Longtime Willows barber Robert “Bob” Benamati died on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The oldest of four children, he was born in Willows to Vic and Irene Benamati on August 6, 1936.
In his youth, his greatest passions were hunting and fishing. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army and the Glenn County Fish and Game Commission.
He worked many jobs before going to barber school in 1961 and making barbering his career for 50 years.
He loved playing cards with his family and was an avid collector of many things. His greatest gift may have been his ability to tell a wonderful story, and if you had just met him for the first time, guaranteed, by the end of the conversation, you knew all about him!
He is survived by his daughter, Kristine Schouten; grandsons Kevin (Erin) Schuller, Kris (Emily) Schuller, Jesse (Brittany) Schuller and Ashton Awad; great-grandchildren Jackson, Bennett, Zane, Gwen, Elleah and Owen Schuller; brother Michael (Lori) Benamati; sister Cathi (Randy) Shaw; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vic; son-in-law, Michael Schouten; and his wife of 62 years, Norma Jean Benamati.
“Life will be a little quieter now without you,” say his loved ones, “but your famous quotes and stories will be cherished and live on with those of us who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with you.”
Services are planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, at the Willows Elk Lodge, 150 South Shasta Street.
In February of 1998, Gerardo Valenzuela used a hammer to beat Ventura Ruiz to death and then attempted to do the same to Efrain Garcia.
In 1999, he was convicted of second-degree murder and attempted murder for his crimes. He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.
On December 19, 2024, a parole hearing was held for Valenzuela, who seems to be serving his sentence at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, which provides medical care and mental health treatment to incarcerated people who have the most severe and long-term needs.
Assistant District Attorney Michael Coffey attended the hearing, opposing Valenzuela’s release on behalf of the People of Glenn County.
After a hearing that lasted more than two hours, the parole board determined that Valenzuela continues to pose an unreasonable risk to the public and denied his parole for three years.
The potatoes had eyes, but thick fog prevented them from seeing what was about to hit them on Interstate 5 early Thursday morning.
According to the Willows Area Office of the California Highway Patrol, at about 12:26 a.m. on December 19, Benjamin Garcia, 46, of Willows, was driving a Chevy Colorado north on I-5, north of County Road 33.
At the same time, Jagjeet Singh, 29, of Tracy, was driving a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia south in the same area of I-5, when the Chevrolet crossed the center median and entered the southbound lanes.
Garcia’s Chevy collided head-on with Singh’s Freightliner.
The impact spread oil and debris across both lanes of southbound I-5. The CHP’s press release said none of the debris consisted of potatoes, but a call from The Observer to the Willows headquarters revealed that while the Freightliner was indeed transporting potatoes, none of them had actually spilled onto the freeway.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. Garcia sustained only minor injuries and was not hospitalized, while Singh was apparently not injured at all.
Southbound I-5 was closed north of Road 33 while emergency personnel worked to remove the vehicles and clean up the debris. Traffic was diverted off the freeway at County Road 27, over to Highway 99, and back onto I-5 at County Road 33.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
A scammer is calling local phone numbers, claiming they are Lt. Corbin from the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and threatening people with arrest warrants if some sort of payment is not sent to them.
The GCSO’s press release did not specify what form this payment is supposed to take. A gift card, as some scammers prefer? A money order? What?
Regardless, this is a scam! GCSO staff will not call and threaten people with arrest if they don’t pay.
If you receive a call and you are uncertain if it is a scam, hang up and call the direct line to the agency in question to verify if it is legitimate.
To reach the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, call 530-934-6431.
On March 18, 2024, The Glenn County Observer reported on the stabbing death of Caitlyn Corona.
Just before 7 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, first responders were dispatched to a reported stabbing at the apartment complex at 600 North Humboldt Avenue. The victim was transported to Glenn Medical Center by ground ambulance and the Enloe FlightCare helicopter landed in order to fly the victim to another hospital.
However, according to a March 18 press release from Sgt. Brandon Draper of the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, the woman ultimately succumbed to her injuries at Glenn Medical Center.
The Glenn County Jail’s news release for Sunday, March 17, indicates that at 9:48 a.m., Joseph Ryan Corona, 29, of Willows, was arrested at 838 College City Road, College City.
Joseph Corona was separated from his wife, Caitlyn.
He was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on a charge alleging murder.
