JULY
With the Colusa County Fair wrapped up, the 44th District Agricultural Association began planning the 2024 exposition. The Fair Board selected “Star Spangled Summer” as the fair theme so board committees, youth groups, and local organizations can begin planning next year’s theme-related activities. Fair officials said the theme is everything when it comes to decorating and marketing.
People from all over Colusa County and from across the Sacramento River congregated in Grimes on Independence Day for the bi-annual Fourth of July Breakfast at the Grand Island Fire Station. The all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, fruit, burritos, and biscuits and gravy was served at no cost, but donations of all amounts were accepted from generous supporters of the Grand Island Firefighters Scholarship Fund.
July 9 marked the 70th anniversary of the deadly Rattlesnake Fire in the Mendocino National Forest, a long-ago arson fire that killed U.S. Forest Service Officer Robert Powers and 14 volunteer firefighters. The volunteers killed were part of a 24-man team from the New Tribes Mission, based at Fouts Springs, in Colusa County, a boot camp where missionaries of all faiths came from around the country to train in rugged conditions before scattering to foreign countries to teach the gospel to tribal people.
The Board of Parole Hearings on July 19 denied Nathan Ramazzini’s first bid for parole, which was made possible after the California Legislature passed SB 394, which took lifetime prison sentences without the possibility of parole off the books for offenders who committed their crimes as juveniles. Colusa County District Attorney Brenden Farrell said Ramazinni’s parole hearing lasted for more than four hours, with the Parole Board Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner focusing largely on the crime itself, Ramazzini’s life while incarcerated, and whether they felt he was sufficiently rehabilitated enough to re-enter society. Ramazzini was convicted in 1998 of killing Erik Ingebretsen on July 15, 1997, when both boys were just 16 years old. Another childhood friend, Leo Contreras, 18, pleaded guilty to being Ramazzini’s accomplice two days into his jury trial, and has since been released from prison.
Pilots from as far away as Nevada landed at the Colusa County Airport on July 15 for a quick breakfast and some socializing before they wheeled back into the sky ahead of the heat. About 40 planes, along with some classic cars, were the center of attention at the 27th annual Old Time Fly-in, hosted by the Colusa County Aviation Association.
The Colusa City Council on July 18 adopted a proposed $6.3 million spending plan for 2023-24 that anticipated general fund expenditures would greatly exceed revenue if not for the 1% general sales tax voters approved last November. Colusa officials said the proposed budget was somewhat conservative and could change by mid-year when actual revenues were better known. Finance Director Ishrat Aziz-Khan said Colusa’s general fund revenue is likely to increase by $2.5 million, which includes $1.55 million in anticipated new sales taxes from Measure B. The budget largely funded public safety, including $1.85 million for law enforcement, up from $1.68 million last year, as the Police Department was able to negotiate a 10% salary increase to better retain and attract police officers and a 15% increase to the sergeant’s salary. The Fire Department was funded at about $1 million, up from $903,000 last year, picking up one additional firefighter but not the requested secretary position. The city anticipated a $443,401 deficit by the end of the fiscal year.
Colusa officials said the peace and sanity of Colusa residents on Sunday afternoons and evenings have been tested to the point where legal intervention may be necessary. The Colusa City Council said it was time to dust off the city’s 15-year-old noise and nuisance ordinance and see if there is something that can be done to get the volume turned down at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. A new ordinance is expected to come back to the City Council in early 2024 that restricts the decibel level carried from the fairgrounds onto city streets and into residential neighborhoods during the entire duration of events.
Colusa officials were split in July on the decision to partner with an energy company that converts sewer sludge and other organic waste into a renewable source of electricity. After months of discussion and uncertainty, the Colusa City Council on July 18 voted 3-2 to purchase the excess power BC&E will generate beyond its own needs for the next 15 years. BC&E, formerly of Sacramento, hopes to be up and operational with a 4.5-megawatt power plant by 2024 to take advantage of tax credits made available from the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law nearly one year ago. The technology will allow for a variety of feedstock materials – including agricultural waste, wood, and sewer sludge – to be cleanly converted by high heat into carbon char and synthetic gas.
