Downstroke

Supes say no to Measure D: At a packed Butte County Board of Supervisors meeting Oct. 26, Measure D supporter Susan Sullivan and Supervisor Curt Josiassen got into a heated discussion over the merits of the measure, which would ban genetically altered crops and animals from the county. Josiassen, a rice farmer, said, “We as an industry protect our own,” and then lashed out at Sullivan for challenging the integrity of farmers. Sullivan responded that Monsanto brought us DDT and the Farm Bureau would like to bring it back.

Their exchange was followed by more public comment from both sides of Measure D. Many farmers who oppose D said that outsiders are trying to influence local elections, that costs to enforce the measure will take funding from fire and police, and that farmers will no longer have access to cutting-edge technology should the measure pass. The yes-on-D folks noted that lack of scientific testing, pollen drift, potential for cross-contamination and loss of organic certification will be devastating to the county’s residents and food supply.

The board voted unanimously to approve a Resolution of Opposition to Measure D.

Making meth no more: Acting on a search warrant, Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force agents and Gridley-Biggs police found a methamphetamine lab in Biggs Oct. 26. The lab, located close to a residence where two children, aged 12 and 16, and a disabled adult were living, was considered dangerous since meth labs are notorious for blowing up, according to a BINTF press release. Agents arrested Caroline Lopez on charges of possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a residence where drugs are being manufactured or sold and felony child endangerment. James Weston Hodges was also arrested on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, maintaining a residence where drugs are being manufactured or sold, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony child endangerment. The kids were sent to relatives, and the Butte County Adult Protective Services is making arrangements to care for the disabled adult. Lopez and Hodges are in custody at the Butte County Jail.

Cracked probation: Acting on a tip, Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force agents searched an apartment at 923 West East Ave. Oct. 26 and reportedly found Cedric Rydell Robinson, a whopping 38 grams of rock cocaine, 5 grams of meth, 9 grams of marijuana, $680 in cash and digital scales. A toddler who lived with Robinson was not in the home but reportedly arrived during the raid. The situation will be investigated by Child Protective Services. Robinson, who is on probation from Alameda County for transportation of cocaine, was arrested on charges of possession for sale of rock cocaine, possession for sale of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and child endangerment. Robinson remains in the Butte County Jail.