In the months since, a number of things have happened.
On March 17, Corona was charged with murder, along with allegations of domestic violence with great bodily injury, and use of a deadly weapon.
On March 20, an arraignment hearing was held.
On March 22, a plea of not guilty was entered for the murder charge, and the additional allegations were denied.
On April 9, the legal services of Roberto Marquez were retained by Corona.
Marquez is a criminal attorney with an office in Marysville. Over the past 25 years, he has had clients in Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Colusa, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo, Tehama, and, obviously, Glenn Counties.
On July 17, a mental competency hearing was held.
On October 2, a preliminary hearing was held.
This pretty much brings us up to date.
A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, with Judge Alicia Ekland to preside.
Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, and the Orland police log. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Friday, December 13:
9:14 a.m., Markvion Sinkae Onyeh Bradley, 26, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony vandalism, obstructing or resisting a public service officer (a misdemeanor), and trespassing (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody in the 800 block of Newville Road by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 9 a.m. on December 13, Orland police officers responded to a report of a customer threatening employees at Walgreens, 828 Newville Road. Officers contacted Markayvion Sinkae Bradley, 26, of San Bernadino, who refused to leave the business. Bradley was arrested and booked for alleged trespass, resisting arrest, and for felony vandalism.
Saturday, December 14:
No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.
Sunday, December 15:
2:37 a.m., Carl James Burrows, 43, of Elk Creek, 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. Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody on Highway 162 at County Road FF by a California Highway Patrol officer.
2:50 a.m., Precious Dawn McEnespy, 40, of Elk Creek, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. She was taken into custody on Highway 162, east of County Road D, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 1:51 a.m. on December 15, at 6101 Highway 162 (the Cal Plant), Deputy Ayres conducted a vehicle stop on a black Toyota Camry after allegedly observing the driver showing signs of being under the influence of an unknown type alcoholic beverage. The deputy contacted the driver, Carl Burrows, of Elk Creek, and passenger, Precious McEnespy, of Chico. The California Highway Patrol was requested for a DUI turnover. After an on-scene investigation, the CHP arrested Burrows for alleged DUI (see previous booking report) and Deputy Ayres arrested McEnespy for alleged public intoxication. Both subjects were booked into the Glenn County Jail.
10:40 a.m., Eduardo Jesus Lupercio, 40, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence, obstructing or resisting a public service officer, and vandalism (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at Marin and Yolo Streets by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 10:19 a.m. on December 15, Orland police officers responded to 278 Gable Drive for a report that Jesus Lupercio, 40, of Orland, was violating a domestic violence restraining order again. Officers found Lupercio driving a gray 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 and conducted a traffic stop. Lupercio was detained, and following an investigation was arrested and booked for alleged violation of a domestic violence restraining order, vandalism, and resisting or delaying a police officer.
Sy Wattana Sengmany of Willows died on Monday, December 2, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with an unforeseen illness. One of five children, she was born on April 3, 1952, in Kwang Ubon, Thailand, to her mother, Khambung Sengmany, and her father, Ya Pa Sahnith.
In 1976, she met a young soldier who was serving his time in the military stationed near her home. She went on to marry Somseng and started their family, raising four children together.
A few years later, the aftereffects of the Vietnam War resulted in the family’s migration to the United States. After fleeing their home with their young children, in 1981 they landed in Atwater, Calif., where they found refuge and a chance to rebuild.
They relocated and lived in Stockton for nine years before settling in Willows, where she resided up until her death.
Sy was a full-time mother and reveled in her time raising her children. She carried on giving her abundance of love when she found herself with the new title of Grandma, surrounded by her beloved grandchildren.
As the matriarch of the family, she was affectionately called “Mae” by all around her, which translates to “mother” in her native tongue, Lao.
Everyone, both young and old, felt the maternal care and love she expressed to all those around her. She was the glue that kept familial bonds strong and the family together.
When she wasn’t busy looking after a youngster or cooking her delicious traditional Laotian dishes, you would find her tending to her garden. She made sure to keep it full of her favorite, fresh ingredients, where you could find Thai peppers, Thai eggplant, Kafir lime leaves, lemongrass, and mustard greens.
She also enjoyed taking a daily walk at the park, followed by a bike ride to the home of her best friend, Mae Mone. It was something Sy looked forward to every day.
