Snohomish County officials are activating cold weather shelters amid a stretch of freezing temperatures, stressing that the need for warm, safe spaces is ongoing. Community leaders say this “isn’t a one-time emergency” as they prepare for increased demand throughout the winter.
MARYSVILLE, Wash. – As temperatures drop, cold weather shelters across western Washington are getting ready to open and welcome those in need of a place to spend the night and escape the cold.
Local perspective:
Inside the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, you’ll find the Marysville Cold Weather Shelter. They’re getting ready to open their doors at 7 p.m. on Friday.
“We have cots that we use and then we put memory foam toppers on them and then sheets, pillows and blankets for our guests,” said Nathan Ray, director of the Marysville Cold Weather Shelter.
When the temperatures dip to 34 degrees or below, Ray said this shelter in Marysville along with six others in Snohomish County can start welcoming those in search of a warm place for the night, along with their pets.
He adds, normally by this time of the year, the shelter would have already been open 15-to-20 days, but it’s been a warm start to November.
“Snohomish County recognizes that even at 34 degrees and prolonged exposure, people’s thought and their mental, as well as their physical capacity starts to get affected, and that put them at even greater risk of illness, injury and death and we don’t want any of that,” Ray said.
In addition to a bed, each guest will also get a warm meal. It’s a necessary resource as the county provided more than 6,400 beds for those in need last winter.
What you can do:
As the cold weather season has just begun, Ray told FOX 13, they need support. That support can come in the form of food and water donations or warm clothing. He adds, without that support, pantries like this will be empty within days.
“This isn’t a one-time emergency where something catastrophic happened, instead it’s a lifetime emergency where people really need that hand up,” Ray said.
The shelter is always looking for volunteers. If you’d like to get involved, you can reach out to Nathan@LINCNW.org
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The Source: Information in this story came from the Marysville Cold Weather Shelter and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.
(FOX40.COM) — The 2024 general election is on Nov. 5 and although the next president of the United States may be the most popular race, there are several other important decisions for California voters to make.
This year, there are 10 statewide propositions concerning topics such as gay marriage, indentured servitude in state prisons, California minimum wage, healthcare, and housing. Tap here for information on those propositions.
In addition, Yuba County voters will also decide on statewide and local races and measures. Here is what will appear on the ballot:
Congress
U.S. Senate – Full Term
• Adam Schiff (D) • Steve Garvey (R)
U.S. Senate – Partial/unexpired term (until Jan. 2025)
• Adam Schiff (D) • Steve Garvey (R)
United States Representative District 1
• Doug La Malfa: Farmer, Member of the U.S/ House of Representatives • Rose Penelope Yee: Businesswoman, Nonprofit Leader
United States Representative District 3
• Jessica Morse: Former Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildland Resilience • Kevin Kiley: United States Representative
*Measure titles and descriptions below are from the briefing section of the county election guide.
Wheatland Union High School District Bond Measures:
• Measure A: Wheatland Union High School District – SFID 2
“To improve the quality of education at Wheatland High; modernize/ renovate/ construct classrooms, restrooms, and school facilities; repair/ replace leaky roofs; make health, safety, and security improvements; shall the Wheatland Union High School District (SFID No. 2) measure authorizing $9,000,000 of bonds at legal interest rates be adopted, generating approximately $555,800 annually, at average rates of $28.50 per $100,000 assessed value, while bonds are outstanding, with annual audits, independent citizens’ oversight committee, NO money for salaries and all money staying local?“
• Measure B: Wheatland Union High School District – SFID 1
To continue construction on a new high school for Plumas Lake students, shall the Wheatland Union High School District (Plumas Lake SFID No.1) measure authorizing $19,700,000 of bonds at legal interest rates be adopted, generating on average $1,100,000 annually at average rates of approximately $26.70 per $100,000 assessed value, with annual audits, independent citizens’ oversight committee, NO money for salaries and all money staying local?
