby by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

4:15 p.m., at the Glenn County Jail, Johan Gutierrez, 25, of Orland, was found to have a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $90,000.

8:39 p.m., Albert Pulido, 53, of 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 in the 800 block of Fourth Street by an Orland police officer.

Tuesday, May 17:

1:55 a.m., James Scott Beegle, 33, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor), trespassing (a misdemeanor), loitering on private property (a misdemeanor), and burglary (a felony), and warrants alleging failure to appear on a felony charge, battery with serious bodily injury (a felony), and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $147,000, but he was also held without bail on charges alleging violation of parole (a felony). He was taken into custody at 712 1/2 Colusa Street by an Orland police officer.

2:14 a.m., Leo Phillip Jacobson, 41, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer, and being an accessory to a crime (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 712 1/2 Colusa Street by an Orland police officer.

10:25 p.m., Timothy Duane Slye, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of a drug (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 99, north of County Road 28, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

11:17 p.m., Tammie Sue Phillips, 65, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on warrants alleging assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a felony). She was taken into custody at 6399 County Road 24, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Wednesday, May 18:

1:30 p.m., Guadalupe Ramirez, 27, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at 6001 Boles Road, Arbuckle, by a Glenn County probation officer.

2:04 p.m., Jose Jesus Ambriz-Aparicio, 38, of Willows, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $7,000.

5:15 p.m., Jeffrey Brandon McMahon, 30, of Artois, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $30,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Thursday, May 19:

10:45 a.m., Michael Wilcox, 40, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging possession of a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic controlled substance, and driving without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $6,000, but he was also held without bail on detainers with charges alleging possession of a controlled substance for sale (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11 a.m., Gabriel Lopez Baeza, 42, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

12:40 p.m., Aaron Benjamin Johanningsmeier, 25, of Glenn, was returned to the custody of the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging assault with a deadly weapon with force likely to cause great bodily injury (a felony), and misdemeanor violation of probation. He was taken into custody at the Amador County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy. At the jail early the next morning, he was found to have a warrant alleging carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (a misdemeanor). Bail for this was set at $1,000.

1:46 p.m., Leonel Emilno Gutierrez-Rodriguez, 27, of Butte City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (a felony), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $43,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Friday, May 20:

3:05 a.m., Jeffrey Wayne Springer, 51, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, and assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (both felonies). Bail was set at $50,000. He was taken into custody at 214 Fourth Street by an Orland police officer.

12 p.m., Bryan Paul McLain, 19, of Orland, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $2,000. He was taken into custody at 123 South Murdock Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

1:16 p.m., Duane Milton Hubbard, 71, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor), and a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Total bail was set at $35,000. He was taken into custody under the Hambright Creek bridge on Highway 99 near Orland by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

5:46 p.m., Seige Liliana Gonzales, 20, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and felony violation of probation, and a warrant alleging felony violation of probation. Total bail was set at $60,000. She was taken into custody at the Best Western motel, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

7:18 p.m., Cheynne Renee Heavrin, 27, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging resisting or obstructing a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $20,000. She was taken into custody in the 500 block of West Sycamore Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

10:59 p.m., Christopher Loyd Simpson, 28, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $29,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Fairgrounds, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:02 p.m., Jesus Emmanuel Solis, 20, of 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 at 329 West Laurel Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Saturday, May 21:

8:28 p.m., Jose Manuel Cobarrubias-Garcia, 47, of Magalia, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of a drug, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 32, west of Highway 45, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

11:27 p.m., Carmen Guadalupe Garcia, 30, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), and warrants alleging failure to appear after giving a written promise (a misdemeanor), failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and failure to appear on a felony charge. Total bail was set at $55,000. She was taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:48 p.m., Nicholas Walter Potter, 21, of Colusa, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at zero. He was taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Sunday, May 22:

2:17 a.m., Jose Luis Rojas, 24, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, apt. #112, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:30 p.m., Christopher James Hobbs, 43, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 817 Newport Avenue, apt. #37, by an Orland police officer.

Monday, May 23:

8:50 a.m., Seige Liliana Gonzales, 20, of Willows, was returned to the custody of the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging conspiracy to commit a crime, and battery with injury on a public service officer (both felonies). She was taken into custody at the jail by a Glenn County probation officer.

