Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/221826
WEDNESDAY Breakfast for Spartans Soccer the Holidays DECEMBER 4, 2013 County Fare Breaking news at: www.redbluffdailynews.com See Page 5A SPORTS 1B DAILY NEWS RED BLUFF Sunny 49/25 Weather forecast 8B TEHAMA COUNTY DAILY 50¢ T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U NTY S I N C E 1 8 8 5 County to put Jefferson question on ballot By ANDRE BYIK DN Staff Writer State of Jefferson proponents nabbed a win Tuesday at the Tehama County Board of Supervisors meeting. In a 4-1 vote, the board of supervisors moved forward with a plan to place an advisory measure on the June 2014 ballot that would ask voters whether the board should support a split from California to form a new state. The vote directs county staff to prepare the measure. Chairman Dennis Garton, Steve Chamblin, Sandy Bruce and Bob Williams voted in favor of the motion. Supervisor Burt Bundy voted no. Chamblin said opinions from his district on forming a new state are a "mixed bag." "I don't know that I can speak for my district because I've heard both sides from my district," said Chamblin, who is the District 1 supervisor. "I don't think the state sometimes hears us. And that the board sit- 'The idea that you would secede and make an affirmative decision to allow even consideration of the question of the secession of Tehama County is not only outside the boundaries of your jurisdiction, it's a violation of your oath of office' — Martin Mathisen ting up here, really, because of all the rules and regulations, we're also the flak catchers that hear from the public that don't have the audience with the state and federal folks to make change." He added that he's in favor of putting the measure on the ballot to see where his district and the county stand on the issue. Bundy, the District 5 supervisor who voted no on the motion, said while he wasn't in favor of placing the advisory measure on the ballot because we're sometimes nothing more than an arm of the state. And Brace you rself See BALLOT, page 7A Man pleads not guilty in baby's death By ANDRE BYIK DN Staff Writer A 22-year-old Red Bluff man charged with murder in the Mother's Day slaying of a near-8-month-old boy pleaded not guilty Tuesday. Brandon Ericson Branscombe faces charges of murder and assault on a child causing death stemming from See DEATH, page 7A Supporters sway educator to stay By ANDRE BYIK DN Staff Writer Daily News photo by Chip Thompson Winter began blowing into Tehama County Tuesday, as clouds drift over Live Oak Road west of Red Bluff in the early morning. DN Staff Report The National Weather Service has issued freeze and hard freeze watches for the central valley, including Red Bluff and surrounding areas, as temperatures are expected to dip to the 20s this week. The freeze watch is in effect through this morning, and the hard freeze watch, which means sub-freezing temperatures are possible, will be in effect from late tonight through Friday morning. The weather service says the conditions "could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation." Red Bluff's water department said in a press release that residents should wrap or cover exterior water lines and faucets, and "should also disconnect any hoses from exterior faucets and cover any sensitive vegetation." Red Bluff's high today will be about 48, with a low of 28. A north wind of 13 to 18 miles per hour with gusts up to 24 miles per hour are expected. Friday brings a chance of showers with a low of about 38. The Red Bluff Union Elementary School District's assistant superintendent withdrew her submission of resignation Monday during a board of trustees meeting that saw a crush of support for the administrator. Karin Matray, who has held the administrative post for about eight years, submitted a letter of resignation to superintendent William McCoy on Nov. 25. In a letter dated Nov. 27, McCoy said he accepted Matray's resignation, and added that it would be ratified by the board of trustees at Monday's meeting. Reasons for Matray's request remained unclear late Monday. She declined to comment on the matter to the Daily News and made only a short announcement to withdraw her resignation after the board of trustees voted to not accept her resignation. The announcement, which followed a lengthy closed session discussion between Matray and the board of trustees, was met with cheers and applause. Matray's Nov. 25 resignation letter addressed to McCoy simply read: "Please allow this to serve as my resignation from the position of Assistant Superintendent for Red Bluff Union Elementary School District. My last day of work will be Friday, December 6, 2013. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the children and staff of Red Bluff. Thank you kindly, M. Karin Matray." A stunned crowd of district teachers, staff members and others filled the modest board room at the district office, which saw fervent supporters of Matray pleading for her to stay. Supporters, during time allotted for the pubSee STAY, page 7A Democrats FFA opening and closing competition prominent in race for Assembly seat SACRAMENTO (AP) — A Democrat is all but certain to win a special election for a vacant Southern California legislative seat, bolstering the party's supermajority in the state Assembly. The question is whether the outcome will be decided in Tuesday's primary or will stretch to a Feb. 4 special runoff election. Three Democrats are seeking to fill the Assembly District 54 seat vacated this summer when then-Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell, a Democrat, resigned after she was elected to the state Senate. 7 5 8 5 5 1 6 9 0 0 1 9 A fourth candidate with no political affiliation qualified to run as a writein. The Democrats are former Culver City mayor and city clerk Christopher Armenta; John Jake, a real estate broker; and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, an aide to Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price Jr. The write-in candidate is Morry Waksberg, a retired ophthalmologist. Ridley-Thomas is the son of former state legislator Mark Ridley-Thomas, now chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. He touts his experience as a former legislative aide and has endorsements from labor unions and prominent politicians, including Gov. See SEAT, page 7A This year, the FFA Opening and Closing Ceremonies Contest was held at West Valley High School on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The Opening and Closing contest is a competition in which a team of six officers open and close an FFA meeting while being judged against other teams. The officer positions are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, and sentinel. Each officer must memorize a specific part or parts, as well as know exactly when it is their turn to sit, stand, and speak. There are three categories that teams can compete in, novice, advanced and officer. This year, RBFFA had one officer team, two advanced teams, and two novice teams. The competition was fierce, but Red Bluff FFA stood their ground; winning several high individual and team Courtesy photo placings. Top individuals received a certificate, and high teams received a plaque. Everybody who competed from the Red Bluff chapter improved their public speaking skills and confidence, as well as learning how to work effectively as a team. Have a news tip? Smog Inspection $ 2595 +$825 certificate (MOST CARS & PICK-UPS) Call 527-2151, Ext. 112 • Members Welcome 530 527-9841 195 S. Main St., Red Bluff