For the past month or two, I have been experiencing some medical issues. As a result, I have not been posting much on The Glenn County Observer page.
This isn’t the first time over the past three or four years that this has happened, but I have always bounced back. I hope the same will happen this time.
In the meantime … my sincere apologies.
Larry
Belinda Frances Hamilton (née Huffman) died peacefully in Willows on Friday, May 16, 2025. She was born on May 12, 1957.
Known as a bubbly, friendly, caring, funny, and dandy person, Belinda brought joy and laughter to the lives of all those she encountered. A devoted Seahawks fan, she loved playing Yahtzee and going for walks.
She especially loved spending time with friends and family, her favorite recreational activity.
She was a dedicated caregiver, spending 30 years working at the hospital. Her beautiful children and her enduring legacy of love, faith, and kindness are among her most significant accomplishments.
A lover of animals, she was particularly passionate about the ASPCA, and she extended her caring nature to her sweet pups, who will greatly miss her.
Her favorite color, purple, reflected her zest for life. As her family remembers and celebrates her extraordinary life, her friends, family, and loved ones will continue to carry her legacy of love and kindness.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Hamilton; children Heather and Jimmy Waddle, Jennifer Pritchett, and Christopher Pritchett; grandchildren Christian and Beau Waddle, Calvin and Ashlynn Pritchett, and Chance Clark; sister Barbara Winkle (Austin); brother Gene Huffman (Roxy); nieces Melissa Cook, Jessie Cronley, and Tami Stevens; nephew Steven Huffman; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Huffman; mother Frances Huffman; grandmother Bertha Street; and grandfather Rollie Street. Their loving influence played a significant role in her life and helped shape the compassionate person she was.
Orland resident Barton “Bart” Brewer Harwell died on Friday, May 30, 2025. He was born in Orland to Claude Harwell and Clara Schaffer on July 29, 1943.
He spent his whole life in Orland and attended all the local schools. In 1963, when he was around 20 years old, he enlisted in the Army and specialized in the Tank Division.
By 1969, he was honorably discharged from the Army. For 30 years, he worked for Johns Manville as a mechanic for insulation.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He even took a trip to Mongolia to hunt sheep. He was chosen by National Geographic to attend this special trip.
In 1978, he married Dawnmarie and they remained happily married until her death in 2021. He spent a wonderful 55 years married to his love.
He is survived by his sister, Sandra McGranahan; his special niece Dona Starr; and cousins Beverly Pratico, Larry Brubeck, and David Beesley. He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Harwell; mother Clara Harwell; and wife Dawnmarie Coy Harwell.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at Graves Cemetery, west of Orland.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
Orland resident Richard Jerry Barnes died on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was born in California to William and Joan Barnes on May 10, 1949.
He served his country faithfully as a Navy SEAL for many years. After his service in the military, he worked as a welder for 30-plus years.
He is survived by his son, Richard Barnes II (Tera); stepdaughter Julie Sullivan; grandchildren Lacy and Scottie; sister Christie Cornwell; and niece Danielle Parsons.
Burial is planned at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in a private ceremony.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
“Beware, beware, beware of the naked man,” songwriter Randy Newman sang in1974. “He’s running hard down the street.”
The following story doesn’t concern a naked man, just a man who was dressed to the not-quite-bare minimum.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, Orland police officers responded to Sixth Street (Highway 99) at Almond Way for a “report of a man wearing only underwear and socks, walking in the roadway and yelling at passing vehicles. Officers contacted David Hance, 41, of Orland, who displayed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. After further investigation, Hance was arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting or delaying a police officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hance was booked into the Glenn County Jail.”
However, the OPD log item left out a detail or two. For example, according to police scanner broadcasts, Hance became aggressive towards the responding officers and a Taser was deployed.
Hance was said to be briefly unconscious and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Hance was also taken to Glenn Medical Center for clearance before being booked into the jail.
According to the jail’s booking report, David Allen Hance, 47, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail at about 11:59 a.m. He was charged with allegedly using or being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and obstructing or resisting a public service officer (all misdemeanors). His bail was set at $0.