• Measure C: Wheatland Union High School District – SFID 1
“To construct classrooms, restrooms and other necessary high school facilities, shall the Wheatland Union High School District (Plumas Lake SFID No.1) measure authorizing $20,300,000 of bonds at legal interest rates be adopted, generating on average $1,200,000 annually at average rates of approximately $27.25 per $100,000 assessed value, with annual audits, independent citizens’ oversight committee, NO money for salaries and all money staying local?“
Plumas Lake Elementary School District Bond Measures
• Measure D: Plumas Lake Elementary School District
“Core Academic Classrooms Measure. To insure safe facilities and quality education for District students and qualify for State matching funds by constructing and equipping core curriculum classrooms, bathrooms and other essential school facilities, shall Plumas Lake Elementary School District’s measure issuing $18,000,000 of bonds at legal rates, by levying approximately $30 per $100,000 of assessed value (raising $970,000 annually while bonds are outstanding) be approved, with independent oversight, annual audits, and all funds staying local?“
• Measure E: Plumas Lake Elementary School District
“STEAM and High School Readiness Measure. To insure quality education for District students and qualify for State matching funds by constructing and equipping facilities for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) classrooms and labs, shall Plumas Lake Elementary School District’s measure issuing $18,000,000 of bonds at legal rates, by levying approximately $30 per $100,000 of assessed value (raising $970,000 annually while bonds are outstanding) be approved, with independent oversight, annual audits, and all funds staying local?“
• Measure F: Plumas Lake Elementary School District
“Student Health and Physical Education Measure. To insure safe facilities and quality education for District students and qualify for State matching funds by constructing, equipping required physical education facilities including a gymnasium, athletic fields and playgrounds, shall Plumas Lake Elementary School District’s measure issuing $18,000,000 of bonds at legal rates, by levying approximately $30 per $100,000 of assessed value (raising $970,000 annually while bonds are outstanding) be approved, with independent oversight, annual audits, and all funds staying local?“
City of Marysville Transactions and Use Tax Renewal
• Measure G: City of Marysville Transactions & Use Tax Renewal
“Shall the measure, without raising taxes, to protect and maintain City of Marysville’s services, including Police and Fire Departments, neighborhood police patrols, 911 emergency response times, street repaving and pothole repairs, emergency preparedness and for general government use, to continue an existing voter-approved one-cent sales tax, until ended by voters, providing an estimated $3.9 million a year, within dependent audits, an oversight committee and all money locally controlled, be adopted?”
The mayor of Marysville was assaulted in his town, right in the downtown area.Prosecutors said Derek Hopkins, 36, hit Chris Branscum in the back, right in front of the chief of police and a city council member.The three officials are colleagues connected as leaders of the city of Marysville, and are now connected by an alleged crime. “Out of nowhere, I thought I was hit by a car,” said Branscum. “I was hit so hard.”Last week, Branscum, council member Dom Belza and the chief of police had a meeting with Congressman Doug LaMalfa.They were waiting for the congressman on the sidewalk at Fifth and D streets, outside the abandoned Hotel Marysville, which was destroyed in a June fire. “The next thing I know, there’s this guy sliding by me, running, and I yelled an expletive at him,” said Branscum. Belza saw the man coming up behind the mayor, and he described him as “looking rough.””I kept my eye on him, but as he approached, he just hauled off and slugged the mayor right in the back, square in the back,” he said. Belza didn’t hesitate. He chased down the suspect and tackled him about half a block away.His knees are still scabbed from the takedown.Belza said that during the scuffle, Hopkins punched him in the face and the police chief jumped on top and restrained Hopkins until officers arrived to take him to jail. “It was just a blatant act of violence. While instincts kicked in, I’m not 100% sure, but, you know, that’s just what I can sum it up to. I just always have gone to the issues rather than away from them,” said Belza.The mayor, at age 75, is grateful his younger council member jumped into action, recognizing his role as a citizen first. “He’s a badass. So is the chief of police,” said Branscum. “Dom took him down, and the chief was right there, right behind him. They did a heck of a job.”The Yuba County district attorney believes the suspect didn’t know it was a public official, so he doesn’t face as serious of charges.Clinton Curry said Hopkins was arraigned on two counts of misdemeanor battery. His maximum sentence on each count is six months in the county jail. More serious charges were not filed because there was no evidence to prove that Hopkins knew he was assaulting a public official or that he used a weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury. Hopkins is still being held in jail on a $2,500 bond and will be back in court next week, with a jury trial scheduled for Sept. 17.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
MARYSVILLE, Calif. —
The mayor of Marysville was assaulted in his town, right in the downtown area.
Prosecutors said Derek Hopkins, 36, hit Chris Branscum in the back, right in front of the chief of police and a city council member.
The three officials are colleagues connected as leaders of the city of Marysville, and are now connected by an alleged crime.
“Out of nowhere, I thought I was hit by a car,” said Branscum. “I was hit so hard.”
Last week, Branscum, council member Dom Belza and the chief of police had a meeting with Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
“The next thing I know, there’s this guy sliding by me, running, and I yelled an expletive at him,” said Branscum.
Belza saw the man coming up behind the mayor, and he described him as “looking rough.”
“I kept my eye on him, but as he approached, he just hauled off and slugged the mayor right in the back, square in the back,” he said.
Belza didn’t hesitate. He chased down the suspect and tackled him about half a block away.