4:07 p.m., Jason Thomas Cartwright, 25, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on warrants alleging misdemeanor violation of probation, and grand theft (a felony). Total bail was set at $37,000. He was taken into custody at 328 South Lassen Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Tuesday, May 24:

11:40 a.m., David Alan Russell, 36, of Los Angeles, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of a drug (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody in the parking lot of Walmart by a California Highway Patrol officer.

4:40 p.m., Willieb Jennifer Woods, 28, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear after being released on her own recognizance, and failure to appear on a felony charge (both felonies). Bail was set at $162,000. She was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

6:30 p.m., Brandon Dean Hightower, 26, of Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of a drug, and driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 99, south of County Road 45, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

Wednesday, May 25:

7:17 p.m., Julio Cesar Romero, 32, of San Jose, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and transportation of marijuana for sale (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on the northbound side of Interstate 5, south of County Road 57, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

Thursday, May 26:

10:20 a.m., Tammi Jo Dennis, 57, of Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $7,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

9:15 a.m., Julian Arturo Martinez, 33, of Orland, was returned to the custody of the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging arson of an inhabited structure, and vandalism (both felonies). He was taken into custody at Napa State Hospital by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

11:25 a.m., Trinity May Rogers, 24, of Sacramento, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $12,000. She was taken into custody at the Sacramento County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

12:14 p.m., Theo Matthew Cowan, 51, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 6517 County Road 18, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The area around Interstate 5 and County Road 7 was the scene of two nasty vehicle accidents on Friday, May 27.

The first occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on I-5, perhaps about a half-mile north of Road 7. The second happened a little after noon as a vehicle was exiting the Road 7 offramp from northbound I-5, then crashed on the north side of Road 7.

A witness, a private citizen, was outside his residence, standing not far from the roadway at the time of this latter accident. He told The Observer he saw the whole thing.

His statement to this reporter, along with other evidence, indicated that a car left the east side of the offramp, hit the Road 7 embankment, rolled, and came to rest on its wheels on the north side of Road 7, facing south.

At 12:09 p.m., the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page indicated that there was an infant in the car, a Volkswagen sedan. The call, originally reported as a traffic collision with unknown injuries, was now changed to a collision with possible injuries.

An ambulance was enroute. Arriving after the ambulance did, this reporter asked an officer how the infant was doing.

The officer answered that he thought the baby was okay. The driver, a woman, also appeared to be okay.

At 1:50 p.m., the CHP again changed the nature of the accident, this time from a traffic collision with an ambulance enroute to a traffic collision with minor injuries. The Volkswagen, on the other hand, sustained major damage, and was eventually towed from the scene by Zips Towing.

At the present time, it is unknown whether the driver was wearing her seatbelts when the crash occurred. However, it could be seen that the airbags deployed.

The first accident happened at 9:11 a.m. The incident was reported to be a “motorcycle versus bushes” (presumably, the oleanders in the center divide) on Interstate 5 in the area of County Road 7.

It was soon found to be on the northbound side of I-5, in the center divide, roughly midway between County Road 7 and the cul-de-sac of County Road 5.

The Corning fire dispatcher requested the FlightCare helicopter be placed on standby. At one point, a firefighter on-scene stated he thought the motorcyclist may have a broken collar bone.

At 9:23 a.m., the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page reported there were “negative injuries” in the accident. The page said only that the bike was a “street-style” motorcycle.

Asked by this reporter about the “broken collar bone,” an officer who had been at the earlier scene replied that the motorcyclist’s collar bone area was indeed “very tender” to the touch. Nevertheless, the request regarding the helicopter was cancelled minutes after emergency responders arrived.

Bambauer Towing removed the motorcycle. By 10:03 a.m., the freeway was clear of crash debris.

The Observer hopes to have updates regarding both these accidents on Tuesday.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Mowing in hot, dry, windy conditions led to a disastrous fire on Tuesday, May 24.

At 10:39 a.m., the Orland Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a vegetation fire in the 4600 block of County Road E, north of County Road 200, west of Orland. Five minutes later, mutual aid for one engine and one water tender from the Artois and Capay fire departments was requested.

By this time, the fire had spread into Hambright Creek off County Road FF.

At 10:53 a.m., a countywide request for aid was sent out. Firefighters who responded included but were not necessarily limited to those from Capay, Artois, Butte City, Glenn-Codora, Ord Bend, Bayliss, and Willows.

