Following are some recent death notices, as taken from the Glenn County Sheriff-Coroner’s logs.
Friday, March 7:
Jacqueline Marguerite White, 89, of Redding, died at the Willows Care Center.
Saturday, March 8:
Lillian Dorothy Reyes of Corning died in Orland.
Monday, March 10:
Willows resident Julia Mertie Hirsch, 75, died in Willows.
A San Francisco man died north of Orland. Said to be in his early 50s by a relative at the scene, his name was withheld in the sheriff’s log, probably pending notification of next of kin.
Thursday, March 13:
Orland resident Ma Eudelia Espino, 62, died in Orland.
Lifelong Glenn County resident Richard Perez, 92, died.
Friday, March 14:
Orland resident Cheryl Moniz, 65, died in Orland.
Willows resident Patricia Reynolds died in Willows.
Monday, March 17:
Jose Sandoval Carlos, 87, died in his home in Orland.
Willows resident Randall Dwight Davis died in a residence in Willows.
Thursday, March 20:
Laura Belle Cannizzaro, 89, died at WestHaven Assisted Living.
Marvin Lee Olivarez, 68, of Willows, died in an orchard near the Blue Gum Motel, between Willows and Artois.
Jose Sandoval Carlos in his Orland home on Monday, March, 17, 2025. He was born in Nayarit, Mexico, to Maria Carlos and Ramon Sandoval on September 16, 1937.
On September 8, 1974, he married Lucila Sandoval. He and his wife were married for 50 years.
Jose has many accomplishments that he is proud of, his family being a major one. Among his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, he was very proud that all his children had graduated high school, two of them received bachelor’s degrees, and all of his children are very hardworking.
He was proud to be able to purchase a home for his wife. They loved gardening together.
He is survived by his wife; Lucila Sandoval of Orland; daughters Christina Sandoval of Orland, Otilia Martinez (Juan Martinez) of Olivehurst, and Lucy Sandoval (Rosalio Montero) of Orland; son Jose Sandoval of Orland; grandsons Luis G. Sandoval, Daniel Xavier Garcia, Fabian Sandoval, Rosalio Jose Montero, Rodrigo Montero, and Cristiano Sandoval; granddaughters Esmeralda Garcia, Marcela Sandoval, Carolina Sandoval, and Sofia Otilia Sandoval; great grandkids Zavier Matias Garcia, and Arrietty Esther Gontiz; brother Jesus Lopez; and sisters Esther Carlos, and Herlinda Lopez.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Carlos; and father, Ramon Sandoval.
A rosary is scheduled for recitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at the Sweet-Olsen Family Chapel located at 825 A Street, Orland. A Mass is planned to be celebrated at noon on Friday, April 4, at St. Dominic Catholic Church.
Following Mass, a burial is to take place at the Orland Cemetery located at 3900 County Road P.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary, Orland.
With her children beside her, Donnis Marie Plott of Orland died peacefully in Chico on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She was born in Los Angeles to Francis M. and Faye Hulbert on August 5, 1928.
At some time during her early childhood, the family moved to Kansas. Then, after her sister, Dorothy, was born, the family returned to Burbank in 1937.
Upon graduating from Burbank High School, she began her career in banking as secretary to the bank manager of Security First National Bank.
On a trip to Northern California to visit friends in 1949, she attended a dance at the Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall. There, she met the love of her life, Kent Plott, a dairyman from Vina.
They married on November 12, 1950. Inducted into the Army on January 1, 1951, Kent Plott was stationed in Oahu, and Donnis was fortunate to move with him and work there.
Upon discharge from the Army, they returned to Vina, where they started their family. Karen was born in 1953, Janet in 1954 and Eric in 1963.
Operating a dairy was a full-time job for all. Yes, Donnis learned to milk cows!
In 1970, the family moved to Orland and continued in the dairy business. Donnis returned to work for Bank of America in Corning and later in Chico.
Serving 30 years earned her the distinction and honor of “Founders Club”, which was celebrated in San Francisco. Donnis was extremely proud of the service she provided and the relationships she built with her clients, co-workers and community.
Donnis retired in 2000.
She joined the Corning Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in 1979 and valued those longtime friendships.
As a member of the Orland Federated Church, she was active in the Morningstar Circle.
Donnis and Kent enjoyed time spent with their family and friends, and traveling in their RV.
Donnis is survived by her children, Karen (Dwayne) Landrum of Chico, Janet “JP” (Roger) Clark of Arizona, and Eric (Polly) Plott of Dayton; grandchildren Keith, Katie, Tyler, and Brad; sister Dorothy Vadney; sister-in-law Sharon Williams; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kent, who died in 2020. Donnis has been laid to rest next to him at the Vina Cemetery.
A memorial service to celebrate her life is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at the Federated Church, 709 First Street, Orland.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Orland Federated Church or a favorite charity.