His knees are still scabbed from the takedown.
Belza said that during the scuffle, Hopkins punched him in the face and the police chief jumped on top and restrained Hopkins until officers arrived to take him to jail.
“It was just a blatant act of violence. While instincts kicked in, I’m not 100% sure, but, you know, that’s just what I can sum it up to. I just always have gone to the issues rather than away from them,” said Belza.
The mayor, at age 75, is grateful his younger council member jumped into action, recognizing his role as a citizen first.
“He’s a badass. So is the chief of police,” said Branscum. “Dom took him down, and the chief was right there, right behind him. They did a heck of a job.”
The Yuba County district attorney believes the suspect didn’t know it was a public official, so he doesn’t face as serious of charges.
Clinton Curry said Hopkins was arraigned on two counts of misdemeanor battery. His maximum sentence on each count is six months in the county jail. More serious charges were not filed because there was no evidence to prove that Hopkins knew he was assaulting a public official or that he used a weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury.
Hopkins is still being held in jail on a $2,500 bond and will be back in court next week, with a jury trial scheduled for Sept. 17.
(FOX40.COM) — The 24th annual Marysville Peach Festival will continue even after a massive fire destroyed the heart of the area where the event normally takes place. • Video Above: Historic Hotel Marysville destroyed by flames (June 15, 2024)
On June 15, a fire scorched through the historic Hotel Marysville at 420 5th Street. Since then, roads have remained closed and the building is blocked off 105 feet from each direction in case of a building collapse. The area is usually the annual host for the Marysville Peach Festival, so all of the chaos left some community members wondering if the peachy event would still happen.
“One thing that Marysville is great at is adapting and overcoming,” Marysville Peach Festival coordinator Kary Hauck told FOX40.com. “We made some minor modifications to the footprint and charged forward.”
The festival is scheduled to happen on July 19 and 20, two blocks away from its usual location. Attendees can expect the event to start just north of the 3rd and D street intersection and head north on D Street to 9th Street. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Street will be open to detoured traffic.
Hauck said the fire has not had a major impact on the festival, but some people are still fearful to be in the area.
“Don’t be afraid to come to Downtown Marysville,” Hauck said. “Caltrans, OES, and the city have done a really good job of managing the area. A fence has been installed to keep everyone safe, but I don’t think there’s a need to worry about a structural failure.”
The Marysville Peach Festival is expected to have dozens of delectable peach foods: hot dogs with peach relish, tri-tip sandwiches with peach barbecue sauce, peach shaved ice, peach jams and jellies, gyros with peach chutney, corndog with peach aioli, and more.
Visitors can also look forward to desserts, beverages, local bands, a peach pie eating contest, a children’s area, and more than 150 vendors.
“Your peachiest dreams are about to come true!” coordinators wrote on the event webpage.
In addition, Hauck said several downtown businesses have been struggling since the fire, so she hopes the festival will also provide the boost they need.
Downtown Marysville Traffic
As the event gets closer, Hauck said recommendations on navigating through Marysville for the Peach Festival will be released. She said the event’s webpage will include assistance on parking and tips to avoid traffic delays.
“Traffic is not as bad as some reports say,” Hauck said. “Caltrans has done a great job of providing detours, and I’ve actually been able to get through Marysville faster now than I have before.”
(FOX40.COM) — A massive fire that destroyed the historic Hotel Marysville in Northern California prompted a long-lasting road closure along Highway 70. •Video Above: Hotel Maryville destroyed by flames
“SR-70 (E Street) in downtown Marysville is closed for the foreseeable future,” said California Highway Patrol Yuba-Sutter. “Motorists, please be patient in traffic and leave much earlier for whatever you are driving to.”
At around 9:30 p.m. on June 15, Hotel Marysville, located right off of Highway 70 in Yuba County, went up in flames. Officials worry the damage may cause the building to collapse so nearby roads were closed. Linda Fire Protection District and Marysville Fire Chief Kyle Heggstrom told FOX40.com that a structural engineer will make a determination on the building’s integrity.
The California Department of Transportation recommends an alternate route to Highway 70/E Street in Marysville./Caltrans
The century-old hotel that’s been vacant since the 1980s could be torn down altogether.
“This could be an extended closure if the building, which opened in 1926, needs to be demolished,” Caltrans said on social media. “A detour is being developed for commercial trucks and will be shared when finalized. Use 99 as an alternate route.”
The California Department of Transportation provides an alternate route for big rig trucks traveling through Highway 70/E Street in Marysville./Caltrans
Highway 70 (E S Street) is closed from 3rd Street to 6th Street in Marysville. Although Caltrans provided alternate routes for everyday commuters to use, it said delays should still be expected along the detours.