As was the case a few weeks ago with the fire in Stony Creek near Hamilton City, the Cal Fire helicopter responded to Tuesday’s fire. Members of the Corning Fire Department also helped by coming to Orland while virtually all available Orland volunteers were out west of town.

Furthermore, private citizens and businesses, including Doc Bogart, Raygoza Hay, and Dee Holmes, provided their own water tenders and labor. The fire hydrant at Newville Road (County Road 200) near Commerce Lane was one of the places where firefighters refilled their vehicles.

Multiple structures, including residences, were reported as being threatened. Orland police officers responded to the area and began evacuating residents.

These officers tied police tape to property entrances to indicate to others, including Glenn County Search and Rescue, that the residences had already been evacuated. Evacuation orders and warnings extended from County Road 9 in the north to County Road 12 in the south, and from about County Road H in the east to County Road E in the west.

Orland police officers, Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies, California Highway Patrol officers, and Glenn County probation officers helped to block entrances to the fire area at various intersections around the restricted area. A command center for law enforcement was set up on Newville Road, not far from the Eagles Hall.

At about 11:30 a.m., an evacuation center was set up at the Arts and Crafts building at the Glenn County Fairgrounds. Animals were accepted at the fairgrounds.

The sheriff’s office released an update on what was now being called the Edward Fire at about 2:10 p.m. It reported that forward progress of the fire had been stopped and that the fire had scorched 50 acres and was 60 percent contained.

At 3 p.m., another update was released. It reported that about 20 structures, four of them residences, were destroyed.

Forty minutes later, another update was released, this one reducing the number of residences destroyed to two. It now appears that only one residence was destroyed.

At 4:45 p.m., all evacuations for the Edward Fire were lifted and residents were allowed to return to their homes. “Soft closure” with road closed signs remained in place for County Road FF.

Road FF was open only to residents to access their homes. No other motorists were permitted on this road.

Firefighters remained in the area overnight.

This update from the sheriff’s office lowered the number of residences lost to just one. Other destroyed and damaged structures included landscape structures, fences, outbuildings, etc.

From about 4:45 p.m. to well into the evening, fire units started to be released.

A number of vegetation fires popped up in the Sacramento Valley on Tuesday:

9 a.m., the Wilder Fire ignited in the Red Bluff area of Tehama County and was quickly contained at 90 acres.

10:30 a.m., the Edward Fire started in the Orland area of Glenn County, burned 60 acres, and destroyed one home and some 20 outbuildings.

1 p.m., the River Fire popped up north of Colusa in Colusa County and burned more than 440 acres.

4 p.m., the 95A Fire ignited west of the Davis area of Yolo County and started from a structure fire that quickly spread to the surrounding vegetation.

Surrounded by his family, Arnold “Arnie” Leroy Daniels died at his home in Willows on Sunday, May 8, 2022. He was born in Oakland on Dec. 30, 1964, and was raised in Hayward by his mother, Doris L. Daniels, and his father, Ralph A. Daniels, alongside his older brother, Dennis Ross.

He lived in Hayward for the majority of his life, and attended Hayward High School. Throughout middle school and high school, he participated in football, wrestling, and played hockey for the Southland Hockey Club, winning various awards.

You could catch him participating in a number of daredevil activities, such as snow skiing in South Lake Tahoe, cliff diving around Deer Creek Falls, waterskiing with family, and motorcycling with his friends in Carnegie and Hollister. He traveled with his parents often in his younger years and they would bring Arnie up to Orland for the summers to spend time with the Clarks.

During high school he was enrolled in the ROC woodshop program, gaining experience to become a journey level carpenter in his early adulthood and enjoyed working on construction of houses. Some of his other hobbies he enjoyed was working on his model cars, camping and fishing with his family at Elam Creek Campgrounds near Chester, barbecuing, watching A’s or Raiders games, and playing with his grandkids.

He was also a devoted Christian, growing up at Highland Baptist Church in Hayward, and most recently attending Orland Evangelical Free Church in Orland.

He met the love of his life, Chrysan Carlson, on Sept. 21, 1991, and raised four children, Christopher, Brooke, Nathaniel, and Destiny. Arnie and Chrysan spent almost 30 years together before officially marrying on Aug. 24, 2019, in Orland.

Arnie had a magnetic energy and could make friends with anyone. He is loved and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, four children, and a number of grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, June 3, at the Oddfellows Cemetery, 3900 County Road P, Orland, followed by a reception at the Orland Evangelical Free Church, 614 A Street.

