Month: March 2024

Gaylan Dewane Ponciano died in Willows on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, following a long battle with multiple health issues. He was born in Willows on Nov. 1, 1956.

He was very friendly and loved everybody. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, collecting stuff, old western movies, Pepsi, and chocolate.

He loved his pit bull, Baby Girl. She was a great comfort and joy to him. In all his pain and suffering, Baby Girl was there to help bring peace.

He always made you laugh. He was a joy to be around.

He will be greatly missed, his loved ones agree. “We all love you, Gaylan.”

He is survived by his stepmother, Bonnie Ann Ponciano; sisters LaQueta Nell Ponciano and Cynthia Sue Schoepp; brother William Melvin Ponciano, Jr. He was married to Cynthia Elisabeth Ponciano.

He had many sons and daughters, as many young people referred to him as “Dad”.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Cheryle Macheal Ponciano and Sandra Lynn Ponciano; and his parents, William Melvin Ponciano, Sr., and Lillian Irene Ponciano.

Information regarding a celebration of life will be provided at a later date on Facebook and by word of mouth.

Glenn County Observer

Four Corning teenagers, three of whom were minors, were taken into custody late Wednesday night following a shooting that took place at the Paigewood Apartments in east Orland.

At about 10:52 p.m. on Feb. 28, Orland police officers responded to the Paigewood Apartments, 745 Paigewood Drive, for a report of multiple shots fired from two vehicles.

Officers found evidence of shots having been fired, and, with the help of Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers, began searching for the two vehicles: a black Honda Accord and a black Dodge Charger.

Both vehicles were found in different locations (one of them on South Street), and the occupants of at least one of them were detained at gunpoint.

Following an investigation, firearms and other evidence were discovered and seized.

Angelo Hawk Sanchez, 18, of Corning, was arrested at South and Eighth Streets and booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging carrying a loaded handgun by someone who was not the registered owner (a felony), possession of a billy club, leaded cane, blackjack, etc. (a felony), willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner (a misdemeanor), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (a misdemeanor).

Sanchez’s bail was set at $20,000. A call to the jail Friday afternoon indicated that Sanchez was no longer an inmate there.

The three boys, ages 17, 16, and 16, also from Corning, were arrested for firearms and weapons violations and turned over to Glenn County probation officers.

No injuries were reported during the incident and both vehicles were towed.

The Orland Police Department thanked the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and the CHP for their assistance.