Month: April 2025

Cheryl Joy Moniz died at her home in Orland on Friday, March 14, 2025. She was born in Willows to John E., Jr., and Dorothy Grubb on August 8, 1959.

A lifelong Orland resident, she graduated from Orland High School in 1977. She started working at Pacific Bell in 1977 at the young age of 17, and worked there until her retirement.

On November 19, 1980, she married Freddie W. Moniz, Jr. They spent over 41 years together, until his death in January of 2022.

They made a wonderful life together and raised two children.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She loved tending to her plants and flowers, crafting, and sewing, and was an amazing artist!

She enjoyed Harley rides with her husband, concerts, and get-togethers with family and friends. Her biggest love was the ocean, and she has shared many memories over the years of all her special trips and adventures there.

She is survived by her children David and Laurin Moniz of Orland; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings Shelly Ostarello, Vicki Grubb, Allen Mathews, and Keith Mathews.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Freddie; parents John Jr. and Dorothy; six siblings; and many other beloved family members and friends.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.

Glenn County Observer

Few details were provided Friday, April 4, about the traffic collision that occurred at East and Walker Streets in Orland the previous morning, April 3.

Both vehicles that were involved in the 10 a.m. crash, a Ford Fusion and a Toyota pickup, sustained significant frontend damage. Both came to rest near the southeast corner of the intersection.

The airbags in the pickup deployed.

They were removed from the scene by Bambauer Towing.

The names of those involved in the injury accident were not released, nor was information regarding what may have caused the accident.

Willows resident Michael Ray Thornton died peacefully in Willows on Friday, March 28, 2025.

He was born in Richmond, California, to Eunice Fay Thornton and Raymond Wallace Thornton on October 31, 1952. He was the younger brother of Cheryl Boulden of Oregon and the older brother of Beverly Parrish of Missouri.

Raised in Biggs, California, he graduated from Biggs High School in 1970, laying the foundation for a life defined by hard work, family, and a love for the outdoors.

In 1975, alongside his parents and his uncle, Winford Lamb, he became part of a family venture when they purchased a wrecking yard in Willows. The business thrived under their care until 1987, when he and Winford founded L&T Towing, a partnership that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing for his loved ones.

Above all, he was a passionate hunter who cherished time spent in the mountains with his sons and grandsons. Spending deer seasons hunting at Bald Mountain was his favorite activity.

Those rugged landscapes were his sanctuary, where he shared stories, laughter, and lessons with the generations that followed him. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his devotion to his family, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and unbreakable bonds.

He is survived by his daughters, Tracie Ellis of Willows, Laurie and husband Brian Nagos of Chico, and Casey Thornton of Los Angeles; and sons Tad Thornton of Reno, Nevada, Zack Thornton and his wife, Mani Thornton, of Willows, and Spencer Thornton and his wife, Amy Thornton, of Hawthorne, Nevada; and 14 grandchildren.

Services to celebrate his life are planned for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Willows Cemetery, with lunch to follow at 459 North Colusa Street, Willows.

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, March 28:

12:29 a.m., Isaac Santiago, 52, 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 driving without a license (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at East South Street and Hambright Avenue by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 11:53 p.m. on March 27, 2025, an Orland police officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a green 2001 Honda Civic on East South Street at Hambright Avenue. Following an investigation, Isaac Santiago, 52, of Orland, was arrested and booked for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving while unlicensed.

1:05 a.m., Alberto Salas Ceja, 55, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Merced Criminal Court warrant alleging lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14 (a felony). Bail was set at $150,000. He was taken into custody at East South Street and Hambright Avenue by an Orland police officer.

Although the time and location of this arrest suggests that it is connected to the preceding arrest of Isaac Santiago, there is no mention of it in the Orland Police Department logs.

1:30 p.m., Cameron Alex Moyle Stiles, 32, of Burns, Oregon, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County Superior Court warrant alleging obstructing or resisting an executive officer (a felony), exhibition of a deadly weapon other than a firearm (a misdemeanor), battery (a misdemeanor), and unlawful possession or use of tear gas or a tear gas weapon (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $40,000. He was taken into custody at the Yolo County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 3:15 a.m. on January 7, 2025, an Orland police officer responded to the Pilot Travel Center, 4444 Commerce Lane, for a report of a physical altercation between two men, with one man having a knife. Officers located and detained Robert McDonald, 36, of Orland, and transient Cameron Stiles, 32. Stiles refused to comply with commands, attempted to assault the officer, and was subdued with a Taser. Stiles was arrested and booked for alleged assault with a deadly weapon, possession of pepper spray by a felon, and resisting arrest by threat or violence.

10:30 p.m., Elias Martinez Albarron, 59, of Anderson, 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, south of County Road 35, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

11:28 p.m., Sheila May Shockley, 60, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging using or being under the influence of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. She was taken into custody at 817 Newport Avenue by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 10:50 p.m. on March 28, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the Orland Manor Apartments, 817 Newport Avenue, for a report of an unknown woman loitering on the property. Officers contacted Sheila Shockley, 60, of Orland. Following an investigation, Shockley was arrested and booked for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance.

11:42 p.m., Michelle Louise Mischell, 50, of Los Molinos, 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 on French Street at Butte Street, Willows, by a California Highway Patrol officer.

Saturday, March 29:

No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.

Sunday, March 30:

2:05 a.m., Rigoberto Valdez-Cortez, 22, 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 at 100 South Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 1:55 a.m. on March 30, 2025, a deputy observed a Toyota Camry driving south on South Tehama Street in Willows. The deputy observed the vehicle pull into a parking lot behind the Fu Hing restaurant, 100 South Tehama Street, and contacted the driver (later identified as Rigoberto Valdez-Cortez). The driver was ultimately arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence.

