Eduardo “Eddie” Rene Montes, 23, who was reported to be missing from the Orland area on Saturday, March 23, has made contact with his family.
This, according to Rachel Hernandez, who says she is Montes’s aunt.
Rachel Hernandez stated that Montes has been in contact with his family, but he is not home yet.
She posted the update at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26.
A call to the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office by The Observer to verify that Montes has spoken with his family was unsuccessful.
Amy Travis of the sheriff’s office said that an update would be sent out later.
However, earlier Tuesday morning, a broadcast on the police scanner was made to a deputy requesting a call be made to the “mother of a missing person.” Whether this was the mother of Eduardo Montes is unknown.
The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in locating a man who was last seen in Orland on Saturday, March 23.
At about noon on March 23, Maria De Jesus Mojica Hernandez of Orland requested to speak to a deputy regarding her adult son, Eduardo “Eddie” Montes, who was last seen around 9 a.m.
Deputy Rasmussen responded to 4405 County Road H 1/2. Hernandez said Montes left her a note saying he was leaving for a week.
Hernandez had been unable to reach Montes since receiving the note. She was concerned due to Montes recently struggling with mental health issues.
Hernandez requested to report Montes as missing. A missing person report was taken and Montes was entered into the Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
Eduardo “Eddie” Rene Montes, 23, is 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has dark hair and brown eyes.
He drives a 4-door, black 2009 Toyota Camry, California license plate #6GVA562.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 934-6431.
Shortly before 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, Orland firefighters were dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire on Fourth Street near Suisun. On the way to the fire, a dark cloud of thick smoke could be seen from blocks away. At the scene was a fully involved Chevy Silverado. Firefighters had the flames extinguished in a matter of minutes, but the pickup appeared to be a total loss. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
Cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Richard Jerome Enck, fondly called Dick by those close to him, died at his home in Artois on Sunday, March 10, 2024. The youngest of six sons, he was born in Redding to Margaret Elizabeth Enck and Russel Wayne Enck on April 21, 1944.
A dedicated and hardworking individual, Richard Enck spent many years as a valued employee of Safeway, both in Red Bluff and Willows. Following his retirement, he embarked on a new adventure, establishing a successful screen-printing business that allowed him to explore his creativity and passion for meeting new people.
From the time he was a young boy hunting and fishing in the Northern California mountains with his older brother, to his later years that he spent at his cherished cabin in Canyon Dam, he found solace and joy in the serene beauty of nature.
He adored and treasured his faithful companion, Lucky, with whom he shared countless adventures. He loved nothing more than riding around the woods or his neighborhood in his side by side, accompanied by Lucky.
Richard Enck was a man whose magnetic personality drew people to him. With a gregarious spirit and an infectious charm, he seemed to know everyone; and in turn, everyone knew him.
His presence lingered long after he left a room, leaving an indelible mark on all he encountered. Countless are the stories shared by his family of chance encounters in far-flung corners of the country, where strangers would recall meeting him with fondness and warmth.
He was that kind of individual: unforgettable.
Known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand, he forged lasting friendships wherever he went. His infectious smile, quick wit, and penchant for storytelling uplifted those around him, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.
He had a unique gift for making others feel valued and appreciated. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life was a testament to his genuine kindness and spirit.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will forever be cherished. His life was marked by his unwavering devotion to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Enck; son Darin Enck (spouse: Nicole Enck); daughter Stacey Dulbecco (spouse: Lloyd Dulbecco); grandsons Stewart Enck and Taylor Enck (spouse: Madison Enck; and great-grandchildren Jantzen and Colbie); granddaughter Alia Dulbecco; and brother Patrick Enck.
As family and friends gather to celebrate Richard Enck’s life later this spring, they will undoubtedly share countless tales of his remarkable ability to touch the lives of those around him. While his physical presence may be gone, the memories he created and the connections he forged will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
His loved ones agree, Richard Jerome Enck may have left this world, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched along his extraordinary journey.
Water from two ladder trucks is sprayed onto the burning apartments at the Paigewood complex. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
“Have you gotten any calls about a fire near Lely Park?” an Orland police officer asked a Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatcher at roughly 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19.
“There’s a large column of smoke rising in the area,” the officer added.
