Lloyd’s Journal
Where community and accountability meet.
Writers gather for LiveLit at Salmon Bend Art Studio
Writers gathered Oct. 18 at Salmon Bend Art Studio for the Colusa County Arts Council’s LiveLit series. Mark Leidner hosted readings by Thomas Roach, Kerri Bartlett, Leslie Poland, Laura Keller, Molly Knappen, and Brendan Farrell, each exploring memory, family, and place. The evening blended personal reflection with local creativity in a shared community setting.
Sticker Calendar Helps Families Plan, Strengthen Co-Parenting
The Colusa Sutter Yolo Regional Child Support Agency launched “My Sticker Calendar,” a colorful 2026 planner that helps children track time with parents while educating families about child support. Director Natalie Dillon said the project supports communication and reduces stress in co-parenting households. 2,500 calendars are available free in Colusa, Yuba City, and Woodland.
Freedom Cruise Honors Charlie Kirk’s Birthday in Yuba City
Roughly 100 vehicles joined the Charlie Kirk Freedom Cruise in Yuba City on Oct. 14 to celebrate the Turning Point USA founder’s birthday. Despite rain, participants displayed flags and patriotic signs during the route through Yuba City and Marysville. Co-organizer Christian Sachs said the event was meant as a show of support. The evening ended peacefully with food and fellowship.
Ag Commissioner: biomass grant stalled, migrant housing winding down
Agricultural Commissioner Anastasia Allen told supervisors a federal funding delay halted Colusa County’s Biomass Designation Opportunity project. The grant money never reached the USDA before the shutdown, forcing the county to seek new funding. Allen said the lapse was political, not procedural. She also reported that federal wildlife services remain active and the county’s migrant housing center is closing early as harvest season winds down.
Yuba-Sutter Transit celebrates 50 years of public service
Yuba-Sutter Transit marked its 50th anniversary Oct. 18 with a community celebration at its Marysville headquarters. The event featured music, tours, and recognition of longtime staff and riders. Executive Director Matthew Mauk highlighted the agency’s evolution from the 1975 “Our Car” service to modern on-demand transit. Future plans include expanding Mobility On-Demand routes and constructing a new facility in Linda.
‘No Kings’ Demonstration Draws Crowd to Colusa
About 80 people gathered Saturday morning in front of the Historic Colusa County Courthouse as part of a nationwide “No Kings” demonstration. The peaceful event was one of many held across the country in support of Proposition 50 and broader civic engagement. Participants lined Market Street with flags and handmade signs as organizer Ed Conrado called it “about as American as you can get” to peacefully express differing views.
Clerk’s Office Affirms Secure, Fair Elections
Following Dominion Voting Systems’ sale to Liberty Vote, County Clerk Cristy Jayne Edwards assured residents that Colusa County’s elections remain secure and unchanged. Officials emphasized transparency, fairness, and continued use of paper ballots. The ownership shift will not affect certification, staffing, or local operations.
Public pushes back on new fees for Scout Cabin use
Parents, scouts, and community members packed the Colusa City Council chambers Tuesday to oppose proposed weekend rental fees for the historic Scout Cabin. Speakers urged the city to keep access free for local Scout troops, citing the cabin’s 75-year history as a community-built space. City officials said the Scouts have never been charged and are exploring a nonprofit waiver to formalize that practice. Residents, including Cynthia White, called for greater transparency, saying policies should be written and consistent for all groups. The council will revisit the issue at a future meeting.
County Libraries Reduce Hours Amid Budget Cuts
The Colusa County Free Library will reduce public service hours at all branches starting Nov. 3 due to budget cuts and staffing reductions. County Librarian Stacy Costello said the system now operates with seven employees, down from 14 last year, resulting in 42 fewer open hours each week. The changes aim to balance operations with available staff while maintaining services across all seven communities. Temporary closures may occur if unplanned absences arise.
Library Hosts Author Night Oct. 22
The Friends of the Colusa County Library will host author Adele Leurini on Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. for an Author Night at the Colusa County Free Library. Leurini, author of the Ordinary Man romance series, will discuss her writing inspired by real-life resilience and connection. The free event includes book sales and refreshments, supporting local literacy efforts.
Trunk-or-Treats Bring Halloween Fun to Colusa County
Colusa County families can celebrate Halloween at several Trunk-or-Treat events later this month in Colusa and Williams. The festivities include games, prizes, food, and costume fun, beginning Oct. 23 at Williams Elementary, continuing Oct. 25 at the Colusa Fairgrounds, and concluding Oct. 30 at Venice Park in Williams.
City Honors Rotary for 100 Years of Service
The City of Colusa recognized the Rotary Club for its 100th anniversary and its role in the Trees for Tomorrow program. Councilmember Denise Conrado presented a proclamation commending the club’s civic projects, including planting over 100 trees and restoring historic river steps. Rotary President Jim Sherman said the club remains committed to “Service Above Self” as it enters its second century.
Puptoberfest set for Oct. 25
Puptoberfest returns Oct. 25 to Colusa’s Veterans Memorial Park for a morning of dog costumes, games, and community fun. The event supports Friends of Colusa County Animal Shelter (FOCCAS). Highlights include raffles, a Paws to Read booth, and a new “Harvey Costume Award.” Vendor fees and donations fund local animal care.
Countywide Coat Drive Underway Through October
First 5 Colusa launched a countywide “Coats for Kids” drive aiming to collect 500 children’s coats by Oct. 31. Donations can be dropped at Family Action Centers in Colusa, Williams, and Arbuckle. Executive Director Ginger Harlow said the effort fills a decade-long gap in local coat programs, helping families below 200% of the poverty level.
Veterans add new tribute bricks to Colusa memorial wall
Colusa County veterans installed over 50 new tribute bricks at Veterans Memorial Park, adding to ten walls honoring more than 1,200 service members. The group is raising $100,000 for two bronze statues and preparing for the Veterans Day ceremony and golf fundraiser supporting the memorial’s upkeep.
Kropf named interim Colusa County Administrative Officer
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors appointed former County Counsel Marcos Kropf as interim County Administrative Officer from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, filling the gap between Wendy Tyler’s retirement and incoming CAO David Pack’s arrival. Kropf will be paid $140.31 per hour under CalPERS retiree rules.
Public review open for 2025 County Regional Transportation Plan
The Colusa County Transportation Commission released its draft 2025 Regional Transportation Plan, a 20-year framework guiding local road, bridge, and transit projects through 2045. The $169 million plan prioritizes maintenance, safety, and multimodal access, including bike and pedestrian routes. Public comments are open through Oct. 30, with final adoption set for Nov. 18.
‘Imaginary Women’ celebrates curiosity, creativity, and clay at Salmon Bend Art Studios
Artist LK James’ new exhibition, Imaginary Women, opened Oct. 9 at Salmon Bend Art Studios in Colusa. The show features more than 100 ceramic works inspired by her daily drawing practice and celebrates creativity and imperfection. James blends sketching and clay to portray imagined female figures, connecting art and personal reflection. The exhibition continues Oct. 18–19 as part of the studio’s annual Harvest Show.
Schempf Hired as Williams Interim City Administrator
John Schempf began serving as Williams’ interim city administrator Sept. 16, following Frank Kennedy’s departure. With 20 years of municipal management experience, Schempf aims to stabilize operations and assist with recruiting a permanent administrator while identifying cost-saving measures.