Through the agreement, Colusa will purchase power for 16 cents a kilowatt, which would save the city about $330,000 annually on electricity, with the excess power sold to PG&E at 19.1 cents. Once operational, Colusa stands to make $5 million over the next two years from tax credits the federal government has made available, officials said.
Greenceuticals, a cannabis cultivation company located on Bridge Street, in Colusa, suffered its first major break-in on July 17. The incident occurred around 3:30 AM when CDP officers were dispatched to the location after a report of the burglary in process, said Lt. Sara Martin. Martin said surveillance cameras captured approximately 10 black male adults with six associated vehicles accessing the business on the south side and removing product from the building. Vehicles used in the crime had their license plates concealed with black tape. No arrests have been made in connection to the incident.
In July, the City Council emphasized recreation for National Park and Recreation Month, which promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Colusa is in its third year of enhanced recreation programming, which includes youth and adult activities, with a full-time recreation coordinator on staff for the first time in many years.
The annual Colusa Veterans Picnic on July 29 had the largest turnout since its inception. Colusa VFW Post No. 2441 and the Maxwell American Legion Post No. 218 came together with the community – and past and present service members – to raise money to support services for veterans, their families, and other veteran groups.
AUGUST
On Aug. 1, Colusa County Pioneer Review Owner and Publisher Lloyd Green sold the local newspaper to new owner Paul Scholl, of Messenger Publishing Group. A publishing veteran of over 40 years, Scholl owns community newspapers in Northern California, including The Gridley Herald, Territorial Dispatch, Dixon Independent Voice, Carmichael Times, the West Sacramento News Ledger, among other Sacramento area publications. Green is now focused on his other venture, Stitches Embroidery & Customs, in Colusa. Green said the business represents his passion for creating custom apparel, workwear, hats, banners, spirit gear, graphic design, flyers, fundraising apparel, and so much more.
Following in the steps of other similar agencies, Colusa County Animal Control stopped accepting public surrender of stray or feral cats on Aug. 1. The change in practice was necessitated by increased sheltering requirements accompanied by limited staff and resources, officials said. From 2020 to August 2023, the Colusa County animal shelter took in 1,890 cats. Only four were claimed by owners, and only 333 were rehomed.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 1 voted 3-2 to officially oppose the expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include any federal lands located in Colusa County. Additionally, the board opposed the renaming of historic Walker Ridge to Molok Luyuk (Condor Ridge), a name requested by Native American Patwin Tribes whose ancestors lived in villages that stretched across the wilderness from today’s Colusa to Solano counties. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, both California Democrats, reintroduced legislation in March to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include approximately 3,925 acres of adjacent Bureau of Land Management-administered public lands in Lake County.
A convicted killer was sentenced in August to 120 days in the Colusa County Jail for violating the conditions of parole. Marvin Dean Noor, 61, of Colusa, spent decades in maximum security for one of the most notorious racially motivated murders in Northern California. Noor was released on parole on April 17, 2018, after having served 38 years on a first-degree murder conviction for the intentional and senseless killing of 22-year-old Jimmy Lee Campbell, a young black man who was shot in the back simply for being African American, officials said. Noor, who reportedly led a criminal life since he was 13, along with longtime friend James Thomas McCarter, and Noor’s girlfriend Dani Shope, were convicted of killing Campbell on the evening of Jan. 14, 1979, as he walked along Park Avenue in Chico after leaving the roller rink. Noor also admitted to shooting at Michelle Knight, a young black woman who was walking on Roseben Avenue with her purse in one hand and holding an umbrella with the other. Noor’s bullet missed but had reportedly passed so close to Knight’s cheek it left powder burns.
Colusa County’s agriculture was once on a trajectory to reach $1 billion annually, but the impact of multiple years of drought and other unprecedented weather conditions in 2022 plunged agricultural production values 47.7%, according to the Colusa County Crop Report released Aug. 15. The gross value of Colusa County’s agriculture in 2022 was $433 million, down from $828 million in 2021, Agricultural Commissioner Anastacia Allen reported. Tomatoes, which historically claimed fourth place in the top ten commodities in Colusa County, jumped above rice and walnuts by increasing in both yield per acre and value.