Glenn County Observer

All photos taken by Larry Judkins on Saturday, May 22, 2022.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

You probably didn’t know it at the time, but from May of 2021 to January of 2022, there were 15 incidents of someone throwing fist-sized rocks at moving vehicles in northern Glenn County.

And these are just the cases that were reported to law enforcement agencies.

So far as is known, nobody was injured. However, several vehicles were damaged.

All the incidents happened between County Road 25 in the south and County Road 3 in the north. Two of the incidents occurred on Highway 99, while the other 13 happened on Interstate 5.

Of the ones on I-5, only three involved vehicles traveling north. Five occurred in the area of County Road 5.

Eleven of the incidents happened on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, all between the hours of 6:50 p.m. and 3:21 a.m. Most occurred around 10 p.m., give or take an hour.

Three separate incidents were reported on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, and two incidents were reported on Sunday, Oct. 10. So far as is known, there was only one incident on each of the other dates on which rocks were thrown at vehicles.

Here are summaries of the 15 known incidents:

Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 7:47 p.m.: The thrower was on the Stony Creek Bridge over Interstate 5. Two vehicles traveling south on I-5 at Stony Creek were hit.

Sunday, July 25, 2021, at 6:50 p.m.: The thrower was on County Road 5, west of I-5, where it ends at the freeway. Two vehicles traveling south on I-5 were hit.

Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at 3:21 a.m.: The thrower was on County Road HH, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5, south of County Road 16, was hit.

Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, at 10:38 p.m.: The thrower was again on County Road HH, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5, south of County Road 16, was hit.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at 2:10 a.m.: The thrower was north of Highway 32 (Newville Road), west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5, north of Highway 32, was hit.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at 10:45 p.m.: The thrower was on County Road HH, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5, south of County Road 16, was hit.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at 11:45 p.m.: the thrower was in a vehicle on Highway 99, north of County Road 9; A vehicle traveling north on Highway 99, north of Road 9, was hit.

Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, at 1:25 a.m.: The thrower was on County Road 5, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5 was hit.

Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at 8:57 p.m.: The thrower was in a vehicle on Highway 99, north of County Road 9. A vehicle traveling north on Highway 99, north of Road 9, was hit.

Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at 10:10 p.m.: The thrower was north of Highway 32, east of I-5. A vehicle traveling north on I-5, north of Highway 32, was hit.

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at 10:13 p.m.: The thrower was on the County Road 20 overpass of I-5. A vehicle traveling north on I-5 was hit.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at 10:10 p.m.: The thrower was on County Road 5, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5 was hit.

10:31 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at 10:31 p.m.: The thrower was on County Road 5, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5 was hit.

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at 9:35 p.m.: The thrower was on County Road 5, west of I-5. A vehicle traveling south on I-5 was hit.

Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at 9:45 p.m.: The thrower was on Interstate 5 at County Road 25. A vehicle traveling north on I-5 was hit.

The incidents on July 25, 2021, happened during daylight hours. There were two separate victims.

The first victim’s vehicle was struck by a large rock thrown from Road 5, west of I-5. The victim described the suspects as two juveniles, and an associated vehicle as a grey sedan.

The second victim described the suspects as two white male juveniles both wearing white cut-off shirts, hiding behind the billboard on Road 5.

On Sept. 18, motion activated cameras were installed in the cul-de-sac of County Road 5, on the west side of I-5, which is in a relatively remote and rarely traveled area of Glenn County. The cameras were set to monitor traffic as it moves in and out of the cul-de-sac.

Several vehicles were captured on the cameras. Specifically, on Sept. 26, at 9:35 p.m., and on Sept. 28 at 9:32 p.m., a light-colored sedan was seen.

This vehicle had a California license plate of 6WRR955. The plate returned to a 2012 Toyota Camry.

While the cameras were not in place, two more incidents occurred on I-5, one in the area of Road 5 and one in the area of Road 20. The cameras were reinstalled on Oct. 18.

At 9:46 p.m. on Oct. 31, the cameras obtained photos of a vehicle with a partially illegible license plate of 6???955. The taillights in the photos were consistent with the previously mentioned Toyota Camry with the plate of 6WRR955.

No other vehicles were photographed entering or leaving the cul-de-sac between the arrival of the suspect vehicle at 9:46 p.m. and the rock-throwing incident at 10:25 p.m. At 10:26 p.m., one minute after the rock-throwing incident, the cameras took a photo of a vehicle leaving the area.