Being the social butterfly that she was, she also enjoyed her time at the casinos, sharing an evening out with her husband and friends.
Not only was she loving and caring, but she was also a talented woman. A fantastic seamstress, she would find herself sewing clothes, traditional Laotian dresses, helping out friends and family with hemming, and fixing their favorite articles of clothing – saving the day and coming to the rescue.
She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting blankets, hats, scarves, and tissue box covers, which she would donate and give away as gifts.
Another favorite hobby was thrifting. She frequented the local shop in town regularly, where she would run into other “regulars” and enjoy their company while she browsed.
Her faith played an important role in her life, starting at a very early age. As the daughter of a revered monk in her home village, she continued living her life practicing her religion faithfully by devoting herself to being a part of the local temples in the area as well as attending and participating often in religious ceremonies, holidays, and celebrations.
Sy also made herself available to anyone who needed her during hard times. She would open up her home if you needed a place to stay, with open arms. She never turned anyone away.
If a friend or family member found themselves sick, she would be by their side, day in and day out, cooking, cleaning, and providing support for them and their family. Giving of herself was her greatest pastime.
For all those who loved her and knew her well, it goes without saying how selfless, loving, and caring she was. She showed it well and showed it often.
She was a woman of action and dedication. Her actions were always genuine and heartfelt and if you were on the receiving end of her sing-song laughter, her warm affection, or her gentle words of kindness, you felt it without question.
A strong pillar of strength and a tangible example of everything good in the world, she leaves a tremendous void in the family she leaves behind. Her loved ones agree, she and the light that she brought with her presence are already deeply missed.
She is survived by an older sister, Nopparath Sengmany, and a younger brother, Chamnong Sengmany, both of whom reside in Argentina; her husband, also named Somseng; children Vatsana Sengmany, Rakxat Sengmany, Sitxay Sengmany and his wife, Khamone Boualinthong, and Sonny Sengmany and his wife Cathy Thidsouvanh; and grandchildren Nicolaus Saeteurn, Sadasia Sengmany, Kitana Sengmany, Kadrianna Sengmany, Jordan Sengmany, Elijah Salas-Sengmany, Penelope Salas-Sengmany, Brandon Sengmany, and Ramiyah Sengmany.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; older brother, Somseng Sengmany; and younger brother, Banchong Sengmany.
Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, the Orland police log, and Glenn County Superior Court records. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Monday, December 9:
11:31 a.m., Veronica Pearl Lamoureaux, 29, of Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody somewhere in Orland by a California Highway Patrol officer.
3:41 p.m., Riley Joseph Nelson, 22, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance, and obstructing or resisting a public service officer (both misdemeanors), and a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail for the fresh charges was set at $0, while bail for the warrant was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 29 East Colusa Street by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 3:28 p.m. on December 9, Orland police officers responded to 29 East Colusa Street for a 911 hang-up. Officers contacted Riley Nelson, 22, of Orland. Following an investigation, Nelson was arrested and booked for a misdemeanor Glenn County warrant, and allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
11:42 p.m., Esteban Garcia, 19, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle (a misdemeanor), carrying a loaded firearm on his person or in a vehicle in a public place (a misdemeanor), grand theft of a firearm (a felony), carrying a loaded firearm by someone other than the registered owner (a misdemeanor), carrying a stolen loaded firearm (a felony), and illegal possession of a concealed weapon by a minor (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at County Road 15 and Papst Avenue by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 11:31 p.m. on December 9, Orland police officers contacted Esteban Garcia, 19, of Orland, in a parked vehicle with three juveniles on County Road 15 at Papst Avenue. Following an investigation, Garcia was arrested and booked for numerous alleged weapons violations related to carrying/possessing a loaded, concealed, stolen handgun as a minor. The remaining juveniles were released to their parents/guardians at the scene.
Tuesday, December 10:
11:05 a.m., Timothy Charles Fyock, 28, of Modesto, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail for driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
3:28 p.m., Carlos Prentice Hill, 32, of Orland, was committed to the Glenn County Jail without bail for violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at 3863 Highway 99, Orland, by a Glenn County probation officer.
4:30 p.m., Elizabeth Lynn Armenta, 37, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. Bail was set at $30,000. She was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
4:30 p.m., Amber Harvest Livingston, 37, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $20,000. She was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Wednesday, December 11:
8:35 a.m., Jose Alfredo Marmolejo, 31, of Orland, 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 928 Woodward Avenue, Orland, by a Glenn County probation officer.