An illegal alien from Mexico who has a lengthy criminal history has been arrested for allegedly crashing his car into a 27 year-old state trooper, killing the husband and father instantly.
Say his name: Christopher Gadd (27)
Christopher was a State Patrol Trooper in the state of Washington. He was married and the dad of a 2 year old girl.
He was kiIIed Saturday by an illegal with a long criminal history named Raul Benitez Santana, who came from Mexico at an… pic.twitter.com/GNG05dC6zU
The New York Post reported that Raul Benitez Santana, 33, has confessed to drinking beers and smoking weed before crashing his SUV into Trooper Christopher Gadd’s patrol car early last Saturday morning. Witnesses saw the fast-moving SUV swerve and hit the back of Gadd’s patrol car as it was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 5 in Marysville. The SUV then spun into the fast lane, where it was hit by a van.
Gadd was a married dad whose father and sister are also troopers, and he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report we lost a brother today,” said State Police spokesperson Chris Loftis. “The troopers sign up for danger. They are brave people.”
“We are working through what is undoubtedly the most difficult of times for our family as we mourn the loss of a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, beloved son, and committed friend,” Gadd’s family said in a statement of their own. “We appreciate the outpouring of support we have seen from the community that Chris loved and served. We ask the media to respect our family’s privacy during this painful time.”
27-year-old State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd was recently kįlled in the state of Washington by an illegal named Raul Benitez Santana from Mexico.
Gadd was parked on the side of the road when Santana, who’d been drinking and smoking, plowed into him.
Gadd became a state trooper for the force in September 2021 and graduated from the 116th Trooper Basic Training Class in April 2022, according to Daily Mail.
“I can tell you that across the entire Washington State Patrol, every head is bowed, every knee is bent, and every heart is broken as we mourn this loss,” said John Batiste, the Chief of Washington State Patrol. “To honor Chris, even in sorrow, we will go on. We will continue to serve. Because he did, we must.”
Gadd’s mother Gillian took to social media to say, “Dearest family and friends, thank you for your love and support.”
“We need it so much. There is peace in knowing there is an army of people praying and loving on us,” she continued.
Santana had bloodshot eyes upon his arrest and immediately admitted to drinking and smoking weed. He is currently being held on $1 million bail at the Snohomish County Jail after being charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since revealed that Santana has had at least four run-ins with the law in Washington. The illegal immigrant “was first encountered by (Enforcement and Removal Operations) Seattle Oct. 28, 2013, at the South Correctional Entity, Burien, WA, following his arrest for failure to appear for driving while license suspended.”
Santana was sentenced to 90 days in jail with 85 days suspended for driving with a suspended license in 2014. In 2019, he was charged with domestic violence assault in King County.
Illegal aliens killing American citizens is unfortunately becoming all too common these days. This is sadly what happens when the border is as open as President Joe Biden has allowed it to be.
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Support pours in for trooper hit and killed by alleged DUI driver
Over the weekend, investigators say Raul Benitez Santana crashed his car into 27-year-old Trooper Christopher Gadd and killed him. FOX 13 News obtained probable cause documents which say Benitez Santana had bloodshot eyes and admitted to drinking and smoking weed before driving.
EVERETT, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced the memorial service for fallen Trooper Christopher M. Gadd will be on Tuesday, March 12.
In a news release, WSP said the event will be at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.
The service will be open to the public with a ceremonial procession preceding the memorial.
(Washington State Patrol)
WSP said it would release more details about the procession and service in the coming days.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Seattle Enforcement and Removal Operations placed an immigration detainer with the Snohomish County Jail for Benitez Santana, who is a citizen of Mexico.
Man accused of killing trooper in crash appears in court
Investigators say Benitez Santana crashed his car into 27-year-old Trooper Christopher Gadd and killed him. The incident happened early Saturday morning.
ICE issues immigration detainers against non-citizens who have been arrested for criminal activity and taken into custody by state or local law enforcement. It’s a request from ICE to state or local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE as early as possible before a removable non-citizen is released.
Marysville mourns loss of trooper killed in I-5 crash
Washington State Patrol is mourning the loss of Christopher M. Gadd, a 27-year-old trooper who was killed in the line of duty early Saturday morning.
Gadd had been with WSP for two and a half years, starting back on Sept. 16, 2021.
Using Venmo, donations can be sent to @WSP-MemorialFoundation. Please note “Trooper Gadd” in the note section. (If last 4 is requested, use 4411)
Go into any Chase Bank Branch and make a check deposit into the “Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation” account. “Trooper Gadd” should be noted on the check note line.