Just seconds later, Glenn County communications called out the Orland Fire Department for a structure fire at the Paigewood Apartments, which very close to Lely Park and is on the east side of Orland, south of Highway 32 (East Walker Street).
Soon, calls for mutual aid were made to several fire departments, including Artois, Willows, Capay, Hamilton City, and Corning.
Smoke from the Paigewood apartment fire can easily be seen from East Walker Street between Papst and Woodward Avenues late Tuesday morning. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
Orland police officers and Glenn County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene to assist with evacuating residents from their apartments and to help with crowd and traffic control.
Some dogs were also evacuated by an animal control officer. Fortunately, a later report on the police scanner indicated that most of these were reunited with their owners.
An ambulance was on-scene if needed, and one or two PG&E vehicles were seen in the area.
Firefighters were gradually released from the scene throughout the afternoon, with the final Orland volunteers leaving at about 4:30 p.m.
Thanks were extended to all the agencies that responded to this incident.
Damage to at least two of the buildings was extensive, and, reportedly, eight families were displaced. No one was injured, however.
Additional information has become available regarding the stabbing that took place Sunday morning at the Cedar Hills apartments in Willows.
As reported previously in The Observer, just before 7 a.m., 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.
According to a March 18 press release from Sgt. Brandon Draper of the 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.
He was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on a charge alleging murder.
Over the years, Corona has had numerous encounters with law enforcement, both inside and outside of Glenn County. Some of the encounters in Glenn County from January, 2023, through January, 2024, include:
Jan. 11, 2023: “Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatch received a call from Adrian Murphy of Arbuckle requesting a welfare check on her daughter and boyfriend at 600 North Humboldt Avenue, apt. #207, Willows.
“Murphy was on the phone with her daughter during a domestic violence incident when the daughter said she was pushed. The involved parties were Caitlyn and Joseph Corona.
“During the time of the call, GCSO dispatch received a 911 hang-up from Caitlyn. Deputy Gonzalez was detailed to the address and contacted Caitlyn and Joseph.
“Per Joseph and Caitlyn, it was only an argument over a set of car keys, which were returned to Caitlyn and nothing physical occurred. Caitlyn said she initially dialed 911 while on the phone with Murphy but hung up after Murphy told her GCSO had been notified.
“Deputy Gonzalez called Murphy back and she had no details about Caitlyn being pushed. Negative domestic violence, the parties were counselled, and information was provided.”
Feb. 3, 2023: “Deputy Tuma contacted 28-year-old Joseph Corona in the area of North Tehama and Vine Streets in Willows. Deputy Tuma observed objective signs and symptoms that Corona was under the influence of a controlled substance.
“Deputy Tuma conducted a Drug Abuse Recognition evaluation and determined Corona was under the influence. Corona was placed under arrest and transported to the Glenn County Jail, where he was released to jail staff for booking.”
Feb. 17, 2023: “Deputy Thompson was dispatched to 8071 County Road 61 for a report of a suspicious person at the Four Corners Market. The deputy contacted Kelly Pierce (an employee of the market) and Joseph Corona.
“Pierce requested that Corona leave the market. Corona left without incident. Deputy Thompson provided him with a courtesy ride to Willows.”
April 4, 2023: “Deputies responded to a report of an argument at the Cedar Hills apartments, apt. #207, in Willows, after receiving secondhand information that Joseph and Caitlyn Corona were fighting. The deputies did not receive an answer at the door and the apartment was quiet. The Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatcher attempted to make contact with Caitlyn Corona via telephone but was unsuccessful.
“Caitlyn’s mother, Adrian Murphy of Arbuckle, later called the GCSOand said Joseph and Caitlyn Corona were in the Cedar Hills parking lot, where, she told Deputy Goodwin, she was in an argument over car keys.
“During the argument, Joseph Corona had grabbed Caitlyn’s cell phone and smashed it. Joseph left and there was no further issue.
“Caitlyn did not want to pursue vandalism charges and said the phone was Joseph’s as well. The deputy provided her with restraining order information.”
April 23, 2023: “Deputy Vargas was dispatched to Mar-Val, 517 South Tehama Street, Willows, for a report of a broken glass door on the east side of the grocery store. Deputy Vargas was told by employee Donna Burley that when she arrived for work, she noticed the glass had been broken.