Another comment heard on the scanner that day was that Hance is on “the arson registry.” A little research found the following:
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s logs, at about 10:08 a.m. on February 3, 2023, Tammy Turner contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report a man by the name of David had assaulted her adult son and set her vehicle on fire. Deputy Chavez responded to the area of 4620 Highway 99. Deputy Chavez contacted Turner and learned David Hance poured gasoline on her 1986 Nissan and ignited the seat. Hance was located and placed under arrest.
While in the back of a patrol vehicle, Hance used a hidden handcuff key to escape from the handcuffs. Hance was re-secured in handcuffs and transported to the Glenn County Jail for booking. Glenn County Communication later reported that Hance had a local warrant and he was booked on the warrant as well.
According to the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office reports for May 12, 2023, David Allen Hance was convicted of arson, resisting or obstructing a public service officer, and battery (all misdemeanors). He was also found guilty of violation of probation, and battery with serious bodily injury (both felonies). He was sentenced to three years in state prison and probation was terminated.
Glenn County Observer
Monday morning, the Willows Office of the California Highway Patrol issued a press release regarding the accident on Highway 162 near Fruto that sent three young people to the hospital early Saturday morning.
According to Officer Arturo Servin of the CHP, at about 3:45 a.m. on June 7, Angelica Callahan, 19, of Willows, was driving her 2004 Acura west on Highway 162, west of Fruto, in a section of the highway that curves to the left, then to the right.
She was driving at a stated speed of 80 miles per hour.
According to Officer Servin, due to her high level of alcohol intoxication and her excessive speed, she lost control of the Acura and it began spinning, which caused it to overturn at least once on the roadway.
The Acura came to rest on its roof in the middle of the road.
The crash caused suspected major injuries to the driver, passenger Ariana Solis, 19, of Willows, and a 17-year-old Willows boy whose name was probably improperly withheld by the CHP.
[Editor’s Note: The Observer knows the name of the boy but will, at least for the time being, continue to withhold it since, if the boy is charged with a crime, it is possible the name was properly withheld. However, names of underaged accident victims cannot legally be withheld merely because the victims are underaged.]
Another passenger, Jaden Fragosa, 18, of Willows, sustained suspected minor injuries.
All of the vehicle occupants were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident, “possibly preventing much more serious injuries.”
Callahan was transported by Flightcare helicopter to Enloe Medical Center in Chico.
Solis and the 17-year-old were transported by ground ambulance.
Fragoso had not been taken to a hospital as of the time that the press release was issued.
Calahan was placed under arrest on alcohol-related charges.
By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
A rollover crash on Highway 162 near Fruto sent three people to the hospital early Saturday morning, June 7.
The information that follows comes from the California Highway Patrol’s traffic incident website and broadcasts made between the Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatcher and emergency responders.
More precise details are currently unavailable.
The accident occurred at roughly 3:45 a.m. on Highway 162, just west of County Road 303.
The CHP website stated that both lanes of Highway 162 were blocked by the rollover, and that the black sedan that was involved sustained major front-end damage.
Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Lourenzo reported that three people were injured in the accident.
At least one of the victims was only 17 years old.
The Flightcare helicopter landed at about 4:25 a.m.
Attempts were made to contact the parents of two of the victims, both of whom were described as being “awake and alert.”
Two of the victims were transported from the scene by ground ambulance. One was transported by Flightcare helicopter.
All were taken to Enloe Medical Center.
Glenn County Observer
It’s official.
The former Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy who, according to the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office, stole $3,500 from a homeless man he had arrested and booked into jail, voluntarily surrendered his peace officer certification.
This, according to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST.
POST keeps records of every law enforcement officer in the state whose peace officer certification has been revoked – voluntarily or involuntarily, temporarily or permanently.
A list of former law enforcement officers who have been decertified is found on the POST website (see https://post.ca.gov/Peace-Officer-Certification-Actions).
As of Friday, May 30, Sanzone’s name was still not on the list. However, the list was updated on Monday, June 2, and Sanzone’s name finally showed up.
As a result, Sanzone cannot ever serve as a peace officer in the State of California.
The charges he was facing have also gone away, meaning that he faces no jail or prison time – a fact that has many Glenn County residents upset.
Glenn County Observer
A man was wounded in a shooting that happened early Monday morning in Orland.
The incident happened at a residence in the 800 block of Watts Avenue in the northwestern part of Orland at approximately 2:50 a.m. on June 2.
According to scanner broadcasts, the man suffered a gunshot wound to his leg.
