October 26th 6:00 pm-9 pm
The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 31
RECORD Alturas, California
October 24, 2024
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 14 Pages
California State Association of Counties Visits Modoc County Supervisor Coe Hosts CSAC Tour The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) has been making tours across the state and the nonprofit, representing county government before the California Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government, recently made its way to Modoc County. On Thursday, Oct. 17, CSAC President Bruce Gibson, along with Modoc County Supervisor Ned Coe and CSAC Chief Operating Officer Chastity Benson, toured the epic landscapes that surround Alturas and discussed agriculture, water systems and economic development in the county. “I’ve been talking with Ned about cattle grazing, and water, and all the things that go into agriculture and the connectivity of the water system both here and Modoc County,” Gibson said in a video published
on Instagram. Toward the end of the video, Coe, who is a CSAC executive committee member, thanked Gibson for “being able to show you a little bit of our piece of the state in the great northeast corner,” Coe said. CSAC’s long-term objective is to significantly improve the fiscal health of all California counties so they can adequately meet the demand for vital programs and services. In early October, CSAC toured San Diego County to learn more about the Tijuana River Valley and its challenges with sewage and debris and area opportunities for building parklands and sports complexes. CSAC has also visited San Luis Obispo and Amador Counties in the last month. To watch the video and follow CSAC’s #CAcounties journey, search @csac_counties on Instagram.
CSAC Executive Committee member and Modoc County Supervisor Ned Coe and CSAC President and San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson and CSAC Chief Operating Officer Chastity Benson
Four Arrested in Canby Following Firearm and Stolen Property Seizure Initially six adults were taken into custody and two children, 11 years old and 8 years old, were placed into protective custody following the discovery of stolen firearms, vehicles, and narcotics at a residence across from a fish farm in Canby, California. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Department served a warrant on the property, uncovering a significant amount of stolen property, firearms, and evidence of drug activity on what was surprisingly the first day of rain Modoc County has received in quite some time which Sheriff Tex Dowdy emphasized, “added another layer to the safety and protection of our officers. Among the items seized were a stolen U-Haul travel van, travel trailer, multiple firearms, and controlled substances. The property, which included a condemned trailer, was searched as part of the investigation into ongoing theft and drug operations in the area. Two individuals were released and four faced a variety of charges related to firearms, narcotics, and child endangerment: • Jairo Dejesus Lambert, 62, of Canby, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, manufacturing or selling undetectable firearms, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on $55,000 bail. • Jessica Marie Beard, 33, of Canby, was
arrested for possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, altering or removing identification marks on a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of burglary tools, and child abuse/ endangerment. She is being held on $25,000 bail. • Juan Emilio Leon, 38, of Canby, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail is set at $35,000. • James Jesus Leon, 37, of Canby, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child abuse/endangerment. He is being held on $25,000 bail. The two children found at the scene were taken into the care of child protective services due to the hazardous living conditions and the nature of the criminal activity taking place on the property. Authorities believe that two or more individuals have returned to the property. While they are legally allowed to be on the premises, they cannot live there as the spaces are deemed unsafe. The structures that were previously occupied also have a lack
of basic utilities—there is no water, electricity, or functioning sewer system, and hasn’t been for years. As temperatures continue to drop in Modoc County, living without heat has become unsustainable. Jairo, a previous occupant, had reportedly abandoned two dogs on the property. The following night, deputies returned
to rescue the animals and heard screams coming from somewhere on the premises. It’s unclear who, if anyone, is paying for the property. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the situation, and further developments are expected. Local authorities are continuing to work the case.