The Williams City Council on Aug. 16 decided to revise its two-year preliminary budget and dip into reserves to absorb a shortfall in the sewer fund, which was created by the rising cost of doing business. City leaders said they would rather offset a deficit rather than ask voters at this time to approve a rate hike through a Proposition 218 ballot election. Officials said the city has repeatedly failed to get voters to support tax increases of any kind, including Measure C, in 2022, even though they said a large position of the tax burden would be borne by Interstate 5 travelers who stop in Williams for fuel and gasoline.
On Aug. 20, at approximately 8:06 pm, the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Williams Orv’s Gas Station regarding an armed robbery that had allegedly occurred in the parking lot for the Lynch Canyon Trail, located on Highway 20, west of Highway 16. The victim was provided a ride and dropped off by a citizen at Orv’s Gas Station after being robbed of his wallet, car keys, cell phone, and other valuables. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint. The victim said he was standing outside his vehicle in the parking lot when an older model red minivan pulled in and parked nearby. The victim described one of the suspects as a black male adult, thin build, and approximately 6 feet tall with dreadlocks. The second suspect was described as a black male adult approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 250 lbs. The weapon was described as a black handgun with an extended magazine.
After several years in the making, Colusa officials on Aug. 24 launched the opening of the long-awaited splash park at AB Davison Park. The new water park, which was the most requested city amenity in 2007 and 2020, features a “duck” sprayer, several “spray way” arches, a “fill and spill” bucket water drop, a ladybug spout, and a tractor sprayer, and was installed just in time for the end of summer. The Colusa City Council in 2021 authorized the splash park to be constructed next to the swimming pool, using the city’s $177,000 per capita allocation from Proposition 68, a Park and Water Bond Act of 2018.
The Colusa County Arts Council wrapped its highly successful Levitt AMP summer concert series on Aug. 24, funded with a multi-year grant from the Levitt Foundation. The Foundation provided funding to communities across America, activating underused public spaces, ensuring access to the arts, and strengthening the social fabric of communities by bringing people together of all ages and backgrounds through a free, outdoor concert series.
Winning back-to-back championships in Colusa, California’s two best duck calling competitors were returned to the world championship in Stuttgart, Ark., in November. Bronson Lasley, 20, of Penngrove, once again earned his spot on the world stage by winning the Butte Sink Regional Championship on Aug. 26. Colby Stilwell, the 2022 California State Duck Call Champion, retained that same title on Aug. 27. The annual state championship is sponsored by Kittle’s Outdoor.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors voted 4 -1 on Aug. 29 to once again implement AB 1265, which allows the jurisdiction to reduce 10-year California Land Conservation Act (Williamson) contracts to nine years, and the 20-year Farmland Security Zone contracts at 18 years, as a way to make up for some of the county’s property tax losses that result from landowner participation in the long-running agriculture and open space preservation program.
Colusa City Council members Denise Conrado and Ryan Codorniz hosted “Coffee with Council” on Aug. 30 at Caffeinated. The informal gathering allowed constituents to ask questions or express concerns about the goings on in the city. “Coffee with Council,” began shortly before the end of the COVID-19 pandemic for the public to meet outdoors with their elected officials in a relaxed environment.
Redistricting after the 2020 Census brought Rep. Doug LaMalfa back to southwestern side of the Sacramento River, an area he represented previously in the California Assembly and Senate. But while constituents who attended the Aug. 30 Town Hall at the Veterans Hall in Colusa were glad to listen and speak to the familiar Republican Congressman, most left with the same sense of desperation and hopelessness they felt when they arrived. Fuel prices, homelessness, crime, education failure, government spending, the border crisis, the high cost of goods and services, lagging wages, the vulnerability of relying on goods manufactured in China, the slow pace to build water storage, climate overreach, and the war on parental rights, agriculture, diesel-powered vehicles, and energy, the past four years under the Biden Administration, were top of mind.