Here are the latest sentencings in the Glenn County Superior Court, period ending Friday, March 14, as reported by the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office and other sources.
People vs. Alexander Hall – Defendant was convicted of attempted second degree murder (a felony), with special allegations. He was sentenced to 12 years in state prison. This case was prosecuted by Glenn County District Attorney Dwayne Stewart, with assistance from California Highway Patrol Officer Jimenez. (For background on this case, see The Glenn County Observer story, “Attacker of CHP officer sentenced to 12 years”.)
People vs. Luke Vongkoth – Defendant was convicted of four felony violations of assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to five years in state prison. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Orland Police Officers Pinedo and Flores. (For background on this case, see The Glenn County Observer story, “Man sentenced for Orland stabbings”.)
People vs. Julio Saligan – Defendant was convicted of second-degree burglary (a felony), misdemeanor vandalism, and violations of probation. This was his sixth and seventh violations of probation. He was sentenced to 16 months in county jail. This case was prosecuted by Glenn County Assistant District Attorney Michael Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy McIntyre.
People vs. Armando Garcia – Defendant was convicted of altering or forging a registration or permit with intent to defraud (a felony) and violation of a protective order (a misdemeanor). He was sentenced to 120 days plus 60 consecutive days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Tuma.
People vs. Tony Hernandez – Defendant was convicted of two felony violations of Penal Code 1320(b) (failure to appear) and a felony violation of Penal Code 1320.5 (failure to appear). He was sentenced to 120 days in county jail for the first felony violation, 89 days in county jail for the second felony violation, and 33 days in county jail for the third felony violation. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Cordova.
People vs. Jose Cedillos-Murillo – Defendant was convicted of buying or receiving stolen property (a felony). He was sentenced to 120 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Tuma.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on November 9, 2022, deputies were dispatched to a report of the theft of pallets from the Rumiano Cheese Company, 101 Harvest Drive, Willows. Deputies located the described suspect vehicle and contacted the occupants, Jose Cedillos-Murillo and Jose Diaz-Nava. After a subsequent investigation, both men were arrested for drug-related charges and conspiracy. Cedillos-Murillo was also found to have an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest out of Solano County. The pallets were recovered and returned to the business.
People vs. Rene Macias – Defendant was convicted of felony evading. He was sentenced to 60 days in county jail. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from California Highway Patrol Officer Blanken.
People vs. Logan Smith – Defendant was convicted of violation of post-release community supervision. He was sentenced to 60 days in county jail and reinstated on PRCS. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Pfyl.
People vs. Michael Puleo – Defendant was convicted of violation of post-release community supervision. He was sentenced to 30 days in county jail and reinstated on PRCS. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stewart, with assistance from Glenn County Probation Officer Ortiz.
People vs. Jason Stewart – Defendant was convicted of grand theft (a felony). He was sentenced to two years’ probation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Coffey, with assistance from Glenn County Sheriff’s Deputy Ramirez.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, on March 28, 2023, Trevor Niehues of Willows reported several people were stealing metal pipes from a property he managed on Highway 162 between County Roads T and U in Glenn. Deputies arrived and contacted Niehues, who confirmed the people did not have permission to be on the property or to be in possession of the pipes. Deputies contacted the four men, who were identified as Jason Stewart of Corning, Robert Denlay Gerber, Kyle Long of Red Bluff, and Tanner Ward of Santa Rosa. Deputies discovered Stewart had posted the pipes for sale on Facebook Market. Deputies conducted their investigation and Stewart was ultimately placed under arrest. During the course of the investigation, Denlay allegedly used a false name and was allegedly found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a meth pipe. Denlay was also placed under arrest.
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 14:
8:30 a.m., Jason Thomas Cartwright, 28, of Willows, was committed to the Glenn County Jail without bail for violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, 541 West Oak Street, Willows, by a probation officer.
11:28 a.m., Jose Guadalupe Rodriguez, 33, of Corning, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on two Tehama County warrants, one alleging failure to appear on a felony charge, and the other alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail for the misdemeanor warrant was set at $25,000, while the other was a no-bail warrant. He was taken into custody at the jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
2:10 p.m., Analise Deyannara Jones, 22, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging felony violation of probation. Bail was set at $40,000. She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, 541 West Oak Street, Willows, by a probation officer.
Saturday, March 15:
11:15 a.m., Ontonio Perez Palacios, 33, of Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 537 Capay Avenue, Hamilton City, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 10:16 a.m. on March 15, 2025, deputies were dispatched to a report of a woman who flagged down drivers in the area of County Roads 25 and H in Orland. The woman reported she was a victim of domestic violence. Deputies contacted the woman and conducted an investigation. Otoniel Palacios from Hamilton City was later found and arrested for alleged felonious domestic assault.