“The deputy conducted an investigation and made a report regarding the vandalism.” The sheriff’s log item lists Joseph Ryan Corona, 600 North Humboldt Avenue, apt. #7, as a “Suspect Known”.
May 17, 2023: “Deputies to the south side of the Cedar Hills apartment complex for a report that Joseph Corona was acting suspicious and was possibly under the influence. Another caller reported that a man matching Corona’s description was knocking on their door.
“Deputies contacted Corona in front of the second caller’s apartment. Corona showed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant.
“He was also allegedly found to be in possession of what was presumed to be methamphetamine and cocaine. Corona was booked into the Glenn County Jail.”
July 4, 2023: “Deputy Cordova saw Joseph Corona enter Starbuck’s, 505 North Humboldt Avenue, and knew he had an outstanding Colusa County warrant for his arrest. Deputy Cordova arrested Corona without incident.
“Corona told deputies he was in possession of ‘crystal’ and deputies allegedly found methamphetamine on his person. He was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of methamphetamine, and violation of felony probation, and the warrant.”
Oct. 30, 2023: “Deputies responded to the Cedar Hills apartments for a report of Joseph Corona allegedly being under the influence of narcotics. Deputies found Corona near apt. #272.
“He was arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance, and two counts of violation of probation. He was booked into the Glenn County Jail.”
Jan. 14, 2024: “Caitlyn Corona called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to get it documented that her youngest child’s father, Joseph Corona, left the child unattended in their apartment for an unknown period of time. Caitlyn left the child with the father when she went to work at 3 p.m. and found the child sitting on the bedroom floor, crying, when she came home for lunch at 6:15 p.m.
“Caitlyn said Joseph Corona was not in the apartment, nor did he have a cell phone, so she had no way to contact him.
“Caitlyn contacted her mother to come pick up the child so she could return to work. Joseph Corona never returned home during the 45 minutes it took for Caitlyn’s mother to arrive.
“Caitlyn got off work at midnight and went to her mother’s residence after collecting some clothes for herself and her child.”
Jan. 23, 2024: “Caitlyn Corona contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report that her husband, Joseph Corona, was allegedly under the influence and acting aggressively toward people on the north side of the Cedar Hills apartment complex. Deputy Chavez contacted Corona, but he refused to comply and attempted to flee.
“Deputy Chavez found him and he was arrested and booked into the jail on charges alleging resisting arrest and violation of probation.”
As for the Glenn County violations that actually made it to court, there are 10 or so. Of these, it appears that only two of them were for felonies.
Of these two still-active cases, one dates from May of last year and involves a vehicle theft. The other is from April of last year and involves first degree burglary and felony vandalism. (Most likely, this was the burglary of Mar-Val mentioned above.)
One other case listed on the Glenn County Superior Court website is relevant: the case of Corona v. Corona. In this case, which was initiated in late October of 2023, Caitlyn Corona filed for legal separation (with minor children) from Joseph Corona.
The January 14, 2024, sheriff’s log above indicates that both Coronas were still living together more than two months after Caitlyn filed for separation. And the January 23, 2024, log item calls Joseph Corona Caitlyn’s “husband”.
Members from both Joseph Corona’s and Caitlyn Corona’s families have called for an end to public discourse on Facebook regarding the murder. Ironically, one of the most potentially damaging social media comments came from Nikki Corona, who replied to Rebecca Jarman Warnock on The Observer’s Facebook page, “How about you worry about you and not about our family or tell us what we should be doing. We’re grieving the loss of family together. We are trying to stop posts and hateful things being said.”
Then she adds a statement that Joseph Corona’s defense attorney may not be too thrilled with: “Yes, we know what he did and we are not defending what he did at all, but when it comes to people dragging our family through the mud not knowing anything is uncalled for!” [emphasis added].
Lesson: It really is a good idea for the loved ones of both Joseph and Caitlyn Corona to stay off Facebook and other social media platforms for a while.
A person suffered a serious stab wound at the Cedar Hills apartment complex Sunday morning, March 17.
Presently, the only details regarding the incident come from information broadcast over the police scanner. Information from scanner broadcasts should always be accepted only with a great deal of caution, as such information is often based on reports from people who were not eyewitnesses, people who may have been on hand at the time of the incident but who may have jumped to conclusions about what actually happened, people who lied in order to protect someone, etc.