The shooting involved “two subjects, negative descriptions.”
Medics transported the wounded man at about 3:10 a.m.
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, May 23:
10:10 a.m., Devin Robert Volz, 23, of Colfax, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail for charges of annoying or molesting a victim under the age of 18 (a misdemeanor), and oral copulation with a person under the age of 18 (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Glenn County Superior Court records seem to indicate that this case dates back to February of 2021. On March 13, 2025, Volz pled guilty to three counts of annoying or molesting a victim under the age of 18 (a misdemeanor), and two counts of oral copulation with a person under the age of 18 (a felony). On May 23, 2025, he was sentenced to two years, eight months, in state prison for the oral copulation convictions, and one year in county jail for the annoying or molesting a child convictions.
10:35 a.m., Brett Calvin Syndergaard, 30, of Orland, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail for charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), and driving while under the influence within 10 years of a prior felony DUI (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on August 10, 2024, deputies were on routine patrol in the area of West Wood Street and North Shasta Street, in Willows. Deputies observed a black Honda Accord traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on West Wood Street. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Brett Syndergaard, who admitted to being under the influence of alcohol. Syndergaard had an odor of alcohol emitting from his person. After an on-scene investigation, Syndergaard was placed under arrest for driving while under the influence. Syndergaard was transported to Glenn County Jail, where he was booked.
10:45 p.m., Nicholas Lee King, 38, 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 the Quality Inn, 199 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 10:18 p.m. on May 23, 2025, deputies were dispatched to a report of trespassing at the Quality Inn, 199 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows. Marthaelena Chavez stated she observed a man, later identified as Nicholas King, driving a silver Chevrolet Silverado. King had been told to leave the property earlier in the evening due to knocking on another guest’s window. Chavez said that King had returned to the property. Deputies contacted King in the parking lot. King allegedly showed obvious signs of intoxication and was ultimately arrested for driving while under the influence.
Saturday, May 24:
12:50 a.m., Lucas Roy Friedrichs, 42, 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. He was taken into custody on Highway 99, north of County Road 9, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 12:04 a.m. on May 24, 2025, while on routine patrol, Deputy Lourenzo conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Highway 99, near County Road 8, on a vehicle for California Vehicle Code violations. During the stop, two unrelated passing vehicles became involved in a traffic collision at the location of the traffic stop. As a result of the collision, a Glenn County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle was struck and damaged. California Highway Patrol personnel responded to the scene for a collision report and ultimately placed one of the involved drivers, Lucas Roy Friedrichs, under arrest for allegedly driving while under the influence.
9:55 a.m., Denagelo Albert Quihuis, 30, of Willows, 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 118 North Alpine Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 9:33 a.m. on May 24, 2025, deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Alpine Street in Willows for a report of a disturbance. Deputies initiated an investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of Deongelo Quihuis for alleged misdemeanor Domestic Violence.
7:21 p.m., Angela Hope Watts, 42, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging battery with serious bodily injury (a felony). Bail was set at $50,000. She was taken into custody at the Paigewood Apartments by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 6:53 p.m. on May 24, 2025, Orland police officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Paigewood Drive for a report of a physical altercation between two women. Officers contacted Angela Watts, 42, of Orland, and Jennifer Sousa, 44, of Orland. After an investigation, Watts was arrested for alleged felony battery causing serious bodily injury. Watts was transported to the Glenn County Jail.
9:06 p.m., Wilber Antonio Vasquez, 39, of Richmond, 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 with a license suspended for driving while under the influence (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $15,000. He was taken into custody on the northbound side of Interstate 5, north of County Road 7, by a California Highway Patrol officer.
Sunday, May 25:
2:16 a.m., Ruben Arellano, 40, 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 Plumas and Fern Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 1:54 a.m. on May 25, 2025, deputies observed a gray Jeep Compass fail to stop at two stop signs while driving in the area of North Plumas and French Streets, Willows. Deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop and contacted the driver, Ruben Arellano. Ruben exhibited obvious signs of alcohol intoxication. After a series of Field Sobriety Tests, Ruben was placed under arrest for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol. Ruben’s vehicle was towed by A Plus towing.
