Yuba County: 2024 in Review
In 2024, Yuba County, California, experienced several significant events:
Local Economy
Demolition of Historic Hotel Marysville: Following a fire on June 15, demolition of the century-old Hotel Marysville commenced on December 11. The city anticipates project completion in late January 2025, and reopening the affected section of Highway 70 by late January or early February 2025.
Infrastructure Improvements: The county secured a $3.7 million grant in April through the state’s Urban Greening Grant Program for park improvements, enhancing recreational facilities for residents.
OPUD: A labor agreement was reached by the Olivehurst Public Utility District (OPUD) for a sewer line extension to benefit Wheatland and Olivehurst utility customers. OPUD’s wastewater treatment plant will become an important piece of regional infrastructure as a result of the project.
Mother Nature
Feather River Forecast Point Update: In January, the California Department of Water Resources removed the river gauge at the Feather River in Yuba City due to safety concerns. The gauge was relocated approximately two miles upstream to the Yuba City Water Treatment Plant. The National Weather Service announced plans to incorporate this new forecast point into flood messaging and products.
Severe Winter Storms and Power Outages: Early in 2024, the county experienced heavy rain, strong winds, and significant snowfall. These storms led to widespread power outages, with approximately 14,000 customers in Yuba County affected. The severe weather also caused downed trees and hazardous travel conditions across the region.
Drug Crackdowns
Illegal Marijuana Cultivation Crackdown: On May 23, the Yuba County Marijuana Enforcement Team (METYU) executed four search warrants at various locations throughout the county. The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly 7,000 marijuana plants, 200 pounds of processed marijuana, two firearms, and over $60,000 in cash. One individual, identified as 32-year-old Jose Everardo Regalda Mendoza, was arrested and booked at the Yuba County Jail on charges related to marijuana possession, cultivation of marijuana, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Major Drug Trafficking Bust: On May 30, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office concluded a year-long investigation by executing several federal search warrants across Sacramento, Yuba, and Yolo Counties. The operation led to the arrest of suspects and the seizure of multiple thousand pounds of various narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit Oxycodone tablets laced with fentanyl. Additionally, various firearms were confiscated.
Yuba County Jail Employee Arrested for Drug Smuggling: In June, Shelby Beeler, an employee at the Yuba County Jail, was arrested on allegations of smuggling drugs into the facility. Beeler was taken into custody following an internal investigation. Sheriff Wendell Anderson expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the breach of trust and potential harm to both staff and inmates.
Major Illegal Marijuana Busts: The Yuba County Sheriff's Department conducted extensive operations targeting illegal marijuana cultivation. Over two weeks in the summer, deputies executed several search warrants, resulting in the seizure of tens of thousands of marijuana plants and a large amount of processed marijuana. Additionally, authorities issued numerous environmental and water code violations and discovered hazardous pesticides at several sites. Two individuals were arrested in connection with these operations.
Other Crime
Domestic Violence Incident in Yuba City: In March, a woman and a suspect were found dead, and another man sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Police believe the case to be a domestic violence situation, with the suspect dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing.
Credit Card Skimming Operation Sentencing: On April 5, two individuals were sentenced to one year in county jail and two years of probation for operating a credit card skimming scheme at a Walmart in Linda. The suspects, identified as Romanian nationals, were apprehended after placing skimming devices on registers and ATMs in the area. The investigation revealed possession of numerous Visa gift cards, computers, and cash.
Sex Predator Sting Operation: By August 8, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office concluded a regional child sex predator sting, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals. Among those arrested was a worker at Sacramento Juvenile Hall. The suspects were accused of engaging in illegal and explicit conversations with individuals they believed to be underage children over social media. Charges included meeting a minor for lewd purposes and attempted lewd acts upon a child.
Highway 20 Shootout: In September, a police pursuit ended in a deadly shootout between a driver and multiple Yuba County deputies and Yuba City police officers on Highway 20.
Officer-Involved Shooting in Olivehurst: A Yuba County Sheriff's deputy shot and injured a man who advanced toward him wielding a meat cleaver and hammer. The incident, which occurred in December, resulted in the man's arrest and pending prison sentence.
Elections and Politics
Suspicious Package at Elections Office: On January 16, a suspicious envelope containing a white powdery substance was discovered at the Yuba County Registrar of Voters headquarters. Initial field tests indicated the presence of fentanyl: “The Yuba County Sheriff’s Department assumed control of the package and a field test of the powder detected the presence of fentanyl,” stated a press release published by the California Secretary of State.” However, subsequent analysis by the California Department of Justice determined the substance was not a controlled substance. No staff were harmed during the incident.
California Primary Election: On March 5, Yuba County participated in the statewide primary elections. Voters decided on various local races and measures, including seats for the Yuba County Board of Supervisors and local school district bonds.
2024 General Election: On November 5, Yuba County participated in the general election. Voters also decided on local races and measures, including city council seats in Marysville and Wheatland, as well as local measures such as Measure G in Marysville, proposing renewing a 1% sales tax, which passed. The county reported a voter turnout of 69.07%, with 30,443 ballots cast out of 44,078 registered voters.
Censure of Supervisor Seth Fuhrer: In December, the Yuba County Board of Supervisors and Yuba Water Board censured District 3 Supervisor Seth Fuhrer for inappropriate workplace conduct. The Yuba Water Agency wrote, “The county's independent investigator described several complaints of unwelcome physical conduct, inappropriate verbal comments and unprofessional behavior by Fuhrer while representing the county.”