Monday, March 31:

9 a.m., Jason Thomas Cartwright, 28, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail for alleged violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

12:39 p.m., Amy Marie Littrell, 39, of Lakeport, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on two Glenn County Superior Court warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. The original charge was alleged violation of a restraining order to prevent domestic violence. Total bail was set at $120,000. She was taken into custody at the Lake County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

8:50 p.m., Christian Salvador Hernandez, 21, of Windsor, Sonoma County, California, 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 at County Road 32 by a California Highway Patrol officer.

Tuesday, April 1:

5:02 a.m., William Donald Jarman, 35, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging vehicle theft, and possession of a stolen vehicle (both felonies). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at 645 Third Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy. (See the following booking report for more information.)

5:02 a.m., Skye Rae McGrath, 29, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging vehicle theft, and possession of a stolen vehicle (both felonies). Bail was set at $20,000. She was taken into custody at 645 Third Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 3:08 a.m. on April 1, 2025, Salvador Palacios-Gomez contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report his vehicle stolen near North Plumas and West Walnut Streets in Willows. Deputy Peterson contacted Palacios-Gomez and initiated an investigation. Palacios-Gomez reported his white 2011 Nissan Maxima was towed away at approximately 2:45 a.m. by an unknown white sedan. He filled out a CHP180 form to report the vehicle stolen and wanted to pursue criminal charges. Deputies conducted an area check and located the vehicle at 645 Third Street in Willows. Deputies contacted Skye Mcgrath and William Jarman, both of Willows, who admitted to taking the vehicle earlier in the morning. Mcgrath and Jarman were ultimately placed under arrest for allegedly taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and possessing a stolen vehicle. McGrath and Jarman were transported to the Glenn County Jail to be booked and processed.

8:53 a.m., Kyle William Landrith, 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 7641 Cutting Avenue, Orland (Capay District), by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 6:23 p.m. on March 31, 2025, deputies were dispatched to 7641 Cutting Avenue, Orland, for a report of a restraining order violation. Deputies contacted Deborah Ariza, who alleged her son, Kyle Landrith, had violated a restraining order by returning to her residence.

At about 8:42 a.m. on April 1, Sergeant Ramirez responded to 7641 Cutting Avenue for a restraining order violation. Sergeant Ramirez was aware of a prior call for service the night before. During the original call for service, Kyle Landrith had allegedly violated the restraining order but deputies were unable to contact him at the residence. Deborah Ariza, the protected party, was able to stay away from the residence for the night. Sergeant Ramirez responded back out to the residence in the morning and contacted Landrith outside of the residence. Landrith was ultimately placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail for the alleged restraining order violation.

10:57 a.m., Miguel Angel Flores-Rios, 29, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody in the 800 block of Monterey Street by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 10:47 a.m. on April 1, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the 800 block of West Monterey Street for a report of a man who had been drinking and was making suicidal statements. Officers contacted and detained Miguel Flores-Rios, 29, of Orland, who was subsequently arrested for alleged public intoxication. He was transported to the hospital for medical clearance, then booked.

1:25 p.m., Ryan Clifford Burgess, 46, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at the Habitat for Humanity Purpose Place Apartments, 827 Newville Road, by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 1:12 p.m. on April 1, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the Habitat for Humanity Purpose Place Apartments, 827 Newville Road, for a report of a restraining order violation. Officers contacted Ryan Burgess, 46, of Orland, who was arrested and booked for allegedly violating a restraining order.

4:15 p.m., Raschell Ann Wammack, 50, of Orland, was returned to the custody of the Glenn County Jail without bail for allegedly driving with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (a misdemeanor). She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department by a probation officer.

6:08 p.m., Gabriel Jimenez Lopez, 31, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $10,000. He was taken into custody at Colusa and Fifth Streets by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 6:03 p.m. on April 1, 2025, Orland police officers contacted Gabriel Jimenez Lopez, 32, of Orland, at the La Perla Tapatia, 424 Colusa Street. Jimenez Lopez was arrested and booked for a misdemeanor Glenn County warrant.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

The CHP and the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office have released information regarding Sunday morning’s crash that took the life of a young woman on Highway 99 north of Artois.

According to the press release issued by the Willows Area Office of the California Highway Patrol Tuesday morning, at about 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, a 22-year-old woman (the CHP says she was from Artois, while the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office says she was from Willows) was driving a 1999 GMC south on Highway 99, north of County Road 27, at an unknown speed.

For an unknown reason, the GMC veered to the left, causing it to travel across both the southbound and northbound lanes of Highway 99.

The vehicle left the roadway on the east side of Highway 99 and collided with several fences and a power pole.

According to police scanner broadcasts from Sunday morning, the power pole was knocked down and its live power lines fell across both lanes of traffic on Highway 99.

According to Officer J. Vasquez of the CHP, the woman was not wearing her seatbelts at the time of the accident.

Scanner broadcasts indicated that CPR was performed on the woman, but she died at the scene as a result of her injuries.

The sheriff’s log states she was pronounced deceased by Westside Ambulance paramedics at 7:07 a.m.

According to Officer Vasquez, alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be a contributing factor to this crash.

When Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, they determined that the victim had been ejected from the GMC 2500.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Alyssa Rose Kohler.

Her next of kin was given as Marie Lee Hansen of Oroville.

She was notified of the death.