4:27 p.m., Edgar Castro, 42, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 405 A Street by an Orland police officer.
According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 2:43 p.m. on March 15, 2025, Orland police officers responded to the front of the Orland Police Station for a report of a cold domestic violence incident. Following an investigation, Edgar Castro, 42, of Orland, was arrested and booked for alleged felony domestic battery.
Sunday, March 16:
2:20 p.m., Javier Molina Bravo, 36, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a Butte County Superior Court warrant alleging three counts of writing checks on insufficient funds (a felony). Bail was set at $45,000. He was taken into custody at 214 West Walnut Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
8:27 p.m., Gabriel Lopez Baeza, 45, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (all misdemeanors). Bail was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at 175 North Villa Avenue, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 2:49 p.m. on March 16, 2025, Pamela Baeza called Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to request a welfare check on her son, Gabriel Baeza. Pamela Baeza had an active restraining order against Gabriel Baeza. Pamela Baeza stated Gabriel Baeza stopped by her residence at 175 North Villa Avenue, Willows, and left his bicycle there. Pamela Baeza saw Gabriel Baeza walk by the residence. Pamela Baeza also reported speaking to Gabriel Baeza on the telephone.
At about 8:09 p.m. on the same date, Pamela Baeza contacted the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report her son, Gabriel Baeza, violated a no-contact domestic violence restraining order at 175 North Villa Avenue, apt. #33, in Willows. Deputies responded and contacted Pamela Baeza inside the residence. Pamela Baeza said that Gabriel Baeza had called and texted her multiple times throughout the night. Glenn County Communications confirmed there was an active, no-contact domestic violence restraining order on file between both parties. As deputies were leaving the residence, Gabriel Baeza walked by outside. He was subsequently placed under arrest for allegedly violating the order. A search of Gabriel Baeza’s person was conducted, and multiple drugs and drug paraphernalia were located on his person. Gabriel Baeza was transported to the Glenn County Jail to be booked and processed.
Monday, March 17:
7 a.m., Nicholas Jon Hoxie, 40, of Chico, 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. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
7 a.m., Jose Luis Lopez, 38, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on two Glenn County Superior Court warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Total bail was set at $40,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
8 a.m., Russell David Niewald, 62, of Chico, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on two warrants warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. One was a Glenn County Superior Court warrant and the other was a warrant from the California Highway Patrol (Willows) jurisdiction. Total bail was set at $70,000. He was taken into custody at the Butte County Jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.
Tuesday, March 18:
No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.
Glenn County’s unemployment figures for January were released on Friday, March 14.
According to the California Employment Development Department, the January unemployment rate in Glenn County was estimated to be 7.8 percent, up from 6.4 percent in December. Glenn County’s labor force was numbered at 12,210 people, of which 11,260 were actually employed, and 960 were unemployed.
In December, Glenn County’s labor force was numbered at 12,790 people, of which 11,970 were actually employed, and 820 were unemployed. In November, Glenn County’s labor force was numbered at 12,710 people, of which 11,950 were actually employed, and 760 were unemployed.
January unemployment rates for surrounding counties were:
Tehama County, 7.0 percent, up from 6.3 percent in December;
Colusa County, 17.9 percent, up from 15.6 percent;
Butte County, 6.3 percent, up from 5.6 percent;
Lake County, 8.0 percent, up from 6.6 percent; and
Mendocino County, 6.5 percent, up from 5.3 percent.
The monthly unemployment rate for Glenn County was:
January, 2024, 8.1 percent;
February, 2024, 8.4 percent;
March, 2024, 7.7 percent;
April, 6.9 percent;
May, 5.7 percent;
June, 6.5 percent;
July, 7.1 percent;
August, 6.8 percent;
September, 5.8 percent;
October, 5.7 percent;
November, 5.9 percent;
December, 6.4 percent; and
January, 2025, 7.8 percent.
The overall unemployment rate for California in January, 2025, was 5.5 percent, the same as in December, 2024. Nationally, the January unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, down slightly from 4.1 percent in December, according to the United States Department of Labor.
With his beloved wife, Marie Louise Perez, by his side, Richard Perez died peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The youngest of seven children, he was born in Willows to Frank “Paco” Perez and Cecelia Anna Mumm on December 21, 1932.
He grew up in Glenn County and attended Codora Elementary School before graduating from Princeton High School in 1951. During his high school years, he worked hard to support himself by raising bummer lambs and farming rice.
He also had a passion for sports, playing both football and basketball.
An avid outdoorsman from a young age, he enjoyed late-night goose and duck hunts. One particularly memorable outing resulted in him mistakenly bringing home a swan.
His family fondly recalls their secret signal: If the porch light was on, it meant the game warden was not around, making it safe to return home.
In March of 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman during the Korean War. He was also stationed in Hawaii during his service.