SEPTEMBER
The Colusa County Arts Council on Sept. 5 hosted a reception to celebrate the artists who were provided the time and space to practice their craft and grow from their experience in a rural community. The work of Vanessa Lin, Gabriel Garza, Kyrna Berman-Gestring, Heather Hardison, Iris De La Torre, and Jamie Servais was on display at the well-attended gathering. The artists took part in the Social Studies Residency program during the spring and summer of 2023, with several returning for Saturday’s gallery event.
The Colusa Citizens Oversight Committee, tasked with watching over tax revenue from Measure B, denied a request at their Sept. 6 meeting from city officials to recommend the City Council allocate $384,005 of Measure B toward for the city’s obligation on the street light at Wescott Road, which is part of the new Colusa Town Center (Arco fuel station project), which is to be constructed behind Round Table Pizza, north of the apartment building under construction next to the Assembly of Church on Highway 20.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 12 authorized Sierra Sacramento Valley Emergency Medical Service Agency to issue the request for proposals to place two full time Advanced Life Support ambulances on duty in the county 24 hours per day, seven days a week, using the proceeds from Measure A, a special tax measure passed by local voters to support ground ambulance services. Once a contract is in place, it will mark the largest exclusive taxpayer subsidy ever given to a private ambulance company in the State of California, officials said. The county expects the half cent increase on every $1 spent on taxable goods and services in Colusa County will generate over $2 million annually.
The Colusa County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 15 located a woman who had been missing in the rice fields near Maxwell for over 24 hours. Judith Ann Isola, 78, of Red Bluff, was reported missing just before 10 am on Sept. 14. Colusa County Assistant Sheriff Michael Bradwell said Isola walked away while her husband and son were preparing duck blinds for the fall hunting season and was unable to find her way back to them. She was eventually found southwest of Maxwell-Colusa Road, quite a distance from where she was last seen, lying on her back at the side of a rice field. She was responsive and unharmed, except for minor exposure to the elements, including mosquitos, and was immediately airlifted to a hospital by helicopter.
Billed as the inaugural Guerra de Tacos, the Williams Recreation Department hosted its first Taco War on Sept. 16, bringing out six vendors who battled it out for bragging rights and prizes. In the end, only three competitors could be declared winners with Tacos El 88 taking first place, winning a tabletop Blackstone Grill and table. Second place was awarded to Tacolgando, who said their secret to a good taco is adding a little mayonnaise. Sacred Heart Church won third place. Tacos Don Memo won the salsa competition.
The Williams City Council on Sept. 20 approved a zoning code update increasing the cell tower height allowance within the city limits, proving the towers look somewhat like tall skinny trees. Acting City Planner Katheryn Ramsaur said Williams limited the height of cell towers to 50 feet in 2011, after the first two telecommunications towers were built: one at a height of 120 feet and another sitting at 100 feet. According to Pew Research, the number of adults in the US using a cell phone has increased from 82% percent to 97%. Williams officials believe dependance on wireless communication will grow, requiring the coverage area to increase as well. Ramsaur said the Planning Department was contacted about the 50-foot limit being too low.
The Sacramento Valley Museum Board of Trustees hosted a birthday bash for everyone 80 years or older on Saturday, Sept. 23. About a dozen men and women were in attendance for a catered lunch, held in the Museum’s Alumni Room, which honors students from the Old Williams High School (1911-1956), including current Williams Treasurer and former Mayor, John Troughton Jr., who attended the birthday celebration.
Dozens of volunteers on Sept. 23 rolled up their sleeves to pick up trash from the Sacramento River Recreation Area to Bridge Street, in Colusa, as part of the largest volunteer event in the state. The annual Colusa River Cleanup sponsored by Premier Mushrooms, and hosted by the County Chamber of Commerce, was one of 700 events along the coast, streams, and rivers. The 10th local event was held in conjunction with the 39th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, which focuses on protecting inland rivers and the ocean from an abundance of debris that harms marine life and degrades the environment.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 26 adopted a $154 million 2023-24 budget that, after a year of struggles, is balanced. Although the one-year spending plan reflected a $16 million increase over last year, the increase is largely increased funding for the new jail project, which is expected to soon get underway. The budget, which funds approximately 425 full time employees, also reflects an 8% increase in their salaries and benefits, which comprise 34% of the total budget. Officials said the increase over last year is largely attributed to the cost of health insurance, salary increases, and retirement costs.
