Saturday, 22 March 2025

Regional

NAPA, Calif. — A Napa County school principal is facing prosecution for failing to report that one of his staff members was suspected of sexually abusing a student.

Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley on Thursday announced the filing of one charge of failure of a mandated reporter to report suspected child abuse or neglect against American Canyon High School Principal Andrew Goff, 61, of Napa.

The case is in connection with allegations of child molestation made against a former track and field coach and teacher at the high school.

As an employee of the Napa Valley Unified School District, Goff is a mandated reporter and it is alleged he was notified of a suspected sexual relationship between a student and faculty member Brad Rowell, 41.

The district attorney further alleges that Goff failed to report this information in a timely manner to either law enforcement or child welfare services.

Rowell, who is being held at the Napa County Department of Corrections with a bail amount of $500,000, is charged with 25 felony counts of lewd act upon a child, unlawful sexual intercourse, oral copulation of a person under 18, and possession of photos and videos depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct.

It’s also alleged that the sex crimes Rowell is accused of took place in multiple jurisdictions, that the crimes involved vulnerable victims and that he committed the crimes from a position of trust.

The charge against Goff of failure of a mandated reporter to report child abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months confinement in a county jail or by a fine of $1,000, or by both imprisonment and fine.

Arraignment is scheduled for July 11 2024, at 8:30 a.m., in Napa County Superior Court.

“The point of mandated reporter laws is to ensure that the most vulnerable among us who may have difficulty finding the courage or the resources to ask for help are given support,” Deputy District Attorney Shashawnya Worley said. “Our office will enforce those laws so that crime survivors are protected, cases are investigated and ongoing abuse is stopped.”

MCCLELLAN, Calif. — Cal Fire will conduct night aerial firefighting training for helicopters at Davis Creek Reservoir (Yolo County) and Lake Berryessa (Napa County) from June 2 to June 16.

These exercises are critical for maintaining Cal Fire's capabilities when visibility is reduced.

Pilots and crew members will practice essential skills in navigation, communication and coordinated operations between different aircraft.

What to expect

• Increased activity: Residents near Davis Creek Reservoir and Lake Berryessa may see and hear low-flying helicopters and Uncrewed Aerial System aircraft operating late afternoon, extending into the night hours until midnight.
• Compliance and safety: All flights will be conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation
Administration regulations and Cal Fire safety protocols.
• Noise levels: While there may be a temporary increase in noise levels, Cal Fire is committed to
minimizing disruption to the surrounding communities.

Importance of night training

By conducting exercises at night, pilots and crews gain valuable experience simulating real-world scenarios involving water drops, navigation, communication, and coordinated operations under night vision goggles, or NVG.

This training enhances their overall proficiency and ensures a unified, safe response during fire suppression at night.

Cal Fire appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public as we conduct this important training exercise.

To learn more about the Cal Fire Aviation Program visit Cal Fire Aviation Program.

An artist’s rendition of the Calpella two bridge replacements project. Courtesy photo.

NORTH COAST, Calif. — Beginning Monday, May 20, at 6 p.m., Road 144 at Route 20 will be fully closed as part of our ongoing efforts to replace the two Calpella bridges spanning the Russian River and Eastside Calpella Road.

This closure, slated to last until the end of August, is necessary to reconstruct the intersection which features enhanced acceleration and deceleration lanes.

Additionally, Eastside Calpella Road will undergo a brief closure at a later date for the removal of the existing bridge.

A detour has been arranged for commuters traveling to and from Redwood Valley and the Business District, with clear signage provided for guidance.

This $32.4 million improvement project, spearheaded by Myers and Sons Construction and supported by $5.2 million from SB 1, is anticipated to conclude in 2025.

Visit here for further details.

Authorities said Monday that they have arrested an Oakland man for a series of arson attacks.

Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal Arson and Bomb Unit, in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley Police Department the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of Casey Robert
Goonan.

Goonan is believed to have been responsible for the firebombing attack of a UC Berkeley Police Department vehicle and three other arson attacks on UC Berkeley campus earlier this month.

Authorities arrested Goonan on Monday following a comprehensive investigation that led to his identification and apprehension.

He’s facing multiple felony charges including the possession and use of destructive devices and multiple counts of arson.

As of Monday night, Goonan was being held at the Alameda County Jail on $1 million bail.

The Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal Arson and Bomb Unit commended the ongoing efforts of the UC Berkeley Police Department, UC San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco County Sheriff's Office, ATF and FBI.

“The collaborative efforts of all agencies involved demonstrate their ongoing commitment to protecting our communities,” Cal Fire said.

To report arson activity, please contact the Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal Arson and Bomb Unit at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Cal Fire Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408.



As targeted law enforcement efforts in Oakland and the East Bay continue, Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced the California Highway Patrol, in partnership with local law enforcement, has recovered 726 stolen vehicles, seized 46 crime-linked firearms, and arrested 355 suspects linked to organized crime, carjackings, and other crimes.

“I commend the work of the CHP to support local law enforcement efforts statewide, including in the East Bay, to ensure the safety of our communities. The state will continue to hold perpetrators accountable for criminal activity,” said Newsom.

“The ongoing crime suppression operation in Oakland and the East Bay is a testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By targeting high-crime areas and deploying additional resources, we are working with our law enforcement partners to reduce criminal activity and create safer communities throughout the region.”

Throughout continuous law enforcement operations, suspects have been arrested by the CHP for charges including possession of stolen property, auto theft, transportation of narcotics, DUI, and felony gun possession, as well as arrests for outstanding warrants.

The CHP continues undercover operations and uniformed patrol, while coordinating with allied local law enforcement agencies.

CHP’s initial surge was announced by the governor on Feb. 14, 2024 and later that month reported 145 stolen vehicles recovered, 71 arrests made, and four crime-linked firearms seized.

Tuesday’s announcement is part of Gov. Newsom’s ongoing effort to improve public safety in the East Bay, including through a temporary CHP surge operation and increased enforcement focused on combating auto theft, cargo theft, retail crime, violent crime, and high-visibility traffic enforcement.

Late last month, the governor announced the state is installing a network of 480 high-tech cameras in Oakland and the East Bay to aid state and local law enforcement in identifying vehicles linked to crimes using real-time information and alerts.

In March, the governor released Caltrans’ 10-Point Action Plan in support of the city’s efforts to improve street safety and beautification. The comprehensive plan outlines actionable steps the state is taking to further support the city through blight abatement efforts, homeless encampment resolutions, community outreach initiatives, employment opportunities, and other beautification and safety efforts.

California has invested resources and personnel to fight crime, help locals hire more police, and improve public safety. Earlier this year, Gov. Newsom called for new legislation to expand criminal penalties and bolster police and prosecutorial tools to combat theft and take down professional criminals who profit from smash and grabs, retail theft, and car burglaries.

In 2023, as part of California’s Real Public Safety Plan, the governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.




Caltrans is alerting motorists about a late season storm in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that is expected to create some travel delays for the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 11 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday for areas above 5,000 feet.

Snow accumulation is forecast between 4 to 8 inches with localized amounts up to 1 foot over the highest peaks.

The heaviest snowfall is expected Saturday afternoon and evening with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

Motorists should be prepared for travel delays, slippery roads, periods of reduced visibility and chain controls.

If motorists travel during the storm, Caltrans advises to have a full tank of gas or full electric charge and pack extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include snacks, water, blankets, and a flashlight.

In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. The highest amounts are anticipated near Chico, Marysville and into the foothills. Motorists should be prepared for periods of slick travel conditions.

Updates to the forecast can be found on the National Weather Service website. Motorists are also encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.

Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

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