Watch The Observer over the coming days for more definitive updates regarding this incident.
According to the Glenn County Communications Center, shortly before 7 a.m. on Sunday, sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Cedar Hills Apartments for a report of a person suffering from a stab wound. Willows Fire Department volunteers soon followed, and it was announced that an ambulance was “less than a minute out” and was responding Code 3 (lights and sirens).
An “air ambulance” (medical helicopter) was requested. At about 7:15 a.m., Enloe FlightCare said that they have about a 12-minute estimated time of arrival (ETA) to Willows.
Child Protective Services (CPS) was requested for a one-year-old baby at the scene. CPS replied that they would call back with an ETA.
Initially, the plan was for the FlightCare helicopter to land at the Willows Airport. However, the stabbing victim was transported first by ground ambulance from the apartment complex to Glenn Medical Center, and it was decided the helicopter would land at the hospital rather than the airport.
CPS arrived on scene [presumably at the apartments] at about 7:30 a.m.
FlightCare was “on the ground at Glenn Medical” a moment later. It is not known when the helicopter took off or which hospital it flew to.
One of the many current unknowns is how the victim sustained the stab wound. Was it the result of an accident? For example, did the victim fall while holding a knife?
Was the stab wound intentionally self-inflicted? Or did someone else stab the victim in an attempted homicide?
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.
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.
Paul A. Malignaggi died at the Willows Care Center in his beloved Willows on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. He was born in San Mateo on March 5, 1930.
In San Mateo, he grew up working with his father, selling produce door to door in the 1930s. Later, as a teenager, he took on many jobs, including working for a florist and an awning company.
He attended San Mateo Community College and then went on to serve in the Army, in peacetime, following with six years in the National Guard/Reserves.
In the mid-1940s, he met the love of his life, Barbara Della Santina, in Redwood City. They were married in 1951.
His career started as a professional draftsman, later becoming a registered architect. His architectural business was very active and thrived for over four decades in Northern California, where he is still well known for his many buildings and designs.
He was also a California licensed realtor, and then, in the late 1960s, he worked as an appraiser for the Glenn County Assessor’s Office. He went on to have his own appraisal business, which is still operational and successful to this day.
He worked diligently and was beyond proud, as his loved ones were of him, when he received his private pilot’s license on Sept. 27, 1969, later to purchase his beloved Tri-Pacer.
Mr. Malignaggi was a member of the Elks for 68 years, initiated on May 31, 1956. He was a Past Exalted Ruler in 1981 and 1982.
Camping and fishing were always favorites, loving the beach as well as Lassen Park and Hat Creek. Family fun was always number one.
He loved to restore old vehicles with the help of his son, Paul. There are too many to list but his favorites included his 1930 Model A Coop and his 1931 Ford pickup, which many locals saw him drive around town every day.
In the past 20-plus years, his love of architecture went in a new direction. He started taking photos of many historical buildings and residences in Glenn, Butte, and Colusa Counties.
Using architecture and artistry, he sketched freehand these photos to paper in black and white. Later, he added watercolor to them and had the excellent idea to have these drawings printed as postcards.
He was overjoyed with their popularity.
His surviving, loving family misses him more than words will ever be able to express.
Survivors include Barbara, his wife of 74 years; children Paul Malignaggi (Kelly) and Vicki Malignaggi (Loo); granddaughter Allison (Joshua); great-grandchildren Kayden, Delilah and Conner; two nieces and a nephew and their children and grandchildren.
His loved ones declare, “We are all eternally proud of the man who was our trailblazer, moving his family to Willows in 1964, loving this town. He loved it to the end, never leaving what he called home until his last breath.
“We thank him forever for his never-ending sense of humor, honesty, love, hugs, support and his life that was devoted to his family. We miss you so much, forever.”
His family hopes that you are able to join them celebrating the life of Paul A. Malignaggi from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at an open house at the Malignaggi residence, 655 Pacific Avenue, Willows 95988. For information or RSVP, please contact Vicki at 530-520-7284.
Light refreshments will be served and if you would like to bring a dish, a dessert would be wonderful, as that was his favorite.
In lieu of flowers, the Malignaggi family would be honored to have donations sent to the Willows Fire Department, which was there in the family’s time of need.
The Glenn County Observer 