The flame of a torch lit in August in Oregon for Army Pfc. Rueben “Boy” Lopez flickered in the breeze as it made its way into Williams on Sept. 29, accompanied by about two dozen motorcycle riders from throughout the west.
Cadet Corps branch in Northern California for seventh through 12th grade students to learn life skills and discipline
that will carry over to any career they choose, especially if they pursue military, firefighting, or law enforcement.
The Williams Fire Department greeted the flame with a hoisted American Flag, as the annual Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Memorial Torch Motorcycle Ride reached near the end of its 4,000-mile trip across six western states, stopping along the way to honor 48 fallen heroes in their hometowns. After it left Williams, the Memorial Torch Motorcycle Ride concluded on Sept. 30, in Eugene, with a ceremony and the ringing of the memorial bell 48 times as each of this year’s fallen soldiers’ names, including Lopez’s, were read. Lopez was killed Aug. 11, 2011, in the Kandahar Province in Southern Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his transportation vehicle.
OCTOBER
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October as Opioid Awareness Month at the request of Colusa County Behavioral Health. Colusa County officials said there were four opioid-related deaths within the county in the past two years and enough fentanyl seized by the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office to kill the entire population of Colusa County seven times over. October is also National Substance Abuse Awareness Month and National Recovery Month. Colusa County Behavioral Health officials said they are focusing their efforts on raising awareness on the dangers associated with opiates, but also the use of Naloxone (Narcan) as an opiate-reversing intervention medication now that synthetic fentanyl is here to stay.
For collectors of old bottles and glassware, the Antique Bottle and Collectibles Show in Williams was the place to be Oct 6-7. While the fourth annual event was free to the public on Saturday, serious collectors paid a $20 admission just to get first crack at what treasures showed up this year. Museum President Arno Martini said the annual Bottle Show is a good fit for Williams and the museum because there is always something new for just about every collector. The show was organized by Slim and Christy Edwards, and the museum was open for the duration of the event.
The Colusa City Council on Oct. 3 appointed Sara Andreotti to the Colusa Planning Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Ed Duncan. Andreotti was the only applicant for the position but came with an impressive background in civil engineering. Andreotti has worked for the City of Woodland Community Development and Transportation Department for seven years and has an educational background in architecture and city planning.
The Colusa City Council on Oct. 3 voted 4-1, with Mayor Greg Ponciano dissenting, to approve a new development agreement with Amar Chema, who has been working on the Town Center Arco project on Highway 20 since 2017. The new development agreement will allow the City of Colusa to reduce its reimbursement obligation from $2.4 million to $1.2, a considerable savings, but the city must commit about $760,000 from the general fund or cannabis fund to cover what should have been collected as traffic impact fees from previous housing and commercial developers, officials said.
The Colusa Citizens Tax Oversight Committee said on Oct. 4 recommended the City Council allocate no less than 70% of Measure B funds for the repair and construction of streets and roads. Colusa officials anticipate the 1% sales tax increase will bring in an excess of $1.5 million annually over the next four years, and that street repairs best reflected the desire of the public, who voted for the increase in the Nov. 8, 2022, election. In addition to the 70% allocation to roads, the oversight committee recommended that Parks and Trees each receive 13 percent of the revenue, with police and fire each receiving 2%.
The Colusa County Sheriff’s Office and allied agencies began the search for endangered 15-year-old, Lilly Edwards, a Leesville teen who reportedly left home with two adult men, Andrew Magana and Phillip Flannery, of Maxwell, on Oct. 8, and has not been seen since. The search has taken law enforcement to Placer County, but leads have not panned out, officials said. Anyone with information about Edwards’ or Magana’s whereabouts are asked to call Sgt. Luis Ruiz at (530) 458-0200.