8:35 a.m., Roberto Chavez Medina, 41, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody in the 900 block of West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 8:27 a.m. on December 11, deputies were contacted by a citizen who said he or she had observed a suspicious person in the area of West Wood Street near North Enright Avenue, Willows. Deputies checked the area and saw Roberto Medina of Willows running into traffic. Deputies attempted to contact Medina, but he refused to comply with directions. Medina was detained. After investigation, Medina was arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
9 a.m., Marco Antonio Trenado, 33, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of probation, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and possession of more than an ounce of marijuana (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at 367 Stony Creek Drive, Orland, by a Glenn County probation officer.
11:45 a.m., Jennifer Ann Jump, 28, of Redding, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on an order of production for a case involving vehicle theft (a felony), and a CDC detainer for a felony. She was taken into custody at Chowchilla State Prison by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 10:47 p.m. on April 14, 2022, while on patrol, Deputy Tuma conducted a suspicious vehicle check in the KFC parking lot at 226 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows. Deputy Tuma contacted the driver, Jennifer Jump, 25, of Red Bluff, who was discovered to be in possession of a stolen vehicle out of Placerville, and on CDC parole out of Tehama County. After an on-scene investigation, Jump was placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail, where she was released to jail staff for booking. A Plus Towing responded and the vehicle was towed.
According to Glenn County Superior Court records, on June 7, 2023, Jump pled guilty to vehicle theft. On July 14, 2023, she was sentenced to four years in state prison, to be served concurrently with a Shasta County case.
2:48 p.m., Marcus Daniel Yocum, 41, of Orland, 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.
11:18 p.m., Carlos Ernesto Guzman Hernandez, 39, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 6249 County Road 15, Orland, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 10:39 p.m. on December 11, deputies were dispatched to a possible verbal/physical altercation at 6249 County Road 15 in Orland. While en-route to the address, the sheriff’s dispatcher reported there was a domestic violence restraining order with a peaceful contact stipulation on file between the involved parties. Deputies arrived on-scene and contacted the involved parties. Through an investigation, deputies learned that Carlos Ernesto Guzman Hernandez of Orland allegedly attempted to force his way into a room his wife (the protected party) was in and yelled at her for approximately one minute. Guzman Hernandez was ultimately placed under arrest for allegedly violating the peaceful contact stipulation and transported to the Glenn County Jail.
Thursday, December 12:
5:14 p.m., Jesus Medina Esparza, 43, 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.
Warning to drivers in Glenn County: Stay sober. And have your licenses ready.
The Willows Area Division of the California Highway Patrol plans to conduct a driving while under the influence and driver’s license safety checkpoint somewhere in Glenn County on Sunday, December 15, Public Information Officer Caleb Cleek stated in a press release on Thursday, December 12.
“The goal of the CHP is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated or unlicensed drivers,” the press release read. “A sobriety/driver’s license checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.”
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or driving while unlicensed. The objective is to send a clear message to those individuals who consider driving and mixing alcohol or drugs, or driving when unlicensed, that you may be caught and your vehicle may be towed away.
Surrounded by his wife and children, José Luis Sedano Mendoza died in Orland on Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was born in El Salitre, Jalisco, Mexico, to Eliodoro Sedano and Carlota Mendoza on December 5, 1950.
He lived in Jalisco, where he met his wife, Araceli Flores. They married in 1974.
The couple came to the United States in 1975 for opportunities and to start their family. They arrived in Hamilton City, and in 1988, they moved to Orland, where they remained and made their hometown.
Luis and Araceli shared 50 years of marriage. They have three children, Leslie, Rosa Maria, and Luis; 10 grandchildren, Charlie, Riguin, Noemi, Citlali, Brandon, Monica, Aaron, Marco, Jacquelyn, and Sofia; and six great-grandchildren.
Luis was known for making friendships everywhere he went, but his unique passion for music and singing set him apart. If you knew Luis, you knew of his adoration for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
His family was his love, pride, and joy. His loved ones agree that “Tu’Pa will be missed.”
A Rosary is scheduled for recitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, at Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary, 825 A Street. A Funeral Mass is planned for celebration at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 822 A Street, Orland.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
The Glenn County Observer 