On Nov. 8, Judge Alicia Ekland signed a Vehicle Tracker Search Warrant authored by California Highway Patrol Officer Cushman. The next day, the tracking device was placed on the Toyota Camry so that the vehicle’s whereabouts and movements could be monitored.

The device was removed on Dec. 9. There were no reported rock throwing incidents while the tracking device was in operation.

At about 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, while on County Road 5 between County Road HH and the cul-de-sac just west of Interstate 5, CHP Officer Nick DeFrancesco contacted Mericin Alexis Madera, 18, and a 15-year-old boy. They were in the back seat of the aforementioned Toyota Camry and were almost completely nude, having apparently been engaging in sexual activity.

Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Clinton Turner responded to the area to assist Officer DeFrancesco.

Madera was arrested by Officer DeFrancesco. Her iPhone 12 Pro Max was seized as evidence.

Madera, a sales representative who lives in Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18. This crime is known as a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, but at this point it was charged as only a felony.

Her bail was set at $5,000.

When charges were filed by the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office on March 2, they included not only the one alleging annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18, but also unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is less than three years younger than the alleged perpetrator. This, too, is a misdemeanor.

Madera’s defense attorney is Wendy Rudith Casas-Raviotta, whose law office is in Woodland. The lead prosecutor in the case is Assistant District Attorney Ruby Neumann.

Early this year, CHP officers determined that a “forensic data analysis” of Madera’s iPhone would likely provide evidence regarding the alleged sex crimes involving Madera, as well as the rock throwing incidents. Further investigation of the iPhone, which at the time was being held by the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, was awaiting approval of a warrant.

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, Mericin Alexis Madera is reported to have called the Willows CHP office and demanded to have her iPhone returned to her. At 9:49 a.m., a CHP officer who was involved in the case contacted Madera by phone and told her the iPhone had been taken as evidence and would not be returned to her anytime soon.

The officer requested to meet with Madera in person. She was told she would not be arrested and the CHP was not planning on searching her person or property at this time.

She consented to meet at her home in Corning.

At about 5:40 p.m., CHP officers met with Madera at her home. Madera met with the officers on her front porch.

She was accompanied by her mother, but her mother spoke Spanish only and the officers were unable to communicate with her. Madera was again informed that she was not under arrest and that a search of her person or property was not going to happen during the interview.

Madera provided the following statement, in essence: She reported she is in a romantic relationship with the 15-year-old boy and all their parents are aware of their relationship.

She allegedly admitted they have been sexually active together. She said that on more than one occasion, she has taken the boy to the location on County Road 5 to have private time with him.

Madera was told that the Toyota Camry she drives has been seen in the same area, at the same times as several incidents of rocks being thrown at and hitting moving vehicles. Madera denied throwing any rocks at vehicles, stating, “I did not throw rocks.”

The officers asked if she could help them figure out who was throwing the rocks. She then invoked her rights by saying, “You can ask my lawyer in court.”

At that point, the interview was stopped.

The interview was recorded on a digital voice recorder, but the device subsequently failed, and the recording was erased prior to downloading it onto a data disc.

According to the CHP, the rocks that were thrown were about the size of a “fist” or a “baseball”. Officers believe the rock-throwing was malicious, willful, and intended to cause great bodily harm or death.

According to Section 23110 (b) of the California Vehicle Code, “Any person who with intent to do great bodily injury maliciously and willfully throws or projects any rock, brick, bottle, metal or other missile, or projects any other substance capable of doing serious bodily harm at such vehicle or occupant thereof is guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.”

CHP officers believe that a thorough search of Madera’s iPhone could provide evidence not only regarding the rock throwing, but also the sexual relationship between Madera and the 15-year-old boy. Hence the application for a warrant to search the iPhone.

A pretrial conference is scheduled before Judge Donald Cole Byrd at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5.

All Glenn County Observer photos by Larry Judkins

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

With the release of its media logs on Monday, the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office added to the information about the Saturday, May 14, Stony Creek fire near Hamilton City.

The fire broke out off Highway 32, between Sixth Avenue and County Road VV, just before noon. It was well off the south side of Highway 32, in the Stony Creek bed, south of the North State Hulling Cooperative.