Colusa residents woke up to find hateful antisemitic flyers left on doorsteps, in mailboxes, and vehicle windshield following Hamas’s attack on Southern Israel on Oct. 7, which killed approximately 1,200 citizens, including Americans, and took more than 200 hostages. The U.S. State Department declared Hamas, funded largely by the Islamic Republic of Iran, a terror organization on Oct. 8, 1997.
The Maxwell Unified School Board, in a workshop on Oct. 9, said it may have no choice but to float a school bond in the November 2024 election. Although Maxwell Unified could face an uphill battle with voters, who previously surveyed they would not support a bond, failing to put the question before voters could cost the district the loss of hardship funding – a highly competitive grant opportunity from the State of California that is only awarded to school districts that have put forth a bond measure that fails.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 9 signed AB 1653, written by Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) that will require school districts that participate in interscholastic athletic programs to have a written emergency action plan, including location and procedures to be followed, in the event of heat illness related to the athletic program’s activities or events. The bill also requires the California Interscholastic Federation, in consultation with the State Department of Education, to, no later than July 1, 2024, develop guidelines, procedures, and safety standards for the prevention and management of exertional heat illness.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 10 posthumously honored Vietnam Veteran Gene Beauchamp for his exemplary military service and as a beloved friend and citizen of Colusa County. Supervisor Janice Bell, who had requested the action, read the Proclamation honoring Beauchamp, who died at the age of 74 on Jan. 11, 2023, in a storm-related accident.
Colusa County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson on Oct. 16 found there was sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing for Royer Delgado, of Sacramento, to answer to three counts of attempted first-degree murder for an alleged unprovoked attack on three of his co-workers as they traveled together in a work truck, southbound on I-5, north of Delevan Road in Colusa County on June 29. Delgado is accused of personally using a firearm to shoot the men, one critically, before he was captured in Yolo County.
On Oct. 18, 124 Williams junior and senior high school students were promoted from Cadet Corps recruits to cadets, in a ceremony that was well attended by program dignitaries, school officials, and family members. Former Gov. Jerry Brown helped orchestrate the program at Williams Jr./Sr. High School and oversaw the promotion ceremony.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 24 were notified that Elizabeth Kelly, Colusa County Health and Human Services Director, received the prestigious 2023 County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) Executive Leadership Award. The CWDA Executive Leadership Award is presented annually to a county director or staff for their leadership in the advancement of county, regional, or statewide Social Services programs.
The fifth annual Puptoberfest on Oct. 28 was a fundraising success for Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter. More dogs were decked out in Halloween costumes than ever before and were paraded before judges by their owners, most of whom were also in costume. The event raised $3,338 for the care of shelter animals.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors, in a special meeting on Oct. 30, authorized the Public Works Department to do whatever it takes to save County Line Road ahead of El Niño. The road serves as a major collector route between Interstate 5 and State Route 45, and significant subsurface failure was determined when the road department began pulverizing the pavement last week to temporarily revert the road to gravel.
Colusa businesses and organizations that participated in the 2023 Scarecrow Contest outdid themselves this year. The contest, hosted for the first time by Stagehands Theater, was an opportunity for businesses not only to be involved in the community but to showcase their creativity and bring people together to enjoy the festive spirit of fall. Of the 22 entries, the judges selected the “beauty of a scarecrow” at Richie’s Florists as the winner.
NOVEMBER
After making his formal introduction to the Colusa County Board of Supervisors in March, California Senator Brian Dahle returned to Colusa on Nov. 3 to meet with people previously represented by 4th District Senator Jim Nielsen. Dahle represents the First District, which acquired Colusa, Glenn, Butte, and Tehama counties by deferral after Nielsen retired in 2022. About 15 people attended the informal gathering at Market Street Grill.
The Colusa County 4-H “Make it and Take it” Craft Expo on Nov. 4 had youth and adults of all ages making Christmas ornaments and other projects. Local clubs, parents, and volunteers hosted about a dozen different craft projects, with all the needed supplies provided to the public at A cost ranging from $1 to $10.
