Regional
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday issued an emergency proclamation for Calaveras and Tuolumne counties to assist in recovery from the recent TCU Lightning Complex Fires.
The fires burned over 13,000 acres and destroyed or damaged over 100 structures and homes, including 50 homes in the historic town of Chinese Camp.
The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to provide assistance to Calaveras and Tuolumne counties under the California Disaster Assistance Act, among other provisions.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
NORTH COAST, Calif. — Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley on Tuesday announced that she has charged a Stockton man with six counts of murder for a Sept. 7 vehicle crash.
Haley charged Norberto Celerino, 53, in connection to the crash that resulted in the death of six passengers and critical injuries to two people, including himself.
In addition to murder, Celerino — who also goes by the names Norberto (Beto) Celerino Villalva, Grabien Martinez and Roberto Savaringo-Diabla — faces six felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and a felony count of DUI causing injury with two or more prior DUI convictions, recorded in San Joaquin County on Aug. 22, 2020, and Sept. 20, 2024, Haley’s office reported.
Celerino also has a third DUI conviction on his record that was not included in Tuesday’s complaint as it is older than 10 years and cannot statutorily be used to enhance the current charges, officials said.
Celerino faces several special allegations including inflicting great bodily injury with a deadly weapon, in this case, a motor vehicle); great bodily injury; that the crimes involved violence, cruelty, viciousness or callousness; that the crimes demonstrate an increasing level of seriousness compared to previous crimes; that the defendant was on probation and had prior poor performance on probation.
It is alleged that on Sunday, Sept. 7, Celerino was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed the vehicle he was driving into a tree along Pope Valley Road, killing six passengers and causing severe injuries to himself and another passenger.
California Highway Patrol officers and Napa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and Celerino and the surviving passenger were transported to regional hospitals, where they continue to receive treatment for their injuries.
Police arrested Celerino on suspicion of the above charges and administratively booked him into the Napa County Department of Corrections.
On Tuesday afternoon, Napa County Deputy District Attorney Katie Susemihl appeared in court on behalf of the People for Celerino’s arraignment.
The court continued the case for further arraignment while the defendant is treated at the hospital, Haley’s office reported.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
A measure to require Caltrans, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, or CDPH, to identify best practices that may be used as countermeasures to deter suicide attempts on bridges and overpasses was sent to the governor on Tuesday by the Assembly on an overwhelming supportive bipartisan vote.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the bill, AB 440.
AB 440 builds on Ramos’s broader commitment to improving mental health care in California. In 2020, he authored AB 2112, which established the Office of Suicide Prevention as the state’s lead agency for coordinating and streamlining suicide prevention efforts and resources.
“California must do more to confront the great tragedy of suicide in our communities,” Ramos said. “Many times, individuals in distress need just a pause to reconsider their actions that can lead to irreversible harm to themselves and loved ones. Barriers and other interventions can stop that pain. Caltrans and CDPH must work together to identify and implement best practices to prevent future sorrow.”
The Assembly floor analysis noted that last year the Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that physical barriers are effective at reducing suicides by jumping from high risk areas and that physical deterrents did not result in individuals substituting a place or method for following through in a suicide attempt.
The analysis also reported that suicide were reduced on the Golden Gate Bridge by 73% since installation of a barrier in 2024 and attempts were reduced by 34%.
“Didi Hirsch is thrilled to learn that AB 440 has successfully passed both Senate and Assembly floor votes this week and is on its way to the governor,” said Lyn Morris, CEO, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a sponsor of AB 440. “We are profoundly grateful to Assemblymember Ramos for his steadfast leadership on efforts to reduce suicides in our state. AB 440 demonstrates that there is an unwavering commitment and belief that collectively, we can prevent suicide."
Supporters include the Bridge Rail Association, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies, California Hospital Association, California Police Chiefs Association, County Behavioral Health Directors, California State Association of Psychiatrists, Children Now, National Alliance on Mental Illness/California, County of San Bernardino, City of Rancho Cucamonga, United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930, Wayfinder Family Services, Hillsides Pasadena, Helpline Youth Counseling, and Sycamores.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NORTH COAST, Calif. — The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help to locate a missing McKinleyville man.
On Aug. 24, a concerned citizen contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to report a friend, Jesse Bill Austin, 80, had left a concerning note at their residence.
The note stated Austin had left his silver and gold 2001 GMC van at the airport in McKinleyville.
Deputies responded to the airport and located Austin’s van parked in long term parking. Deputies viewed the airport security video where Austin parked the van and walked towards the terminal. He entered an area which was not recorded and was not seen leaving. At about the same time a silver sedan, possibly Toyota, is seen leaving from the same location.
During the initial investigation, deputies checked with the airlines and rental car companies which had no record of Austin making a purchase. Austin’s cell phone information provided his most recent activity was near Railroad Dr. in McKinleyville. The reporting party also stated that Austin had been a white-water rafting guide.
On Tuesday afternoon, a friend of Austin’s contacted the sheriff’s office to report he had given Austin a ride. The friend stated he picked Austin up from the airport on Aug. 24 and transported him to the Cedar Flat Rest area on Highway 299.
According to the friend, Austin stated he was meeting a family member and was last seen sitting at a picnic table. Austin was in possession of a backpack, possibly gray in color, a blue waterproof bag, a gallon of water and some food.
He is described as a white male, with gray hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, is about 180 pounds and is known to walk with a cane.
Anyone with information on Austin’s whereabouts is asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or Investigator Mike Fridley at 707-441-3024.
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