While in the Army, he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Louise Gardner, on July 30, 1953.
Known for his frugality and entrepreneurial spirit even then, he cleverly saved money by lending cash to fellow service members – with interest.
After three years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged and returned home to Glenn.
Back home, he continued his passion for farming. He raised sheep and cultivated sugar beets and rice while working alongside his stepfather, Joe Navarro.
Later, he formed a partnership with his brother, Albert Perez, under the name Perez & Perez. As time went on, he farmed alongside his son, Joe Perez, and nephew, Albert Perez, Jr., passing down his knowledge and love for agriculture to the next generation.
Beyond farming, Richard had a deep love for travel. He and Marie explored the world with their dear friends, Neil and Louella Kennedy.
Among his most cherished trips were visits to Barcelona, Spain, where he connected with his extended family and shared a special bond with his cousin, Maria Perez.
He also found great joy in ocean fishing in Alaska, Fort Bragg, and San Diego, as well as abalone diving in Fort Bragg.
His greatest pride was his family. He demonstrated his love through hard work and unwavering support for his children’s activities, whether it was sports competitions, 4-H projects, camping trips to Fort Bragg, and trips to San Diego and other places with family.
His devotion extended beyond immediate family to nieces, nephews, and countless friends who were touched by his kindness.
A man of faith, he was baptized as a Christian by Pastor Hank Bowen in 1998.
His loved ones agree, “Richard’s legacy of faithfulness to God and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marie; children Suzanne Perez Murphy (Mike), Debra Perez-Kelchlin (Steve), Juanita Perez, and Joe Perez; son-in-law Dennis Anderson; grandchildren Shane and Justin Abold, Chase and Harrison Kelchlin, Shelby Anderson Holland, Jennifer Blosser, Heather Perez, and Samantha Holland; great-grandchildren Trenton and Taylor Abold, Aspen and Ivy Abold, Axel Lineaweaver, and Codie Blosser and Finley Holland; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Adrienne Anderson; and all six of his siblings: Juanita Hutson, Josephine Duncan, Ida Mae Huston, Frank Perez, Joe Donald Perez, and Albert Perez.
A viewing is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at F.D. Sweet & Son Funeral Home, 114 North Shasta Street, Willows. Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 21, at the First Baptist Church, 154 North Lassen Street, Willows.
A graveside service is to follow at the Willows Cemetery, with a reception to take place afterward at 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 150 South Shasta Street, Willows.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Reformed Church at P.O. Box 225, Willows, CA 95988.
Few details were provided on Monday regarding the two-vehicle traffic collision that occurred at about 12:15 p.m. on Friday, March 14, in the 700 block of East Walker Street near Linwood Drive.
Judging from photographs, however, it appears that the front of a westbound Toyota Highlander collided with the driver’s side of an eastbound pickup.
Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.
The eastbound lane was completely blocked. East Walker Street in the area of the accident was shut down for perhaps an hour and traffic was diverted.
No word was given regarding the identities of the drivers, whether either vehicle had any passengers, the extent of injuries, or how the accident happened.
Luke Vongkoth, the man who used a knife to attack four people in an Orland home in January of 2024, was sentenced to five years in state prison on Friday, March 7, 2025.
At about 4:39 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, officers were dispatched to 226 Plumas Street for a report of multiple victims of stabbings.
Upon arrival, officers found four stabbing victims. It was determined that Luke Vongkoth, 18 at the time, walked into a bedroom and used a crossbow to shoot a 44-year-old man, but missed.
Vongkoth then pepper sprayed the man and proceeded to stab him in the neck and head area. The man then attempted flee to another room in the home, but Vongkoth pursued him.
As Vongkoth chased the man, he came in contact with a 65-year-old woman. Vongkoth proceeded to stab the woman in the head and neck.
A 67-year-old man attempted to stop Vongkoth, but in doing so was stabbed in his hand. Vongkoth then fled to another room and stabbed a 15-year-old boy in the head and back area.
The boy was able to escape, and Vongkoth was then locked in a room by witnesses at the scene.
While Vongkoth was trapped in the room, he attempted to commit suicide. Witnesses were able to subdue him until law enforcement officers arrived.
Once police officers were there, they were able to quickly detain Vongkoth without incident. Three of the stab victims were transported to an area hospital for their injuries, while one of the victims was treated on scene by paramedics and released.
Vongkoth was arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail on multiple attempted murder charges.
Since being charged on January 16 with four counts of attempted murder and four counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, according to Glenn County Superior Court records, Vongkoth apparently underwent mental health evaluations, although this is difficult to determine with certainty as the records are rather vague.
However, on November 1, Vongkoth pled not guilty to the attempted murder charges. Then, on December 18, he pled guilty to the four assault charges.
On the same day, the attempted murder charges were dismissed.
The Glenn County Observer 