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 7 continued the public hearing on a controversial solar electricity generation project for one month to determine if a board member – or possibly two – have conflicts of interest. The board will hear testimony on whether to overrule the Colusa County Planning Commission’s denial of a conditional use permit on the Janus Solar and Battery Storage Project once they receive an opinion from the Fair Political Practices Commission.
The Colusa City Council on Nov. 7 reversed a previous council’s decision to allow marijuana storefronts on Market Street, in shopping centers, and other commercial districts. One year after the council asked the Colusa Planning Commission to take a deep dive into the city’s cannabis ordinance, the City Council adopted amendments that will greatly restrict the number of retail pot shops that can operate in city limits – and relegate pot shops and micro business to only light industrial, general industrial, or limited manufacturing zones.
Girl Scouts of Colusa Unit 101 and Cub Scouts Pack 5 volunteered Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Colusa Cemetery District, where they placed flags at the grave sites of Veterans. The Scouts plan to make this an annual event and hope to expand their volunteer service to other organizations in the County.
The Williams City Council on Nov. 15 agreed to extend the required time for Legacy of Memories Funeral Home to make required sidewalk, curb, and gutter improvements to vacant property at 169 N. 7th street. The extension will allow the business to get up and running quickly, once the appropriate permits are issued by the city and the initial improvements are made. Prior to the construction of Interstate 5, the beautiful 1940’s era structure was one of many stops for travelers in Williams that traversed up and down Highway 99. The property has been vacant for several years, and city officials said the funeral home will be a welcomed addition to Williams.
Trial has been set for midsummer for the Montana man accused of allowing a 17-year-old boy to drink with him at a Colusa restaurant shortly before he was killed in 2022 when the teen reportedly jumped from a moving vehicle. Edward Page, 66, appeared before Colusa County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson on Nov. 20 to again plead not guilty to a single felony charge and three special allegations that could keep him in prison for more than a decade. According to the California Highway Patrol, the teenager had been drinking alcohol with Page, a family acquaintance, at Slough House Social, a popular bar and eatery on the Sacramento River on May 19,2022. According to video obtained and released by Sacramento TV station KOVR, servers at Slough House plied the teenager with about 10 alcoholic beverages over the course of 90 minutes, ending with him downing three shots in quick succession.
The Colusa City Council in November gave the green light for City Manager Jesse Cain and City Engineer David Swartz to enter talks with Mike Olivas, the E. Clay Street property owner who plans to build a large cannabis manufacturing and research park about a possible land swap. Olivas said he is prepared to swap his 84-acre vacant property, which is nestled up against the Sacramento River levee, for city-owned property out by the wastewater treatment plant. Although the actual location of the potential site was not disclosed at the Nov. 21 meeting, city officials have been open to the public’s suggestions that the city consider an exchange of land that could potentially solve two needs: moving industrial cannabis operations to a largely unpopulated environment and building a sports complex for soccer and baseball closer to the population that will use it.
Christopher Miller was sworn in Nov. 28 as the new Chief of Police for Williams. Miller graduated from the Butte Police Academy in 2002. During his tenure in Williams, Miller served as police officer, sergeant, and detective, before being promoted to lieutenant in 2018 to oversee the field operations division and serve as Police Chief Jim Saso’s second in command. Saso officially retired on Nov. 24 after 35 years in law enforcement, mostly in service to the Williams Police Department.
DECEMBER
Christmas Tyme in Colusa, the first local celebration to signal the start of the holiday season and bring the community together, was bigger than usual on Dec. 1, and had been underway for about an hour when Colusa Mayor Greg Ponciano gave special recognition to the Colusa Lions and Rotary clubs for organizing the long-time tradition. Ponciano and Colusa City Council members Denise Conrado, Julie Garofalo, Ryan Codorniz, and Daniel Vaca gathered on the stage to proclaim December as “Colusa Volunteer Month.”
After decades making trophies and plaques for local sports teams, pageants, and parades, Bob Kessinger, the last Colusa Stooge, has officially retired. In December, Kessinger sold LCMS Awards, named for the “Three Stooges Plus Shep” to Lloyd Green, owner of Stitches Embroidery & Customs, so the endeavor that was started nearly 40 years ago “for the community” will stay in the community.