The incident was initially toned out as an Orland Fire Department call, but when its exact location was determined, it was found to be in the Hamilton City Fire Department’s jurisdiction. In addition to the responses of the Orland and Hamilton City Fire Departments, mutual aid was requested and received from the Capay, Glenn-Codora, Bayliss, Willows, Ord Bend, and Artois Fire Departments.

A CalFire helicopter also arrived at the scene to help with extinguishing the fire.

At about 12:15 p.m., Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on-scene and were informed by fire personnel that a vehicle started the fire. Deputies learned a woman was calling 911 to report the fire on County Road VV near County Road 16.

Deputies met with Abbi Gail Mendoza of Chico, who said she was driving through Stony Creek and her 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer got stuck on a hill and started smoking. Mendoza got out of the vehicle and observed her vehicle catch on fire.

Deputies assisted Mendoza with contacting North State Hulling and making arrangements to get her vehicle out once the fire was contained. Firefighters were at the scene the entire afternoon and well into the evening.

In the early evening, fire units slowly began to be released. However, there were units from various departments still at the scene at 10:30 p.m.

Dennis Allan Northrop, 83

Dennis Allan Northrop died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. He was born in Nevada City to Lucile and Lyman Northrop on Oct. 16, 1938, in Nevada City.

At age five, his family moved to Willows, where he was raised through high school. After graduation, he entered the Marine Corps and served for 10 years.

He completed several tours in the Da Nang Provence in Vietnam during the Vietnam war. He was honorably discharged as a corporal and also very proud of his Marine Corps career.

After the Marine Corps, he worked on the Alaskan Pipeline as a pipe fitter. Later, he worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Alameda School District and several historical buildings in the downtown Sacramento area.

Upon retirement, he moved back to his boyhood home in Willows with his wife of 38 years, Virginia (Barrett). Time was spent mostly watching his favorite Yankees baseball and Notre Dame football.

Jack Reacher novels by Lee Childs also occupied his time.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and her children: Virginia Garavito of Glendora, Vere Butler of Chatsworth, Valerie Edmond of Woodland Hills, Vint Butler of Wake Forrest, N. Caro., and Vido Butler of Laguna Beach; and his children from a previous marriage: Janet Alexander of Mississippi, and Harold Swanson of Oregon.

He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Northrop; sisters-in-law Gloria Feeney, and Elizabeth (Betty) Wilkins; and son Vaun Butler.

Graveside services are planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, May 20, at the Willows Cemetery.

Anita Louise Kline, 73

Anita Louise Kline died peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2022, after a short battle with cancer, during which she fought valiantly. She was born to George and Nancy Bakke (Schofield) in Sacramento on March 9, 1949.

She grew up and attended school in Willows, where she graduated in 1967, and went on to work for her father and then Bank of America for several years. In 1978, she began her career with Johns Manville, where she held several positions and eventually became a purchasing agent.

After 31 years of service, she retired in 2009. She was a valued and respected employee and friend to many people during her career and life.

She most loved being a wife, a mom and a grandma. She could always be found crocheting, sewing and embroidering wonderful gifts for her family and friends.

The ocean was her happy place where she and her husband Phil enjoyed their summers. She also enjoyed traveling cross country to visit their children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Philip Kline of Willows; daughters Tricia (Jason) Smith of Siloam Springs, Ark., Lori (Josh) Beaver of Orland, and Melinda (Bill) Burke of Dawsonville, Ga.; sons Philip “Steve” (Jenifer) Kline of Willows, and Brad (Takiko) Kline of Easley, S. Caro.; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; mother Nancy Bakke of Chico; brothers David (Debra) Bakke of Chico, and George “Bruce” (Mary) Bakke, of Bremerton, Wash.; sister Carol (Bryant) Higgs, of Corning; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her memory and her love will be carried and cherished by all of us.

A private celebration of her life with family and friends is planned at a later date.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

In a park filled with little kids on a warm Sunday afternoon, the Orland Police Department received a call regarding a syringe that was found on the floor of the public restroom.

The call from a citizen at Lely Park was received at about 4 p.m.

After calling for law enforcement assistance, the man guarded the entrance to the men’s restroom to make sure no children went in and touched the syringe.

Orland Police Sgt. Sean Johnson arrived at the scene and took possession of the syringe.

Sgt. Johnson then took the syringe to his patrol vehicle and placed the paraphernalia in a container intended for such objects.

Something the irresponsible person who left the syringe in a public restroom obviously did not do.