4:31 a.m., Sonia Navidad Lopez-Sanchez, 24, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County Superior Court warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $20,000. She was taken into custody at Butte and Vine Streets, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 4:05 a.m. on May 25, 2025, a deputy was driving south on Tehama Street and observed a Mini Cooper stop past the limit line on Sycamore Street. The deputy followed behind the Mini Cooper and observed it stop past the limit line again on Wood Street and South Butte Street. The deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop at North Butte and Vine Streets and contacted the driver. Sonia Lopez-Sanchez. Glenn County Sheriff’s Communications reported that Lopez-Sanchez had an active misdemeanor bench warrant issued out of Glenn County. She was arrested for the warrant and transported to the Glenn County Jail for booking. She consented to the deputy legally parking her vehicle on the roadway so it would not be towed.
Monday, May 26:
1:09 p.m., Juan Daniel Torres, 52, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Glenn County warrant 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 Shasta and Fifth Streets by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 1:03 p.m. on May 26, 2025, Orland police officers contacted Juan Daniel Torres in the 400 block of Shasta Street. After further investigation, Torres was arrested for a Glenn County warrant.
2:06 p.m., J Reyes Vazquez Guerrero, 49, of Willows, 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 1964 County Road QQ, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Tuesday, May 27:
No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.
Wednesday, May 28:
12:50 p.m., Eduardo Jesus Lupercio, 41, 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 County Roads 200 and DD by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 12:23 p.m. on May 28, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the 200 block of Gable Drive for a report that Jesus Lupercio, 40, of Orland, was violating a domestic violence restraining order. Officers located 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.
1:21 p.m., Casey Leroy Gingerich, 51, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor), possession of a controlled substance with two priors (a felony), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), manufacture of a controlled substance (a felony), and misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $70,000. He was taken into custody at 6901 County Road 18, Orland, by a Glenn County probation officer.
8:27 p.m., Jesus Barba Segura, 61, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication, and resisting or obstructing a public service officer (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at A and Shasta Streets by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 8:22 p.m. on May 28, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the 600 block of A Street for a report of an adult male threatening people outside of a residence. Officers located and contacted Jesus Barba Segura, 61, of Orland. Following an investigation, Segura was arrested and booked for alleged public intoxication and resisting arrest.
9:25 p.m., Angela Hope Watts, 42, 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 apartment #70 of the Paigewood apartment complex by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 9:03 p.m. on May 28, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the Paigewood Village Apartments, 745 Paigewood Drive, for a report of a disturbance. Officers contacted Angela Watts, 42, of Orland, who was throwing beer cans and flooding her apartment. Following an investigation, Watts was arrested and booked for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Thursday, May 29:
3:13 p.m., Angel Michele Bush, 35, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging misdemeanor violation of probation. Bail was set at $10,000. She was also committed to the jail without bail for alleged misdemeanor violation of probation. She was taken into custody at the Habitat for Humanity Purpose Place apartments, 827 Newville Road, apt. #215, by a Glenn County probation officer.
7:18 p.m., Cody Paul Gillen, 33, 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 in the 500 block of Broadway, Hamilton City, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 8:49 a.m. on May 29, 2025, deputies were dispatched to 7311 Cutting Avenue, Capay District, for a 911 hangup with a female heard crying in the background. Deputies responded to the scene and contacted the confidential victim, who said they had been assaulted by a domestic partner, identified at Cody Paul Gillen.
At about 7:04 p.m. on the same date, the victim of the previously mentioned alleged domestic violence incident called and reported the suspect had returned to the residence. Deputies responded to the residence. They ultimately located the suspect away from the residence. The suspect, Cody Paul Gillen, was taken into custody and transported to the Glenn County Jail.
7:40 p.m., Joshua Lambert Odonnell, 38, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of parole (a felony). He was taken into custody at 133 North Ventura Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 7:16 p.m. on May 29, 2025, Shirley Slye contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report Joshua Odonnell was causing a disturbance at 133 North Ventura Street in Willows. Deputies responded and observed and heard Odonnell throwing objects by his trailer. Deputies contacted Odonnell, who showed obvious signs of being intoxicated. Communications said that Odonnell was on parole out of Glenn County. Odonnell’s parole agent was contacted, and he said Odonnell was not allowed to consume alcohol as part of his parole stipulations. Odonnell was subsequently placed under arrest for allegedly violating his parole terms. Odonnell was transported to the Glenn County Jail.
The Glenn County Observer 