Members of the “Friends of the Colusa County Free Library” were treated to an evening of specialty ‘Mocktails,” otherwise known as non-alcoholic cocktails, at an exclusive first-of-its kind members-only event, “A Merry Mocktail Evening,” which was held Dec. 4, at the Colusa Branch Library. Valente Baily and Ann Amsden coordinated the event, along with the board of directors, Live music was provided by Cynthia White, John Lauppe, and Ralph Newlin.
With limited housing in Colusa County, the Colusa County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 5 said they may have to expand the allowance of recreational vehicles as temporary worker’s housing during the construction of the Sites Reservoir. The Board of Supervisors will likely introduce a zoning ordinance in early 2024 to address the critical need for temporary housing that may include amending light industrial (M-1) property in Maxwell and surrounding communities to allow mobile home parks with a conditional use permit.
People flocked to downtown Williams on Dec. 9 for the annual tree lighting, parade, food vendors, and entertainment, while hundreds of kids stopped by to see Santa and receive a tote bag full of gifts at the Williams Fire Department. This year’s hometown celebration was organized by the City of Williams Recreation Department.
Members of Colusa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2441 and Maxwell American Legion Post No. 218 gathered at Veterans Memorial Park in Colusa on Dec. 7 to remember the attack that catapulted the U.S. into World War II. VFW Post 2441 Commander Angela Sharp, the first woman at the help of the local organization, officiated over the ceremony.
Colusa County Clerk/Recorder Cristy Edwards in December announced the election process is in full swing for the March 5 Presidential Primary, and registered voters are and will be getting a variety of mailings from her office, including notices to verify their physical addresses are correct, along with information about cross-over voting for Colusa County voters who registered No Party Preference. Edwards said she has received several calls from residents confused about the No Party Preference notification, including those who were unaware that, by registering
No Party Preference, they will not receive a ballot with primary election candidates for U.S. President, unless another political party ballot is requested through an application process. Voters can register or re-register online at registertovote.ca.gov or in person at the Elections office, located at 546 Jay St, or call 1-877-458-0501 to request a paper voter registration form.
The annual Festival of Lights in Williams on Dec. 9 is all about the joy of the holidays. People flocked to the downtown for the annual tree lighting, parade, food vendors, and entertainment, while hundreds of kids stopped by to see Santa and receive a tote bag full of gifts at the Williams Fire Department. This year’s hometown celebration was organized by the City of Williams Recreation Department. Entertainment included traditional Aztec dancers.
The Maxwell Parks and Recreation District and Auxiliary Committee hosted Maxwell’s Country Christmas on Dec. 15 to the delight of many. De Pue Warehouse Co. had the first place float this year after their Santa sleigh and reindeer magically moved through the air. Sutton Brothers’ light display was good for the second-place trophy, and Richter Aviation won third place for its decorated Loader Truck that dangled a pint size Crop Duster with future Ag Pilot Cason Richter, 7, in the cockpit. The Maxwell Fire Department won best performance group.
The Presidential Primary ballot has been set for all local Colusa County offices, including three open seats on the Board of Supervisors. With the filing period closed as of Dec. 8, District 3 Supervisor Kent Boes, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board, will run unopposed, as will District 2 Supervisor Daurice Kalfsbeek-Smith. Boes is seeking a third term; Smith is seeking her second term. With the filing period closed Dec. 13, the only local contested race on the March 5 ballot will be for retiring Supervisor Gary Evans’ District 4 supervisorial seat. Three candidates will be on the ballot: Cristy Jayne Edwards, of Williams, Susan Meeker, of Maxwell; and Randy Wilson, of Maxwell.
202Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City) on Dec. 22 announced that 16 Assemblymembers have already signed on to co-author a resolution condemning Hamas and the terrorist group’s war crimes during and after its attack on Israel. The resolution, which also denounces recent acts of antisemitism and demands the release of hostages held by Hamas, will be formally introduced when the Legislature reconvenes in January.