Using your own bank, you can log in online or through your mobile app and make a donation using Zelle. Donations can be sent to our WSPMF number, 360-597-4411, or email, wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com. Please note “Trooper Gadd”. All donations received will be held for the family. There are no fees with using Zelle.
You can mail a check made out to WSPMF with “Trooper Gadd” on the note line to: WSP Memorial Foundation, PO Box 901, Prosser, WA 99350
The foundation said 100% of the donations received will be given directly to the family.
Support pours in for trooper hit and killed by alleged DUI driver
Over the weekend, investigators say Raul Benitez Santana crashed his car into 27-year-old Trooper Christopher Gadd and killed him. FOX 13 News obtained probable cause documents which say Benitez Santana had bloodshot eyes and admitted to drinking and smoking weed before driving.
MARYSVILLE, Wash. – The man accused of crashing his car into a Washington State Patrol Trooper and killing him is not a U.S. citizen, officials said Tuesday.
Over the weekend, investigators say Raul Benitez Santana crashed his car into 27-year-old Trooper Christopher Gadd and killed him. FOX 13 News obtained probable cause documents which say Benitez Santana had bloodshot eyes and admitted to drinking and smoking weed before driving.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Seattle Enforcement and Removal Operations placed an immigration detainer with the Snohomish County Jail for Benitez Santana, who is a citizen of Mexico.
WSP honors fallen trooper, hit and killed in Marysville
As a memorial grows outside Washington State Patrol’s District Office in Marysville for Trooper Christopher Gadd, a non-profit is raising money for the family he leaves behind.
ICE issues immigration detainers against non-citizens who have been arrested for criminal activity and taken into custody by state or local law enforcement. It’s a request from ICE to state or local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE as early as possible before a removable non-citizen is released.
According to an ICE official, Benitez Santana entered the U.S. without admission or parole by an immigration officer. He was encountered by ERO Seattle in 2013 at the South Correctional Entity in Burien, following his arrest for failure to appear for driving with a suspended license.
There are 4 ways to make donations for the Gadd family:
Using Venmo, donations can be sent to @WSP-MemorialFoundation. Please note “Trooper Gadd” in the note section. (If last 4 is requested, use 4411)
Go into any Chase Bank Branch and make a check deposit into the “Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation” account. “Trooper Gadd” should be noted on the check note line.
Using your own bank, you can log in online or through your mobile app and make a donation using Zelle. Donations can be sent to our WSPMF number, 360-597-4411, or email, wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com. Please note “Trooper Gadd”. All donations received will be held for the family. There are no fees with using Zelle.
You can mail a check made out to WSPMF with “Trooper Gadd” on the note line to:
Washington State Patrol is mourning the loss of Trooper Chris Gadd, who died in a crash early Saturday morning near Marysville.
MARYSVILLE, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper who died in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near Marysville early Saturday morning has been identified.
WSP said Christopher M. Gadd, 27, was on patrol searching for speeding and DUI drivers when he was hit and killed. According to the agency he had been with WSP for two and a half years, starting back on September 16, 2021.
“Chris’s passing is a devastating loss to his family who knows all too well about the risks of public safety servants,” said WSP Chief John Batiste.
Gadd is survived by his wife, Cammryn, daughter Kaelyn, father WSP Trooper David Gadd, mother Gillian and sister, Jacqueline, who currently serves as a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, according to WSP.
“I can tell you that across the entire Washington State Patrol, every head is bowed, every knee is bent, and every heart is broken as we mourn this loss,” added Batiste.
Since news of his death, various law enforcement agencies have sent their condolences to Gadd’s family and colleagues.
According to investigators with the Snohomish County Sherrif’s Office, Gadd was killed when his vehicle was hit by a motorist just before 3 a.m. on southbound Interstate 5 near 136th Street North.
Investigators said a man in an SUV was driving southbound when the vehicle veered off the roadway onto the shoulder where it struck the parked WSP patrol car, the SUV driver was driving at a high speed when he crashed into Gadd’s WSP patrol car.
FOX 13 has learned a van with six passengers was also involved in the crash. It reportedly crashed into the SUV. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The other passengers were not injured.
A 32-year-old Lynnwood man was evaluated and taken into custody for vehicular homicide.
Outside State Patrol Headquarters a makeshift memorial has been set up for Trooper Gadd.
All day supporters came by to drop off flowers and pray.
“We always just try to pay our respects,” said Anna Utley from Marysville, who dropped off a large bouquet of flowers with her father Matt.
“We live here,” said Matt. “We live in this community. I ran into him a couple of times. He was just a nice guy. He was so young. This is so sad.”
